Cover Image: At Love's Command

At Love's Command

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I read this book in a day, y'all. There's not a dull moment to be had; I couldn't look away from this book if you paid me.

Matthew Hanger makes an excellent hero, flawed and honest and steady. And Josephine Burkett is the perfect heroine to round him out--compassionate, sassy, and incredibly intelligent. The horsemen are so well-written, each with distinctive personalities but the same loyal hearts. I cannot wait to read their stories! I'll be stalking the internet, anxiously awaiting release dates.

I sighed, grinned like a dork, and even teared up on occasion. This is just a good, old-fashioned five-star read across the board. Don't miss it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All expressed opinions belong to me.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting it down. I especially enjoyed getting to know the members of Hanger’s Horsemen and can’t wait to read more about another member of the team. Their devotion to each other and to helping others was very compelling.

Jo is an interesting lady too. She’s got a lot of gumption to go along with all her high-falutin’ vocabulary. Her relationship with Matthew builds quickly but it didn’t bother me. It was beautiful hearing her relate to Matthew and his regrets with compassion and wisdom.

I appreciated the writing style. It was very picturesque. “No woman deserved a life with a man who carried demons in his saddlebags” (location 750). It was just a great read. I’d highly recommend it.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book is SO good! I loved it! It has the typical Karen Witemeyer "specialness" about it.

The prologue had me questioning whether I would be sorry I agreed to review this book. There's no question that the prologue is violent. However, that scene plays a critical role in who Matthew Hanger and Hanger's Horsemen are.

I loved Josephine right away. What a great heroine! I so appreciated that she followed God's leading into medicine even though she knew it could prevent her from having a family of her own, since, at the time, female doctors were not readily accepted. She had spunk and was brave.

I loved watching Matthew and "Josie" develop feelings for each other. Matthew had to wrestle with some issues from his past that Josephine put into perspective based on her experiences which was great. I also loved the spiritual message throughout the book.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

As always Karen Witemeyer bring a book that you can not put down. Filled with characters that you fall in love with and a story line that demands that you need to know what is on the next page. I truly hate to see any of her books come to an end.

Was this review helpful?

This one was hard to put down.! Tons of action as Matthew Hanger and his group help out Dr. Jo rescue her brother from outlaws. As they try to figure out who is friend and who is foe, they discover the only one they need to rely on is God.

Was this review helpful?

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.”

Was this review helpful?

Every time I read a Karen Witemeyer book I am reminded of why she is my favorite author. The romance that she writes is so swoon-worthy! I love how innocent it is, yet you can feel the chemistry and the love between the couple. Every book I have read by her is added to my favorites list. She writes amazing love stories with enough action to keep the book moving at a quick pace.

This book does have a lot of scriptures, praying, and learning to trust God in it, and more so than some of her other books. I love that, but if you are someone that doesn’t this might not be the book for you.

5 stars
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I always enjoy a book where the female lead is not a shrinking violet. Josephine is certainly not that. She is opinionated. She is sassy. She is smart. And she is a doctor!

Matt had no room for romance in his life. He just didn't meet Dr. Jo yet.

Matt is the whole package. He is handsome, strong and a decent man. He valued Jo's strengths and loved her for them.

Two strong characters that are drawn to each other, both fighting their feelings but realizing that love can't be denied. Disaster strikes and each must fight for what they hold dear.

I loved how their faith carried them in good times and bad. Their faith encouraged them when it appeared that all was lost. They never gave up. During these times in the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to hold on to our faith.

I enjoyed this story and look forward to more books in the series. You can't go wrong with any books written by Karen Witemeyer.

Was this review helpful?

Every time I read a Karen Witemeyer book I am surprised all over again at how much I love her writing style, characters and the romance that just leaps off the page. Either I’ve got a bad memory or every book she writes just gets better and better.

I was a little worried by the first chapter. Would the heroes of the book be made heroic at the expense of Native Americans and a white-washed history? I need not have worried. Horrified by the events and massacre he and his men are commanded to be involved in, Matthew Hanger and his three men leave the cavalry and create Hanger’s Horsemen. They are hired guns, working to arrest criminals and help those needing protection from gangs and bad guys. During one such job, one of Matt’s men is injured and he races to find the nearest doctor. He is surprised to find Dr Jo is actually Dr Josephine Burkett. Josephine is a good doctor and striving to prove that women make excellent health practitioners. When Jo’s brother is taken captive and held for ransom, she turns to Matt and his men for help.

As always, the love story Karen Witemeyer has penned comes to life off the page. It’s romantic, and the chemistry between Josephine and Matt is off the charts. But there is also a shared understanding between them. Even though there isn’t a lot of time for them to connect between pulling bullets out of shoulders and riding after the gang who hold her brother hostage, Josephine and Matt do get some time to share their past hurts, something the other can relate to, and a shared respect for each other. There is also lots of time for kisses, which I am pleased to report.

Matt is a wonderful hero for this book, a little rough around the edges, commanding, hiding deep hurts and very protective of Josephine, but also smart enough to value her for her choices and strength. And Josephine isn’t afraid to tell Matt what she thinks. She stands up against the world, but is kind and caring and knows to play to her strengths.

Alongside Matt and Josephine are Matt’s men, Mark, Joesph and Luke, who are equally important to this story. I can’t wait to continue the Hanger’s Horsemen series and see each of them find love and a hope-filled future.

Historical romance with a touch of danger and action? You’ll love At Love’s Command.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

At Love's Command is everything you want and expect from a cowboy novel. From beginning to end it's filled with action. Matt Hanger is part of a famous group of horsemen and Josephine Burkett is a doctor who heals them. When her brother ends up kidnapped by a gang of outlaws she calls on Hanger for help.
The romance develops quickly and the novel doesn't cover much time, so it's a whirlwind that's somehow believable. I was confused by Matt's age at first since he mentioned things about the Civil War, but this was thirty years later. Halfway through the book it stated he was 37 and she was 28. I'm not sure why, but it bugged me for a while I couldn't quite figure out his age. But when that's the only issue I had with the book you know it's worth reading.
I loved that Josie was a strong independent woman who didn't need a man, yet fell for one when the time was right. Totally relate to that. I also like the real and honest descriptions of attraction and emotion that some Christian authors are afraid to describe, yet everyone knows those feelings are real.
If you love a good cowboy story you'll love this, and it's not too heavy on the romance, and has lots of action so I think it will appeal to a wider audience range than it may even be targeted at.
Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorites, but it's been a while since I'd read one of hers. Thank you netgalley for the chance to review it!

I was given a copy of At Love's Command by netgalley for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

At Love's Command is first in the Hanger's Horsemen series. This one featured Josephine, a doctor and Matthew who is leader of the Hanger's Horsemen. I did not enjoy this book as much as I have previous books by this author. Part of the reason was I had a hard time connecting with Josephine. It did get suspenseful toward the middle of the book when Josephine's life was in danger by some evil men. I look forward to reading this rest of the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for providing me a digital copy of this book to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

Author Karen Witemeyer starts this new series with guns blazing! This historical western has so much action that I couldn’t stop reading it.

Strong, well developed characters draw you right into the story. Matthew and Josephine make incredible main characters who, though they seem complete opposites, really have much in common. The men of Hanger’s Horsemen are strong and have hearts to help the oppressed. All is done through seeking God and His Word in the natural way of a believer.

Lots of action, some chuckles, love of family, and of course a bit of romance make this a great book. I’m looking forward to Book 2 and already wondering which of the Hanger’s Horsemen that one will be about.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Was this review helpful?

True to Karen Witemeyer's style, she's created characters who are easy to love and we want to root for!

Matt, Mark, Luke... and Jonah are a bunch of retired cavalry men who are always willing to help those in need and were willing to hire them. Matt's experience with loss causes him to avoid relationships. He and his men meet Dr. Jo and sparks fly. It was fun to read how Matt reacts to Jo when he's avoided relationships for so long - aside from the friendships he's made with this loyal friends.

Dr. Jo is feisty and a woman ahead of her time. She's always ready to challenge anyone who doesn't agree with her being a doctor. We get to see how she cares for her patients, even when they're trying to work their "magic" on her. lol

I loved how the men all worked together and seemed to know what the other was thinking without saying a word. They're a band of brothers who make a story strong. When Dr. Jo needs help, she knows the right men for the job. I was surprised at how the story took an unexpected turn and things didn't go quite the way it was planned. There was plenty of western action to keep us engaged as readers.

I liked the growing relationship between "Josie" and Matt. They seemed so well suited for each other even though they had such different views on life... or so it seemed. They were both extremely likable characters and we definitely root for them as readers!

Was this review helpful?

Matthew Hanger is a former cavalry captain turned mercenary for the greater-good, who rides with a pals from his former unit as the Hanger’s Horseman. Dr. Josephine (Jo) Burkett is a woman doctor ahead of her time, fiercely intelligent, and greatly independent. But when Jo’s brother is kidnapped and trouble ensues, she turns to Matthew Hanger of Hanger’s Horseman for help. Sparks fly as the two face a horde of troubles together in order to save her brother-----and eventually each other.

From the very first pages of the Prologue, this story grips you with force and doesn’t let go. The entire book is nothing but well-written suspense and romantic tension spun into a first-rate cowboy hero story with dynamic characters and exceptional plot twists. Karen Witemeyer’s romances are always swoon-worthy, and this story is no exception. The romance between Matthew and Jo is electrifying while remaining true to the Christian fiction genre. Karen’s writing always reminds me how deep emotions can run when true love is centered on Christ, and the romantic tension between the hero and heroine in this tale proves this idea. What I love most about this story is that we have a bona fied hero that saves the day, but our leading lady is anything but a damsel-in-distress. Jo is a spirited, independent woman who falls in love without the need for a hero, but she can appreciate the one she finds. It is a modern twist that just makes me adore Karen Witemeyer’s storyline even more.

This book may just beat out my other favorite works by Karen Witemeyer. I read this book in two sittings and less than 24 hours---devouring it whole like a starving person. Indeed, I was hungry for a great story and was more than satisfied. Do not miss this one---grab a copy of At Love’s Command on June 2nd.

***I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review, but my thoughts are my own. I really did love it! ***

Was this review helpful?

OH how I LOVE Karen Witemeyer's books!!! Good Clean Christian romance with a touch of humor mixed in! Not to mention the spiritual truth bombs that she adds. This book had more action than her normal ones and I liked it!

Was this review helpful?

At Love's Command is Karen Witemeyer's latest novel. Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite authors, she never fails me, and this book is no exception.

Dr. Jo is an especially interesting character. She is a practical, no nonsense kind of person on one hand and a sweet loving sister who is has a hard time accepting her brother's faults on the other. So when she finds herself having thoughts about a certain Captain she is uncertain how to handle them. Not sure if she should dismiss the chemistry between them since he will surely be out of her life soon or to let herself dare to hope for a future she never envisioned she'd ever have.

The four men who comprise the group, Hanger's Horsemen, are entertaining characters. The dynamics within the group are interesting, can't wait to find out more about them in books to come.

This book is the first book in a new series, but there is no cliff hanger at the end. It can be read as a stand alone and you do not feel as though you only got part of the story, the plot arc is complete.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. I am not expected to give a favorable review, only my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

“She called to a place buried deep inside him that felt like family-felt like love.”
This was such a fun and lovely read. The relationship between Mathew and Josie was so well written. We enter the story with such a harrowing tale of the Horseman during their Calvary days giving us the backstory as to why they do what they do. Our leads of the story meat when one of the Horseman become injured during a mission and are in need of a dr. Hanger, their leader, was not prepared for “linguistical fisticuffs” and a stubborn woman to be the one to suture up his comrade. The journey these two go on is full of ups and downs, laugh out loud moments and oh my goodness how are they getting out of that stages. The other Horseman are absolute perfection and I’m looking forward to reading their stories. I also loved Darla and hope to see her and her spunkiness in future stories.
*i was given an arc of this story, my opinions are my own*

Was this review helpful?

If Western Romance is your jam, “At Love’s Command” by Karen Witemeyer is the book for you! It is a sweet little romance about a handsome ex-Calvary officer and a lovely little head strong doctor! It is full of adventure, with a dash of suspense and of course romance! It is also a story of friendship, loyalty and forgiveness....a book you don’t want to miss!

Was this review helpful?

A stubborn lady doctor and ex-cavalry man meet after one of his men is shot and they are quickly smitten with each other. Not long after they meet they are off on an expedition to find her brother who has lost his way and has joined a gang. There are shoot-outs and lots of action in At Love's Command. This is traditonal Karen Witemeyer--a clean historical romance that if you are a fast reader like I am, you will enjoy on a long day off.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I have enjoyed all Karen Witemeyer's books I have read so far. I have not read so many but from the few I have read, she is an author I'd heartily recommend for anyone who loves Christian romance stories.
At love's command made for an interesting read and I personally loved the hero more than the heroine. Matt is a very humane person. He has managed to keep his lovely humane nature through the horrors of war. He is also torn by the inevitable havoc warfare often brings on and is now devoted to help others along with the rest of the horsemen.
Josephine is a strong female character. She would need to be for her to be a doctor at a time when the profession was believed to be for men. When she meets Mathew she is pleasantly surprised at how he accepts her at face value without questioning her competency.
The kidnapping of Josephine's brother draws them both into the company of criminals with Josephine's life being endangered.
An entertaining read

Was this review helpful?