I enjoy all of Karen Witemeyer's books, but I particularly enjoyed this story of a disparate couple who are, oddly, perfectly matched!

Luke Davenport is a rough loner with a scarred past. Damaris, often overlooked and dismissed, offers him something he's never had: a home. Her compassion and kindness are a balm to his wounds - recent and past, and she and her troublesome nephew are just the family Luke needs.

The other members of Hanger's Horsemen are on hand for support, and while the romance is front and center, there is considerable action in this novel, keeping things moving at a nice pace. There's also a little mystery as what happened to Damaris's brother and who's after his land.

One of the most enjoyable books I've read this year!

What a great end to the series! (Even though I could never get enough of this set of characters, since the entire series has been 5-star books!)

We finally get Preach's story, but it takes a few pages to get him on the page, since Damaris, the heroine, is getting called away from her long service at her elderly relative's side by having inherited her young teen nephew when her brother dies unexpectedly. She hurries to Texas, eager to have a semblance of her own home as her nephew's guardian--but she quickly learns it's not as rosy as she imagined.

Cattle are vanishing in the lands and Preach gets called out to solve the problem. The man who hired him is convinced his mischievous young neighbor is the one helping steal the cattle, so Preach heads over to have a talk with the kid. He finds no kid, but does find the kid's aunt where he had trapped her in the cellar on a prank! Damaris isn't too happy about the pranks but she doesn't want to admit her nephew's long absences could have anything to do with cattle rustlers.

Now the two of them have to figure out if her nephew is guilty or not, and if not who is--and how is her brother's death connected?

I enjoyed every minute of this one and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I also enjoyed getting to see characters from other books in the series again.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witmeyer is a great introduction into the world that is Western romance. As a (self-proclaimed) seasoned romance reader, I can tell you, dear reader, that you can expect to see familiar themes such as having an alpha with a dark past as your leading man and an eloquent and “soft” leading lady. Oh, but there is so much more.

Can I share with you, just how much I love a romance series that has “the last eligible bachelor of the group” theme/trope? I love it. Luke taking a job on that leads him straight into the path of a woman, Damaris, who threatens that eligibility status is so sweet and charming. These beginnings are what leads to a story that is full of heart and faith. Witmeyer’s writing definitely reflects this throughout the book - the writing is smooth and beautiful. There is so much love in these words that it’s difficult not to feel touched by the story they interlace.

For someone who has not read the complete series, I did not have a difficult time getting into the story. I can imagine that reading in order always has its benefits, but if you have an urge to just pick up Defense, definitely do so!

Karen Witemeyer's books are always enjoyable. In Honor's Defense is one of my favorites. Historical fiction is by far my preferred genre. When it’s coupled with romance and western panache, then tossing in Texas, to boot, well it can’t be beat!

I liked the main characters very much. Damaris Baxter was a strong woman who wouldn't tolerate a lot of antics and was willing to risk life and limb for those she loved. Luke “Preach” Davenport, who was one of Hangar's Horsemen, embodied the Horsemen's image by being all business and not tolerating any guff or nonsense. Damaris and Luke were perfect foils for each other.

Luke became the group's "preacher" when he began praying for them and sharing Scripture, as you would have predicted from his nickname. A narrative with a faith message is an ideal arrangement.

In Honor's Defense is the third book in the "Hangar's Horsemen Series," and can be read independently even though it is generally best to read the books in chronological sequence.

I received a review copy of this book from Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Good book! It jumps right in to what’s happening. All the characters worked well. Everything tied in together nicely. There were a few predictable moments but they fit the story. It was a great ending to the series!

This book offers all the things I love in a historical romance. A strong heroine and hero who are willing to fight, not only for what is right but for each other. Damaris felt unseen until she took on the role of Nate's guardian, and when Luke comes strolling into their lives, nothing will ever be the same. Luke comes across the page as honorable yet haunted. He's trying to make up for his past and is willing to put his life on the line for others. I enjoyed seeing Luke and Damaris go head to head as they eke out a life they can both relate to and it kept the pages going late into the night. I can't help but feel a bit swoony over Luke's entrance into Damaris' life. Her ability to overcome obstacles made Damaris anything but unremarkable. The setting is among my favorites and the author brought it to life in broad sweeps that anchored the story but didn't distract. It doesn't get much better than cowboy tales of rugged men and the women who love them. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

There is nothing better than feeling like you are part of a story. The author grabbed my attention and took me along on a journey where there are cattle rustlers, a teenage boy who has lost both parents, one single aunt and a man who will do everything he can to protect the innocent. This is a western themed story that deals with flawed characters that tug on your heart strings.

Damaris has a big task ahead of her when she moves to Texas to take care of her nephew. I liked her calm and patient demeanor which helped her cope with his attitude. She isn’t very welcomed by her nephew but perhaps she can win him over. She just lost her brother but Nathaniel has lost his mother and now his father. Can she unlock his heart that is broken and bitter?

Luke is a character that you want on your side. He is strong, determined, faith filled and honest. When he is hired to find out who is stealing cattle from a ranch, he investigates with determination. It was a bit unsettling for the owner of the ranch to suspect that Nathaniel may be involved . When something happens late one night, Luke puts his life on the line to save someone. Yes I would call him a hero because he stood up to four men in order to keep a certain person safe. His injuries were hard to read about but I loved how he was rescued by an unlikely person.

The author uses these three characters to illustrate hurt, loneliness and acceptance. Damaris has always been like a wall flower. She never thought anyone noticed her and accepted that she would never get married. You can feel her pain of wanting someone to need her and love her. Nathaniel grieves for his parents and doesn’t feel like he has a family anymore. He may act out but it is only because he is lost and needs direction. Luke had a painful past and it has affected him all these years later. I couldn’t wait to see how the author would bring these characters together using faith. The scriptures in the story are perfectly placed and help readers understand what emotions the characters are experiencing.

The story has a few surprises with added danger to keep readers focused on what was going on. The author reminds us that even when we are at our lowest we can still find blessings. I think Nathaniel really needed to remember that along with all of us. Anger fuels us to be greedy, mean and not care. We need to look around us and see how blessed we are.

The ending is one that will have you on the edge of your seat. I didn’t expect what was coming and the author delivers one powerful scene that captures the true meaning of “laying your life down for a friend.” It has been a real joy to read this book and I’m sad to see the series come to an end. I will be anxiously waiting for a new book written by this gifted author.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer is the third book in her Hanger’s Horsemen series. Luke Davenport is asked to track down some cattle rustlers. With the other Horsemen busy with their personal lives, he is on his own. Damaris Baxter moves to Texas to take care of her nephew after the death of her brother. When her path crosses with Luke’s it seems Luke may have found his home. I was sad that this was the final Horseman story. I loved this series. The brotherhood, the camaraderie, the fight for justice is something we all long for. It didn’t hurt that there was romance awaiting each man. We could use more heroes today!


I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

In Honor’s Defense is book three in the Hanger's Horseman series that is written by Karen Witemeyer. I have not read any of the books in the series, but I had no issues following along. However, saying that I want to go back and meet everyone from the beginning.

Damaris is a memorable character. She is one that just wants to blend in and keep to herself. She receives notice that her brother has passed away and left her as guardian for her nephew. Damaris moves to Texas to care for him. Nathaniel, who is 14 and well, going through a rough time. Damaris is puzzled to why her brother would name her guardian when there were other siblings.

Luke Davenport is in charge of locating cattle rustler's. He meets Damaris and Nathaniel and steps in to help where Damaris can't. Luke sees Damaris as a person, not an invisible as she used to be. I really enjoyed the romance between the two of them. My heart also went out to Nathaniel. He lost his mother and father, and he was struggling to get by. Throw in the mystery of his father's death. That is a lot for a teen to deal with.

Well written characters, intriguing story line. The author did a great job with representing the time period. It felt realistic and believable.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book -- all thoughts are my own.

This final book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series brings it to a close, but it can also stand alone. It may appear to be a typical Western story, with rustlers and horses and ranches, but there a depth and intensity to this story that worms its way into your heart and mind. Damaris Baxter comes to take charge of her orphaned teen nephew, but the situation is much more than she anticipated. In the meantime, Luke Davenport, one of the former Horsemen, has come to help their neighbor—so who can actually be trusted? This complicated tale contains multiple threads weaving a powerful saga that takes readers on a wild ride. Too bad the series has to end. The complicated characters provide plenty of realistic action and bring the compelling tale to life against a believable plot. Hang onto your hats for a wild summer ride! I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

In Honor's Defense by Karen Witemeyer was a book I was highly anticipating reading and it delivered every bit as much as I thought it would and then some. I believe this to be my favorite series by this author but I may just say that about all of her series because I LOVE them all!
Luke "Preach" Davenport is one of the Horsemen brothers but there's really not as much for him to do now that his brothers have settled into domestic bliss.
Needing to keep busy he's keeping up the fight for the good life,for the poor,weak and defenseless.
He's taken on tracking down a group of cattle rustlers which will put him in more danger than he realizes.
Damaris Baxter is a single woman who enjoys the simple things in life, like needlepoint,canning,baking and reading. Quiet simplicity is her way of life and she's fine with that.
When her brother dies unexpectedly she finds she is the guardian now of her nephew,Nathaniel.
To honor her brother's memory she will take care of her nephew but they are having a hard time getting to know one another again now that her nephew is a teen and it's been some years since she's seen him.
He's grieving the loss of his father but thinks it's not manly to show his feelings so Nathaniel acts out and him locking her in the cellar looks like child's play compared to what he gets blamed for next.
Nathaniel goes from a sullen,immature teen to a mature,trustworthy young man. I enjoyed seeing this. I enjoyed the interactions between Luke and Damaris. He is a fine person,trustworthy and an excellent protector. Luke enjoys reading scripture and sharing it also has a past and is battling his own demons but will this family help him keep the past there as he finds mercy and love?
I enjoyed the western feel of the book and it's wide open spaces. This can be read as a stand alone but I do recommend to read this series in order to get the full benefit of it.

Pub Date: 07 Jun 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

"Contentment isn't chained to a certain set of circumstances. It's portable. You can take it with you wherever you go."

Karen Witemeyer can always be trusted for a worthwhile historical adventure, filled with suspense, action, worthy heroes and heroines, romance, and faith. Though this is the last book in the series, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Luke's triumph over his troublesome past is admirable, as is his unshakable faith, loyalty, strength, and determination. Damaris and her soft, compassionate, tender ways is the perfect compliment to Luke's rugged edges and I loved how they filled each other's empty spaces. Their fight to keep the land that belongs to Damaris' nephew and the danger that fight brings add a nice subplot of tension and suspense to the story, which has quite a few twists and turns. I enjoyed meeting the other men of the Hanger's Horsemen and now need to read the first two books in the series!

I received the book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

This is my first step into Hanger’s Horsemen by Author Karen Witemeyer and wow. I was drawn to the character of Damaris and the internal growth she undergoes in this book. The character of Luke provided insight to Hanger’s Horseman and explores life in Texas just prior to the 1900s.

The death of Damaris’s eldest brother, a widower seven years before, gives her custody of his son Nate. Considering herself more of a spinster than eligible beauty, she leaves St. Louis and is committed to raising the young teen in Texas. Nate is an angry handful and Damaris uses her faith to keep her temper even while demonstrating her devotion to the young man.

Luke is the quintessential cowboy who overcame a tough childhood, served his country, and is at loose ends with the other horsemen settled. He answers a call to a rancher in Texas plagued by cattle rustlers and random property violations. His journey to finding the culprits crosses paths with Damaris and Nate. His faith, born of his time as a horseman puts into practice the lessons he learned.

Damaris and Nate have no idea that meeting Luke will change their lives forever. The plot is well developed and vivid descriptions of the surrounding area. Author Witemeyer pulls on all the senses of the reader enveloping them in the story. The historical aspects are realistic with the times. Action and conflict is present as Luke puts the puzzle pieces together. There is a strong sense of family commitment, love, and faith from the depths of Luke and Damaris.

I highly recommend this story for those who enjoy the historical west, Texas, and faith-based stories with a realistic foundation. The twists and turns will keep you guessing as you watch the characters learn and grow from their experiences. I put the other stories in this series on my to-be-read-list.

I have read several other books by Karen Witemeyer and all have been fantastic journeys back into the Wild West and this one is no different. I didn't realize it is the third (and last!) in the series and now I have to go back and read the first two because I love this rag-tag group of men called the Hangers Horseman. They have each other's back no matter the situation yet seem to be God-fearing men.

I'm not sure if I can choose a favorite character because I loved them all, well maybe not the bad guys. Damaris has always been a wallflower and engrossed in her books, but she loved her family. She may have been living with her aunt but when got the call that her brother had died and she was named the guardian for her nephew, she had no problem telling the aunt she was out of there and heading to Texas. I had to chuckle at that scene because the aunt wanted her tonics and Damaris said nope, can't do it, gotta pack and get out of here.

When Damaris arrives in Texas to care for her nephew Nate, she encounters a grown teenager that is not the same one that she read stories to as a child. He has a chip on his shoulder and is angry at the world, especially the neighbor who he thinks killed his dad. I can understand his anger towards the neighbor but it is obvious he is a teen and not thinking logically. He is definitely full of pranks and locks Damaris in the cellar because she tried to stop him from wandering at night. Enter Luke. He was hired by the neighbor to find out who is stealing his longhorns and is checking out the neighbors to see if they know anything. Thankfully, he arrives and hears Damaris, and rescues her from the locked cellar. Once he sees Damaris I think he is a goner. It might take a little more time for him to really fall for her but there is something about her personality that draws her to him.

Luke has had his own battles and demons to fight as we discover in this book. But what brought him peace was reading scripture and sharing those words with his fellow troops. Hence the nickname, Preach. Being hired for a job in Madisonville puts his life in danger but at the same time brings him what he has needed from life, a purpose and roots. I loved that he took Nate under his wings and tried to fill the shoes left empty by Nate's father after his death. These are Nate's formative years and I think Luke understood that based on his experience and wanted to help shape Nate to be the best person he could be in this life.

The surprise character that I really liked was Dr. Jo. She is a no-nonsense kind of woman and only wanted the best for Luke. She is very wise and took no guff from anyone. How she came to be a part of the Hanger's Horseman group is told in the first book, At Love's Command. I definitely need to go back and read that book to learn more about her.

There is a mystery in this book as to who wants to purchase Nate's land and was his father's death an accident or murder? You might come to suspect some of the answers as certain things are revealed but the whole truth might shock you. I know I couldn't believe what I was reading and rooted for Damaris and Luke hoping that all would turn out ok.

This was such an enjoyable read and I need to remember to pick up this author's books more often. They are the perfect combination of romance, history, a little mystery, and faith.

We give this book 5 paws up.

Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life--for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he's left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she'd have and to give him the family he desperately needs.

When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke's attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris's brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.

My review: This is another great book by Ms. Witemeyer as she continues Hanger's Horsemen saga. This is Luke's story. Luke is restless after the Horsemen have retired. So he takes off to track down some rustlers. He meets up with Damaris who has very little self confidence. She has come to Texas to care for her nephew Nate after her brother has been killed. Luke is struggling with his own demons of self worth. As the story progresses, he is beat up and left for dead. Damaris takes care of him and nurses him back to health. Along the way Luke discovers that Damaris' brother was murdered for his land. Now they are after Damaris to sell the land or she will be killed along with her nephew. With the help of Luke and the rest of the Horsemen the truth comes out.

I was given this book by Bethany Hour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

“Horsemen stand together.”

In Honor’s Defense, #3 Hanger’s Horsemen, by Karen Witemeyer is the story of the fourth and final Horseman. I enjoyed the first but didn’t get a chance to read the second. This book can be read as a standalone, but you will appreciate the relationships and characters so much more, if you read the other two first.

I enjoyed the easy reading style, coupled with the romance, historical western setting, and suspense all wrapped up into one unputdownable package. Witemeyer uses humor to help drive her thoughts home and make her characters relatable and memorable. “She’d persevere, even if the thought of asserting herself among strangers delighted her as much as the prospect of being dragged behind a horse. By her hair. Through a bed of cacti.” How fun this book is!

Prayers, verses, and thoughts on spiritual matters as relates to a character’s development are smoothly woven into the story. I love the verses Witemeyer chooses to include in the story and how very apropos each one is to the situation. And how appropriate the book about “the Preach” would contain numerous Scripture references!

Damaris Baxter and Luke Davenport are two people who are polar opposites, yet life and God throw them together. Damaris has always been overlooked, but Luke’s attention and example help her develop from a wallflower into a formidable force, “Texas Damaris.” I love that kind of influence!

Luke first meets Damaris and her nephew, Nate, when he agrees to locate missing cattle for a neighboring rancher. Luke is attracted to the little struggling family who possesses a sense of home he never had. Can Luke and Damaris work together to rescue not only the ranch, but her nephew’s wayward heart? And what of their own lonely hearts?

Those who like historical fiction, a bit of a mystery, and westerns, will want to read this novel. Also, those interested in troubled youth, and the difference mercy and love can make in lives will find this book a treasure.

I received a copy of the book from the author through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. No positive opinion was required, and all opinions are my own.




Notable Quotables:
“To be chosen for herself—it was the secret desire of her heart. To be important to someone. More than a glorified servant who fetched and carried and entertained at her aunt’s whim. To be wanted truly for herself. Seen instead of invisible. Valued instead of tolerated.”

“A good boss knew his men, but no man knew another completely. Everyone had secrets.”

“Strange that she should feel more valued and cherished in the middle of an armed standoff than in the middle of her family.”

“The longer the anger lives in you, the more it erodes your soul and destroys your relationships. If you’re not careful, one day it’ll hollow you out and leave you with nothing.”

“sugarcoating danger only left a person ill-equipped to respond when it came calling.”

“Unfortunately, the law isn’t always about what is true. It’s about what you can get a judge and jury to believe is true.

“Contentment isn’t chained to a certain set of circumstances, Luke. It’s portable. You can take it with you wherever you go.”

“…it’s that there are always more options than you see at first glance. You just might have to get a little creative in where you look for them.”

“It don’t matter how dark things look or how big your opponent is. If you believe you can win, you’re already halfway to victory.”

In Honor’s Defense, by Karen Witemeyer, is book three in the Hanger’s Horsemen series. This is a nice, easy to read Christian historical fiction story. Damaris has always blended into the background and when her brother passes away, she is the one he assigns to raise his son. Instead of the little boy she remembers she is raising a teenager who likes to get into trouble. Not only that, but someone appears to be trying to chase them away.

I enjoyed reading this well written story. I especially liked the action, suspense and mystery in the story. This story is inspirational in how Damaris cared for Luke, even not knowing him. This is a reminder that we should care for others. When it was so easy to blame Nate for everything that was going wrong, Damaris and Luke saw the good in him and found ways to help him.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

If you're looking for an author who continually comes out with amazing stories... Karen Witemeyer is the author for you! Her stories are always magical, they make you feel and think. They have amazing characters, interesting plots and a slow burn romance! I love her! This whole series has been fabulous! This is a must read! I loved this book and I know you will too!

This is book three in the Hanger's Horsemen series. Karen Witemeyer has a fun, spunky, detailed writing style. If you enjoy historical romance books you will like this one, and the entire series.
We were introduced to the Hanger's Horsemen in book one, this one we focus on Luke Davenport "Preach" and Damaris Baxter. Damaris has always been in the shadows, yet when she must move to become the guardian of a hurting nephew, she must learn to stand up even if she is not in the background. Luke is not sure what to think of Damaris and Nate but quickly finds himself in need of their help. While Luke and Damaris must try to solve a mystery and stay alive, they also find something they both thought impossible.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

Damaris Baxter, the youngest of a large family, has a chance to have a family of her own when her late brother names her his son's guardian. Feeling restless and much to young to be put on the shelf, she jumps at the chance to care for her nephew Nate.

Well, Nate is fourteen years old and devastated by his father's death, which he believes was murder, and he already considers himself a man. Nate does not make things easy for his aunt at all. I didn't really care for his character, even though I know he was hurting. The disrespect and downright meanness he shows to his aunt brings her face to face with one of the Hanger's Horsemen. He instantly becomes her knight in shining armor.

Luke Davenport, or Preach, has been hired to find out who is rustling rancher Grimes cattle. Little does he know that there is a much deeper evil going on than just cow rustlers. Even if they did almost kill him.

Through a series of life and death situations, Luke, Damaris, and Nate, band together to get to the bottom of the suspicious death of Nate's father. They learn that they need each more than they ever thought in this gripping old west story of bravery, forgiveness, and a love worth fighting and staying around for.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.