The Heart’s Charge

The Heart’s Charge by Karen Witemeyer is the second book in the Hanger’s Horsemen series, though it can be read independently.

The Horsemen are 4 ex cavalry soldiers who set out to right wrongs and bring justice to those that can’t defend themselves. Two of them, the charming Mark and strong, silent Jonah, accidentely end up in job that none of them saw coming. When they need to find a home for a newborn baby, they come across a children’s home run by two woman. Which is where Mark encounters Katherine, the woman he never thought would see again, and as they are hired on a job, things get a little complicated. Meanwhile, Jonah might actually be opening up a bit to Eliza, the driving force behind the children’s home. But some kids in the neighborhood go missing, and it falls to the Horsemen to look into that…

Let me start off by saying: having a double romance thread is double the fun! I didn’t expect that as I like all my focus on one couple, but here it is true. Karen Witemeyer has outdone herself. Again. I know it must get boring to get only raving reviews, but honestly, she’s the best. I was captivated from beginning to end, and so invested in everyone’s story! There are quite a few suprises you don’t see coming, and of course it’s not only about the romance, there is much more going on!

I loved the bits inside the children’s home, and how it came to be. I love those kids to bits, and when more are showing up I cannot help but love them too. Abner is my favorite, he’s been hurt so much but he came out stronger and gentler. He and the other kids played a big part in this story and I loved it! There was a really moving scene where Jonah speaks some important truths to a boy and it made me cry…

And of course, the romance… I couldn’t wait to see who could get the charming Mark speechless and oh boy, she did! Kate is a force to be reckoned with, even though she’s a sensitive and gentle soul. She cares a bit too much. I love how they slowly reclaimed the past and tried not to get hurt again. And I love the strong women! Kate knows where she’s needed and she will make her own way. And Eliza is a very intelligent and independent woman in the best way possible, she’s had to fight for her dreams, being Black. She founded the home all by herself after going to a prestigious school to learn teaching. She and Jonah encounter racism, and it hurts to read how they both are impacted by the past. Jonah has learned to keep his words close to him, while being a perfect gentleman, he holds his feelings and is always on guard. I love to see him open up and heal a bit.

There is also quite a bit of action in this book, and it’s just the right amount! I absolutely loved the twists and turns the investigation took and the end was quite a crescendo! I absolutely loved it! I kinda need a huge epilogue though, of preferably 300 pages. I can’t get enough of these characters and wish it wouldn’t end.

All in all, this is a new favorite of mine, and if you love Karen Witemeyer you will not be disappointed! She’s the best!

I received a free e-copy from Bethany House and Netgalley but it hasn’t influenced my opinion.