Courting Miss Emma by Linda Broday

*** Review ***

In Linda Broday’s Courting Miss Emma, readers are transported back to 1868 Texas, where the Hangman’s daughter, Emma Taggart, has finally found her place running the Heaven’s Door orphanage with her sister Maura. However, her peaceful world is disrupted when the enigmatic and guarded ex-army man, Stone Landry, becomes her neighbor, complete with an unusual herd of camels. Emma’s initial encounter with Stone is far from pleasant, and the sparks fly from their first meeting.

Emma is a character with a past that has made her cautious and resolute. As the daughter of the hangman, she’s faced discrimination and hardship throughout her life, and she’s determined to protect the children in her care. Stone, on the other hand, has his own baggage and isn’t exactly enthusiastic about starting a family. Their initial interactions are filled with sharp wit and engaging banter, setting the stage for a complex and intriguing relationship.

One of the strengths of Courting Miss Emma is the depth and authenticity of its characters. Linda Broday masterfully crafts a diverse cast, each of whom adds an extra layer to the story. Whether it’s the sweet children of Heaven’s Door or the individuals who come to their aid in times of trouble, every character plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative. The way these characters unite to defend their homes against the antagonist, Zeke Parker, adds a thrilling layer of action and suspense to the story.

While the book certainly features romance, some readers might find themselves wanting a bit more of it. However, this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience. Linda Broday’s strength lies in her ability to create action-packed historical western romances that grab your attention right from the start. Her storytelling and character development consistently captivate readers, making each new release from her a highly anticipated event.

The heart of the story lies in the land war that ensues when Zeke Parker threatens to take Heaven’s Door orphanage and Stone’s land by any means necessary. The action in Courting Miss Emma is heart-racing and suspenseful, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you root for the characters to overcome adversity. The story seamlessly weaves together romance, humor, and danger, creating a narrative that’s both emotionally engaging and entertaining.

Linda Broday’s talent for describing scenes is remarkable. From the rustic Texas landscape to the jarring journey from the mission to San Antonio, every detail is vividly brought to life. The author’s knack for introducing new characters leaves readers eager to see how they will evolve in future sequels. Emma’s flashbacks to her father add depth to the story and leave readers wondering about his past and his potential role in upcoming installments.

In Courting Miss Emma, Linda Broday manages to transport readers to a different time and place, allowing them to escape the chaos of the modern world and immerse themselves in the wild, action-packed setting of 1800s Texas. While it’s undeniably a romance, it’s also a story filled with gun battles, the clash of good versus evil, and a vivid portrayal of a bygone era. If you’re seeking a blend of romance, action, and historical flavor, this series is sure to captivate your imagination.

The book’s suspenseful and gripping nature is apparent right from the start. Linda Broday’s unique writing style weaves a captivating tale of the Old West, replete with gunfights and a rollercoaster of tension-building twists and turns. The story delves into a vortex of terror, murder, and the machinations of a depraved and malicious enemy, backed by a cadre of hired guns who terrorize their victims.

In conclusion, Courting Miss Emma is a captivating historical western romance that is far from your typical Western tale. Linda Broday’s storytelling prowess shines through in her ability to transport readers to a different time and place, where love and adventure unfold amidst the challenges of the Texas frontier. The characters are well-developed and relatable, the action is riveting, and the romance is sweet and endearing. If you’re in search of a book that blends action, suspense, and romance in a richly detailed historical setting, this series is a must-read. Linda Broday has once again delivered a compelling and unforgettable story that will keep you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Hangman’s Daughters series.