It’s always fun to start a new series, and I’m excited to welcome you to my latest – The Secret Society of Spinsters. I’ve always been drawn to the spinster trope and the idea that it’s never too late to fall in love. I also love feisty, independent heroines, and while not all spinsters fit that bill, most have some level of eccentricity that lends itself well to quirkiness, and I do enjoy quirky characters.
The heart of this series are the three friends who make up the core of the spinster society. Each of these ladies is well beyond the typical marriage age for the 1890’s (late 20’s, early 30’s), however, they each have their own reason for spinsterhood. The heroine of Book 2 is a shy, wallflower who gets hives ever time she has to talk to an unattached bachelor. Jane’s the local preacher’s daughter, and while she’s quiet, she’s fiercely loyal and the glue that holds the three friends together. She’s also very bookish. She carries a book wherever she goes. I do love a bookworm heroine. Book 3 features a career-focused heroine. She is the local schoolmarm and one of the most capable, driven women in town. In this time frame, teachers who married gave up their careers in order to tend their own husband and children at home. Martha wants none of that. Her place is in the classroom.
Noreen O’Sullivan is the heroine for Book 1. She’s a feisty reformer and a passionate temperance woman who is determined to shut down the saloon. She’s bold and brassy and not afraid to speak her mind. The men in town consider her a menace and want nothing to do with her. Suits her. She wants nothing to do with them, either. Not after growing up with a drunk for a father who made free with his temper and his fists. The last thing she wants is to sacrifice her freedom by tying herself to a man. However, when she finds an unlikely ally and friend in the local deputy, she dares to reconsider her spinsterhood.
If you enjoy reading print books, I highly recommend ordering from Baker Book House. They are cheaper than Amazon and they carefully wrap their books in brown paper before shipping so the book arrives in pristine condition. Plus – They are currently running an amazing preorder deal. Taming Lady Temperance releases on February 17, but if you order now, you get 40% off the cover price with free shipping, a signed bookplate, a custom Spinster Society sticker, a recipe card, AND an exclusive bonus epilogue not included in the book. (I’m currently writing that epilogue now!)
Preorder a print copy from Baker Book House here.
Preorder the ebook from Amazon here.
What kinds of strong heroines are you drawn to in fiction?
For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.
Women who stood their ground because marriage wasn’t for them back then.
It takes so much courage to go against the norms of the time. I admire women who aren’t afraid to be different.
Women who forged their own path. They realized that they did not need a man to “complete” them.
I agree, Ann. That level of confidence and spunk is admirable.
I like a woman who’s not afraid to speak her mind
Yes, Rhonda! Especially, when she’s speaking up against injustice of some sort.
they should be feisty and stand up for themselves – I love good banter between a couple too!
Yes! I adore good banter. It makes me smile every time. 🙂
I like women who have spirit and are spunky. They are super protective of their loved ones and are willing to take on the world if they feel someone they care for is threatened.
Love those Mama Bear types! So courageous and fierce.
I like the ones who have lots of education and are not afraid to show it.
Ooo – good addition. Especialy in historical settings, but even in contemporary times that can be a big one. I love a smart heroine!
Your new book sounds delightful! Given a cause, it seems to me that any woman can become strong, although if beaten down often enough she may not have the stamina to fight, at least without a “trigger” (usually the protective instinct kicking in?).
Very insightful, Elissa. We all have those buttons, don’t we? I remember losing my son in a department store one day when he was very young. I’m usually shy and embarrassed to make any kind of scene in public, but I was shouting his name, not caring one bit about the scene I was making.
You had me instantly intrigued by your subject line, Karen! What an absolutely fun premise for a new series. (You always have the best ideas – how DO you do it? LOL)
Wishing you much success, my friend!
Thanks, Pam! I wish I could claim that ideas flowed through me like a fountain, but I scrabble through the dirt, breaking nails and earning scrapes to find one idea worth nurturing and hold onto it for dear life. Then I start praying that the Lord will help me find another one before the next series idea is due. Which is coming up soon . . . Yikes!
Love the theme of this series.
Women who are strong, fierce, unafraid, formidable, kind, a good friend, good heart, etc…
Good additions, Denise – They definitely need a kind heart and sweet spirit to temper their strength. Being bold and mean is not an admirable strength in my opinion.
This series sounds great! Looking forward to reading.
Thanks, Barbara!
Love this concept for a new series. Looking forward to the read!
Thanks, Nan! Hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Karen, I am SO EXCITED about your new spinster series! Being single myself at (*whispers*) at 41 I have an inkling I’m going to be encouraged & also relate to Noreen, Jane & Martha.
I’m drawn to heroines that stick to their convictions, have a backbone, are kind, hard-working & loyal!
I can’t thank you enough for penning the stories God lays on your heart & sharing them with us.
Thanks, Emilee! I have a single daughter who is 27, so this storyline is close to my heart as well.
I love the premise of this series and can’t wait to read them.
Thanks, Janice!
Oh, these sound great!! I like sassy heroines, that are loyal to their friends, and compassionate toward others. Fiesty doesn’t hurt, all!!
That’s the best blend – feisty and loyal/kind. 🙂
Good afternoon, this series sounds Great!! I love independent , feisty, loyal and compassionate heroines.
Thanks, Alicia! Hope you love it.
Karen, your new series sounds wonderful. I just pre-ordered!!! Thanks for all you do!!!
Yay! Thank, Lynn. Hope you love it!
This sounds like a good series!
So glad you think so, Bridgette. 🙂 I’m having fun with it.
Women who did what needed to be done. Looking forward to reading your new book! – just ordered it from Baker Book House.
Strong women who stand there ground and stand up for themselves despite what others think
Yes! They make me want to cheer. 🙂
The strong females I am drawn to tend to be those that will fight for their survival or that of those they care about. They aer capable, strong, and selfless. They will give their heart, but only to someone they trust and respect and who reciprocates those feeling to them.
Love that description of strength, Patricia!