A review by robin_is_me
Honor's Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman, Hallee Bridgeman

emotional hopeful medium-paced

5.0

This third book in the Love and Honor series deviates from the path the first two books took, as the action is all in the US. Phil was the medic for an elite military team, until he was injured in a firefight in an African jungle, which resulted in the amputation of his leg. While he’s learned to navigate life with an artificial limb, he’s still struggling with feelings of loss and not feeling like a whole man. Rather than going back to work as a doctor, Phil is an EMT now. Melissa runs a shelter for victims of domestic abuse. When she has a client who needs medical care but won’t go to a hospital, Melissa calls Phil. A friendship has developed between the two of them, and while Melissa would like more, Phil does not believe he’s worthy of her, that she deserves a “whole” man. 

As much as I loved Phil, I did sometimes want to knock some sense into him. How could he not see how Melissa felt, that she didn’t care about his leg? Fortunately, Melissa is patient. As in the first two books, the characterization is so well written. We had already met Phil in the first book, and were along for the ride when he was injured, and I was excited to read this book and learn more about him, and to also get to know his family. And my heart broke for him when his family was faced with a shocking tragedy, that was almost hard to even read about. 

Melissa and her sister, Lola, were separated as children after their father killed their mother. As an adult, Melissa has been searching for Lola for a long time. When she tells Phil about Lola, Phil calls on two of his buddies, and the three of them track her down. Melissa’s reunion with Lola was fraught with fear and emotion. Her husband is not a good man, and as the pages flew by I became more and more anxious, knowing that there will be a confrontation, constantly expecting it, and when it finally came my adrenaline was pounding. 

While faith and Christianity are a theme throughout the series, this entry explored that a little deeper than the first two books. Phil and Melissa attend the same church, and faith and acceptance play a large part in Phil’s emotional journey. His faith in God’s plan for him, his acceptance of God’s love, and eventually of Melissa’s love. A journey that I profoundly enjoyed taking with him and Melissa. The next book comes out in February, I believe, and I will be eagerly awaiting it. 

*I received a free copy of this book via the publisher and have voluntarily reviewed it*