In Honor's Defense - (Hanger's Horsemen) by Karen Witemeyer (Paperback)

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.

"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.

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!

The books in this Hanger's Horsemen series have featured some very special men but one of them quickly grabbed a piece of my heart and wouldn't let go. This man had experienced many hardships but still found saving grace and comfort through God's Word. Luke Davenport was able to quote scripture like a preacher and he definitely needed his own story. Thankfully, author Karen Witemeyer has given it to him! This third book in the Hanger's Horsemen series allows Luke aka "Preach" to shine and hopefully work his way to a happy ending. Courage abounds, hearts are exposed, and lives are changed as Luke comes to the rescue of Damaris Baxter and her orphaned nephew Nathaniel. Will he be able to protect them? In Honor's Defense is a well-written story filled with hope, faith, and redemption. I was fully invested in the well-developed characters and exciting plot, and I couldn't have asked for a better ending to a series! Best of all, the other horsemen make appearances, and their loyalty and friendship are a joy to witness. Well done, Ms. Witemeyer, you've outdone yourself with this story! I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

I’m guessing if you are looking in the reviews section before buying this book it is because you haven’t read any of the Hanger’s Horseman series. Don’t get me wrong, you can totally read this novel as a stand alone, but you might as well get them all. I instantly fell in love with the band of brothers who fought in war together and wanted to help the helpless. In Honor’s Defense is the third and final book in this series and I could not wait to get my hands on it. Witemeyer took me away on an amazing adventure and I could not get enough. Luke hasn’t had an easy life, and friendship or trust doesn’t come easy for him. His fellow Horseman have all found their home and although they don’t want him to leave, you can’t blame a guy for wanting a little of that for himself. Luke is a force to be reckoned with, and he’s not going to let some cattle rustler’s get away with their crimes. The neighbor Damaris and her nephew Nate just might need the help of a horseman to figure out what happened to her brother. It seems that Luke has found a couple cases to keep him busy, but a woman isn’t what he’s looking for. I loved watching the interactions between Luke and Damaris. They had a sweet chemistry and it was fun to see the thought they put into what the other might need. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed the first two books in the Hanger’s Horsemen series so much that I had high expectations for In Honor’s Defense, the third and final book. I can state without reservation that Karen Witemeyer delivered in every way with book three. Strong, scripture-quoting Preach (Luke Davenport) finally gets his girl in the often-overlooked Damaris Baxter. Luke had given up on love finding and holding on to him and sweet Damaris just wanted to matter to someone, to be loved and noticed for herself. The romance between these two is captivating as they let go of long-held beliefs and find what they are looking for in each other. The addition of Damaris’ 14-year-old nephew brings a wonderful family story to this book. Witemeyer grabs the reader with a mystery from the very beginning of the book with the suspicious death of Damaris’ brother. This kept me guessing at who the real bad guys were for most of the book. As in the other books in this series, the villains stirred up a great deal of negative emotion which is an essential part of a good cowboy book! I consider Karen Witemeyer to be a “must-read” author for her gift of storytelling including faith, humor, mystery, and romance. I recommend this entire series of books especially for readers of sweet historical fiction. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions stated are my own.

I let out a frustrated groan. My dad and sister both asked if I was okay. Yep! Just way too involved in fictional lives. It’s always sad when you start reading that last book in a series. Especially when it will once again mean having read all of the books one of your favorite authors has written. Makes me want to hold on to the book and not start reading for just a little longer. Excitement wins out every time, though. Karen Witemeyer has once again wrote a story full of scriptural encouragement, laughs, heart racing action, unexpected twists of events, and love. On more than one occasion, I realized me hands were sweating as my eyes struggled to keep up with the speed with which my brain and heart wanted to consume the story. In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer is definitely a book you will want on your bookshelf and one you will want to reread. Damaris Baxter received word that her brother has passed away and has left his son in her custody. She quickly packs up and moves to Texas where she and Nathaniel will be the family they both need for each other. Only Nathaniel doesn’t want her or need her. Damaris and Nathaniel may have their internal battles but there is a bigger battle just starting and there’s no way of knowing just how much trouble they may be in. Luke Davenport is the last unmarried Horseman and quickly accepts a position to track down rustlers and gets him striking out on his own. Only he didn’t know this job would put him right on Damaris’s path. In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer is a book you look forward to reading. The story will have you wanting to throw your to-do list to the wind and push off responsibilities to keep reading. Sad the Hanger’s Horsemen series has come to an end, but can’t imagine a better ending! I LOVE this book and am excited for others to read it too.

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!

In Honor's Defense by Karen Witemeyer is the third and final book in The Hanger's Horsemen series. If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Jonah of Texas hero fame…you, my friend, are missing out on some of the best Christian historical/western romances! This book is Luke's story. I've loved Luke (often called Preach) since the first book, and I have been waiting impatiently to learn the story behind the man who always has a piece of scripture on the tip of his tongue. He is a typical western hero: strong, brave, and handsome atop a horse. But his most attractive qualities were all related to his golden heart. Despite claiming a wild, reckless streak, Luke is grounded in honor, courage, and faith. I loved listening to him fight his demons by using the Word of God. The themes of forgiveness and becoming a new creature in Christ were perfect for Luke’s story and brought tears to my eyes on several occasions. But Luke’s story would not be complete without Damaris. I fell in love with her from the first line. She is now part of my fictional book club. I’d love to sip tea with her and discuss our favorite reads! But Damaris is so much more than being a bibiolophile. Although she thinks herself unremarkable, I was impressed with her courage to always do what God called her to do whether she felt capable or not. And it was so refreshing to have a woman speak her heart! Go Damaris!! Overall, this last adventure of the Hanger’s Horseman was completed in fine fashion. Danger. Mystery. Handsome heroes on their steeds. Strong women supporting them. And a beautiful spiritual theme of redemption and forgiveness woven throughout. For Christian historical romance fans, this story is a must read! I do recommend reading the series in order. You wouldn’t want to miss out on a single moment! Fans of Mary Connealy and Regina Jennings will enjoy this series. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I have been eagerly anticipating this book, as I have loved the rest of this series, and I was not disappointed! This story really held my attention, and I couldn’t put this book down. I’ve read many books this year that were just okay, so I appreciate that this book captured me. *I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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.

Wow! What a compelling, unputdownable, satisfying conclusion to the amazing Hanger’s Horsemen series by consummate storyteller Karen Witemeyer. Luke “Preach” Davenport was my favorite Horseman in the first two books, so I was anxious to read his story. I was not disappointed! This is definitely my favorite book of the series. The characters are compelling and realistic. Damaris is the perfect match for Luke. Her growth from being “invisible” to being a brave, determined heroine is precious. (A favorite quote about Damaris: “Not only was Damaris on the shelf, she was in the back corner behind the knickknacks, collecting dust.”) I love Preach and Damaris as individuals and as a couple. They have earned a spot on my Best Fictional Couples list. The fast-paced, adventurous plot twists and turns with lots of action. The strong faith element woven throughout the story is inspiring. The well-structured plot, superb characterization, and gentle romance made this book one of the best reads of the year for me. This series is more than just another entertaining cowboy story. It is filled with valuable life lessons that can benefit us all. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading all three books to get the full impact of the story. I highly recommend this book and the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’m late to the party on this one as I missed the first two books in the series but for me this worked as a stand-alone. Although I would love to read and know the other Hangers Horsemen stories. I loved the character of “Preach” Luke Davenport and his ease at quoting scripture for whatever the situation. If you’ve ever felt invisible then you will identify with Damaris and her feelings, but don’t let that fool you. She has a protective inner strength and steps up to the plate when her nephew needs her. It’s so refreshing to watch her stretch and grow into an amazing woman who loves fiercely. Nate is a handful but is blessed to have Luke and Damaris to shape him and steer him in the right direction. As a united front they can face whoever is behind the danger they are facing. Finding our strength in the Lord is the theme to me in this book and speaks to your heart. A great entertaining read that is throughly enjoyable. After all who can resist a strong faith filled Horseman. I highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Oh, how I fell in love with Luke, aka Preach! He's been a character in the other books in the series and I liked him well enough but when he gets his own book, and you get "the backstory", you get to dig into his life and his feelings. You get to see what makes him who he is today and why he's such a vulnerable man because of the heartache & abuse he lived with when he was young. My heart broke for him, and I just wanted to hug him! All he ever wanted was a home, a real family and now as an adult, someone to love him for himself. He never really thought he'd get it but then he met Damaris Baxter. One might think they are opposites. Luke is a warrior - a former soldier, a famous Hanger Horsemen. Damaris is shy, almost invisible and detests confrontation. However, when her brother dies and makes her guardian of his son, Nate, she rises to the occasion. She leaves her home, her state and moves in with Nate who is a very big rascal! I loved the changes in Nate over the course of the book. He went from an angry, vengeful young man to .... the opposite! Luke and Damaris changed him! When cattle are rustled next door, Luke is called in by the neighbor to discover who is doing it and that's when he meets Damaris and Nate. When Luke is gravely injured saving Nate, Damaris nurses him back to health and therein begins the suspense & mystery of the rustlers and everything else bad that happens to them! I couldn't put the book down! To visit with the other Horsemen at the end was fantastic too!

Karen Witemeyer astounds me with her capability of creating such endearing characters! They are all so different, yet I always end up feeling strongly for them! Luke and Damaris are the best, they both warmed my heart, made me smile and root for them in their struggles! Luke Davenport, a former Hanger’s Horsemen -called Preach by his fellow workers-, is set on a mission by himself. Hired to take down some cattle rustlers, it shouldn’t be too difficult, or at least he thinks. But what starts like a job turns into so much more when he meets Damaris Baxter and her teenage nephew Nathaniel. He sees so much of himself in the young teen, who lost his father and mother at a young age. Soon, a life-threatening injury will put him in the hands of these two, who start to feel more like a family than anything else. Damaris Baxter is an expert at being unnoticed. Until now, she has been resigned to being overlooked, hiding in her books or needle work. But her life drastically changes when her older brother dies and leaves her a legal guardian to her nephew. She moves to Texas to take care of him but she soon learns what a great task that may be, because Nate is not happy at all to have Aunt Maris in his dad’s place. But when Luke Davenport arrives and rescues her from one of Nate’s pranks to scare her, she discovers what being noticed and valued by someone can feel. This man, not only sees her, but in Damaris words, he is “as opposite from my quiet bookish existence as one can be. Yet he actively seeks my opinion. Not only he seeks it but honors it. Honors me. He looks at me as if I were a rare treasure he’d never thought he’d find… It’s as if all my odd, misshaped edges finally fit somewhere“. This is the perfect description for Preach, and I would ultimately say that Preach was so lovable because of his simplicity, his humility. As I said, the best part of the story was the character developing. Luke and Damaris were so good for each other, right what each other needed, a rock, an anchor, hope for a loving family. Luke saw Damaris, all her good qualities. Damaris saw the man Luke was, not based on his past or experience, but in what she saw of him. That he had a heart of gold, willing to sacrifice even his life, for the good of others. Like what he did for Nate. The romance was swooning, so endearing. I loved how he told Damaris he would walk through fire for her. I also melted by his reaction when Damaris made his stall-room in the barn, cozy with many details. I loved that scene! The plot is fast paced, it never drags, and the mystery about Damaris’s brother’s death, and the cattle rustlers made the story all the more intriguing! A fantastic historical romance that I vividly recommend! I loved it! I don’t know how Ms. Witemeyer does it, but each book of hers is even better than the last! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher, but wasn’t required to write a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.