In less than a week, the final installment of the Hanger’s Horsemen series will officially release. I can’t wait to share Preach’s story with you! I always get nervous when a new book hits the shelves, worried about what readers will think, but initial feedback has overwhelmingly claimed this to be the best of the series.
Here are a few snippets from early reviews:
“Preach and Damaris . . . have earned a spot on my Best Fictional Couples list. The fast-paced, adventurous plot twists and turns with lots of action. The strong faith element woven throughout the story is inspiring. The well-structured plot, superb characterization, and gentle romance made this book one of the best reads of the year for me.” — Carolyn Bryant
“This story had everything I’ve come to expect from a Karen Witemeyer book. There’s a reason why Karen’s books are some the most re-read on my favorites shelf. The blend of lovable characters put through the wringer, pulse-raising action/suspense, and heart-felt romance keeps me pushing through chapter after chapter, regardless of what life says I should be doing instead.” — Alyssa Madjeski
I thought you might enjoy reading a short excerpt:
Invisible people rarely received correspondence. A fact Damaris Baxter had accepted long ago. So when the housekeeper entered the parlor and held out an envelope with her name occupying the address line instead of her aunt’s, it took a moment to process the unprecedented event. . .
Miss Damaris Baxter,
I write with a heavy heart to inform you of your brother’s untimely death. Douglas Baxter was found drowned in Lake Madison on March 7, 1895. . . Mr. Douglas Baxter named you, Miss Damaris Baxter, guardian of his son, Nathaniel. . .
Douglas had chosen her? Damaris could barely find the strength to blink through the paralysis of shock. He’d entrusted Nathaniel’s care to the baby sister he barely knew? . . . Perhaps because she had no attachments to hinder or distract her. Of all their siblings, she was the only one with no family to keep her rooted in St. Louis. She was free to leave at any time, free to devote herself fully to Nathaniel’s care.
Or maybe . . . Damaris caught her breath. Maybe the choice had belonged to Nathaniel. The idea kicked her heart into a rapid rhythm. What if Nathaniel had remembered his Aunt Maris and requested that she be named his guardian?
To be chosen for herself—it was the secret desire of her heart. To be important to someone. More than a glorified servant who fetched and carried and entertained at her aunt’s whim, but to be wanted truly for herself. Seen instead of invisible. Valued instead of tolerated.
“I must pack.” Damaris jumped up from the sofa with such speed that her forgotten basket of needlework threads toppled to the floor along with her embroidery hoop.
A snuffling sound echoed from the window as Aunt Bertha stirred. “Damaris? Why are you fluttering about, girl? You know I dislike being disturbed during my afternoon respites. Clumsy child,” she chided as her gaze landed on the upturned basket and contents spilled across the carpet. “Clean up your mess then bring me one of my tonics. I can’t have my nerves overset.”
Anna hurried over to help right the sewing basket. Damaris smiled her thanks but didn’t stay to help. She had trunks to fill, railroad schedules to check, and a nephew who needed her. “Sorry, Aunt Bertha. I don’t have time to fetch your tonic. I’m moving to Texas.”
Damaris is a character who has much in common with her creator. Introverted, bookish, and fond of stitching samplers, I had so much fun bringing her out of her shell and showing her (and myself) that quiet people can have as much grit and courage as anyone else.
Do you find yourself relating quiet, bookish heroines or are you drawn more to the overtly adventuresome type?
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Your heroine sounds so interesting, Karen. As far as my preferences, I don’t care whether they are quiet or outgoing as long as they aren’t whiny. Congratulations on the upcoming release.
I’m with you 100% on the non-whiny heroines, Rebecca. Good call. 🙂
I’m drawn to the more quiet type of heroine. This books sounds good!
Thanks, Ellie. I hope you give Damaris and Luke a try. 🙂
I’m more of the quiet type. And I just finished the book last night.
It. Is. Amazing!! I need to re-read this series! Thanks Karen for another fabulous read!
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Joy. 🙂 Thank you for being such a loyal reader.
Great reviews! I used to be an introvert, but had to come out of my quiet zone during my husband’s many deployments – I was the sole caregiver for our children at those times. Then became more outgoing as a teacher.
Very excited for this book!
I’m a little like you, Betty. My natural inclination is introvert, but I can “turn it on” when I need to. Like when I present at a conference or participate in a reader event. But after a few hours, I need to go hide away in a quiet place to recharge. 🙂
I relate to the quiet ones more but I enjoy reading either as long as they are well written. Can’t wait to read Preach and Damaris’ story!
Thanks, Gena! Hope you enjoy it. 🙂
I just finished In Honor’s Defense last night! Such a great story–and I love how we see the series conclude. 🙂
So glad you enjoyed it, D’Ann! I had fun reuniting all the Horsemen in the end. 🙂
I’ll read the excerpt later – I’m getting ready for a short road trip. But I wanted to say: I CAN’T WAIT!!
Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you, Hilda. Hope your trip is lovely. 🙂
Bookish quiet heroine
I like those, too, as long as they have plenty of inner strength. 🙂
I’m kinda in the middle, but lean more towards the adventurous side. I’m definitely an extrovert, just age & health have slowed me down a bit… so I can be happy just watching from the sidelines occasionally. 😉
I’ve just started reading In Honor’s Defense & I’m looking forward to it! 🙂
*Side note: I got my pre-order in the mail, then I was one of your chosen winners in the acrostic game. (YAY, thank you!!) I will be gifting my pre-order book to a BFF who is also one of your big fans. So it’s a win-win-win for all three of us… I get a signed copy, my friend gets a new book, & you get a new customer who will have to get books one & two to go along with book three!! 🙂
What a perfect scenario, Lori! Thank you for being so generous. I hope your BFF enjoys the book, too. 🙂
I pre-ordered In Honor’s Defense so I am happily reading it now, ready for chapter 17. I love everything about this series, from the handsome covers to the stories inside. I do relate quite a bit to Damaris so it’s especially fun when she comes out of her shell and shows some spunk and does those hard things. Reading this book is rather bittersweet though. I waited so long for this concluding book and looked forward to reading it. I’m loving the book (and Luke) but there is a bit of sadness since it is the last of the series. I’m wondering how you are going to top this, but I’m sure I’ll find your next book to be equally delightful. There is such a perfect blend of romance, action, faith, and humor. Thank you for blessing us with these wonderful books.