In Honor’s Defense

Written by Karen Witemeyer

Narrated by Jeanine Bartel

He's faced countless perils on the battlefield but nothing so dangerous as falling in love.

Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life—for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he’s left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity
arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel,
determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she’d have and to give him the family he desperately needs.

When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke’s attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris’s brother. And the more questions they ask, the
more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9781980087878

Karen Witemeyer

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.

Reviews for In Honor’s Defense

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[cannonmad · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the final book in the Hanger’s Horsemen trilogy. I did not read the first two books, but for the most part, I thought this book stood well on its own. The characters in this book are quite endearing. As the characters endure many unexpected changes and trials throughout the book, readers will enjoy watching each of them undergo their own character development. This book really demonstrates how God can work to redeem people through their personal challenges. Damaris Baxter is a quiet young woman who has always felt invisible. Through an abrupt move to Texas to care for her orphaned nephew, her bravery and resiliency shines through. At the beginning of the book, Damaris’ nephew is hurting from the loss of his parents, but readers will be pleased to watch him grow through his grief. The hero of the story—Luke Davenport—has a rough family background, but he gradually understands that he deserves his own family and home. This book had a few historical anachronisms that bothered me, but overall I think readers will find this an engaging historical romance!I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.

[kimpotter-309059 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was so excited to finally get my hands on Luke “Preach” Davenport’s story! It was great to read about familiar characters from the earlier stories, but it was wonderful to dive into Luke’s story, which I think stands well on its own. I loved how the author incorporated faith into every aspect of the novel, truly making it a central part of how the characters thought and developed and grew. The plot flowed well and was easily engaging, keeping my attention from beginning to end. I liked the element of mystery in the story and the twists and turns kept me guessing. The romance develops well and made me smile several times. I loved this novel and highly recommend it!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[robbyefaye · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Robin Scoggins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful series that has an interesting story line. Great read

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In Honor's Defense, by Karen Witemeyer, is book three in the Hanger's Horsemen series. This is a nice, easy to read Christian historical fiction story. Damaris has always blended into the background and when her brother passes away, she is the one he assigns to raise his son. Instead of the little boy she remembers she is raising a teenager who likes to get into trouble. Not only that, but someone appears to be trying to chase them away. I enjoyed reading this well written story. I especially liked the action, suspense and mystery in the story. This story is inspirational in how Damaris cared for Luke, even not knowing him. This is a reminder that we should care for others. When it was so easy to blame Nate for everything that was going wrong, Damaris and Luke saw the good in him and found ways to help him. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“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.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Julie Baldridge · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Third and best book in the series! I absolutely loved this conclusion to The Hanger’s Horsemen trilogy.

[amybooksy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In Honor's Defense is the third installment from Karen Witemeyer’s Hanger’s Horsemen. I have always adored her historical novels and this one is no different. It was great to go back in time in Texas. I loved getting to know Damaris and Luke and I was quickly caught up in their story. I enjoyed the adventure, mystery, romance and the element of faith within the pages. As always with a Witemeyer novel, it includes a good dose of laugh out loud scenes. There was nothing I did not love about this tale. It was fabulous. In Honor's Defense will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean Historical Romantic Fiction. I will never get tired of books written by Karen Witemeyer and will be looking for more in the future. I received a paperback copy of In Honor's Defense from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.