The Heart's Charge (Hanger's Horsemen Book #2)

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!

As members of Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks have a legendary quality. Unfortunately many can't see past the legend to the heart and soul of the men behind it. But when a newborn baby needs immediate transport to a foundling home Mark and Jonah find themselves in the right place at the right time. And when Mark is reunited with his first love he doesn't know whether this is a good thing or not. Katherine Palmer left society and her ruined reputation behind when she moved to Texas to start a home for foundlings. She knew she would never marry not after the mistake that she made but she could still do some good for those innocents who needed the care and love she could offer them. But when the man whose heart she rejected turns up with a child in need she is given a second chance. But there is more than a foundling home and a lost love to keep Mark and Jonah in Llano County, Texas when they hear rumors of kiddy-nappers. When someone is in need Hanger's Horsemen aren't about to turn a blind eye to the situation. The Heart's Charge is the second book in the Hanger's Horsemen series and like the first follows the life of soldiers who are seeking to do good after witnessing and taking part in war's atrocities. This book focuses on Mark and Jonah and their bonds of friendship and brotherhood. It was interesting to see how they interacted with Kate and Eliza and how these interactions changed as the four had to work together for the good of the children they were drawn to help. This book is a historical romance with definite elements of mystery. It is a well-written book that has excellent pacing and attention to detail without being wordy. The characters are dimensional and relatable so one cares about them and what they are going through. Would make a great book club selection. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ All thoughts expressed are my own