Karen Witemeyer is a master at her craft--specifically historical romance with a bit of intrigue thrown in for good measure. In this last book about Hanger's Horsemen, she completes the series with a look at who Luke Davenport was and who Nathaniel Baxter is going to become without some changes in his life.
Damaris Baxter has taken on the challenge of raising her late brother's son, Nathaniel, who is a very angry boy because of the circumstances surrounding his father's death. Nathaniel has taken on a "refuse to cooperate even if it cuts off my nose to spite my face" attitude. The latest "prank" he has pulled on Damaris is locking her in the cellar with a table standing on the trap door so that she can't get out. This is how Luke Davenport finds Damaris when he's been called in to find out who is rustling a neighbor's cattle. When Nathaniel finds out that Luke is a Horseman, he begins to straighten up his act. As in all good Western type romances, our hero (Luke) is injured in carrying out his duties and Nathaniel and Damaris take him in to nurse him back to health. Nathaniel picks up his chores and helps Damaris with hers, especially after wiring Matt Hanger and his wife, Dr. Jo, to come to his aid.
In Honor's Defense takes on some tough topics, like child abuse, money grubbing, rebellion, and overcoming the past. Karen does a tremendous job of tackling hard issues without being preachy about it. While I enjoyed the first Horsemen novel the best in this series, this one is quite enjoyable to read and so satisfying when it is all said and done. The continuity of the characters and their brotherhood stands out as a testimony to a deep abiding friendship that puts me in mind of the friendship between David and Jonathan. The way the Horsemen stood up for each other in times of crisis is exactly how Jonathan stood for David.
Solid Four Star book even though there is a bit of predictability in the narrative. I will still pick up any book Karen Witemeyer writes.
Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
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