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A Christmas to Protect
There’s no guarantee he’ll make it back home before Christmas, but he’ll do everything in his power to get there.
EJ Johnson knows what he wants, but he has to play it safe with the woman he works for at the restaurant. She’s already been hurt, and he doesn’t want to force into a relationship with him.
When she has a dilemma, EJ’s quick to provide the answer. The only problem is, it’ll take him away from her for several months. What if someone else wins her heart while he’s gone? He cooks up a plan to keep himself at the forefront of her mind while he’s away. The question remains, will it draw her closer to falling in love with him, or will it push her away?
Tilly Ricket swore off love after her husband gave his life for a member of the town. She figures being alone and raising their daughter’s easier than risking her heart. Until EJ enters her restaurant, seeking a job.
Upon finding he’s her best answer to a problem, Tilly’s trust in EJ increases. When he leaves Silver Springs to bring back the perfect gift for her friend, Tilly realizes he may have won her heart without her knowing.
As Christmas draws near, Tilly’s concern grows. The gift she planned for her friend has to arrive on time, not to mention she misses EJ more than she expected.
In this heartwarming tale of friendship turned to love, Joi Copeland invites you to discover what kind of happily ever after awaits Tilly and EJ, and maybe, a special member of the town as well.
EJ Johnson knows what he wants, but he has to play it safe with the woman he works for at the restaurant. She’s already been hurt, and he doesn’t want to force into a relationship with him.
When she has a dilemma, EJ’s quick to provide the answer. The only problem is, it’ll take him away from her for several months. What if someone else wins her heart while he’s gone? He cooks up a plan to keep himself at the forefront of her mind while he’s away. The question remains, will it draw her closer to falling in love with him, or will it push her away?
Tilly Ricket swore off love after her husband gave his life for a member of the town. She figures being alone and raising their daughter’s easier than risking her heart. Until EJ enters her restaurant, seeking a job.
Upon finding he’s her best answer to a problem, Tilly’s trust in EJ increases. When he leaves Silver Springs to bring back the perfect gift for her friend, Tilly realizes he may have won her heart without her knowing.
As Christmas draws near, Tilly’s concern grows. The gift she planned for her friend has to arrive on time, not to mention she misses EJ more than she expected.
In this heartwarming tale of friendship turned to love, Joi Copeland invites you to discover what kind of happily ever after awaits Tilly and EJ, and maybe, a special member of the town as well.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
2 people are currently reading
4 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 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 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.)
Tilly is raising her daughter Ada and still working in her restaurant. She had lost her husband Dan, who was the sheriff and was shot. She works with Matilda, who was a former slave of her father, and she freed her. Also working in the restaurant is EJ, who has been with them since before Ada was born. Tilly is very grateful for Matilda and decides to try and find Matila’s husband and son. She would like to get them back for Christmas. She gets a lead and EJ offers to go get them as they are in part of a country where slaves are still kept. EJ also has fallen in love with Tilly but hasn’t let her know. Can EJ get Matilda’s family back safe? Will Tilly ever fall in love again?
This was a great historical Christian romance. I am enjoying this series. I like seeing what is happening with characters. Though it talked about slaves and how it was back then. I was grateful for the sensitivity the author showed for this subject. It was well written. I never want to have to put the book down as I get so involved with the story.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Tilly is raising her daughter Ada and still working in her restaurant. She had lost her husband Dan, who was the sheriff and was shot. She works with Matilda, who was a former slave of her father, and she freed her. Also working in the restaurant is EJ, who has been with them since before Ada was born. Tilly is very grateful for Matilda and decides to try and find Matila’s husband and son. She would like to get them back for Christmas. She gets a lead and EJ offers to go get them as they are in part of a country where slaves are still kept. EJ also has fallen in love with Tilly but hasn’t let her know. Can EJ get Matilda’s family back safe? Will Tilly ever fall in love again?
This was a great historical Christian romance. I am enjoying this series. I like seeing what is happening with characters. Though it talked about slaves and how it was back then. I was grateful for the sensitivity the author showed for this subject. It was well written. I never want to have to put the book down as I get so involved with the story.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
November 4, 2025
A Christmas to protect
As always, Christ-centered and heartwarming.
Though the events take place 3 years after the previous book, it sure is good to be back. I like that so many characters appear and continue to live in this sweet world of Wild West and small towns Mrs. Copeland has wonderfully created. And this time we are in time to rejoice in Christmas, in the perfect gift of our Savior, and in the joys life gives.
And it sure is great to cheer for Tilly’s second-chance at HEA, as well as Matilda’s, and miracles only loving and caring Heavenly Father makes.
Another wonderful point is the growth in Christ and maturity you see in Tilly, and such a change is always beautiful to read.
And the reunion scene is just incredibly touching and heartwarming. And if you’re like me, you might even tear up.
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
As always, Christ-centered and heartwarming.
Though the events take place 3 years after the previous book, it sure is good to be back. I like that so many characters appear and continue to live in this sweet world of Wild West and small towns Mrs. Copeland has wonderfully created. And this time we are in time to rejoice in Christmas, in the perfect gift of our Savior, and in the joys life gives.
And it sure is great to cheer for Tilly’s second-chance at HEA, as well as Matilda’s, and miracles only loving and caring Heavenly Father makes.
Another wonderful point is the growth in Christ and maturity you see in Tilly, and such a change is always beautiful to read.
And the reunion scene is just incredibly touching and heartwarming. And if you’re like me, you might even tear up.
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
October 3, 2025
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Oh wow! What a way to end the series! Such a tender and heart wrenching story. In parts of the plot, it is heard to hold the sad tears and then happy tears at bay. Tilly and Matilda have been amazing characters throughout the series and to see their stories unfold was awesome. EJ, Tilly, Little Ada, Matilda, Isaiah, and Abraham get their hearts’ desire this Christmas, and it is an amazing gift.
I really enjoyed this book and this series. I recommend any of the Author’s books; they are all clean, Christ-centered with wonderful true-life characters. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
Oh wow! What a way to end the series! Such a tender and heart wrenching story. In parts of the plot, it is heard to hold the sad tears and then happy tears at bay. Tilly and Matilda have been amazing characters throughout the series and to see their stories unfold was awesome. EJ, Tilly, Little Ada, Matilda, Isaiah, and Abraham get their hearts’ desire this Christmas, and it is an amazing gift.
I really enjoyed this book and this series. I recommend any of the Author’s books; they are all clean, Christ-centered with wonderful true-life characters. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
September 29, 2025
This is a sweet, upbeat conclusion to the series.
Tilly is working hard to right a wrong committed by her father. She takes EJ, a character introduced in the previous book, into her confidence. With EJ's help she sets out to make it a Merry Christmas for Matilda but may find her own gift of love in the process.
The glimpses of the other characters we've met through this series help bring about a satisfying conclusion to this series. A wonderful, heartfelt story for this holiday season!
I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Tilly is working hard to right a wrong committed by her father. She takes EJ, a character introduced in the previous book, into her confidence. With EJ's help she sets out to make it a Merry Christmas for Matilda but may find her own gift of love in the process.
The glimpses of the other characters we've met through this series help bring about a satisfying conclusion to this series. A wonderful, heartfelt story for this holiday season!
I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 23, 2025
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Tilly who owns the local restaurant, wants to find her friend Matilda’s husband and son and reunite them for Christmas. She enlists the help of her friend EJ. It takes him several months to complete the mission, because of unforeseen circumstances. A touching book about freedom for slaves, a second chance at love, faith and trust in God and working together.
September 24, 2025
I want the series to go on forever! It is entertaining, yes, but is also inspiring and uplifting to see how God transforms lives, renews hope and works all things together for His good. Sweetest story, sweetest author!
October 22, 2025
Endings are never easy!
The longing between EJ and Tilly is so strong that you can feel how deeply they are in love. I seriously hope this isn’t the ending for good. I still need more stories of the Harden’s!!
The longing between EJ and Tilly is so strong that you can feel how deeply they are in love. I seriously hope this isn’t the ending for good. I still need more stories of the Harden’s!!
September 30, 2025
where dreams come true
What a special Christmas! That’s all I should say, since I don’t want to spoil it. But if you love a good Christmas story, read this one!!
What a special Christmas! That’s all I should say, since I don’t want to spoil it. But if you love a good Christmas story, read this one!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews