3.5 Stars

In 1883, Daisy and Lily, two unmarried women, arrive in a dusty, small Texas town with plans to reinvent their lives, work as seamstresses, and start a women’s rights movement. This creates quite a stir. In this story of second chances and new beginnings, Daisy and Lily refuse to let their pasts define them.

Daisy and Lily are strong-willed, feisty, and forward thinking. There are a few women in town who are eager to fight for their rights to sit with their husbands in church, teach after they marry, go into town without a man to escort them, and the freedom to wear pants.

The story is entertaining, unwavering in its feminist themes, and includes a small side of romance.

Thanks #NetGalley @SourceBooksCasa #Montlake for complimentary eARCs of #MeetMeInTheOrchard and #TheParadisePetition upon my request. All opinions are my own.

This was my first historical novel by Carolyn Brown. I am a huge fan of her contemporary stories, and this historical did not disappoint. I believe this is linked to the author's Sisters in Paradise series and upcoming The Paradise series.

Lily and Daisy formerly worked at The Paradise, a brothel in Spanish Fort, Texas. With the closing of the brothel, they pack up and move to Autrie, Texas, determined to start new lives as seamstresses, far from their old life. In addition to starting their business, they also plan to start their own women's rights movement. One of the first people they meet is Buelah, owner of the only general store. Outspoken as they come, Buelah is entirely on board with their plans.

I loved watching Lily and Daisy jump right into their plans. They don't back down when faced with the disapproval of some of the men. It isn't long before they're holding Women's Auxiliary meetings in their shop, and encouraging other women to stand up for themselves. When the men show no sign of changing their ways, the ladies go on strike. I loved watching them band together and support each other. The scenes of their efforts were fantastic. I loved the part with the rattlesnakes. I cheered for the part where the "shady ladies" from the saloon joined the movement, and loved how they were accepted into the group.

It was fun to see them assemble their list of demands and the reactions it received from the men in the town. I felt the reactions were realistic, and I enjoyed seeing the effects. It wasn't perfect, and things got complicated when Lily and Daisy's past came out. I loved the support they received and the solution to their problem. The concurrent stories of some of the other women added more depth to the characters and provided a variety of outcomes to their efforts.

There is also a little bit of romance in store for our intrepid suffragists. Neither Lily nor Daisy had plans for relationships. Past betrayals left them with trust issues. But local sheep farmers Matt and Claude Maguire had different ideas. From the moment he met her, Matt's admiration and respect for Lily were evident. Lily was wary, but couldn't deny her growing feelings for him. She worried about his reaction when she finally got around to telling him about her past. Claude was equally impressed with Daisy, and I loved how easily they connected. An unexpected revelation cleared the way for the futures Lily and Daisy had only dreamed of.

I'd love to see stories for the new arrivals and some of the secondary characters.

After enjoying the Sisters in Paradise series, a contemporary romance series, I was tickled as could be when Carolyn Brown announced she was going to take things back to past and tell the stories of those earlier Paradise ladies. The Paradise Petition was my first historical from Carolyn Brown and I found it possessed all the writing goodness of the contemporaries and women’s fiction I’ve enjoyed over the years.

The Paradise Petition opens with two former shady ladies who are going respectable getting off the train in a small south Texas town where they plan to set up a seamstress shop. Daisy and Lily are forced to live a lie about their pasts, but they step out smartly when it comes to standing up for the cause of women. They not only want to see women get the vote, but all the daily shows of equality and respect as well. They get some blow back from the insufferable hotel manager, the local judge, a preacher and some other townsfolk, but find kindred spirits with the general store owner, Beulah, and a few other astonishing women who aren’t what they appear on the outside.

As the ladies work to settle in, adjust to the new life, and take up their first big acts for Women’s Rights, they also learn that attraction and romance with good men is possible if they can work through the fear of being rejected for their checkered past.

This was as much women’s fiction as romance if not more so as Daisy and Lily’s life in town and among the women with whom they take their stand takes the limelight with the gentle romances building slowly in the background. This worked well for me because they knew they were living a lie and had to come clean with Matt and Claude if they wanted anything lasting.

The conflict was good arising from both the men and women of the town drawing lines in the sand and the suspense of if/when Daisy and Lily’s pasts would come out and how they would get treated.

The Paradise Petition had a completeness when it finished and yet, I can’t help that the rest of the Paradise women and maybe a few others in the town and neighborhood will get their stories, too. Again, I recommend this to those who like a blend of women’s fic and sweet historical romance.

Daisy and Lily arrive in a new Texas town in the late 1800’s, determined to leave their past in a brothel behind them and start fresh as seamstresses. But these two aren’t just sewing dresses — they’re quietly stitching together a story about women’s strength, independence, and solidarity in a time when the law wasn’t on their side.


This wasn’t like the other Carolyn Brown books I’ve read — less contemporary romance, more historical fiction (with romance still in the mix). It felt like being wrapped in a well-worn quilt, comforting but still full of energy. I connected with both Daisy and Lily, though I wanted even more from their stories. And while there weren’t a ton of twists, the pacing kept me turning pages.


It also made me pause — the book’s set just after the Civil War when women’s rights were starting to stir, yet here we are in 2025 still fighting for equality. Some things, sadly, haven’t changed enough.


If you love stories about strong women, small towns, and a touch of romance wrapped in rich historical detail, this one’s worth adding to your stack.

Thank you for the ARC to the publisher, Net Galley and the author. Carolyn Brown is a favorite author of mine I found on Net Galley.
This is a novel set in the 1800s about two very strong women starting their lives over after working in a brothel. In a time where women did not have rights they took control, forged through difficulty and started over. With women they meet in their own business showing them the way and opening doors they never imagined they find themselves as fierce independent women proud of their new lives.
I loved the characters and how the author portrayed the two women as smart, savvy and fighting for their rights. A enjoyable read I recommend.

Not a fan usually of historical romance but with Carolyn Brown as the author thought I'd give it a try. Her character descriptions are always delightful, bringing them to life and this story didn't disappoint. The town and quirky characters make small town Texas come alive. Not my favorite story but entertaining as usual.

Although I received a free ARC from Net Galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I'd give it 3.5 stars.

A woman who works at my local library at the circulation desk said she’d learned a lot of history from reading historical books.I’m really going to try reading more and increase my learning! I received this book from NetGalley.

Western historical romance with a women's rights spin. I occasionally enjoy picking up a western for something wildly different from the contemporary and fantasy that I typically read. The story follows two women who previously worked in a brothel and are making a new life for themselves in a new town. A big part of this new life is supporting women's rights. The women aren't afraid to back down and certainly make a splash in a traditional western town. The story included the journey of turning your life around, fighting limited rights with a community of women and a little side plot of romance.

What I liked: One of my favorite parts about a western historical romance is reading about women making a new life for themselves, setting up a home and means to live. I did enjoy a good bit of that here. I also appreciate that the women's rights spin on the story made it very different from any western I've read before.

Things to note: There were a number of times where someone's motivations didn't quite make sense. There were also some conflicting points of view that had me puzzled over what exactly the author was trying to say. Some characters would make decisions or say things and it felt like a big jump from what I imagined they would be thinking. I felt opinions on religion and sex work were also pretty conflicting. I received this book from NetGalley to read and review and I'm glad I read it. It was a unique read and quite different from my norm.

Rating: 3.5
Content Warning: references and short descriptions of abuse and no consent, cussing a few times
Recommend: Yes, for those who want to read a new spin on western
Spice: 0/5 Closed Door

Want a trip to the Wild West without feeling like you're trapped in a world with no female rights? Saddle up, and enjoy!

Thank you to Carolyn Brown, Montlake, and Netgalley for the ARC. My review is voluntary and any opinion is mine.

This was the first historical book I had read by Carolyn Brown. Normally not my cup of tea, but this book captured my attention and held onto it. I finished it in one sitting. The characters are well written. And there are a lot of characters. Of course, my favorites were Lily, Matt, Bea, and Elijah. Yes, there was romance weaving through the story the historical portion was interesting!

A historical romance set in 1800's Texas where a group of women with very different histories will band together to improve the lives of every woman in town. How they set out to accomplish this feat and the men's reactions make an excellent story.

The Paradise Petition
by Carolyn Brown

Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle have confidently left behind a vibrant past to embark on a fresh start as seamstresses in Autrie, Texas. Set in the 1800s, this compelling story follows Lily and Daisy, two former ladies from the upscale Paradise brothel. The new town signifies their opportunity for renewal. Here, they encounter Beulah, a dynamic shop owner, and Alma, the reserved preacher's wife.

This story is infused with humour and romance, highlighting the unyielding determination of these women to bring about meaningful change in their lives—changes they are passionate about for themselves and for all women. Carolyn Brown delivers an unforgettable historical romance. What resonates most in this book is the powerful sense of community and the unwavering support the women offer each other during an era with limited rights and choices. This inspiring book, set in the late nineteenth century, showcases women standing their ground in a male-dominated society, proving their worth and demanding equal recognition.

I hope we will get more books about the other women of the Paradise brothel in the future.

I'm a sucker for Caroloyn Brown books, although I've only read her more contemporary novels until now. Put me on the band wagon for her historicals as well...I so enjoyed this book.

Bringing to life two women who had decidedly a questionable profession, but when circumstances changed they went to a new town to become seamstresses. Hoping to bring along the Women's Sufferage movement, they go through many issues until they finally find their 'people'. My takeaway from this book was that when women unite under a common purpose, they can't be stopped!

Four stars since it seemed to move slowly in the beginning for me.

This was my first time reading Carolyn Brown’s work, and it was an enjoyable read. The plot was very intriguing and what initially drew me to this book. Daisy and Lily are former prostitutes from an upscale brothel who venture out to find new beginnings in Autrie, Texas as seamstresses. I loved their determination and spunky attitudes, and I rooted them on throughout the entire book. Most of this story deals with women’s rights during the post Civil War era - or lack thereof - and it was fun reading the antics Daisy, Lily, and the women of Autrie get into in their quest to be treated as equals. Beulah, a secondary character, was my favorite, with her sharp tongue and fiery spirit. The ending was a tad bit disappointing, especially after everything Daisy and Lily went through to make their home in Autrie and to help liberate themselves and the other women. (Trying not to give away any spoilers here). I also wished the epilogue had been fleshed out with more details about what happened to the women. Did Daisy and Lily ever have children? Did Beulah find love again? Did Wesley get thrown into an abandoned well and succumb to the horrible ending he deserved? These are just a few of the unanswered questions I have, but overall The Paradise Petition was a fun read, and I would gladly recommend it to everyone.

Two women trying to start over hoping no one finds out their colorful past…can they start over without too many obstacles???
I truly loved this story of overcoming all that is thrown at you, finding love and family and going forward in your life.
The characters were perfect.
The witty banter was perfect.
The romance was perfect.
Beautiful second chance romance full of drama!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Paradise Petition by Carolyn Brown, set back in 1883 comes a story line, that shows how strong women fought for their rights against all odds. It was a very good book, and one that I enjoyed reading. I recommend this book to everyone.

I received and ARC from NetGalley and Brillance Publishing, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

EXCERPT: On a hot late-June afternoon in 1883, when the sun was streaming heat down upon the town of Autrie, Texas, two women stepped off a train. A porter unloaded two trunks onto the platform at the side of the tracks and waved for the engineer to start moving. The wheels of the train generated enough motion to create tiny tornadoes of dirt, and Lily winced when the hot wind blew the dirt onto her dark skirt.
Almost as bewildered as she was the day she'd arrived in Spanish Fort with no money, she rolled the kinks out of her neck. Even though she now had money in her purse, and quite a lot more tucked away in the lining of her rolltop chest, the feeling was the same: absolutely bewildered and lost.
'I'm alone,' she blurted out, 'and there's no one in this town like Miz Raven to rescue us like she did,' and wished she could take the words back. After all, she was the one who was almost six feet tall, and supposedly had a temper to go with her red hair. She shouldn't be worrying Daisy at this point.
'No, but I'm with you,' Daisy said in a firm voice. 'We've got each other.'
Lily bent slightly and slipped an arm around Daisy's shoulders. Her smaller friend was like a lit stick of dynamite with a short fuse. 'Yes, we do. And we will remember what Miz Raven told us.'
'"Remember this is an adventure and a new start in life,"' Daisy quipped.
'That's right,' Lily agreed, and wished the words came from her heart as well as her mouth.
(This excerpt is taken from an Advanced Readers Copy uncorrected proof.)

ABOUT 'THE PARADISE PETITION': Daisy Lindberg and Lily Boyle traded a colorful past for a fresh start as seamstresses in Autrie, Texas, and their aim to spark a women’s rights movement is raising eyebrows among the town’s dumbfounded men. But among the ladies? Tired of being treated like possessions, they have two words: Amen, sister!

Beulah, a sassy shop owner as formidable as a cannon shot, is on board. So is Alma, a timid preacher’s wife who hit her breaking point. Before long, a courageous female posse has a liberating petition of demands. Surprisingly, they also have an empathetic ear in sheep rancher Matt Maguire, who’s as keen on women’s independence as he is on Lily.

As Daisy and Lily make waves in the small town, their secrets threaten to come out. But they haven’t traveled this far to let their past define them. In fact, with love and the forging of new lives on the line, they’ve never felt more defiant.

MY THOUGHTS: The Paradise Petition is the heartwarming story of two women trying to make the most of the second chance at life they have been given.

Lily and Daisy haven't had easy lives. In fact, their lives have been downright hard, but they are determined to make a new start in Autrie, Texas, as respectable women and leading lights in the suffragette movement. They thought that they were far enough away from their pasts for it never to catch up with them, but just how far is far enough?

For two women trying to make new lives in a new town, they sure stir the pot from the get-go, motivating most of the townswomen to start demanding rights like being able to sit with their husbands and families in church instead of being segregated, and an end to spousal violence amongst other things.

Lily and Daisy are warm, strong and complex characters who I was rooting for all the way. They are feisty and determined not to back down.

There are more than a few surprises in The Paradise Petition, and it kept me entertained from beginning to end.

I combined reading with listening to The Paradise Petition written by Carolyn Brown and superbly narrated by Brittany Pressley. I enjoyed both formats equally.

⭐⭐⭐.8

#TheParadisePetition #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR - CAROLYN BROWN: I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue, then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC, and Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio, for providing an audiobook of The Paradise Petition written by Carolyn Brown and narrated by Brittany Pressley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

The Paradise Petition was published July 15, 2025.

The Paradise Petition is a work of historical fiction by Carolyn Brown. Perhaps it is meant to be a sort of origin story for her current day Paradise books series, perhaps just a great story of the brave women who fought for independence, freedom, and personal rights for women in Texas in the late 19th century. And perhaps it is part cautionary tale reflecting current happenings. Regardless of intent, this is a very good story of courageous women willing to take a stand.

With Miz Raven closing up the Paradise and moving back to England, she has sent her ladies to various locations more southerly in Texas to begin women’s organizations to push for certain freedoms, including the right to vote. Daisy Lindberg, née Ethel Kate Lindberg, and Lily Boyle, née Abigail Carolina Boyle, had come to the Paradise as a result of the patriarchal system. Daisy was a young widow who wasn’t allowed to inherit her husband’s estate by law in Texas and therefore had nothing. Lily, after having been sexually assaulted by her then fiancé and not protected by her family, found herself at the mercy of MizRaven as well. And Miz Raven was merciful. She took good care of her ladies. But now, with their savings and belongings in tow, they are off to set up a respectable seamstress business in Autrie.

Upon arrival in Autrie the ladies make the acquaintance of Matt Maguire who transports them by wagon to the respectable hotel. Matt is a very open minded fellow from a particularly open sheep ranching family outside of town. He and his cousin Claude are the new heads of the ranch with their uncle Elijah having moved to Autrie to set up and manage the wagon yard.

Unfortunately, for the most part the town’s people aren’t so welcoming to two women traveling without male escort. With a bit of slight of hand and hinted at blackmail of judge Wesley Martin, who had been a regular for Daisy at the Paradise, they were initially able to rent a business, make the acquaintance of several lively townsfolk like Beulah, owner of the general store, and ultimately disrupt the lives of the townsfolk as well as those on the sheep ranch.

This was such a good story. Although a bit slow to begin, the pace quickly sped up and even a story this long and involved seemed to go by in a flash. These characters are richly drawn. The times and setting are so well described it’s almost like being there. The plot line is timeless, then and now. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

As a disclaimer, I DNFed this book so my review is based off of what I did read. I was honestly just not hooked by what I did read and really wasn't encouraged to continue.

Daisy and Lily are ready to start new lives and help other women at the same time. There are lots of surprises in store for them in their new town. Nothing will be the same when they get done!

I'll be totally honest and say that when I picked up this book to review I was very excited for the historical context and premise presented in the abstract upon first glance. However, the story seemed to lack a bit of depth for me and I often found myself having to struggle to paying attention to the characters. I was unable to get through the entire thing because it seemed to be the characters were boxed in by their own personalities if that makes any sense. I am grateful for the opportunity to review the book, however this one just didn't match my genre of books as much as I thought it would