AUTHOR: Karen Witemeyer
DATE: 2020
PUBLISHER: Bethany House
STARS: *****
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’s dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine’s respect, and when her brother is abducted, he becomes her only hope for rescue.
When plans go awry and Josephine is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything—even his team—to save her.
Female doctors are a rarity in 1890s Texas, but Dr. Joe is the only doc close enough to try to save the life of one of Hanger’s men. Matt is desperate enough to take a chance on her, and before young Wallace recovers enough to move out of her clinic, desperation becomes interest of an entirely different kind. In spite of (or maybe because of) the beautiful doctor’s “ten-dollar words,” Matt can’t quit thinking about the lovely Dr. Josephine.
Jo gave up any dreams of marriage years ago when she decided to pursue a career in medicine. No man she’d ever met could handle her strong will, disregard for societal niceties regarding a woman’s place, or her intelligence—until she met Matthew Hanger.
I loved the unfolding relationship between these two, opposites in some ways and alike in others, like determination to hold to their own creeds. Faith becomes integral to their story as each realizes he/she must relinquish ideas and plans to the One who sees and knows.
Secondary characters, especially the other three Horsemen, Luke (Preach), Mark and Jonah, richen this book, and I hope to read their own stories when available. The setting of rural Texas comes to life under the author’s pen, making me want to visit there again.
Intense action, romance and redemption—what more could a reader want? At Love’s Command easily earns five stars. I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications.