COURTING MISS EMMA
The Hangman’s Daughters, Book 2
by
Linda Broday
Western / 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?
It’s no wonder Linda Broday is my go-to author for Historical Western Romance. She delivers an immensely entertaining read every time. Every. Single. Time. Courting Miss Emma, the second book of her The Hangman’s Daughters series continues Ms. Broday’s long list of excellent books with memorable lead characters, heart-in-your-throat action, unpredictable storylines, despicable villains, and a motley crew of support characters that include children and animals (camels in Texas!). Most importantly, there’s humor to balance all the angst and violence inherent to the subgenre. And, of course, a sweet, wholesome romance.
Life was fleeting at best and a woman had to grab every moment. Emma wanted no regrets when her time came.”
Miss Emma Taggart has to be one of my favorite Linda Broday heroines ever. Not only is she intrepid, caring, capable, and resourceful, but she is also incredibly funny. Her internal musings about possible epitaphs are either poignant or downright hilarious. Morbid perhaps but admirable nevertheless considering a lot of people want her dead just for being the hangman’s daughter. I love that she saves herself from danger and defends her found family with all her might. A true heroine in every sense of the word.
Life doesn’t play fair sometimes … We have to make the best we can of what we’re dealt.”
Stone Landry is a great match for Emma. They have fantastic chemistry and have heavy daddy issues in common. Stone’s character arc is probably the most compelling in this story. From getting pissy about orphans trespassing on his property to becoming a father figure to an abused child. His reflections on being a soldier make this book a fitting read for Veteran’s Day.
She held on to hope despite the odds.”
Another aspect of Linda Broday’s writing I love is the way it transports me to the time and place of her novels. Maybe not the exact time as she herself confessed in the author’s note but certainly in the general vicinity. Incorporating elements like the camels, the canon, the concept of land grabbing, and the presence of the Chili Queens into the story goes a long way toward effectively bringing the setting to life.
She wanted to be someone’s whole world, not just a little piece of it.”
The introduction of a third hangman’s daughter and a tattooed stranger wandering into the orphanage ensures the continuation of this wonderful series and I am super happy about that. I hope I’ll get a chance to read that story in advance as I had both Winning Maura’s Heart and Courting Miss Emma thanks to the publisher and Lone Star Lit.
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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GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
FOUR WINNERS:
1st $25 Amazon gift card;
2nd autographed hardcover copy of WINNING MAURA’S HEART;
3rd eBook copy of COURTING MISS EMMA;
4th audiobook of ONE SHOT AT LOVE.
(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 11/17/23)
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11/07/23 |
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11/09/23 |
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11/16/23 |
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Maida Malby 
What a wonderful review and highest praise for this author’s work. ONE DAY I will read her books again (I’ve only read a [wonderful] book of her short stories so far, but I do have another on audio). Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Linda’s stories are delightful. This one in particular had me chuckling well into the night.
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Oh my goodness, I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes. What an awesome, touching review, Maida! I’m so glad you liked what sprang forth from my brain. These story people do keep me entertained. Ha! Sending love and big, big hugs!
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Love and hugs back to you, Linda. I forgot to mention it in my review but that scene with Stone saluting Alphie back made me tear up. The way you described that mud-covered little boy and his socks tugged at my heartstrings.
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It did me too. In fact I had a good cry there. I wanted to wrap Alphie in my arms and hug him. Also Henry when he led his little friends to go rescue Miss Em. I got so emotional.
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I love your review, Maida. You hit all the high points in this wonderful book. And I agree with everything you said! Great story. Congratulations to Linda!
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Thank you, Jan. 🫶🏽
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Great review, Maida, and, I too, really liked the epitaphs sprinkled throughout. It was a great way to show Emma’s thought process, as well as show the character arc.
And yes, the salute made me tear up.
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Thanks, Maryann. It was a really affecting scene.
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