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A Life to Protect
There's no guarantee she'll fall in love with him, but he'll do everything in his power to protect her from a ruthless man determined to cause her harm.
Zechariah Matthews has a good life in Silver Springs. As the town blacksmith, he's known for lending a helping hand when trouble comes knocking at a friend's door. His taller than average stature makes him appear more frightening than he really is, but deep down, he's a softy. At least, that's what his friends tell him.
When his sister doesn't appear on the stagecoach but an old friend from back East arrives in her place, Zechariah's faced with a decision. Send her back to where she came from or protect her, no matter what the cost.
Olga Peterson finds herself in danger. When Olga's best friend suggests taking her place and leaving New York behind, she jumps at the chance. She knows the man who took her hand will hunt her down, but she doesn't see a way out of the situation. Except to go West and find her best friend’s brother.
Arriving in the small mountain town finally gives Olga the reprieve she needs from constantly looking over her shoulder. Unfortunately, the one person she's excited to see doesn't feel the same.
When danger arrives on Olga's tail, Zechariah does the only honorable thing he can to keep her safe. It may not stop the threat, but his actions will protect her. At least, he hopes they will.
Join Zechariah and Olga as they fight the danger that followed Olga West. In A Life to Protect, they must work together and trust in the One who made them to see them through, no matter what.
Zechariah Matthews has a good life in Silver Springs. As the town blacksmith, he's known for lending a helping hand when trouble comes knocking at a friend's door. His taller than average stature makes him appear more frightening than he really is, but deep down, he's a softy. At least, that's what his friends tell him.
When his sister doesn't appear on the stagecoach but an old friend from back East arrives in her place, Zechariah's faced with a decision. Send her back to where she came from or protect her, no matter what the cost.
Olga Peterson finds herself in danger. When Olga's best friend suggests taking her place and leaving New York behind, she jumps at the chance. She knows the man who took her hand will hunt her down, but she doesn't see a way out of the situation. Except to go West and find her best friend’s brother.
Arriving in the small mountain town finally gives Olga the reprieve she needs from constantly looking over her shoulder. Unfortunately, the one person she's excited to see doesn't feel the same.
When danger arrives on Olga's tail, Zechariah does the only honorable thing he can to keep her safe. It may not stop the threat, but his actions will protect her. At least, he hopes they will.
Join Zechariah and Olga as they fight the danger that followed Olga West. In A Life to Protect, they must work together and trust in the One who made them to see them through, no matter what.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2025
15 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Joi Copeland
181 books108 followersJoi Copeland is a wife, mom of three wonderful boys, and Christian novelist. Her husband and their three sons make their home in Galway, Ireland.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 9, 2025
Joi Copeland’s A Life to Protect, invites Readers back out west to the town of Silver Springs in the 1840s via Ms. Copeland’s Silver Springs Series to experience a story they soon won’t forget! Silver Springs blacksmith, Zechariah, is enjoying life in Silver Springs seeing his friends and their families bloom and prosper while Zechariah excitedly awaits the arrival of his sister all the way from New York. Olga flees her life in New York and goes out west to Silver Springs for safety from a man who will not take no for an answer. Olga hopes that when she gets to Silver Springs that her Best Friend’s brother Zechariah will watch out for her. Expecting his sister and shocked to find Olga arriving in Silver Springs instead, Zechariah reads his Family’s letter that was sent along with Olga about the reasoning for sending Olga to Silver Springs and asking Zechariah to protect her at all costs. Zechariah does the only thing he knows to do to give Olga protection: marry Olga immediately. Olga wasn’t expecting to be married to the only man she’s had feelings for her entire life less than a day after arriving in Silver Springs, but Olga doesn’t reject it either. The last year of Olga’s life has been a difficult one, not only was Olga warding off advances from a man who won’t take no for an answer, but that same man abandon her in a fire that caused her to lose her arm. Adjusting to life in Silver Springs is easier said than done for Olga, constantly looking over her shoulder in fear and learning how to do once simple tasks with only one arm instead of two. As Olga and Zechariah adjust to married life together, they can hardly believe they got married to each other and believe that they can continue as friends only—but that soon proves difficult. A Life to Protect is more than a Cozy Historical Western read, but a read about learning to Trust God over all.
I loved reading A Life to Protect and getting caught up in the Silver Springs series that Joi Copeland creates! Ms. Copeland has a knack for crafting a story and transporting the Reader into a world that doesn’t shy away from God-Honoring Truth’s while tackling the issues of life that creep up. I loved meeting Olga and Zechariah! I admire Zechariah’s Family for the way they cared for Olga until she arrived safely to Zechariah. I found the way that Zechariah found out about Olga’s existence in Silver Springs amusing and the way he chose to protect Olga to be endearing and hilarious all at the same time! I like the way that Ms. Copeland explored the reasons why Zechariah protected Olga the way he did and the lessons he learned from them. I appreciated that Ms. Copeland gave Olga a disability and profiled some of what Olga had to learn to readjust to life. I like that Olga wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, and how, in the process, Zechariah learned to get Olga’s perspective on things. I love the splash of intrigue that was part of A Life to Protect and how many people in Silver Springs watched out for Olga while everyone still went about their daily lives. I thought that those scenes gave a tangible example of how life doesn’t stop just because we go through things and how often we have to keep going even though we may want to stop. I love how Friends from previous books in the Silver Springs Series made an appearance in A Life to Protect and seeing where they are in their lives. I love the lessons that were woven into the plot about Trusting God with our lives no matter how things end up and how Ms. Copland reminds us that God is Control. I’m thankful for the much needed escape and lessons that God taught me through Ms. Copeland’s A Life to Protect! If you are looking for an escape with reminders of God’s Truth along the way, I highly recommend A Life to Protect by Joi Copeland! I am excited to see what Ms. Copeland does next with the Silver Springs Series!
Have you read A Life to Protect? What did you think of the book?
I would like to thank Joi Copeland for letting me be a part of her Launch Team and giving me a copy of A Life to Protect to review, as well as what I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
I loved reading A Life to Protect and getting caught up in the Silver Springs series that Joi Copeland creates! Ms. Copeland has a knack for crafting a story and transporting the Reader into a world that doesn’t shy away from God-Honoring Truth’s while tackling the issues of life that creep up. I loved meeting Olga and Zechariah! I admire Zechariah’s Family for the way they cared for Olga until she arrived safely to Zechariah. I found the way that Zechariah found out about Olga’s existence in Silver Springs amusing and the way he chose to protect Olga to be endearing and hilarious all at the same time! I like the way that Ms. Copeland explored the reasons why Zechariah protected Olga the way he did and the lessons he learned from them. I appreciated that Ms. Copeland gave Olga a disability and profiled some of what Olga had to learn to readjust to life. I like that Olga wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, and how, in the process, Zechariah learned to get Olga’s perspective on things. I love the splash of intrigue that was part of A Life to Protect and how many people in Silver Springs watched out for Olga while everyone still went about their daily lives. I thought that those scenes gave a tangible example of how life doesn’t stop just because we go through things and how often we have to keep going even though we may want to stop. I love how Friends from previous books in the Silver Springs Series made an appearance in A Life to Protect and seeing where they are in their lives. I love the lessons that were woven into the plot about Trusting God with our lives no matter how things end up and how Ms. Copland reminds us that God is Control. I’m thankful for the much needed escape and lessons that God taught me through Ms. Copeland’s A Life to Protect! If you are looking for an escape with reminders of God’s Truth along the way, I highly recommend A Life to Protect by Joi Copeland! I am excited to see what Ms. Copeland does next with the Silver Springs Series!
Have you read A Life to Protect? What did you think of the book?
I would like to thank Joi Copeland for letting me be a part of her Launch Team and giving me a copy of A Life to Protect to review, as well as what I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
April 17, 2025
Sweet, heartwarming and Gospel-centered. Beautiful story
An easy style and comfortable prose make this faith-filled story with a well-developed plot and lovable characters a delight to read.
Zechariah and Olga struggle to trust God to control the matters of their lives as well as of their hearts. As they face difficulties, they grow stronger in their faith and in their friendship. Olga discovers her worth in God’s eyes, or in the eyes of the people who care, hasn’t changed with the change in her physical abilities and learns to receive love. And Zechariah learns that God is the one who protects the best.
My favorite part is how sweet and tender their friendship grows into love, and vestiges of attraction and long ago interest blooms into a solid bond, even with a marriage-of-convenience hanging over them.
It’s also heartwarming to see the characters from the previous books reappear and observe things from their views as it truly makes the series complete. The beloved characters meet, laugh, talk, take care of each, be friends, and just live, and that adds beauty to the story. We also see how they still grow in their marriages and learn to let God take care of their fears. Though it is book 4 and the story is about Zechariah, I enjoyed seeing the others being so present.
Another part I enjoyed are the opportunities presented to see God’s love and care to those in need and those lost in their feelings of failure, loneliness, or rejection. There is forgiveness and redemption for those who turn to him. As always with Mrs. Copeland, this story is unapologetically Gospel-centered, and this time the characters see that waiting and trusting the Lord’s hand is always more valuable than rushing into fixing things on your own. But even then, God redeems.
Be prepared for smiles, for joy, and for tears.
Possible triggers: loss of a child, physical disability, infertility, attempt at suicide, death.
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
An easy style and comfortable prose make this faith-filled story with a well-developed plot and lovable characters a delight to read.
Zechariah and Olga struggle to trust God to control the matters of their lives as well as of their hearts. As they face difficulties, they grow stronger in their faith and in their friendship. Olga discovers her worth in God’s eyes, or in the eyes of the people who care, hasn’t changed with the change in her physical abilities and learns to receive love. And Zechariah learns that God is the one who protects the best.
My favorite part is how sweet and tender their friendship grows into love, and vestiges of attraction and long ago interest blooms into a solid bond, even with a marriage-of-convenience hanging over them.
It’s also heartwarming to see the characters from the previous books reappear and observe things from their views as it truly makes the series complete. The beloved characters meet, laugh, talk, take care of each, be friends, and just live, and that adds beauty to the story. We also see how they still grow in their marriages and learn to let God take care of their fears. Though it is book 4 and the story is about Zechariah, I enjoyed seeing the others being so present.
Another part I enjoyed are the opportunities presented to see God’s love and care to those in need and those lost in their feelings of failure, loneliness, or rejection. There is forgiveness and redemption for those who turn to him. As always with Mrs. Copeland, this story is unapologetically Gospel-centered, and this time the characters see that waiting and trusting the Lord’s hand is always more valuable than rushing into fixing things on your own. But even then, God redeems.
Be prepared for smiles, for joy, and for tears.
Possible triggers: loss of a child, physical disability, infertility, attempt at suicide, death.
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
April 21, 2025
This is another compelling adventure to the Silver Springs series. This story focuses on the last of the four friends we meet in "A Heart to Protect" - Zechariah. Expecting his sister, Zechariah is surprised when the sister's friend Olga shows up instead. This sets Zechariah into making hasty decisions that effect not only him and Olga but those around them.
While this wasn't my favorite of the series, it was still very much a page turner. While I didn't connect with Zechariah as a character, and I felt the main storyline felt forced and convenient at times, the book does reveal a lot about his character and the Christian message is weaved throughout without coming off preachy. We get to see the progress of the relationships of the characters we've already met- Jane and Enoch's expanding family, Doc and Delilah are still guiding forces, and Dawson and Ruby are navigating their marriage. I really liked seeing the progression of Dawson's relationship with Ruby. Dan and Tilly's storyline is heartbreaking but told well. John and Winona is another plotline which grabs the readers attention. It does kind of drop off unexpectedly but as theirs is the main storyline for the next book, I have no doubt it will be resolved satisfactorly.
This is another good addition to the Silver Springs series and one that I am sure you will enjoy.
While this wasn't my favorite of the series, it was still very much a page turner. While I didn't connect with Zechariah as a character, and I felt the main storyline felt forced and convenient at times, the book does reveal a lot about his character and the Christian message is weaved throughout without coming off preachy. We get to see the progress of the relationships of the characters we've already met- Jane and Enoch's expanding family, Doc and Delilah are still guiding forces, and Dawson and Ruby are navigating their marriage. I really liked seeing the progression of Dawson's relationship with Ruby. Dan and Tilly's storyline is heartbreaking but told well. John and Winona is another plotline which grabs the readers attention. It does kind of drop off unexpectedly but as theirs is the main storyline for the next book, I have no doubt it will be resolved satisfactorly.
This is another good addition to the Silver Springs series and one that I am sure you will enjoy.
April 23, 2025
This is a clean Christian historical romance. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. (Though it is a better read if you read the previous books.)
Zechariah is waiting for his sister to arrive in Silver Springs. However, her best friend, Olga, arrives in her place. Zechariah didn’t see her arrive as he was out of town. She was on the couch when he arrived and he went straight to bed. When he woke up and saw her, he made her get married to him. She had arrived there as she had someone stalking her back home. Can she be safe with Zechariah. She has always had a crush on him. Can this work out?
This was a great historical Christian romance. I am enjoying this series. I like seeing what is happening with characters. There is an unexpected event that does happen, so I’m looking forward to another story with that particular character.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Zechariah is waiting for his sister to arrive in Silver Springs. However, her best friend, Olga, arrives in her place. Zechariah didn’t see her arrive as he was out of town. She was on the couch when he arrived and he went straight to bed. When he woke up and saw her, he made her get married to him. She had arrived there as she had someone stalking her back home. Can she be safe with Zechariah. She has always had a crush on him. Can this work out?
This was a great historical Christian romance. I am enjoying this series. I like seeing what is happening with characters. There is an unexpected event that does happen, so I’m looking forward to another story with that particular character.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
April 19, 2025
This is a sweet and gentle story of how love grows between Zechariah and Olga. Danger lurking in the unknown brings out their feelings for each other. Their trust in God sees them through.
But this story is also heart-breaking for Tilly & Dan and John & Winona. I’m eager to know how these hearts are healed. Other characters from previous stories are woven throughout and you feel like part of the family as you watch them move forward in life.
I really enjoy this series. I’m looking forward to new releases. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
But this story is also heart-breaking for Tilly & Dan and John & Winona. I’m eager to know how these hearts are healed. Other characters from previous stories are woven throughout and you feel like part of the family as you watch them move forward in life.
I really enjoy this series. I’m looking forward to new releases. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
April 20, 2025
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Olga Peterson needs to leave New York as her abusive employer wants to marry her so he can control her. Her friends help her escape to Silver Springs where her best friend’s brother lives. Zechariah Matthews is a blacksmith, and when he finds Olga in his home one morning, and reads the letter from his family he sees no other way to protect her than to marry her. She doesn’t object but doesn’t like the way he makes decisions without consulting her. He gets his friends and the sheriff to help watch for the man coming after Olga. Great addition to this series, with real problems and people of faith living day by day.
May 24, 2025
A Life to Protect
I liked this friends to more romance between Zechariah and Olga in Silver Springs. It started out slow because the characters kept switching from English to their native Swedish language. Once I realized what certain words meant I enjoyed the story more. The characters were likeable. The threat of Tiberius, an evil man from New York, who Olga had escaped from kept the story alive. There was sadness and joy throughout. I recommend this as a clean romantic suspense. This is my voluntary and honest review.
I liked this friends to more romance between Zechariah and Olga in Silver Springs. It started out slow because the characters kept switching from English to their native Swedish language. Once I realized what certain words meant I enjoyed the story more. The characters were likeable. The threat of Tiberius, an evil man from New York, who Olga had escaped from kept the story alive. There was sadness and joy throughout. I recommend this as a clean romantic suspense. This is my voluntary and honest review.
April 20, 2025
As the people of Silver Springs rally around Olga, determined to protect her from a formidable suitor, Zechariah, a friend she’s known since childhood and a friend who has held her heart since, has taken upon himself the role of defender and champion to the death. But would that include a hastily arranged marriage, one without love? Another winning story by a favorite author!
April 22, 2025
This was a clean western style historical romance that was full of action and danger! There were several twists that kept me on the edge of my seat, and the many references that most of the characters made to God and to creating good relationships made it enjoyable. I loved the character growth that I saw throughout the book!
April 22, 2025
Olga and Zechariah
Olga needed to flee New York as a terrible man was pursuing her, and her brother was helping him. She made it to Silver Springs and found her one true love. Unfortunately, Zechariah didn’t feel the same.
Zechariah made it a bit hard for me to like his character. It took a near tragedy for his eyes to be opened.
Olga needed to flee New York as a terrible man was pursuing her, and her brother was helping him. She made it to Silver Springs and found her one true love. Unfortunately, Zechariah didn’t feel the same.
Zechariah made it a bit hard for me to like his character. It took a near tragedy for his eyes to be opened.
May 2, 2025
God’s perfect plan!
I so enjoyed reading about Zechariah and Olga’s journey through some very challenging times. Danger, self doubt, fear, loss, grief and above all love is apparent in this incredible story. I have so loved reading the stories of the Harden’s and their friends! Definitely worth reading!
I so enjoyed reading about Zechariah and Olga’s journey through some very challenging times. Danger, self doubt, fear, loss, grief and above all love is apparent in this incredible story. I have so loved reading the stories of the Harden’s and their friends! Definitely worth reading!
May 24, 2025
Zechariah and Olga
This is the last book in this series. The series is adventurous and very exciting. There is love found and love lost. I like to say I loved reading this tale and I did up until the last pages in the story. I personally don’t like storylines that end as this one did.it was an unusual and tear jerking ending.
This is the last book in this series. The series is adventurous and very exciting. There is love found and love lost. I like to say I loved reading this tale and I did up until the last pages in the story. I personally don’t like storylines that end as this one did.it was an unusual and tear jerking ending.
May 29, 2025
I enjoyed the book! Zechariah was expecting his sister to arrive from New York but instead her best friend arrives. There is danger following Olga from New York. There is also some sadness near the end. This book can be read standalone but there are several references to the previous books in the series so I suggest reading them in order. I highly recommend reading this book!
April 18, 2025
There were multiple couples to follow and I was crying at the end. I enjoyed reading about Zechariah and Olga's life. Learning to work together and loving each other through it even though it took them time to know it. It was intriguing and inspirational. I highly recommend this book.
April 25, 2025
This is another excellent read of this wonderful series.
This is an amazing read that is very well written. The storyline is incredible and very interesting along with fascinating and intrigueing characters. It is also page turner read.
This is an amazing read that is very well written. The storyline is incredible and very interesting along with fascinating and intrigueing characters. It is also page turner read.
November 28, 2025
A life to Protect
A very good book. Joi you keep my interest going and hard to put a book down. The ending on this one a little tough but still
very God inspiring and uplifting.
A very good book. Joi you keep my interest going and hard to put a book down. The ending on this one a little tough but still
very God inspiring and uplifting.
April 24, 2025
a long-time dream come true
Wow! I'm so glad we got to have a glimpse of his story. There was a couple really sad parts, but isn't that the way life is sometimes? Very well done!
Wow! I'm so glad we got to have a glimpse of his story. There was a couple really sad parts, but isn't that the way life is sometimes? Very well done!
July 26, 2025
great book
This was absolutely a great book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
This was absolutely a great book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews