Walking on Broken Glass: From Ashes to Honor: Book 1 in the First Responders series [Paperback]

Product Details

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (September 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 142670769X
ISBN-13: 978-1426707698
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

By : Loree Lough
List Price : ~~$14.99~~
Price : $9.98
You Save : $5.01 (33%)

From Ashes to Honor: Book 1 in the First Responders series [Paperback]

Client Reviews

From Ashes to Honor by Loree Lough has remarkable characterization, an exciting plot, and a robust, faith-based message. It was an exciting, enjoyable, quick read. It left me with hope for Austin, Bud, and Flora and an understanding of the struggles faced by Mercy, Griff, and Cora. On the other hand, although the characterization was outstanding, the plot at occasions seemed particularly slightly beneath-created by comparison, primarily thinking about the major hero was an EMT, the heroine was attacked, and two other minor characters (Flora and Griff) faced equivalent crises.
In the introduction, Loree explains that she seeks to illuminate and praise the heroism, faith, and strength of the very first responders of September 11, and all first responders since. This, she does, and she does it well by means of her depiction of Austin, one particular of the two key characters. Hero Austin, though challenged by all he has faced, is invincible, strong, and stalwart--honorable and admirable since of the matters he has overcome. Austin's struggle and strength right after September 11th had been poignant, heart-warming, touching, and inspiring. They teach the reader much about what it indicates to be a Christian and face incredibly painful circumstances beyond our manage however to hold fast to our convictions and faith. They teach us about real life problems, such as regrets that cannot be righted, grief, doubt, alcoholism, and burdensome obligations. And Austin's struggle ultimately, with the ending, reminds us that peace and resolution comes only from when supply--God.
Nonetheless, immediately after the tragedy of September 11th, particular components of this book compound tragedy upon tragedy lacking resolution, especially for Dr. Mercy Samara. Was it a properly-written, excellent book? Yes. But was I happy with the ending? No. I was surprised when I realized I was on the last page. I thumbed backwards to see if I had skimmed more than a paragraph and missed some important resolution. I thumbed forward to the preview of the next book in the series to see if Lough would pick up where this book ends (it does not seem that she does). I went back to the introduction to read once again what Lough's objective in writing this book was. And I promptly began to list out in my head all of the elements of the plot that prevented a resolution that spoke of hope, comfort, and appreciate for Mercy. There were a large number of, and the plot seemed a bit unfair to Mercy.
Does the book portray actual life, regardless of how items finish? Yes. Really should ultimately our peace stem from God and our divine romance with Him? Yes. Shouldn't I be accepting of a hero who chooses God above all else? Yes. Was the plot Biblical and full of truth in each and every aspect? Yes. But what would have been a 5 star read became something a bit less for me. What was lacking was resolution of Mercy's story and hardships. Her resolution did not have to be happy, it didn't have to be what I would have chosen, but she needed to be given relevance and consideration. Because she was a prominent character, I felt like she deserved a even more substantial role in the ending. Her feelings toward her mother and even her attackers were never re-visited in the book.
All in all, however, a very good read that lacks a resolute ending.

Wow! This book was not what I was expecting! What I had expected was a fictional, faith based account of 9/11. What I got was a love story, a couple in reality, and struggle of faith.
Austin lost his twin brother in the towers and Mercy was the Dr. who was assigned to aid all the 1st responders deal with the tragedy. In the starting of the book Austin is incredibly hostile to Mercy but when they meet once again years later in a several place sparks fly. What develops is a speedy moving enjoy story. While the author does not dwell too significantly on Mercy's faith struggle, she does on Austin's. He refuses to not be "equally yoked" to the woman he has fallen in appreciate with and she, Mercy, refuses to even talk about the topic. We watch Austin struggle with this all through the book whilst it doesn't appear to bother Mercy. Her feeling is that God takes away every little thing she has ever loved.
Bring in Bud and Flora, Austin's neighbors. They are a ray of sunshine and have struggles of their own. You expect by way of the book that the outcome of Flora's health troubles will go in one direction but the reader is pleasantly surprised. It is entertaining to read how their lives and wisdom intertwine with Austin and Mercy.
I really did adore this book. It was not at all what I had expected but significantly much better. I very recommed this book.
Oh, word to the smart. Have tissues handy for Chapter 34. It will grab your heart. And the end of the book will be a full surprise!