The Heart's Charge - (Hanger's Horsemen) by Karen Witemeyer (Paperback)

What's better than romance, Karen Witemeyer style? How about two romances, Karen Witemeyer style? This is exactly what readers are given in The Heart's Charge, along with a "double the laughter, double the emotions" story! It's the second book in the Hanger's Horsemen series, and I am once again in love with the Horsemen. This story focuses on Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks, and the action begins on the very first page, when they find themselves helping to deliver a baby. It escalates when they find children missing and two women needing help to protect the unwanted children living at Harmony House. The children are adorable, they are in danger, and they're sure to tug at your heartstrings. I enjoyed the first book in the Hanger's Horsemen series, and this book is certainly a worthy sequel. If you are looking for swoon-worthy romance, exciting adventure, and a story filled with faith, look no further! The Heart's Charge is meant for all who enjoy historical Christian romance. I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. I was never required to share a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

So Good! I seriously didn’t expect the plot twist. I highly encourage the reading of The Heart’s Charge by Karen Witemeyer. The story was so good and the intense scenes had my heart racing. On many occasions I felt encouraged by the words of wisdom and scripture woven through this book. I loved how the book is mainly told through the point of view of the Hanger’s Horsemen. I also really enjoyed how Karen Witemeyer included children in this story. Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks are two of the Hanger’s Horsemen. They find themselves at the front door of the Harmony House. It’s here that they are introduced to Katherine Palmer and Eliza Southerland. Old sparks are set aflame between Mark and Kate as they see each other for the first time in ten years. Mark decides the Harmony House could use some repairs before he makes his way back home. Jonah agrees they should stay but for a different reason — on mission. I loved the involvement of the children in the mission. And Abner’s big rescue!!! I love how Rawley cares for all the railroad children. As a nanny and an Auntie, I saw a little bit of myself in both Katherine and Eliza and their love for the children in their care.

The Heart’s Charge was impossible to put down. I have met Mark and Jonah before in the first book in the Hangar’s Horseman series and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one! The Horsemen are easy to fall in love with, but they all have secrets and wounds that they carry with them. They all also seem to end up in ridiculous situations at times. When Mark and Jonah went to deliver a horse to a near by town they end up finding a woman in labor with no one else around to lend a hand. Being the gentleman that they are, they know they have to help. Little do they know, after they deliver that baby their lives will never be the same. I loved getting to know Mark and Jonah better. This story went more into their pasts and helped me understand more of what made them who they are. I loved the bits of advice that Jonah remembered from his Father. There was great wisdom in those, and they can easily be applied today. The kids were so sweet and I easily loved them and enjoyed their dynamic with each other. Two women living on their own, while raising unwanted kids have to be made of some strong stuff. I enjoyed getting to know Eliza and Katherine, and can easily see how they might catch a Horseman’s eye. This book took me by surprise. There were many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Witemeyer knows the perfect recipe to mix suspense, history, and romance. The result for me is staying up too late waiting to see what will happen next. This story was a blast to read and I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Heart’s Charge by Karen Witemeyer is the second book in her Hanger’s Horsemen series. After completing their mission in Llano County, Texas, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks, members of the legendary Hanger’s Horsemen, are tasked with a new assignment. They help deliver a baby only to have to take it to a nearby foundling home. There Mark runs into his ex-fiance. Katherine Palmer has dedicated her life to loving children that are abandoned. When Mark walks back into her life the sparks are soon flying. Hearing rumors of missing boys, Mark and Jonah stick around to help them. This was such a sweet story. I loved the different kids. Kate and Mark complimented each other so well. I loved the fact that Kate wasn’t some screaming, fainting heroine. When danger came her way, she said a prayer and acted in a rational manner. It was very refreshing. I can’t wait for the next book! I received this book from the author for my honest review.

Second chances, camaraderie, faith, horses and adorable children, what more could I ask for? I had high expectations for this book, and have been eagerly awaiting its arrival since the moment I finished reading the previous book, and let me say it did not disappoint! This book is a total homerun, with both Mark and Jonah getting their stories in one fantastic book. Jonah is a brave man, a former Buffalo Soldier, he has a noble heart, is a quick thinker, is decisive, and I loved his magnificent horse, Augustus. I especially enjoyed his growing relationship with Eliza over the course of the story. She is a beautiful woman inside and out with a heart for children, to give each and every one a place to belong. I admired her faith and courage. Mark is confident and cool, he is a likable man who has a knack for getting people to talk to him, I loved his friendship with Jonah and thought that they made a stellar team. Mark is shocked to come face to face with the woman he has never been able to forget. After losing her place in society Katherine threw herself into helping the orphaned children alongside Eliza, I loved the friendship between the women. I admired her devotion to the children, and liked to see her and Mark working together. A engaging page-turner, that I didn't want to put down, and I didn't want to end. This book has it all, with amazing main characters that you can cheer for, great interaction, adorable children, strong faith, horses, with great pacing and plot building along the way. There is a lot going on in the book that keeps everything moving, and I absolutely loved having two heroes and heroines. Even though it's hard to choose, I think that this might be one of my favorites by Ms. Witemeyer! It does help to have read the first book in the series before this one so that the characters are more familiar, plus I don't know why in the world you'd want to skip At Love's Command. Highly recommend, another amazing read from Karen Witemeyer that lived up to and surpassed my high expectations! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Karen Witemeyer’s books keep getting better and better! Just call me a sucker for handsome, strong, godly soldier types. I wasn’t sure about reading a story with four points of view. I wondered if one of the couples would take center stage while the other lingered in the background but that wasn’t the case with The Heart’s Charge. Both Jonah and Eliza’s storyline, as well as Mark and Kate’s, were well-developed, compelling romances nestled in a mystery about missing children. And I didn’t see the culprit coming either! I also want to give Witemeyer a shout-out for writing such endearing children. Oftentimes children in romance novels are just underfoot and underdeveloped characters. Not so in The Heart’s Charge. Kate and Eliza run a home for Foundling Children and these sweet children, especially Abner just stole my heart. The boxcar children, orphan boys who ride the rails, were also well-thought-out characters that added to the story. With The Heart’s Charge, Witemeyer delivers another solid dose of scriptural truth, humor, mystery, and romance that is sure to delight every reader. My only complaint was I wanted more of Matthew and Josie Hanger and Preach from book one. I’m definitely looking forward to book number three in the Hanger’s Horseman series!

This dual romance gets ALL the stars!! Oh my goodness, I can't tell you how much I adored Mark, Jonah and the ladies that captured their hearts in this story, and don't even get me started on the adorable heart stealing kiddos. What fantastic characters make up this story, and what a story it is! This story pulled me in from the opening pages and it didn't let go once. Karen's stories are always amazing and this one is truly one of her best. The history between Kate and Mark, the mystery that Jonah stumbles upon and the chemistry between Eliza and Jonah help make this story incredible. Do not miss it!! I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. I also purchased the Audible edition of this book and it was very well done.

Oh, I loved this sweet, fun, not without drama and adventure, wonderful story! This is the second book in the Hanger’s Horsemen Series, and it even has the plus that it contains two love stories in the same book! Mark and Kate’s and Eliza and Jonah. Mark and Jonah are part of the legendary Hanger’s Horsemen team. After their Captain gets married, they both feel the need to find the place where they can settle down and belong. One day, unexpected circumstances turn their lives around, when they help deliver a baby and the Doctor sends them to Harmony House for foundlings with the baby girl, where the women in charge, Katherine Palmer and Eliza Sutherland, will know what to do to nurse her, so he and Jonah ride away to their new destiny. But there’s a surprise in for Mark, as one of the ladies running the home is Kate, the woman who rejected him, the woman he has never forgotten. After her failure at love, Kate has dedicated her life to caring for needy children, teaming up with Eliza to start the house. Eliza, being illegitimate and of mixed ancestry, knows what it is to not fit in, so she pours her love and energy to the outcasts she can deeply relate to. When the horsemen arrive with their tiny bundle, they are both ready to take charge of the baby. Eliza proposes to take her to a woman nearby, and Jonah offers himself as an escort. Strong and independent Eliza hesitates, but there’s something about his gentlemanly manners and unexpected kindness that intrigues her, and Jonah can’t help but admire Eliza’s generosity and determination. But they both have secrets that pain them, will the friendship that begins to bloom between them help them heal each other’s broken hearts? After the Horsemen hear of rumors of missing children in the area, they feel the duty to investigate, staying close to Harmony House. They will have to work together to uncover the kidnappers and will have to remain united when they discover a sinister scheme that threatens to destroy them all. This was a fantastic story of double love: one of second chances, another of breaking walls of trust and pain. Both beautiful relationship and inspiring. The heroes both won my heart. Mark charming, yet generous, kind and selfless. Jonah a bit brooding, but still a gentle heart, not a man of many words, but yet one that shows his worth in actions. Swooning heroes, and I really couldn’t decide whom to root more for, as I fell in love with both. Kate and Eliza, both opposites too. Kate is naïve, sweet and emotional, a soft heart for any person in need. Eliza is stronger and more determined, the born leader with her determination and control of her emotions, but she also hides a soft heart inside in need of love and acceptance. The character development was a beauty to see. And I loved how they helped each other to be their best self. There are faith inspired messages, as forgiveness, trusting God and his Unconditional Love for each of his children. And there other things that make this book so delightful and engaging: there’s the mystery about the missing children, the danger in finding the villains, the fear of a bigger scheme, but especially the humor and laugh out loud moments that came from the characters, or the particular circumstances. I loved their witty banter! And the children were so cute, they were an endearing and fun part of the story too! Both romances were so sweet, always clean, and sigh worthy! This is a Historical Western Romance that I definitely recommend!

"There were some things a man just wasn't meant to do, and bringing another man's baby into the world topped the list." A baby changes everything. When Hanger Horseman Mark Wallace becomes inadvertently tasked with bringing a total stranger's baby girl into the world, he never imagined how far his axis would tilt when he and fellow Horseman Jonah Brooks sought refuge for the little one, whose mother was too overcome with grief to care for her. Knocking on the door of a nearby foundling home, Mark came face to face with the prettiest blue eyes he had ever seen . . . because he had seen them. . . . .on the lovely face of Katherine Palmer, his almost, would-have-been wife. Katherine Palmer couldn't believe her eyes, even though she wanted to. Mark Wallace . . . whew! . . the grown up version of the boy-turned-man generated enough heat to roast a turkey. What was he doing in Llano County, Texas of all places, with a newborn infant swaddled close to his chest? Evidently the towering, stoic man behind him, with the beast of a horse was doing a little studying of his own . . . taking in every detail of Eliza, her mission partner. Trying to push obvious complications from her mind, Katherine assumes the men will "drop and go". Oh, no. They end up sticking around. And it's a good thing they did, because there are kiddy-snatchers wreaking havoc on the local boxcar children and the community needs their help. This fun and flirty continuation of the Hanger's Horsemen series quickly changes into a fight for their lives, but not before the winsome duo adds a dollop of heart snatching into their investigation. Have two battle-worn cavalrymen finally found a place to call home? "With God - all things are possible." I received a copy of this book from the publisher. In addition, I purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Karen Witemeyer is the reason I stepped outside my Historical Regency comfort zone and started reading Westerns. Books like this are exactly why I now love Westerns! The theme of this story was very important to me. God has called us to help the orphans no matter who they are or where they are from. Stories like the one Abner shared are so heartbreaking. Eliza’s story was also heartbreaking, and far too common. It’s often tough to have a book written with four lead characters who are equally important and fully developed. Witemeyer has accomplished this so well. There was also a mystery and some action in this book along with the romance of the two couples. This book can be read as a standalone, but if you read the first book in the series (At Love’s Command) you can learn more about the history of the horsemen. I loved the plot and the characters. I read through the book at a fast pace but then read the end slowly because I wanted to savor it. I can’t wait for Preach’s story!

I have been eagerly awaiting this book, having loved the first book in this series, and I was not disappointed. This story was outstanding.. It covers a range of difficult and emotional topics with love and care. I highly recommend this book. *I was provided a copy by the publisher for review. My opinions are my own.

The Heart’s Charge by Karen Witemeyer is the second book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series. This novel features Mark and Jonah with smaller appearances by the other Horseman. In true Horsemen style, when Jonah hears about a series of kidnappings, the men volunteer to make repairs at a local foundling home while they investigate. But Mark and Jonah find more than kidnappers, as they fall for the women who run the foundling home. Full disclosure. I love all of Karen Witemeyer’s books. And The Heart’s Charge is no different! I fell in love with the Horsemen and their mission against injustice after reading the first novel, At Love’s Command. And I enjoyed getting a chance to know more about the lives and history of Mark and Jonah. Jonah, particularly, is always so stoic and quiet, so it was fun to get inside his head and find out he has such a teasing nature (especially when it comes to Eliza). I love second chance romance, so watching Mark reunite with the woman he almost married so long ago was perfection. I loved watching them get to know each other now that they were more mature and wise to the ways of the world. And yet, they still fit together perfectly. But, my, oh my! I loved Miss Eliza. Her spunky spirit combined with her high intelligence was the perfect match against Jonah’s stubborn chivalry. Their match was one forged on slow appreciation of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and that made it all the more genuine and dear. One of my favorite parts of this story was the grit, bravery, and loyalty of the children. Rawley and Abner were fantastic boys. Boys who had been thrown away but showed us how very valuable and lovable they were. In many scenes, these boys (and other children) stole the show, and I loved how the danger made the trust between the children and their guardians blossom. Overall, I was enraptured by The Heart’s Charge. I might have missed the other Horsemen, especially their take charge captain, but Mark and Jonah came into their own as they tackled evil and injustice in true Horseman fashion. I would highly recommend it to everyone who loves Christian historical romance! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Karen Witemeyer has hit the nail on the head once again and provided yet another delightful Western romance with plenty of adventure. I truly adored this book and read it in one sitting! Karen Witemeyer has a way of providing swoon-worthy romance and riveting adventure in a single book that makes me unable to put down it down. She also manages to teach deep and meaningful spiritual lessons through her writing, and they always seem to speak straight to my heart. I loved that The Heart’s Charge was two love stories in one book, and I thought that there was a good balance between the two relationships in the storyline. Mark and Kate already knew each other, and their romance moved quickly. Their relationship was sweet with some wonderfully romantic moments, and their story was my favorite of the two. The other couple, Eliza and Jonah, met at the beginning of the book and their relationship was a slow burn ending in love and an adorable courtship. Having two main characters who are persons of color during the late 1800s in Texas is rare for Christian fiction, and I thought the author handled Jonah and Eliza’s story extremely well while providing a wonderful perspective. Best of all--and in true Karen Witemeyer style--the adventure in the story was captivating and included everything from outrunning trains to being kidnapped by outlaws. I could not put down this story and thoroughly loved it! I highly recommend The Heart’s Charge like I highly recommend all of Karen Witemeyer’s books, and I enthusiastically give it 5 stars. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review, and my thoughts are my own. I truly did love it!