I loved At Love's Command, and have enjoyed or loved plenty of Karen Witemeyer's other books. But I think The Heart's Charge might be my favorite of her books so far. In it, she's combined the classic action of a Western with the gentility of a historical romance and the built-in stakes that come with protecting children. In other words, The Heart's Charge contains almost every element I love in a book, plus a few I didn't expect.
One of my favorite elements, and one I didn't expect, is how much I loved Mark and Jonah. I appreciate and respect a multi-dimensional, swoon-worthy hero. With The Heart's Charge though, I think I honestly liked the heroes a bit more than the heroines. Mark and Jonah seemed a smidge more developed and their growth a bit more organic. Plus, I loved the twists and turns in their stories, such as Mark's proposal--twice--and how he and Kate got to the proposal the second time (whew, what a nail-biter)!
As for Jonah, he was probably my absolute favorite. He's the perfect example of how a shy, introverted man can still be a strong hero. He's brainy and spiritually grounded, yet still all man. He reminded me quite a bit of some Biblical warriors; his conversation about Jephtah with Abner was one of my favorite scenes. Additionally, I appreciate that while Jonah stays realistic about racism and admits it hurts, racism and race are not his major character motivators. He's not victimized or pigeonholed into his era like some historical Black characters. He's a man just like any other, struggling with personal problems just like any other. It just so happens his problem is Black skin, in an era when the only acceptable color was white.
All this, however, is not to say Karen skimped on the heroines. I loved Kate and Eliza, and seeing them work together. Just as Mark and Jonah are brothers, Eliza and Kate are sisters, and Karen nailed that relationship. She also nailed the way that Kate is the heart of Harmony House while Eliza is the head--and neither is more important than the other. I also applaud Karen for not falling into stereotypes, such as making Kate privileged and empty-headed, or Eliza a "sassy Black woman." That is, Eliza definitely knows her own mind, and Kate has always lived in privilege. But, these women are real and multifaceted. They're flawed in other ways, such as Eliza's tendency toward fear and control or Kate's tendency to poke her nose where it doesn't belong. You root for them, for the Horsemen, and for each couple together. Side note: brava, Karen, for pulling off a double romance!
I loved, absolutely loved, the secondary characters in The Heart's Charge, especially the kids. I'd have liked to see more of the boxcar boys, but I adored Al, Rawley, and Wart. Rawley in particular caught my attention, with how hardened he was yet how deeply he cared for "his boys." The twist with Al, while not entirely unexpected, was handled in a unique way for the book, and I could've cried at the story behind Wart's nickname. Throw in the other Harmony House kids, and...well, I just wanted to hug the daylights out of every one. But they didn't incite pity; rather, these are fully developed, real kids with personalities, who stay true to how kids forced to grow up too fast behave.
Finally, I don't usually get as much into the action side of a novel like this one. However, the action of The Heart's Charge kept me engaged and on edge from cover to cover. Some particular scenes, including Rawley's escape and the confrontation with the train, stick in my mind. The Los Almagres scheme, while not complicated, fits the story perfectly, as does the twist villain Karen pulled off. More than once, I found myself gasping, "Of course, why didn't I see this before?" The solutions make sense once you see them, but until then, and even after, it's a great ride.
Finally, I loved the mix of obvious and subtle spiritual threads in the story. They're obvious because when the characters speak about God, they often directly reference the Bible or characteristics of God. However, some of the threads focus more on how we as humans learn to embrace a perfect, loving God. The best example, and my favorite, is probably Eliza's story, as she relearned how God longed to claim her, love her, and not leave her alone. It gave me a faith boost for sure.
I'm not sure if Karen Whitmeyer can top The Heart's Charge, but I hope she gives it her best shot. In the meantime, I highly recommend you snap up this bulls-eye of a book and enjoy!
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Amazing double Love Historical Romance story with a dash of mystery and adventure!
Oh, I loved this sweet, fun, not without drama and adventure, wonderful story!This is the second book in the Hanger’s Horsemen Series, and it was as good or maybe even better than the first! This book even has the plus that it contains two love stories in the same book! Mark and Kate’s and Eliza and Jonah. Mark and Jonah are part of the legendary Hanger’s Horsemen, who wandered from job to job, hiring themselves out to good people the law couldn’t or wouldn’t help. But after some dangerous missions, they finally settle when their Captain married and took on a partnership at Gringolet Farms, the US Cavalry’s preferred horse breeder. Working there, they at last have a sense of permanence, but they both feel the need to still find their real home, the place where they can really settle down and belong. But one day, after delivering a steed, unexpected circumstances turn their lives around, when they find a woman about to deliver her baby, alone. After Jonah runs for the Doctor to the nearest town, Mark helps the woman deliver her baby until the Doctor thankfully arrives just in time to finish things up and see to the mother and baby’s safety. But the mother is sick and not in condition to nurse the baby, so he sends the horsemen with the baby to Harmony House for foundlings, where the women in charge, Katherine Palmer and Eliza Sutherland, will know what to do with the baby and find her a wet nurse. Mark is already besotted with the tiny girl, so he and Jonas gently ride away to their new destiny. But there’s a surprise in for Mark, as one of the ladies running the home is Kate, the woman he offered to marry to but rejected him, the woman he has never once forgotten. After a disappointing failure at love, Kate has dedicated her life to caring for needy children, teaming up with Eliza to start Harmony House. Eliza, being illegitimate and of mixed ancestry, knows what it is to not fit in, so she pours her love and energy to the outcasts she can deeply relate to. When the horsemen arrive with their tiny bundle, Kate and Eliza are both ready to take charge of the baby. Eliza proposes to take little Sarah, named by Mark who delivered her, to a woman nearby who can get them a wet nurse, and Jonah offers himself as an escort. Strong and independent Eliza hesitates, as she wants to prove she can manage the task herself, but her fear of horses, even if they only own ponies, makes her reluctant accept this quiet stranger’s help. There is something about his gentlemanly manners and unexpected kindness that intrigues her, and Jonah can’t help but admire Eliza’s generosity and determination. But they both have secrets that pain them, wil the friendship that begins to bloom between them help them heal each other’s broken hearts? And will Mark make the most of the opportunity of getting a second chance from Kate, and regain her trust after their past unintentional failure? Will Kate soften her heart again to Mark or is it to dangerous to risk a broken heart again?But after the Horsemen hear of rumors of missing children in the area, they feel the duty to investigate, staying clore to Harmony House and its beautiful owners. They will have to work together to uncover the kidnappers, and through danger, friendship that grows into something more, that will bring them closer together, they will have to remain united when they discover a sinister scheme that threatens to destroy them all. Will the Horsemen be able to uncover the villains and rescue the children? Will they be able to protect their ladies, or will they expose them more to danger by letting them help?This was a fantastic story of double love: one of second chances, another of breaking walls of trust and pain. Both beautiful relationship and inspiring. The heroes, even if so different in personalities, both won my heart. Mark charming, yet generous, kind and selfless. Jonah a bit brooding, but still a gentle heart and nature, not a man of many words, but yet a man that shows his worth in actions. Swooning heroes, and I really couldn’t decide whom to root more for, as I fell in love with both. Kate and Eliza, both as different as Mark and Jonah. Kate is naïve, sweet and emotional, a soft heart for any person in need. Eliza is stronger and more determined, the born leader with her determination and control of her emotions, but she also hides a soft heart inside in need of love and acceptance. The character development was a beauty to see. And I loved how they helped each other to be their best self. There are faith inspired messages, as forgiveness, trusting God and his Unconditional Love for each of his children. Truly inspiring!And there other things that make this book so delightful and engaging: there’s the mystery about the missing children, the danger in finding the villains, the fear of a bigger scheme, but especially the humor and laugh out loud moments that came from the characters, or the particular circumstances. I loved their witty banter! And the children were so cute, they were an endearing and fun part of the story too! It was so heart tugging to see these children watching over and caring for each other as little adults. Life circumstances makes them grow so fast, yet they are always sweet innocent children. Finaly both romances were so sweet, always clean, and sigh worthy! Loved how they fell (or re-fell for each other). Swoon!This is a Historical Western Romance that I definitely recommend! Karen Witemeyer’s novels are always a must read! Delightful and inspiring!I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
