I'm sad to say this did not work for me. I liked "Winning Maura's Heart" much better. I wanted to see a similar dynamic here but there was too much action. Our couple kept being interrupted and only interacted in very small doses. I was also not a big fan of the plot of this book.
I knew going in this is a clean romance (which is perfectly fine). But I missed seeing that undeniable chemistry I found in book 1. It wasn't bad, but it was tepid; at least in my opinion.

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

In Linda Broday's Courting Miss Emma, set in 1868 Texas, the story revolves around Emma Taggart, who runs the Heaven's Door orphanage and Stone Landry, her enigmatic ex-army neighbor with camels. Emma's challenging past and Stone's guarded nature make for engaging banter in their initial encounters. The characters, including the children in Emma's care, are well-crafted, contributing depth to the story. As they face threats from the antagonist, Zeke Parker, a gripping land war unfolds, blending action, romance, and suspense seamlessly. Linda Broday's descriptive talents bring the Old West to life, making readers feel a part of the setting. Courting Miss Emma offers a unique blend of historical flavor, romance, and thrilling action, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

I missed the first book but this made a fine standalone cowboy romance, Set in 1868 Texas, it's the tale of Emma and Stone, two people who seem very different but who are determined to keep the orphans Emma is raising safe, Unfortunately, she's got land others want. This is a low key romance that's nicely atmospheric and the characters are good. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read for fans of the genre.

Courting Miss Emma was set in an old mission orphanage near San Antonio Texas. A local land baron wanted the land for himself so he used trickery and later guns to try to persuade Miss Emma Taggert and her family to leave. Stone Landry purchased the land next to the orphanage and moved in with his camels (yes camels) , he and Emma got off on the wrong foot but dislike turns to love as they fight the land grabbers. There were lots of characters and pieces to this book and it would have helped to have read the first in the series. You couldn’t help but pull for Emma and Stone as they faced so much adversity.

Another winner by Linda Broday. I loved Emma's and Stone's story. They definitely don't get along at first. He's ridged and military. But add in orphans, camels, and a boy needing a home. And throw in some bad guys. You have it all. She is dusty and protective of her kids. He learns about live and compassion. Same Parker didn't stand a chance against them
And Lucius finally done good by them.
Can't wait to see if Calista has her own story. 5* read.

Linda Broday's Courting Emma (Severn House 2023), Book 2 in the Hangman's Daughters, is the sequel to Winning Maura's Heart. Though it is a stand alone, reading Book 1 gives you nice family background that will add to the enjoyment of this book. Emma and Maura are the daughters of a notorious Hangman  which makes them unsavory for good folk to associate with. They are thrown out of town, but take with them a cartload of children orphaned when their parents die of cholera, and raise them--as well as other children who have nowhere else to go--in an orphanage they run in an abandoned mission. They struggle to survive, aided by a secret stash of money found buried in the mission, probably left by outlaws who for whatever reason didn't return for it. This allows them to buy food and clothing that would otherwise be impossible on the small income made from sales of their gardens. A reclusive war hero, running from his past, seeking refuge and peace, buys the property next door to use as a ranch, not realizing he is now neighbors to a orphanage filled with curious children and a beautiful woman he can't help but fall in love with. It isn't long before the land that looks like a refuge for both of them is wanted by others for unknown reasons and these people will stop at nothing to take take it. Together, Emma and her new neighbor, fight for justice for themselves, but mostly for the children.

As a side note: I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the prequel. Since there are three sisters, I’m hoping Linda Broday writes one more book discussing the final Hangman's daughter.

I truly believe, certain books come into our lives, at the precise time we need their messages.
I have been reading Linda Broday for over 10 years. Every book, is very unique, well written, and the message delivered, always pulls at my heart.

Courting Miss Emma is no exception.

When evil comes calling to the Heaven’s Door orphanage, Emma, three Nun’s (Angie, Bernie, Anne-Marie), along with Emma’s sister Maura, knows that protecting these precious orphaned children will take all their might and power.

Stone Landry the new neighbor is not the friendliest person at first acquaintance, he is set in his ways and does not care for the children sneaking onto his land to see his pet camels in his barn.
Emma and Stone butt heads, however sparks fly, and neither can stop thinking of the other.

When the danger comes to Stone’s land, just as it has the orphanage, both Stone and Emma know they must forge a union to protect what they have and love.

One of my favorite passages in the book:
‘Emma, you’re so beautiful and I’ve wanted to do that ever since I rode up to return the boy. I couldn’t take my eyes off you. You looked like an angel standing there full of fury in the sun’s golden rays.’
‘You’re the first man to ever kiss me. The first to hold me like I’m a piece of fragile China,’ she whispered, drowning in his whiskey-colored eyes.
Life was fleeting at best and a woman had to grab every moment. Emma wanted no regrets when her time came. This was possibly her last chance. She put her arms around his waist and pressed her body closer, fitting her curves into his shape.

Linda Broday is exceptional in developing characters who are outstanding, warm and will stay in her reader’s hearts for eternity.

Courting Miss Emma is the second book in The Hangman’s Series by author, Linda Broday. Emma works tirelessly at caring for precious orphans along with the help of three French nuns and uncle Max, who live at Heaven’s Door, an old mission turned into an orphanage. The Taggart sisters were rejected, tormented, and kicked out of San Antonio by the towns people because their father, Lucius Taggart, was a hangman. Maura and Emma agreed to care for the orphans left destitute due to the 1876 yellow fever epidemic in Texas. The children named the orphanage Heaven’s Door remembering their loved one’s who perished.

Emma’s story is powerful. She longs to find love like Maura did. But how can she begin to imagine a man wanting her. Not until Stone Landry rides up on his beautiful roan stallion to complain about an orphan boy trespassing on his property right next door to observe the camels. Emma will stand her ground defending and protecting the orphans at all cost. Stone is drawn to Emma in spite of her stern and confrontational attitude. However, the tension builds and they are embattled in a terrible confrontation from Zeke Parker, who wants to take over the land for future wealth.

Every single character in this book is personalized and described. The love story unfolds as Stone’s heart softens towards the orphans, who trespass to see his camels. Trust is earned. The way Linda Broday intertwined Maura’s story with Emma’s was clear and concise. Stone has his secrets too. Heartache, pain, abuse, and rejection are part of his past. It is unreal and very creative how the author weaves the story together.

I could hardly wait to finish the book because it was captivating. What an amazing story. I fell in love with every character in the story, be it the dog, camels, the surprise sister, Calista, or Jake the new person in need of a place to stay, or Jubal, who came to fight bringing a canon to wage war against the evil Zeke Parker to help his buddy Stone save the orphanage and his farm. Not to mention, Maura and her husband Calhoun are welcoming the birth of a son! The way they all fought to keep what was rightfully theirs was riveting. And to think Lucius Taggart had a heart of concern for his daughters to actually help solve the tumultuous situation.

Honestly, how Linda Broday keeps all the sweet orphans straight and their personalities written with such love and tenderness is beyond me. I love each one of those kids! They are real in my mind. Uncle Max defends and protects his family triumphantly and without hesitation! The unfolding romance is beautiful - not sizzling or lustful - but loving and full of tenderness.

Reading this book was intense. Just what I like a book to be! So funny at times I laughed myself silly! Action packed. Romance and new found love beautifully told. This is an awesome story. Thank you Linda for another story to devour and cherish! You are an amazing author. One of my favorites for sure.

I would highly recommend Maura’s story if you haven’t read it yet. Such an awesome series.

“Courting Miss Emma” continues the story of the Taggart sisters. Being the daughters of the hangman, they were forced out of town after their house was burned down. They took with them the town’s orphans and found solace in an abandoned mission, along with three nuns. The first of the series focused on the older sister, Maura, and now it’s Emma’s story. Emma’s life revolves around the children, and she’s made peace with being alone—and not being lucky like Maura. However, a good-looking new neighbor, Stone, moves in. Emma and Stone immediately clash over the kids wandering onto his property to see the camels. There is little time to decide what they think of each other when riders come in and tell them their land is no longer theirs. They are expected to leave. No matter what is or isn’t between Emma and Stone, they must join to fight off attackers who will do whatever it takes to claim what isn’t theirs. I love Emma’s character; she is very strong and loving toward the ones she loves even after how she and her sister have been unfairly treated. Stone is an ex-soldier who carries a heavy past with him and a determination not to marry or have kids. It was wonderful to see all the familiar characters from the first book, especially the children, and to meet the new ones introduced. The plot was layered with not only romance and the threat of losing their home but plenty of heart-racing action and unexpected twists. Mixed in is some fun humor, including Emma imagining what her tombstone would say in different situations. The setting was rich and detailed, so I could easily imagine being in Texas in the late 1800s. A fantastic follow-up to the first book and I can’t wait for the story to continue. Although it’s unnecessary to read the first book because there was enough information added to understand the story, I’m glad I read “Maura” first. I can highly recommend this.

Courting Miss Emma is the second book in the "Hangman's Daughters" series by Linda Broday. We follow Emma Taggart as she navigates running an orphanage in 1868 Texas. When a Stone Landry, a handsome bachelor with a gruff demeanor, moves in next door, she wonders if it's okay for an outcast like her to get her hopes up and whether she won't have to live out the rest of her life as a spinster. However, they get off to a rocky start and struggle to understand each other. While they navigate their feelings, they will have to face rancher Zeke Parker, who is claiming the land on which the orphanage stands as his own and isn't afraid of using unethical and increasingly violent methods to get his way.

Though it is part of a series, I found this to read well as a stand alone as the characters that return are well introduced even for a first time reader of the series like myself. The story was fun and had many events going on that kept it interesting. I liked getting to know Emma and her world and watching her relationship with her family and the children. It was also nice to see neighbours rallying together to defend there land. As far as romance goes, the shift between "enemies" to lovers was a bit quick to my taste, with Stone becoming openly friendly without much explanation. I feel that more time could have been spent fleshing out their relationship. I also felt like the attacks from Zeke only felt real towards the latter part of the book, but when we got there it felt high stakes and was well worth it. Overall, I enjoyed the time spent reading this novel.

Themes addressed: Texas ranch life in the 1860s, orphanages, enemies to lovers
Content: Sweet romance, clean with kissing only.

Thank you to NetGalley, Severn House and Linda Broday for providing me with my first free ARC copy in exchange of an honest review.
3.75 stars

I’ve read so many of Linda Broday books but Courting Miss Emma is such a great book . This is the second book of the Hangman’s Daughters, the story of Emma Taggart the youngest daughter.. The hangman’s daughters are considered lowest of the low by the town’s people, they even went as far as to run them out of town but not before burning their home , holding poor Emma down and cutting her beautiful hair off. They were thrown away along with 16 orphans that nobody wanted. Emma and Maury took the children to an old Spanish missionary where their uncle lived , it was there they open Heavens Door Orphanage.

Stone Landry buys his land , makes a home for him and his camels ( yes camels) next door to Heavens Door . Stone only wanted to live alone away from people after leaving the service the last ten years. He didn’t realize that next door was the most headstrong woman he’s ever met along with 16 children that were determined to sneak onto his property to see the camels. Stones and Emma’s first meeting was anything but friendly, if daggers could kill he’d be dead .

Emma Taggart has fought her entire life to survive being the hangman’s daughter. The cruelty of the towns people have followed them their entire lives , she was not going to let some arrogant ex soldier move in next door and tell her what to do. Stone Landry can keep his camels on his property and she will try to keep her 16children on their property away from that heartless, hateful man !!

When trouble comes in the form of Zeke Parker , a ruthless rich rancher who wants Stones and Emma’s land . Zeke will stop a nothing to run them off including killing them all. When the fighting starts Emma and Stone will have to do anything they can to protect the children from the evils of the men sent to kill them. The land war is started, Emma and Stone are literally fighting for their lives , but who’s protecting their hearts.

Linda Broday brings full force the characters in Courting Miss Emma, there is so much action in this book I felt my heart racing as I read it. You will fall in love with all the children in Heaven’s Door Orphanage, I literally couldn’t put the book down .

I have read and enjoyed many books by Linda Broday. That's why I requested this one from Netgalley in the first place, but I think Courting Miss Emma might be my favorite.

I didn't realize it beforehand, but this is book 2 in a series. It can definitely be read as a standalone, but I do plan to go back and read book 1.

This is a western set in my home state of Texas in 1868, at an abandoned mission west of San Antonio. Emma Taggart was a strong and loving spinster who ran an orphanage Heaven's Gate with a few French nuns, her recovering alcoholic uncle, and her sister (the heroine from the first book). Emma really was resilient. She was able to survive so much undeserved mistreatment without becoming bitter. I loved her!

Stone Landry was her perfect match. He was a tough, caring, and loyal recently retired soldier. Both lost their loving mothers as children. Both had fickle and hateful fathers, yet neither let their unfortunate childhood define their characters.

The story was sweet but also had a lot of action, gunfights, and suspense. If you like westerns, Linda Broday's writing, or just angry heroines due to the injustice of the world, I recommend.

Courting Ms. Emma continues the story of the Hangman’s Daughters. Texas is 1868 is not a peaceful place. People try to land grab, shoot who they want and terrorize others with little to no conscience unless they are the ones being shot at or backed in a corner. Emma and her sister Maura have been run out of San Antonio and have taken a load of orphans with them to a deserted mission. With the help of their uncle and French nuns, they have provided a safe haven for the orphans at Heaven’s Door. This changes when one of the boys is brought back by the new owner of the land adjacent to the mission. He is very blunt that Emma needs to pay better attention to where the children are and keep them off his land. Not only is she dealing with the new neighbor, but a group of men have arrived with an eviction notice for the mission and all the land surrounding it. The fight is on to save their homes and ultimately their lives.
Linda Broday has a way of describing a scene that makes you feel a part of it. The long ride from the mission to San Antonio comes with beautiful rustic scenery and all the jars and bumps in the road, Broday describes it all. She smoothly brings in new characters that hopefully play a bigger part in the next sequel of the Hangman’s Daughters. Emma has a flash back of her father and the only time she witnesses him showing emotion. I hope that Broday will add more of him in upcoming sequels. I’m always left with wondering why, where did he go and when will he appear again. Linda Broday has provided another great story that transports the reader out of this crazy world into a different time and place even if that place has its own crazy. Thank you NetGalley, Severn House and Linda Broday for ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I felt like this book wasn't smooth. It was a little hard to follow the main characters. First meeting they seemed to hate each other, than almost instant lust. Not that anything naughty happened. Just thoughts, but too early for love. The story felt a little drawn out.

I received an ARC for a fair review.

Loved It! Suspenseful and Gripping right from the start. Not your typical Western but Linda Broday has her own unique writing style were she weaves this trip to the old West with guns blazing on this rollercoaster ride that brims with tension building twist and turns that swirls down into a vortex of terror, murder and a depraved, malicious enemy and his hired guns that terrorizes their victims. Courting Miss Emma is a heartstopping, edge of your seat story filled with characters that come off the pages and pulls you into their tale that you imagine yourself as one of the characters or just part of their journey, family love and unity, with a superb plot.The scenes are so strikingly detailed it paints an incredible backdrop that makes you feel like you are one with the story in this action-packed romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the danger escalates the suspense builds and uncertainties abound that will make you hold your breath until the end in this outstanding story!

I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion