At Love’s Command Book Review

About the Book

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.

My Thoughts

Wow – Karen Witemeyer has written another winner with the leading book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series! I love a good action-packed story with a heart-pounding romance, and At Love’s Command gave me both in spades.

I was intrigued to read this book after all the controversy that happened recently with her RITA award win. Let me say that after reading the book, I am disappointed that her award was taken away. The scene involving the massacre happens in the very first chapter, and the remorse that follows was realistically portrayed. Matthew never relished in the fact that he followed orders that day which resulted in the killing of so many, and it haunted him for the rest of the book. For anyone to imply that the killing was glorified by a Christian author makes no sense to me. How she has been treated online has been appalling, especially by those who have not read the book.

But I digress…

Matthew and Jo’s relationship was the star of this story as their chemistry was evident from their first encounter. She did not hesitate to plead with the Horsemen to rescue her brother, yet never planned for the events that followed. The ultimate test would be to see if they could trust in each other and God to bring them through.

I have no qualms recommending this story, and also no doubt that the following two books will be just as good as this one. While awards are not the be-all, end-all goal for most authors I’m sure, this one deserved the one it was originally given and I’m sorry that this author did not get to keep it.

4 Stars