Love and Honor Honor's Refuge, (Paperback)

If you are looking for an action driven, edge of your seat thriller this is the book for you. It does contain sensitive issues that could be a trigger for some readers. I liked the main female character Melissa. Coming from an abusive childhood, she now runs a shelter that houses people who need to find a safe place. She and her friend carefully bring men, women and children there and help them escape their abusive relationship. I admire all the hard work Melissa and her friend have taken to make others feel safe. They give them a chance to start a new life. Phil has seen his share of trauma from being in the service. Losing a leg at times makes him feel like he is less than a man which holds him back from relationships. I liked how he wanted to do something meaningful for Melissa and was able to find her sister that she lost touch with when they were separated as children. What he didn't know was the danger Melissa's sister was in. There is a good faith element in the story which illustrates how we can call out to Jesus in our time of need. The story takes on a dangerous man who is involved in the drug cartel. He also happens to be married to Melissa's sister. With determination Phil and Mellisa team up to help her sister that brings trouble to everyone at the shelter. There is a leak somewhere in the government that puts lives in danger. A tragedy shakes the operation to its core. I liked how the author keeps readers guessing as the story has twists that kept you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss this intense story of faith, danger, secrets and healing from your past. I received a copy of this book from The Librarything Early Reader Program. The review is my own opinion.

This book was absolutely riveting from beginning to end. The story of a soldier wounded in a battle and finding his self-worth again was one that tugged at all of my heartstrings. The fact that the woman who is attracted to him runs a shelter for those who have been abused was powerfully portrayed and completely realistic. Melissa continues to pray for and pursue a relationship with Phil even when he continues to rebuff her because he doesn't feel like a complete man since he lost his leg. I enjoyed the characters and how they developed separately and also drew together to make each other stronger. The plot was very fast-paced and included drug lords and a cartel bent on revenge. Phil is like a white knight who doesn't realize what a hero he really is until a situation forces him to be the man God created him to be. This book is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone and it is my favorite of the series. All opinions expressed here are my own.