Honor Redeemed

First Responders #2

by Loree Lough

Honor's dark past stands between her and Matt. But when she's lost in a freak snowstorm, Matt will risk everything for their future.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Suspense, Ebooks, Fiction, Inspirational

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2012

About the author

With the upcoming release of the books in her new Kensington series, bestselling author Loree Lough will have 121 books on the shelves (8,000,000+ copies in circulation). Her writing style has been compared to Nicholas Sparks and Mary Jo Putney, and readers and reviewers often call her “a gifted writer whose stories touch hearts and change lives.”

With a long list of industry awards, it isn't likely this prolific author will ever retire...not even to her cozy li'l cabin in the Allegheny Mountains. She loves to hear from her readers and personally answers every letter sent to http://www.loreelough.com/.

Visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B000APRS7S to see some of Loree's available titles.

Reviews

[Iola · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the second book in the First Responders series, following From Ashes to Honor: Book #1 in the First Responders series. If you liked the first book, I'm sure you will like this one, as it has the same excellent writing, and elements of the sub-plot carry on fron the first book. But if you are one of the readers (like me) who found that From Ashes to Honor ended too abruptly without sufficient resolution of the plot, then I imagine that you won't like this sequel either.

Honor Redeemed follows Honor Mackenzie, who trains search and rescue dogs, and Matt Phillips, a widower with two small children, employed as a newspaper reporter. The two meet and a relationship develops, but there are dark secrets in Honor's past which have not been dealt with that causes struggles for them both. Then (and this is a direct quote from the book blurb) "he's told Honor has disappeared during a rescue effort".

But this happens in the last quarter of the book. One of my pet hates is when the book blurb or title talks about something that doesn't happen until well into the book. How is it that a book review should not contain plot 'spoilers', but the advertising copy can? Again, this was a good story of a sweet relationship as it progressed, but parts of the story, especially towards the end, felt rushed, as though something was missing. We do find out Honor's dark secret at the end, and we don't get to see what will overcome it - at least not in this book.

Loree Lough is an excellent writer with engaging plots and likeable characters, and From Ashes to Honor was looking to be a solid four star plus read, until the end. It just finished. No happy ever after, no resolution of the main conflict, nothing. Honor Redeemed was the same, and I didn't like it. I admire Lough's desire to honour those who work in first response situations. But authors such as Dee Henderson, DiAnn Mills and Irene Hannon have written romantic suspense series covering similar professions, yet, in my opinion, were much more satisfying.

Thanks to Abingdon Press and NetGalley for providing free ebooks for review.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was disappointing, the ending was so unexpected. The book was very good till the epilogue. At that point the whole thing went south for me.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honor Mackenzie has dedicated her life to honoring the sacrifice of her finacee John who died in the search and rescue efforts of 9/11 as a volunteer. Now Honor has taken up a similar task as a SARs trainer. Since she is the best, she is the one that is most likely to be called upon whenever someone goes missing. Today she is at the scene of a jumbo jet accident that has crash landed on a busy highway with subsequent debris falling miles away. Now searching in the national park, she comes across the tail section of the plane along with the wing and survivors still trapped inside. This is where her heart is, finding and rescuing survivors.

Matt Phillips is the roving news reporter that has been called the the scene of the biggest headline, a plane crash and he's there to make sure that he captures all the details and takes the first pictures to make it to the papers before the morning edition. Dressing like a first responder, he hopes to find a rookie member of the rescue team that will allow him to blend in and capture the story, what he didn't hope to find is a face to face meeting with Honor Mackenzie who loathes reporters of all kinds especially one dressed as a search and rescue team member.

Both Honor and Matt are struggling with learning to let go of their pasts and learn to move forward even though the costs might be greater than they had hoped. Both are dealing with the losses of people that they have loved and lost and now just when their are hopes of them falling in love, both of them gain a sense that the risk of losing someone they love again, keeps them at arms lengths apart. When tragedy strikes one of them, will they find a way to put their past behind them and finally admit they are ready to take a second chance at love?

I received Honor Redeemed, book two in the First Responders Series by author Loree Lough compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours and Abingdon Press for my honest review. Being a huge fan of Loree's since reading her first book in the series From Ashes to Honor, I knew that I would read this one the moment it came to print. Loree's writing style will hook you right from the beginning and genuinely make you love her characters. Designed to showcase the lives of First Responders, this one spotlights the actions of SARs or Search and Rescue responders and shows just how difficult and rewarding their lives can be as well as that of their canine companions. You will not be disappointed to read this one as a stand alone, but trust me, once you do, you'll have to go back and read her first book in the series as well where the story of Mercy and Austin first came to life. They are now supporting characters in this novel. I highly recommend this one to animal lovers, first responder fans and those looking for a great suspense romance and easily award this my highest rating a 5 out of 5 stars.

[Janet Marie Dowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is non-stop excitement..................Honor Mackenzie, a first responder/EMT worker, deals with other people's tragedy and problems every day, but has a hard time dealing with her own. Honor has a past that haunts her and she builds walls around her heart to keep people from finding out about her past. She doesn't trust anyone, especially reporters. Matt Phillips, a news reporter, comes to the accident scene where a plane crashes and Honor is there with her rescue crew. She is not one bit crazy about Matt and leaves no doubt about it. Honor has two rescue dogs named Rowdy & Rerun.

Matt has two "Adorable" twin boys, Warren & Steve. Matt's wife died during child birth; the twins are well-adjusted, but they need "A Mother's touch." They have a Mrs. Harriet Ruford, an older lady, in their lives, but it is not the same as having a "Mother" in their lives. They have a rescue dog named Cash. Matt is attracted to Honor from the moment he set eyes on her. Honor, on the other hand, is not ready to admit "her attraction" to him.

Matt's friend, Austin is engaged to Mercy "finally." Mercy was Austin's therepist after his brother was killed in the twin towers on 9/11. Austin gets on with his life eventually when Mercy enters his life again. At first, Mercy refuses to give God a chance and Austin walks away because he loves God more than Mercy. Austin never gives up hope that one day God would change her heart and guess what? He does.

To find out if these people work out their differences, You'll have to read the book!!

So many times we give up on the people we love because they don't fit our definition of "perfect." God doesn't give up on us because we don't fit His idea of "Perfect." We all (including ME) need to be more patient with people who tests our patiences. God never loses his patience with us when we do not do what we should.

[Anne Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Two in the First Responders Series, Honor Redeemed by Loree Lough, takes up from where Ashes to Honor left off, resolving the dilemma with Austin and Faith at the end of Ashes to Honor.
This one is a story about woman named Honor who lost her fiance to rescue operations after the towers collapsed. and hasn't been able to dig herself out of that constant soul-eating grief. Until Matt.
Matt is an investigative reporter, her worst favorite type of person. He has a set of mischievous and delightful ten-year-old twin boys that capture her heart, but Matt doesn't know that. All he knows for sure is Honor seems to be his other half--she knows what is in his mind before he does. She speaks his thoughts and completes his actions. But does she love his sons?
He loves his sons more than anyone or anything other than God. He won't allow them to be hurt by a woman who doesn't love them enough. So he...
But wait--I don't want to tell you too much. You might not get the book if I tell you the end. Let me just say this: I just bought A Man of Honor, the third book in the series, and it is fudging in front of some others on my "to read" pile.

[Audrey Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good writing, but I hate walking away from an unfinished book! There is such a huge build up to the point where they both reach the point of knowing they love the other and then without talking, they just walk away...It left me feeling like he felt she wasn't good enough to be around his kids because of what she had lived through. (That part made me mad.) Either he loves her or he doesn't. Fight for her or don't. Help her or don't. I felt like it was too wishy washy as far as the relationship went.
Sorry, but this book just fell apart for me.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story overall, I gave it three stars because of the ending... don't want to ruin it for others, it just wasn't what I expected... not sure I liked it...

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

she done it again. Love the story of great hero in the story

[Carol Greenwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man this is not gratification...

Honor and Matt meet as the result of a plane crash on I 95. She is part of the SAR team and he's a reporter looking for a story. Their lives flo and ebb around each other without a happy ever after. Good editing wasn't evident in what could have been a good read. The assessive errors got in the way of the reading at times. The resolution to the story was downright frustrating.

[Lynn MacDougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, had me on the edge of my chair until I got to the end. Love the K-9 interaction and learning how each dog is trained in a specific field of expertise. Very well written. Interesting characters, strength, kindness, compassion, integrity, and very sad circumstances surround the main characters. Love the book.

[Linda Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing … shocking ending!

I won’t say that I wasn’t a bit … surprised at the ending. Read the book. One thing for certain. You’ll have to look far and wide to find a more skilled wordsmith and storyteller!

[Melissa Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read!!

[Betty Armstrong]

Loved the story

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of two people who have known heartache in their lives, who meet during a SAR for a jumbo jet that crashed in Baltimore. Honor Mackenzie, is an SAR team leader, she trains search dogs and teaches their handlers how to perform in SAR missions. Honor's heartache was due to the death of her fiance, a fireman, who had volunteered to do SAR in NYC after the 9/11 event, only to become one of the many victims. In honor of his memory, Honor decided to become a firefighter, but her career took a turn for the worse when an unscrupulous TV reporter destroyed her reputation and career by insinuating that she rose in the ranks by having an affair with her lieutenant. Faced with ongoing rumors that never seemed to fade, Honor wore a shadow of mistrust for people, especially for the media. Enter Matt Phillips, a newspaper reporter for the Baltimore Sun, who has had his own heartache. He is widowed and is the single-father of twin ten-year-old boys, who are his heart and soul. Matt is a gentle soul, the "Defender" - every superhero rolled into one, because of his past good deeds. Matt had been a NY reporter at the time of the 9/11 event, he was also an ex-Marine, and had also been a SAR volunteer in the past. When Honor and Matt meet, a spark of interest in each other ignites, but can they move past their pasts and come together as one? Take a stroll into the lives of first responders and see what becomes of Honor and Matt's journey in Honor Redeemed.

Honor Redeemed is an intriguing wholesome Christian romance book that will pull at your heartstrings. It is a compelling story of two people who have had heartache in their lives, yet seek to let go of their past, in order to reach out to one another. It is also a story that gives the reader a look into the lives of first responders, specifically the SAR teams, describing their sacrifices, and what they have to go through during search missions. The storyline was well written, it pulled me in from the beginning and led me on a roller coaster ride of emotions throughout the story. The characters were realistic, their complex personalities and engaging dialogue with each other gave the story depth and made it that much more compelling. As a dog lover, I immediately felt a kinship with Honor, her love for her golden retriever SAR dogs Rowdy and Rerun made me smile, because I can totally relate to those same feelings for my own dogs. I really loved the humorous interactions between the characters, especially Honor, Matt, Elton and Austin ... I found myself snickering a lot throughout the book. I also found fascinating the description of the SAR missions, it takes special people to be first responders, and this book gave me an increased appreciation for the sacrifice and dedication that these people give to us on a daily basis, God Bless them all.

Overall I enjoyed reading Honor Redeemed, it had a wholesomeness to the romance mixed with a compelling look into the SAR field. I only have one complaint, the end of the story seemed to be rushed and did not have a true ending, it leaves the reader hanging which is a shame. Perhaps the author intended it this way so that it could be continued in the third book of the series? I have not read the first book in the series, From Ashes To Honor, but I do have it on my TBR list and will have to read it so I can fully appreciate Honor Redeemed. In any case, I felt like I was left a little bit unfulfilled, which is a shame, since the story held so much promise. Nonetheless, I am giving the story a 4 star rating because of the intriguing SAR storyline, that alone makes the book worthy to be read.

Disclaimer: At the request of the author and Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours, a Paperback edition of the book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review and participation in the virtual book tour event.


Virtual Book Tour Event: On Tuesday, February 14, 2012, in association with Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours, Loree Lough participated in a virtual book tour event with an Author Guest Post on Jersey Girl Book Reviews.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...


http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a difficult book for me to rate and review. In general, it was a great story with interesting characters that I connected with immediately. I enjoyed the depiction of the difficulties and rewards of life as a SAR or the loved one of a SAR, which seems to be one of the main goals for the series. For those who are interested, this book can be read as a stand alone. This was the only book in the series that I have read, and I didn't feel like I was lost at any point. I would have rated this book 4 or 5 stars for character development, plot, and prose. I really enjoyed it; however, the ending just ruined it for me. So, I'll go over the positive and neutral points first.

I don't feel the need to recap the plot because other reviewers have done so well. I'll just say that I liked Honor's character and her struggle to trust someone enough to risk both her own emotions and theirs. At times piecing together her story was difficult, and I wished her history with "Uncle Mike" had been introduced a different way, but overall, I empathized with her and hoped things would work out for her. I appreciated her strength, even when it got in the way of her happiness. Likewise, I liked Matt's character and his story. His sons were a fun addition to the story as well. The love story that develops between Matt and Honor is primarily an emotional connection based on instinct and divine intervention. It is sweet, rather than passionate, and at times a bit angst-y, in my opinion. The story is written from a Christian viewpoint and prayer, morality, and faith play important roles in the characters' internal dialogues, as well as the plot development. That said, it is well-done. Faith and Christianity are included in genuine and understandable moments and ways, rather than dominating the entire story or seeming forced.

It all fell apart for me in the epilogue. I wanted a HEA, but I think I would have been happy without a HEA if I felt that the story had actually ended. Instead, you're left hanging - wondering if Matt and Honor hook up later in life after sorting themselves out or move on. I checked lots of reviews on the next book, and though it appears that Honor shows up, it is not part II of this story from what I can tell. It was frustrating. Honor winds up shattered and broken on the mountain, Matt saves her and visits her at the hospital, and then she moves away and begins to rebuild herself. Ok, not what I was hoping for but I'm on-board. But then, we're left with maybe Matt will seek her out after she heals emotionally, spiritually, and physically, and after his sons don't need so much from him. And that's where I lost it. Not that I don't understand why this outcome could come about, especially in real life, but the whole book is about how they have this seemingly inherent, divine connection. They understand each other on a level even they don't understand - but do recognize - and then they neither connect and build each other up nor does the connection and relationship give them what they need to move on, some epiphany inspired by love. I'll be honest, I don't do well with non-endings. I don't even really like stories that occur in series where each can't stand alone. I need a resolution of the issues in the story even if not a true conclusion. Here, there really is no resolution. Matt is still in love with Honor, intends to stay in contact with her, and neither moves on nor commits to her. Honor still has all of her emotional baggage from her past, her unfulfilled relationship with Matt, and her physical injuries to tend to. Nothing in the story is resolved. Now, having complained a lot about this point, I should also say that I've read the reviews of book three in the series hoping to find some indication if the conclusion/resolution I'm looking for is in that book. And to be honest I'm not sure, but it appears that the same non-ending exists for the couple in book 3 as well - not Honor and Matt but Grace and Dusty - or at least there is no HEA. So, I'm not going to read it to find out for sure what new info on Honor and Matt is included because I don't want to be frustrated all over again.

So, in conclusion, this is a great book without a good ending and left me entirely frustrated. I would recommend it with that caveat.

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.

The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.

i would highly recommend this author and this book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment in Loree Lough's FIRST RESPONDERS series from Abingdon Press. I read and reviewed the first book, FROM ASHES TO HONOR, loving the story of Austin and Mercy, which didn't really end with the first book, becoming ancillary in the second, subordinate to the story of Matt and Honor, another pair of fractured, brokenhearted souls who just cannot seem to figure out they are better together than they are apart.

Once again, Lough has woven a story that ensnared me from page one, and now, hours after finishing it, still has me in its silvery clutches. Ms. Lough builds what I call 'emotional suspense' better than just about any other author I read. At the end of each of her books, I've had questions - not just about what I'm going to have to wait for until the next book is released - but questions about me and how I might cope with the situations that unfold in these books, myself.

Having spent half my life as a 'first responder', I know only too well the difficulties Honor faces in her chosen profession. I know why she maintains her 'never let them see you sweat' facade; I've experienced that shivering thrill of concealed fear more times than I can count. Lough's portrayal of this dedicated, hard-working search-and-rescue professional is right on the money. Tragedy has dogged her all her life, and now that she's got the opportunity for real happiness, she just can't seem to reach out and grab it with both hands.

Matt, a widowed reporter with search-and-rescue in his background sees Honor as a perfect fit. But he, too, is hampered by his past and twisted up in doubts that keep him from moving forward with faith in what should be a perfect relationship - not only for him, but for his boys, who adore Honor as much as he does.

As in many of Lough's books, children figure into this plot - and Lough writes kids so well, the banter between Matt's twin boys so realistic - I expected them to appear in the room, demanding food and a movie, and wanting to know why the heck I was crying - again. As the story unfolds, one of the sticking points in this relationship is Matt's fear that stepping out in faith, allowing himself to go ahead and fall headlong in love with Honor, will put his kids' hearts at risk, too.

As another reviewer mentioned, this story, as some relationships do, ends rather abruptly. But I'm not the least bit concerned. You have to have faith, people! Ms. Lough has invested far too much 'emotional suspense' in these characters to let their story end here. She knows, I'm sure, that her readership has to know what finally happens to these wonderful, wonderful characters.

One of the things I like about this series is that it's not written to a template. Bad things do happen to good people (and I have the soggy pillow and wadded tissues to prove it), and sometimes a book's ending isn't wrapped up in tinsel and bows.

As far as I'm concerned, Fall 2012 cannot come soon enough, for that is when Book Three in this series is scheduled for release. If I could preorder it now, I would.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel the book synopsis on the back of the book and web sites tells you the whole story. I like a synopsis to tempt me and make me anxious to read the book, so here is the synopsis I would have written.

Honor Mackenzie trains search and rescue dogs and participates in several Search and Rescue missions. Honor meets Matt, a journalist at the site of a plane crash. After that their lives change, making them face their pasts and think about their futures. Can they have a life together?

Dollycas’s Thoughts
I was so excited when I received this book. I grew up around firemen, the first group of search and rescue teams before the specialized teams of today. My dad was the fire chief, my husband was a volunteer fireman as were most of his friends. It was kind of the family business, and they took part in many search and rescues and I even took part in one. Maybe my hopes were just too high. At first I thought it was because I had not read book one of the series. I am usually quite rigid about reading books in order but then decided the problem wasn’t that I missed something brought to light in the first book, other reviewers that had read both books had the same issues I had.

I thought the theme of this series was Search and Rescue so most of the book would be about searching and finding people using the wonderfully trained dogs. That was not the case. The searches really took a backseat. Instead it was a story about the relationship between Matt and Honor or the non-relationship. Within the last few pages there is a major development that gave me hope about the whole story, then the story abruptly ends and a page and a half epilogue tries to bind up the loose ends. I wish the author would have left off the epilogue and left the ending to the reader’s imagination because I hated the ending.

I understand from press releases that Loree Lough has several bestsellers and this is my first experience with her books. The subject matter, Search and Rescue, is a wonderful theme and I have read the press release material that says her books are raising awareness, but I just didn’t get it from this book. I do commend her for trying to honor the first responders and giving us a glimpse into their lives but at the end I felt cheated. Too many things glossed over and left unresolved. Maybe they will be addressed in Book 3 of the series. I hope so. Maybe this is her writing style and her idea of a cliffhanger. I just didn’t like it.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honor Mackenzie started working in search and rescue after her fiance, who was a firefighter was killed in the days after 9/11.She also worked as a firefighter, but nasty rumors spread and when a reporter got hold of the story her reputation was ruined causing her to quit the fire department.Now her day job is working in the billing dept for the local hospital, and she volunteers for SAR with her two Golden's Rowdy and Rerun. She also trains SAR dogs and their owners. When she meets Matt Phillips she decides to avoid him because he is a reporter, but as she starts to know him, and learn about his twin sons, she can't help but feel something for him. Matt feels drawn to Honor, but also feels guilt because his wife Faith has only been dead for a little over a year. His life revolves around his ten year old twins Warner and Steve, and while he wonders if there could be a relationship between him and Honor, he has also heard the rumors about her past. Will their friendship turn into something more, or will the past stand in their way?


This book pulled me in immediately. At the loss of her fiance Honor decided to become a First Responder, what a wonderful tribute to pay to someone. As I was drawn into her story,her character became very easy to like, but I couldn't help but wonder what it was that was haunting her from her past. I thought Matt made a great male lead character. Some of his friends called him the Defender because of some of the things he had done. As the story unfolded I couldn't help but become invested in the lives of the characters and wanted to know how things would work out for them, and even though the plot moved along at a pretty brisk pace, the ending felt incomplete.While this book is the second in a series it can be read as a stand alone work, I didn't read the first book and didn't have any problems following this story.


Overall if you enjoy stories with compelling, easy to like characters,a slow building romance, a faith based message,and a fast moving plot that certainly gives us a glimpse of the sacrifices First Responders make then your going to enjoy this story. The ending certainly leaves me anxious to read the next book in the series.


A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.

Loree Lough has written over 70 books…but Honor Redeemed is the first one I’ve read by her. And I really enjoyed it! Honor’s job of being part of a Search and Rescue team, and her and Matt’s relationship to other First Responders, really intrigued me. What a sacrifice these people give—just to ensure that people in need have help as fast as humanly possible. Wow!

Out of the two main characters—Honor and Matt—I liked Matt the best. His witty comments and dialog were just so humorous, I chuckled aloud a few times. And his heroic desire to protect—rightfully earning him the nickname “Defender”—made his character really come alive. And Lough did a great job with Matt’s twins, too. Those boys were something else!

In the first chapter there are two uses of the word “Oh my ***”. Later on, it is used two more times, along with "Oh good L***". This really took me by surprise, for a Christian book to take the Lord’s name in vain, and I admit I was uneasy about what else the book would contain. However, there weren't any other other curse words to be found in the rest of the book…I just really wished they hadn't been there in the first place.

The back of the book felt like it was stretching this about the actual book...the book seemed a lot more slow-paced then what the synopsis eluded to. And the end of the book felt a bit sudden—like everything happened at once, and then there wasn't complete closure. But since this is a series, maybe things will wrap up in the next addition. And while I haven’t read the first book in the First Responder series, I never felt lost or confused about characters or events—Honor Redeemed does very well as a stand-alone novel. I have the first book on my Kindle, and know I will be picking it up sometime in the near future to read more about these character's history.

[Danica is Booked · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a condensed version of my review. To see my review in its entirety, please click here.

My overall Thoughts/Impressions: First off I'd like to thank the publisher and netgalley for giving me a chance to read this book.

I didn't read the first in the series before reading this one. While that would probably be the best way to read this novel, you can jump into this one and enjoy it without feeling lost.

I don't know where to begin with this one. I loved the novel, I loved the writing style, and I loved the plot. Lough did a great job of drawing me into the story she created. I was intrigued by the relationship between Matt and Honor and loved watching them grow in this novel.

Honor had been dealt a bad hand, but the way she dealt with it was admirable and I found myself really drawn toward her character. And Matt was so silently strong. He too had faced a lot in his life and yet he persevered.

The synopsis led me to believe that the novel was going to be very different than it was, but I still enjoyed the novel. It's not as action packed as the synopsis made it sound. Rather, it pays more attention to the characters and their relationships. Which I honestly didn't mind.

Lough did a great job of writing this novel and I loved it up until the very end. I'm trying not to spoil anything, so I'll be vague. I got to the end and thought to myself "you're kidding me. No!" I was absolutely floored and to be honest angry. I wanted a certain ending and it ended very differently than I wanted it to.

If Honor and Matt's story is continued in the next novel, then the ending is bearable. But if in the third novel, we are introduced to completely new characters, then I'm going to be ticked.

Basically, this novel was great and very well-written. I'll be curious to see what happens next and it better be about Honor and Matt. :)

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honor lost her fiancé in 9/11 and trains SAR dogs. A plane that had gone down brings Matt as a reporter and Honor to find the plane and if any survivors start this story. If a rescue is needed she goes out alone with only her dog to find a missing child, she is injured and with a blizzard to deal with, will they find her. His life revolves around too energetic boys, and a secret Honor keeps is how much she loves them also. Circumstances keep bringing them together. This was well write with adventure, emotions, and bringing two people to realize a future and start moving on away from their grief.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honor Redeemed is the second book in Loree Lough's "First Responders" series. I have the first book From Ashes to Honor on my Kindle, but I haven't read it yet. I didn't think any of the same characters would be in Honor Redeemed, but there were. Still Honor Redeemed was enjoyable on its own.


I loved the characters - Matt, Honor, Austin, and Matt's sons - it was so easy to care about them and what would happen in their lives.


I found the story interesting and I seriously laughed a few times with the way Matt's sons (Steve and Warner) acted - it was so funny!


While I liked a lot about Honor Redeemed, there are some things I didn't like. One thing is some characters said "Oh, My ***" a couple of times, and while this might not bother other people, it did bother me.


Also, the whole story is pretty much told on the back of the book and there were very few surprises in the book. The ending seemed rushed, and while normally I don't mind if it leaves you hanging, Honor Redeemed's ending was very disappointing and I wish there would have been a little bit more closure.. I know there is going to be another "First Responders" book, but I would have liked to have known more about what is going to happen.


All in all, Honor Redeemed was a good book with great characters and I ended up liking it - 3 stars!


*I received a complimentary print copy from the publisher via PUYB and an eBook copy via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

[Tracey Cramer-Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honor Redeemed is Book 2 in Loree Lough’s First Responder series. The first book (From Ashes to Honor) ended rather abruptly - and with NO happy ending for the hero and heroine.

So imagine my surprise when, not a dozen pages into THIS book, those characters show up - happily engaged! So, what’s the story there?! Yeah, THAT would have been the story romance readers wanted.

So romance readers, beware … no happy ending in this book, either. I just could NOT get into the female character. She was her own worst enemy when it came to inter-personal issues. That doesn’t usually kill a character for me, but after several instances where the author seemed to lead up to a “breakout” moment for her… but no… it got so dragged-out I almost quit reading.

The male hero (Matt) was just too good to be true. Even at the end he was going to wait around for her. What a waste!

I also figured out what element I was missing in both these books: the “first responder” part of these characters’ lives are ten years in the past. In both books, the characters (hero in particular) have already worked through some nasty fall-out related to 9/11. It’s THAT story I was looking for by picking up this series. I was also looking for more search-and-rescue action (since my novel Last Chance Rescue features search-and-rescue team members).

From the looks of the teaser for Book 3, it will be more of the same; this time I’ll have to pass. Rating: 3-.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the series is called From Ashes to Honor, if you enjoy series books you may want to read it first as they hint towards things that happened in it.

Matt is a reporter and Honor is a SAR who also trains search dogs and teaches their handlers. The press had done Honor wrong so she immediately becomes defensive around Matt. But he breaks through her hard shell and soon she enjoys being around Matt and his twin boys. They both struggle with believing they can make it though. Matt is concerned of his boys getting hurt and Honor is always waiting for the past rumors to come between them or that they could harm Matt's family.

This book was excellent as far as “seeing” how a search and rescue is and what a rescue dog and their handler would do while searching. The book did not have the clear closure at the end that I like to see but that is my personal preference. After reading book 3 it clears things up. And I also have since learned it's more about the real life of First Responders than the romance.
**Book received through NetGalley for review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honor Redeemed by Loree Lough
4 STARS
I liked the story but not the ending. This is the second book of three book series. I have not read the first. But I do want to read more of the third book. I know Honor is in that one and might tell me what I want.
I liked the characters the humans and the dogs so much that I admit to crying in this book a few times.
Honor is a SAR and her dog Rowdy is very good at finding the missing. Something happened that causes a bunch of rumors and gossip about Honor. Don't know if that happened in first book of the First Responeders.
Honor lives alone with her two dogs. Does not want to get close to anyone.
Matt is a single father raising twin boys after his wife died. Matt is a newspaper writer and used to be SAR too but gave it up when he became single father of two. He is ready to move on and wants to get closer to Honor.
This book really makes you think of all the volunteers who do put thuer lives on the line for the rest of us. Does talk a little about 911 and what changes that brought to their lives.
I was given this book to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
02/01/2012 Abingdon Press

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honor Mackenzie became a firefighter to honor her fiancé’s memory after he died in 9/11. She was working hard to succeed in the fire department, when an investigative reporter published stories of Honor sleeping her way to the top. Honor resigned to stay out of the limelight, training and working with rescue dogs.
When reporter Matt Phillips meets Honor at the scene of a jet crash, they begin a rocky relationship due to the stories and Matt’s desire to protect his twin boys. Matt uses his investigative skill to reveal the truth, but Honor’s past comes between them anyway. Though the second in Lough’s First Responders Series, Honor Redeemed can stand alone.

The story is interesting and the characters pull at the reader's heart as they try to make difficult decisions. The book leaves the reader with an overall sense of sadness as the main characters attempt to work out deep personal problems. The story wraps up quickly, without much resolution.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

[Rebekah Gyger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahhhhh! The ending of the books in this series break my heart. I am going to need time to recover...

What upsets me about this book is that there was little plot. Most everything that happened was only conversation. I understand that this book was more about working through the mental and emotional issues of being a first responder, but I wish there had been more responding. If there had been, I definitely would have rated it higher.

Lough has this way of making her characters real, like I could sit down and have coffee with them or bump into them at the grocery store. I liked that and it kept me reading even though I often wanted the characters to stop talking and do something.

Also, there was something (I wont tell you what) that was finally resolved from the first book. It was a nice turn of events. Still, I have yet to decide if I am going to read the next book. I might.



To see what books I back, go to my blog at http://backingbooks.blogspot.com/

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book hit on so many good points. Where we need to learn to forgive each other and how hanging onto the past does nothing but hold us prisoner and prevents us from living a life God wants for us. Honor Mackenzie SAR team leader learns the hard way about hanging onto her past and might lose the best thing to ever happen to her. Matt Philips whose a widower and has twin boys that he'll protect at all cost. Matt currently works for the newspaper and was at one time on the Search and Rescue team. When a jumbo jet crashes Honor and Matt come face to face during a rescue and realize how fragile life is. Will they give up the past and let God heal them or will continue to wear the chains?

[Lillie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book (#2 in the series) and #1 were free. I didn't like the abrupt ending in the first book and hoped there would be resolution of the protagonists' unresolved conflict in this one. Unfortunately, in this book the hero and heroine from the first book were happily married with a baby on the way but it wasn't clear how they overcame the issues that were keeping them apart. Although the ending for this book had no resolution, it wasn't quite as abrupt as Book #1. I won't read any more books in the series because I expect some closure or at least a partial resolution when I reach the end. Not only was there no resolution at the end of this book, but the conflict in book #1 seemed to magically disappear by book #2.