I really enjoyed this book! The characters were strong and I liked the setting! As always, the scripture sprinkled throughout was encouraging and uplifting.
A story about one of the Horseman and his journey to overcoming his past and opening his heart to love. A love of an aunt for her brokenhearted nephew. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )

“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. ( )