I enjoyed this story. It has a second chance romance and two couples who find their happily ever after. There is a lot of drama and some adorable, independent children. There is also a faith element that I enjoyed. This is the second book in the series but is really a complete standalone. I received a copy of this ebook though NetGalley and the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

I’m kind of an on-again, off-again reader of historical Western fiction. I used to read it more, but with having less time to read, I’ve found myself slowly weeding this genre out of my frequent reads . . . unless it’s by Karen Witemeyer! In that case, it’s instantly on my to-be-read list, even if I’m not able to review it.
This is the follow-up book to At Love’s Command, though you don’t have to read the first to appreciate this one. Each book stands alone, but if you read the first and enjoyed the characters, I can almost guarantee that you’ll like this one. Though I’m not picky about the storyline, at least when it comes to Ms. Witemeyer’s books, I’m not typically a huge fan of love lost and then found again. So I was excited to find that this book had a dual romance aspect and nicely tied up 2 stories in 1. I found the mystery intriguing and quite enjoyed getting to know Eliza and Jonah, along with the rather colorful collection of kids in their care.
I honestly can’t think of a single thing to nitpick or say I didn’t enjoy. It did broach the topic of skin color and background in a way that I found well done and rather fitting for the time we’re living in. Though I may not be racing back to read it again, I found it an interesting summer read and would recommend anything from this author.
*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Karen Witemeyer’s latest release, “The Heart’s Charge”, is the second in the “Hanger’s Horsemen” series, but it could mostly work as a stand-alone; you’d just be missing some background information on setting as there’s not a large character overlap. This book actually follows the story of two couples, one high school sweethearts rediscovering each other in the 1800s American midwest, and one couple meeting for the first time (same setting). The stories are very connected and the chapters flip back and forth between the perspectives of these four characters, but it’s not confusing. There’s some mystery and drama woven in to keep you on your toes, but overall it’s a very sweet story and light read.

Thank you to Bethany House publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Book title: The Heart’s Charge by Karen Witemeyer
Book Reviewer: Donna Feyen

I am new to Witemeyer’s writing. At Love’s Command was the first book I this series and the first book of hers to read. I am hooked!! I am not sure how she does it but I am hooked. Her characters are superb. The Heart’s Charge is the second book in the Hangers Horsemen series and is Mark and Jonah’s story. I was not sure I could like the second book as much as I loved the first one. I was wrong.

Mark and Jonah are men of character. You fall in love with them. Kate and Eliza are a perfect match for them. Kate turned down Mark’s proposal 10 years ago and never thought she would see him again. She and Eliza are running a foundling home. The story of the children was heartwarming. I loved seeing them flourish throughout the book.

One of my favorite scenes was the conversation between Johan and Eliza in the buggy on the way to the town. The author did an amazing job of making their situations relatable. Another of my favorite scenes was Al. 😊

I think this is one of those books that you can very well tell what kind of story it will be by looking at the cover. And then some.
I started reading this western style historical novel, and I was hooked. (this is the second book in a series, but it reads well as a stand alone)
Mark Wallace is a typical gentlemanly cowboy type of hero. Strong, gentle, and all of that. I enjoyed reading about him and seeing his personality emerge on the pages of this book.
I also found it interesting to read about his past with Katherine, and to see how and when their relationship might begin to grow again...yes, I think this is definitely a story that is just a bit predictable. But, in spite of all of that, it is fun to read, to see how exactly they reach their happy ending.
I found this to be a light hearted easy read, enjoyable and fun, but also with some deeper issues hidden below the surface.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Heart's Charge is another excellent Karen Witemeyer book. From the compelling opening to the heart-wrenching conclusion, Witemeyer takes the reader on a fast-paced adventure, sprinkled with humor and romance.

The Horsemen are once again in the middle of a difficult situation where their unique skills are call on to rescue children, women, and one another. The characters are well written and the conflict and solutions relatable.

The Heart's Charge is a fun adventure. I recommend this book as a great continuation in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book since it had actually four main characters (two couples) but I should never had doubted Karen. I so enjoyed both couple’s journey as they found love. If I had to choose though, I think I enjoyed Jonah and Eliza’s story the best because Eliza was so contrary.

The mystery that is unraveled in this book is interesting as well, although, I had a good Idea who was behind the missing children pretty early on.

Karen is also wonderful had writing tense and action paced final scenes and this book has them.

If you like historical romances with a western flare I am sure you will enjoy this one.


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

As I began reading this book, I soon realized that I wasn’t just being told a story. I was invited and drawn in to experience life in Llano County, Texas during the spring of 1894. I was introduced to an outstanding cast of characters, some of whom were almost larger than life.

This book is historical romance at its best, with the telling of not just one love story, but two. Through skillful writing, I was given the sense that the author truly enjoyed, cared for and was at times amused by her characters as much as me.

I loved the way that friendships were portrayed in this well written book. Trust was earned, not demanded. Forgiveness was needed, sought after and abundantly given. Second chances were granted. Children, even those discarded by society, were valued and treasured.

I loved the ending! I read it with happy tears streaming down my face.

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

This was really well written. There is romance, even double romance but also intrigue and a mystery. This is one where you really want to root for the good guys. They are so swoony as well as being good heroes in life. I loved them. And the ladies as well. I liked that despite being seemingly invincible the heroes actually can be injured and it doesn't seem like they can save the day but with the help of their women they do. As for who the bad guys are, I was not surprised. I called them as soon as I met them but I didn't know how it was all going to play out even if I did suspect them of being evil.

This is Christian lit and the Christian themes are strong. No subtlety there. But it was okay because the beliefs of the characters were ingrained into their being so it didn't feel unnatural.

No sex or language
Violence: yes
* I received a complimentary ARC through Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

Oh, wow! Karen Witemeyer has done it again! The Heart's Charge is an amazing story, filled with compelling danger, bravery in the face of fear, life-changing spiritual lessons, and characters who melted my heart.

Though there are many characters with significant roles, it was not difficult to keep track of who was who. And each one was unique, making for a rich tale. Mark had a love of music and a talent for making everyone around him comfortable. Jonah was a serious man. He was intense - scarred by the life he had lived and yet was deeply compassionate towards the hurting hearts around him. Kate was full of kindness and compassion for those around her. And Eliza, who experienced grief and loss from her earthly father's fear of accepting her as his own child, poured her heart into the children she taught with great skill.

As these four worked together to protect the boxcar boys from abduction and to rescue those who had already disappeared, their hearts became intertwined (in Mark and Kate's case - again) and their lives changed. The women learned to overcome their greatest fears.

I loved how Mark and Jonah ministered to the boys, sharing truths from the Bible that aptly fit the circumstances so well. Jonah's version of Jephthah's story was so insightful.

I also loved the way the women learned to trust and support the men even when they disagreed with their choices. Not in an ""I have to submit no matter what"" sort of way but because they trusted them and their relationship with God.

If you enjoy historical fiction with mystery, intrigue, and romance, you won't want to miss The Heart's Charge! Be sure to read the other stories in the Hanger's Horsemen series as well.

Sigh... Those Hanger's Horsemen! If I were in trouble I would want any one of them helping me, to have all four would be even better.

Jonah and Wallace stumble upon a case where Box Car children are being taken. Their sense of right and wrong lead them to investigate and endeavor to save the children. Their adventure leads them to deliver a baby and Wallace to find the woman he intended to marry years ago. The romance in this book is tender and respectful. The best part is this is a two-for. Two romances for the price of one.

Harmony House is a place for parent-less children. It is not an orphanage because the children are taken care of as they would in a family setting. The founders love each child as if they were their own. The women do a fantastic job, but their place is in dire need of improvement. Both Jonah and Wallace rise to the challenge of helping and protecting the women and children. The four main characters are beautifully written. I could almost imagine myself on the homestead with them. Karen Witemeyer captured the old-west for me. I was lost in the pages of the book.

The Heart's Charge is an inspiring book. There is one more Horseman to go. I really want to continue with the series and see what is in store for this group of heroic men.

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

I really enjoyed this book! It was great to read two parallel love stories, and even though the final mystery felt a little out of left field, it was still a highly enjoyable read overall. Definitely recommend! :-)

Karen Witemeyer always knows how to both steal and warm her readers heart all at the same time while illustrating great lessons of faith.

This is the book 2 in the series Hanger's Horsemen and picks off with Mark Wallace and Jonah Brook's on a mission of helping an amazing and intriguing set of people.

The Horsemen had a stellar reputation of rescuing helpless people and this book was a beautiful story of rescuing helpless children and finding love in unexpected places. The grit and determination of Mark, Kate, Eliza, and Jonah was profound. How fiercely they protected those who couldn't fend for themselves was admirable and touching. The sacrifice in this book was nothing short of heartwarming and inspiring.

The author shone a lot of light into the segregation of the people of color in the 1800s. The way the plot and characters merged together produced a very enjoyable, captivating and inspiring read.

If you’re in the mood for two amazing and sweet love stories with theme of second chances, sacrifice, restoration you won’t want to miss The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer.

The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment.

This is a wonderful story of second chances, grace and God providence. The story starts with Mark and Jonah helping a widow who’s in labor. With the help of the local doctor, the widow gives birth to a beautiful, healthy girl; however, she doesn’t want the child because she is overcome with grief due to the loss of her husband. Since the mother couldn’t take care of the baby, they decide to take the baby to the local foundling home and Mark is shocked to discover that his old childhood friend (and almost fiancé) Kate, was helping run the Home. Since there was no one at the Foundling Home that could nurse the baby, Jonah and Kate’s friend/partner Eliza, take the child to a nearby mother to be nursed and while there, Jonah discovers a rumor about local boys disappearing because of the “kiddy-snatchers”. He decides that the Horsemen need to help find the missing boys; however, the biggest problem was that the boys who were missing were the local boxcar children and no one in town paid attention to them. Being reunited with Kate was a miracle that Mark wouldn’t have ever dreamed of, but now that he is with her, he doesn’t think that he can ever leave her again. He decides to help fix up some things around the Foundling Home while he and Jonah investigates the case; however, with hardly any leads and very few witnesses, the Horsemen are going to need a miracle if they’re ever going to find the kids.

I have loved all of Karen Witemeyer’s books and this one was no exception. The book slows down a bit after they help the widow, but it by no means messes with the story and really gives you time to get to know each of the main characters. I loved reading about Mark and Kate’s childhood and my heart broke when I read about the struggles Jonah and Eliza had throughout their childhood. I thought it was amazing that God had used the events (both good and bad) in each of the four characters past to bring them all together and it just reminded me that God does work all things for good to those who love him. Overall, I loved everything about this book and cannot WAIT for the third book in the series. I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars! Special thanks to Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for letting me read and review this book – all opinions are my own.

Every time I read a Karen Witemeyer book they become my favorite. This one definitely did and I was so disappointed when I turned the page to realize I was indeed at the end! It was so good. I loved the characters, their relationships and the storyline! Strong female leads and strong male leads who recognize the women were strong and supported them. Just an overall great story. The kids in the book were so precious! The interaction between them and the two Hangar’s horsemen was a highlight. I also like how they listened to the children and didn’t dismiss their fears and rumors of children missing. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

The Heart’s Charge was impossible to put down. I have met Mark and Jonah before in the first book in the Hanger’s Horseman series and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one! The Horsemen are easy to fall in love with, but they all have secrets and wounds that they carry with them. They all also seem to end up in ridiculous situations at times. When Mark and Jonah went to deliver a horse to a near by town they end up finding a woman in labor with no one else around to lend a hand. Being the gentleman that they are, they know they have to help. Little do they know, after they deliver that baby their lives will never be the same.

I loved getting to know Mark and Jonah better. This story went more into their pasts and helped me understand more of what made them who they are. I loved the bits of advice that Jonah remembered from his Father. There was great wisdom in those, and they can easily be applied today. The kids were so sweet and I easily loved them and enjoyed their dynamic with each other. Two women living on their own, while raising unwanted kids have to be made of some strong stuff. I enjoyed getting to know Eliza and Katherine, and can easily see how they might catch a Horseman’s eye.

This book took me by surprise. There were many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Witemeyer knows the perfect recipe to mix suspense, history, and romance. The result for me is staying up too late waiting to see what will happen next. This story was a blast to read and I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another fantastic western from Karen Witemeyer! This book was unique in that there were two couples featured in the novel. While sometimes one romantic interest can take the spotlight, in this case I felt that equal amount of time was given to both couples. Both were likeable and well developed. I also liked the racial diversity within the main characters. It wasn't the focus of the book, but some aspects of the prejudices these characters were subjected to were addressed. These issues were presented in a mild and respectful way.

In this series, the members of Hangar's Horsemen are a group of men that banded together to fight injustice. Even though the group has begun pursuing some other things, they can still depend on each other to come when needed. You still see that band of brothers in this book, as tension builds and help is needed. It created some action packed scenes that made a real page-turner. I loved the role that children played in the book as well. They made for some sweet and tough characters that added a lot to the story.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series and would definitely recommend starting with book one!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinion, which I did.**

4.5 Stars

Y’all, Karen Witemeyer treats readers to not one, but two romances in The Heart’s Charge, and what a joy it was to read.

Mark comes face-to-face with Katherine, the woman he almost married years ago, and Jonah meets the headstrong yet intriguing Eliza. But the romance is only part of the experience of this book. From the boxcar boys to those residing at the foundling home, the children in this book will tug at your heartstrings—whether it’s tough and determined Rawley, the quiet yet grateful Abner, or the sweet little Al, the little ones leave a lasting impression.

When Jonah stumbles upon the occurrence of kids going missing, he and Mark consider it their duty to discover who is behind it. Witemeyer’s characteristic humor and banter add balance the heavier moments of mystery, action, and discovering a home and a future.

The Heart’s Charge proves again why Witemeyer is a favorite author for so many historical romance fans.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I love anytime a story gives me two romances for one.

I already fell in love with this series in book 1, but don't worry this one works as a standalone if you haven't read it yet (but you should!).

I really liked getting to know Mark and Kate along with Eliza and Jonah. I especially loved that the women ran a children's home and Loved getting to know the kids too.

This book tackles some tough topics of slavery and race and I thought Witemeyer did a good job in a short book of laying out just one type of scenario from that time in history.

True to Witemeyer's style the romance and the adventure were paired well together. The pacing was well done. I loved the romance parts. Tons of great kisses.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

The second book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series opened with excitement! That is the type of novel I like to read. Whitmeyer had my interest from the beginning. The famous Hanger’s Horsemen, Mark and Jonah happened upon a seemingly deserted cabin with a deranged woman inside giving birth to a child. Mark is petrified but he cannot leave her alone. Jonah races back to town to fetch a doctor. The little girl is delivered by Mark, after all he is a ranch hand that has tended many an animal birth. The poor woman is in deep mourning because her husband has passed away and all she talks about is going where he has gone. She wants nothing to do with the child, only wants death. The doctor arrives and tells Jacob to take the child to Harmony House {which is a home for foundlings} there they will take the baby to a wet nurse. When they arrive at the home, to his great surprise he finds a girl who was his closest friend from childhood whom he has not seen for years……Thus begins this most interesting book dealing with kidnapped and missing children. Children who are homeless and living on the streets, just fighting to exist. Kindling romances for both of the Horsemen. Learning to lean on and trust the Lord to lead and guide in all things. Lots of excitement and danger takes place as all search for the missing boys and why would anyone be stealing young boys. For what purpose? Also finding out what becomes of the newborn little girl. A great book with a great ending….. Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read and review another winner for Whitmeyer..