2/08/2018

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.
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.

Facebook Author Page:  http://www.facebook.com/lindabrodayauthor 
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/lbroday  

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?


a Rafflecopter giveaway

36 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great story. I love westerns.

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    1. Good morning, Ginger. Thanks for coming. I think western romance, whether historical or contemporary, have just a little extra. These cowboy heroes are really tough and they never quit. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  2. I also love a great western book..thanks for a chance to win!!

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    1. Good morning, Donna! I'm glad you came. I'll be praying for you to win this.

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  3. I love it when I know the story behind the story, especially when the author’s true experience is incorporated in it, just as Miss Linfa has done with this amazing book. It’s one of her best books ever. But then I love all of Linda’s books.
    Love you & Lind both, Elisabeth, thanks for showcasing her new book.

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    1. Good morning, Miss Tonya....Thank you for being my cheerleader and supporting each of my endeavors. I try to deliver the best I can because I never want to disappoint my readers. It's really important to write the very best I can. I tend to write about the things that touch or affect me deeply because I think it will the reader too. I'm having a little trouble seeing this morning but that's life. Some days are like this. They're blessings all. I'm so grateful for this life that God gave me and never want to take anything for granted.

      Much love and big hugs, sister friend.

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  4. Always a fun and entertaining read from this author!
    Kate Sparks girlygirlhoosier52@yahoo.com

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    1. Good morning, Anonymous......Thank you for coming to help me celebrate this reissue. Luke and Glory still occupy a place in my heart. You'll be happy to know that they briefly appear in Book #3 coming in July with news. So watch for that.

      Have a blessed day!

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  5. Thank you so much for hosting me, Elisabeth and all the ladies at Get Lost in a Story! I'm so excited about this reissue from my 2003 book and this new cover...oh man! Very romantic. The guy on the cover is exactly how I picture Luke McClain. And they also captured Glory Day perfectly. This story emphasizes the ups and downs of life. You never know what's coming, but if you have enough strength and determination you can get through anything.

    Book #3 - To Catch a Texas Star - of the Texas Heroes series releases this July. Luke and Glory appear in it with news readers will love. But the story is about Marley Rose, the baby in Knight on the Texas Plains. She's all grown up and ready for love.

    Thanks again for having me!

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  6. I love a story when I know the back story it makes it all more special.
    My review for this latest book by Linda Broday
    Once again Linda Broday brings this reader's heart to happy tears I can never sing this author's praise enough!!! Not only does she bring me such joy with her books but I thank God in Heaven my life paths crossed hers. Her characters not only encompass the written page they leap from it into your heart and so Luke McClain and Glory Day along with her family have nestled a place in my heart. This book is not one to be missed I am definitely counting down the days to when I once again get to feast my eyes upon her written pages

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    1. Good morning, Miss Glenda.....I'm so happy to see you and that review really touched me. I'm very glad you liked this story, even though it reminded you of your own painful past. But maybe it brought healing. I can hope. You won't have that long until TO CATCH A TEXAS STAR. July will be here before you know it and you'll finally get Marley Rose's story!

      Much love and many blessings!

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  7. I love knowing the back story. And knowing your hardships makes this more touching.. Loved this book... Bless you Linda...

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    1. You're took kind, Tonya Cherry....I'm so happy that this story touched your heart. I pray you get back to good health soon.

      Much love and hugs!

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  8. I love knowing that there is a back story that influenced a writer. It makes it that much more personal.
    Knowing what Linda Broday has overcome, and the daily challenges just makes me admire her even more. Because of her challenges, her leading ladies are strong minded women, that never give up.

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    1. Good morning, Veda.....Love that you came by. I, too, love knowing what inspired an author to write what they did. Makes it more personal. Also, in movies. I especially love the ones based on true stories.

      Love you, lady!

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  9. Linda thank you so much for coming to GLIAS it is nice to see one of your books featured. Also thank you for giving away a print copy.

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    1. Hi, PTClayton......I'm so happy to be here and in such a warm climate. Readers are the most welcoming people. I'll pray that you win this autographed copy of the book. Would love to send it to you.

      Have a blessed day!

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  10. I enjoy learning about backstories... love seeing you and your books around cyberspace! :)

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    1. Hi Colleen......YAY! I'm very happy to see you too. I think you're one of my longest (and best) readers. If you don't win a copy here, I'm giving away some on my website blog at lindabroday.com and will also have some copies on my Feb. 13th blog on P&P.

      Big hugs and have a blessed day!

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  11. Linda, I too prefer a backstory. I so enjoyed your excerpt, but of course I love all of your stories and look forward to this one eagerly. I love it when a character has a flaw or weakness to overcome and/or deal with it, and this story pulls at my heart. Being a nurse for so many years, especially in homecare, I've seen adversity and hardships yet appreciated the fortitude and determination of so many whether it was the patient or family members. They as well as you and so many others have taught me to bite the bullet and trudge on and for that I say thank you. Please don't count me in the running for your book as I'll have ordered it. I have to mention as soon as I've finished my western I'm working on, I have the synopisis and such for a Medieval I've wanted to do with a blind heroine so I look forward to see how you handled this one. Wishing you much success with this and all future ones and I sure would like to see your name in the limelight of the Rita. You'd have my vote. And thanks to Elisabeth for hosting you.

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    1. Dearest Beverly.....Thank you so much for coming. Your words melted my heart and I feel very humbled. There is truly only one thing to do when problems arise--keep putting one foot in front of the other and doing all you can to weather the storm. I do believe God had a purpose for putting that affliction on me and that was to teach me never to take anything for granted. I've never said, "Why me?" No reason for that. I'm truly blessed each day and say thanks for this life. I pray my blind heroine helps you write your Medieval. Remember, you see much more with your heart than with your eyes. :-)

      From your lips to God's ear on the RITA. We'll see. But whatever happens I'm not giving up. Love you, lady!

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  12. I like to know the story behind the story.

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    1. Hi Rita....Thanks for coming. Good luck in winning a copy!

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  13. Linda, I thought I had this book, but I don't. I read the entire blog post, and it is one of the best I have ever read. Elisabeth, you asked great questions! I have not been on FB nearly as much as I was, and there is so much I've missed. I have had mother duties and have been working harder on my Series Bible. It is an enormous project to write an original series. I also suffer from some major health problems, but I try to keep writing as much as I can even if it is often at a slow rate. Our youngest graduates from high school this year, so this is the last of 3 Senior years for me. She just decided she will be attending Stephen F. Austin. I am excited about the history of the town and the school. You cannot get any more Texan than studying at this school in such an important town in our history! All 3 of my kids have taken their own road with different colleges instead of following their siblings. Kelly is majoring in Secondary Education with history and English just like me. I have also urged her to take creative writing as well as TV/Film classes as she is a very talented writer. She is always happy to read my work and help in any way.

    This book sounds just like my favorite type of story. I am stunned that you are the heroine and went through such a frightening experience, actually several frightening experiences. My admiration of you as a wonderful person who meets any challenge continues to increase. I am so excited to read it. I have not had time to do any reading the past few months, but the books call to me. I have to stay strong to finish my first draft of my Series Bible and a rewrite on my pilot scripts. I will then read several books I have had to put on hold. I am getting further and further behind in my reading because you and my other favorite writers keep finishing new books! I know I have a few of Elisabeth's books on my must read list as well. Thank you both for such an interesting read!

    Thanks for sharing what you have gone through, Linda. I know I will read this novel with a new perspective.

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    1. Hi Connie.....I'm delighted that you stopped by. It's always such a joy seeing you. No, I'm no one special. Other people have worse things than I do. Life has to give us problems to overcome to make us strong. You, dear lady, are the one that inspires me. You have had such challenges and yet keep trucking on. I do hope you get a chance to read this one day. Maybe you'll win a copy. I'm looking forward to hearing about this series you're writing. I know it's a western and I hope and pray it gets picked up. We need more westerns!!

      Much love and big hugs!

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    2. Thank you for your kind words. I hope I can get it finished and get my director and scriptwriter friends to critique it and help me understand and fix problem areas. I probably should have written a couple of spec scripts for TV shows already on the air when I first decided to try to get back into TV writing. I think it would have made this massive process easier. I have heard ever since I started 30 years ago that writing a really great original TV series was the biggest challenge for any script or screenwriter. I know it is true, now. When I get my Part Two first draft written, I would love to let you read it if you want or have time and give me your opinion on the ways I could make the different story arcs better. I also question my dialogue all the time.

      We do need more westerns. I just pray that producers will be open to taking a chance to put one out there that has many gritty elements of shows like Deadwood and Hell on Wheels, but is also much more inspirational and geared so that older children can watch with their parents. It is a tightrope walk to try to keep that gritty realism in it and also make it to where young people can watch it without all of the overuse of bad language, especially when certain swear words today were hardly used at all in the 1860's and 1870's. I also want to deal with real life issues like rape and abuse, etc. without showing every little thing about such incidents or even making the show unsuitable by showing explicit sex scenes. I even wonder if my scripts have too much violence in them, but when I see what is shown on the TV shows on cable as well as movies in theaters, I think the violence in mine is not as bad as I imagine.

      I just cannot wait to get back to reading your books as well as the books of other authors I love. It is a constant temptation to take a break and just read. I have tried to do that, but I get so caught up in great books like yours that I cannot stop reading and get my mind back on my writing. Some people switch so easily and often need to take a break and concentrate on someone else's story. I do need breaks, but I had been taking too many and for too long. Your new book appeals to me in so many different ways that it sure is hard not to read it until I am finished.

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  14. I love knowing the story behind the story. I feel more connected and invested as a reader.

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    1. Hi Terressa......I'm so glad you got a chance to learn the "story" behind the "story" of this book. Maybe you'll like it that much more. Good luck in the giveaway!

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    1. Hi BN100......It's great to see you! I hope you've been doing well. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  16. Yes it is very important without that information it feels like something is missing. Linda always does a wonderful job with filling in the information to give you a complete feel of the characters. I am looking forward to reading this one.

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    1. Hi Page By Page.....I feel very blessed in what I do. I just love this job and feel very fortunate to still be able to do it.

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  17. I love all your books and I am sure this one will a winner. I love this type of story.

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    1. Hi Vera.....Thank you so much for your kind words and for coming over to check out The Cowboy Who Came Calling. Book #3 of this series releases this July - To Catch a Texas Star.

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  18. I love your stories. Almost done with To Marry a Texas Outlaw. I so hate for it to end.

    Meanwhile, I love knowing the story behind the story and look forward to The Cowboy Came Calling.

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    1. Hi Alisa......Awww, you're so sweet. I'm very happy that you're loving To Marry a Texas Outlaw. I always hate for good books to end too. I don't want to leave the characters. I hope you like this book also.

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