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The Bodine Family #3
The Guardian's Honor
Coast Guard officer Adam Bodine finally finds his long-vanished great-uncle. But the secretive elderly man has adopted some new kin…single mother Cathy Norwood and her disabled little boy. Adam is grateful when Cathy convinces his relative to reunite with the Bodines. Until he learns why she's so eager. Though his heartstrings are tugged by their plight, he knows he doesn't deserve them in his life—not with his past. Unless one big extended family can teach Lieutenant Bodine something about love and honor.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2010
About the author
Marta Perry
176 books784 followersMarta Perry is a Pennsylvania-based author of over 35 novels, many of them inspirational romances. She uses her rural Pennsylvania life and her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage in writing her books, especially in her Pleasant Valley Amish series for Berkley Books and her new Amish-set suspense series for HQN Books.
Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.
Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 24, 2024
I did not like this book as much as the others in this series.
December 30, 2018
This book contains the conclusion to the search for Ned Bodine and what happened to him. Other plot points include a child with spina bifida who needs an operation to be able to walk, but whose mother cannot afford the bill for it; a coast guard member with a PTSD-like issue related to a past on-duty confrontation involving a child from Cuba; and a romance for Adam Bodine.
I'm not quite sure what to make of Cathy Norwood. I think part of her issue is self-esteem--she feels like she let down her grandparents by dropping out of school and getting married to a man who left her when the baby they produced wasn't "perfect". She's an overprotective mother, and while protecting your child is admirable, I sometimes wondered if she was projecting reactions onto other people based on her own expectations. She seems very negative and very suspicious much of the time. She doesn't seem to trust the good in others or that they may be honorable and do the right thing. And while I can't fault her for hoping that there might be some money available to help her son and grandfather, that seems to be her main focus--rather than being glad he's reconnecting with family she wants to know what's in it for them--even to the point where she plans a secret trip to view the probated will to see if Ned was left anything. I honestly can't see Adam falling in love with her.
Jamie, Cathy's son, on the other hand is an open, loving child who seems to bring out the best in his grandfather. (Though he does have his moments of not wanting to do things etc. so he's not portrayed as a "perfect" child in that sense either.) I can see Adam (and everyone else) falling in love with this little boy.
Both Cathy and Adam show some personal growth within the plot. I am proud of Cathy for refusing the first proposal for reasons other than fear and the other negatives she began the novel with.
I'm not quite sure what to make of Cathy Norwood. I think part of her issue is self-esteem--she feels like she let down her grandparents by dropping out of school and getting married to a man who left her when the baby they produced wasn't "perfect". She's an overprotective mother, and while protecting your child is admirable, I sometimes wondered if she was projecting reactions onto other people based on her own expectations. She seems very negative and very suspicious much of the time. She doesn't seem to trust the good in others or that they may be honorable and do the right thing. And while I can't fault her for hoping that there might be some money available to help her son and grandfather, that seems to be her main focus--rather than being glad he's reconnecting with family she wants to know what's in it for them--even to the point where she plans a secret trip to view the probated will to see if Ned was left anything. I honestly can't see Adam falling in love with her.
Jamie, Cathy's son, on the other hand is an open, loving child who seems to bring out the best in his grandfather. (Though he does have his moments of not wanting to do things etc. so he's not portrayed as a "perfect" child in that sense either.) I can see Adam (and everyone else) falling in love with this little boy.
Both Cathy and Adam show some personal growth within the plot. I am proud of Cathy for refusing the first proposal for reasons other than fear and the other negatives she began the novel with.
January 25, 2024
First, I docked a star for the title. What 'guardian'? Are we talking about Cathy? She's his MOTHER. Are we talking about Ned? He's her GRANDFATHER. Are we talking about Adam? He's *no one's* guardian. The title is absurd.
This is book four in a four-book series. You DO NOT want to read this without reading the others, because it's the wrap-up to a huge hunt that's gone on with clues thru all of the other books. Additionally, there are a million family members that will drive anyone crazy who hasn't read the other books.
Also, this is NOT book four. It's book three, because 'Love, Inspired' switch-a-roo-ed books 3 and 4, and they're out of order, apparently. Not that it matters, because book three is such a hot mess, I recommend everyone just throw it RIGHT in the burn barrel. And by the way, book three isn't book 3, it's book 2.5, apparently. You do not need book 2.5/3/butactually4. Not at all.
Books one and two were excellent, and this one follows in the same vein. I'm just seriously irritated that Perry stopped after only telling Georgia, Amanda, (okay, Annabelle), and Adam's stories. There are more stories to tell, hello - what about Hugh? What about Cole? What about Luke? Miz Callie could even have a story, for all that!
And I still feel as though Ashton's wife should've died along the way. She was a harpie/snob in book 1, and Ashton as a widower with his own story would've been amazing. Instead, Perry screws it up by somehow forgetting that Delia was a shrew in book 1 and suddenly turns her into this paragon in book 3. What the farts!?
In this story, Adam finally tracks down the long-lost Uncle Ned. He's living in a farmhouse in rural Georgia with his step-granddaughter and her son (his step-great-grandson? Is that a thing?? And where is Ned's stepdaughter? Nobody ever even MENTIONS her, so... Marta? What the heck?!!). He's bitter over past wounds and closed off to everyone, including Cathy (the SGD).
Adam drags them all back to Carolina to meet the family and 'heal' - because he's the responsible one and that's what he does. I'm sorry, but Adam wouldn't be mid-30s and single, if he's 1) responsible, 2) employed and a supervisor, 3) a good chrischun boy, 4) a paragon of military valor, and 5) loaded with family and goodness and lovingkindness. He'd already be hitched, YEARS ago.
But he's conveniently available and takes Cathy and her boy under his wing, and luvvvv happens and faith happens and forgiveness happens and... YES. It's well done. Yes, it's well-written, like books 1 and 2, and I really enjoyed it. Except for all of the above. Which I'm assuming most readers wouldn't even notice, as the world of novel-obsessed women is rather shallow and obtuse.
I guess I'm jaded from book 2.5/3/really4 and the fact that there were SO MANY continuances that could've happened and didn't. And the fact that I wanted Perry to be more Brockmann-ish, but she wasn't. All my own hang-ups, but there they are.
This is book four in a four-book series. You DO NOT want to read this without reading the others, because it's the wrap-up to a huge hunt that's gone on with clues thru all of the other books. Additionally, there are a million family members that will drive anyone crazy who hasn't read the other books.
Also, this is NOT book four. It's book three, because 'Love, Inspired' switch-a-roo-ed books 3 and 4, and they're out of order, apparently. Not that it matters, because book three is such a hot mess, I recommend everyone just throw it RIGHT in the burn barrel. And by the way, book three isn't book 3, it's book 2.5, apparently. You do not need book 2.5/3/butactually4. Not at all.
Books one and two were excellent, and this one follows in the same vein. I'm just seriously irritated that Perry stopped after only telling Georgia, Amanda, (okay, Annabelle), and Adam's stories. There are more stories to tell, hello - what about Hugh? What about Cole? What about Luke? Miz Callie could even have a story, for all that!
And I still feel as though Ashton's wife should've died along the way. She was a harpie/snob in book 1, and Ashton as a widower with his own story would've been amazing. Instead, Perry screws it up by somehow forgetting that Delia was a shrew in book 1 and suddenly turns her into this paragon in book 3. What the farts!?
In this story, Adam finally tracks down the long-lost Uncle Ned. He's living in a farmhouse in rural Georgia with his step-granddaughter and her son (his step-great-grandson? Is that a thing?? And where is Ned's stepdaughter? Nobody ever even MENTIONS her, so... Marta? What the heck?!!). He's bitter over past wounds and closed off to everyone, including Cathy (the SGD).
Adam drags them all back to Carolina to meet the family and 'heal' - because he's the responsible one and that's what he does. I'm sorry, but Adam wouldn't be mid-30s and single, if he's 1) responsible, 2) employed and a supervisor, 3) a good chrischun boy, 4) a paragon of military valor, and 5) loaded with family and goodness and lovingkindness. He'd already be hitched, YEARS ago.
But he's conveniently available and takes Cathy and her boy under his wing, and luvvvv happens and faith happens and forgiveness happens and... YES. It's well done. Yes, it's well-written, like books 1 and 2, and I really enjoyed it. Except for all of the above. Which I'm assuming most readers wouldn't even notice, as the world of novel-obsessed women is rather shallow and obtuse.
I guess I'm jaded from book 2.5/3/really4 and the fact that there were SO MANY continuances that could've happened and didn't. And the fact that I wanted Perry to be more Brockmann-ish, but she wasn't. All my own hang-ups, but there they are.
September 9, 2018
A pleasant conclusion to the Bodine family trilogy. I enjoyed the beach scenes, the little boy in the tidal pools, and Miz Callie, as always. A good gift from a good friend. "The Guardian's Honor" was said to be one of the better romances in a box of books, and I agree.
Although these Love Inspired romances frequently have single-parent situations, and I suspect that's wish-fulfillment literature for single-parent readers, I am finding that I do enjoy reading the books with children. I appreciate their antics and their point of view, in keeping situations from becoming too serious or melodramatic. Jamie's medical issues in this one do naturally add to the crisis involved.
I thought the descriptions and the character descriptions were well done, particularly Cathy's motivations for some of her secretive actions. The plot was a little predictable, but I found that I didn't even mind because it was so well told. I do think that Adam's secret could have led him down much darker paths than could be wrapped up in so short a book.
SPOILER - I was proud of one character for refusing a marriage proposal.
A different friend of mine would state that it's not very clear what the characters believe in this book, and that's true. But the characterization of this family has been building throughout this series, as far as what beliefs and values they hold together. Of course, an individual in the family could disagree, but Adam's issue seems to be more emotional than philosophical.
Favorite quotes: (All Miz Callie quotes)
"I've never been overly impressed with the wisdom of most people."
"It's always dangerous to have specific dreams for your children and grandchildren. Life so often takes them in another direction. I find I have to count on the good Lord to get them to the place where they belong."
"If there's one thing I've learned as I've gotten older, it's that the best way to look at the past is to sift through it for those bright moments. They'll come up, shining like a bit of beach glass in the sand, and you can just let the rest slip away."
Although these Love Inspired romances frequently have single-parent situations, and I suspect that's wish-fulfillment literature for single-parent readers, I am finding that I do enjoy reading the books with children. I appreciate their antics and their point of view, in keeping situations from becoming too serious or melodramatic. Jamie's medical issues in this one do naturally add to the crisis involved.
I thought the descriptions and the character descriptions were well done, particularly Cathy's motivations for some of her secretive actions. The plot was a little predictable, but I found that I didn't even mind because it was so well told. I do think that Adam's secret could have led him down much darker paths than could be wrapped up in so short a book.
SPOILER - I was proud of one character for refusing a marriage proposal.
A different friend of mine would state that it's not very clear what the characters believe in this book, and that's true. But the characterization of this family has been building throughout this series, as far as what beliefs and values they hold together. Of course, an individual in the family could disagree, but Adam's issue seems to be more emotional than philosophical.
Favorite quotes: (All Miz Callie quotes)
"I've never been overly impressed with the wisdom of most people."
"It's always dangerous to have specific dreams for your children and grandchildren. Life so often takes them in another direction. I find I have to count on the good Lord to get them to the place where they belong."
"If there's one thing I've learned as I've gotten older, it's that the best way to look at the past is to sift through it for those bright moments. They'll come up, shining like a bit of beach glass in the sand, and you can just let the rest slip away."
July 12, 2019
Cathy has her hands full taking care of her grandfather and her son, Jamie is disabled and she is very protective of him. She also tends to be over protective of her grandfather as well. She is outside tending the garden when some man shows up asking questions about a Ned Bodine. It seems Ned Bodine disappeared from his family many years ago and Miz Calli is looking for him. Adam shows up at Cathy's grandfather's house because he thinks her grandfather is Ned.
This book is such an emotional read, it kept me on the edge of my seat and I ended up reading this book in one night because I could not go to sleep until I was done.
This book is such an emotional read, it kept me on the edge of my seat and I ended up reading this book in one night because I could not go to sleep until I was done.
May 2, 2022
A good predictable quick read. Probably a good side read amongst the heavier reads I have been reading. Sometimes though I struggle with the perfect package presented as if the engagement solves all of life's problems. And always in such a short timeframe. For entertainment it's a nice story.... if it were penning a true parallel it would be so much messier.
June 19, 2026
What a delightful reading experience. The characters in The Guardian's Honor were so believable and unforgettable. I will probably remember Jamie, Adam and all the others for some time to come. Thank you, Marta, for memorable hours spent in this lovely book.
May 29, 2019
Sigh. I read the book cover to cover. Although a short read, I probably could've read it in one sitting. However it did take a day to finish because I found myself constantly putting the book down to walk away. For me, I just don't see the inspiration in this book. Cathy Norwood was not a loveable character by any stretch of the imagination. She was negative pretty much through the whole book. I did not see a believable love developing between her and the love interest Adam at all. The book was a depressing read and the only reason I finished was because I fell in love with the supporting characters Jaime (Cathy's little boy) and Miz Callie. I might read other Marta Perry books to learn more about the Bodine family, but definitely not without reading other reviews first. Because of this interest I rated the book two-stars instead of the one-star I really feel it deserves.
My Ratings:
5*****I loved this book, consider it an all time favorite
4**** Thoroughly enjoyed the book and will recommend it
3*** I liked it well enough,
2** Brain Candy - It was okay. Writing mediocre, will
keep/re-read if part of a series
1* didn't like/possibly not finished. (less)
My Ratings:
5*****I loved this book, consider it an all time favorite
4**** Thoroughly enjoyed the book and will recommend it
3*** I liked it well enough,
2** Brain Candy - It was okay. Writing mediocre, will
keep/re-read if part of a series
1* didn't like/possibly not finished. (less)
January 31, 2011
In this third book about the Bodine family, long lost Uncle Ned is found and brought back to Charleston to be reunited with this family. His stepgrandaughter, Cathy has a son with spinal bifida, who needs an operation. Cathy can’t afford the operation because she dropped out of college. She dropped out to marry the wrong man, who left her when her son was born with problems. These choices have left a rift between her and her grandfather. They come to Charleston with more than one kind of baggage.
Adam has baggage too. As an officer in the Coast Guard, he had a tragic accident at sea. It has left him shaken and unsure of himself.
The story flows nicely, but again, with only surface information about the settings and people. Adam’s problem isn’t really bad enough to warrant his confusion, in my opinion. There are many facets to the characters’ motivations and personas that could have been dug into more deeply.
But, it was a pleasant read, a nicely plotted story, with the ever popular happy ending.
I also recommend Stars Shine After Dark, for romance with something to think about woven into the plot.
Adam has baggage too. As an officer in the Coast Guard, he had a tragic accident at sea. It has left him shaken and unsure of himself.
The story flows nicely, but again, with only surface information about the settings and people. Adam’s problem isn’t really bad enough to warrant his confusion, in my opinion. There are many facets to the characters’ motivations and personas that could have been dug into more deeply.
But, it was a pleasant read, a nicely plotted story, with the ever popular happy ending.
I also recommend Stars Shine After Dark, for romance with something to think about woven into the plot.
October 7, 2013
Ahh . . . Ned Bodine has finally been found! I really liked the whole mystery/genealogical search for Ned in the past 2 books of the series, so it was nice to see that come to a conclusion.
I also enjoyed getting to 'know' Adam, Georgia's oldest brother. I thought both he and Cathy (Ned's adopted granddaughter) were very well-rounded characters.
I was a little sad about Jamie's character. I have a friend who has a son with Spina Bifida, and Jamie's circumstances were FAR removed from what little M is going through. I suppose there can be varying levels of SB, but Jamie's case seemed far too mild to actually represent the disease. Ahh well . . . can't win 'em all!
I also enjoyed getting to 'know' Adam, Georgia's oldest brother. I thought both he and Cathy (Ned's adopted granddaughter) were very well-rounded characters.
I was a little sad about Jamie's character. I have a friend who has a son with Spina Bifida, and Jamie's circumstances were FAR removed from what little M is going through. I suppose there can be varying levels of SB, but Jamie's case seemed far too mild to actually represent the disease. Ahh well . . . can't win 'em all!
September 9, 2012
Short little novel about Adam finding his long-lost great-uncle with a step-daughter. Pieces of the Bodine family comes together as you learn why the great-uncle left the family and never contacted them. Meanwhile Cathy tries to learn how to trust the new family with her special needs son James.
216 pages
216 pages
July 3, 2014
Wrapped up too quickly again. Adam Bodine is trying to forget an incident in Miami, while looking for his long lost great uncle Ned. Cathy Norwood, son Jaime with Spina Bifida, needs funds for an operation. Is her step-grandfather, the great uncle to Adam?
October 8, 2022
Christian romance. Light reading by one of my favorite authors, Marta Perry. This one is a contemporary story. Many of hers are Amish but this one isn't. Adam tracks down his long lost great uncle. Cathy is his step-granddaughter. Jamie is Cathy's disabled son.
May 10, 2011
Really really enjoyed it; couldn't put it down. :)
January 9, 2014
Long lost uncle comes back home to family in South Carolina.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews