Sophia Rose is here with the second book in the Hangman’s Daughters series, Courting Miss Emms by Linda Broday. If you like a pulse-pounding plot and gentle romance against a well-drawn western setting, throw the saddle on this series and ride.
by Linda Broday
Series: The Hangman’s Daughters #2
Genres: Historical Romance
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
"One day I intend to court you, lady. That's a promise. Hangman's daughter or not."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 neighbouring 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 and help him give her the life she's always dreamed of?
Sophia Rose’s Review
I do love when an author sets the bar high, but gently nudges it up a notch or two the next time around. Winning Maura’s Heart was a favorite historical romance for me last year and I touted it as one of my top reads. Emma’s story came along and here I am again, prepared to gush my heart out.
Courting Miss Emma is a standalone story with clear connections to the first in the Hangman’s Daughter series focusing on her sister, Maura and Calhoun who are secondary characters in this latest.
Emma’s personality is somewhat different from her sister’s. They’ve both experienced extreme prejudice and hardship as a result of growing up as the local hangman’s daughters and their mother dying when they were children. To say that Emma has a thick emotional barrier and a lack of trust in humanity is an understatement. She’s found peace and contentment at their new home, the old mission raising the orphans. But, then a memorable first encounter with the new neighbor knocks her off balance.
Stone’s just gotten out of the military and hasn’t shifted to civy life yet. He likes his military regimented lifestyle and that chaotic group next door are unsettling for the poor guy. He just wants to ranch and keep his camels (yep, you read that right, camels) in peace. But, stubborn Emma Taggart is not his only worry. A hard, greedy land-grabbing rancher in the area who won’t stop at violence to get what he wants and Emma’s Heaven’s Door Orphanage at the mission and Stone’s land are on his acquisition list.
The romance was there and slow burn in the background for much of the book. The action scenes of gunfights and cannon fire courtesy of Jubal were hard fought enough to please any straight up western fan with the added wonderful layers of strong character growth as Stone, who shares some things in common with Emma, and Emma work through their pasts and reach out to each other to partner and more. Personally, I enjoyed getting updates on Maura and Calhoun and her Uncle Max and the kids as much as meeting the new editions. I had thoughts that this would be the last since I only knew of two Hangman’s Daughters, but no, Emma and Maura learn they have a sister who has her own spitfire personality.
All in all, the emotional depth, the hot action sequences, and the sweet and sometimes funny pairing were sensational. If you like a pulse-pounding plot and gentle romance against a well-drawn western setting, throw the saddle on this series and ride.
About Linda Broday
Linda Broday is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. She lives in the Texas Panhandle on land they call the Llano Estacado where the Native Americans and Comancheros once roamed. She can often hear their voices whispering in the wind. History is thick here with the ghosts of the people who settled this land. She loves writing western historical romance and can't imagine doing anything else. She loves a man in a Stetson and tight pants. Oh man! Those cowboys sure make her heart beat faster.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Linda Broday
Sofia Rose, you’re just the best! Thank you so much for your review and five cups rating!! Whoopee! I’m so thrilled and grateful for your reviews. With few writers writing western romance these days, it’s becoming more difficult to find a place to be noticed. Thank you, thank you!
Sophia Rose
So glad you could stop by and read my review, Linda!
Do keep writing them. You’re right about there being fewer and fewer.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I do love Western historical romances and this sounds like an exciting one! I’ll see if they have a copy at my library. Wonderful review, Sophia!
Sophia Rose
Oh yeah, her western historical romances have some good, gritty action in them. Yay your library carries it. Hope they have book one, too.
Mary Kirkland
That sounds so good. I’m glad you found another book to gush about.
Sophia Rose
Yeah, the Hangman’s Daughters series have been some unique western historicals that really grabbed me, Mary. 🙂
Nadene
Sophia. you have me wanting to pick this one up, despite my mounting TBR.
Sophia Rose
Oh man, my TBR pile is off the hook. But, yes, I’m not sorry to add another to your wish list, Nadene. 🙂
Silvia
I personally like western settings and this book sounds like a good ride, so it caught my attention for that reason already 😉 Also, it’s nice to know that you found it sensational!
Sophia Rose
I think you’ll find this series turns out to be sensational for you, too, Silvia.