Karen Witemeyer's books are always fun! There's always a handsome, rugged man, a strong woman and adventure to boot! Although this is book 3 in the Hanger's Horseman series I feel like it could be read as a stand-alone; although if you read the previous books you'll get glimpses of the other guys and their ladies.

This is great historical Christian Fiction. I always read Karen's books... they just keep getting better and better!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published 7 June 2022.

In Honor’s Defense is another smashing success from the pen of Karen Witemeyer! I absolutely adored this final installment of the Hanger’s Horseman series, and I loved reading Luke’s story after meeting him in the other books in the series. Instant attraction and heroic rescues deliver an action-packed romance for which Karen Witemeyer is so well-known!

Like all of the characters in Karen’s books, Luke and Damaris are so relatable and make the story come alive for the reader. Damaris is a strong and independent woman, and therefore my favorite type of heroine! She is the kind of woman who takes on the task of raising a teenage nephew she hardly knows, sews up the wounds of a stranger close to death, and fights prairie fires to defend her family. She is half of a perfect pair, and Luke is hero who is easily adored. He is a man that has had a rough life, but he has a noble heart and a strong protective streak that make him perfect hero material. What I liked best about Luke was his strong faith. It was the kind that clings to Christ and scripture, but who is broken and in need of a reminder of God’s goodness and forgiveness. I found his journey in this book incredibly inspirational.

There is also a level of intrigue and mystery to this story, and there are definitely some plot twists that may take you by surprise! With cattle rustlers, prairie fires, and kidnappers, there is plenty of excitement to keep you wildly entertained until a heartwarming conclusion with all of the Hanger’s Horsemen and their families.

I highly recommend In Honor’s Defense, and really any of Karen Witemeyer’s books, to those who love inspirational western romance with happy endings, swoon-worthy heroes, and tons of adventure!

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

Every Karen Witemeyer book I've read is a like a wonderfully warm hug - comforting and reassuring.

While this is the third in the Hanger's Horsemen series, I haven't read the others in the series yet but found that I could still follow the story and characters as a standalone. I loved this book and will be reading the rest of the series.

Karen Witemeyer's writing style appeals greatly to me. This book is in third person but the perspective shifts back and forth between the two main characters. It is tightly plotted. Characters seem real and authentic. They are characters of grit and faith but also have imperfections and flaws.

In this book, I loved Damaris's characterization - a quiet wallflower who finds her purpose and voice. And Luke, a brave warrior who needs that quiet strength. It is set in late 1800s Texas. Things I liked: the plot pacing, character growth, seamless insertion of Scriptures, sweet romance with good tension and believability.

I haven't been let down by one of this author's books yet. I highly recommend this for fans of Christian romance, especially historical romance.

Thank you to Bethany House who provided a copy for review via NetGalley.

I was so excited to finally get my hands on Luke “Preach” Davenport’s story! It was great to read about familiar characters from the earlier stories, but it was wonderful to dive into Luke’s story, which I think stands well on its own. I loved how the author incorporated faith into every aspect of the novel, truly making it a central part of how the characters thought and developed and grew. The plot flowed well and was easily engaging, keeping my attention from beginning to end. I liked the element of mystery in the story and the twists and turns kept me guessing. The romance develops well and made me smile several times. I loved this novel and highly recommend it!

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

In this third book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series Witemeyer again draws us into a story of justice and belonging. While the Horsemen will always be brothers, life had moved on and the belonging that Luke found on the road with his brothers is now a thing of the past. In contrast, Damaris has never really been seen, never really belonged.

Both characters jump at a chance to pursue something that might bring some meaning and new direction to their lives, but they find that maybe God has something even greater in store for them then what they dreamed.

The mystery elements of this novel were well developed and the motivations of the villain were believable. The characters were engaging and the overall pace of the novel was well done. I enjoyed “In Honor’s Defense” and would recommend it.

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

In Honor's Defense is the third and final book in the Hanger's Horsemen trilogy by Karen Witemeyer. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Luke Davenport, also known as Preach in the previous novels, takes center stage, hired to find some rustlers in Madisonville. When he arrives, he is attacked and barely saved by Damaris, a spinster taking care of her orphaned neighbor. Witemeyer writes compelling stories that make it difficult to put down. I'll admit that I've been in a bit of reading slump lately and In Honor's Defense was the perfect book to get me out of it.

Karen Witemeyer does what she does so well in this Hanger's Horseman series by telling a captivating story readers will not be able to put down! 5 stars!

Luke and Damaris are down to earth characters with flaws and pasts holding them back from living the life they want, but once they meet and the attraction starts, they find themselves starting to believe a happy future may be possible after all. Nathaniel was fantastic as Damaris's trouble making nephew.

Damaris and Luke have some great dialogue, he doesn't believe he is deserving of any peace, and she sets him straight. I enjoyed reading all the encouragement Damaris showered on him,

*I will not judge you by the man you were. Only by the man you are. A man of courage. Sacrifice. Honor. A man with flaws and imperfections, but one who strives to be better. To protect those in his care and bring evil men to justice. A man who knows the Word and strives to emulate the God who gave it."
He sees himself as "discontent, dangerous, and a tiny bit deranged."
While she sees him as "driven, devoted, and dependable."

I loved that all four of the Horseman have found the woman of their dreams, all while fighting off some pretty rough characters. Witemeyer has written an excellent series that's sure to be read and enjoyed for years to come. I appreciate Bethany House Publishers making a copy of In Horor's Defense available for review. All thoughts and opinion are my very own.

The third installment in the Hanger's Horsemen series is full of adventure, danger, and of course, swoony romance. I appreciate that Damaris is not touted as the world's most beautiful woman or the most intelligent or the spunkiest. Instead she is the kind of heroine you pass everyday: somewhat ordinary, quiet, and hiding a quiet strength that comes through in times of trouble. I love her. I also love seeing more of Luke (Preach)'s personality. His character allowed Damaris and her nephew to find their own strengths.

It took me a long time to get into this story, but the end had me riveted. While not my favorite of the Horsemen series, it is worth a read! 3.5 stars.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Oh, man, Luke Davenport is exactly my type of hero, with the rough past that makes him not quite believe in himself, combined with the heart of gold who will do anything to protect those who he cares about. I LOVED him so much. And I'm thrilled to say I loved Damaris just as much and found her to be a perfect match for him. She also has her insecurities but she pushed herself to do and be her best, to be stronger than she thought she was, and I really liked her. I loved their interactions with one another, how they supported and helped each other so much. Besides characters who stole my heart, this book also has fabulous plot--I really enjoyed the mystery element and seeing what was going to happen and who was really behind everything. I just devoured this book...and while I've loved the previous books in the series, this one just slightly edged them out as my very favorite of the three. This is definitely one of my choices for the best books of 2022.

5 stars.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book so much! The characters, the plot, just...everything. So. Good.

Characters:
On exhibit A we have a quiet, book-loving young spinster who wants to be wanted.
On exhibit B we have a horse-savvy soldier-warrior guy who wants a family but doesn't want a family and can't imagine what else he could be besides a warrior.
A fantastic mix!
I know this probably sound strange, but I loved how for once the heroine was not 'drop dead gorgeous'. She was just ordinary. Brown hair and eyes, not curvy. We need more book characters like this who are not "perfect" physically other than a 'horrible scar on the face or something but other than that she's perfect in every way'.
Damaris did not need to be gorgeous to be a good character. "she did tend to lose awareness of her surroundings when she was in the middle of a good ponder." It is lines like this that make a character interesting. She was so wise, constantly giving Luke a new perspective on life and himself.
Luke was not the typical one-problem-to-be-solved hero. He had a few problems. How his relationship developed with Nate as well as Damaris was a pleasure to read. He had such a great arch over the course of the story; Nate as well.

Plot:
Fantastic plot, with good twists and turns. There was only a few moments that I found did not flow well with everything else happening, but in the long run it added to the plot.
I thought it was so nice how Damaris and Luke really got to know each other and everything without much of the "I want to kiss you right now" every time in the other's presence. One Christian historical fiction author I read on a fairly regular basis tends to do that a lot, unfortunately. This was the second book of Witemeyer's I have read and I must say that this one has upped the bar in this genre for me. (that being said the first one I read was not great on the content side).

Writing:
So many good lines in this book! I could type a whole bunch but I will just leave you with this one:
"No story bound in paper could compare to the one she longed to live in the real world."

Conclusion is I liked this book a tremendous amount and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes Christian Historical Fiction. Reading the previous books is not necessary to understand this one!

4.5 stars

I have always enjoyed Karen Witemeyer’s storytelling and this book was no different. Her publishing team always successfully draws me in with the artwork and the blurbs on the back of her books.

This story was about Damaris Baxter who in the early days of the 1900s is considered an old maid. But for someone who stays quiet and in the shadows, she’s had no real opportunity to marry. Instead, she is an assistant for a family member. Needless to say, despite her quiet life when she receives notice from her brother’s lawyer that she has inherited land and to care for her nephew she jumps at the chance.

Her nephew is no longer the young child she met many years ago, instead she goes to Texas to discover that he is a brooding teenager. He has many issues, the main one that he blames the neighbor whom he accuses killed his dad.

Long story short, the neighbor has brought in a Horseman, a single man who was part of a group who bonded together to bring justice. Luke, the horseman, ends up injured and under Damaris’s care. From there things begin to change as more questions on the death of Damaris’s brother.

This was another book that I found myself lost and captivated in. Always anticipating the next step, obviously the author had decided to go in a different direction. Enjoyed the story and now I want to read the rest of the stories of the other Horsemen.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review.

In Honor's Defense, Preach is the lone Hanger's Horseman who hasn't found a home. He's settled on a wandering life until he finds a teenage boy and his aunt who need him. Damaris just wants to be useful and create a family with her orphaned nephew. What she doesn't expect is to fall into the middle of a mystery that includes the allegation her brother was murdered. This book has all of the elements of a Karen Witemeyer story: strong characters, a rich plot, and a slow burn romance. Highly recommend.

Karen Witemeyer is a great story teller, bringing to life the characters, plot, and intertwining a message of faith. Luke Davenport was a man of integrity who had a sense of justice, and one who would protect those who were in his care, no matter how high the cost to himself. I know he saw himself as, “discontent, dangerous, and a bit deranged, but I agree with Damaris, the woman he is protecting when she says, “I prefer driven, devoted, and dependable.”

Luke “Preach” has things from his past that he must deal with, but his willingness to be teachable and allow God to help him shows the kind of person many others would like to be. His faith was unshakeable and inspirational. He was just the kind of man Damaris and Nathaniel needed as they met with obstacles and unscrupulous men. I loved seeing that three people who were at first not always in one accord became a cord of three that could not be easily broken.

Have you ever read a book that you can see the scene playing out before you? This is how the ending was as Damaris finds herself in danger and the villains have the upper hand. I was extremely happy how things turned out and highly recommend this book. It is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone. I had not read the other books, but as other Horsemen are part of the story, I need to read their stories too!

I was given a copy of the book through the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.

I requested this without realizing that it was the 3rd book in the series. Even without reading the other books, the story was really good. There was a bit of a mystery and some action. It kept my interest to wanting to keep on reading. The romance was sweet between Luke and Damaris they had such a sweet chemistry between them even with all these problems that just kept popping up. I enjoyed it. Now off to get the other two and reading the series through.

A riveting western adventure of justice, heart, faith and family.

Luke "Preach" Davenport feels slightly adrift seeing all of his friends settling down, but not ready to do the same himself. He takes a solo mission investigating a cattle rustling, befriending a young woman and her teenaged nephew.

The long awaited next installment in the Hanger's Horsemen Series, had high expectations set for it and it absolutely delivered. I loved seeing familiar faces, as well as getting to know Damaris and Nate.

Damaris is used to being overlooked and forgotten, but when her brother passes and leaves his son in her care she is determined to raise him as his father would have wanted. I admired her faith, and her courage to step out of her comfort zone to find answers.

A satisfying read from beginning to end, with heroes that you can cheer for all the way through. A nearly impossible book to put down, with excellent relationship building. I liked how faith was a huge part of Preach and Damaris's lives from the onset, and how they both grew in their faith together. Well worth the wait, you won't want to miss it!

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

“You might be a little rough around the edges, Luke Davenport,” she said, stepping close enough to lay her palm lightly on his chest, “but in here beats a noble heart.”

Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite historical romance authors! She creates such memorable characters and amazing stories filled with romance, inspiration, and plenty of action and adventure. I’ve loved this Hanger’s Horsemen series and In Honor’s Defense has to be my favorite of all. Reformed bad boys make the best heroes and Luke aka “Preach” definitely fits this bill. Wielding scripture as easily as he wields his fists, he’s never one to back down from a fight. So when he’s hired to find some cattle rustlers, he goes out on his own without his beloved Horsemen brothers to solve the mystery. Rescuing Damaris, the nearby neighbor, from a cellar, and her nursing him after he is brutally attacked takes him on a journey where he learns the true meaning of love and home.

I loved the romance between Damaris and Luke. Watching both of them grow and change was enjoyable and inspiring. I adored Luke! He’s never had a real home. Enduring turmoil, anger, and violence, he escaped at a young age only to fight in brutal battles in the army. He doesn’t feel worthy of love, until he meets Damaris. I loved the way he treats Damaris and really listens to her. While not the most physically attractive woman, she has all the things that matter most and that Luke longs for.

Damaris often feels invisible and insignificant. When Luke comes into her life, he really “sees” her and appreciates her many talents (other than cooking) and her ability to make him feel the love of home and family. It was fun seeing her become more bold and daring after she meets Luke. Damaris’ nephew Nathaniel is a troubled 14 year old boy who’s lost his father and mother. Still angry over his father’s death, Nate feels that steadying hand from Luke he so desperately needs which Damaris has struggled to provide. I loved watching these three become a real family.

Along with the heartfelt romance, there’s a mystery to be solved and danger is never far behind. Not only are there cattle rustlers, but someone is after Damaris’ and Nathaniel’s land and is willing to kill to get it. As Luke continues to heal, he vows to do everything in his power to keep them safe, but will his efforts be enough?

This story had me hurriedly flipping those pages to see what happens next. The villains are particularly nasty. Fans of historical romance, especially westerns, will love this! I enjoyed the spiritual messages subtly woven in to this romantic, action-filled story. The characters are endearing and it was fun to see all the Horsemen together again and also Dr. Jo! It can definitely be read as a standalone, but those who have read the previous books in the series will especially enjoy this! Highly recommend! Thanks to the author and publisher for a complimentary advanced copy of the book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

Damaris Baxter leaves St. Louis Mo for Madisonville Texas, in 1895 to take care of her nephew, Nathan when his father dies. Alone, mad, and ill-tempered, she tries to help Nathan but is faced with nothing but rebellion. Luke, carrying ghosts of his own, relates to Nathan in ways his aunt, Damaris can't. Luke carries secrets the Lord has forgiven him for but struggles to forget his painful memories.

I was impressed with Damaris' strength, determination, and Nathan's humor. In Honors Defense is one of those novels that keep you smiling long after you turn the last page. The characters are well-developed and the depth of their personalities is portrayed very well. I felt as if I knew them in real life.

The author has created a wonderfully inspirational storyline. One encompassing the redemption, healing, and love of God's ability to turn bad circumstances into good.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

*** Great Wrap-up to the Series ***
Preach gets his story and his gal!
St. Louis, MO, 1895
33-year-old Luke Davenport, aka Preach, has seen his best friends get married and start lives of their own, but he’s not ready to settle down. He’s still feelin reckless and in need of purpose. When he’s called on to round up some cattle rustlers, he jumps at the chance.
Demaris has recently lost her brother and now finds herself caring for Nathaniel, a teenage nephew filled with anger and grief, in a place she has no one to lean on.
When their lives are unexpectedly thrown together we get to experience all the sweetness and also some of the danger surrounding their circumstances.
No spoilers, but I loved the sweet horse stall scene (-smile).
Faith Quote: But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him. Psalm 37:39-40
Favorite Quote No 1: "As he surrendered to unconsciousness, he released all thoughts save. She’d called him Luke. Not Preach or Corporal or Davenport. But Luke. The man beneath the warrior."
Favorite Quote No 2: The intimacy between him and Demaris just kept growing, like plant shoots undeterred by cobblestones, winding through tiny crevices to sprout greet in the midst of a stone street. (Isn’t that just beautiful imagery?)
Tea Quote: “Let me fix you a cup of tea.” “Just don’t let her fix you anything else,” Mr. Hanger said with a chuckle. His wife slapped at his arm.
I was gifted a book for my honest review. All opinions are my own without further compensation or expectation.
Karen Witemeyer is an award-winning, talented, sweet, and approachable author. She wrote the sweetest dedication to us, her Posse, in the front of the book! Check out her Posse FB page to connect with her.
4 STARS
SERIES: Hanger's Horsemen
1) At Love's Command - June 2020
2) The Heart’s Charge – June 2021
3) In Honor’s Defense – June 2022

Reviews posted to B&N, BAM, GoodReads, GooglePlayBooks, pending for AMZN
Cover Meme designed & posted https://www.pinterest.com/blujeansntcups/books/
Blog Review: http://bluejeansandteacups.blogspot.com/2022/05/on-sale-in-honors-defense-by-karen.html

In Honor’s Defense by Karen Whitemeyer was the perfect ending to this series. I have enjoyed all of the books. This is Luke/Preach’s story.

Damaris was a character that you cannot help but love. She was more than happy to take responsibility for her nephew, Nate even if he was rebellious in his grief.

The author created some great scenes with Damaris and her nephew and with Damaris and Luke. For fans of the series you will be thrilled to see the return of Dr Jo and some of the Hanger’s Horsemen.

Luke accepts an assignment that brings him to the home of Damaris. He gets into trouble which leads to Damaris taking care of him until her can get around on his own. Luke is trying to decide how much Nate is involved. And on top of that Damaris is being hounded to sell her property.

This was a beautiful story of a woman finally feeling seen, a small mystery and Luke dealing with grief.

sex - 1 kissing
Violence - 1 fighting, kidnapping

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

In Honor's Defense is the delightful conclusion to Karen Witemeyer's Hanger's Horsemen Series. While I've enjoyed all the books and novellas Karen has written, I believe In Honor's Defense is the best one yet. The wounded but gentle warrior, Luke Davenport (A.K.A. Preach) is a delightful mix of pure hero despite his insecurities and pain from his past. Luke has met his match with Damaris Baxter. Karen's heroine drew me in from the start with her propensity to have a book in hand, and her ability to excel at being unseen and overlooked. Karen's In Honor's Defense is a well-thought out and crafted tale that pulls the reader in from the first page and doesn't let them go until the conclusion. It's a book I highly recommend.

~While this book was provided for free, I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. (2022)