What a wonderful story! And what a wonderful series! I have loved reading the Hangar's Horsemen series and really appreciate how Karen Witemeyer created a realistic, exciting adventure without including unnecessary violence.

Oh, how I loved Damaris! Especially the vivid picture the author painted of her to show how and why she considered herself invisible. And why she was comfortable being that way. My heart went out to her from the start as she was overlooked and forgotten. She was amazing, though, letting go of her fears of being seen and known to care for and protect her orphaned nephew, Nate, several states away.

Damaris had a knack for creating a home and nurturing those under her care. Even when it wasn't exactly appreciated. I laughed at what she did to the stall in the barn when Luke moved into it. Oh my!!

I already appreciated Luke, having met him in the previous books. Learning his story only made me love him more. He didn't have an easy childhood and the fact he had come out of it trusting the Lord and had learned so much of the Bible was incredible!

As Damaris and Luke sought to unravel the mystery of her brother's death and rescue Nate from the consequences of his actions, they encountered danger and just may have needed rescuing of their own.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction will want to be sure and read In Honor's Defense - after having read the other books in the series, naturally!

Karen Witemeyer is the queen of the western. I’ve long thought this, and In Honor’s Defense clinched it. Combining humor with action, Witemeyer draws you into 19th century Texas with heroic cowboys and determined heroines.

The romance between Luke and Damaris is so sweet, I’m still squealing a bit inside thinking about it. I love the deep conversations they have and the way their relationship is built on a foundation of respect. And I’m not gonna lie, Luke’s chivalry is enough to make the hardest of hearts melt.

I also loved the discussions about faith, especially when Luke is struggling with feeling helpless. True to his nickname of Preach, Luke relies a lot on Scripture, and there are several verses quoted throughout the book.

Though this novel is part of a series, Witemeyer provides enough background that you could read it as a standalone. However, the other Horsemen make an appearance, and you’ll enjoy it much more if you’ve read At Love’s Command and The Heart’s Charge.

Overall, In Honor’s Defense is a swoon-worthy romance Western fans will enjoy.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley for review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Karen Witemeyer has long been one of my must read authors and In Honor’s Defense just reinforces the reasons why I love her books. This author has skills that make her characters come to life on the pages against backdrops that cause her readers to almost feel like they are there. It doesn’t hurt that she also manages to insert a villain or two or three, plenty of action and suspense, and a touch of humor in just the right places. And let’s not forget that every tale is laced through and through with faith and scripture that both teaches and encourages the reader.

In Honor’s Defense is the perfect ending for the Hanger’s Horsemen series. I have enjoyed each installment of the series and would have been quite happy for it to continue. However, if it had to end, it could not have been wrapped up more perfectly. I loved how both Luke and Damaris were such complete opposites but complemented each other so well. I also enjoyed those moments when they stepped out of their usual nature when circumstances demanded.

Although this book is one of a series, it can very easily stand on its own. I highly recommend it as well as any other book by this talented author.

Damaris had no clue what she was in for. Her nephew, Nathaniel, needed her. He just didn't know it.

Luke just happened to be in the area when Damaris found herself locked in the cellar. This accidental meeting changed their lives completely.

Damaris was determined to find out who killed her brother. Luke agreed to help. With this question, comes drama and danger as they get closer to the answer they have been looking for.

The book was hard to put down. It had action, romance and a handsome cowboy. I loved the book. The characters were wonderful. I always enjoy Karen Witemeyer's books.



I received this book to review by Celebrate Lit and by Karen's Influencer team to give a honest review.

What a fitting end to this wonderful series! I have loved each story featuring Hanger's Horsemen, as well as the newfound relationships made with 4 independent ladies. While the first book was by far my favorite, I've always had a soft spot for Luke "Preach" Davenport and his backstory was a satisfying conclusion to this series. Quite by accident, he stumbles upon Damaris, and theirs was a connection meant to be.

Definitely recommend for readers that enjoy Christian historical romances set in Texas with characters that you'd be proud to call your friends.

This is the final book in the Hanger’s Horsemen trilogy. I did not read the first two books, but for the most part, I thought this book stood well on its own.
The characters in this book are quite endearing. As the characters endure many unexpected changes and trials throughout the book, readers will enjoy watching each of them undergo their own character development. This book really demonstrates how God can work to redeem people through their personal challenges. Damaris Baxter is a quiet young woman who has always felt invisible. Through an abrupt move to Texas to care for her orphaned nephew, her bravery and resiliency shines through. At the beginning of the book, Damaris’ nephew is hurting from the loss of his parents, but readers will be pleased to watch him grow through his grief. The hero of the story—Luke Davenport—has a rough family background, but he gradually understands that he deserves his own family and home.
This book had a few historical anachronisms that bothered me, but overall I think readers will find this an engaging historical romance!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.

In Honor' Defense was the first book I've read by Karen Witemeyer. I will definitely be reading more of her books. This was such a great story of loss and love and pain and finding oneself. This was my first cowboy story and I loved it. I was definitely not expecting the plot twist towards the end but the HEA was worth it.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy.

“You’re a warrior, Luke Davenport. And warriors aren’t formed by ease and tranquility. They are forged in battle.”

✨Book Review✨
In Honor’s Defense
Karen Witemeyer
Hanger’s Horsemen, Book #3
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The final book in Witemeyer’s series is just as good, if not better, than the other two! I loved getting to know Luke, aka Preach, throughout the other two books, it was super excited when his own came out.

Preach is a man who has a scripture verse memorized for every occasion. I was amazed at all the verses he quotes, and a bit jealous I’m not able to do that myself. His and DeMarius’ story is one of struggle and hardship, but of love and hope too.

I really felt connected to DeMarius, as she was a wallflower until her nephew needed her in Texas. Even then, she didn’t instantly become brave, it took time and only the bonds of love and family helped her courage grow.

My favorite highlights:
🌾 Apple cellar /meet cute
🌾convalescence / close proximity
🌾 the fire
🌾the horse stall
🌾the train ride

When I saw @tellmeagreatstoryblog post on this book she used a Bible and I just loved how it turned out. So a shout out to her for the idea; the Bible pictured is my grandmothers. She wrote in it. Her thoughts, sermons, and prayers. Its@old and worn, but not unlike how I would picture Luke’s Bible being.

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #hangershorsemen #hangershorsemanseries #karenwitemeyer

I have enjoyed the Horsemen and their struggles to redeem themselves. Luke or Preach as he is called is the last of the single Horsemen left. He takes on a job and finds a lot more, A teenage boy who reminds himself of him when he was that age and A woman, Damaris, who thinks herself plain, but is nothing of the sort. Preach and Damaris along with Nate discover much about themselves as they seek to protect the land that belongs to Nate. The conclusion to Hangar’s Horsemen didn’t disappoint and included all the elements expected. I received a copy of this book from the author. All views stated are my own.

In Honor’s Defense is the final book in the Hanger’s Horsemen Series by award winning author Karen Witemeyer. She is an exquisite storyteller, and I always enjoy her books. I was immediately captured by this story and its characters.

This is the story of Luke, a strong godly man who falls for a woman he must protect from harm. It is also the story of Damaris, a strong, feisty woman. She moves to Texas to take care of her late brother’s teenage son and finds trouble. Was her brother killed?

The plot is excellent allowing the story to move at a nice pace and the characters to develop. It stays interesting with mystery, cattle rustling, an angry teen with grief over his father’s death, romance, and adventure. There is a faith message woven throughout the book as well as some life lessons. At times the drama and action are lightened by humor. Some twists and turns had me guessing. There are many quote-worthy words in this novel. Damaris said this one: “A person of integrity always lives up to his or her word.”

If you haven’t read the other books in this series, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone. I highly recommend it and the author. Witemeyer always produces a captivating masterpiece, including In Honor’s Defense. It receives 5 out of 5 stars from this reader. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

Westerns are not my preferred genre but I have liked this series. Witemeyer does a good job of crafting godly cowboy heroes. Luke is a strong man but also one who falls head over heels for the woman he ultimately finds he must protect from harm. Damaris is a strong woman and it is fun to see how the two of them form a romantic bond.

The plot is good including cattle rustling and a teen expressing his grief at the loss of his father in a harmful manner. There are dastardly villains producing suspenseful times as they try to scare Damaris into selling the land she is preserving for her nephew. There is a good faith message as both Luke and Damaris must rely on the Lord for courage and safety. And Damaris' nephew, Nate, is learning how to trust God.

This is a good novel for readers who like westerns, strong characters, and a good romance. The plot might be a little predictable but I liked the novel as a whole. This is the last of Hanger's Horsemen to find the love of his life. I'll be looking for the next series from Witemeyer.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I love a Karen Witemeyer book. I enjoyed catching up with the final Horseman and meeting up with others from the previous books.

Karen is so good at writing a climax. It is never dull. The last quarter of the book is nonstop action.

I loved watching the development of Nate’s character. He was such a stinker at the beginning.

Overall, another great book by Karen.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The Conclusion to the Series Will Not Disappoint!



I was caught up in the final book of the series as Luke becomes the final Horsemen to find his place and lose his heart! I felt a lot of emotions as I walked through this book. Damaris and Nate with their grief of losing a brother / Father and fighting for truth and to keep the land. Damaris like the other women in the series found her strength and was not someone to mess with! Love it! 



This series has been one of my favorites. I enjoyed reading about strong women characters who do what needs to be done. I am sad to see the Hanger’s Horseman series end. But look forward to whatever Karen Witemeyer publishes next and will find others I still haven’t read.


I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I just finished In Honor's Defense, which I have been eagerly awaiting since finishing The Heart's Charge, and it did not disappoint. It was the perfect conclusion to the series!

I loved Luke and Damaris. They were so perfect for each other. Before meeting Damaris, Luke was a little adrift, especially since all the other Horsemen had settled down. I loved that with Damaris, Luke had a place where he felt he belonged. I also loved that Luke noticed Damaris when so many others, her family included, often overlooked her. It was so satisfying to watch as Damaris leaned on Luke's strength and learned to be brave herself.

It was also awesome seeing all the Horsemen together again, taking on one final mission (even if it didn't start out as a mission for them all). There was so much action and adventure, with a dash of mystery, alongside the romance and I loved it! This really was the perfect conclusion to the series.

If In Honor's Defense isn't on your TBR list already, it should be. This is the way.

Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House for the copy of this one!

In Honor's Defense by Karen Witemeyer

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
_______________________________________
Story Notes

This final story in the Hanger’s Horseman series is one I’ve definitely been waiting to read. Preach/ Luke has been my favorite Horseman since book one and I was glad to see love story was as complex and interesting as he is. The banter between him and Damaris was fun with plenty of snap and spark and just the right touch of sweetness. I really enjoyed the mystery/suspense included in the story too - Karen kept us guessing until the perfect moment that she revealed her culprits. It’s this excellent writing that keeps me coming back for more with every book Karen releases. I highly recommend you grab a copy of all of her books, especially these Horsemen ones. You will not regret it, I guarantee that 100% !!!!

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House via NetGalley. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review but am pleased to do so. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

This turned out to be an interesting story. Easy to follow too although I haven't read any of the other books in the series.
Nathaniel (Nate) is the angry, sullen nephew that Damaris is so desperately trying to help. But she also feels like she is so over her head. She has felt invisible for most of her life; unseen and under appreciated. And Nate isn't helping much in that area but I have to give Damaris points for a lot of courage. Even afraid, she always
steps up and does the right thing. I really liked when Damaris stiffened her spine and said called herself the new Texas Damaris version. That made me smile. Another smile-worthy moment was when Damaris was surprised by Luke's husky voice behind her. I loved how the author wrote it to say that,"It melted into her instead like butter int toast."
Luke, oh boy what can I say? Other than what a great, flawed but still a good man. He was fighting some "demons" but his faith is getting him through..most of the time anyway. The main thing is he keeps fighting to follow God and his words. So much so that the other Horsemen had nicknamed him "Preach."
Plots against Nate and Damaris make things more and more tense. About the time that you think things might begin to cool down for a bit, another attack comes that totally surprised me.
I will also say that this story had a fair amount of Bible verses that were mentioned and strengthened the main characters. That might not be for everyone but even if it isn't the story itself was a good one.
The story comes to a rip-roaring end with a short Epilogue.


" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK!!! Karen Witemeyer is always a Must Read author for me because, I believe I've read almost everything she's written and there hasn't been a bad one in the bunch. So, I was predisposed to liking In Honor's Defense. Witemeyer brings her trademark humor to the story of Luke Davenport, the last unmarried member of Hanger's Horsemen. I love the sly little giggles she slips in - in the way a character words something, or in the way they react to a situation.

Luke Davenport grew up the abused son of a drunk. He left home - ran, really - as a teen and joined the Army where he wound up as part of the 7th Cavalry, and a witness to the massacre at Wounded Knee. His revulsion at what his fellow soldiers had done led him to join Captain Matthew Hanger in a fight for right. Hanger's Horsemen offered help to anyone - especially those who were being oppressed by someone powerful - as long as it didn't involve killing anyone. All three of the other men found their wives while helping them right a wrong and Luke feels like he needs a purpose to channel his "wild". Sent on a mission to discover who is rustling cattle on a Texas ranch, he meets Damaris Baxter in one of the funniest meetings Witemeyer has written!

Damaris Baxter is a mouse, a wallflower - so unremarkable that her family would often leave her behind. They expect her to remain a spinster since she's so unnoticeable so they consign her to the duty of being a companion to their crotchety great-aunt. While there, Damaris gets word that her oldest brother has died, leaving her as guardian to his young son, Nate. She drops everything and heads to Texas for the first true adventure of her life. What she finds isn't the loving little boy she remembers, but a young teen who resents her interference in his life. Meeting Luke is the one bright spot she sees. Nate may not respect her, but he does respect the Horseman. Can the two work together to discover who is behind all the "accidents" at the ranch, including her brother's death?

This was a fantastic conclusion to the Hanger's Horsemen trilogy of books. Luke's sense of honor was honed by his friendship with Matt Hanger. His father's abuse served to make him feel worthless, but Matt made him feel necessary. His mind is quick, and his memorization of Bible verses is nothing short of amazing. (Hence his nickname, Preach.) He's willing to lay his life on the line for those he cares about, and it isn't long before Damaris and Nate are firmly at the top of that list. It's kind of striking how Damaris blossoms throughout the story. At the start, she's described as plain with overly thick, dark eyebrows. (I kind of pictured a girl with a unibrow!) As the story develops, Luke starts to notice her beautiful eyes, or her soft skin, or her pink lips, which make her a beauty in his eyes.

Readers who love a good Western adventure will love this final installment of the Hanger's Horsemen series. There's plenty of action, a good dose of faith, and some life-changing revelations along the way. As always, I highly recommend this Karen Witemeyer book!

I’m guessing if you are looking in the reviews section before buying this book it is because you haven’t read any of the Hanger’s Horseman series. Don’t get me wrong, you can totally read this novel as a stand alone, but you might as well get them all. I instantly fell in love with the band of brothers who fought in war together and wanted to help the helpless. In Honor’s Defense is the third and final book in this series and I could not wait to get my hands on it. Witemeyer took me away on an amazing adventure and I could not get enough. Luke hasn’t had an easy life, and friendship or trust doesn’t come easy for him. His fellow Horseman have all found their home and although they don’t want him to leave, you can’t blame a guy for wanting a little of that for himself. Luke is a force to be reckoned with, and he’s not going to let some cattle rustler’s get away with their crimes. The neighbor Damaris and her nephew Nate just might need the help of a horseman to figure out what happened to her brother. It seems that Luke has found a couple cases to keep him busy, but a woman isn’t what he’s looking for. I loved watching the interactions between Luke and Damaris. They had a sweet chemistry and it was fun to see the thought they put into what the other might need. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have been a Karen Witemeyer fan since high school and In Honor’s Defense reminded me why I love her writing so much. The highlights include:
🤠 A swoon-worthy cowboy hero (Luke)
👱‍♀️ A sweet female protagonist who finds her strength and courage (Damaris)
🐮 Cattle rustlers and other villains who brought tension and suspense
👦 A teen in need of a family and a hint of tough love
⚖️ And a bit of western justice as right and wrong battle it out for victory
This western romance took a minute to get going, but the ending was fast-paced and well worth reading. If you enjoy Christian, western romances, then this addition to the Hanger’s Horsemen series belongs on your TBR.

*Thank you to Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House, and Netgalley for an e-ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Clean-Christian Historical Romance
💜There’s so much to love about In Honor’s Defense. Faith. Action. Suspense. Drama. Unexpected allies and unlooked-for villains. External and internal conflicts, romance, inspiration, sense of family, and Humor.