In Honor’s Defense

In Honor’s Defense is a riveting underdog story told by a master storyteller! I had no idea I would enjoy this story as much as I did, and I was utterly content when I finished.

The story takes place in the late nineteenth century. It starts in St. Louis, Missouri, when spinster Damaris Baxter learns that her widowed brother has just drowned and left his sole teenage son, Nathaniel, to be raised by Damaris. She quickly moves to her brother’s ranch in Madisonville, Texas. She finds her nephew ornery and angry at the world.

When livestock begins to disappear at the neighboring ranch, the owner blames Nathaniel and hires Luke Davenport – a former member of Hanger’s Horsemen – to find his missing beeves. However, when Luke meets Damaris, a very small spark is kindled. As Luke continues his investigation into the missing livestock, one thing becomes very clear: the lives of Damaris and Nathaniel are in danger, and Luke vows to protect them. He has no idea what that will cost him, but he’s about to find out.

“One couldn’t unpickle a cucumber, after all. Once the damage was done, there was no going back to one’s original, sensible state.”

Damaris Baxter

I mentioned how much I enjoyed this story. The plot was pretty good, but that’s not why I enjoyed it. The characters are excellent, but they’re not the reason I enjoyed it so much. The dialogue and description are top notch, but even they didn’t sway my enjoyment dramatically. It was the storytelling! It was the way author Karen Witemeyer brought everything together with her craftsmanship.

When I eat a wonderful meal, I usually can’t point to one or two ingredients as the basis of my enjoyment – but I know if I like something, regardless of the ingredients. The same is true of this story and this literary “chef” – whatever those secret ingredients are that she put into this story – I love it!

I was quite surprised by the climax. It was breathtaking and had me on the edge of my seat!

I’ve always enjoyed underdog stories, and this ranks among the best that I’ve ever read. I can also vouch for the fact that this story, despite being a part of a series, completely stands on its own. I have not [yet] read any of the other books in the Hanger’s Horsemen series, and I obviously enjoyed this one very much.

If you enjoy westerns, you’ll love this! If you enjoy romance stories, you’ll love this! If you enjoy action, you’ll love this! I guess what I’m trying to say is, if you enjoy reading, you’ll love this!

This is one of only a very few stories in my life that I wish I could give six stars to. It’s that good. I sure hope you enjoy it!