At Love's Command

Written by Karen Witemeyer

Narrated by Amy Rubinate

Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything—even his team—to save her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781980087915

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 At Love's Command

[kevin shumway · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The reading of this book was one of definite intrigue. It was written with excellence!

[Marianne · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story is really intriguing! Great story! I love it! But where is the end of the story? The last three chapters are missing! I hope you fix this soon.

[Dian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I good read the story held my interest and the characters were believable the narrator did a good job

[k2wbzr2786 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it so much. Page Turner. Good good book

[bookslesstravelled · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House. This does not affect my review.*

So, this isn't my standard read, and I'll attempt to review it honestly without biased in that regard. I don't normally read warm & fluffy reads, but to me that's exactly how this one reads, in all the best ways! I'll try to keep that in mind for this review.

Their are a couple TWs, mostly gore/violence as the men of Hanger's Horsemen are seen fighting in the tragic event that is The Battle of Wounded Knee as the story opens, and later one is shot as they have become mercenaries after the battle, hanging up their uniforms to act as defenders, taking on contracts to stop outlaws and rustles as bounty hunters of sorts, but with strict morals and their Captain leading them on a path of repentance for their sins during Wounded Knee.

That said, I couldn't help but picture Hangar's Horsemen as something out of Bonanza or some similar setting, and Dr. Josephine is none other than Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and oddly? I loved it! I've always loved Dr. Quinn, but don't often watch (or read) Western's by choice, so it was pleasantly surprising when I found this one had a homey feel, as if I was visiting old friends and was welcomed with open arms and warm hugs!

Oh, and if you're worried, no this story isn't about Wounded Knee, that's just a chapter of the Horsemen's lives they they are trying to overcome, and while it does who in the preface chapter, it can easily be skipped if needed, as the main story happens later, a few years after their left the Calvary and while mentioned for context, doesn't reappear in any real scenes or detail.

I kind of expected to read this one, and then leave it as a stand alone, expecting an enjoyable read but nothing more than a change or pace from my normal reads. I doubted I'd continue the series, and must less expected to feel more than passing entertainment at the characters. I never expected to love them, especially ALL of the Horsemen, & Dr. Jo and her friends! I also admit, with the Western theme and that cheesy title...I had doubts about even picking this one up for over a year, hints why it's taken me so long! Don't be silly like me, this one is one of the best Christian stories like this I've read, and not just Western/Cowboy but among Historical and other similar genre!

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The power of God’s redemption History isn’t always pretty - in fact it can be something we would prefer not to know. However, learning from history will allow us to keep things from happening again.This first book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series starts off with just that sort of history. The horror shouldn’t be overlooked, but the learning brings a new way of dealing with life around them for Captain Matthew Hanger and his 3 compatriots. Hired as mercenaries, they seek to minimize casualties and still get the job done.Josephine Burkett is actually Dr. Joe, well trained and yet looked at as though she couldn’t possibly do the job, because she is female. Her introduction to the Captain precipitated the comment - The poor male brain - so susceptible to gender-oriented shock. What a fabulous character for 1890!Overall, a most enjoyable book, even for one who does not usually read Westerns. These comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

[mickyfine · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

After being disillusioned with the cavalry after the massacre at Wounded Knee, Matthew Hanger and three of his fellow servicemen decided to form a group of mercenaries for hire who provide protection and justice in areas of Texas where the law presence isn't strong. When one of Matt's men is injured taking down a group of cattle rustler's Matt rushes him to the local doctor and is astounded to discover she's a woman, Josephine Burkett. When Jo's brother is kidnapped for ransom, she hires Matt and his crew to get her brother back but events may end up leaving Jo in the crosshairs.A solid Christian romance as I've learned to expect from Witemeyer but not my favourite of her novels. Recommended only if you're a die-hard fan of her writing.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

At Love's Command, by Karen Witemeyer, is book one in the Hanger's Horsemen series. This is a fun Christian Historical Romance story to read. The story takes place in the 1890's in Texas. The Hanger's Horsemen are made up of four ex-Calvary men who hire out to help where other help is not available. They try to take care of the situations and capture the outlaws without fatally injuring them. When one of the Horsemen needs medical attention, Dr. Jo is there to treat him. When she finds out her brother is held hostage and their father refuses to pay the ransom, she gets the Horsemen to help.I really enjoyed reading this story. It moved along steadily without lag in action. It had action, suspense, and nice clean romance. The parts I enjoyed most about this story was the way the Horsemen got the outlaws and the Bible verses chosen before the Horsemen would start their travels. I also enjoyed the character of the cook, a minor yet caring character in the story. I enjoyed the humor written into the story as well, especially the references to Jo's vocabulary.I received an e-book copy of this story from the publisher through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

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

Karen Witemeyer can be counted on for several hours of enjoyable historical fiction. At Love’s Command, #1 Hanger’s Horsemen, is no exception. Captain Matthew Hanger and 3 other men are so disillusioned with the atrocities of victory at Wounded Knee (1890) that they leave the military and join to form a vigilante service to solve crimes the local lawmen can’t. But this group, Hanger’s Horsemen, agrees not to use their guns to kill unless absolutely necessary.This is the story of how Matt Hanger and Josephine Burkett meet. This novel proves that adage, “There’s somebody for everyone.”Matthew seems so grief and conscience-stricken that he is only able to be a commanding military figure, kind and caring to his comrades, but otherwise without emotions or entanglements. He just isn’t the type to go soft in the head over some female.It takes someone like Jo who isn’t cowed by his “I’m in-charge” demeanor, but who is also abundantly capable in her field to catch his attention. While I appreciated Matt’s growing admiration for Jo, I felt like her lack of listening to him at times could have been downright dangerous. I wanted her to respect him a little more in his area of expertise. Just my opinion.I look forward to reading the stories of the other Horsemen, but especially Jonah, who is a man of color. He already promises to be a very unique and interesting person, who might educate a few of us.Another point of interest in the novel for me is the faith element. It is an integral part, without being drawn-out or preachy. Just shown as the basis for life.Redemption and growing up are also themes of this book, thank goodness. Our God is a God of second chances, but sometimes it is hard to know if you dare trust a promise-breaker again.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. These are my own thoughts, voluntarily submitted.

[bookworm_lisa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a series that I look forward to reading. The problem is that this is the first book and I have to wait for the next installment.Matthew Hanger is a great character. He has a strong sense of loyalty and right vs. wrong. He knows how it feels to follow orders when they are against his character and convictions. I loved how he took the sorrow and the shame and turned it around to fight for those who are in need of a hired mercenary. The good thing is that he's a mercenary with a conscience. He does not shoot to kill, just shoot to stop. His band is made up of men with integrity, that is the reason that you can't help but love them.Doc "Jo" is a woman Dr in the frontier (yay)! She is not afraid to help those in need and chase down the men who are holding her wayward brother for ransom. She is also a woman of compassion and faith. <3This novel is so much fun to read.Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I can never not get excited about a new Karen Witemeyer book! Her stories are always just so much fun.With At Love’s Command, the new Hanger’s Horsemen series begins—Matthew Hanger and his good-hearted band of mercenaries at the heart of all the action. A bullet brings them to Dr. Josephine Burkett, and naturally, an attraction sparks between Matthew and Jo. They may fall quickly, but their story is not without plenty of exciting Texas danger and adventure.I so enjoyed my time with these characters. Matthew must make peace with his past, while Jo must prove her capability in a man’s profession. Neither necessarily wanted to find love, yet they do anyway. Their story definitely set up Witemeyer’s new series as one I want to continue, and in the meantime, I definitely recommend At Love’s Command to readers of western romance.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful story filled with rip-roarin' action and lots of gunfire but its real strength is the wonderful romance between Dr. Josephine Burkett and Matthew Hanger. Yes, the new Doc in Purgatory Springs, Texas is a woman who has to constantly fight for respect so she is both shocked and grateful when a handsome ex-Calvary man accepts her skills so readily after bringing an injured friend into her office for treatment. From then on, you just know that there's great promise for this strong, independent career woman and a man who had chosen to live a solitary life after losing his family at a young age. Will Matthew Hanger recognize his budding feelings for Josie? Is there a future for a man who often runs toward death and a woman who works to prevent it?Josie and Matthew are fascinating individual characters but together.....well, in today's culture, they would be known as a super couple. A female who is dedicated to treating illnesses and saving lives and a cowboy/soldier/mercenary who wants to help those unable to help themselves. And then there is the chemistry between these two. This is Christian fiction so author Karen Witemeyer allows us to imagine what might happen but there are some kissing scenes that left me breathless, as in "kisses that heated her blood and curled her toes". I truly loved this first book of the Hanger's Horsemen series and I'm anxious to learn what Witemeyer plans for the future books. Corporal Luke Davenport, also known as Preach, is a man very knowledgeable of the Bible and I am hoping that he will have his own story in the near future. The Horsemen are supposedly "keeping their pistols holstered" but is this possible for Hanger's Horsemen?If you are looking for Western adventure, Christian romance, and a story filled with faith, you will certainly want to read At Love's Command. I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. I wasn't required to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[beautyinthebinding · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

At Love’s Command kicks off Karen Witemeyer’s new Hanger’s Horsemen series. The novel certainly felt like a Western with the outlaws, shootings, and amazing heroes. In between the action and suspense, the story was peppered with bits of humor, spiritual lessons, and witty banter between Josie and Matthew. Unfortunately, I had a hard time engaging with the story. It didn’t hold my attention the way I expected it to. As I pondered why, I realized it came down to several situations and attitudes that worked out conveniently well for the characters and lacked natural repercussions. Not every situation fell under the “too-easy” umbrella and I appreciated the themes about trusting God and surrendering to His will. I’ve expressed my thoughts, but I recognize that some readers may be looking for a lighter read and will find At Love’s Command enjoyable. It is likely the novel will appeal to readers who have previously enjoyed Karen Witemeyer’s stories. Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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

At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer is the first book in her Hanger’s Horsemen series. Ex-calvary officer Matthew Hanger is trying to forget his past. Forming a partnership with a few men from his calvary unit they vow to help the innocent. Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to having to work extra hard to earn respect as a female doctor. She earns the respect of the Hanger’s Horsemen when she treats one of their members. Now, her brother is kidnapped and she needs their help to rescue him. Wow! I loved this book. I stayed up way too late to finish it. The chemistry between Josie and Matthew was great and the way that the men treated each other was a reminder of the code of the west. I love a good western and this ranks right up there at the top. I can just imagine if this was a movie, I think John Wayne would have made a good Matthew!I received this book from the author for my honest review.