The Heart's Charge
by Karen Witemeyer
Back of the Book: “Members of Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he'd nearly married a decade ago.
After failing at love, Katherine Palmer dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. From mixed ancestry, illegitimate, and female, Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her with his courage and kindness, but there are secrets behind his eyes--ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.
However, when a handful of urchin children from the area go missing, a pair of Horsemen are exactly what the women need. Working together to find the children, will these two couples find love as well?”
Impressions: This is the second novel to the Hanger’s Horsemen series however can be read as a stand-alone novel easily enough. All in all, this was an exciting story with double the romance.
Rated: Kisses, attempted murder
Liked: Although there were multiple situations needing solving each one worked well together in the end and made the story more interesting. The romances in this story were naturally interwoven within all the excitement. In this story, however, the children stole the show for me. The boxcar kids’ lifestyles were so intriguing.
Disliked: In the end, the rationale for the main perpetrator's actions was not convincing to me for the crime committed.
Quotes: “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.”
“Eliza had fine-tuned her male-identification system, with the majority falling into one of three major categories.” – I laughed out loud that Eliza had a male identification system and you will just have to read the book for her fun personality descriptions she goes into. I don’t blame her for being cautious at all but her bluntness was entertaining.
“Ted, on the other hand, is a Texas tornado trapped in a four-year-old’s body.” – I’ve never been to Texas but I imagine that my youngest son could fill this description.
“Lessons taught from love bring wisdom. Lessons spawned from fear and pain often come with cynicism and bitterness attached, which cloud the truth.” -I found this insightful.
“Satan uses loneliness to isolate and depress. But God uses it to build compassion.” – Amen to this! Been there done that, attitude changes the way you process your feelings. I can be down in the dumps about something or try to find others who might be experiencing the same thing and try to help each other through the struggle. I can throw a pity party for myself or I lean into God and allow Him to show me His way. I can then use this experience to give others hope.
“But if each man and woman were defined solely by their greatest sin, what hope would there be for any of us?”
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

The Heart’s Charge by the amazing Karen Witemeyer is filled with SO much literary goodness! Strong heroines, loyal heroes, a captivating plot sprinkled with moments that make me chuckle one second then swoon the next! I totally love how this novel features not only one but TWO heroes. Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks, members of the Hanger Horsemen, find more than they bargain for when they knock on the Harmony House door. Both Kate and Eliza are strong, capable caregivers of the foundling home whose lives are certainly changed with the appearance of horsemen.

The mystery lent to more of a serious tone, but the author balances the heavy with the light, utilizing her signature banter and giving the reader plenty of humorous scenes.

Also, the romance thread was perfection. I really enjoyed getting all the varying points of views. It was simple to follow along and made for a rich reading experience. A theme that carries over from the last book is one of facing regret, and the author addresses it beautifully.

This is a story I highly recommend.

*I received this copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This book began in an exciting way that immediately had me leaning forward and wanting to never put it down! Karen Witemeyer has a gift of creating characters who feel real and comfortable, and I thought this book did a fantastic job of bringing the stark truth of the time period (the inhumane treatment of the Native American population and the racism against African American people) to a story that showed that humanity was not all lost. We get two romance stories in one here, with a whopping four POVs, which at times felt difficult to follow. I usually have a max of two POVs before my brain has some trouble keeping everyone straight. Particularly for the purposes of reviewing. However, I was so glad we got to see both couples get their happily ever after, and I only wish Eliza and Jonah had their own book, so we could see even more detail in how they fell in love.

Mark Wallace never expected to hold a baby in his arms, at least not this way. Returning home after delivering a horse, he and his partner, Jonah Brooks, come across a woman in distress. She is about to have a baby, and she is in no condition to take care of things on her own. After successfully delivering the baby, the mother isn't able to take care of her properly, and so they must take the baby to a nearby foundling home. Upon arrival, Mark sees Katherine Palmer for the first time in ten years, the woman he proposed to and who in turn rejected him, pushing him to join the army and leave home for good. Katherine is both elated and devastated to see Mark again. They have so much past between them, and her life has taken a path away from marriage with assisting her friend, Eliza Southerland, with the home for unwanted children. Marriage is not in her plans, but God has His own plan that sets in motion a journey for the four people suddenly thrown together by fate.

Mark was genuinely one of the nicest men I have seen written in a while. Essentially without flaws, I found him almost too good to believe. He was a kind young man when he knew Katherine when they were children, and he grew to love her as they spent more time together. Unfortunately, Katherine didn't see past the flirtations the other girls in town flung at Mark, and she got herself in a predicament that ultimately led to them being separated. It was wonderful to see them get their second chance at love, even if Katherine was resistant at first. Jonah Brooks was the other hero of the story, though his romance was not the primary one of the book.
He was a black man with walls sky high, partially from how he was treated due to his skin color but also because of his emotional scars after being a sharpshooter. Wounded Knee affected him deeply, and so that's why it was even more romantic to see his romance with Eliza Southerland, the illegitimate daughter of a slave woman who was eventually freed by Eliza's father. Eliza was hardened yet kind, and I loved her character so much. I found her and Jonah to be the more interesting couple, mainly because of their hardships and backstories. I so admired how much good they had done despite the bad done to them. Woven into the story was a mystery plot of disappearing children, and I liked seeing Mark and Jonah take the lead in finding the children, even at their own peril. They had such strength of character and were very admirable men throughout the book.

I always love reading Karen Witemeyer and look forward to what comes next!

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**

The Heart's Charge
by Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
Pub Date 01 Jun 2021 | Archive Date 11 Aug 2021

What a great book! I will read anything Karen Witemeyer writes because she does it so well! My library loves books like this. Christian/Historical Fiction/Romance. It will fly off the shelves. It is refreshing to read an author who speaks to her readers so well. Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the ARC.

5 star

It is impossible to resist Karen Witemeyer's writing. Once again she absorbed me into this story of adventure, romance, strong female characters and the men of integrity who love them.

The Heart's Charge provides us two stories in one. We readers first met the Hanger's Horsemen in the first book in the series and in this second book we join up with two members of the group, Mark and Jonah. Together, Mark and Jonah stumble upon a pregnant woman in labour. They, reluctantly, assist in the birth and find themselves responsible for the care of the young infant. This then leads them to Harmony House, a place where children of any race or background can find a home. A surprise awaits them both. Mark finds the woman he once wanted to marry and who broke his heart. Jonah finds a strong and resilient Eliza who might just be the one woman who can work her way past his tough exterior.

This is such a delightful story. There are diverse characters (yay!), incredibly strong female characters who work alongside the male characters to fight for justice for the children in their care. There is action, a touch of mystery and suspense. There is such sweet romance and two romance stories to enjoy. The book touches on some important themes, including depression, grief, postpartum depression, racism, and the discrimination faced by African-Americans. This is done well in the historic setting, acknowledging the time and views of that time but also allowing for today's more accepting and understanding approach, which is appropriate for modern readers.

As all of Karen Witemeyer's books are, this is sensitive, beautiful, well written and thoroughly enjoyable. Can't wait for the third book in the series where we get the fourth Horseman's story.

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

The Heart's Charge is overflowing with daring cowboy adventures and not one, but two romantic storylines. When I started this series, I figured each Horseman's journey to find love would be featured in his own book, so I was surprised when this book told of two Horseman and their ladies. If you are a fan of Karen Witemeyer, then you will know that her stories are intriguing, her cast of characters are unique and diverse, and the quick paced plot will have you glued to the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mark and Jonah's story, there was never a dull moment! I'm looking forward to reading Luke Davenport's story in the the third book of this series.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I loved this book and the way it featured two of Hanger's Horsemen. Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks find themselves in the middle of a mystery regarding missing children... or are they? No one seems to realize there are missing children. While they try to unwind what's really happening, Mark is confronted by the one who got away. Could this be his second chance at love? Jonah finds a woman who doesn't need a man. That indendepence tugs him to her. Overall, this book is a lovely blend of romance, mystery, and history. I loved it!

In this second installment of her Hanger's Horsemen series, Karen Witemeyer uniquely tells the story of two couples: Mark Wallace and Katherine Palmer alongside Jonah Brooks and Eliza Southerland. Mark and Jonah, whom readers have met in the previous installment, run into Kate and Eliza while delivering a baby to the foundling home the women run. Will Mark and Kate-- who almost married one another back East years before-- gradually learn to trust again and communicate with one another? Will Eliza, who has never felt as if she belonged anywhere, learn to accept Jonah's attentions despite his own secrets?
Before reading The Heart's Charge, I was skeptical on two counts: that telling two love stories simultaneously would prove confusing, and that Witemeyer, despite good intentions, would struggle writing a story from two black characters' perspectives. Luckily, she proved me wrong on both counts. I actually enjoyed the double love story; it seemed to make the plot move more quickly, and there was no need to add pointless or frustrating obstacles for the characters to overcome before the "happily ever after." Similarly, I thought Witemeyer handled the race issue beautifully. She certainly didn't shy away from the struggles Eliza and Jonah had faced in society, history, culture, etc. While I enjoyed At Love's Command, the first Hanger's Horseman novel, I definitely prefer this second one!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had a lot of action from the first moment to the last. I enjoy when independent females who don't have room for a man in their lives are flummoxed by a man who doesn't fit any of their categories. There was a ton of fun banter between Eliza and Jonah. The writing was witty. There were many poignant moments like when Mark gave a blessing over baby Sarah or when Jonah talked to Abner about his identity. There were a bunch of rascally boys who had formed a family and worked to protect each other. There were moments of epic bravery and sacrifice as well as ingenuity. It was an all around great book. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free copy of this book. I loved it! All opinions are my own.

I was a little worried about there being four protagonists in this story, particularly about whether they would all feel like well-developed characters, but I should have known better. While I would have loved to have two separate books so each character could have more "page time," that's simply a reflection of how much I liked the characters and would have loved to spend even more time with them. With four characters, their backstory, the current plot, and a lot of serious topics (kidnapping, depression/suicidal thoughts, and slavery among them), it takes skillful writing to balance it all--and Karen Witemeyer totally pulled it off. The book flows really well, the characters are beautifully written and totally lovable, the themes and messages thought-provoking but not overbearing, and the whole book was just a delight to read.
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer returns to the Hanger Horseman foursome. This time, readers see the story of Mark and Jonah. Readers learn about their past and what strengthens them today. This story was captivating and interesting. I did enjoy the idea of a Black Cowboy and Black teacher. Most Christian fiction does not feature Black characters, but I love seeing them written in the story as a main couple. I loved learning about their hurt and watching them learn to trust others. In this time period of history, it was hard to be their skin color. The opposite couple's story had a backstory, but both characters were heroic and brave also. One of my favorite things about Witemeyer's writing is that she writes stories with such heart. I usually gravite away from Western stories because they are so boring to me. Not enough action. But not with Witemeyer. She brings such heart, bravery, and sometimes humor to her stories. Overall, The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer is a must read for fans of stories with heroes with a touch of romance.

I received a complimentary copy of The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks are on their way back to the ranch when they come upon a woman who is about to give birth. She's gone loco with grief from the death of her husband. All she wants to do is die. She makes Mark promise to take care of the baby. After the baby is born they take her to Harmony House. An orphanage for children. What does Mark find but his sweetheart from years ago, Katherine Palmer. Jonah meets up with the other lady running Harmony House, Eliza Southerland. While there they come upon a boy who tells them there are people snatching children. This is the story of finding love, lost love, and rescuing children. Also, it brought out some of the injustices against former slaves and what they had to endure.

This is book two in the Hanger's Horseman series. It's not necessary to read book one to understand this book. But book one is great also. So why not read it first. For light hearted romance to a little bit of mystery this is the book for you.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

The Heart’s Charge by Karen Witemeyer is the second book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series, though it can be read independently.

The Horsemen are 4 ex cavalry soldiers who set out to right wrongs and bring justice to those that can’t defend themselves. Two of them, the charming Mark and strong, silent Jonah, accidentely end up in job that none of them saw coming. When they need to find a home for a newborn baby, they come across a children’s home run by two woman. Which is where Mark encounters Katherine, the woman he never thought would see again, and as they are hired on a job, things get a little complicated. Meanwhile, Jonah might actually be opening up a bit to Eliza, the driving force behind the children’s home. But some kids in the neighborhood go missing, and it falls to the Horsemen to look into that...

Let me start off by saying: having a double romance thread is double the fun! I didn’t expect that as I like all my focus on one couple, but here it is true. Karen Witemeyer has outdone herself. Again. I know it must get boring to get only raving reviews, but honestly, she’s the best. I was captivated from beginning to end, and so invested in everyone’s story! There are quite a few suprises you don’t see coming, and of course it’s not only about the romance, there is much more going on!

I loved the bits inside the children’s home, and how it came to be. I love those kids to bits, and when more are showing up I cannot help but love them too. Abner is my favorite, he’s been hurt so much but he came out stronger and gentler. He and the other kids played a big part in this story and I loved it! There was a really moving scene where Jonah speaks some important truths to a boy and it made me cry...

And of course, the romance... I couldn’t wait to see who could get the charming Mark speechless and oh boy, she did! Kate is a force to be reckoned with, even though she’s a sensitive and gentle soul. She cares a bit too much. I love how they slowly reclaimed the past and tried not to get hurt again. And I love the strong women! Kate knows where she’s needed and she will make her own way. And Eliza is a very intelligent and independent woman in the best way possible, she’s had to fight for her dreams, being Black. She founded the home all by herself after going to a prestigious school to learn teaching. She and Jonah encounter racism, and it hurts to read how they both are impacted by the past. Jonah has learned to keep his words close to him, while being a perfect gentleman, he holds his feelings and is always on guard. I love to see him open up and heal a bit.

There is also quite a bit of action in this book, and it’s just the right amount! I absolutely loved the twists and turns the investigation took and the end was quite a crescendo! I absolutely loved it! I kinda need a huge epilogue though, of preferably 300 pages. I can’t get enough of these characters and wish it wouldn’t end.

All in all, this is a new favorite of mine, and if you love Karen Witemeyer you will not be disappointed! She’s the best!

I received a free e-copy from Bethany House and Netgalley but it hasn’t influenced my opinion.

Thanks for the opportunity to read this. Unfortunately, I will not be able to review The Heart's Charge at our website. The novel contains issues and viewpoints that would be offensive to a lot of our readers and I, as a reviewer, don't want to open the website up to the conversations that might take place as a result. I’ve been a fan of Ms. Witemeyer’s books since I picked up Short Straw Bride back in 2012. The lowest grade she has received from me is a B+ and my review of her 2018 book More Than Meets the Eye says, “This story is easily the best Inspirational romance I have read in years, if not the best Inspirational romance I have ever read.” If I were to grade this book, I would have to give it an F and I simply don't want to do that.

Again, thank you for the opportunity. .

The Heart's Charge is Karen Witemeyer's newest novel and the second in the Hanger's Horsemen series. This one focuses on two couples, rather than just one, which I thought worked well. I also appreciate that Witemeyer tackled some deeper issues in this book, including child abandonment and suicidal thoughts, that most Christian authors shy away from. Karen Witemeyer is one of a handful of authors that I will automatically read their latest novels and this book is a good reason why.

I received an advance reader copy of this title from the publisher.

I've read and appreciated all Karen Witemeyer's wonderful books but her newest offering, The Heart's Charge has to be her very best! Witemeyer has really outdone herself with this compelling mystery and it's fantastic characters!

I loved that there were two Hanger's Horsemen that found romance in The Heart's Charge. I didn't realize that would be in the case and I really enjoyed watching each one play out. The well drawn descriptions of Horseman, Mark and Jonah along with their female counterparts, Kate and Eliza who run a foundling home for homeless children was fascinating. Reading their inner thoughts and perspectives and what drives each one made for a terrific story.

The opening chapter's were full of excitement as Mark and Jonah find a woman in labor and the story goes back and forth between the stress of not knowing what to do for her and many a humorous anecdote. In fact the humor in this book is so good I found myself thoroughly amused throughout.
Case in point, one of Mark's inner thoughts about finding a woman in labor:
"Why God had chosen him to aid this woman was a mystery he'd never comprehend. The Almighty must not have had anyone else in the area."

In addition to such great characters, Witemeyer writes a suspenseful mystery Jonah and Mark are committed to solving. Who is kidnaping homeless children and why? What a page-turner!

I loved all the children at Harmony House, so charming, even with their hard early childhoods. Rawley's boxcar gang was pure delight and added so much to the story.

There were plenty of inspirational moments and quotes too. I especially like this one:
"Satan used loneliness to isolate and depress. But God uses it to build compassion.:

The Heart's Charge is going on my favorite books of the year list! I highly recommend it. I can't wait for the next Hanger's Horsemen book. I appreciate Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley, making a copy of The Heart's Charge available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

This was another excellent book from Karen Witemeyer. Mark and Jonah are characters you want men to be – strong, protective, willing to fight for what’s right and for those they love. They care about children who have gone missing that other people didn’t even notice went missing. The development of the relationships between Mark and Katherine and Jonah and Eliza are sweet and relatable. This book is an excellent continuation of the Hanger’s Horseman series although I kind of missed the other two horseman and would have liked them to be in this book more than they were.

The Heart's Charge started with a bang and drew me into the story. From the opening pages, you could see the kind of men Jonah and Mark were: they helped even when the person they chose to assist didn't understand how much they needed assistance.

Things really got interesting once the two men got to the Harmony House foundling home. There, Mark came face-to-face with the woman he'd almost married 10 years earlier and Jonah met a woman who made him consider settling down.

What I loved about the Horsemen was that they truly wanted to help people. When they saw a need, they met it and they did so without making the person feel inferior or helpless. They didn't discriminate about whom they would offer their help to and considered the needs of everyone--adult and children alike.
Mark and Kate had a rich history but it had been ten years since they had seen each other. As they rekindled their romance, you get a glimpse of what they may have had before. The reader is also left with the feeling that though their younger selves may have been good together, it was this more mature version that was destined to be.

Jonah and Eliza's relationship was more complex as none of them had known each other before and they  each had complicated histories. I liked how well they complemented each other. Eliza thought any man who wanted to marry her would try to dominate her. She was pleasantly surprised to learn that Jonah wanted to work beside her rather than pushing her behind him.

Woven throughout The Heart's Charge is the mystery of what happened to the missing children and where they had disappeared to. I have to admit: when the mystery unfolded, some bits of it surprised me.

The Heart's Charge had several themes weaving through it but one of the most prevalent is that God is with us through every moment of our lives. He has a plan for us and He's weaving our pasts into a beautiful tapestry that may be used for His glory.
The Heart's Charge is the second Hanger's Horsemen book but could be read as a standalone (I did). I received an advanced reader's copy from the publishers through NetGalley ; a positive review was not required.

Karen Witemeyer is my go-to author for western romance. She brings humor, a bit of action and great characters.
I really enjoyed all the characters in this story, they each had their past ang their struggles that they had to overcome.
My one complaint about this book is that I wished there were individual full novels for each of these couples! I would have loved to see their relationships develop more.
This book has a bit of action and is wrapped up nicely. I really enjoyed the children that all of these characters work to help.
All in all an enjoyable western adventure, I just wanted more romance.
I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions and comments in this review are honest and completely my own.

Oh, this was a lovely book! The Heart’s Charge is the second book in Karen Witemery’s Hanger’s Horsemen series. I was so excited to read Mark’s and Jonah’s books and it was even better than I had hoped. The characters gave me all the feels.
Members of Hanger’s Housemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llamo County, Texas, expecting to help deliver a steed not expecting to help deliver a baby. With a baby now in their care, they head to a founding home, Harmony House. There Mark finds the woman he nearly married a decade before, and Jonah finds a woman who makes him want to share his heart. However when a bunch of children go missing, Mark and Jonah will have to figure out a way to find the missing urchins
I really liked Mark and Jonah from the first book, so I was really happy to see them in this book. I thought it was so fun how Witemeyer put them together, they are kind of opposites and yet they balance each other out.
Mark was such a sweetheart, and I really liked him. He was a hard worker and it was so fun to read about him interacting with the kids at Harmony House. He truly cared for Katherine, Kate, and I liked reading about their romance growing. They were old friends, but they had grown so much through the years. Kate was also sweet and I liked how she cared for the kids at Harmony House. They were her babies. She had liked Mark when she was younger, but as she spent more time with him, her “like” grew to love.
I loved Jonah, he was the strong steady type. He was kind but he didn’t have a lot to say. However, he was determined to save and find the missing children, and he was willing to do whatever he had to do. I liked learning more about him and his past as he spent time with Eliza. I thought that Eliza was so much fun! She was feisty and determined, and I loved reading about her interacting with Jonah. They both had the ability to rattle each other, which I thought was cute. :)
It was so interesting and intriguing to read about Jonah and Mark as they tried to find the missing children. They were determined not only because of the women they had fallen for but also because they cared for kids. As they searched for the kids, they started to fall for the girls. I liked reading about their growing romance. Also, it was fun to learn about the backstories of the characters. The kids in this story were super sweet and they really added to the book.
The Heart’s Charge was a great book and I would definitely recommend it! It is a clean, Christian historical fiction. The characters were engaging, there were cute kids, and a plot that kept you guessing.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

I posted my review on Goodreads, Bookbub, and Barnes and Nobles on 05/14/2021. I will post my review on blog and Amazon closer to release date