By Karen Witemeyer
Published by Bethany House
Publication Date: February 17, 2026
Description from the Publisher:
When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail?
Noreen O'Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she's invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her--including the local deputy.
Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O'Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can't afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who's captured his heart--knowing either choice could cost him everything.
Karen Witemeyer presents a swoony Western romance with a determined heroine, cowboys, prohibition, and the rivals-to-lovers and duty vs. desire tropes. Fans of Mary Connealy and frontier romances set in the Old West will savor this clean, historical read.
My Review:
I have read (and loved) every single one of Karen Witemeyer's books, so when I say that this one might be my favorite and that James Paxton might be my favorite hero out of all her books, it's high praise. I absolutely loved this book. The storyline was great, with a fast-pace, a mystery to solve, and of course, the love story between two wonderful characters. I loved Noreen. Her backstory tugged at my heart, and I can totally empathize with her passion for her cause and for said passion leading her to go about things in the wrong way sometimes. I also loved her willingness to learn and grow and change. And I completely adored James and how he quickly came to appreciate and then fall for Noreen for who she was. I loved how he supported her and encouraged her, rather than trying to change her. I also liked how he stuck to his principles and shared his faith as he supported her. This series is off to a great start--I am so excited to read the next books in this series.
This book easily got five stars from me, as well as a place on my Best Books of 2026 shelf.
I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Karen Witemeyer presents a swoony Western romance with a determined heroine, cowboys, prohibition, and the rivals-to-lovers and duty vs. desire tropes. Fans of Mary Connealy and frontier romances set in the Old West will savor this clean, historical read.
My Review:
I have read (and loved) every single one of Karen Witemeyer's books, so when I say that this one might be my favorite and that James Paxton might be my favorite hero out of all her books, it's high praise. I absolutely loved this book. The storyline was great, with a fast-pace, a mystery to solve, and of course, the love story between two wonderful characters. I loved Noreen. Her backstory tugged at my heart, and I can totally empathize with her passion for her cause and for said passion leading her to go about things in the wrong way sometimes. I also loved her willingness to learn and grow and change. And I completely adored James and how he quickly came to appreciate and then fall for Noreen for who she was. I loved how he supported her and encouraged her, rather than trying to change her. I also liked how he stuck to his principles and shared his faith as he supported her. This series is off to a great start--I am so excited to read the next books in this series.
This book easily got five stars from me, as well as a place on my Best Books of 2026 shelf.
I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
No comments:
Post a Comment