Stephanie Sullivan: Review - The Paradise Petition

TITLE: The Paradise Petition (audiobook)

RATING: ★★★★

Summary (from Goodreads): 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.

REVIEW: 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.

(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own).