E.E. Burke's Best of the West: Linda Broday's Cowboy Who Came Calling

From Linda Broday, a New York Times Bestselling author, a historical romance about heartbreak, loss...and courage.

Glory Day may be losing her vision, but that doesn’t mean she’ll ever stop fighting. Determined to provide for her struggling family, she confronts an outlaw with a price on his head. But when a mysterious cowboy gets between her and her target, Glory accidentally shoots him instead. Flustered, she has no option but to take the handsome stranger home to treat his wounds.

Former Texas Ranger Luke McClain didn’t plan to fall in love, but there’s no denying the strength of Glory’s will or the sweetness of her heart. But Glory’s been burned before, and Luke will have to reach into the depths of his own battered soul to convince her to take a chance...

And trust that love is worth fighting for.

Here's an excerpt:

Luke McClain settled his shoulder against Glory’s, enjoying the intimate touch.  “Don’t tell me you haven’t at least considered death when you’re lying in bed at night with nothing but the sound of your own breathing for company.”

“My day is filled with too much work to waste with idle thoughts.”

“But what about the nights?”  He let his tone drop to a bare whisper.  “Are they filled as well?”

She tensed and Luke kicked himself. That was something no gentleman should ask a lady. An apology formed in his mind, but never reached his lips. Glory jerked away and kicked a clump of dead grass with her toe.

The rising full moon behind framed her livid features. “My epitaph? She lived. She died. End of story.”

Despite knowing trouble when he saw it, he pressed. “You don’t expect anyone to care, do you? Or is it you’re too afraid to find out there’s more?”

The tremble of her chin sent jolting pain through him. He wanted to hold her in his arms and prove life held passion and happiness and time for laughing. Ha, such boldness for a man who could offer nothing but wispy daydreams. He couldn’t even bring Perkins in alive.

He leaned forward and clasped his hands together to keep from reaching for her. “This is what I want on mine—Here lies Luke McClain, he was one hell of a lawman. He fought injustice and crime wherever he found it. He gave generously of himself to make the world a safer place. He lived well and loved hard. He will be missed.”

“My stars, Luke! You can’t write a darn book.”

That didn’t matter a hoot to him. He had her smiling again. “It is a little long-winded, isn’t it?”

She shrugged. “Don’t make any difference to me. It’s your epitaph.”

Her brusque tone didn’t fool him. He began to suspect a thing or two about Miss Glory Day.

“You won’t miss me even a bit?”

“Oh, my goodness, look how late it’s getting. I’d better go in before—”

“Wait.” His plea stopped her. “Please, a minute longer?”

“Make it quick, McClain.” She turned to face him.

“Do you have a problem seeing?” he blurted.

The sharp intake of breath told Luke he’d hit a sore spot. Her voice was tight. “I would think a fellow in your shoes would keep his nose from where it didn’t belong.”

Luke grinned. “Mind if I see for myself? Bet you can’t nick that chopping block over there.”

“I can too.” She accepted his Colt, tested the weight, took aim, fired. And missed.

Luke lifted an eyebrow, unfamiliar fear fanning out in his chest. He hadn’t wanted the confirmation. One more thing he couldn’t fix.

“If I had my Winchester…if it wasn’t almost dark.”

“You want me to move the blasted thing closer?” He tried to joke away the look of devastation that reminded him too much of his father’s grief when he laid their mother into the ground.

“How long did you think you could keep this secret?” he asked quietly.

“Long as I had to.” The quiver of her chin betrayed the struggle for control.

Meet Linda

I'm a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty full length historical western romance novels and novellas. 

Here in the Texas Panhandle, I reside on land the American Indian and Comancheros once roamed and at times I can often hear their voices in the wind. 

Museums, libraries, and historical places draw me like bees to honey. I’m also a movie buff and get much enjoyment sitting in a dark theater, watching the magic on the screen. 

As long as I’m confessing…chocolate is my best friend. It just soothes my soul.

Website: www.LindaBroday.com

Facebook Author Page:  http://www.facebook.com/lindabrodayauthor 

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/lbroday  

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Linda-Broday/e/B001JRXWB2

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1204489.Linda_Broday

Personal Blog: https://lindabroday.com/blog/

E.E.: Winter or Summer? Which one feeds your creativity?

Linda" Winter for sure. I get much more writing done on cold days when I’m stuck inside. It’s like I’m in a warm cocoon, all cozy and separated from the world. Time slows down and my focus is sharper. Unlike a great many, I love cold winter days and nights when I can snuggle in a warm wrap with a cup of hot tea.

E.E.: What are some day jobs that you’ve held?

Linda: The first job I had was a switchboard operator and I loved it. Then I worked in a Timex watch factory, a Levi jeans factory, I waitressed for about six years, and I was a data entry clerk in an insurance company until I retired.

E.E.: Your taste in movies – a comedy or a drama?

Linda: A drama. I like the deep stories that make me think. Ones that linger in my mind.

E.E.: What is a favorite quote of yours?

Linda: “You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it.” by Ain Eineziz  -- I was born in a tent when times were very hard. I only went to the twelfth grade. Twenty years ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I’ve been homeless twice in my life in addition to surviving an 5-F tornado so this quote is very special to me.

E.E.: Where did you get the inspiration for The Cowboy Who Came Calling?

Linda: After I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it began attacking my vision. Nothing my neurologist did would stop the progression. Then one morning, my worst fear was realized. I couldn’t see anything but shapes and shadows. After a week in the hospital with IV meds, I regained a lot of my vision. So, I am Glory Day in this story. I knew firsthand what it was like to be unable to see and put all those scary emotions onto the page.  

E.E.: Who are some of the authors who were influential in your work?

Linda: Kathleen Woodiwiss, Johanna Lindsey, Lorraine Heath, Pamela Morsi, Jodi Thomas, Linda Lael Miller, Louis L’Amour, Larry McMurtry

E.E.: What is something you wish to accomplish before you die?

Linda: To win the RITA which is Romance Writers of America’s top prize and equal to the Oscar. Oh man, I would love to win that statue!

Today, Linda is giving away an autographed copy of THE COWBOY WHO CAME CALLING. Just comment on the question, and don't forget to enter the raffle!

Do you like it when you know “the story” behind the story? Or is it unimportant?

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