COURTING MISS EMMA

The Hangman’s Daughters, Book 2

by

Linda Broday

Western / Clean & Wholesome / Sweet Romance / Historical Fiction

Publisher: Severn House

Date of Publication: November 7, 2023

Number of Pages: 203 pages

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Texas, 1868. Emma Taggart has finally found a place to belong – setting up Heaven’s Door orphanage with her sister Maura was a new beginning for her – and one she will do anything to protect.

When guarded ex-army man Stone Landry buys the neighboring land and moves in – camels and all – Emma’s world changes forever. He is an infuriating man who instantly gets under her skin – in ways she never dreamed possible, and despite herself, Emma starts to wonder if, just maybe, he is man enough to take on a Hangman’s daughter . . . But their newfound connection is quickly tested by violent night raids, kidnappings, and underhand tricks by powerful rancher Zeke Parker, who is intent on running them out of town and taking the land he deems to be his. Can Emma find enough courage to trust in Stone to give her the life, the family, she’s always dreamed of?

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Linda Broday knows how to bring the wild west to life with action, romance, and humor.

Emma is a character that you will admire; at least I did. She is strong, smart, and not afraid of holding her in any situation. She may have a tough life due to her father’s position, but that doesn’t mean she misses out on life. She has a fulfilling job running an orphanage. Sure, she dreams of having someone to call her own, but it is hard to find a man willing to look past her father. Enter Stone Landry. He is a former military man but has issues of his own. He isn’t prepared for Emma at all. She challenges him yet also entices him. He never expected to fall in love, but sometimes, love doesn’t care what you want and gives you what you need.

This may be the second in the series, but you don’t need to read the first to enjoy this book. I tend to read books in order that are a series, but I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything while enjoying Emma’s story. The story is filled with action when someone comes to try and claim the mission that houses Emma’s orphanage. Even back then, there were plenty of people trying to gain the advantage for financial gain. It isn’t just the mission they are trying to obtain but also the land around there, including several neighbors, Stone’s land, and Emma’s sister, Maura. I loved how they all banded together to fight off these thieves. Are they successful? You will have to read the book to find out.

The romance between Emma and Stone starts off slow. They have some miscommunication early on, which sets the tone, but over time, they are able to resolve their differences. I like that they challenge each other, and it isn’t an easily won affection for either party. They are both stubborn but sure of themselves and what they want from life and each other.

There is unexpected humor in this book when Emma comes up with various epitaphs for her tombstone. They vary based on the situation, but each time, they gave me a chuckle. The levity offsets the seriousness of the battle for the land.

There are some new characters added to the mix, including a new sister for Emma and Maura, Calista. Calista comes to the mission with a chip on her shoulder, but I enjoyed watching her slowly lose that chip and become a part of the family. There is also a lawyer, Dan, who offers a lot of sage advice and information that helps them in the end. There is also a young man, Vinny, whom Stone saves from a life in town with an abusive father. And we can’t forget Jubal, who brings a cannon to the party. Jubal is a hoot as a crusty older man who tends to hit on the ladies.

I recommend this series and really anything by this author! We give it 5 paws up.

I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of western romance novels and short stories. Watching TV westerns during my youth fed my love of cowboys and the old West and they still do. On a still day, I can often hear the voices of American Indians, Comancheros, and early cowboys whispering in the breeze here on the high West Texas plains. We refer to this land as “cowboy” country and men here still ride the range just as cowboys of old. My stories focus on family life and almost all have children.

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FOUR WINNERS:

1^st $25 Amazon gift card; 2^nd hardback copy of WINNING MAURA’S HEART;

3^rd eBook copy of COURTING MISS EMMA; 4^th audiobook of ONE SHOT AT LOVE.

(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 11/17/23)

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