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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Karen Witemeyer’s newest series, Hanger’s Horsemen, is off to a great start with At Love’s Command. Set in the old West, this story is filled with cowboys, villains, danger, and suspense. But underlying all of this is the clear theme of redemption. Whitemeyer manages to fully entertain while digging deeper into the very human need to belong and atone for our wrongs.
Featuring a woman doctor and former Calvary soldier, Witemeyer sets up her readers for quite the adventure. While I felt the romance between these two characters moved a little too quickly, it fit with the fast paced action of the story. Through gun fights, abduction, and rescues, we see these characters unfold.
Readers will love the cast of characters and action packed plot Witemeyer has given us in this book. Hold on for the ride, because it’s a fun one!
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was excellent and the characters swoony! Especially Matthew Hanger. I felt like this book could easily be an excellent western movie! I’ma fan of the author and this is one of her best in my opinion. It was really nice to have a female doctor as the heroine. Josie, as Matthew called her was a strong female filled with great character. She loved fiercely. Matthew is the leader of Hangers Horsemen. They sought to do right with as little violence as possible. There are four calvarymen. I enjoyed the comradery they shared. I look forward to future books in this series! Oh and the kissing scenes were well written! I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All views stated here are my own.
At Love’s Command is an adorably cute read about a feisty lady doctor and a former Captain in the cavalry. They set out to rescue the heroine’s prodigal brother and come across all kinds of trouble and shoot outs with the outlaws who have him held hostage. I thoroughly enjoyed this read by the author. I can always count her
to have a sweet romance and an inspirational message.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my hon
To be released: June 2020
If you’re looking for a great author or book recommendation.. this is the book/author for you!
I absolutely loved this book! The characters, the setting, the storyline (which threw me for a loop, by the way!), the mystery, the action, the intrigue, the romance, the witty banter, the beautiful words of wisdom and the magical way she makes one feel closer to the Lord through her story telling. It was simply refreshing and wonderful. I was sucked in, at just a couple of pages in!
And can we talk about Karen’s writing for a sec! It just flows so perfectly- all the time, she has such a thoughtful, elegant way of expressing her words. Anyway, I loved this book and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!!!
Karen Witemeyer’s new series starts out with a bang! This book was a thrilling read, with a little more action and a little less romance than the author’s previous books, but that didn’t make it any less enjoyable than her other books. Dr. Josephine Burkett and Matthew Hanger are both strong personalities, determined to help in their own ways, and while at first, they seem to be opposites–Matt a warrior and Josie a healer–but they complement each other and work well together. The plot was fast-paced with lots of action, softened with bits of God’s love (often through Bible verses quoted by one of Matthew’s men) that uplifted the characters as well as the reader. I loved how each character had his or her own quirks and they are fiercely loyal. As always, Witemeyer has written a heartwarming story that was a pleasure to read. I’m excited to get to know the other horsemen in later books!
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Karen Witemeyer has this uncanny ability to craft a heartwarming romance with relevant spiritual threads that work their way into your heart and lodge there. Her latest novel, At Love’s Command, is just another example. I could go on and on gushing about her novels, but I’ll save that for another time.
This novel reminds me a bit of her Archer brother series, but instead of four brothers, this series focuses on four former calvarymen who form a group known as Hanger’s Horsemen. Although not brothers by birth, their bond is just as strong, and they protect their own.
Their banter made the novel, as well as the genuine respect between them. Each of the men have defining quirks that made them feel like friends. And Josephine’s response to their banter brought her into the group so seamlessly, you understand their willingness to help her.
Josephine is a strong woman, which I appreciate, but I also appreciate that she knows when to capitulate and when to stand her ground, especially when it comes to Matt. Witemeyer did a great job of fleshing out their personalities and building their relationship. It’s easy to understand their bond and the professional respect they extend one another. And to be honest, as Josephine fell in love with Matt, I did, too. I always have appreciated the strong, stoic type.
But this book provides so much more than a relationship to root for (although that’s fun, too.) There’s the friendship of four men who’ve been to battle together and survived. There’s the spiritual aspect about God guiding our steps. And there’s the characters’ growing understanding of the need to surrender it all to Him. Not just when things are going wrong but when they’re going right, too. All of this combines with a plot that will have you on the edge of your seat as you root for the hero and heroine as well as their band of friends.
Overall, At Love’s Command is an exceptionally written novel with action, adventure, romance, and spiritual threads to warm your heart, entertain your mind, and refresh your soul.
Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Karen Witemeyer writes a thrilling adventure grounded in faith, romance, and loyalty. From the prologue, Witemeyer keeps readers hooked with riveting action, beautiful characters, and a healthy dose of God’s wisdom.
Matthew Hanger, Witemeyer’s hero, is definitely swoon-worthy while remaining humble and a admirable leader. Dr. Josephine Burkett, the heroine, is intelligent and strong, a good role model for all readers. The two are supported by a wonderful collection of minor characters, who will all hopefully receive their own stories to continue this wonderful series.
A solid 5/5 stars!
I have never read a Karen Witemeyer novel that I didn’t like and this one was no exception! A fantastic beginning to a new series, At Love’s Command pulled me into the story from the very first page. The characters had depth, the plot was well paced, and Matt and Josie’s relationship had such wonderful chemistry. I loved the sparks flying between them as they faced one plot twisting challenge after another. Matt’s team had some really great new characters as well and I am hoping that the rest of the series will be about them. This is a must read for anyone who enjoyed Karen’s other books or who likes a good Western romance!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley but my opinions are my own.
Karen Witemeyer is always a must-read-hurry-to-pick-up-as-soon-as-you-can-author. She has the best westerns, the sweetest romances, and the most lovable heroes.
With a cover like At Love’s Command you can’t help but expect to love the rough, sad, broken, and in need of love, hero, Matthew Hanger. Hero Hanger, I guess you could say.
As much as I have love Mrs. Witemeyer’s other books I loved this one even more for the brotherly love that the Hanger’s Horsemen had for each other, they’d been through life and death together, they’d fought and now fell in love while watching each other’s backs.
Now, I don’t love the feminst side of Jo, who wanted to be respected, but with that aside I loved her, the fact she would do so much for the ones she loved was so sweet, I liked the faith that they both had, and they grew to have.
I was scared for a bit toward the end … I’m waiting for the day Karen Witemeyer goes so far as to kill a main character, she comes so close to it so often lately!
A lovely start to an attention commanding new series.
With the start of a new series I am saddened that it will be so long until I can get the next book but each of the guys have me eager to read their stories, especially with the way the book ended, somehow I don’t see the stories going how the characters expect, I look forward to finding how accurate my guess is or if I am one hundred percent wrong.
Also, I would love a story about Charlie after the Hanger’s Horsemen get theirs!
At Love’s Command nearly beats Head in the Clouds but not quite since you can’t beat a cute little kid even a fictional adorable kid in a book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Author Karen Witemeyer has a wonderful gift for creating characters that come alive on the page! In this redemptive tale of faith, hope, and trust, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger shoulders the burden of his haunted past, a man deeply convinced he’ll never be worthy of love. But then he meets his match—and perhaps his hope for a future—in the cleverly astute and compassionate Dr. Josephine Burkett, town surgeon, who also quietly despairs that any man would ever consider taking an emancipated lady doctor to wife. With Witemeyer’s trademark brand of wit, poignant humor, and a memorable cast of characters, At Love’s Command is a fast-moving, action packed romance that kept me up reading way past my bedtime!
Don’t let the controversy scare you away – you’ll miss a great read!
Romance novels are often criticized for a lack of realism. Yes, the beginning of this book depicts the massacre at Wounded Knee, but it does NOT romanticize this tragedy. On the contrary, it shows the horror of genocide, the horror that prompted Matthew Hanger to change his life’s path and dedicate himself to justice.
The attraction between the hero – and he is a hero! – and the heroine, Dr. Josephine Burkett is based in respect. She respects his authority as a leader and he respects her medical skills.
The action scenes give a clear picture of the conflict, the stakes, and the combatants. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
At Love’s Command is a riveting historical read with great action, a sweet romance and compelling characters that are easy to invest in and root for all the way to their happy ending.
I loved that the premise of this book centers on a group of ex-cavalrymen working together to defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. The Hanger’s Horsemen reminded me of a 1890s cowboy-version of the A-Team and I was here for it. For me, this novel’s true strength was the friendship and bond of the Horsemen – the author’s wonderful characterization of each Horsemen and their dynamic as a group has me really excited to continue reading this series. I really enjoyed the heroine, Josephine Burkett, too. A smart, capable, compassionate, and headstrong woman with a professional position as a doctor in a male dominated field during a historical period when it defied the stereotypical norm. I really liked her and admired her determination and inner strength.
For the romance, I thought Josephine and Matthew complemented each other very well and though the romance felt a bit hurried, it didn’t diminish the sweetness of their relationship. I also loved how the title referenced to the romance between the two leads yet also expertly emphasized the spiritual theme of being willing to submit our lives and surrender our control to God.
Overall, At Love’s Command is an engaging and enjoyable read that I thoroughly enjoyed and would love to read again (which is a very high bookish compliment for me)! I would definitely recommend this book!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I am an instant fan of Karen Witemeyer. She is a fantastic writer. I have heard so many good things about her books and then I won a giveaway for an ebook of At Love’s Command (Hanger’s Horsemen Book 1). This book being my first read from her, I was hooked from the first scene. Karen’s wit, writing style and, oh wow, the action in the entire book was excellent. And of course, the romance was even better. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read the next one in this series!! Bravo Karen!!
From the first word to the last Karen Witemeyer holds you captive with her graphic scenery, nail-biting action, and tender romance. At Love’s Command is the first in the Hanger’s Horsemen series and it is an incredible story. I must admit I have heard and read the stories of how people are offended by the description of the Indian massacre at Wounded Knee. This in part made me want to read the book. Mrs. Witemeyer did an admirable job of portraying her character’s involvement and feelings about it. She did not give a complete documentary, just one man’s view and his feelings. In every war there are atrocities and different sides to every story. This is such a good story. Matthew Hanger leads the four horsemen as they work to help people that need a little extra help. I loved how the horsemen worked together to do good and have scripture to fit their situation. When one of the horsemen is injured he is taken to “Doctor Jo”. Josephine Burkett. who patches him back up and then later hires the four horsemen to rescue her brother from a gang of outlaws. This book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat while biting your nails. There is action, romance, mystery, and a healthy dose of faith. I loved this book and definitely recommend it!
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House. This does not affect my review.*
So, this isn’t my standard read, and I’ll attempt to review it honestly without biased in that regard. I don’t normally read warm & fluffy reads, but to me that’s exactly how this one reads, in all the best ways! I’ll try to keep that in mind for this review.
Their are a couple TWs, mostly gore/violence as the men of Hanger’s Horsemen are seen fighting in the tragic event that is The Battle of Wounded Knee as the story opens, and later one is shot as they have become mercenaries after the battle, hanging up their uniforms to act as defenders, taking on contracts to stop outlaws and rustles as bounty hunters of sorts, but with strict morals and their Captain leading them on a path of repentance for their sins during Wounded Knee.
That said, I couldn’t help but picture Hangar’s Horsemen as something out of Bonanza or some similar setting, and Dr. Josephine is none other than Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and oddly? I loved it! I’ve always loved Dr. Quinn, but don’t often watch (or read) Western’s by choice, so it was pleasantly surprising when I found this one had a homey feel, as if I was visiting old friends and was welcomed with open arms and warm hugs!
Oh, and if you’re worried, no this story isn’t about Wounded Knee, that’s just a chapter of the Horsemen’s lives they they are trying to overcome, and while it does who in the preface chapter, it can easily be skipped if needed, as the main story happens later, a few years after their left the Calvary and while mentioned for context, doesn’t reappear in any real scenes or detail.
I kind of expected to read this one, and then leave it as a stand alone, expecting an enjoyable read but nothing more than a change or pace from my normal reads. I doubted I’d continue the series, and must less expected to feel more than passing entertainment at the characters. I never expected to love them, especially ALL of the Horsemen, & Dr. Jo and her friends! I also admit, with the Western theme and that cheesy title…I had doubts about even picking this one up for over a year, hints why it’s taken me so long! Don’t be silly like me, this one is one of the best Christian stories like this I’ve read, and not just Western/Cowboy but among Historical and other similar genre!
The power of God’s redemption
History isn’t always pretty – in fact it can be something we would prefer not to know. However, learning from history will allow us to keep things from happening again.
This first book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series starts off with just that sort of history. The horror shouldn’t be overlooked, but the learning brings a new way of dealing with life around them for Captain Matthew Hanger and his 3 compatriots. Hired as mercenaries, they seek to minimize casualties and still get the job done.
Josephine Burkett is actually Dr. Joe, well trained and yet looked at as though she couldn’t possibly do the job, because she is female. Her introduction to the Captain precipitated the comment – The poor male brain – so susceptible to gender-oriented shock. What a fabulous character for 1890!
Overall, a most enjoyable book, even for one who does not usually read Westerns. These comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
I found this book to be entertaining, extremely well-written, and deserving of recognition. This book is for those who believe in the power of prayer and the promise of redemption. It’s a reminder that good people sometimes do bad things but with God’s help can redeem themselves and atone for their sins.
I’m honestly confused by all the negative fuss over this. I read it when it first came out and was deeply moved by the redemption and convicting message in this wonderful story. In no way does this author glorify anything. If any of the naysayers actually READ the book they will know this.
Most historical books have elements of real historical events in them (the good, the bad, the ugly) – if we start having issues with that then we eliminate MOST books out there. Let’s have a little common sense here, people. If we deny history happening and refuse to read about it then we have bigger issues. This story was meaningful and actually brings about the horrors of that war and why it was wrong. Seems to me that is a good thing!
I thought this was one of my favorites for depth of feeling, conviction of beliefs and the reminder of a redemption for anyone in this fallen world. A wonderful story and a bookshelf keeper!
This was a wonderful story, the man character Matthew and his fellow ex-soldiers. They were all scarred from the terrible things that happened at Wounded Knee. Karen in no way held up the pain and suffering of the Native Americans as something people were to over look. I am a Christian and have Cherokee on my Dad’s side and Choctaw on my Mom’s. I know that Jesus doesn’t excuse the terrible things that happened in the name of growing the size of the United States, and taking it away from the People. However, He calls us to forgive.
After hearing this book was stripped of an RWA award because the prologue glorified genocide of the Native Americans at the massacre of Wounded Knee, I decided to read it for myself. My husband is of mixed heritage, part being Native American and he was not offended by this book.
Were there historical inaccuracies, yes most likely, but I don’t believe the author intended to downplay or glorify what happened. As a matter of fact this is a quote from the book: (Matthew Hanger was a) “Decorated cavalry officer who’d joined General Nelson Miles in speaking out against the atrocities that had transpired at Wounded Knee?”
So, on to the rest of the book, I found Hanger’s Horsemen to be an interesting and engaging group, and Matthew a man set on a course and brought to his knees by Jo, a female doctor with an iron will and a lot of spunk.
I liked the banter between the characters and the way relationships developed in the story. There was a lot of action, kidnapping, rescue, typical of a western and of course the romance aspect of the story. Overall, this was a great book and I’ll read others by this author.