Taming Lady Temperance is my first 5 star read of 2026 and what a way to begin the year! Whenever I get one of Karen's books in the mail I go through the same agonizing struggle every reader faces. Do I binge it in a matter of days or do I savor every chapter? This time, I choose to linger and I'm so glad I did.
I've been eagerly anticipating the launch of the Secret Society of Spinster series and Karen did not disappoint. The tone she sets from the first chapter is filled with such warmth and conviction. I immediately connected with the story. In today's society spinster doesn't have quite the same negative connotation and as a single woman over a certain age, I'm glad. At times being single can still feel lonely and sometimes isolating. Karen reminds us to see our worth not defined by marital status, but who we are in God's eyes. I was saying a lot of Amens throughout the first chapter.
Noreen O' Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. She believes it's her calling to defend the cause of prohibition. This puts her at odds with many of the men in the community particularly the handsome town deputy. Joining the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen sees this as her opportunity not only for friendship, but to rally others to her cause and shut down the local saloon for good.
The way Karen wrote Noreen she strikes the perfect balance. She's a strong opinionated woman who is unapologetic in her convictions, but she is never harsh or self-righteous. She'd bold without being overbearing, principled without losing tenderness.
Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving peace. He also has high hopes of seeking to be elected as the new sheriff. When she ropes him into assisting her with a temperance march being seen as her ally could cost him this dream. As he gets to know Noreen, he comes to appreciate her take-charge personality in a crisis combined with her level-headedness.
James Paxton. Imagine my moony-eyed expression over this hero. Karen can write heroes you want to be real that you wish would step off the pages into your life. Think of him as combination of Travis Archer (Short-Straw Bride) and Philip Carmichael (Cloaked in Beauty). By this I mean he's got the intense protectiveness that readers love about Travis combined with Philip's honorable to the core character trait. (Now I have an urge to re-read both of these books.) James is protective without being domineering, honorable without being rigid.
I like how he both challenges and encourages Noreen in her causes, but more importantly spiritually. Their dynamic isn't about one overpowering the other, but about mutual respect and admiration. I loved watching James and Noreen slowly fall in love with each other. It was my favorite part of the story.
Taming Lady Temperance reminds us that God uses unlikely partnerships, strong personalities, and even conflict to shape our hearts.
If this is how the Secret Society of Spinisters series begins, I can't wait to see what comes next. Without hesitation 5 very shiny stars. Bravo Karen! I can't wait to read more.
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