I really wanted to like this book more but unfortunately it just didn’t work for me. It’s about two women in the 1800s, who after leaving a life of working in an upscale bordello, end up in a small town in Texas with plans to open a seamstress shop. While there, they get involved in the women’s rights movement and fall in love with cousins who own a sheep farm on the outskirts of town.

The idea of this book was a good one, but I found the characters very one dimensional. There were good guys and bad guys and they didn’t grow or change throughout the novel. And I actually found the way the women’s movement was portrayed to be quite problematic. At one point a woman told a story about how she got her husband to stop beating her by hitting him back. This is used as an example of how if they will just stand up for themselves, their husbands will start respecting them. Everything wrapped up so perfectly in the end and it just didn’t feel real in any way. I love a happily ever after, but this one was just way too perfect.

I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. It releases on July 25, 2025.

As a feminist, I wanted to love this book, but it wasn't for me.

It has an interesting premise. I liked the characters of Beulah and Matt & Claude (though the gentlemen were only in the story very briefly). There were some strong moments in the story when the women of the town banded together and made a list of demands.

However, I was surprised and angered by some anti-feminist ideas in this book.
- I don't think a prostitute would miss a life of prostitution, or fall in "love" with a client who mistreated her, or encourage other women to enter prostitution
- Brothel madams aren't women's rights activists. They make money off of exploiting other women's vulnerability.
- Multiple times in the story, wives are told that their husbands visit prostitutes because wives don't give their husbands enough pleasure. The wives are still having sex with their husbands, just not enthusiastically or creatively enough, apparently. Maybe if the husbands in the story weren't cruel or full-on abusive, or helped around the house a little, women would feel a little more eager to have sex with them. This story, ostensibly about women's rights, should have focused on that! Also, there's just no excuse for men to break their marriage vows!
Additionally, some of the writing just wasn't to my taste (Insta Love + bad character conveniently and suddenly dies + a lot of telling instead of showing).

This book wasn't for me, but other people liked it, so maybe you will too if the things listed above don't bother you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.

Carolyn Brown is one of my favorite authors, all her books are good. Daisy and Lily move to Autrie, Texas and start a women's rights movement.
good book

Carolyn Brown is an auto buy author for me. Her latest, The Paradise Problem was a great read, just as I expected.

The Paradise Petition returns Carolyn Brown’s fans to 1883 with a story about the early efforts of women to have even minimal equal rights. The story is populated with some interesting, often surprising characters that illustrate how difficult it was for women to have legal protection, own property, travel without a male escort (family member or husband), and if married basically have control over any aspects of their lives or those of their children. That word OBEY in the marriage vows was taken very seriously by males. Of course, most of Autrie’s females feel outrage and their protest actions make this a very good book. This reviewer especially appreciated the contrast that Ms. Brown made between the public face versus the private face of many female characters. Readers of an older age certainly can identify with some of the struggles since we still faced discrimination even though the late 1970s. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

I loved reading about the wild west before women were allowed to vote or much of anything other than birthing babies and taking care of the house. Boy did the men folk in this book have another thing coming when Daisy and Lily came to town and stirred up the quiet little town.

Whenever I see a Carolyn Brown book I always pick it up. She's a gifted storyteller for sure and certain.
I'm all in from the beginning and further in along the way. I'm never disappointed in her novels.
This is a redemption story. One that will make you feel all kinds of emotions.
I felt sorry for these two ladies trying to make a new start and some kind of new living.
People are people no matter where you go. There's going to be hatred of all kinds in all stations. Satan will stand in the way no matter what its how you chose to take a stand and be who you want to be.
It's why I admired Lily and Daisy so much!! These women knows what it takes. I love their strong determination and stubbornness. They have my attention and admiration.
5 stars from me for keeping me engaged all the way through.
Forgiveness I believe is the most important part of their process in order to move forward. It's very hard to do that. I know.
This title was appropriately catorgized in Women's fiction. I enjoyed it very much and can't wait to see what she writes next!
I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Such a good book! Well worth the read!