Having not read the first book in this series, I found this story easily read as a stand alone. I loved the main characters and their missions. I enjoyed the band of rail riders with their quick actions as they strove to look after each other. The strength, faith and compassion of the Horsemen is admirable. Looking forward to reading the first book in the series as well as the third. Recommended.

*Warnings*

#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile.

#2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.

Stars: 5

Synopsis: Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks, one half of the infamous Hanger’s Horsemen, have found themselves in Llano County...delivering a stranger’s baby. Through an unlikely incident, war-hardened Mark and Jonah find themselves saving babies, caring for orphans, and even falling in love.

Favorite Quote: “Regrets are heavy, son. The fewer you cart around, the better of you’ll be. But when they come, and they will, remember you got a Father who will carry them for you if you let him.”

Karen Witemeyer is actually one of my first and forever favorite authors—up there with Roseanna M. White and Kristi Ann Hunter—and even though this is technically my first time ever reviewing any of her books, I have loved her for years!

Why? Well, probably because (1) her writing style is so well-balanced and yet she has such a unique voice; (2) all of her books are chock full of humor and wit; (3) her plots are always so smoothly paced, intriguing, suspenseful, action-packed, and just plain fun; (4) despite having some action and suspense in almost every single one of her books, the romance is always very well-developed and super sweet and swoony; (5) her characters are different without being outlandish, and so easy to love!

So that sums up the kind of expectations I have whenever I pick up a Witemeyer Western, I guess. (Ooh! That should totally be a genre: Witemeyer Westerns. Yep, I’mma start writin’ me some o’ those! Anyway…) I had extremely high expectations for The Heart’s Charge, both because I absolutely loved the previous book in the series, At Love’s Command, and because this time Witemeyer was full-on writing TWO romances in ONE book!

Now, I know she can do it—she’s the master of well-developed novellas that are never rushed or skimpy; and she pretty much did the same thing before in Heart on the Line with Grace and Amos and Helen and Lee. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t worry about how much I’d enjoy this book…

That being said, I didn’t hesitate one second (I’m honestly not sure if I even read the full blurb) before picking up this book. The day I got this puppy in the mail was a glorious day for me, and I hadn’t even cracked it open yet!

I cracked it open two seconds later, though, and thanks to being down with a cold, I’d read clean through this here book by the end of the day! Definitely worth a case of the sniffles.

Anyway, enough jawing. Let’s get into all the reasons why I loved The Heart’s Charge specifically (as in, not for all the reasons why I love Karen’s fiction...those are automatically applied).

#1 I ADORED the characters. I mean, I love all of Witemeyer’s characters (except for Amos and Grace; they were definitely my least favorites), but Mark and Jonah and Kate and Eliza were just...well, adorable!

Mark was such a cutie-pie. I remember him being hilarious and flirtatious in At Love’s Command, but oh. my. word. Seeing (or reading, I guess) him care for baby Sarah and hanging out with the kiddos at Harmony House and get all flustered around Katie was just pure enjoyment for my little romantic heart.

But Jonah? Yep. Jonah was mah man. I think I loved both him and Mark equally, but there was a part of me that was (1) super excited to read about a black hero and (2) falling in love with his quiet, macho demeanor. Seriously. I does not get any better than that. (Can I just say that although I love the cover, they really should’ve gotten a different model for Jonah? I just imagined him taller and brawnier and darker and frownier and...stuff. That may’ve just been me, though.)

As for Kate, she was great. (Yes, that rhymes on purpose.) I rarely ever get too attached to heroines, and that was still the same for THC, but I did like Kate’s personality and her loving nature. It always pleases me to read about a historical heroine who actually likes children, and even more so do I love reading about characters (especially girls) who follow God’s will for their lives and seek Him in everything, no matter the sacrifices they have to make.

So, on a side note, that right there—the underlying theme of sacrifice and missions—was one of my favorite parts of this novel.

Then there was Eliza. Y’all, that woman was a hoot! Throw Jonah in the mix, and woo-wee! I guess it comes from being a Southerner (as in, being around a lot of black women with thick heads, stubborn hearts, and smart mouths), but reading about Eliza was like making a new best friend. She was so real to me, and that was one thing I really appreciated about both hers and Jonah’s characters—that they were so realistically portrayed in ways that hardly any characters are these days.

Anyway, all four of the main characters had such strong personalities and were just plain awesome. So there’s that.

#2 I guess I’ve already covered this (but then, doesn’t a five-star rating say enough as it is?), but I just want to drive the point home that, yet again, Witemeyer has effortlessly pulled off two stories and four POV characters in one average-sized novel. Her developmental skills are quite possibly the best of anyone author I’ve ever read—and that’s saying a lot right there.

#3 And here’s the point y’all have all been waiting for… I loved how racism was portrayed. I make it a point not to read stories strategically focused on racism, because seriously, y’all—I get enough of that from the news. So I’m always a wee bit concerned when going into a book with colored characters (or, shoot, even female characters—y’all know I can’t stand a feminist agenda) that the author is going to turn the story into an argument against racial injustice.

That’s all well and good for nonfiction, but I don’t read fiction for that reason. I read fiction to escape from this whacked-out world I live in. Anyway…

That’s why I loved how Witemeyer handled the issue of racism in this time. It wasn’t the main focal point, where the story was all about wallowing in self-pity, behaving as a victim, or dealing with gobs amount of hate. Instead, the story was about two individuals who persevered, made a good life for themselves, and showed love to others, no matter their race.

That right there is what I want to read—even from books about racism.

Same goes for how she tackled sexism—what with Eliza and Kate running the orphanage all by themselves. They didn’t establish an orphanage to prove themselves or cause controversy—they did it to help others and follow the Holy Spirit’s prodding—so never did they cause a stir or make a fuss about their gender or any restrictions they had because of it, you know? They were truly strong, independent women—especially considering they showed respect to their authorities, love to their persecutors, and accepted help when it was genuinely needed and lovingly offered.

So, all in all, Witemeyer did a commendable job handling these tougher subjects, for which I am exceedingly grateful.

To sum my rambling up, y’all, this is a prime piece of fiction right here. Witemeyer rarely ever disappoints! The Heart’s Charge was on-par with her best novels (but, then, aren’t they all her best?) and full of heart-pounding suspense, swoon-worthy romance, and her signature wit and humor! I simply cannot wait for the next installment in the Hanger’s Horsemen series! (C’mon, Preach, it’s time to throw your hat in the marriage ring!)

Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for a gifted copy of The Heart's Change by Karen Witemeyer. All opinions are my own.

The Heart's Change is the second book in the Hanger's Horseman series. This book centers around Jonah and Mark. While returning from a job they come across a woman in labor. The baby needs to be taken to a foundling home and they volunteer to get her safely to the home. At the home, Mark is surprised to find someone from his past and Jonah is hired to investigate some missing children. There's some romance and a little mystery in this one.

I really enjoyed this one. I loved having both stories simultaneously. It is a quick light read. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I'm assuming this is going to be a trilogy because there are four horseman and three stories have been told so far.

Christian
Historical Fiction
Romance
Release Date: June 1, 2021

Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks deliver a horse in Llano County, Texas for Matthew Hangar, their friend, employer, and leader of Hangar’s Horseman. Mark doesn’t expect to end up delivering a baby, as well. When Jonah returns with the local doctor, the man directs them to a nearby foundling home where they hope to leave the infant. The woman who opens the door of the run-down-looking Harmony House takes his breath away. Thousands of miles from home, he’s run smack-dab into his first and only love. The woman who turned him down.

Katherine Palmer's girlish ploy to get the attention of her school crush goes horribly awry. Bucking convention, Kat refuses to marry Mark Wallace and vows to make better choices for the rest of her life. Her vow leads her to Eliza Southerland, a black woman on a mission to start an orphanage for children society has rejected. Together, the two women start a foundling home. Kat never expected to see Mark again, much less standing on her doorstep with a wailing infant in his arms.

Mark wants to stick around and help out at the orphanage, and Jonah agrees after a local boy tells him about the kiddy-snatchers. If the rumors prove true, Mark and Jonah agree it’s a cause Hangar’s Horseman can get behind. Jonah won’t mind getting to know the sassy Miss Southerland better, either.

Will their quest for the missing children lead them to love? Something neither one ever expected?

Why I Loved This Book

Witemeyer leads readers on a wild chase around Llano County. Pillars of the community might be rotten and the tight-knit community cares little for homeless children. The second in the Hangar’s Horseman series, The Heart’s Charge can stand alone (but you won’t want to miss the first book, At Love’s Command). The pages ripple with intrigue, danger, friendship, and love.
Unlike most books written by white authors, the two Black characters don’t play token roles in the story. Jonah and Eliza exemplify how people from different races can collaborate if they make a commitment to focus on similarities rather than differences.

First sentence: When Mark Wallace left Gringolet two days ago to deliver a prize gelding to a wealthy rancher west of Llano, he never dreamed he’d be called upon to deliver a baby too. Or that the mother of said baby would be waving a pistol back and forth between him and Jonah as if trying to decide which fellow to shoot first.

This book had me at hello. I'm not just saying that to say that. I mean this book had me HOOKED from the first page. Readers first met Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks in the first book of the series, At Love's Command.

In this one, Mark and Jonah are out on their own as they come across a woman in labor. A suicidal woman in labor. A woman determined to join her husband on the other side without any care or thought about the baby. Fortunately Mark and Jonah are there to intervene. They take the newborn to Harmony House, a home for foundlings.

SURPRISE, SURPRISE. As Mark is delivering the newborn baby to Harmony House, he sees an old love, a lost love. Katherine Palmer is the last person he thought he'd see...and the first person he'd love to reconnect with. She was always his one that got away. She's made a new life for herself, devoted herself to a wonderful cause or mission. And she's working side by side with another woman, Eliza Southerland, to do it. The home takes in unwanted children of all ages and gives them a good, loving home and some education.

Eliza Southerland doesn't know what to think of Jonah Brooks...but she can't help thinking about him!

These two decide to stick around a little bit longer....at first to help fix Harmony House up a bit--it's a bit of a fixer-upper. But soon they are on a case of their own....and it involves KIDNAPPED CHILDREN.

It will take a lot of WORK--much team work--to save lives and see justice done. Will these couples find reasons to stay together after all is said and done???

I loved this one. I did. I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. I loved that we essentially have FOUR narrators. I loved getting to know Mark, Jonah, Eliza, and Kate better. I loved how well we got to know each character. I loved seeing these relationships develop. It didn't feel insta-love either. The journeys these couples takes was just swoon-worthy.

At times I can be harsh when it comes to life-and-death danger in romance novels, but, in this case I think it was seamless. It didn't feel overly dramatic and forced. Perhaps the villain(s) weren't as well-developed as the main characters, but, I don't know that I would have wanted to spend more time with them. It almost would have ruined the suspense if more groundwork had been laid for the reveal. Part of the suspense is NOT KNOWING who is behind the kidnappings. (Okay, all of the suspense).

One thing that I especially loved, loved, loved about this one--something that makes it stand out--are the children. I loved getting to know the children. Especially Abner. But also others like Rawley, Wart, and Al. The children are an integral part of this one. Abner's scenes were show-stealers in my opinion. And one of the scenes with Abner just made my heart grow three sizes.

This is a wonderful novel. I'd give it ten stars if I could.

This story has such wonderful characters. They fully give of themselves not expecting any praise or payment, fully doing what they feel they have been called to do. Mark and Jonah are members of the Hanger's Horseman who help people out when they are called on. Kate and Eliza are devoted to running Harmony House where there was a need to reach out and help homeless children. When these four people get together they take on the mystery of disappearing boys and finding more funding to help with remodeling the Harmony House to help more needy children. I always enjoy when children are some of the interesting characters in a story and there are some, yes, characters for sure in this one. Some serious topics covered here but also some wonderful touching scenes too. Definitely going on my favorites list!
I was gifted a copy from the publisher through NetGalley, no review was required. My opinion and review is voluntary.

The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer continues her well-loved series Hanger's Horsemen with an intriguing storyline full of unexpected twists and turns along with romance, faith, and plenty of adventure for every reader. I sincerely enjoy reading Ms. Witemeyer's writings and I thoroughly enjoy her talent of piquing the reader's interest from page one until the final page is turned. Ms. Witemeyer's characters always have a rich background, great depth, as well as relatable flaws and admirable character traits. I appreciate how Ms. Witemeyer weaves together such exciting plots in her stories with excellent characters as well as bringing in many moments of comedic relief.
Especially with this work by Ms. Witemeyer, I noticed how she develops interrelatedness between the characters of each of her series, which adds an even greater background and depth to each character. I appreciate how the characters that were side characters in previous books now have their own stories in the later books. If you have not read At Love's Command, the first book in Ms. Witemeyer's Hanger's Horsemen series, I would highly recommend that you read it before reading The Heart's Charge. The Heart's Charge can be read without the background of the first book in the Hanger's Horsemen series, but why wouldn't you want to read At Love's Command? ;)
The Heart's Charge begins with Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks, two of the infamous Hanger's Horsemen, landing in a situation that neither one would have expected when they agreed to transport a horse to a rancher: helping deliver a baby! Although delivering a baby on the American frontier is a challenge in itself, Mark and Jonah have to deal with the added danger of the woman giving birth having a pistol aimed at their heads! When the horsemen are left to care for the newborn girl, they are at a loss for what to do, but discover a foundling home close by where they can place her. If Mark's day wasn't surprising enough, when he and Jonah bring the baby girl to the foundling home, the woman who answers the door is Katherine Palmer, the woman who broke Mark's heart.
Katherine Palmer has dealt with heartbreak, disappointments, and failed dreams, but she is happy to have the opportunity to care for children at Harmony House, the foundling home where Mark and Jonah bring their unexpected charge. Katherine along with Eliza Southerland, her partner and friend, have built a wonderful yet humble home for children that are seen as outcast or unwanted. Eliza Southerland has a troubles and heartaches of her own in her past which lead her to distrust others, especially men. However, when Eliza and Jonah cross paths, their heated disagreements may be a cover for how much they intrigue each other. Unexpectedly, the Hanger's Horsemen are called to action by the pleadings of some local children to discover where some of the orphaned children living on the streets are disappearing to.
Can Mark and Jonah discover what is happening to these children? Can they find the children before it is too late? Will Mark and Katherine be able to reconcile as friends after so much time and hurt has separated them? Can both sets of friends find happiness together? I guess you will have to read The Heart's Charge to find out!
It was very interesting to read this story of Ms. Witemeyers and see the well-developed double storylines of the two couples of Mark and Katherine and Jonah and Eliza. I appreciated how Ms. Witemeyer brought into the storyline the friendships between Jonah and Mark as well as between Katherine and Eliza. It was such a sweet story full of overcoming challenges, dealing with ghosts from the past, as well as looking towards the future with hope and grounded by faith in God. I appreciate all of Ms. Witemeyer's writings, but I especially enjoyed the heroes and heroines of this story. It was a very well written book and I would highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

As members of Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks have learned much about honor, about teamwork, and about brotherhood. When Matthew Hanger sends them out from Gringolet ranch, to deliver a horse, neither man expects to be roped into delivering a baby, too. Once the baby is delivered, the mother's severe depression forces the two men to search out the nearby foundling home, and who should answer the door, but the one woman Mark has never been able to forget. He'd loved Katherine as a boy of 18, but when she rejected his suit, he joined the Army. Ten years later, and all grown up, can Mark convince her that the boy who loved her is now the man who still does?

Katherine Palmer had loved Mark Wallace with every fiber of her girlish heart, but when circumstances "forced" him to propose, she couldn't bear to be a burden to him, so she refused. She left home, and joined up with Eliza Southerland to create Harmony House, a home for cast off children. Eliza's mixed heritage (she's the daughter of a slave and a slave owner) helps her to understand the children who come to them. She understands "not fitting in". She's highly educated, but as she says, she's too white to teach in a black school, and too black too teach in a white school. She believes she is destined for spinsterhood because of her mixed race. Can Jonah convince her differently?

Jonah Brooks is the only black man among the Horsemen. He began his Army career as a Buffalo Soldier, and was trained as a sniper. His eyesight is actually pretty amazing. (Where most people need spyglasses to see things at a distance, Jonah can see them clearly without.) However, his sniper training has also, in many ways, isolated him. Eliza is impressed with the kindness she sees in Jonah, and the way he notices those who usually slide under the radar, but can the two of them get past their own hurts to see the potential for love in the other?

Karen Witemeyer uses her trademark humor, with some hard-hitting gems to bring a story that actually includes two different romances. It's obvious from the start that Mark still loves Katherine, and she still loves him, but she takes a LOT of convincing. I loved that the two men found an "excuse" on their first day in Llano County to stay for an indefinite period of time. Jonah and Eliza's romance blossoms slowly, from their first glances, to sharing their hearts and their hurts with each other. Of the two, I think I liked theirs the best - possibly because they had the most to overcome.

If you've never read a Karen Witemeyer book before, you're in for a treat with this one! It is actually book 2 in the Hanger's Horsemen series, but it can be read as a standalone. (Although, I think if you start with this one, you'll want to go back and read At Love's Command, just to get Matthew & Dr. Jo's story.) Readers who love historical westerns with plenty of romance, and even some mystery/suspense, will enjoy The Heart's Charge. I'm not sure when book 3 will come out, but I know there is one last Horseman who needs a wife!

Second chances, camaraderie, faith, horses and adorable children, what more could I ask for?

I had high expectations for this book, and have been eagerly awaiting its arrival since the moment I finished reading the previous book, and let me say it did not disappoint! This book is a total homerun, with both Mark and Jonah getting their stories in one fantastic book.

Jonah is a brave man, a former Buffalo Soldier, he has a noble heart, is a quick thinker, is decisive, and I loved his magnificent horse, Augustus. I especially enjoyed his growing relationship with Eliza over the course of the story. She is a beautiful woman inside and out with a heart for children, to give each and every one a place to belong. I admired her faith and courage.

Mark is confident and cool, he is a likable man who has a knack for getting people to talk to him, I loved his friendship with Jonah and thought that they made a stellar team. Mark is shocked to come face to face with the woman he has never been able to forget. After losing her place in society Katherine threw herself into helping the orphaned children alongside Eliza, I loved the friendship between the women. I admired her devotion to the children, and liked to see her and Mark working together.

A engaging page-turner, that I didn't want to put down, and I didn't want to end. This book has it all, with amazing main characters that you can cheer for, great interaction, adorable children, strong faith, horses, with great pacing and plot building along the way. There is a lot going on in the book that keeps everything moving, and I absolutely loved having two heroes and heroines. Even though it's hard to choose, I think that this might be one of my favorites by Ms. Witemeyer! It does help to have read the first book in the series before this one so that the characters are more familiar, plus I don't know why in the world you'd want to skip At Love's Command. Highly recommend, another amazing read from Karen Witemeyer that lived up to and surpassed my high expectations!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*** CAPTURED MY HEART AND TOUCHED MY SOUL ***

Seriously, you can never go wrong with a Karen Witemeyer story! I did not think I could love a series so much (particularly after her Archer family series)!

Llano County, Texas 1894
28-year-old Mark Wallace has a heart the size of Texas and it is evidenced throughout this story! "a gentleman never abandoned a woman in need. Even if she shot at him." I loved his gentle way with the baby. Katherine Palmer is the woman who broke his heart and now, 10 years later, that woman needs his help at Harmony House Foundling Home. I was captivated by their reunion.

Jonah Brooks and Eliza Southerland are guarded but drawn to each other during the harrowing situation they find themselves in. Kiddy snatchers have invaded the area. It was nice having a second romance in the story and both are nicely rounded out.

Faith Quote: Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:3-4

Favorite Quote: "You can't control what people say, what they do, or how they think. All you can control is what you say, do and think. Control the mind first, son, and the rest will follow. Pain and anger narrow our vision. Take a higher perspective. Even the vilest man is made in the image of God and loved by Him." -Jonah's father

Tea Quote: Katherine swallowed the last bit of her tea, her face scrunching at the lukewarm temperature. Strange how something so perfect when hot left a bad taste in her mouth after the passage of time.

The kids were another interesting layer. Some of them would be great to read about as older characters, particularly the rail-riding Rawley - leader of the young band of orphans trying to survive on their own. While tough on the outside, he clearly has a tender heart.

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

In addition to my blog, Pinterest, and IG, reviews also posted to: Amazon, B&N, BAM, CBD, GoodReads, GooglePlayBooks, & Kobo

The thing I love most about Karen Witemeyer's books is how funny, sweet, and overall a great read. This did not disappoint.

Karen Witemeyer is one of those authors that I read as soon as the book is released because she consistently writes such wonderful stories! This book is a great second novel in the Hanger’s Horsemen series. There are some ties to the first book, but it can also stand well on its own. I really liked the characters in this story and enjoyed the two intertwined love stories. The characters have such a richness and depth to them that it makes it easy to feel like they are real despite it being a fictional story. I appreciated how the author wrote about a black man and a mixed race woman during the nineteenth century, detailing their struggles to fit into a society who had not long ago abolished slavery. I thought the spiritual themes were well integrated into the book. I also enjoyed the mystery and suspense of the storyline and found several parts surprising. I really liked this novel and look forward to the next one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

If there’s anything better than a romance in a Karen Witemeyer book, it’s two romances in a Karen Witemeyer book, and The Heart’s Charge has just that. The second book in her Hanger’s Horseman series features Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks as they meet up with Katherine Palmer and Eliza Southerland who run Harmony House, a home for outcast children and foundlings.

When Mark Wallace helps deliver an unwanted baby, he and Jonah are told to take her to Harmony House. Mark is astounded to find Katherine, the girl he almost married, there. The sparks are definitely still flying. And Jonah is soon enamored by Eliza as they try to help out the two ladies and their charges.

“Shoot, he’d probably stolen enough glances at her to earn his own wanted poster, but he didn’t regret a one. Not even when she caught him in the act.

When rumors of missing children crop up, Mark and Jonah decide to hang around and see what is going on. Action, suspense, intrigue, and lots of romance abound in this delicious tale, along with a healthy dose of inspiration and faith. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

Ahhhhh how I love Karen Wittemeyers books!!! I love that she is doing a series on the horsemen , which means the goodbye at the end of each book isn't the final goodbye! This book was different in the fact that it had two love stories in it, which means 4 perspectives. That took a bit to get used to but she pulled it off splendidly!

We get a two for one romance in The Heart's Charge! I loved both couples, but especially enjoyed Jonah and Eliza as they unexpectedly fall in love after believing it would never be in their futures. There is a great balance struck between the adventure, suspense, good humor, sweet romance, and spiritual growth. The pace was steady with spurts of acceleration as danger threatens the children of the community. Rawley, Abner, and the other kids in the story were a fun contrast to the adults, and contributed in their own special way to solving the mystery and making the story come to life. The way Mark, Jonah, Katherine, and Eliza interacted with the children showed deeper aspects of the adults' personalities in a way that was more impactful than simply telling. I admire the qualities of the men of Hanger's Horsemen that have them ready and willing to fight for those who need an extra measure of protection and assistance. I'm excited to see what the next book brings!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The Hearts Charge by Karen Witemeyer

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
_____________________________________________________________________________
Story Notes

Karen Witemeyer invites readers back into the world of Hanger's Horsemen as two more of them find love and fight to protect those in their care.

I've been really looking forward to this next story in the Hanger's Horsemen series. The first book introduced us to a group of four men determined to remove the sins of their past by taken on those who take advantage of the defenseless. This story begins with Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks coming upon a woman in labor on their way home. The woman is armed and very defensive - while also clearly in much pain. Mark stays with the soon-disarmed woman while Jonah seeks out a doctor. The subsequent birth of a little girl leads Mark and Jonah to promising to take her to the nearest foundling home, Harmony House. One of the women who run the home is the last person Mark ever thought he'd see again - Kate Palmer - the woman who broke his heart ten years ago. Kate cannot believe Mark just walked right into her orphan home. She never expected to see him again after what happened between them and she is not pleased at the way her heart still seems to be held by this very handsome, former military man. Jonah is startled to find a black woman working with a white woman at a foundling home. It's his experience that the races don't mix willingly so his is amazed to see how kind the ladies are to each other and the children in their care. Delivering the baby to the home is not the easy task he thought it would be either, given that there is no one to nurse the child. Eliza Southerland volunteers to take Jonah to the nearest women who can help and their wagon ride proves to be dangerous to Jonah's heart. Eliza is a fierce fighter for the innocent and Jonah is impressed with her capable nature. He never thought he'd fall for someone given the hardness of his heart after his time in the military. But Eliza and the children at Harmony House seem to be very adept at skirting his walls. But all is not love and roses in Llano county - someone is taking children, especially those who are orphans, and no one seems to be doing anything about it. Mark and Jonah determine to find out what is happening and put a stop to it before anyone else is taken. These two Horsemen will have more help than they imagined with two brave women and passal of children looking to save their friends from harm. I loved every page of this story. Mark and Jonah are such wonderful men with a clear sense of justice and protection and it was so great to see them find love and a home. I loved the snappy conversations, the swoony kisses and the frank conversations that were had. They all loved the children in their care without any prejudice and taught them the love of Jesus without preaching at them. I can't wait to see where Ms. Witemeyer is going with this series next - Preach is such a good character already that I'm excited to see what kind of woman she will devise for him. Hope that story comes out soon!!

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

I just knew it could happen again , Karen Witemeyer's books keep my attention from the moment I crack them open until I turn the last page wishing for more.
The author writes fast paced stories with great character development.
We have a double story line going here with the story line focusing on two couples rather than one so it's double the fun.
This can be read as a stand alone but I recommend the first book first to get the full benefits of the series.


Pub Date 01 Jun 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The first book in this series, At Love’s Command took a bit of reading before I was engaged. Not so with The Heart’s Charge. From the beginning I was drawn into this tale that weaves itself around so many themes. It is a testimony to the skill of Witmeyer’s writing that she can weave together two tales of romance, a mystery of missing children, the plight of the abandoned, the challenges of grief, and a story of racial tensions while developing each aspect of the story fully. Men of integrity and women of compassion in a complicated world made for a thought provoking and engaging book which I can wholeheartedly recommend to you.

Now that we’ve read about Matthew, Mark and Jonah there is only one horseman’s tale left to tell and I’ll be keeping my eye out for the next book in the series.

I received a free digital galley of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

An absolutely amazing second book in the Hanger's Horsemen series! After reading and absolutely loving At Love's Command I was super psyched to dive into The Heart's Charge, and what a fantastic ride this story is! I loved Mark and Jonah, they are both such fantastic heroes that I simply can't choose a favorite! In my opinion the only thing better than a Karen Witemeyer written romance, is TWO Karen Witemeyer written romances in the same book! I absolutely loved that we get both Mark and Kate's, and Jonah and Eliza's love stories, it added a whole other level of amazingness to this story! And I LOVE that Ms. Witemeyer chose to feature an African-American hero and heroine, Jonah and Eliza brought to this book a beautiful diversity that, in my opinion, we need more of in Christian fiction!
Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention just how much I love that gorgeous cover! I could stare at it for hours, and I wish there was a way I could frame it and hang it on my wall! I've been absolutely mesmerized by this cover since the moment I first saw it, and it's one of my favorite covers of all time!
I absolutely adored everything about this book, and most highly recommend it! The Heart's Charge is a fast paced read that will take you on a thrilling ride and leave you blissfully grinning, and eagerly anticipating Preach's story!

I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

Karen Witemeyer has hit the nail on the head once again and provided yet another delightful Western romance with plenty of adventure. I truly adored this book and read it in one sitting! Karen Witemeyer has a way of providing swoon-worthy romance and riveting adventure in a single book that makes me unable to put down it down. She also manages to teach deep and meaningful spiritual lessons through her writing, and they always seem to speak straight to my heart. I loved that The Heart’s Charge was two love stories in one book, and I thought that there was a good balance between the two relationships in the storyline. Mark and Kate already knew each other, and their romance moved quickly. Their relationship was sweet with some wonderfully romantic moments, and their story was my favorite of the two. The other couple, Eliza and Jonah, met at the beginning of the book and their relationship was a slow burn ending in love and an adorable courtship. Having two main characters who are persons of color during the late 1800s in Texas is rare for Christian fiction, and I thought the author handled Jonah and Eliza’s story extremely well while providing a wonderful perspective. Best of all--and in true Karen Witemeyer style--the adventure in the story was captivating and included everything from outrunning trains to being kidnapped by outlaws. I could not put down this story and thoroughly loved it! I highly recommend The Heart’s Charge like I highly recommend all of Karen Witemeyer’s books, and I enthusiastically give it 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review, and my thoughts are my own. I truly did love it!