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ERIN JACOBS doesn’t hesitate when she receives a desperate call in the middle of the night. As owner of the Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter, it’s her job to rescue animals. But from the start, this case is different.

The woman’s frantic plea.
Directions to a deserted hunter’s cabin.
Insistence that she come alone.
Then she’s looking down into a washtub at an infant child.

Erin’s life changes irrevocably when she becomes involved with a mother who has lost all hope, an orphaned child, millions of dollars and a father who might do anything to get his hands on the money. Social worker TRAVIS WILLIAMS is assigned to her case. Travis sees more in Erin than someone who rescues strays. She’s unconventional, strong-willed, and caring. It could be that she would make the perfect parent for Josh.

Before he can work through his feelings and file his report, the situation takes another dangerous turn. Can Erin and Travis guarantee Josh’s safety? To do so, they’ll need to rely on one another, their families, and the faith of their childhood.

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. Her novel, Falling to Pieces, won the 2012 ACFW Carol Award for best mystery. She writes Amish mysteries for Zondervan, Amish romances for Harvest House and Amish novellas for Thomas Nelson. All of her books have been Christian Book Distributor bestsellers. Protected is her second inspirational romantic suspense. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband, pets and a herd of deer.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2015

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299 people want to read

About the author

Vannetta Chapman

128 books1,448 followers
Vannetta Chapman is a New York times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over t0 novels. She has sold over one million copies and writes in a variety of genres that include dystopian, suspense, dystopian, romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery.

Chapman has 25 years educational experience as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full times.

Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free ebook! For more information, visit her at http://vannettachapman.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Olivia.
699 reviews138 followers
October 10, 2017
I'm always game to try a different author, and as soon as I saw this one, I was excited to see where the story lead. There's so many great moments in this, and I loved everything with baby Joshua and how much Erin loved him.

The first half was good. I was actually going to give it four stars for the longest time, and then suddenly things started changing into a typical romance. I like romance, but when another guy pops up and emotions are warring all over the place (both for the guy and girl), I feel like hiding under my bed. Yes, emotions are real, but sometimes I just wanted to tell both Erin and Travis that they really were overacting. I also wasn't enthusiastic about some of them friends encouraging their emotional state so much by saying how good they're together and so forth. I wouldn't really recommend the romance for young to mid teens because of several kisses, and several comments about wanting to.

But saying all that, there were some great moments even in the second half despite my criticism of their behavior. Especially involving Joshua...he was just too cute! For some reason I pictured things a little more suspenseful, but it wasn't that big of deal. I liked the one scene toward the end, and was so relieved that finally everyone would calm down. It cracked me up how much Travis' adrenaline rushed. After awhile, it just made me laugh!

The spiritual content was pretty great and strong throughout--lots of talk of faith, grace, waiting on God. All very encouraging for a believer. But I was disappointed there wasn't any point blank statement about salvation.

This was a good read, but I probably wouldn't read it again. I'd recommend to those who like a romance with good morals and lessons throughout. But if you're looking for a non-typical romance you probably should look elsewhere ;)
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,877 reviews208 followers
June 29, 2015
Protected is book two in the Jacobs Family Series, however, it is also a stand-alone novel. Although the hero and heroine of the first book, Hidden, make an appearance in Protected, you do not need to read book one to understand what is going on in Erin Jacobs’ life.

I really enjoyed Hidden, but Protected took it to a whole new level for me! The interesting thing is that this story has some suspense, but I would characterize it as “light suspense”. There is definitely a villain and potential danger, but that is not what really drives the story.

What drives this book, in my opinion, is a powerful and emotional storyline. Erin Jacobs is such a complex character! The author does a great job of diving into all of her hurts and insecurities, while still maintaining that she is a strong woman. I loved seeing Erin become an even stronger woman as she learned to lean on God and others.

Travis Williams was also an enjoyable character. He is one of the best Child Protective Services workers on the team. He follows and knows all of the guidelines. But, his fear of straying from the set rules for any reason almost costs him everything!

I’m a sucker for a good romance and Protected reeled me in, for sure, with the attraction between the two main characters. Throw in the complications and possible legal problems that could arise from Erin and Travis becoming involved and you have wonderful romantic tension!

As I mentioned before, the suspense is lighter than in the first book of the series. This does not detract from the story at all, in my opinion. There were enough potential complications that could arise in this case to keep me nervous about the outcome. And the romance sealed the deal. I really loved this story and it was one that I hardly set down once I started reading it.

You can read this review on the Suspense Sisters review page:
http://suspensesistersreviews.blogspo...
Profile Image for Liz.
726 reviews26 followers
August 1, 2015
I have one major problem with Vannetta Chapman, and that is that she never seems to publish a book when I have spare time to read it...ok, maybe a FEW books, but...

PROTECTED looked so innocent on my "Kindle for PC." I thought I'd just see if the pace was anything like the previous volume, HIDDEN, which I'd enjoyed last year. And before I knew it, the rest of my afternoon was history. And I stayed up way after the baseball game was over. And to be honest, I finished it the next day during the evening news, totally ignoring my dear husband sitting next to me.

I LOVED this tender story that is more than a romance - it is the redemption of a lost and hurting soul who is afraid to let love wound her again. All that changes in an instant when she receives an anonymous phone call. The stoic animal rescuer suddenly finds herself stepping out of her comfort zone, and into the hearts of two needy males. 'Nuff said! Dive into this story yourself and enjoy the timeless way God's grace puts lives (back) together. It's a page-turner, even though on my laptop I didn't have actual pages to thumb through. Thanks to Vannetta Chapman for another fine read and the bloodshot eyes to prove it.
Profile Image for Britney.
768 reviews12 followers
December 30, 2015
Protected is a compelling novel! I loved the emotionally charged story line populated with real-life characters and situations. Erin and Travis’s story is multifaceted and boasts a perfect balance of suspense and romance. Vannetta Chapman’s stories always entertain and encourage, and I can’t wait to read more!

Protected is the second book in the Jacobs Family series. While characters from Book 1, Hidden, appear in this novel, Protected is a stand-alone story.
Profile Image for Barbara Hamby.
5 reviews4 followers
January 29, 2018
Very very good book

This book had me from the start...always wondering what was going to happen next....it kept me from scene to scene. I would highly recommend the 2 books in this series. May God always be with you as you write these book.
4 reviews
October 2, 2018
Read the series.

Feel good series that acknowledges that God makes a difference in our lives. Worth the time invested. Hope you enjoy both books.
Profile Image for ANNETTE.
1,120 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2021
A good story kind that has mixed drama and entertaining .
Profile Image for Maryann Forbes.
312 reviews24 followers
February 11, 2023
Sometimes there is a simple word to describe a book, my word for Protected is sweet.
Erin Jacobs, owner of the animal rescue, Noah's ARK, received a desperate call at 4:00am pleading for her help. The call took Erin into a very isolated area, and she had no idea what kind of injured or wild animal she would discover. Alone, a bit frightened, Erin was shocked to discover an infant, swaddled in a blanket with the name Joshua stitched in the corner. Erin felt an immediate connection with Joshua, and knew she would do all it took to protect him. This tender book focuses on loss, of love and faith, forgiveness, reconciliation, friendship, and most of all hope and love. It is a very heartwarming read; in one word, sweet.
94 reviews
June 17, 2017
Fast moving book.

This book is very exciting and moves along fast. The trials Erin and Travis have to go through just to get where they should be.
101 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2018
Great book

I loved this book as much as the first one. The story I’m included romance alp good with making me think of how God uses all circumstances for our good if we will allow Him to be first in our lives.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews11 followers
January 18, 2022
Warm and Faith-Filled Women's Fiction/Romance
This is such a very good story. Our heroine is an animal rescuer. She works primarily alone in rescuing animals and rehoming them, educating the public, and caring for her menagerie. Until the night she is called to rescue a little baby boy. She has been hiding from people and pain since her parents died. Suddenly, her life has been changed in ways she could not imagine. Her faith in God is rekindled and her trust in him grows as her reliance on others also grows. This story is filled with her story in faith as well as her need to let others in. It is such a good story that I could hardly put it down. Although it is the second in a series, both books stand alone very well.
1,288 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2022
Erin was an amazing character with all the load she was carrying in her life. I enjoyed the Christian references about trusting in God and even when bad things happen, God is always right there. Erin had her own amazing experience about accepting God's love. Travis was a man torn between rules of his job and love for Erin. Baby Joshua sweetened the story. The author did a good job taking me on a journey that I enjoyed from start to finish.
1 review
November 23, 2018
The second book in this series is just as good as the first!

Vanetta Chapman is a great Christian author who never disappoints! Once you start reading this book, you won't be able to put it down! I appreciate the good clean books she writes! I highly recommend this series!
51 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2017
Sweet story

This author has one an excellent job creating characters so well developed you relate to them. While this is a sequel in the Jacobs Family Series, it can be read as a stand alone. I truly enjoyed this book! What a refreshing story! I look forward to reading more works by this author. Recommended for ages 13+.
58 reviews
October 6, 2018
Clean read

This was a good book, but not as exciting as book 1. I kept thinking Mr. Pitcher would cause more trouble than he did. Other than that a good clean read
133 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2017
Protected (James Family Series Book 2)

A mirror image story about the other sister of Dana, the a homeland Security director! This book takes place in Texas, where Dana's sister, Erin, lives and runs an animal rescue organization! It also encompasses that even though we sometimes lose our way, forget God controls and knows what we are destined, it sometimes takes us a while to "Let go, and Let God)!
7,755 reviews49 followers
August 22, 2018
Erin rescued animals, all hours, when a desperate call late at night to come at once, and come alone she does. Finding a baby just less than two months old. Welfare comes to see if baby was healthy or need any special care. He was surprised to find someone so young. She was mature, licensed for so many things and wanting to get her business established. Being a storage of homes, they let her keep baby, while he monitors the well being. During that time he is attracted to her. A slight twist of suspense comes in, but mostly this is more romance. Would it be possible for her to keep the baby as she had promise, another good story from the author.
100 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2020
Sweet

A sweet religious romance. This story closed the Jacobs family saga. There was an adequate amount of faith and drama mixed with the confusing faithless ruminations of lost souls. The faithful were at times a little too pristine to be real , but still an entertaining read
Profile Image for Tricia Hungerford.
374 reviews10 followers
August 30, 2018
Really good story. A little more romantic drama than necessary, but younger readers might that.
Profile Image for Nana.
652 reviews
June 22, 2015
Erin Jacobs is a strong-willed, independent young woman who rescues endangered animals. A late-night call from a frantic woman begging Erin to an unknown rescue takes her to a cabin in the deep woods where she discovers an infant in an old wash tub. Over-worked and stressed, social worker Travis Williams is assigned as case worker for the orphaned infant. He and Erin necessitate working together to ensure the infant's safety and an appropriate foster home environment. Erin has already fallen in love with "Baby Joshua."

This story begins with instant suspense and intrigue! As lives are changed and challenges mount a spark of romance surfaces. Travis is falling all over himself attempting to be professional, but Erin's beauty and lonely circumstances spark a personal interest where there is no place for a relationship in either case. A precious child also captures Travis' heart and his professional distance is difficult to retain.

The characters in "Protected" are well portrayed and I grew to care for them immensely. Faith is a powerful component in this story of trials and misfortune, and Erin discovers the need for a support system as her demands escalate with newly found responsibilities. At the same time God has placed Travis at a crossroads. In the foster care system there is no place for relationships between case workers and clients. Can he distance himself from the feelings he is struggling with regarding Erin and little Joshua? Travis' friend assures him that God has a plan. Ms. Chapman relates deep feeling and emotions through her characters and their respective roles in this mystery. Background characters became integral and add strength and support to the story.

I discovered at times I had to put the book down in order to slow my heart rate and catch my breath. I also found this to be true in the prequel to this book, "Hidden." Vannetta Chapman keeps her stories moving at a fast pace with no room for predicting what comes next! Poignant and emotional, I was captivated throughout "Protected" and look forward to the next in this suspense-filled series!

Disclaimer: Thank you to the Vannetta Chapman for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Profile Image for Vera Godley.
1,996 reviews55 followers
August 17, 2015
The first book in the Jacobs Family series, "Hidden," was the story of Dana. In "Protected" the story line is picked up with Dana's sister, Erin, being the main character. The male protagonist is Travis William. The two sisters had a terrible home leaving them with emotional scars that affected their relationships with individuals and community. With Erin, this was further compounded by the accidental death of both foster parents at the same time. Erin withdrew into a shell of independence and isolation. Her main life focus as the story picks up is on rescuing and caring for animals and sheltering them in The Ark which is a farm she inherited.

Unexpectedly, she receives a call in the middle of the night to go deep into the woods for a rescue. Undaunted, she overcomes her deep rooted fear of the dark woods and goes. Finding not an animal in need of rescue but a beautiful baby boy. Her heart is smitten.

Knowing that children must be reported to social services when abandoned, she makes her belated report and Travis Williams enters the scene. From this point on in the story Erin's heart, soul, and mind are bent on protecting little Joshua and Travis' full intent is to see that Joshua receives the care and attention he needs as an infant from Erin.

So often social workers receive a bad name for interference but in this case Travis interferes and intrudes only in a good way. He does, however, find himself drawn emotionally to both Erin and little Joshua. Erin finds herself drawn emotionally to Travis and is slow to accept this for herself. This entanglement must be held in check because of his relationship of Travis to Erin and Joshua as the case worker.

I found the story to be interesting and warming to my heart to see such devotion in Erin's rescue of abandoned Joshua and the firm, intentional, and loving care of the social worker, Travis. The underlying theme of God's grace attributed greatly to this story and enriching to read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate a review.
Profile Image for Dali Castillo.
668 reviews18 followers
June 8, 2015
It's Just That Good!

Erin Jacobs enjoys her job as animal rescuer. She also enjoys running Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter. It’s a good fit because she has always felt more at ease with animals than with people. All in all, she’s pretty content, until that night when she gets a mysterious phone call that totally turns her world upside down.

Travis Williams enjoys his job as a social worker, and he takes his job very seriously. Everything is by the book. No gray areas to be found if Travis is on the case. All in all, he’s pretty content, until the day when he gets a special assignment which totally turns his world upside down.

Vannetta Chapman has once again captured the true essence of a romantic suspense. In Protected, there are equal parts romance and suspense. Neither one overshadows the other giving the story a perfect balance. On the surface Erin and Travis are worlds apart, but as the story unfolds, they are drawn to each other romantically and by a common cause. The author also blends in a lovely spiritual message of faith and new beginnings. Again, this component flows perfectly throughout the story without overshadowing. Vannetta also does an awesome job of doing her homework on the topics she writes about, which in this case is the subject of child and family welfare. Although the story is fiction, the information and facts in the story help the reader gain some background knowledge and gives more credence to the story. The results are a lovely story of faith, new beginnings, romance, suspense, and humor which will capture the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Once you pick it up, you won’t want to put it down until you’ve read every word. It’s just that good!


*****I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and objective review. All opinions and viewpoints are my own.
Profile Image for Gail Hollingsworth.
1,001 reviews52 followers
June 20, 2015
Protected is book 2 of the Jacobs family series but it can be read as a standalone. Erin Jacobs is the younger sister of Dana, from book 1. She rescues animals and lives by herself in a place called the ARK. She gets a mysterious call in the night with directions for a rescue at a hunters cabin deep in the woods. With trepidation she goes alone thinking she'll find a hurt animal but instead it's a baby lying in a washtub on the back porch of the cabin. In steps Travis Williams, a social worker from Child Protective Services. His involvement as Erin's caseworker takes an unexpected turn. Throughout the story you can begin to see that God has a plan for Erin, Travis and little baby Joshua. A sinister type presence shows up interspersed throughout the story and there is suspense as to what part he will play in their lives.
I love that prayer and trusting God is the backbone woven into the theme. God has a plan for each of us and worrying does not help any situation. Erin learns a valuable lesson in that God's Grace is sufficient to sustain her.
I was used to reading Amish fiction by Vannetta Chapman, so this was a different and very enjoyable change. If you love romance, suspense, and a little humor thrown in you'll love this newest book by Mrs. Chapman as I did.
I received this book from the author for my honest opinion, which I have given.
Profile Image for DJ.
Author 1 book34 followers
June 19, 2015

Romance… Suspense… Danger…

I loved – loved – LOVED this story!

In the first book of the amazing Jacobs Family series, HIDDEN, I got to know Dana Jacobs and Ben Marshall really well – and I couldn’t wait to find out how they were doing… and Vannetta doesn’t disappoint in the least. She brings Dana and Ben to the next book, with a cool update.

In the meantime, PROTECTED is all about Erin, Dana’s little sister. Erin is amazing – just like her big sister Dana – as she goes toe-to-toe with a social worker!

Erin, who owns the Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter, doesn’t turn down any animals – no matter what type or condition they’re in. So when she gets a call in the middle of the night, she goes… but she doesn’t find an animal; she finds a tiny baby! And what does she do? She takes him home…

Read about the danger Erin finds herself in – not only with the baby’s father – but with the local social worker, who seems to be trying to help her – or is he? I’m not telling… I’m not saying anything else about what happens, except that it is an AMAZING story and you’ll LOVE it!

Vannetta Chapman has a remarkable talent for writing. I’ve never read anything by Vannetta that I didn’t like (and I can’t say that about too many other authors).

Trust me when I say this is an awesome read and you will enjoy every moment of it!
51 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2017
Protected

Wonderful book. Well written. It is so nice to read a good,clean written book.
I love reading Christian suspense books.
Profile Image for Wendy.
525 reviews23 followers
April 8, 2018
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB

(copied from Amazon.com)

ERIN Jacobs doesn't hesitate when she receives a desperate call in the middle of the night. As owner of the Noah's Ark Animal Shelter, it's her job to rescue animals. But from the start, this case is different.



The woman's frantic plea.

Directions to a deserted hunter's cabin.

Insistence that she come alone.

Then she's looking down into a washtub at an infant child.



Erin's life changes irrevocably when she becomes involved with a mother who has lost all hope, an orphaned child, millions of dollars and a father who might do anything to get his hands on the money. Social worker TRAVIS WILLIAMS is assigned to her case. Travis sees more in Erin than someone who rescues strays. She's unconventional, strong-willed, and caring. It could be that she would make the perfect parent for Josh.


Before he can work through his feelings and file his report, the situation takes another dangerous turn. Can Erin and Travis guarantee Josh's safety? To do so, they'll need to rely on one another, their families, and the faith of their childhood.





MY REVIEW

Vannetta does a great job telling the story of Dana's sister. This was a good conclusion to the two book series with a completely different setting than the first book, but a wonderful story that may even pull at your heartstrings a little more.
282 reviews8 followers
June 23, 2015
Another wonderful book by Vannetta Chapman. Each of her books are better than the last. Vannetta grabs your attention on the first page and keeps on going. Her romantic suspense books weave spiritual themes throughout. God given Grace is the main points in this book.

Erin is the owner of the Noah's Ark Animal Shelter. Receiving phone calls to rescue both wild and domestic animals. However, this phone call is different. The woman's voice is filled with panic and urgency. She's frantic for an immediate rescue. Erin finds herself off the beaten track, late at night and she has no idea what type of animal she has to rescue.

Travis shows up about her find and the case seems to grow in suspense. There are dangerous motives at play, missing money and oh, yes, romance.

I received this book from the author. All Vannetta asked was for me to leave an honest review. Vannetta was added to my favorite authors' list after I read her first book. She always taps in to my emotions, keeps me turning the page and now that she has added suspense, I love her books even more. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. Hope you love this book as much as I did.
Profile Image for Sarah.
606 reviews42 followers
August 21, 2017
Heartwarming! Jacobs Family Series Book 2. Erin keeps busy rescuing animals and doesn't think of much else. A different rescue, in the dark forest night, changes her life forever. An infant left in her hands. Falling in love, at the start, Erin vows to protect baby Josh. Case worker, Travis, gets involved. It is his job to see what is best for baby Josh. Scheduled and unscheduled visits allow Travis to get close to Erin and Josh. Sickness and a storm tests Erin's ability to care for Josh by herself. Will Travis call her unfit to care for the baby?
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
May 24, 2015
PROTECTED ( Jacobs Family Series- Book 2 )
By, Vannetta Chapman
Protected is book 2 in Jacobs Family series, and Vannetta Chapman has herself another winner. This is a very heartwarming story that will have you laughing one minute and next tears flowing down your cheeks. It grabbed me at the first and did not let go till the end. Protected is a fantastic , good clean inspirational romance suspense. I believe it is one of the best I have read by Chapman, with each page it gets better and better. This story deals with some serious issues and I caught myself trying to help out. I absolutely loved the two main characters, Erin and Travis. Erin has a very painful past, but is a very brave young woman. Travis is my hero, I caught myself trying to tell him what to do a few times. I am not going to say any more, you need to get yourself a copy of PROTECTED and read this amazing story. I have loved all of Vannetta Chapman’s books and she does not disappoint me.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review, which I have given.
5 reviews
May 18, 2020
Good book

I loved how the main character just knew that this child was to be with her and the attachment she felt to the baby, like he was her own. Just like her sister in the previous book, she is able to see God through everything she has been through and how He had just been waiting patiently for her to call on Him again.
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