At Love’s Command by Karen Witemeyer

 

At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer

Let’s begin with the summary:

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, Matthew 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.

And now, my review:

The story begins with back-to-back battles. I almost set the book aside. So glad I didn’t because soon, we meet the doctor heroine. She’s knowledgeable and I loved the medical aspect of her expertise, which we see in her POV. She’s selfless and no-nonsense, but she’s also compassionate and strong. Determined.

It was refreshing to read of a female doctor in a historical, and especially fun to see her scientific mind tackle mysteries like falling in love or physical attraction. So fun.

I liked the hero’s intense loyalty to his fellow soldiers. Matt is sacrificial, often putting other’s lives above his own. He’s wise, prudent, protective, and noble. His men follow him because they respect him, but also know he’d die for them. He’s earned their trust.

Karen’s writes strong prose, and her pacing kept me reading. She’s excellent at penning romantic scenes, weaving them in during otherwise simple moments. I highlighted several lines while I read the e-book.

Just when you think things are settling down, she layers in another adventure. Readers will enjoy this historical from a true pro.

An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter

An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter

I’ve really enjoyed Kristi’s books in the past so I couldn’t wait to read this one. Plus, look at that cover. Gorgeous!

Let’s begin with the summary:

Life for Lady Adelaide Bell was easier if she hid in her older sister's shadow--which worked until her sister got married. Even with the pressure of her socially ambitious mother, the last thing she expected was a marriage of convenience to save her previously spotless reputation.

Lord Trent Hawthorne couldn't be happier that he is not the duke in the family. He's free to manage his small estate and take his time discovering the life he wants to lead, which includes grand plans of wooing and falling in love with the woman of his choice. When he finds himself honor bound to marry a woman he doesn't know, his dream of a marriage like his parents' seems lost forever.

Already starting their marriage on shaky ground, can Adelaide and Trent's relationship survive the pressures of London society?

And now, my review:

I loved the premise of this book, of a husband romancing his wife. I felt sympathetic toward the hero in this story and could understand why he longed for a marriage like his parents’. I also loved the setting and genre of this Regency romance. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t find the heroine relatable. I felt like we were kept at a distance from her. I couldn’t sympathize with her. She didn’t come across as warm, but instead rather robotic. We didn’t get to learn what she wanted, her history, or her motivations. Without these, she didn’t feel “real.”

The pacing lagged a few times, and there were some believability issues that seemed to cause or result from plot holes.

I did like how the hero acted nobly toward his wife. The author also brought up a sensitive issue that I was surprised to see addressed. You’ll have to read to find out what. 

On the upside, there was a bit of humor, and I did keep reading to see how the author worked out the central conflict.

Sarah’s Smile by Dawn Kinzer

Sarah's Smile by Dawn Kinzer

Isn't that a gorgeous cover? I’m thrilled to post a review today of a book written by one of my dearest friends. We’ve been writing buddies for years and have worked together on each other’s books. This is her debut novel, which releases October 14, 2016.

Here’s the summary:

Romance. Heartbreak. Scandal. Secrets. Second Chances.

In 1902, Sarah McCall is waiting to leave for the mission field when the man she once loved steps back into her life. Abandoned as a child by her mother and gambler father, she strives to overcome a tarnished history she didn’t create and a heartbreak she can’t forget.

Peter Caswell returns to his Wisconsin hometown a pastor, dedicated to his four-year-old daughter and new congregation. But no matter how hard he tries to move on with his life, he can’t forgive himself for his wife’s death.

When Sarah learns that Peter is returning to Riverton, the letter giving her departure date for Africa can’t come soon enough for her. They were best friends—she loved him and supported his dreams—but he married another and broke her heart. Although ten years have passed since he left Riverton, Peter hopes Sarah still cares enough to give him a second chance. But a charming newcomer pursues her affections—and Sarah’s childhood nemesis manipulates her way into Peter’s life. Will Sarah and Peter find their way to forgiveness and each other, or will past mistakes make a life together impossible?
And now, my review:

This book creates a feeling of not only stepping back in time, but of walking into a peaceful, Midwestern town. Dawn’s descriptions are delicious! Her voice is distinctive and fresh in historical fiction.

Our hero is running from a painful secret that he’s sure disqualifies him even as it restricts his hopes for the future. In fact, though he doesn’t know it, his secret is holding him hostage. I think readers will relate to this as we all have regrets—those moments in our pasts we wish we could overcome.

Our heroine is determined to serve God, and she’s convinced she’ll have to move to another country to do so. But is she running away? There is a lot of pain in her past that she may need to face. Readers will relate to the fact that in order to heal, we must face the facts of our pasts and come to terms with them. The truth sets us free! Forgiveness, another of the themes, brings freedom too.

Overall, this was a gentle, satisfying read peopled with flawed, lovable characters. Dawn’s well-researched details were a treat. (Especially how the “cashiers” at a large store in 1902 communicated with the main office in order to give customers change when they purchased items. I found that fascinating!) I loved the humorous moments in the story, and I highlighted several instances of those beautiful descriptions. Dawn has a way with dialogue and story that will make this book—and this series—reader favorites.

Don’t miss this one!