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.
more
“Be still…” has been my “mantra” or at least what I remind myself of late. Can you guess my surprise when I see a similar message in Karen Witemeyer’s latest release, At Love’s Command from @bethanyhousefiction. It’s a funny thing, but whenever I pick up one of the author’s books, I expect to be entertained, yet, I always come away with something more. You would think I’d learn by now to always expect the unexpected with her books!u2060
u2060
At Love’s Command gives any historical romance loving reader a run for their money, and add in the action, one will just not want to put the book down – at all! From the rather visual opening scene to what comes next for the Hanger’s Horsemen, riveting scene one after the other, my emotions were all over the place. From surprises to expectations met, to disgust and love for some characters, to anger, humor and warmth all in one book, I closed the last page with satisfaction and anticipation for what and which of the Horsemen comes next in this brand new series. Top off the well crafted stories and characters, readers are left with more than one message to come to grips with. u2060
u2060
“I’m afraid, Lord. Afraid to completely surrender. Afraid that if I have no control over the outcome, it won’t end the way I desire.”u2060
u2060
u2060
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.u2060
At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer is the first book in her Hanger’s Horsemen series. Ex-calvary officer Matthew Hanger is trying to forget his past. Forming a partnership with a few men from his calvary unit they vow to help the innocent. Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to having to work extra hard to earn respect as a female doctor. She earns the respect of the Hanger’s Horsemen when she treats one of their members. Now, her brother is kidnapped and she needs their help to rescue him. Wow! I loved this book. I stayed up way too late to finish it. The chemistry between Josie and Matthew was great and the way that the men treated each other was a reminder of the code of the west. I love a good western and this ranks right up there at the top. I can just imagine if this was a movie, I think John Wayne would have made a good Matthew!
I received this book from the author for my honest review.
At Love’s Command is the first book in Karen Witemeyer’s new series, Hanger’s Horsemen. With colorful, engaging characters, witty banter, lots of intrigue, and plenty of twists and turns, the series is off to a great start. Matthew Hanger is a fantastic hero—protective, skilled, dedicated, and courageous. Dr. Josephine Burkett has many of the same traits, but is also feisty and doesn’t hesitate to use her extensive vocabulary to annoy Matthew. I enjoyed the banter between them and seeing their relationship develop. The stellar secondary cast added much to the story, and I’m anxiously awaiting reading more about Luke ‘Preach’ Davenport, Jonah Brooks, and Mark Wallace and the adventures they have.
Preach’s scripture quoting was a fun addition to the story. He could call up the perfect scripture to fit any situation.
“’If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed . . . nothing shall be impossible unto you.’ Time for some mustard, boys!”
If you like historical fiction with intrigue, suspense, humor, inspiration, and a big dash of romance, you’re sure to enjoy this tale. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author and Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.
The first in the Hangar’s Horsemen series by Karen Witemeyer is a must-read for anyone who loves westerns! I could not put this book down from the very first page. Ms. Witemeyer has the best characters; I love that they are flawed but are always trying to be better. The setting is the old west and who doesn’t love a cowboy? Or a damsel in distress?
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves westerns, Christian fiction, and happily ever after!
Karen Witemeyer’s newest novel, At Love’s Command features four cowboys who seek justice. After an important battle changed their perspective on being a soldier, the four friends decided to change course and help the unfortunate. The four men work seamlessly together to make a wonderful pact of heroes. The story features revenge, ransom, a kidnapping, and hunting for love. The male hero is interesting and brave. Once he fell in love, he didn’t allow the thought of love to run away. The heroine, Dr. Josephine, is brave and not afraid of anything. She falls in love quickly and will do anything for the safety of those she loves and injured. I love the male cowboy on the cover. Most Christian Fiction features the heroine, so it was nice to see this becoming a thread especially with this publisher. Overall, At Love’s Command was a delightful introduction to a new series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I really loved this introduction to the Hanger’s Horsemen series. Jo and Matt drew me into their story immediately. This is such a great start to a new series! I really loved meeting the Horsemen and getting to know Matt. I also really loved Jo’s spunk and strength. I can’t wait to get to know the rest of the Horsemen better in the next few books!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are mine own.
I went and fell in love with Hanger’s Horsemen. Once you get your hands on this book you’ll know exactly what I mean. Witemeyer did it again. I found this book totally impossible to put down. I easily loved Matthew and his unique band of mercenaries. Then again, who wouldn’t love a group of men who take on jobs to help the helpless, and do so with out casualties. But don’t tell the outlaws that. Matthew is fiercely loyal to his men, and would do anything in his power to help and protect them. I love watching how he interacted with them, and the way Josephine got under his skin so quickly. Definitely a swoon-worthy love story. Witemeyer had me laughing out loud, holding my breath, and sighing in delight. I loved every moment and can’t wait to see what she does next. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Historical Romance. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Loved. It!
The first handful of pages were heartbreaking and I really didn’t like to stomach it. So glad I pushed through that initial sadness and reminder of a sad part of American history.
When one of the Hanger’s Horsemen, Wallace, is injured and needs medical attention, Matthew seeks assistance at the nearest town. To their surprise, the town doctor is a woman. After she competently cares for Wallace, they leave only to be stopped within hours to come to Doc Jo’s brother’s aid.
Josie and Matthew are great. I love them individually and together. Josie is strong and self-assured and a pioneer for female physicians. Every woman she symbolizes is admirable for pushing through stereotypes and taking on the hardship of moving out west, to the middle of nowhere, in order to pursue a career. Matthew is a soldier through and through, tough, commanding, and honorable. But I love that he has a marshmallow center in his feelings for Josie.
The whole book is, simply put, fantastic. I really enjoyed the characters, good and bad, and the plot. I definitely recommend it!
Thank you, Bethany House and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All thoughts in this review are my own.
A Witmeyer book is certain to give me a break from the everyday, and with the news over the past few weeks and months, that escape is sorely needed. I can also say, however, that while I take that break from reality, I also get a good dose of the reminder that there is hope beyond today’s world, and love still exists in our broken lives, regardless of the situation.
The characters in this particular story really spoke to me and captured my heart early on. I’m not sure exactly why since I don’t have a whole lot in common with either one, but they were so well-drawn and fleshed out, I felt like I was visiting with friends throughout the novel. Maybe it’s because they aren’t perfect, but they also have an internal compass that drives them to be better than they already are.
Matthew is truly a man of honor. I loved getting to hear this thought processes and see his care, both for his team, and as he came to love Josephine. And I adored our introduction to the doctor; her sassy response to Matthew’s assumption that the doctor must be a man had me laughing out loud. Beneath their exteriors of honor and sass, however, beat hearts with real wounds that a doctor cannot heal.
The romance between Matt and Josie is sweet and slow building, but with plenty of chemistry that kept me hopeful and smiling, even when they were challenging each other and somewhat at odds. In any relationship on the page, I like to see the characters making others better versions of themselves, and that was certainly the case for this couple.
This book is also quite timely, with characters ahead of their setting in history, in accepting and respecting those from different backgrounds and with different talents, despite their gender or skin color. It was an encouraging picture of how things can be when we see each other as people, all belonging to the human race and deserving honor simply because we are all created in God’s image.
As always, the author gives us the full package: characters to root for, a fascinating plot, and a beautiful romance, situated within a setting that transports the reader to another place while still staying grounded within our faith. We’re reminded that good still exists and that people can improve the world around us, starting with the people next to whom we’re standing.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Matthew Hanger, Luke Davenport, Mark Wallace and Johan Brooks make up the Hanger’s Horseman. They started their group after a particularly nasty battle, vowing to only take a life if their was no other recourse. An injury to Mark has them traveling to Purgatory Springs to a Dr Joe, for his medical needs. Matthew raises his eyebrows when he discovers Dr Joe, is actually Dr Jo, but gives her room to do her job. A missive from her home sends them on a mission, that adds layers to what they originally had planned. Fast paced story, with wonderful characters and a wonderful start to a new series set in Texas. This book will garner your attention until the last page. Looking forward to what is in store for the rest of this series!
A complimentary copy was provided by Bethany House. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
In her new book, At Love’s Command, Karen Witemeyer tells the story of ex-calvary officer Matthew Hanger and his group of mercenaries known as Hanger’s Horsemen in Texas. While trying to do good works together, one of them takes a bullet and needs a doctor. Dr. Josephine Burkett earns the respect of the men as she performs surgery and removes a bullet. Not long after, her brother is abducted and she calls on the Horseman to help her. Matthew and the other men come to her assistance although things don’t look quite right from their angle. What is going on?
I have read several of Witemeyer’s books before reading At Love’s Command. I enjoy her style and I like that she adds bits of humor within the story. Looking at this picture of Matthew on the cover makes it easy to picture how a lady of the 1890s could be attracted to him. He also has a nice smile on the little picture posted on the spine of the book. I so liked that the Hanger’s Horsemen were doing good and were asking God about their plans throughout the book. I also like that they looked to the Bible for their wisdom. The romance was there but not real prominent throughout the book. I most enjoyed the beginning where Dr. Jo was working with the men in her office. There were some cute scenes there. At the same time, At Love’s Command read more like a western movie than the other historical novels that I have read by Witemeyer. Each book in this new series will tell about the four men in the group of Hanger’s Horseman and I think that will be interesting so I am looking forward to the next installment. According to Witemeyer, the next book will feature two of the men in the group. I would say that the ending of At Love’s Command was predictable but in our unstable times right now, I was okay with that.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer is the first story in her new series, Hangar’s Horsemen. I really like the idea of this series – a group of mercenaries that protect the innocent.
This story has a sweet romance and a lot of action. I really enjoyed the beginning of the story when Matt and Josie met. Their banter and getting to know each other was fun. I also liked the banter and camaraderie between the guys. I did feel like the story had some slow parts in the middle and I would’ve liked more page time with Josie and Matt, as well as more romance. I’m looking forward to the second book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
After battling war as a Cavalry Officer and Captain, Matthew Hanger has a new mission. He will pursue justice, but without ever taking a life in vain. He and his closest friends (family for him) form the group Hanging Horsemen and they are hired as a kind of law enforcement to solve problems, capture bandits and rustlers, and promote peace. This group of friends means everything to him. As an orphan, he was raised by a disciplined uncle, and he’s a men of honor and duty, and loyal to his country and friends to the bone. After suffering loss, he’s sure he’s not meant to marry: his job is too risky to put someone through that stress; plus, love means risk of losing and hurting, so he’s better of as he is, honor bound to his people and his closest friends.
But his way of thinking gets shaken, as he lands in Dr. Jo Burkett office, while taking seriously injured Wallace to the nearest and only Doctor in Purgatory Springs, the nearest town to where his friend was shot in the shoulder, while capturing some rustlers. But Dr. Jo is not what he expected: instead of a bald and aging male Doctor, she’s not only a woman, but a beautiful one at that, with a fierce and loyal spirit that he can’t help but be attracted to…
Josephine Burkett has worked long and hard to earn her respect as the town doctor. It hasn’t been easy, but gradually, people –and men- have been warming up to her enough to trust them with their health. But her ordinary life gets shattered when Matthew arrives with his wounded friend.There’s something about Matthew, his devotion to his friends, his loyalty, his selfless nature that pulls her… And just when she’s lamenting his leave, she gets a note that says her rebellious and irresponsible younger brother has been kidnapped by a dangerous gang. Not only that, but her father refuses to pay the ransom, wanting to give his son a lesson he won’t forget. But Jo’s loving nature, she’s been like a mother to him after their mother died, can’t allow her brother to be in such a dangerous situation, and is afraid he’s suffering harm from the gang so she runs to the only man –and group of men- that she can think will be able to save her brother, for her sake.
This new mission will embark them on an amazing and dangerous western adventure, where they will be able to test if this attraction is deeper than they think, and loyalty and friendship will have an important role too. Will Matthew succeed on his mission in rescuing Jo’s brother? Will the Hanging Horsemen cooperate? Will Jo and Matthew have a chance at love in spite of Matthew’s dangerous and unstable career?
This was a beautiful and touching story, especially because of the characters. Matthew was a true hero: his love and admiration for Josie was a sight to behold, and his selfless love that made him risk his life without a doubt in order to keep his promise to Jo and bring her happiness. Not a man of many words, and with a bit of a broken neart, but his actions said so much more about his generous and loyal nature. I loved Jo’s feisty and determined character. Well, she needed those qualities in order to become a Doctor in a place and time where women were supposed to just marry, and take care of their husband and children. She was unique and genuine, and so tenderhearted. She will do anything for her brother even if he doesn’t correspond as he should to her sisterly love. And she was the perfect match for Matthew to heal his heart and open it to a happiness he never imagined.
The plot kept me reading until late at night. There was constant action and adventure. There were also funny moments, banter and dialogue between the main characters and their friends, which just charmed me. I love this kind of lighthearted relationships, even if there’s a bit of drama here and there.
All in all, a beautiful story, very enjoyable and entertaining, with a sweet and endearing romance, and many uplifting insights about faith and trusting God with your life, about selfless love, true friendship and loyalty. And redemption too…!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes Historical Romances with a lighthearted and inspiring touch. Can’t wait to read more about the Hanging Horsemen characters, they all grew on me!
To me this story is about devotion. Devotion to your country, your fellow soldiers, your horse!, your honor, your duty, your family and your woman/man Matthew started out as a Captain in the Army. However, he was greatly disillusioned at Wounded Knee and needed to find something else that would fill his need to help others in an honorable way so Hanger’s Horsemen was born. He & 3 other men from his Army days took on jobs that helped the people not helped by law enforcement & other types of jobs. When one of his men is seriously wounded, he finds a doctor and wouldn’t you know, it’s a woman! Dr. Jo is a feisty gal who is used to having people not wanting her to treat them because she’s a woman. Matthew doesn’t care about that. I loved the two of them together. They were such opposites but fit together so well. Matthew so quiet, yet filled with honor & duty. Josie so cheerful, yet determined and pushy! When her brother is kidnapped, she asks The Horsemen to rescue him. It’s dangerous but they don’t hesitate and of course, Josie gets involved. She’s a darn good doctor! There are a lot of outlaw shootouts and strategy in this book but also a lot of sweet redemption! I loved every page! I also loved the great love between a man and his horse that was shown in this story. This author writes so realistically! I wait so anxiously for each book!
A great wild west book! Matthew Hanger and the Hanger Horsemen are dedicated to helping the innocent and not taking a life unless absolutely necessary! One of the Horsemen takes a bullet and they need help. Imagine their surprise when Doc turns out to be an attractive young female! Doc Jo is a great female protagonist as she rides with the Horsemen to rescue her brother from kidnappers. Matthew’s family was killed by Indians when he was five years old and he has determined he will never have a family again. If you like historical fiction, you will enjoy At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer. I received an advance e-book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. This is my honest opinion.
The first thing that caught my attention was the name of the author. Since I’ve read a few of her books and I liked them I was quick to snatch up this book. Also the unique information on the two main characters was the second thing.
This was a good solid story with plenty of action and men of honor fighting men without honor. Each of Hanger’s Horsemen were interesting in their own right. They worked so well together as a team too.
Dr. Jo as she is called is a honest, hard-working dedicated physician. She also has strong family ties. I liked her spunk and grit and how she and Matt spark off each other.
Added to the fight against evil is the reliance on God which was something that I enjoyed. It added to the story without taking over. There were also several times where divine intervention comes to play. Being at the right place at the right time with people and things that were needed seemed just right.
Good ending of the story with an Epilogue that rounds things out very nicely.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer is a satisfying story of adventure and romance. Dr. Jo was not at all who Matt Hanger expected when he brought gravely injured Mark Wallace to her door. He expected a man. He wasn’t sure she was up to saving Wallace but she was his only hope. And hope he did because he met his match in this fiery woman doctor.
Josephine Burkett worked hard to get the town to accept her as their physician. She didn’t need a member of the famed Hanger’s Horsemen to come in and upset her practice. What a surprise for both of them when they discovered a bond that would unite them through the gravest conflict of their lives.
I enjoyed this book because it is entertaining, witty and portrays a woman who stepped out in courage as a doctor in the old west. It is also carries a serious side with characters who show their courage and committment as they battle for their lives and the life of Jo’s reckless brother. Spoiled and out of money, he got more than he bargained for when his latest scheme for money endangered all he held dear. This is one of those books that is a perfect addition for that summer reading list. I received an advance reader copy of this book for review but my opinions and recommendations are my own. Pick up a copy at your favorite bookseller.
Karen Witemeyer’s At Love’s Command is an entertaining read, a delightful beginning to the new Hanger’s Horseman series. I love this author’s writing style and historical subject matter. She seamlessly injects plenty of romance, an abundance of action, a bit of humor, and a significant amount of faith to her stories. It is obvious when reading that Witemeyer has done her research both historically and spiritually, but her stories are never dry or a regurgitation of facts.
I love a tale in which someone has made up his mind to live life a certain way and God steps in and says, “I have a better idea.” Such is the case with the two main characters, Doctor Josephine and Matthew Hanger. Once I started reading this one, I could not put it down. It may be a new favorite of her books.
Secondary characters added greatly to this novel. We meet the other 3 horsemen and our appetites are whetted for up-coming stories. The bad guys in this book sure stir up a lot of negative emotion as well. I mean, what’s a good western without a really bad guy?
I definitely recommend this book for readers of historical Christian romance.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
At Love’s Command is the first book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series. It follows a loyal group of men who served together in the cavalry. This bonds them together as brothers and as friends. Matthew Hanger is the leader of Hanger’s Horsemen. He’s rough and gruff and has a heart the size of Texas. It’s kind of hard to protect a heart that big! 🙂
Josephine Burkett – our heroine! – is as fierce as they come. She’s given up her dreams of finding love and having a family, but she has funneled that passion into her work as a doctor.
Matthew and Josie don’t seem like a likely pair, but the chemistry between them is instantaneous and hard to deny.
I am always impressed by Karen Witemeyer’s work. She is one of my favorite authors. I have never read a book of hers that I didn’t like. Of course there are some I like more than others, and this is one of them. I love these men! They’re good, strong, Godly men. It was fun to read a Western “romance” novel that was mostly written from this hardened soldier’s point of view. I loved seeing his bond with his men and his love for Josie.
There were definitely some twists and unexpected turns. I am currently reading this book for the second time after finishing it just a few days ago. I never do that, but I felt like I hurried through it so fast the first time just so I could know what happened. Now I’m taking my take and savoring the words. 😉
Highly recommended! Can’t wait to read the other Horsemen’s stories!
At Love’s Command. Amazing story. Couldn’t close the book once I opened it. For readers that live to read about History, War, Romance and God’s undying message for our lives this book will capture you from the beginning. Besides who doesn’t love horses and handsome cowboys.
Set in Texas in the year 1890’s. Is where we meet Former Cavalry Officer Mathew Hanger. Who after being in the military now retired he is joined by other fellow man using their military knowledge in defending innocent people in need of help that nobody else does. Their choice now is not using guns to get their point out only when needed. Also, Dr. Josephine Burkett aka Dr. Joe lives in a
town where she works hard to get respected and make a stand as a medical woman where men don’t take her medical skills seriously. Though tough, strong and determined she fights to make her mark.
Then when Matt is protecting people one of his men gets hurt he goes to Dr. Joe thinking is a man only to find that Dr Joe is actually a woman that knows her stuff. Dr. Josephine knows of cavalry soldiers she doesn’t like all the guns and finding guns to be the only way of resolving things. But when Dr Joe’s brother Charlie needs help, she turns to the person that can help her brother Matt and his team. You will also meet Corporal Luke aka: “Preach” who recites verses for every situation which brings strength to Matt hearing them.
This story is filled Suspense, excitment, action packed, Romance and God’s everylasting love and Faith that we can find in him. I enjoyed reading this story. I can’t wait for the second book to see who’s story of the Hanger Horsemen will be next. I enjoyed the way Author Karen Witemeyer entwined this Inspirational story with Bible verses, history and Romance to create and bring to us this outstanding must read story. You don’t want to miss it.
I received a complimentary ARC from the Publisher for my Honest Personal opinion of the story. Thank you Karen for such a great story and amazing book cover.