On a steamy spring morning, Dusty Parker part-time pastor, part-time search-and-rescue team member, and full-time administrator of a school for troubled boys joins the search for a missing teenage girl. He partners with volunteer and inner-city school teacher Grace Sinclair, and what they find bonds them in ways neither could have expected. As they begin to build their lives together, a visitor from the past causes Dusty and Grace to further open their hearts and home. But a threat is looming on their seemingly perfect lives and in one terrifying night, everything changes.
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/.
Author: Loree Lough Published By: Ablingdon Press Age Recommended: 14 Rating: 5 Blog For: GMTA
Review:
"A Man of Honor" by Loree Lough was the third book in the series (The First Responders Series) and a very good inspiring read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found this novel to be not only beautiful but also powerful. Be ready for many twist and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat and I did find myself laughing at a lot as the story progressed.
How this author got these two people together was simply a work of art. Dusty Parker was not only a pastor, a search and rescue team member, but also in charge of eleven troubled teen boys that he cared for deeply..then there was a gang leader(Gonzo) who also wanted Dusty's boys in his gang. Grace Sinclair was a teacher...and one of her students(Melissa) had disappeared and ended up dead and this is where these two (Dusty & Grace) meet up and you will get the answer to the question...Was this 'love at first sight?' Will there be test in this relationship? Now, this is where I say you must pick up this excellent "Man of Honor" to see how this author gets this story out because the end will be a real test that only if you read "A Man of Honor" will you find out if...'Grace could do it!'
The characters were really all very very good..making this story so believable and powerful...Dusty, Melissa, Grace, Mitch, Gavin, Derek, Lucille, Matt, Honor,Montel, Cody, Trevor, Molly Logan, Kylie, Uncle Mike, Joe, Frank Benedict,Jesse Vaugh, Dom, Destor, Jack, Billy, Axel, Nick, Tony, Nestor, Miller, Shipley,Isaacs, Gonzo, Randi Fletcher, Ethan, Austin, Keith,and Agent Spencer Pastor Nolt, Mercy, Amanda, Dr. Applegate, Anita, Conner, Adam Miller, Blake, Flynn, Mr. Miller, Dr.Peterson, Marianai, Brigid and Tucker.
"A Man of Honor" showed much love, faith, humor, death and even tears. If you are in for a excellent read I would recommend this one for you.
Wow! That's the only word that comes to mind after reading this book. This is a beautiful, powerful book. I was not prepared for the twists and turns this book took but it is so well written you don't even notice. Most books I read these days are predictable. This one is not. This book was a refreshing change from the norm and I am still reeling from the ending.
Dusty Parker, Pastor, search-and-rescue team member, and in charge of about 11 troubled teen boys meets Grace Sinclair, teacher and part time volunteer in the most unlikely place and what happens in that place bonds them together forever.
The love story of Dusty and Grace can only be described as love at first sight. Does it have it's ups and downs? Oh yeah! And the tests on their relationship are mind boggling. Do they come through it? Yes, kind of. The final chapters of this book will not only take you around a corner or two you didn't expect but the ending will be a complete surprise.
If you are expecting another boring, predictable book then don't read this one. I finished it last night and it haunted me all night. The love, faith, and beauty of this book will shine through, even through tears. If you have read either of the first 2 books in the First Responders series you already know this book is a page turner. Well done, Ms. Lough, well done.
I won this book in a giveaway and finally found the time to finish this amazing story about second chances and hope for the future. This book has suspense and romance. Will Dusty and Grace find love in spite of all of life's surprises? A truly inspirational story that will make you laugh and cry. make sure you have a box of tissues handy. I loved every minute of this story and hated to see it end. Thanks again for my copy of the book.
Dusty Parker is a man most would look at twice and wonder who he really is. On the outside, he's a big, muscle bound, tattooed, diamond pierced ear, Harley riding, pony-tailed man. But it's who he is on the inside that really matters and it matters a lot to the foster teenage boys he's raising in The Last Chance home. He is a part-time pastor and part-time Search and Rescue worker with a true heart of gold. Despite the fact he has what some would consider a colored past, Dusty tries to do all he can to give the boys he's helping to raise make lives for themselves where they wouldn't have had any hope.
A chance encounter on a recent Search and Rescue case for a teenage girl missing from prom, leads Dusty to work with a volunteer. She turns out to be the teacher of the missing girl and can identify her before the police can. Turns out that Grace Sinclair is an inner city school teacher with her own colored past. Yet Grace truly lives up to her name, offering the gift of grace to those she meets, from Molly Logan, the grieving parent of the missing teenage girl, to offering up her 30-acre ranch home when gang members threaten the boys staying with Dusty. Does God have a plan for both of them to use their pasts to create a new brighter future?
In the latest novel from Loree Lough, in her First Responder Series, A Man of Honor takes us into a different character than we have known before. Dusty's past comes from a tragic experience during 9/11 that costs him his career. He also has received a discharge from the Marines due to not being able to follow strict orders. Grace is also suffering from tragic circumstances surrounding the loss of someone in 9/11 as well, but it's her ability to care for others that makes her so admirable and attractive to Dusty. In the midst of this compelling story we find that local gang wants to induct the boys, Dusty is trying to save into his gang and if Dusty keeps him waiting much longer, he will make sure that his message is received loud and clear.
I received A Man of Honor compliments of Abingdon Press and Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review. I've read every single novel in Loree's First Responder Series and they are truly addicting because of how well she creates her characters. She doesn't make them perfect, but uniquely flawed so they can become believable and wind their way into our hearts like family. In A Man of Honor, you find yourself rooting for Dusty and Grace as much as the boys and girls they care for despite all the odds against them. There's even an appearance from Honor Mackenzie, the top SARs trainer from book 2. The best part about this series of books, is that Loree brings old and new characters together and blends them perfectly to create a story you'll fall in love with. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to many more in this amazing series!
A Man of Honor #3 First Responder Series by Loree Lough
A Man of Honor is the third book in the First Responder Series. Like the other two, this book catches your attention and draws you into the story and the lives of the characters.
Dusty Parker is a part-time pastor/search and rescue team member and full-time administrator of a school for troubled boys. He mentors eleven young boys, providing a stable home for them and keeping them away from a street gang in the neighborhood that threatens them if they do not join the gang. Dusty is street wise and knows what these boys are up against. His life changed when he gives his heart to Christ which leads him to service to those in need. These teenagers learn how to live with integrity, honor and trust and faith.
Grace Sinclair is a petite inner-city school teacher who is dedicated to teaching her students and helping them any way she can. She may be petite but she has strength that comes from her Savior. She relies on Him in everything in her life. She opens her home and heart to those in need.
Grace first meets Dusty while volunteering on a search and rescue for a missing young girl. Over the next several months they continue to “bump into” each other resulting in a growing attraction and love. Grace and Dusty are perfect for each other. They both share a love of God, family and these young boys; even past hurts from 9/11.
As they plan their future together, someone from Dusty's past appears with shocking news for him. What will this mean for Grace and Dusty? Can they build a life with this new development? Tragedy strikes just when things are going so well. Will Grace continue to trust God for whatever the outcome of this tragedy is? Can she go on and continue to mentor these boys?
The characters in A Man of Honor are true to life characters. They struggle just as we do. They have hurts from the past and present; danger threatens their lives; they experience sorrow and grief; learn of God's love for them and to trust Him in all things, joy and hope, service to others, honor and integrity are woven throughout the characters and the story. There are twists and turns and unexpected challenges to overcome and an ending I was not expecting. Keep those tissues handy, you will need them. This is one of those books that you can't put down to do much needed things like sleep and it stays with you long after it is finished.
~I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged) this is my honest review~
This was my first time to read Loree Lough, and it is the last book of the series. I must now read the first two. Dusty & Grace work together to parent a baker's dozen boys who were abandoned by society. Their time at Angel Acres Farm prepares the boys for future success inspired by Dusty. An excellent read. I recommend it but i would say read the series in order to get more out of it.
This book has everything I love in a great book. There is drama, police, hope, restoration, family and love! The characters and story line are well developed. There is a great page turning effect. What you expect to happen might but not always! I highly recommend this book!
I love the humor, sarcasm, and quick wit! You can't help falling in love with the boys, and Mitch and Dusty's cousin (Gavin). I also liked the many references to scripture, prayer, God and Jesus. And the fact that the two main characters are so flawed, so real, and working on their stuff, seals the deal.
I won't lie, however, that I was very heart-broken and disappointed in the tear-jerk ending. But I do believe that the author new what she was doing, and the book may not have been as memorable if Dusty had lived. The less-than-ideal ending teaches the reader a healthy way to deal with loss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Dusty Parker is a part-time pastor, part-time SAR member, and administrator of Last Chance, a school for troubled boys.
Grace Sinclair is an inner-city high school Art and English teacher. When she isn't teaching, Grace runs her family's thirty acre farm, Angel Acres.
When one of Grace's students, teenager Melissa Logan goes missing during her prom, Grace volunteers in the SAR and is partnered with Dusty. Both Grace and Dusty have troubled pasts, and as they work together on the SAR, they form a bond and find love, but one terrifying night will test the strength of their love and could change everything.
A Man Of Honor is the third book in the First Responders Series, and just when you think the series can't get any better, author Loree Lough pulls out all the stops! Masterfully written in the third person narrative, this is so much more than your ordinary romance story, it is about real life situations and the amazing lives and dedication of First Responders. The author masterfully weaves a tale that engages the reader to follow Grace and Dusty's journey, it has enough romance, drama, suspense, twist and turns that keeps the reader sitting on the edge of their seat. It is a story that will take the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride, it will make you laugh, cry, and pull at your heartstrings.
The author has a wonderful way of creating a strong cast of characters who are realistic, complex and engaging people. She creates characters who are not perfect, they have flaws like we do, they are easy to relate to and connect with, and you can't help but get drawn into their lives. I absolutely loved following along Grace and Dusty's journey, their emotional pasts and admirable professions touched my heart, they were an interesting couple that kept me engaged and interested. With a quirky supporting cast of characters, engaging dialogue and riveting interactions, A Man Of Honor is a story that is a very powerful and compelling read.
A Man Of Honor is simply a beautiful, inspirational and powerfully compelling story that will resonate with you long after the last words have been read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
A Man of Honor was a love story – a love story between people and their God, between parents and children, between a man and a woman, between friends. It was a story about living life through the tenets of faith. Dusty was a reformed bad boy, now a pastor and running a school for at-risk boys. Grace was a teacher who restructures her life for those she loves. Their worlds collide after the disappearance and death of one of Grace’s students and that simple meeting blossoms into a deep love.
Dusty was a strong character and it was easy to identify and sympathize with him. His work as a pastor, his school and its issues, his part-time search and rescue duties are all handled with depth and emotion. Grace was a bit more of a cipher. She was a teacher, but she was almost never in the school. She seemed to have almost no friends. She was generous to a fault, overly generous. I have no idea how she found time to teach with everything else she seemed to be doing. Her reactions to bad news were always so giving, it was hard to see her as much more than “perfect”. As such, this was much more Dusty’s book than Grace’s.
The pacing of the story was excellent. There were no long passages that had to be slogged through or places where a scene that needed time to build was instead rushed through. The drama of their everyday lives, whether major issues with family and gangs or simple days with the usual attendant minor struggles, played out in a well-written narrative. This was definitely a drama and the lives, needs, and ethos of first responders was very evident in this book as Grace was pulled deeper into Dusty’s world.
As the third book in a series, A Man of Honor stood very well on its own. There was never a sense that something was missing or that there were situations I should have understood but did not as a result of not reading the earlier two books.
A Man of Honor was a poignant, sweet book with characters who mostly worked. It was well-written and deals with serious issues in a manner that makes them feel surmountable. The writing was excellent and kept up interest throughout. Unfortunately, while the ending feels natural within the context of the story, it was not one that worked for me. I would have rated this book at a 4.5 were it not for the ending.
RATING: 4
REVIEWED BY: Monique Neaves
RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLISHER FOR AN HONEST REVIEW BY MY BOOK ADDICTION AND MORE
My Rating: 3.5 stars (It would have been a 4 if not for the ending).
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This is the second book I've read by Loree Lough and I've had mixed feelings about both of them. The books are always so wonderful and I love them and then I reach the end and I leave feeling deeply dissatisfied.
Like I mentioned earlier, the strength of Loree's novels is her characters. She creates character who pull on my emotions in the most poignant ways. I adored the characters. They were quirky and brilliantly developed. I was able to connect with them instantly and found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. Grace and Dusty were an interesting couple to read about and I loved learning more about both of them.
While the plot and world building isn't quite as good as the character development, both the plot and the world are still fantastic. Lough does a terrific job at creating a world that draws me in from the very beginning. This novel was no exception. The novel opened with the Search and Rescue Team trying to find a girl missing from prom, they found her, but unfortunately dead. This beginning didn't play a large role in the story other than it brought the two main characters together, and yet I didn't mind.
This novel is definitely more character-driven than plot-driven. However, I felt the story line was compelling in it's own right.
The novel was a solid 4 maybe even a 4.5 until the end. I don't want to give anything away. So I'm just going to say I didn't like the ending. It was masterfully written and technically there was nothing wrong with it. I really shouldn't knock the book down because of the ending, but I'm going to because I would have liked the novel much better if she had ended it differently.
In Summary: A brilliantly written novel with characters that I absolutely adored. Loree Lough ranks among the best when it comes to character development. I just wished the book had ended differently.
The Wrap-up: A great read. If you like romantic suspense, then check this one out. It's very well-written and was very enjoyable.
This is the third book in Loree Lough's First Responders series and, having read the first two, I can assure you that this one is as good as the others. I will start by saying if you haven't read the first two it does not matter, this is a stand alone book and does not rely on the others for a back story. This is esentially a romance, but it is also so much more than that. Dusty Parker is a part time pastor as well as running a home for teenaged boys who come from a troubled past. Grace Sinclair is a School Teacher who cares about the students in her charge, and meets Dusty whilst they are both searching for one of those students. Their attraction to each other is evident from the beginning. This is their story as well as a number of others with whom they live and work. They both ahve inner demons following 9/11 and this has made them so much more responsive to others who also have problems. Lough has an excellent wrting style which draws you into the story and she paints a picture of the characters so vivid you find yourself imagining them and empathising with them. As I said this is so much more than a romance. the story unfolds at a steady pace and then delivers a couple of realshocks about 2/3 of the way through the book. I cannot say too much without spoiling the plot, but I can say they are major and quite unexpected. My emotions were all over the place in this book which is the mark of a good writer. Thios is a Christian novel and the Christian theme is strong throughout the book, however, this is blended in well, and comes across as being completely natural. Their faith is part of who the characters are, and makes them the people they are. I would highly recommend this book and any other in the series.
I was given a copy of this book from the publishers for review. This has in no way impacted on my review which is a fair and impartial review based on my reading of the book.
I don't read many romance novels, but the author is a really nice lady and a great author. Plus, she sent me a copy of the book just for posting a recipe. :-)
The book isn't really a romance, though there is a lot of romance in it. This series was written to honor First Responders, so there is a lot in the book besides romance.
I really enjoyed the book. Loree created several great characters, and especially the main character, Dusty, and a terrific plot. There is a lot more to the book than a couple meeting and falling in love. Dusty fosters eleven boys that no one else wanted, and there is even a little bit of suspense as a gang leader causes them trouble trying to get the boys to add to his gang. I know the book is fictional, but it really struck me how we all need to do more to help others. Yes, it would disrupt your life to foster and try to help kids that had no one and some of who had been in trouble, but we all need to do more than we do. Reading the book made me want to go out and find a bunch of kids to help, which isn't really possible right now, but its great when a fiction book and move you like that and make you want to do something good.
I won't give any spoilers, but the book doesn't tie up everything in a nice little bow, and I actually didn't like the ending. I sent the author a message that said "Arrrrrgh! How could you....." But it was still worth reading, and I enjoyed all but the ending. :-) I even read the book in one day, which is what I do when a book is really good. This is a great series, and its nice to see an author undertake a series with the intention of honoring the people who are out there day after day, often risking their lives to save the lives of people they don't know.
A Man of HONOR First Responders Series #3 by Loree Lough
Dusty Parker wears many hats - pastor, search-and-rescue, and administrator of Last Chance. Grace Sinclair is a high school art and English teacher at an inner-city school. When a search for a missing 16 year old girl brings them together lives are about to be changed.
Dusty has overcome his past and spends his time working with troubled boys at Last Chance, a home he started. But gangs are moving in threatening the peace that this home stands for. Can he protect his "boys" from the danger that lurks outside their very door?
Grace spends her time reaching out to her students, trying to help them raise above the life that many of them have been raised in. when not teaching she takes care of Angel Acres the farm left to her by her grandparents. But when she needs help reaching Kylie a gifted but troubled young woman she is put in touch with Dusty.
Soon these two caring people are pooling their resources to help these hurting young people. But the past has a way of resurfacing and causing trouble. With faith in God and love they all pull together and get each other through the rough patches.
But one night everything changes in a terrifying moment. Will life ever be the same?
Be sure to have a box of tissues available throughout your reading A Man of Honor has some very touching moments that may move you to tears.
I was provided a copy of this book for the purpose of this review and all opinions expressed are my own.
When you think of what is A Man of Honor , what comes to your mind ? Is it somebody in the military ? Is it somebody you look up to in your community ? or is it somebody that you just love and respect so much that you can see and adhere to the standards they live by ? A Man of Honor by Loree Lough , starts off like a crime novel in which a search and rescue team are set up to search for a missing girl named Missy Logan. On the SAR team is Reverend Dusty Parker , he ends up being paired up with Missy's teacher Grace Angel. This novel however is not a serial killer novel and the death of Missy does not play a huge part in the book . It is more the meeting of the duo rather than the events surrounding their meeting . Dusty runs a boys home called Last Chance , when Grace realises that she needs help with a teen girl -a friend passes on Dusty's details. Little does she realise that this is the same man she met and can't stop thinking about from the SAR team. The novel then moves on and we read as Grace opens her home to Dusty and the boys. Has Grace finally found a reason for Angel Acres ? Is Dusty Parker - her man of Honor ? . Without giving too much of the story away, A Man of Honor is an emotional rollercoaster of pages with lots of up's and down's from gangs to death to hospital visits and the overwhelming power of love that Dusty shows and displays for the boys he has taken under his wing. This is a series, that I wouldn't mind checking out the first two books as if they are anywhere near as good as the third, then it will be a great read.
A Man of Honor by Loree Lough First Responders Series Book 3 Pastor Dusty Parker had come a long ways from where he once was. From living dangerous and reckless….as if it didn’t matter if he lived or died….to opening Last Chance after becoming a Pastor. Between the eleven boys, keeping up the old home they live in and having to put up with the gang leader, Gonzo, who wanted his boys in his gang….Dusty found a beautiful distraction from life while on a SAR mission.
Teacher Grace Sinclair went on the mission to look for one of her students who disappeared the week before. The handsome man she partnered with made it clear he didn’t like newbies, she never even learned his name. And yet they found each other once again and were pulled together like magnets. And she loved his Last Chance boys as well.
This is the third book in the series and I would recommend reading the first two if you enjoy “seeing” the whole story. This book don’t shy away from the real life facts. Not everything always turns up bright and happy. Loree has brought these characters to life so well that I shed many tears while reading and many smiles over the antics of the Last Chance boys. Be prepared for the unexpected.These books are more about real life situations more than romance. There is an underlying romance but the life of First Responders, real life, is the stronger theme. **Received through NetGalley for review http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Get ready for the ride of your life when you read A Man of Honor and get involved with Dusty and Gracie's lives. Gracie Sinclair a high school teacher is concerned about a student in her class and seeks out good friend Gavin who is the school counselor and gives her a number that will change her life forever. Dusty Parker founder of Last Chance a home for troubled teens is helping search for a missing girl since he is SAR and ends up with a newby(Grace) they end up finding the body of Melissa Logan. Never expecting to see the woman who helped him the day of the search until she shows up at his place and they hit it off instantly. They start working together to help the young people who need that extra hope and start on the biggest adventure God has planned! Get ready for a story with Mercy, Honor and Grace!
Loree never disappoints...........This book proves "You can judge a book by the cover." So many times we see a person who maybe is physically challenged, or doesn't dress the way we do, or has a rough exterior and we make pre-judgments about them. The character "Dusty" has a rough exterior---He dresses different and does things his own way. He is a pastor and mentor to troubled teens. Dusty is also a first responder volunteer. It is also a story of second chances...... Dusty gives the teens he mentors the second chance most people don't think they deserve. We should be willing to give people second chances because God always gives us second chances over and over even though we don't deserve them.
If you want to read a really awesome book,get yourself a copy!
This was an exceptional read-Omgosh, everytime that I finished one book of this series, the next one was even better! I so admire all first responders-in this book and in real life, especially,those in 9-11. They serve with tremendous courage,and a desire to help,and protect those they serve, even if it means putting their lives on the line. I must also mention that the dogs the first responders, train, are also part of the team,and they are awesome.There were many dog heroes in 9-11, as there were people heroes in 9-11. This is a beautiful story of love, hope, faith, courage, forgiveness,and honor! Thank you,Loree-for this awesome book, I loved it!
As the third book in the series I was not quite sure what to expect as I enjoyed the first book, but was disappointed by the second. The third book brought about the ending that should have happened in the second book. The characters were all very likable, and drew the reader in. The storyline was fairly decent, though I wished the author would have taken it a little deeper (the backgrounds of the kids, the gang in the neighborhood). I was disappointed in the ending because it was not at all how I thought the book was going to end; it left me wanting something different. Overall I enjoyed reading this book!
A Man of Honor took me a loooong time to get into, pretty much not until the last 20%, but it wasn't a terrible book. I just didn't get the story and the characters didn't connect with me right away.
The ending was terrible, but it a strange way, it made the book better in my opinion. It added emotion for me and made me feel for the characters SO much.
All in all, mixed feelings about this one. I was confused for a good portion of the story, but the ending was so heartbreaking and moving that it connected with me.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Best book I've ever read! I've read tens of thousands of books, all the classics and I can say without a doubt this is the best one! Except for the bad guy of course I came to love and adore every character in the book. I laughed, sat with straining concern to see what would happen next and cried like a baby at the end. All I can say is that Ms. Lough reminded me of how great God's love for us is, how strong my faith is and even though God's ways are not man's ways he is always right and if I can trust him with all I have he will never let me down. Well done Loree!!
If you have not yet read Loree Lough's A Man of Honor, I suggest you buy, borrow or beg a copy from someone. The twists and turns of the plot will keep you guessing (and up all night if you are a 'night reader, like I am)! Great characters and a thought provoking concept make this a wonderful read.
I bought the first 3 books of this series because I thought they sounded interesting. I didn't like the first one, but felt obligated to read the next two, because I had spent money on them. The first two books ended abruptly without a decent conclusion and the third one was a total downer. I don't plan to spend any more money on Ms. Lough's writing.