#Review and #Giveaway: Winning Maura's Heart by Linda Broday
WINNING MAURA’S HEART
The Hangman’s Daughters Series, Book # 1
by
LINDA BRODAY
Western Romance / Clean & Wholesome / Historical Fiction
Publisher: Severn House
Date of Publication: March 7, 2023
Number of Pages: 256 pages
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The Calhoun brothers are identical twins but on opposite sides of the law. Cutter is a deputy Marshal, Jonas an outlaw. When Cutter attempts to break his brother out of a notorious gang, they are shot, and Maura finds one of them wounded, close to the mission - but which brother is it?
Maura Taggart is an outcast, the daughter of a hangman and tainted by association - no reputable man wants her as his wife. And now she is homeless, along with her sister and the group of children in their care. Armed with pure grit, she finds a nearby mission where the nuns agree to take them in and set up an orphanage. But trouble is just around the corner . . .
As the stranger regains his strength under Maura's care an attraction between them grows, yet how far can she trust him? And why has he brought trouble to their door? With the orphanage under threat can Maura trust this handsome stranger both with their safety and with her heart?
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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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Beautiful Maura and her sister Emma are outcasts through no fault of their own; their father is the local hangman and the people of San Antonio shun his innocent daughters. After treating patients stricken with yellow fever, Maura and Emma are run out of town, but they are not alone. They’ve gathered a group of orphans and intend to take care of them. They find themselves at an old Mission on the outskirts of the city where they are welcomed by a trio of Catholic nuns and their alcoholic uncle, Max. As they settle in to their new life, they find a handsome stranger suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He tells them only his last name, Calhoun, as Maura nurses him back to life and falls for him at the same time. The reader learns that Calhoun is an identical twin, one a lawman, the other an outlaw. Which one has Maura given her heart to?
Winning Maura’s Heart is a sweet heart-felt western romance with a page turning mystery. The story is pretty straightforward but does have enough drama to keep the reader involved in the story. I enjoyed the historical setting of the Mission and the descriptions of life the 1860s, when Texas was still the wild west and the relationship between Maura and her uncle as he comes to enjoy the presence of her and the children and she learns about the emotional trauma that lead to his drinking.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical romance.
I rate this book 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐stars.
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
THREE WINNERS:
GRAND PRIZE: tote including signed copy of Winning Maura’s Heart, strawberry & chocolate tea, Cowgirl hand lotion, bath bombs, personalized cup;
2nd Prize: eBook copy Winning Maura’s Heart;
3rd Prize: $15 Amazon gift card
(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 4/14/23)
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04/04/23 |
Guest Post |
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04/04/23 |
BONUS Review |
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04/05/23 |
Review |
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04/05/23 |
BONUS Promo |
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04/06/23 |
Excerpt |
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04/07/23 |
Review |
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04/08/23 |
Review |
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04/09/23 |
Notable Quotables |
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04/10/23 |
Review |
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04/11/23 |
Excerpt |
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04/12/23 |
Review |
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04/13/23 |
Review |
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A nice review that sure peaks a reader's interest in this book. There are so many elements of the story that have appeal, and it's nice to see a mention of the historical. I enjoyed that as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jean! Loved your review of Winning Maura's Heart. I'm happy you enjoyed the glimpse into the past and how some people treated others. Calhoun was a great character and I loved how he yearned for Maura and a place at the Heaven's Door Orphanage. He finally found the peace he sought. But writing the children gave it more depth I thought. They were so funny. Book Two - Courting Miss Emma - comes out in November. Thanks again for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteExcited to hear that Emma get's her own story!
DeleteI enjoyed reading your review of Winning Maura's Heart, Jean. I love the story and how strong the characters are. And, of course, the kids add to it as well. Thank you for hosting today and huge congratulations to Linda!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for coming, Jan! This book wouldn't have turned this well without your help. Thanks for reading and critiquing.
DeleteI love well-written characters and a good mystery, too! And the twist about which twin does Maura love seems fun. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDelete