Riveting Conclusion!

This book was such a great wrap-up to the Hanger’s Horsemen series! It was interesting and surprising to read about Luke/Preach’s backstory and how he came to be the adult he was in the series. He made for great hero material. And Damaris, what a wonderful heroine! She may be one of my favorites as she was so down-to-earth, compassionate, kind and yet had a backbone of steel when it was needed. She considered herself very plain and “invisible” yet displayed such strength of character that Luke couldn’t help but admire these traits as well as her understated beauty. They complemented each other very well. As the drama unfolded Damaris and her nephew were increasingly in danger which made this book very difficult to put down. I loved the spiritual aspects of the story and the Bible verses mentioned and how applicable they were in various situations. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I am glad to have read the series in order. I loved the reappearance of characters from the first two books and closed the book with a smile, wishing the series didn’t have to end.

I received an advanced review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley through Celebrate Lit Bloggers and Reviewers. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are completely my own.

Hanger's Horsemen #3

This is a new to me author and definitely won't be the last book that I read by her!!

Damaris comes to Texas to take care of her orphaned nephew, Nate, but he is not happy about his aunt coming. There are definitely problems on the ranch as it appears that someone desperately wants the land and Nate is not willing to give it up.

Luke is hired by a neighbor to find out why his cows are missing and he thinks young Nate could be involved.

This was a great story and kept me turning the pages to find out how the mystery is solved!

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Wow! Karen Witemeyer certainly knows how to write an exciting novel.

Damaris Baxter receives word that her brother has died, leaving 14 year old Nate in her care. When she travels across the country to Texas she expects a sad but happy reunion. What she gets is an angry, wild boy bent on breaking all the rules.

Luke Davenport, one of Hanger's Horsemen, is called in to look into the rustling of Mr. Grimes cattle. Grimes is sure Nate has been a part of the thieving and Nate feels Grimes had something to do with his fathers death.

And so begins a most amazing adventure. I have enjoyed the other Horsemen stories, but this one has to be my favorite. Luke's past haunts him, but he clings to the scriptures the Captain encourages him to memorize. When he meets mild shy Damaris his whole world tips on its axis. A sweet romance ignites between them, as he feels led to protect Damaris and Nate. There is a very intense ending, which makes you want to keep reading to the end.

Witemeyer is such an outstanding author. Her stories are full of believable characters. Romance, drama, adventure, self forgiveness. I have read many of Witemeyer's books and she never fails to bring an element of faith that is not preachy. Just good story telling.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in clean Christian historical romance. Beautifully written and inspiring.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Demora feels invisible to the world. So when her brother is found floating in the river near his home. She rushes to Texas to stay and take care of 14-year-old Nate. Nate is an angry, troubled boy and Luke is one of the famous Hangers Horsemen. They are famous in Texas for taking in bad guys and tracking down murderers and rustler‘s. Dimora has no clue who they are. So when Nate locks her in the cellar and goes off for the day she is saved when Lucas hears her screams and helps her out the dark prison. To her he is just a handsome man who happen to be around when she needed saving, but Nate comes in with Lucas‘s gun and hand wanting to know why he is on their Homestead? The reason he is there is going to bring up more questions than answers and Nate and Demorra find out that he was hired by their neighbor to catch cattle rustlers and when he gets stabbed and beaten almost to death. Damora takes of him. She sees what a kind, lost soul Lucas says it really starts to fall for him and little does she know he has feelings for her as well. Before they can even explore these feelings know they have to figure out what her brother murdered and who is trying to steal the neighbors cattle? This may not be the best summary ever, but this book has a lot of plots and subplots and it was woven together expertly by the author. this is the third book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series and every time a new one comes out I love it more than the last. They have some really bad historical romance books that are in accurate and all together out-of-the-box when it comes to a true historical romance, but this author does her due diligence and rights with historical accuracy and a plot you can’t stop reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a true historical romance fan, you will definitely love this book. I was given this book by Ned Gally and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Please forgive any grammatical or punctuation errors I am blind and dictate my reviews, but all opinions are my own.

'I'm a Horseman, ma'am. Hunting down outlaws and bandits is what I do.'

I have been so eagerly anticipating this book in Karen Witemeyer's 'Hanger's Horsemen' series since I read the first one. I loved Preach's characters and wanted to see what his story was. Witemeyer does not disappoint one bit here. Luke Davenport (Preach) finds more than he bargained for when he hires out to help a rancher. And Preach does have a back story, let me tell you, and has a lot to overcome. But those scripture verses he has memorized for so many years and has one for every occasion stand him in good stead throughout the book. I was cheering him on many times. This is, in my opinion, the best series ever from this author. They are books to sit proudly on my shelves and to be read over and over again. It sure was good to see all the Horsemen together again, even if just for a short time. Well done!

My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is expressly my own.

This book. <3

I read it way too fast, because I was enjoying it way too much, so I need to reread it. But I do remember it all pretty clearly, so let's go.

Luke has always been my favorite. Being in his POV was a bit different than I expected (I definitely got a different impression of him from other stories), but still enjoyable. I loved his story of forgiving himself and moving on, and his loyalty and determination were so great. Him helping Damaris's nephew was super touching.

Damaris, meanwhile, well, I don't know how this chick stayed invisible for so long, because she was being pretty courageous by the time we got to her. :P But that was good. I was glad that instead of relying on Luke to "make up for" her lack of courage and such, she actually grew as a character, which was great. Men don't make up for our weaknesses like that ... that's not what you're supposed to do.

I really enjoyed watching these two get together - and watching Damaris's relationship with her nephew grow as well as Luke's relationship with him was great. It reminded me a lot of my mom and brother, actually - I think my little brother is ABOUT that unmanageable. xD

But the way Luke and Damaris lean on each other ... like, thank goodness for a healthy relationship. That was so sweet.

The real question, though, is NOW WHAT?! What do I do with my life now without the Horsemen in it?

Karen Witemeyer in one of those authors I so thoroughly enjoy reading. I find her books impossible to put down! I read In Honor's Defense in under twenty-four hours. The Hanger's Horseman series follows a group of men, who are as close as brothers, in their fight against injustice on the Texas frontier. You could read this as a stand alone, but Luke Davenport is my favorite character from the previous two books, so I recommend that you read those first. This was such a sweet, easy to read cowboy story, full of perilous circumstances, plot twists and a budding romance sweeter than sweet tea. I would love for this series to continue, but all of the Horseman have had their own story, so maybe, sadly, this is the end of the series?? For me, this series ranked right up there, at the very top, with the Archer Brothers, which is my all time favorite Witemeyer series. If you haven't read either one, I highly recommend that you do!

For someone who prefers to be invisible, I could really relate to Damaris. I loved the message that in all my "invisibility" there is One who always sees me, who longs to be with me, who will always provide, and who loves me unconditionally.

As always, I am counting down the days now until I can read and enjoy the next Karen Witemeyer story! Until then, this one goes straight to my favorites shelf.

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

When Damaris Baxter’s brother passes away Damaris heads to Texas to care for her 15 year old nephew. Hoping that she and Nathaniel can have the same relationship they once shared years ago Damaris is not prepared for the rebellion and anger that Nathaniel presents to her. When their neighbor hires Luke Davenport, one of the infamous Hanger’s Horsemen, to find out who is rustling his cattle the first suspect is Nathaniel because of all of the mischief he has caused. When Luke meets the rustlers and is left for dead he is taken to Nathaniel and Damaris’s home to be cared for. Can Luke, Nathaniel and Damaris prove that someone killed her brother and is now out to kill them before it is too late?



I love the Horsemen! I love both Damaris and Luke, they make a great couple. I loved that Damaris came across as invisible and quiet but yet had the backbone and stubbornness to love Nathaniel and stand up for him. I loved the mystery and danger surrounding Damaris’s brothers death. It made the story exciting and kept my interest. It was also fun to catch up with the other horsemen. A sweet and exciting read that as always satisfied and entertained and above all left me ready for more books by this author!

IN HONOR’S DEFENSE is thr third novel in the Hanger’s Horsemen series by KAREN WITEMEYER, and although it can easily stand alone I suggest you read the whole lovely series if you possibly can.
The story starts in 1895 in St Louis Missouri where Damaris Baxter, the unassuming and almost invisible youngest of eight children, hears of her older brother Douglas’ death and learns that she is named as his fourteen year old son Nathaniel’s guardian. She moves to Madison county where she is faced with an angry, rebellious boy who does not respond to her affection. Luke Davenport, who comes from a broken and abusive childhood, sees himself in Nate, who is acting out badly after losing both his parents and seems to be asking for trouble.
Luke, or Preach as he is called by the rest of Hanger’s Horsemen, is employed by Nate’s neighbour Oliver Grimes to catch the rustlers who are stealing his cattle. I like the way Luke relies on his relationship with the Lord and his vast knowledge of scripture verses to guide him. The Horsemen are his only family and he has never really had a home. He wonders if someone with his past will ever be able to settle down and have a family. He is fiercely protective by nature and sees something in Damaris that others have not seen. In fact they bring out the best in each other..
Add to this a large company wanting to buy Nate’s land, false accusations against him and the mystery surrounding his father’s drowning “accident”, and you have an exciting and suspenseful read. There is also a sweet romance, some unforgettable characters and a strong Christian message.. I highly recommend In Honor’s Defense to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Aside from my Australian dictionary not much liking this book’s title, there was a lot I liked about In Honor’s Defense. It is apparently the third and, sadly, final, book of the Hanger’s Horsemen series. What a series it has been. Full of adventure, danger and romance.

When Luke decides to take on a case by himself, he expects to have no trouble tracking down some cattle thieves. What he doesn’t expect to find is a woman locked in her own cellar by her mischievous and grieving nephew. Damaris would do anything to help Nate heal after the death of his father, but Nate wants nothing to do with her and continually gets himself into trouble. It makes for a fun meeting between our two love interests. It’s not long before real danger finds Luke, Damaris and Nate. When Luke is severely injured, Damaris helps him as he recovers and the two grow closer.

Luke doesn’t believe he is worthy of love. Not after everything he’s done while a solider. But he’d do anything to protect Damaris. Watching them grow closer was delightful. They slowly share more of their past - Luke as a Horseman and cavalryman and Damaris as the youngest of many children and often invisible. But she isn’t invisible to Luke and their friendship and building romance is very sweet.

There is also plenty of drama, as Luke faces down the cattle rustlers and Damaris, Nate and Luke work together to outsmart those who wish to harm them. We also get to see a reunion of all the Horsemen and their families.

It’s been a delight reading this series and I so enjoyed the mix of action and romance.

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

Karen Witemeyer is a master at her craft--specifically historical romance with a bit of intrigue thrown in for good measure. In this last book about Hanger's Horsemen, she completes the series with a look at who Luke Davenport was and who Nathaniel Baxter is going to become without some changes in his life.

Damaris Baxter has taken on the challenge of raising her late brother's son, Nathaniel, who is a very angry boy because of the circumstances surrounding his father's death. Nathaniel has taken on a "refuse to cooperate even if it cuts off my nose to spite my face" attitude. The latest "prank" he has pulled on Damaris is locking her in the cellar with a table standing on the trap door so that she can't get out. This is how Luke Davenport finds Damaris when he's been called in to find out who is rustling a neighbor's cattle. When Nathaniel finds out that Luke is a Horseman, he begins to straighten up his act. As in all good Western type romances, our hero (Luke) is injured in carrying out his duties and Nathaniel and Damaris take him in to nurse him back to health. Nathaniel picks up his chores and helps Damaris with hers, especially after wiring Matt Hanger and his wife, Dr. Jo, to come to his aid.

In Honor's Defense takes on some tough topics, like child abuse, money grubbing, rebellion, and overcoming the past. Karen does a tremendous job of tackling hard issues without being preachy about it. While I enjoyed the first Horsemen novel the best in this series, this one is quite enjoyable to read and so satisfying when it is all said and done. The continuity of the characters and their brotherhood stands out as a testimony to a deep abiding friendship that puts me in mind of the friendship between David and Jonathan. The way the Horsemen stood up for each other in times of crisis is exactly how Jonathan stood for David.

Solid Four Star book even though there is a bit of predictability in the narrative. I will still pick up any book Karen Witemeyer writes.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Review posted via Goodreads.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4613151901
My favorite read of 2022 so far!
I am a huge fan of Karen Witemeyer and have been eagerly awaiting the third and final book of the Hanger's Horseman series. It did not disappoint. Damaris quickly leaves her home in St.Louis to take custody of her nephew after his father and her brother died suddenly. When she arrives out west, Damaris is not greeted with the warm welcome she expected. Her nephew Nate wants her gone and makes his point through various tricks and pranks. Luke Davenport is working on the neighboring ranch when he finds Damaris locked in the root cellar. Luke is working on a rustler's case and Nate causes some interest. But after clearing his name, Luke realizes it's not his employer needing the help. It's Damaris and her nephew. Can Luke get the woman and the thieves before time runs out?
I absolutely loved this book! I read the entire thing in two sittings. Such an amazing finale to the series. While being a part of a series, you still can read this novel as a standalone. So far this is my favorite book of 2022. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

This book was fantastic! I always enjoy Karen Witemeyer's books for the lovable characters, both main characters and secondary characters. I could especially relate to Damaris in this book because I also have often felt invisible. I would have loved it if the other horsemen were in the book as I loved the dynamic between the four of them in previous books but nevertheless reading Preach's story was great along with the new characters.

In Honor's Defense is the exciting third installment of Ms. Karen Witemeyer's fantastic Hanger's Horsemen series. I was absolutely thrilled to be able to read and review this particular book of Ms. Witemeyer. I have enjoyed all of Ms. Witemeyer's writings, but her Hanger's Horsemen series has become a new favorite of mine. In Honor's Defense continues the excellent reputation of Ms. Witemeyer's writings with adventurous plots, comedic relief, rugged characters full of virtue and faults, as well as a storyline based on faith, love, and family. The characters in this book were excellent, full of flaws, yet also very easy to relate to. I enjoyed the sweet romance as well as the clear priority of family and faith displayed by the main characters. I absolutely enjoyed In Honor's Defense and would highly recommend this book as well as the rest of her series.
In Honor's Defense is where the final horseman gets his own story, Luke Davenport, also referred to by his comrades as "Preach." I was intrigued by Luke's character in the previous two works in the Hanger's Horseman series and was curious to discover Luke's backstory. Although Luke is well-recognized and respected by the general public as a horseman, his past experiences and losses shadow his decisions and hope for his future. Luke celebrates with and for his fellow horsemen as they find godly spouses, but he doubts that he can overcome his shadowed past to discover such joy for himself. When Luke takes on an assignment to track down a gang of cattle rustlers by himself, he soon is entangled in a far deeper and dangerous plot.
Damaris Baxter will do anything to help Nate, her newly orphaned teenage nephew, even move across the country to take custody of him and help provide a family for him. Damaris although quiet and used to being invisible will take on anything to protect her nephew. One late night Nate gets himself into a load of trouble and asks Damaris to help him, leading Damaris to a badly beaten and gravely injured horseman, Luke. Damaris and Nate struggle to keep Luke from succumbing to his wounds and bring him into their home to try to help him. As Luke slowly recovers, Damaris realizes how much she and Nate are indebted to Luke. Can Luke help Damaris' rebellious nephew get off of his path before he is in trouble with the law? Can Damaris and Nate keep their home against many threats and suspicious accidents? Will Damaris be able to help Luke move past his hurts and anger from his childhood and past? Can they find the true criminal behind all these attacks before someone else is hurt or killed? Read In Honor's Defense to find out. I truly hope that you have the opportunity to read and enjoy In Honor's Defense as thoroughly as I did. Happy reading!
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.

In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer carried the tradition of the Horsemen Hanger. Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed these stories of strong heroes who changed their wild ways into protective and loving husbands. In this story, readers are told the story of Luke, the protector, who uses his strong protective skills to help Damaris and her nephew, Nate as they struggle to live with each other and depend on each other. The plot has some suspense, which was nicely done. I really enjoyed trying to see who was creating troubles on the Grimes land. I love seeing the transformation of Luke throughout the story. I loved learning about his backstory, and how it defined the man that readers are introduced to at the beginning of the story. As for the romance, it was deeply engrained in the plot of the story. Both heroine and hero fell pretty quickly but brought out the best in each other. Just like a good romance should do. The romance was not too gushy but respectable in nature. The writing was serious, yet suspenseful at the same time. Overall, In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer is a delightful story. Even though I do not gravitate toward western stories, Witemeyer is a master of crafting stories that dig at the heart of the issue in her character’s transformation journey. Highly recommend this series.

I received a complimentary copy In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Sweet Christian Romance. A lonely cowboy looking for redemption and a sweet mouse trying to find herself are the characters in this one. Karen does a good job with her characters. I enjoyed the story line and the fun moments. I think I just felt like these are all starting to sound and feel exactly a like. Too much repetition. I love a sweet cowboy story though and I do like a good Witemeyer book. Just not feelin this one as much as I wanted too.

In Honor's Defense is the third (and, I think, final) book in Witemeyer's Hanger's Horsemen series. I have loved getting to know these characters and each book has just been amazing!

This story features Luke and Damaris. The way they met was unique and memorable. I thought their romance was sweet and I really liked the ending. The danger in this book was intense and definitely made the story difficult to put down.

All in all, I loved In Honor's Defense and definitely recommend it.

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

This was just a wonderful end to this lovely series. I have greatly enjoyed Karen Witemeyer's Hanger's Horsemen series and I was excited to read the conclusion to this series. In Honor’s Defense is the final book and much awaited! It did not disappoint and I loved everything about this book!
Luke Davenport, Preach was one of the characters I did not know as well. But it was a lot of fun to read about him and learn more about him. Preach had a rough childhood and he was also on guard in going back to his old ways. Luke was a sweet guy, he looked rough on the edges but he was just looking for a place to call his own. It was cute to read about him interacting with Daramis and her nephew, Nathaniel. Luke was fighting his demons, but he was also learning to let people in.
Daramis Baxter was the perfect match for Luke. I really liked Daramis, she was so strong. She left her home to care for her nephew and she gave him unconditional love although he was difficult. Daramis was used to being invisible, forgettable, but being with Luke allowed her to feel seen.
Daramis and Luke were cute together! I liked how they balanced each other and helped make each other better people. It was interesting to read about them falling in love and read about Luke trying to protect Daramis and Nate. Daramis and Nate had worked their way into Luke’s heart and he wasn’t about to let them go.
This book was very exciting and I was on the edge of my seat reading it! I did not want to put it down. It was interesting to read as Luke tried to protect Daramis and Nate and figure out what was trying to hurt them. The storyline was interesting and engaging. The characters were of course a lot of fun and it was cool to read about old characters!
In Honor’s Defense was a great book and I would definitely recommend it! In Honor’s Defense is a clean christoian historical romance. I also enjoy the faith aspects that are woven into Witemeyer’s books and this one was not different. If you enjoy historical Christian romance, then you will like this one.

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.

This is the last book in the Hangers Horseman series and is fantastic like the other ones. This can be read as a standalone book but the reader would gain more context if they have read all of the other books in the series.

Karen Witemeyer writes great characters and it was nice for old characters to be reintroduced into parts of the story. It's like meeting old friends. I also really liked the plot twist and turns in the story and learning of each characters motivations.

I got this in exchange for a honest review. I read this in one sitting and have already purchased a copy for my library. I definitely recommend this to you!

In Honor's Defense is the third book of a series, but each book can be read as a stand alone. I recommend reading all three of this wonderful series! This one is the story of Luke, also known as "Preach". A man that has struggled through his childhood not knowing what love should be, or how it could be. He left his abusive father and joined the army, then as time went on he joined his dearest friends to form "Hangar's Horsemen" a group of men that were almost lawmen, helping people that had no help. Damaris is a very shy and timid woman that has been often forgotten by her family and usually hides in the background of any group of people she happens to be a part of. After meeting Luke in an unusual way, she begins to become a bit bolder. Herr brother dies, and she is left to keep charge of her fourteen year old nephew in Texas, which is more challenging than she expects. There are two that are after the land that her brother left for his son, and she is determined to keep it for him. The other men have different ideas. After attempting murder of the boy, they eventually manage to take Damaris from a train and kidnap her to a cabin in the woods, and try to get her to sign the sale papers for the land, yet she still refuses.to sign them. Can Luke and the other horsemen rescue her in time?