Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger’s Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler’s bullet leaves one of them at death’s door, they’re the ones in need of saving.
Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and … skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she’s not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger’s dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine’s respect, and when she hears of her brother’s abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.
Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything–even his team–to save her.
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Matt and Josephine! Such an unlikely match. Both head strong but soften by the common goal to ease pain around them.
My heart went out for Josephine when she felt that she couldn’t practice medicine and at the same time have a family.
Matt’s job of a former Calvary officer with the famous four Horsemen to instil law and order kept him always moving, behind enemy lines and in danger. That was the only life he knew till he met the independent and strong-willed Josie.
I really enjoyed the humor in this book, some parts made me laugh out. I enjoyed reading about their love story. So wonderful and heartwarming.
Josie learn to surrender to will of God, Matt learn to open his heart again to love. They both learnt trust in God.
If you love historical romance you’d love this book.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
If you’re a fan of action-packed westerns, romance, and soul-stirring faith, then pick up a copy of At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer! From setting, pace, and character development, the author certainly delivered a commanding story that readers will love!
My favorite aspect of At Love’s Command was definitely the characters! I really loved each of the men in Hanger’s Horsemen! I loved their sense of loyalty, chivalry, and duty. Their brotherly bond brought a huge smile to my heart. While I adored Matthew Hanger — leader of Hanger’s Horsemen — I’m really hoping for a story from each of the Horsemen’s perspectives.
The book blurb wasn’t kidding when it said Matthew Hanger was haunted by the horrors of war! From the heartbreaking start at the Wounded Knee Massacre to his devastating childhood, the death and devastation Matthew witnessed twisted my gut. However, the author did a superb job at not dwelling on graphic atrocities, instead using these to shape Matthew and his vow to remain unattached. Enter Josephine, the kind of strong heroine who makes me grin! With her “ten-dollar words,” her spunky bucking of convention, and her steadfast faith as she forged her way in a profession largely dominated by men in that era, how could I not love her?
In the midst of a plethora of life-and-death situations raging around them, Josephine and Matthew’s faith journeys were — blessedly! — gentler. The way their individual relationships with God were strengthened was like a gentle rain on a sun-scorched desert. From the way Josephine had to relinquish her control of painful, scary situations to the beautiful way the author used God’s divine provision to help free Matthew from the fear of losing those he loved, readers will be convicted by the grace and love of God.
Four Stars ~ At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer is an action-packed western filled with romance and faith! At Love’s Command is the first book in the author’s new Hanger’s Horsemen Series, and I am eager to see what’s next for Hanger’s Horsemen!
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own
This is a hard review to write because I LOVE Karen Witemeyer’s books, but this one didn’t quite live up to her previous books. As always, she has some quirky characters that aren’t quite perfect (which makes them easy to love), but the book drags quite a bit in places and there’s a lot of thinking/replaying things that slowed the story down. Because of that, the dialogue wasn’t quite as snappy and engaging.
This story also had a stronger Christian tone than some of her other books — that’s not a bad thing and it didn’t feel forced or off, I just thought I’d mention it.
I’m really hoping this is a one-timer and the next book will go back to her characteristic wit and charm.
Dr. Josephine Burkett is an intelligent force to be reckoned with. She’s plucky, fierce, quick-witted, and the perfect match for a worthy gentleman. Josephine meets a less-than-perfect Matthew Hangar, who’s heart is hidden behind his brawn and mettle.
Karen Witemeyer has caused me to giggle, cheer, and sigh. All the qualities that my avid-reader person craves in a novel. And, to go on the record, Matthew Hanger just might be more swoon-worthy than the Archer men, but do not “tell” on me, please.
There are more books to come in the series, and I am looking forward to reading them, the cast of Hanger’s Horseman are memorable, loveable characters. I will be stalking Amazon for the release date for those books. Find out for yourself and join in on the fun!
I received this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to post nor write a review
Matt and Josie are memorable characters, and the book is filled with romance, action, and adventure, plus a journey of faith. The theme of redemption for anyone who is willing to trust God runs throughout.
Some people who never read this book tried to say it romanticized something evil in our nation’s history. Boy, were they wrong, and if they had actually read it (especially if they read it with an open mind and heart), they would know it. In fact, it was just the opposite of romanticizing evil. This novel showed evil for what evil is, then showed how a God of mercy can turn a person in a new direction and redeem their life from the ashes.
This is a wonderful story filled with rip-roarin’ action and lots of gunfire but its real strength is the wonderful romance between Dr. Josephine Burkett and Matthew Hanger. Yes, the new Doc in Purgatory Springs, Texas is a woman who has to constantly fight for respect so she is both shocked and grateful when a handsome ex-Calvary man accepts her skills so readily after bringing an injured friend into her office for treatment. From then on, you just know that there’s great promise for this strong, independent career woman and a man who had chosen to live a solitary life after losing his family at a young age. Will Matthew Hanger recognize his budding feelings for Josie? Is there a future for a man who often runs toward death and a woman who works to prevent it?
Josie and Matthew are fascinating individual characters but together…..well, in today’s culture, they would be known as a super couple. A female who is dedicated to treating illnesses and saving lives and a cowboy/soldier/mercenary who wants to help those unable to help themselves. And then there is the chemistry between these two. This is Christian fiction so author Karen Witemeyer allows us to imagine what might happen but there are some kissing scenes that left me breathless, as in “kisses that heated her blood and curled her toes”.
I truly loved this first book of the Hanger’s Horsemen series and I’m anxious to learn what Witemeyer plans for the future books. Corporal Luke Davenport, also known as Preach, is a man very knowledgeable of the Bible and I am hoping that he will have his own story in the near future. The Horsemen are supposedly “keeping their pistols holstered” but is this possible for Hanger’s Horsemen?
If you are looking for Western adventure, Christian romance, and a story filled with faith, you will certainly want to read At Love’s Command.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. I wasn’t required to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
I love Karen Witemeyer’s novels and this one did not disappoint! Filled with her signature humor and wit, At Love’s Command is brimming with adventure and excitement. Whether it’s playful exchanges between the members of Hanger’s Horsemen or the sweet and sassy conversations between Matt and Dr. Jo, the banter in this book guaranteed to make you smile. I instantly loved the members of Hanger’s Horsemen and their wide array of personalities and skills reminded me of the Archer brothers and the ladies of Harper’s Station. Add in a kidnapping and a touching story about trusting and surrendering to God and you’ve got a perfect summer read!
Fair warning though: you’re going to fall in love with all of the members of Hanger’s Horsemen and want to finish their stories!
Fans of Witemeyer have anxiously awaited this new series and will not be disappointed in the first book at all! I know I sure wasn’t. At Love’s Command is filled with adventure and romance on a whole new level. Hanger’s Horsemen has some pretty intense drama swirling around these ex-Cavalry men.
Matthew Hanger is a tough guy. He has to be as their leader. And there’s a code all leaders follow. “Protect your men. Complete your objective. Ignore the rest.” That has some pretty heavy ramifications later on. To see Matthew work through emotional hurts and regrets was quite a moving experience. He knows the saving grace of Jesus Christ and yet he struggles, as we all do.
Josephine Burkett is quite a forward-thinking woman for her times, being a doctor and all. She’s had to take a bold stance in order to begin carving out a place for her medical practice. When unforeseen circumstances bring Matt and his men to her door, it was fun to watch two forces collide without knocking each other out. *wink*
Plenty of excitement, both dramatic and romantic, fills the pages of At Love’s Command. Overall, I highly enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book.
I received an electronic copy from Netgalley and the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
At Love’s Command has all the elements I adore about Karen Witemeyer’s books. There is wit, great character development, a strong faith element, and a budding romance. But this first book in the Hanger’s Horseman series also includes elements of a cohesive team.
Matthew Hanger leads his group in doing justice. The man recognizes the strengths in each of the others that make him an irreplaceable part of the group, and there is a deep friendship and trust there. There’s also plenty of good-natured ribbing when these men realize Matt’s growing feelings for the pretty Dr. Josephine Burkett.
Witemeyer shows each personality of them men, as well as the intelligent and sometimes stubborn doctor, so well that I cannot wait to find out who is next in line to meet his match.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Wow! This was such an enjoyable book to read. It was full of action, adventure, daring, bravery, men of faith, and a very swoon worthy romance.
Josephine and Matthew fell for each other fairly quickly, however, I found that it made sense to me in the situations they found themselves in. The beginning of attraction moved quickly to devotion and love when lives were in danger. I thought the author did a great job of capturing their growing feelings for each other.
I love that this is the start of a new series. It was great to get to meet all of the Horsemen and I am really looking forward to reading about their stories in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
‘Horsemen never quit. We find a way to achieve the mission and we protect our own.’
Karen Witemeyer begins a new series, ‘Hanger’s Horsemen’ with this book and she’s off to a fabulous start! Matthew Hanger, ex Calvary officer and three of his buddies forma band of mercenaries, bringing justice to those who are oppressed. He lands on Dr. Josephine Burkett’s doorstep when one of his men is wounded. Dr. Jo is sassy and not inclined to allow Matt’s idea of women doctor to deter her. Soon, though, Josie needs Matt’s and the Horsemen’s professional help.
‘God’s warriors had been outnumbered and outmatched before, and that hadn’t stopped them from facing their enemies and emerging victorious.’
I have never missed a Karen Witemeyer book and have enjoyed them all. But this one totally captivated me. From the opening sentence to the last, my interest never once waned. Not one bit. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I would love this book. Just knew it. Very well written with a cast of characters that completely endeared themselves to me (except the bad guys), I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of this book. And Witemeyer has included some deep spiritual truths here as well, lessons we could all take to heart.
Witemeyer’s portrayal of Hanger’s Horsemen had me loving these men–men of honor and integrity who never abandon a mission and fight for justice. And there are four horsemen, so there are more books coming!! Witemeyer truly shines here! I very highly recommend this book and author.
‘I might not know you well, Matthew Hanger, but I’ve seen your heart. The world would be a darker place without you in it.’
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed here in this review are completely my own.
I just discovered this author back in May of this year, and loved what I read so much that I have since bought and read all of her books…..including this one. I read it on June 11, and left a brief review on Goodreads. I rarely leave a long review for books I buy and did not receive to review.
However, with the controversy about the book and the wrong actions of the Romance Writers of America, I felt I should write a review.
Quick explanation: some whiny people claims the book romanticizes genocide, so after the author received an award for the book, the Romance Writer’s of America took the award back to make a whiny minority happy.
The book starts out with the Calvalry rounding up some Native Americans, but some of the Calvalry started slaughtering them. The 4 main characters of this series tried to stop it, and afterward left the military in disgust at what happened, and formed a group to fight injustice. The book does NOT romanticize genocide, and in fact makes it out to be very, very bad and evil.
On to the review: I loved the book. The author created 4 very different and likable guys, and the book has a lot of action and romance. It is pretty much a western, but so much better than the westerns I read when I was a lot younger. I thought it sounded good enough, so I pre-ordered the sequel and enjoyed it just as much…..and am looking forward to reading the third and final book when it comes out.
I highly recommend this book, and the author…..and stand firm against the accusations against it and the actions of the deplorable Romance Writers of America.
I have never read a Karen Witemeyer book that I haven’t enjoyed. This book was no exception. This author has a way with words where I can connect with the characters and understand their motivations behind their actions and could feel their emotions. I enjoyed steping back in time and felt I was firmly in the old west without any modernizations popping up. The H was perfectly written and had a strength of character with some wonderful sentiment directed to the h that makes the reader go “awww” & do a happy sigh. The h aslo had strength and was a good match for Matt (H). The ending had some fast paced action that made the book difficult to put down but not rushed at all. The story had a nice flow, great dialogue and fabulous secondary characters. I can totally imagine this being a great western with some action for my husband and sweet romance for myself. I enjoyed each character from the H’s close friends and would absolutely love to read their stories. This book is a Christian book but not preachy or heavy handed. There are scritpure references that are sprinkled in through the characters and flowed seemsly into the story. There was a nice theme of the book that God is in the details of our life. Karen Witemeyer is an auto read/buy for me.
This series might just be my new favorite of Karen Witemeyer’s! I loved this first book-it was full of the perfect combination of adventure and romance. Five solid stars!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Have you ever read a book by Karen Witemeyer? If not, you are missing out on some of the best fiction books out there. At Love’s Command is the first book in a new 3 (or 4) book series and wowzah what a fun start to the series it was. Even if you do not like westerns, I can guarantee that you will like this one. Karen Witmeyer has a similar writing style to that of Mary Connealy, and Ronie Kendig.
I think I smiled within the first few pages of At Love’s Command as Karen Witemeyer brought forth her character’s fun wit and charm. I loved their believable personalities and their willingness to be strong in their beliefs. Matthew is now one of my favorite male characters ever. He showed humility, leadership, love, and most of all a deep trust in turning to God with any problem that came his way. Dr. Josephine was also a most likable character, I loved her “10-dollar words”, and the verbal sparring she uses with Matthew and others from The Horsemen gang. She was also a strong independent woman, but she was humble and showed wisdom when she knew others had better knowledge of the situation than she did. I will say it again, I LOVED this combination of characters.
The storyline pulled me in right from the very beginning, as I said, I was smiling from some of the interactions within the first few pages. It was so believable, combined with the bits of history thrown in, interwoven with some good action, and the theme of turning to God in every situation made this book so enjoyable for me. I will definitely be reading the rest of the books in this series.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the great characters, the intriguing storyline (that I am so looking forward to reading more of), and for the characters continually pointing back to God as their source of strength and wisdom. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I really enjoyed this book! There was a good mix of action, adventure, and romance in this book.
I really liked the main character, Matthew Hanger. He was a very like able character. He was a honest and trustworthy man, too.
Dr. Josephine Burkett is another character I really liked. She is a loyal and compassionate friend to others.
I highly recommend this book! The author did an excellent job of making her characters come to life.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. No positive review was required.
Wonderful characters that pull you into the pages of this story. The Hangers Horseman was a great addition to the plot. I enjoyed every shoot out, so much action and strategy to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The author brings romance, betrayal and justice to creat an epic story that keeps the reader in a stupor of delight. There is so much to love about this book including how God’s greatness shone has he provided for the Hangers Horseman. Witemeyer weaves a tale of love, duty and courage to bring about a book that is sure to be a best seller.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
The Trouble with Relatives!
Josie is a no-nonsense, woman doctor trying to break into the man’s world of medicine in 1893. She is headstrong and does as she pleases.
Matthew Hanger is a hardened, ex-military man, used to giving orders and having them obeyed. He heads Hanger’s Horsemen a legendary group of former soldiers. They are famous for the use of their guns and bravery to solve difficult cases everyone else has given up on.
Hold on to your seat, because when the Josie and Matthew meet, everything explodes. There are kidnappings, shoot outs, loved one’s betrayal, vicious killers, intrigue, a bit of romance, a touch of humor, God’s provision along with life and death situations. Wow!
This entertaining tale will keep you reading pages as fast as you can. I highly recommend this 5 plus-star book to those who enjoy clean, exciting stories of the American West and its heroes.
Bethany Publishing House has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, At Love’s Command, for the purpose of review.
I grew up watching westerns and frontier movies like McClintock!, Rio Bravo, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Escape from Fort Bravo, Unconquered, The Searchers, The Proud Rebel, and Red River. In At Love’s Command, Karen revives the world of 1800s Texas, full of outlaws, cavalrymen, and heroes and heroines with backbone. Reading this story took me back into that western story arena I love.
The Characters:
Matthew’s character lived through a heartbreaking childhood and the Battle of Wounded Knee, both of which formed him into the compassionate-but-aloof, take-charge character he is. Josephine has attained her dream of becoming a doctor but, at 28, is an “old maid” by the society standards of her time. I related a lot to her desire for a family and wondering what the future holds. Karen creates a fun brotherhood between Matthew, Mark, Luke (“Preach”), and Jonah. Watching them interact on the page brought back fun memories of watching “compadre” westerns like The Sons of Katie Elder, High Chaparral, Open Range, and El Dorado.
The Romance:
With Matthew’s tough background, he’s reluctant to allow anyone close—anyone but his “brothers,” who survived battle alongside him. But when he finally admits he’s not getting Josephine off his mind anytime soon, he woos her with a gentle, honest pursuit. I love to see this in stories. Ladies admire men who have the tenacity to initiate a conversation, a friendship, then a relationship. Even if a couple finds they aren’t suited, a true lady will admire his courage to be intentional in finding out if they are a match. This is one trait that makes Matthew a heart-melting, stand-out storybook hero. But their relationship isn’t without its struggle. Josephine has reservations about involving herself with a man who makes his living with his guns. She’s dedicated her life to making the sick and injured well. There’s also the little matter of her brother, whose circumstances of being kidnapped by outlaws endanger Josephine and Matthew and everyone they love.
Pacing/Stakes:
In the beginning, we’re concerned about Matthew’s gunshot friend, then the romance develops rather quickly between Josephine and Matthew. They are both adults past the normal marrying age, and with Matthew being in a line of work where time isn’t guaranteed, once he opens up to the idea of a woman in his life, he wastes no time making his interest known. Emotional and romantic development make up the second quarter of the book, but the pages still turn fast all the way through until the ending. Action-wise, the story starts off with a bang, then really picks up again around the midpoint.
Spiritual Thread:
The characters struggle between keeping a tight rein on their circumstances or surrendering control to God. A theme that echoes in the heart of every Christian.
Oh my, what a hero Matthew is! He was such a fun character to meet and his love for his Josie was so fun to read and swoon at. This book has a ton of excitement and kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next. I think this story has a bit more danger than Karen’s previous stories and it was hard to put down when life intruded(which it did far to much!). I can not wait to see all of Hanger’s Horsemen get their happy endings!! The next story can’t come soon enough to suit me!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.