In Honor's Defense

Title: In Honor's Defense

Series: Hanger's Horsemen #3

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Narrator: Jeanine Bartel

Publisher: Bethany House

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Westerns, 

Source: Hoopla

My Review:

I am not a fan of Westerns, except, apparently, when Karen Witemeyer writes them. While I enjoyed In Honor's Defense, my favorite of the series is the second book, The Heart's Charge.

The focus of In Honor's Defense is on the final Horseman, Luke Davenport (aka Preach). I have wanted his story since I began the series. As we learn his story, it is clear that it is different from what we could have imagined. He is not quite as put together as he seemed in the earlier books. 

Poor Nate has lost his last parent and now his Aunt Damaris has come to care for him. He is angry, defiant, and sure that his father's death was no accident. He has taken it upon himself to find his father's killer, which he is sure is his neighbor next door. 

While Damaris was a wallflower while taking care of her Aunt, it is clear she has to find her gumption to take care of her nephew and the situation she has found herself in. She loves her nephew despite his faults and only wants what is best for him. She was not prepared to fight for his birthright, but fight she does.

I loved the character growth of Damaris, Nate, and Luke. It is not rushed, and it is realistic. Damaris and Luke's relationship also builds naturally, based on mutual respect and clear communication. We also get glimpses of the other Horsemen and where they are now. 

I highly recommend the Hanger's Horsemen series and recommend reading them in order. Each book could be read as a standalone novel, but the series is richer for having read them in order.

★★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads): 

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.