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.

At Love’s Command is the newest novel by Karen Witemeyer, and the first novel in The Horseman series, though it reads as a stand alone with a satisfying “all knots tied” ending. We follow both Josephine and Matt on their journey, and the double POV gives a lot of interest to this story! Before going in depth, I have to say: this cover is amazing! And both my dad and granddad, who are Karen’s biggest fans beside me, are very glad finally a man is featured on the cover. Though being a woman, I do appreciate the cover a lot, too ;)

The story begins with the four Horsemen, specifically their leader, Matt. Originally from the cavalry, they now use their army expertise to help innocent people and uphold justice. I loved how they worked together, their team work is admirable even though everyone has his own specific quality. I came to love all four characters, and I really hope each one gets his own book..! There’s Preach, who is a little gruff but has a Bible verse for every occasion stored in his head. Mark, with a huge charisma and sparkling eyes and yet is very ethical and hard working. Jonah, an amazing sharp shooter and reliable fellow, who’s always got to be on the defensive because of his dark skin color (I really hope we get his full story!). And Matt, who carries so much guilt from his cavalry past, and doesn’t think he deserves love... he cares about everyone all the time and forgets to care about himself.

As injury always follows these men on their quest for justice, they find themselves in need of a doctor. And there we have doctor Jo, who turns out to be woman...! I looooove her character so much! She’s very beta, and often thinks with logic and approaches each difficulty objectively and all the time she holds these little experiments in her head. I can relate, lol! However as you can imagine, these times are not kind on a female doctor, and she’s had to fight for her position, having to prove over and over she’s just as worthy as a man. This not only made her stubborn, it made her kind of other people’s struggles.

“She stole a peek at the stiff fellow who had yet to reanimate after suffering rapid-onset paralysis. A condition brought on by the pronouncement of her medical expertise. Josephine shook her head. The poor male brain. So susceptible to gender-oriented shock.”

And then we have a lovely clash between Matt and dr. Jo! Oooh the romance is as swoonworthy as they come. I rooted for them from page 1. There’s a depth in their relationship that makes their bond very believable and after a while they are both not afraid to communicate and tell the other what they really feel. I love good strong talks with no misunderstandings!

I also very much loved the plot! Normally Karen’s book are more focused on the romance in a small town setting, with high stakes building up in the end, but here the action goes on from about halfway to the end. Of course that is to be expected with a band of ex-army man, and I absolutely loved how it played out! The shifting of POVs and the build up to each confrontation was very well paced, and it kept me glued to the pages. I got this ARC at 8 in the evening and I read it non stop till 4 in the night lol! I just couldn’t make myself stop... something about Karen’s writing style is so addictive, you just have to read on. As a huge Karen Witemeyer fan, and having read all her other books and owning them in two languages, this book absolutely met my ridiculous high standards, and I already am sad I have to wait so long for her next book and realized requesting this ARC made the wait for a next book longer. But I cannot regret my life’s choices and would request again in a heart beat.

I received an e-arc from Bethany House through Netgalley. I squeeled so hard my dog looked annoyed. My huge Karen Witemeyer addiction might have influenced my review, however the publisher and the free copy have not.

AT LOVE'S COMMAND by KAREN WITEMEYER is an historical romance novel, with the story taking place in 1890.
Matthew Hanger heads up a four man mercenary team after retiring from the 7th cavalry. The men are close friends and when young Mark Wallace is badly injured by rustlers, Matthew stays by his side day and night while he is being tended by Dr Josephine Burkett at her infirmary.
When Dr Jo's brother Charlie is taken hostage, Hanger's Horsemen rush to the rescue.
I am not going to tell you any more about the story except to say it is action packed and has a good Christian message of trusting God and surrendering to Him.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely 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!

This is the BEST christian romance novel that I have read in a long time! Matthew Hanger is an ex-Calvary officer. He and the other three men in his band of mercenaries have made a pact after witnessing the devastation at Wounded Knee. They will protect the innocent. They are helping disband a group of rustler's when one of their members is shot. Hanger is told to take his partner to Doc Joe, in a nearby town. Much to his chagrin, the doctor is a woman. Dr. Josephine Burkett, also fights battles. The battle of being a woman doctor, in a small town, in the west. The battle every doctor faces when fighting to save a patient. These two warriors now must fight to save Josephine's brother. Just when they know they can fight for each other, all seems lost. Loved this novel and highly recommend! I can't wait to see what adventures occur in the rest of the series! #atlovescommand #netgalley

I absolutely loved this story set in 1890s Texas. It touched my heart and brought me to tears several times as if they were real people. The Christian theme woven throughout, like a rope binding comfort to my soul, was perfect for the days we are living in.

"Got a verse for me, Preach?" was a favorite phrase of mine throughout the story.

Faith Quote: "Romans 8:31. 'If God be for us, who can be against us?"'

Tea Quote: "I'd hoped to sweet talk my way into the room with tea and cookies." -Josephine

I received a complimentary eBook through Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own without further compensation or expectation.

Karen Witemeyer is such a sweet and genuine person. You can connect with her online as I have and be blessed by her tender heart.

5 STARS

SERIES: Hanger's Horsemen
1) At Love's Command - Possibly May or June 2020 (dependent upon COVID-19 delays)

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.

(Review will go on the blog May 15 at 5:00 PM)

Another wonderful book by Karen! The Hangers horsemen was a nice twist on male characters. Who wouldn’t fall for a dashing commander! This story took a twist that was not expected and then another one for the better! I couldn’t wait to finish the story to find out what happened. I can’t wait for the next Hangers horsemen story!

At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer is a heartwarming romance set in the 1890's.

Josephine Burkett is a woman doctor who is strong minded, intelligent and spunky. Sparks fly when she meets Matthew Hanger, a member of the Hanger's Horsemen, a group of men who defends the innocent and brings justice to outlaws. As an ex-Calvary officer, Matthews back story is one of pain and guilt, which drives him to be on the side of justice.

When Dr. Jo approaches Matt to find her brother, who has been kidnapped and held for ransom, the story's suspense heats up. As does their relationship.The secondary characters are well rounded and sure to be part of forthcoming stories.

Karen Witemeyer writes excellent Christian romance novels, and this one has great action, suspense and what we have come to expect from Ms. Witemeyer.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.

At Love's Command is Karen Witemeyer's newest series and it definitely starts out with a bang! From the very beginning we meet Matthew Hanger and his men. He is a Calvary Officer that has suffered loss not only in his younger life but also during war. He feels so ashamed and guilty from what he considers his past failures that he and his friends become mercenaries. They call themselves the Hanger's Horsemen. With one of his men being injured he meets the strong-willed Dr. Josephine Burkett. Instantly you know that he is going to fall in love with her. The banter and respect they have between each other made the story! Immediately you see that his men welcome her into the fold and have nothing but respect for her.

I wan't sure how this story would develop at the beginning especially when Matthew is set to leave the town of Purgatory Springs but then trouble arises for Dr. Josephine in the form of her brother Charlie and she needs the help of the Hanger's Horsemen. This is when all the action of the story takes place and where Karen Witemeyer truly sucks you in. There's definitely more than romance in this story. It is truly packed with action, so if Western Romances are your thing then you will love this. Not only is there action and romance but there is a clear Christian theme woven throughout. I love that both Matthew and Josie (as he calls her!! be still my heart!) both come to the same realization about letting God be fully in control of their lives.

These quotes definitely make you realize that this has been a struggle for them and its finally time to let go and let God.

" Knowledge inspired confidence. A lack of knowledge left her feeling powerless and afraid."

"Forfeiting control to an almighty God should be easier than giving in to a gang of outlaws, yet he struggled,,"

I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of this series unfold and see where the rest of the Horsemen end up and what their stories will be.

If you love western romances, Christian Fiction and clean reads then this is the book for you!

Happy Reading!

FTC Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

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 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 honest opinion.

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.

First sentence: They’ve got us pinned down, Captain.

At Love's Command is the first in a new book series by Karen Witemeyer. It is set in Texas in the 1890s. The hero is Matthew Hanger. He along with three other Horsemen help ensure justice is done. It is sometimes a risky affair. Soon after the novel opens, one of the men--Mark Wallace--is shot. Luckily there is a doctor in the nearby town of Purgatory Springs, a Dr. Burkett.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is our heroine. She is pleasantly surprised by the appearance of the four Horsemen. She's heard plenty about them: they're famous or infamous. As she tends to Mark, she finds herself drawn more and more and more to their leader, Matthew. But she's never considered courting or marriage as anything for her--doctoring, helping, healing that's her life's call. Is there room for both in her life?

Perhaps when her BROTHER is kidnapped or "kidnapped" she'll get the chance to work out for herself how she feels about Matthew. If she can convince him and the others to take the case...

I really enjoyed this one. That isn't a surprise. I love her works. LOVE. I've yet to be disappointed by any of her series.

Karen has done it again. She has crafted a novel that had me caring so deeply about the characters I had to put the book down when the danger ratcheted to high levels. I'm so glad I quickly came back to it because the combination of Matthew Hanger and Dr. Jo Burnett was perfect. Two lead characters who care and live deeply, both strong on their own, but learning to give control to the only One who can realluy save the day. Add a great cast of supporting characters, a little brother I did not like at the beginnig but who showed signs of coming around, and a story with tighting tension, and I'm a goner. This book is a perfect example of why her books jump to the top of my to be read pile immediately.

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.

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.

Another absolutely delightful western/historical romance novel by Karen Witemeyer! You will swoon over the ruggedly handsome good guys who take on outlaws, but do so in God's power without killing. Josie, the main female character is a fearless, sassy, loyal, smart doctor in a small, western town. The story is filled with good, ole western action-packed story combined with family loyalty plus romance. What a great mix in this hard-to-put-down novel! Enjoy!!!

At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer is a sweet story full of adventure, humor, heartache, betrayal, redemption, faith, and love. As with all of Ms. Witemeyer's works, she weaves humor and kindness into each chapter as well as supplying plot twists to further grow her already well-developed characters. I am definitely a fan of Ms. Witemeyer's writings and At Love's Command begins her new series Hanger's Horsemen in a very exciting way. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
At Love's Command starts with a bang, no really, an old fashioned 1890s shootout in the American wild of Texas.  Matthew Hanger, formerly a cavalry officer, leads a band of men called Hanger's Horsemen to take on the evils of cattle rustlers, thieves, and many other plagues of the American 1890s.  Their mission is to defend the innocent and enact justice at all costs. When one of Matt's group is riddled with bullets, Matt is desperate, and turns to a local doctor to save his friend's life, Dr. Jo.
When Matt brings his friend to Doctor Jo, he is surprised to discover that Dr. Jo, is actually a woman, Dr. Josephine Burkett.  Jo is used to people discounting her as a medical doctor because of how uncommon it is for women to be in such an occupation; however, she is surprised by Matt's respect because of her skill in saving his friend from bleeding out from his bullet wounds. Jo has obviously heard of the famed Hanger's Horsemen, with their thirst for justice, yet is surprised to meet them in person and see that the stories told about them are true. As they both fight to save Matt's friend's life, they both reluctantly realize that they are attracted to each other.  
After saving one of the Hanger's Horsemen, Jo has a bond to their group, so when Jo gets news about her brother's abduction, she only can think of one group to help her save her brothers life---Hanger's Horsemen.  Already setting out on another mission, the Hanger's Horsemen are surprised to find a lone horseman pursuing them, but are even more shocked to realize that it is Jo! When Jo comes back into his life, Matt is surprised at her courage as well as how much she means to him.  Matthew is reluctant to do anything that would put Jo in danger, but he can't refuse to help someone in need. When the entire group is caught in deadly situations, will Matt and his friends be able to rescue Jo's brother and protect Jo too? Can they all survive? Will Matt be able to protect the woman he is starting to care for?  Will Matt be able to let his past brokenness and guilt go? Can Jo mend her family's broken relationships?    
 I thoroughly enjoyed At Love's Command with the unexpected plot twists, the heartbreaking betrayals, the sweet redemption, as well as the overall themes and historic context. I absolutely loved the two main characters of Matt and Jo, as well as the excellent secondary characters. Jo and Matt's relationship was exceptionally real. I appreciated how Matt's past hurts and baggage were his focus without seeing the many similarities between Jo and himself, which would tie them closer together. I absolutely loved Jo's fiery, independent, and stubborn spirit.  The entire book was exceptional and the messages were conveyed very clearly. Well done!  I would highly recommend this book and I hope you have the chance to read it.  

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publishers graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

Wow, Karen Witemeyer did it again. She produced a wonderful book that is well written, historical romance with suspense built in and faith based. I like how Karen gives both POV of Jo and Matt, so the reader can follow both of theirs journeys. The story starts with the Hanger’s Horseman, who all were in the cavalry, their leader is Matt, Preach has a Bible verse for everything, Mark is hard working and Jonah is an amazing sharp shooter. These men banded together to help innocent people and uphold justice. When an injury causes these guys to look for a doctor they are directed to Doctor Jo, who is a women! Doctor Jo may not have fought on a battlefield, but she fights to save her patients and fights for her position as a doctor to be seen as worthy as a man. I like how Matt and Dr. Jo relationship is believable and how both of them communicate about how they really feel. Oh, also I like how the cover has Matt.

Description
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 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.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.

At Love’s Command is a combination of action, adventure, and romance. There was never a dull moment! I love that Karen Witemeyer’s stories are never predictable.

The first chapter is intense but it sets the stage for each of the Horsemen and shows you what made them who they are today.

Josie is a spitfire who makes sure her voice is heard. Matthew is closed off with everyone except his band of brothers after the massacre. Only after meeting Josie, Matthew is finally able to start healing.

The group of Horsemen are like brothers standing up for justice, and they have such a strong connection to each other. I look forward to reading each of their stories.

Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite "western" authors and rarely fails to please with her offerings. Most of her books take place in Texas and this one is no different.

There are four men who have banded together as a group of vigilantes or mercenaries for hire. They have a code of conduct they try never to break--never shoot to kill, just shoot to wound enough to stop the outlaw so that he can be taken in to the authority. They are called Hanger's Horsemen and ride to wherever the need is greatest.

During one of their operations, one of the horsemen gets wounded, so the horsemen are directed to Dr Jo's in Purgatory Springs. What they didn't realize is that Dr Jo is Josephine Burkett. She cares for the wounded man and watches the leader of the horsemen care for his wounded man and begins to fall for him.

When Josephine gets a letter from her father's housekeeper, saying that her brother was being held hostage by a gang of outlaws. She follows the horsemen to get them to go after her brother.

This is a five star book that will not let the reader go from the very beginning to the back of the book. Two Thumbs Up, and free doctor's care for life.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was such a fun book. I loved this start to a new series, and I absolutely loved the fact that the main characters are men. What a fun change! And the Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Jonah was hilarious to me. The characters were great and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. Excellent!

I received a copy of this book to facilitate a review. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.

At Love's Command is the first book in Karen Witemeyer's new Hanger's Horsemen series. Hold on to your hats because Karen Witemeyer is about to take you on a wild west adventure you are sure to enjoy and remember for weeks to come! Gun slinging mercenaries willing to risk everything for love and dastardly banditos bent on extortion keep this story moving at a lively, entertaining pace. The cast of characters are unique and lovable, devoted to each other and to honoring God in their pursuit of justice. For two people who had given up on love, we are reminded that God's timing is perfect and beautiful. At Love's Command is an exciting beginning to this new series and I can't wait to read more. If you enjoy reading westerns and like some romance sprinkled in then you would enjoy reading At Love's Command.

At Love's Command will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer June 2, 2020.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free advanced reader copy of At Love's Command. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Ex-cavalry officer Matt Hanger is used to giving orders and having them carried out but when he meets Dr. Jo Burket, he learns that his heart doesn’t obey him but beats At Love’s Command.

After the disaster of Wounded Knee, Matt critiqued the military’s handling of the situation and left the army. Three of his men followed, and together they formed the mercenary band Hanger's Horsemen. Their excellent reputation means they only need to take the jobs which meet their code of ethics, opportunities which allow them to defend the innocent and fight for what’s right.

Which is how Matt finds himself exchanging gunfire with a band of ornery cattle rustlers. As usual, Hanger’s Horsemen win the day, but the youngest member of the group takes a bullet in the arm. Matt’s afraid the boy will bleed out before they can reach a city big enough to have medical professionals so he is delighted to learn that the tiny nearby town of Purgatory Springs, less than an hour's ride away,  has a doctor.

Jo is used to men reacting with surprise when they realize that the physician is a woman but she has to hand it to the cranky cowboy, he recovers his aplomb quickly and proves to be a big help during the surgery. He only wants what’s best for his friend and Jo is happy to oblige. She’s surprised by the reaction she has to him, though. Her attention is not normally captured by a handsome face, broad shoulders and commanding presence but she finds that all that, combined with Matt’s kindness to his compatriot and his practical, helpful demeanor in the sick room have her resurrecting dreams of romance she’d abandoned long ago.

Matt knows his lifestyle isn’t conducive to wooing a woman, getting married and starting a family but the beautiful lady doctor has him reconsidering his feelings about settling down. She’s strong, smart, caring and resourceful, just the kind of gal he would want to share a life with. He admires her dedication to her craft and can’t help but think about how handy having a doctor around would be for a group of men who have a violent career.

So it’s with a heavy heart that he gathers up his men and heads out once his friend has healed enough to sit on a horse. He knows he will miss Jo but fortunately, he doesn’t have to miss her for long. They aren’t more than a few hours out of town before they notice a rider trailing them. Turning around to confront their stalker, Matt is surprised to find Jo racing toward him.

The dust hasn’t even settled behind Matt Hanger and his men when Jo gets the letter advising that her scallywag of a brother has gotten himself abducted and their wealthy father is refusing to pay the ransom. Charlie hasn’t been the easiest sibling to have, and his carefree (read careless) ways have cost the family more than a fair share of heartache, but Jo is determined not to leave him in a dangerous situation. She doesn’t have the kind of money the kidnappers are looking for but she hopes she can make a deal with Matt so that he and his men agree to rescue her kin. She puts on some pants, grabs what little cash she has and gallops after the recently departed group.

Matt has his suspicions regarding the details of the hostage situation but he’s not about to turn down this damsel in distress. He and the other horsemen set out to rescue Charlie with Jo accompanying them as a field medic. He’s not sure how successful their mission will be but he does know he will take every chance he can get to spend time with Jo.

At Love’s Command is a classic Western romance sure to delight readers of that genre. Ms. Witemeyer utilizes her authentic Texas setting to advantage and peoples her story with realistic, richly drawn characters that perfectly evoke the rugged, romanticized charm of the stagecoach era. Her hero and heroine fit perfectly into that environment.  Matt is the quintessential cowboy: brave, stalwart, stoic, handsome and gallant. His occasionally rough exterior hides a heart of twenty-four karat gold and his bossy demeanor conceals an egalitarian mind which respects independent women and judges a man not by his color but his character. Jo is a competent, clever heroine whose kind heart is balanced by her reason and astute understanding of human nature. She doesn’t wear rose colored glasses but she tries to see the good in the people around her and roots for them to aspire to their best selves.

Their romance isn’t exactly love at first sight but it’s pretty close. Both characters believe they’ve missed whatever opportunity they might have had for love, Jo because she has concentrated so much on her unconventional (for the time) career and Matt because he’s devoted himself to a rambling, danger-ridden life style. They are surprised but delighted when they meet and find themselves immediately drawn to each other. They have issues to work through but quickly realize they are willing to tackle whatever challenges they have to to be together.

This is an Inspirational romance so faith is shown as central to the character’s lives. The issues of God’s will, prayer, and trusting God with what’s important to us are all brought up within the context of the story in a natural, conversational manner. Preacher, one of Hanger’s Horsemen, always had the perfect bible verse for any occasion, but none of the characters sermonize, lecture or otherwise soliloquize about spiritual issues.

At Love’s Command is a fun book full of the adventure and excitement Americans associate with the Old West.  Fans of the author will be delighted with this offering and I am happy to recommend it to readers of Westerns, Inspirationals or anyone looking for a light, lively read.

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This book is a fast-paced, action-packed story from the Wild West, but with romance and a strong theme of following the Lord’s will. I started reading and before I realized, I was 40% through!
Matthew and Josephine are both strong-willed characters, as to be expected from a former military Captain and a female doctor, but it was so much fun watching their love develop and their hearts shift to include one another.
I am so glad that this is the first book in a series. I am already looking forward to the stories about the rest of Hanger’s Horsemen!

This is the first book in the Hanger's Horsemen series. We are introduced to Matthew Hanger the leader of the group. After serving in the Calvary, Matthew and his men are on a mission to do some good with their skills. They hire out to people who are in need of help. Their goal is to bring justice to those that are trod upon. When one of the men is shot they bring him to Dr. Joe. Upon arrival they find that Dr. Joe is a woman not a man! Josephine has an established practice Purgatory Springs, Texas. It isn't easy being a woman doctor, but she has paved her way. While Matthew is surprised that the doctor is a woman he treats her with respect and accepts her abilities to help his friend.



Matthew and Josephine have an instant attraction for each other, but Matthew knows nothing could ever come of that attraction because he is destined to be on his own. After all, no wife could live with a man of war.



When Josephine needs to hire the horsemen, Matthew is willing to drop everything to help her in her mission.



I love love loved this story! A great start to the series and definitely has me excited about what is to come for Hanger's Horsemen. I loved that Dr. Josephine was not a shrinking violet. She was a strong woman. She needed to be strong in order to gain Matthew's attention! I loved that they fit together so well. Josephine was strong enough to handle his past and he was strong enough to protect her from a dangerous enemy and both were tender enough to see that God had brought them together and love can heal many wounds. I enjoyed the action of the story. There were good, old-fashioned shoot-outs, kidnappings and dire situations that grew the characters and gave them depth. I'm a fan of The Horsemen and looking forward to see what happens next for them!

A fun and intriguing read by Karen Witemeyer. Matthew Hanger of the famous Hanger’s Horsemen and Dr. Josephine Burkett tangle in more ways than one in 1890s Texas. I enjoyed the characters and plot of this new series. Recommended.

This new set of characters reminded me of some from possibly my favorite book by this author: the Archers from Short Straw Bride (etc). If you liked that book and the series, I have a feeling you'll like this new novel and series too.

There was a little too much insta-love for my taste, but the characters are charming and Josie and Matthew's interactions are funny and sweet. Josie was interesting. She's educated, competent and confident, but at times I was a little annoyed with her behavior - when I felt like she acted overly emotional or demanding. It felt like she was trying to backseat drive or co pilot Matthew sometimes. I felt like she needed reminded, either you trust the man you hired for his skills or you don't. And you're not one of the horsemen. And there was one scene in particular where her bravado would have been better left unsaid. Lull your enemy into complacency. Let him think you're beaten so he keeps his guard down. Instead she put him on high alert and made things harder for Matthew and his men. But she also kept her wits about her under pressure and managed to get a message to Matthew. So I had mixed feelings about her.

I think Preach was my favorite character. I loved the regular request for a fitting Bible verse from him. Really, I loved Hanger's Horsemen as a group. They felt like a family. I have high hopes for this series and look forward to the next book!

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.

“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*

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!

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.

I greatly enjoyed this Christian Fiction story by Ms. Witemeyer. I always enjoy her works, and she didn't disappoint me this time!

This storyline centered around a female Dr in the day that men and women had very specific jobs acceptable within society. Dr. Joe (Josephine) was a doctor because she believed God created her to be one. As a result, she believed that she would never be a wife or mother. However, God would have plans to reward her with that life too.

At Love's Command was a story that depicted the beauty of following God, even when faith was not easy or convenient. As a result, God showed himself to be totally trust worthy in meeting all needs along the way, in ways that were just totally unexpected and clearly from Him.

I loved all of the characters, and the wonderful depth developed in each of them. Even the minor characters were well developed. I will continue to seek books by Ms. Witemeyer, as she is a wonderful storyteller!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Karen Witemeyer is a masterful storyteller. She has a way of bringing the reader into the story until the very end. At Love’s Command is a story of love, adventure, and the bond of true friendship. You don’t want to miss the beginning of a new series.

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!

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.

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!

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! ***

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.

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.

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.

This new series by Karen Witemeyer looks to be another good one judging by the first book, At Love’s Command.
The characters in this book were certainly the most compelling aspect. Both are very strong people who have had to fight in their own way to get to where they are now. I really liked Josephine and the perspective Witemeyer wrote about with her being a lady doctor. Though others have created characters like that before, Witemeyer writes hers in a refreshing way. Matthew Hanger is an interesting, multi-faceted character as well. Driven by past mistakes, he and his band live to come to the rescue of others. All of this combines to create some fun tension, a gripping plot, and a realistic faith element. That last one I really enjoyed, as both Josephine and Matthew had to wrangle with their wills in submitting to God and letting Him have control in their lives. As someone who has wrestled there as well, I appreciated how Witemeyer wrote that aspect of the story.
This book also gives a good look at the other Horsemen, who I’m sure have stories coming in the future. After reading At Love’s Command, I will definitely be back to read more about these men and the turns their lives take.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

“He made a glorious picture. Tall in the saddle. Valiant. Unafraid of dangers that lurked ahead. A hero on a noble quest. A rather romantic notion for woman who'd packed away dreams of handsome knights long ago in favor of the reality of a career in medicine.”

Karen Witemeyer never disappoints with any of her stories! She keeps the reader engaged, invested in her characters, and makes them feel like they escaped into the pages.

Matthew Hanger—ex-calvary officer, fierce protector and hero of this story has a natural knack for heading off trouble. Except when it comes to his heart where “Doc Joe”—aka Josephine Burkett—is concerned. She's tough as nails because she's had to fight to gain the confidence of the townspeople for a woman doctor. She certainly won't put up with any guff from Matt or his three compadres, which compromise the Hanger's Horsemen. I loved seeing the sparks fly between these two; stubborn and bullheaded Matt meets take-no-nonsense Joe. It was certainly fun seeing the ribbing he gets from Luke Davenport “Preach”, Mark Wallace, and Jonah Brooks when they realize he's fallen for the lady doctor! When her brother Charlie gets in heaps of trouble of his own making, she pleads with them to rescue him and thus begins the adventure.

“She'd surprised him. Good. She liked keeping military types on their toes. Reminded them they didn't always have all the answers.”

“She apparently enjoyed a good sparring match as much as he did.”

And what a ride it is too! The pace really picks up after that and left me wondering how it was all going to play out. The danger was high and I feared for their safety more than once. I loved how Witemeyer bands these four men together and gives each of them complementary skills necessary to thwart danger and the outlaws. If you're up for a fun Western adventure, a great inspirational message, and of course romance, then you're in for a treat with “At Love's Command”!

“He'd felt God's gentle urging in his life before, but never had it been so overt. It was as if a general had ridden onto the battlefield to direct the operation himself instead of leaving it in the hand of his officers.”

I can't wait for the rest of the Hanger's Horseman stories; I loved these three men & their unique personalities. I bet Witemeyer will pair them with equally suited lady loves!

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House publisher and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions are strictly my own. *

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 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.

What a great book. I think this is the best book yet by MS. Witemeyer. I couldn't seem to put it down. I stayed up way too late reading.

Matthew Hanger started Hanger's Horsemen as a way to atone for what happened at Wounded Knee. The men with him were former cavalry under his command. Their mission is to help those who need help. If shots need to be fired, they shoot to wound, not kill. On one of their missions one of the horseman is wounded. The nearest doctor is Dr. Josephine Burkett. She is a very competent physician and has a very strong personality. She can stare any man down. Even a horseman. While tending the wounded man she learns her brother is being held for ransom. She asks the horseman to help her get her brother back. Matthew and Josephine feel an imedidate attraction. So what can he do but want to help her. This is where the adventure begins. The story just keeps building. I couldn't put it down.

I highly recommend this book. I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via Net Galley for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Karen Witemeyer's historical romances are always so smooth and such fun to read. The main characters, a young woman doctor and a former cavalry captain, were likable, and despite how quickly the romance developed in real time, it didn't feel rushed because so much happens so quickly. This book had more action - lengthy detailed combat scenes - than anything I've read by this author. The scenes were done well enough, just a little too prolonged for my taste when I crave the interactions between the hero and heroine most of all. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this new series!