Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Linda Broday to HJ!
Hi Linda and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Saving the Mail Order Bride!
Please summarize the book for the readers here:
I loved writing this second book in my Outlaw Mail Order Brides series and I think it’s the most humorous story I’ve ever written. Mail order bride, Nora Kane, makes outlaw Jack Bowdre crazy. He’s been arrested and on his way to jail aboard the stagecoach the marshal flagged down. Nora is the only other passenger. After the stage overturns, Jack is about to make his getaway when Nora slaps the other end of the handcuffs on her wrist. Suddenly, they’re afoot and on the run, handcuffed together with only the clothes on their backs. It’s anybody’s guess if they can outrun the posse.
Please share a few Fun facts about this book…
I had so much fun with these two and here are five facts that added depth to the story:
- To disguise Jack so the posse won’t recognize him, Nora dies his brown hair blonde. She and the doctor in the outlaw town figure out how to make hair dye from diluted barium, potassium hypochlorite, and lemon juice, thickened with flour. Believe it or not, peroxide was around in 1880 but they wouldn’t have had it out on the American Frontier. This scene is so funny and Jack balks at doing it before he sees he has no choice.
- I use the real Texas town of Saint’s Roost which is actually Clarendon today. It was only one of three original towns in the Texas Panhandle and was a religious community where drinking and cavorting with women was strictly prohibited. Anyone caught was kicked out. This is where the marshal was taking Jack when the stagecoach wrecked.
- My story is Set in the Texas Panhandle in 1880. This was the last bit of untamed land in Texas where no law existed and for that reason, it became a haven for outlaws. It was the perfect place in which to set my outlaw town of Hope’s Crossing that they built from a hideout. It sits in a canyon, surrounded by high walls and only one way in and out.
- I chose early spring for the season because I wanted to make things as difficult as possible for Jack and Nora. There is little food available, not even eggs, so they’re limited on what they can eat. Among their options are cactus pods that Jack roasts over a fire, a rabbit that he kills with a rock, yucca leaves which are not very tasty, a cow they milk, and Jack fishes with his bare hands. Very hard to do and takes a lot of patience. This results in a funny scene when the fish goes down Nora’s dress. Then to make matters worse, I made it snow on them. I loved to torture these two. Hey, it was just a light snow but they have to sleep on the cold ground. Ha!
- Another fun fact of the story is that when they arrive at the conclusion that they’re not going to make it to Hope’s Crossing, that the posse will get them first, they perform their own marriage ceremony just so they can be man and wife for a little while. It’s a very tender scene.
Okay, I hope you’ll give this book a try. I don’t think you’ll find it boring. The release date is April 30.
Thanks for blogging at HJ!
Giveaway: Print copy of Saving the Mail Order Bride (Outlaw Mail Order Brides Book 2) by Linda Broday
To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: Would you survive in rugged land if you had to, without a Walmart or grocery store? Would you know what you could eat to stay alive?
Book Info:
When the West was wild
And man’s law favored the few
These extraordinary women could be found…
…in the heart of an outlaw.
He may be a wanted man, but all outlaw Jack Bowdre ever desired was a second chance. Now he’s on his way to jail, completely unaware that his unexpected—and unexpectedly beautiful—traveling companion is none other than Nora Kane…his mail order bride.
It’s too bad Nora doesn’t know Jack is her groom-to-be. All she sees is a scoundrel. But when their stagecoach crashes and the truth comes spilling out, they’re suddenly left to fend for themselves—and each other. The longer they’re together, the stronger their feelings grow. Hounded by desperate men bent on doing them harm, Nora and Jack will do whatever it takes to find their happily ever after…but first, they’ll have to shake the devil from their trail.
Book Links: Amazon| Barnes & Noble| iBooks| Indiebound| Books-a-Million
Meet the Author:
At a young age, Linda Broday discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. After years of writing romance, it’s still tall rugged cowboys that spark her imagination. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold. She resides in the Texas Panhandle where she’s inspired every day. Visit her at www.lindabroday.com.
Mary Preston
Sounds like how I grew up. Times were simpler then.
lindabroday
Hi Mary, thank you so much for coming to leave a comment. I love the simpler times when a person could take a minute to breathe. And when we had compassion and love for our fellow man. Good luck winning the book!
lapsapchung
I think I could manage, especially if my husband was with me as he’s an expert forager. I wouldn’t enjoy it though – I’d miss my bed, my books and my teapot too much
Jane Willis
lindabroday
Hi Jane, Thank you for coming. I’m so excited to share my new book with you. I’m sure your hubby would be great to have along. Yes, us ladies would miss our beds for sure. But more than that our toilets. Ha! Good luck in the winning a book.
gemiinii90
Yes, I do think I would survive in rugged land if you had to. Also I think I have some knowledge of what is safe to eat. I watch a lot of survival programs.
Betul
lindabroday
Hi Betul, I’m taking you along if I ever have to be out in wide open spaces and forced to survive. I don’t think I’d do too well alone. But then, we never know how strong we can be until we’re faced with the situation. I like to think I could rise to the occasion. It was fun to write about.
Lori Meehan
Only if I had someone with who knew what they were doing. Lol
lindabroday
Hi Lori, we would have to take Jack with us! He’s quite expert and could keep a girl warm!
Linda Farabaugh
I would not be able to survive without a Walmart or grocery store nearby. I like ny conveniences. I know how hard people had it a hundred and fifty years ago , by reading about it. I would not know what food was safe to eat. I like my food inspected by the USDA. I’m spoiled that way.
lindabroday
Hi Linda, having a Walmart close by is a wonderful thing. I once lived 30 miles from town and it was the worst time of my life. I couldn’t wait to move! I have to be close to stores and a doctor.Good luck and have a wonderful day.
Tonya Lucas
I know everyone is going to LOVE this book. I was given an early copy by netgalley to read and it’s the funniest book Linda’s every written.
I’d love to think I could survive out in a similar situation. I grew up in the country so I know some things I can eat and some that are poisonous.
Congrats Linda in another wonderful masterful book.
lindabroday
Hi Miss Tonya, I’m very happy this book made you laugh. I had so much fun writing Jack’s and Nora’s story. I think you probably would survive in the wild without anything. You’re a tough lady and very determined. Love you dearly!
Rose Ann Folger
I hate to admit that no I wouldn’t survive , I wouldn’t know a poison berry from a weed ! I can’t cook over campfire I literally burn everything.. I can’t shoot a gun, everybody runs opposite way if I even pick one up . BUT I’m super excited for Jacks story, been waiting for him to get his Happy ever after.
lindabroday
Hi Rose Ann! Great to see you! I think you and I would be in the same boat. I am not a survivalist. I’d be dead the first day. I hope you enjoy Jack and Nora. Be ready for some fun. Good luck winning a copy.
sejoc1968
Having MS I’d be screwed first because I can’t handle much heat. All the walking would cause me issues too. I’d know to eat cactus for fluids and food. I’m afraid I’d suck at survival skills at this point. This had reminded me I should buy some books with survival skills and such because if we couldn’t Google most of us would perish quickly. Now prior to MS I’d like to think I would have had a fighting chance! Loved this book, the antics, and humor between Jack and Nora. They were awesome survivalists and a great duo!
lindabroday
Hi Stephanie! Thanks for coming over! Oh I think you might make it. Especially if you could Google! A fierce determination would get you through. I’ve seen your fierce determination in fighting MS and the secret to survival is never giving up. Doing what must be done. I’m so happy that Jack and Nora entertained you. Love you dearly.
Tammy Y
Not sure
lindabroday
Hi Tammy, If you had a great GPS system and Google, I think you could do it. Thanks for coming. Good luck winning a book.
Silver
I think I could if I had read some survival guides first.
lindabroday
Hi Silver, books, a GPS, and Google would get you set. Piece of cake! Good luck! Have a wonderful day.
kim hansen
If I knew what plants were edible and which were not edible I could.
lindabroday
Hi Kim! wow, thanks for coming! You’d have to be sure and pack books, food, navigation system, and plenty of luck. Ha! My fingers are crosssed for you winning a book. Love you.
tlcherry2364Tonya Cherry
There is no way I could survive. I would eat something poisonous. And having no one to talk to would drive me insane.lol
Lynne Brigman
I have to be honest, no I wouldn’t. I have never even been camping. I have no clue what is safe to eat. I would die
Linda Broday
Hi Lynn, thanks for coming. I think you’d probably best stay in the city. Ha! That is if you want to stay alive. Living off the land isn’t for everyone but I hope you enjoy reading about it and following Jack and Nors on their adventures. Good luck!
lindabroday
Hi Tonya Cherry, Thanks for coming. How funny. You’d be iike me and die the first day. Good luck and big hugs!
Linda Broday
Thank you so much for having me. I apologize for putting the wrong usage of the word Dies. Good heavens! I do know the difference. It should be dyed. I’m so happy about this new book. Jack and Nora were amazing together. They are so funny. If you like humor, I think you’ll like this one.
bn100
no idea
Linda Broday
Hi BN100, thanks for stopping by. Here’s an extra helping of luck in winning a copy 9f the book. Hope you like Jack and Nora.
Rita Wray
I would do my best to survive but I’m not sure if I could shoot an animal and then eat it.
Linda Broday
Hi Rita! Great having you. I think if your life hung in the balance you might be able to do anything it took. I hope you enjoy Jack and Nora’s story.
Natalija
Probably not, I think I need to read more westerns to learn 🙂
Linda Broday
Hi Natalija, thanks for dropping by. I think YouTube videos might be best. Not everything you read in fiction is accurate, although I do my best to make sure it is. I hope you get a chance to read this book. I think it’ll entertain you.
Cheryl C.
I wouldn’t last a day! LOL!
Linda Broday
Hi Cheryl C, you and I would be dying together! But if my life hung in the balance I’d do my darndest to stay alive. I think you probably would too. Let’s pray we don’t have to find out! Good luck and big hugs!
suzannah0466061145
I would not have a clue how to survive in the wilderness. Pathetic actually
Linda Broday
Hi Suzannah, I think you’d be in the same boat as a lot of others. LOL Me included! Good luck in winning the book.
Glenda Kinard
I believe I could definitely survive without Walmart because I have gotten to the point I absolutely detest going to Walmart
Linda Broday
Hi Miss Glenda, ain’t that the truth! I’ve gotten to really like Target a lot better. I do think you could probably survive in the wild. You’re one tough cookie and you wouldn’t be afraid to fire a gun. Yes, I think you could make it. Love you dearly!
[email protected]
I think I could survive.
Linda Broday
Hi Granny2, thanks for stopping by! I’m glad to see you have confidence in living off the land. I’ll get you could do just fine. Good luck in winning the book!
Debra Shutters
No I would not survive and I doubt I would know what to do
Linda Broday
Hi Debra, thank you for commenting. Don’t sell yourself short. You might surprise yourself. Good luck!
Nicole (Nicky) Ortiz
I don’t think I would.
Thanks for the chance!
Linda Broday
Hi Nicole, thanks for coming. You know, we can do some amazing things when in a life death situation. Maybe you’d come out okay. Good luck!
Shannon Capelle
No I wouldnt im not a wilderness expert at all
Linda Broday
Hi Shannon, well, maybe you’d do better than you think. Good luck!!
Lori R
No, I would not.
Linda Broday
Hi Lori, thanks for your comment and weighing in. Good luck in winning the book.
Martha Lawson
Probably not!!
Glenda M
Only if I were familiar with the area and there were A LOT of edible plants. I don’t think I could kill any animal….
Linda Herold
I would try my best, but I don’t know how well I would do!
flchen1
I’d likely be dead. Just sayin’… :/
Irma
Oh, yes. I’d know how to survive and without a man.
Daniel M
nope
Joanie Bloomfield
Probably not for long. I have some knowledge that would help, but I’m sure I wouldn’t make it for long.
Colleen C.
I know a little bit… not sure if it would be enough though…
isisthe12th
As long as my husband is with me, I would survive! Thank you
BookLady
I would not survive without a grocery store.
Jana Leah
Not now, but if I had some training I think I could survive.
Patricia B.
I think I could survive, but it wouldn’t be pretty. I would have been much more capable in my youth. I can make snares and fish. Our son got good at catching fish with his bare hands, then we discovered it is against the law. Oops. Under dire circumstances, that would be something I wouldn’t worry about. Edible plants are everywhere, you just need to make yourself familiar with them before going to an area. A case of being prepared. I know how to make or find a shelter and “comfortable” place to sleep. My husband is more than capable and I would certainly hope we were in the situation together. I will say that at this point in my (our) life, a nice spa resort would be preferable.
Best wishes for a successful release of SAVING THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE.
Terrill R.
I think I could live meagerly off the land. Hopefully enough to tide me over until I have a better provider than myself.
Katrina Dehart
I’d be a goner