At Love's Command begins Karen Witemeyer's new Hanger's Horsemen series. This book focuses on leader Matthew Hanger and Dr. Josephine Burkett. The two meet when one of the Hanger's Horsemen needs medical attention, and sparks immediately fly.

I have to admit that I struggled to get into this book. It just felt a little slow to me, and the fight scenes seemed to go on for a long time. And while I liked Matthew and Josie together, they didn't actually spend much of the novel together, making the romance feel a little light to me. I did really enjoy the other Horsemen, and I'd definitely be interested in their stories. Ultimately, while I liked the book, I didn't enjoy it as much as some of Witemeyer's other novels. But for someone who loves Westerns with just a touch of romance, this book would probably be just what they're looking for. 3-1/2 stars.

It's always a pleasure to read a novel by Karen Witemeyer, and this book was no exception! The main characters always draw me in and keep me engaged, and the remaining cast of unique people make the story feel so real. Taking place in a historical time frame that was full of turmoil, Karen does an excellent job of educating her readers on the realities of the time while also keeping it light enough where you can also see the joy. With all that is going on in this world, this is something everyone needs a bit more of.

Captain Matthew Hanger has seen death and destruction during his 13 years of Indian fighting, and the last straw was the battle at Wounded Knee Creek. After that, he gathers up men around him he trusts and dedicates himself to keeping people safe to make up for when he couldn't. During one particularly bad dust-up while protecting a ranch, one of his men is badly injured, and the closest doctor is Dr. Josephine Burkett, of Purgatory Springs. Josephine is used to the surprise of men when they realize she is the doctor and not the nurse of her establishment, but what she's not used to is the fierce attraction she feels towards her patient's friend. She has dedicated her life to saving people, and the last person she should be having feelings for is someone who leads a life of violence. However, when her brother is in trouble and she finds she needs help, it's Matthew to whom she turns, and thus begins an adventure neither of them anticipated.

I really enjoyed both Matthew and Josephine as individuals and as a couple - very realistic, flawed, with honest reactions to every situation. I felt very connected to them and loved seeing their relationship grow as they learned more about each other. Josephine, in particular, had a lot of learning to do about Matthew, given her preconceptions about men like him. He had a lot more honor than she expected, and it didn't take much to see how much good he had within him. Once they started on their journey to rescue her brother, it was clear how important they were becoming to each other. Josephine's brother was a good antagonist, as he showed the stark difference between men of honor and men of greed. Both Matthew and her brother were involved in violence, but one was in it to protect others and the other was in it to protect himself. Perfect writing, that was.

As always, eager to see what comes next! Highly recommend reading Karen's other series while you wait.

I am definitely a Karen Witemeyer fan. I love the way she weaves romance and a strong faith element into her stories.

This book did take me a bit longer to really get into. It was at the about the 50% mark that I found myself hooked and wondering what was going to happen next. And she didn't cease to keep me guessing.

Josie was a strong character but someone who also was willing to explore her feelings. Matt was a true hero, who you knew would come through.

I am very excited for this series and the next book to come out!


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

At Love’s Command first grabbed my attention with its cover. After all what red blooded girl can resist a handsome cowboy and his horse? My familiarity with previous books from Karen Witemeyer sealed the deal for me. I have enjoyed each and every one of the books I’ve read by this author and have found them to be the perfect blend of action, danger, humor, romance, and faith, almost always with a western setting. And I do love a good historical western romance.

I am quite happy to say that At Love’s Command thoroughly met my expectations. In fact it may have been Witemeyer’s best book yet (and I have loved most of them). With a strong and determined lady doctor, Josephine Burkett and one of the manliest heroes yet, Matthew Hanger, this book took me on an unforgettable adventure where the unexpected lurked around every corner. Any example would give away too much and possibly ruin the fun for other readers.

Josephine and Matthew were the perfect pair, both giving as good as they could take and the dialogue between them was witty and near perfect in my opinion. I loved how protective Matthew was toward Josephine although for the most part she was pretty capable of taking care of herself. I also enjoyed getting to know other members of Hanger’s Horsemen and look forward to read their own stories in future installments.

If you enjoy a good historical western romance, do not delay in grabbing a copy of At Love’s Command for yourself. I do not think you will be sorry.

This is a series that I look forward to reading. The problem is that this is the first book and I have to wait for the next installment.

Matthew Hanger is a great character. He has a strong sense of loyalty and right vs. wrong. He knows how it feels to follow orders when they are against his character and convictions. I loved how he took the sorrow and the shame and turned it around to fight for those who are in need of a hired mercenary. The good thing is that he's a mercenary with a conscience. He does not shoot to kill, just shoot to stop. His band is made up of men with integrity, that is the reason that you can't help but love them.

Doc "Jo" is a woman Dr in the frontier (yay)! She is not afraid to help those in need and chase down the men who are holding her wayward brother for ransom. She is also a woman of compassion and faith. <3

This novel is so much fun to read.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Matthew Hanger may have been a hard-fighting cavalry officer in the later 1800s, but he has a caring heart and a solid urge to do what’s right. When he meets up with Dr. Josephine Burkett in a Texas town, the course of his life is changed. This exciting tale has an Old West flavor, with horses playing a vital role. Of course, there are gun fights, but the author focuses more on the compelling characters than on the blood and injuries. Several characters learn lessons about overcoming their troubled pasts by the time the fast-paced story winds down. I think this intriguing novel may be one of the author’s best. If you love historical fiction, you won’t want to miss this. I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

After the massacre at Wounded Knee, Army Captain Matthew Hanger tries to atone for his failure by leading a team of benevolent mercenaries made up of a handful of men under his command. Think a Texas, 1890s version of the A-Team.

When one of his men needs a doctor, he’s pointed to the nearest town and to “Dr. Joe,” who turns out to be Dr. Jo(sephine) Burkett. Spoiler – sort of: It’s pretty much love at first sight, which was my only negative. The story contains a much higher percentage of action than romance, so I found their “love” to be more practical/believable if termed as intense attraction.

Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced, exciting story. Matthew is smart and brave, yet he isn’t overbearing. Jo is confident and loyal, even when the latter isn’t deserved.

I give At Love’s Command a hearty thumbs up and 4.8 stars.

I received this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.

I enjoyed Karen Witemeyer's newest novel, At Love's Command! I was intrigued by the idea of a female doctor and an army captain. I loved the character of Matthew Hanger and his struggles throughout the book felt very realistic. I grew frustrated a few times with the romance. Three paragraphs of Josie trying to avoid looking at Matthew's muscles because of her attraction felt childish and inappropriate for the time period. Overall though, I really enjoyed this historical fiction romance.

FTC DIsclosure; I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for promotional purposes. I was not required to write an positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

I have never read a Karen Witemeyer book that I haven't enjoyed. This book was no exception. This author has a way with words where I can connect with the characters and understand their motivations behind their actions and could feel their emotions. I enjoyed steping back in time and felt I was firmly in the old west without any modernizations popping up. The H was perfectly written and had a strength of character with some wonderful sentiment directed to the h that makes the reader go "awww" & do a happy sigh. The h aslo had strength and was a good match for Matt (H). The ending had some fast paced action that made the book difficult to put down but not rushed at all. The story had a nice flow, great dialogue and fabulous secondary characters. I can totally imagine this being a great western with some action for my husband and sweet romance for myself. I enjoyed each character from the H's close friends and would absolutely love to read their stories. This book is a Christian book but not preachy or heavy handed. There are scritpure references that are sprinkled in through the characters and flowed seemsly into the story. There was a nice theme of the book that God is in the details of our life. Karen Witemeyer is an auto read/buy for me.

If you’re like me, it’s nice to know that the first book in a new series is a stand-alone with all loose ends tied up. This is a complete story, yet after reading it you will want to read the next.

If you’re like me, it’s nice to know that the first book in a new series is a stand-alone with all loose ends tied up. This is a complete story, yet after reading it you will want to read the next.

When Matt takes one of his men to be treated by the closest doctor, he’s completely surprised to find that Doctor Jo is a Josephine, not a male. And Josephine quickly catches his eye when she proves to be different than the other ladies that he’s familiar with. She has a mind of her own and isn’t afraid to share it.

When she finds out that Matt is part of the Hanger’s Horseman. She seeks his help in freeing her brother from his kidnappers. But that’s not the end, she insists on coming with the group. But not just any group, this is a group of men dedicated to doing good without killing. Yes, they have to use guns, but they don’t shoot to kill.

So we’re set up with a little romance, some good guys and western villains, and a few surprises in between. Things that make up a good book.

What Concerned Me
Nothing about this book was a concern.


What I Liked Best
Each one of the characters was more than a name, they felt like people to grow with and care about.

Jonah Brooks was a buffalo soldier with the 10th Cavalry that served with Matt on numerous reconnaissance missions when stealth had been required. He had a talent for making himself invisible and was a great marksman.

Luke Davenport, better known as Preach, was a corporal who had been with Matt for nearly a decade. He was known for hand-to-hand combat and was the best swordsman Matt had ever seen. Luke was always quoting Scripture which earned him the name Preach. His Scripture was always fitting and seemed to help keep the group grounded.

Mark Wallace came to Matt as a flamboyant kid with a talent for horsemanship and a reckless craving for adventure. But with Matt’s guidance, Mark became a man that they depended on.

Matt Hanger was sick of war, though he’d been the captain of the 7th Cavalry, training men only to watch them fall on the battlefield was more than concerning. Sick of right and wrong blurring into a muddy mess until he no longer knew on which side he stood, he founded Hanger’s Horsemen. A famed foursome who took on problems the law either couldn’t or wouldn’t handle.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is a special woman who knows who she is and isn’t afraid to be herself.

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and there were times that I couldn’t turn pages fast enough. I would easily follow this series due to the good writing and believable cast of characters.

My thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for this book and the ability to post a review of my opinion of this story.

What a gripping story. Karen Witemeyer grabbed my attention early on and kept it for the length of the entire book. This was the first book I read by this author but I look forward to reading more.

The chemistry between Matt and Josephine absolutely leaps off the page. They really push each other which suits his personality as a former calvary officer and her personality as a female doctor in an era where women doctors were rare. There's love, chasing of outlaws, horses, what I imagine are attractive men on said horses, and lots of sparks. What more can you ask for? It's also a Christian romance so the romance aspects are clean and Bethany House is my go to for Christian fiction, both historical and contemporary.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.

This book was a breath of fresh air that I desperately needed after a string of books that didn’t quite reach the mark for me! Karen Witemeyer has long been a favorite author of mine and this book just proved how much she deserves her spot on that list!
I absolutely adored Matthew and Josephine! From their very first meeting the sparks flew and their banter and chemistry had me laughing out loud and grinning like a fool throughout the whole book! They were both no nonsense people who got the job done no matter what and I loved how well matched they were. I also really appreciated the way they respected each other and discussed things instead of making demands, arguing, or getting offended!
I also loved the other three Horsemen! Preach, Jonah, and Mark all had their own unique personalities that made you love them and I can’t wait till we get their stories!
There was a decent bit of action in this book too and it was so well written that I could easily envision it all going down! They way the Horsemen worked together was a thing of beauty and I loved watching them in action!
In short, there was nothing about this book I didn’t love and I’m already anxious to get the rest of the series!

If Karen Witemeyer wasn't already a favorite author she definitely would be after reading, At Love's Command. This is the first book in the Hanger's Horsemen series.
I haven't read a book of hers yet that I haven't absolutely loved. Upon starting this book I was delightedly entertained for hours with this wonderful plot and the cast of characters.
I really enjoyed this western historical christian fiction book.
It was fun to read the interaction between Matthew and Josephine.
I can not wait to see what the next book in the series holds for us.

Published June 2nd 2020 by Bethany House Publishers
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Wonderful read! I love this author and she always brings books that have mystery, suspense, laughter, and love. This book is no exception.

In At Love's Command we get to know Hanger's Horsemen as they do what they do. Which is of course to catch the bad guys and put them away without hopefully killing anyone. That's right, they try to only wound the men they have to shoot.

When Hanger's Horsemen are fighting out one of their shootouts for a job one of their own gets hurt. The leader Matthew Hanger takes his man in to get him fixed up by the Dr. Dr Jo. But Doc Joe is actually a Josephine and some sparks fly!

I really loved this book and watching Jo and Matthew get to know each other. They each have their own obstacles to work around. And then Jo's brother gets kidnapped, or does he? When Jo finds out that her father refuses to pay the ransom she hires Matthew and the Horsemen to save her brother.

Only, what happens when her brother isn't really in danger, but maybe he is, but he turns on her and takes her hostage?

This is quite the story and you're going to love it! It's a fast-paced read that I'm sure you'll love. Can't wait for the next book in this new series.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

"Be still..." has been my "mantra" or at least what I remind myself of late. Can you guess my surprise when I see a similar message in Karen Witemeyer's latest release, At Love's Command from @bethanyhousefiction. It's a funny thing, but whenever I pick up one of the author's books, I expect to be entertained, yet, I always come away with something more. You would think I'd learn by now to always expect the unexpected with her books!⁠
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At Love's Command gives any historical romance loving reader a run for their money, and add in the action, one will just not want to put the book down - at all! From the rather visual opening scene to what comes next for the Hanger's Horsemen, riveting scene one after the other, my emotions were all over the place. From surprises to expectations met, to disgust and love for some characters, to anger, humor and warmth all in one book, I closed the last page with satisfaction and anticipation for what and which of the Horsemen comes next in this brand new series. Top off the well crafted stories and characters, readers are left with more than one message to come to grips with. ⁠
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"I'm afraid, Lord. Afraid to completely surrender. Afraid that if I have no control over the outcome, it won't end the way I desire."⁠
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.⁠

It's been a while since I read a Witemeyer book and I'm glad I picked this one up. Such a delightful read! Wonderful characters. Great story line! Dramatic and romantic. A story to savor!

I grew up watching westerns and frontier movies like McClintock!, Rio Bravo, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Escape from Fort Bravo, Unconquered, The Searchers, The Proud Rebel, and Red River. In At Love’s Command, Karen revives the world of 1800s Texas, full of outlaws, cavalrymen, and heroes and heroines with backbone. Reading this story took me back into that western story arena I love.

The Characters:
Matthew’s character lived through a heartbreaking childhood and the Battle of Wounded Knee, both of which formed him into the compassionate-but-aloof, take-charge character he is. Josephine has attained her dream of becoming a doctor but, at 28, is an “old maid” by the society standards of her time. I related a lot to her desire for a family and wondering what the future holds. Karen creates a fun brotherhood between Matthew, Mark, Luke (“Preach”), and Jonah. Watching them interact on the page brought back fun memories of watching "compadre" westerns like The Sons of Katie Elder, High Chaparral, Open Range, and El Dorado.

The Romance:
With Matthew’s tough background, he’s reluctant to allow anyone close—anyone but his “brothers,” who survived battle alongside him. But when he finally admits he’s not getting Josephine off his mind anytime soon, he woos her with a gentle, honest pursuit. I love to see this in stories. Ladies admire men who have the tenacity to initiate a conversation, a friendship, then a relationship. Even if a couple finds they aren’t suited, a true lady will admire his courage to be intentional in finding out if they are a match. This is one trait that makes Matthew a heart-melting, stand-out storybook hero. But their relationship isn’t without its struggle. Josephine has reservations about involving herself with a man who makes his living with his guns. She’s dedicated her life to making the sick and injured well. There’s also the little matter of her brother, whose circumstances of being kidnapped by outlaws endanger Josephine and Matthew and everyone they love.

Pacing/Stakes:
In the beginning, we’re concerned about Matthew’s gunshot friend, then the romance develops rather quickly between Josephine and Matthew. They are both adults past the normal marrying age, and with Matthew being in a line of work where time isn’t guaranteed, once he opens up to the idea of a woman in his life, he wastes no time making his interest known. Emotional and romantic development make up the second quarter of the book, but the pages still turn fast all the way through until the ending. Action-wise, the story starts off with a bang, then really picks up again around the midpoint.

Spiritual Thread:
The characters struggle between keeping a tight rein on their circumstances or surrendering control to God. A theme that echoes in the heart of every Christian.

I can't wait to read more about the Horsemen.

I have long enjoyed Karen Witemeyer's books and considered them fairly light, very enjoyable reads. I appreciated how they were faith-based but never found them particularly deep or challenging to me spiritually. Until this book. I found this to be Witemeyer's best book to date. I felt like she dug deeper than ever before into what it means to trust and follow Jesus and how that affects every decision a person makes. I am very much looking forward to the rest of this series and hope they continue with this level of spiritual depth along with her fabulously entertaining storytelling!

Oh my, what a hero Matthew is! He was such a fun character to meet and his love for his Josie was so fun to read and swoon at. This book has a ton of excitement and kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next. I think this story has a bit more danger than Karen's previous stories and it was hard to put down when life intruded(which it did far to much!). I can not wait to see all of Hanger's Horsemen get their happy endings!! The next story can't come soon enough to suit me!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

I think I've read every book Karen Witemeyer has written (except possibly her novellas. I don't think I've read all of those.) and can say with authority, there isn't a bad one in the bunch! Her latest book, At Love's Command, introduces her new Hanger's Horsemen series. It brought back many memories of nights with the family watching "Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman", as the female main character is a doctor on the frontier.

I loved how Matthew Hanger is willing to look past society's norms to see all that Josephine has to offer. She may not be wife material for the typical man, but he's anything but typical. Jo is able to see Matthew's honor, and even when he can't see it for himself, she believes he can do anything, even rescue a brother who doesn't want to be rescued.

I also love the humor Witemeyer tosses in at the most unlikely spots. I've come to expect this in her books, so I look for it, as sometimes it's pretty subtle.

Readers who enjoy historical/western romance will love this series starter. Even if you prefer more contemporary stories, this one will still be a fun read. I highly recommend this, and it gets all the stars from me!