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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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! ***

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!

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

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

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

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

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

“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.

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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