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LOVE'S RETURN is book one of the Christian romance series, PROTECTED BY LOVE by T.K. Chapin. Follow the lives of the men and women working for WIN bodyguard agency as they face the challenges of faith, love and life. The PROTECTED BY LOVE series is a spin-off of the best-selling DIAMOND LAKE series and the book IN HIS LOVE.

Five years ago, Jessica and Kirk were headed the same direction but on two separate paths. Jessica claiming her independence; Kirk chasing a professional hockey career. Sharing more than just a car ride, they found themselves longing for something more but decided to part ways.

Five years later.

Jessica McColler focuses all her energy on her current job as a reporter for a Christian magazine. She has friends, supportive family and a job she finds purpose in, all seems perfect. Then one day everything changes when her life is suddenly shaken to its core.

Enter Kirk Dekker. Hockey never happened for him, but he did find fulfillment in his life for a time. When the unthinkable happens and brings him to his knees, he questions if he'll ever overcome the pain.
A lot can happen in five years. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad.
God's love can return to our lives when we allow Him into our hearts, minds and soul. It's only through the softening of our heart can we find the healing that we need.
From the best-selling Christian Romance author T.K. Chapin comes a love story that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. Heartwarming and inspirational, Love's Return will remind you of the beauty of God's ultimate plan for each one of our lives.

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2017

873 people are currently reading
220 people want to read

About the author

T.K. Chapin

108 books245 followers
T.K. CHAPIN writes Christian Romance books designed to inspire and tug on your heart strings. He believes that telling stories of faith, love and family help build the faith of Christians and help non-believers see how God can work in the life of believers. He gives all credit for his writing and storytelling ability to God. The majority of the novels take place in and around Spokane Washington, his hometown. Chapin makes his home in the Pacific Northwest and has the pleasure of raising his daughter with his beautiful wife Crystal. To find out more about T.K. Chapin or his books, visit his website at www.tkchapin.com

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5 stars
238 (50%)
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127 (27%)
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74 (15%)
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25 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,144 reviews145 followers
November 2, 2017
Love's Return is a wonderful and quick read that has everything that makes a great book--suspense, romance and faith. It is fast paced and hard to put down.
Jessica gave Kirk a ride from Albany, New York to Spokane, Washington five years ago. She didn't really know him except that he had dated her best friend and cheated on her. She didn't want to give him a ride but he offered to pay for the gas so she agreed. The cross country trip was an enjoyable time that they spent together but they lost touch until they ran into each other at a coffee shop.
When Jessica is attacked by a stalker and decides to hire a bodyguard, she doesn't realize that Kirk works for the WIN protection agency. They are thrown together as the stalker steps up his aggression against Jessica and injures those trying to protect her. In the midst of danger, Kirk and Jessica get reacquainted and are attracted to each other. But they have some obstacles to overcome. Jessica's faith is important to her. She is drawn to Kirk but is he right for her? Kirk has to confront his past of the loss of his family in order to move forward. This is a great story of faith and overcoming the past that hinders moving forward. Add in suspense and romance and you have a winner.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Fiction Aficionado.
659 reviews92 followers
January 5, 2018
The framework was there for a good story—two people reconnecting after five years, with one having been through some significant emotional trauma—but it suffered from lack of character development, focusing more attention on the suspense plot. The spiritual content of the novel was good, but without character development behind it, it rang a little hollow, which is a shame. The same could be said for the romance. I think this would have been more satisfying as a full-length novel.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,089 reviews95 followers
November 1, 2017
Love's Return by T.K. Chapin is a contemporary Christian tale and the first in the Protected By Love series. It was a cracking start and great to meet up with familiar faces from the Diamond Lake series.
The main theme is trust. We need to know we can always trust God to take care of us.
Tragedies in life may be hard to get past. "Why is it so hard to pick up a Bible but so easy to pick up a bottle?" Seeking comfort and healing anywhere but in God will never work.
The novel shows the importance of friends and teamwork. We need to have people around us who will love and support us.
There is the theme of protection. God will always protect us but we need others to look out for us too.
A great start to a new series. Fabulous plotline with Godly values.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Bhriv.
604 reviews27 followers
November 2, 2017
Love's Return, book one of a new series by T.K. Chapin, takes us on a trip from NY to WA right off the bat. Excited to get to see some of the characters from the well-loved Diamond Lake Series.
This is a story of a young couple who knew each other but then went on with life...five years later life has happened and is happening when they run into each other again. Chapin did a good job of taking us on a trip in the book with a touch of suspense, love, and faith.
My favorite character is probably Kirk because he seems like the one that has the most to overcome. I like that the author is able to encourage readers with their walk with the Lord by making characters that most anyone can relate to.
I'm excited to start this new series. I recommend this book!
Profile Image for Martha.
1,948 reviews62 followers
January 22, 2018
There were a lot of good things going for this story. The set up with bodyguards, old relationships, journalism, I enjoyed all that.
There were just a couple of things that I found a bit too predictable for me to label it a four star read. Overall, it was a good read for a lazy day.
Profile Image for Sally.
344 reviews
November 3, 2017

Jessica McColler, a writer and reporter for Faith Builders Magazine, couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw Kirk Dekker in Milo’s Coffee Shop on her way to work one morning. It had been five years since they last spoke. The last time she saw him they had just finished a cross-country car trip from Albany, New York to Spokane, Washington. On the trip she and Kirk became friends but nothing more would come of it because Kirk was Jessica’s best friend’s ex-boyfriend.

Before leaving the coffee shop Jessica gave Kirk her number, but as she left, Kirk knew he would never give her a call. In his opinion she was in the past and best left there, because he didn’t want to relive the past five years. It was filled with too many painful memories.

After Jessica is attacked by a stalker she hires WIN bodyguard agency to protect her. Unknown to her Kirk is employed by WIN. As the stalker becomes more dangerous and tries to kill Jessica, Kirk is determined to keep her safe at all costs.

I was totally captured from the first chapter! Jessica and Kirk come with a lot of past baggage and have to figure out what is important to them as they become reacquainted. Jessica’s faith is paramount in her life and she is not sure Kirk has the same feelings about God and faith. Kirk has to learn to let God help him heal from the tragedy of losing his wife and son. Will Kirk and Jessica be able to put the past behind them and find love? Will they be about to let God help them find their way to a new future together?

Once again Mr. Chapin gives us another story of love, forgiveness, redemption and second chances, along with a little romance, mystery and suspense. He also shows in his writing that God is always ready to guide us no matter where our journey may take us, if we only put our faith and trust in HIM. This is a great inspirational novel and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

Disclaimer: I received this eBook from the author, T.K. Chapin for free to read and review. I was not required to give a favorable review only an honest review, nor was I compensated for my review. All thoughts and comments in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Joyful.
563 reviews
November 1, 2017
Love’s Return is book one of the Christian romance series, Protected By Love which is a spin-off of the Diamond Lake series and the book In His Love. This series follows the lives of the men and women working for WIN bodyguard agency as they face challenges of faith, love, and life. Jessica McColler and Kirk Decker were headed the same direction but on two separate paths with Jessica claiming her independence and Kirk chasing a professional hockey career. Sharing a car ride, they found themselves longing for something more but decided to part ways. A lot can happen in five years. Sometimes good. Sometimes bad. Five years later, Jessica focuses on being a reporter for a Christian magazine with friends, supportive family, and a job she finds purpose in. Her life seems perfect until one day everything changes when her life is suddenly shaken to its core. Hockey never happened for Kirk, although, he did find fulfillment in his life for a time. Then the unthinkable happens bringing him to his knees making him question if he'll ever overcome the pain. Will Kirk allow God's love to return to his life? Will he allow God into his heart, mind, and soul? Will he allow the softening of his heart so he can find the healing that he needs? Will they find God’s plan for their lives?

I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Anna H.
2 reviews
November 10, 2017
4.5 stars
The thing I love best about this author is each story feels grounded in real life. Real people, real emotions, real struggles, real spiritual journeys. Love's Return has that feeling, too. With chapters going back and forth between the characters perspectives, the story pulls you in at first, waiting for them to cross paths again. I like that life's struggles are displayed in the story from a realistic Christian's perspective, with a solid Biblical mindset to handle them. I really enjoy authors like this one that bring true Scripture and sound Biblical messages into their fiction in ways that help me in my personal walk. God's Word does not return void! I love it when I can take something away with me from what I read like I did this time.

This book is shorter than some, though not overly brief. If you like to read all in one go, this is a nice size that won't keep you up too late;) I was a wee bit confused when flowers are brought up in the story (Flowers? what flowers were delivered?...looking back to see if I missed anything...) The pace of the story is just right to keep me reading till the end.

I was excited to read another book by this author, and I'm not disappointed! Icing on the cake is a peek at Serenah and Charlie from the Diamond Lake series that I read and enjoyed quite a bit.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this for free in exchange for an honest review.
885 reviews9 followers
May 27, 2022
Age Old Battle of Good and Evil

Time changes people, time changes things. Jessica and Kirk were high school friends, Well, the word friends may be stretching it. Jessica had issues with Kirk, especially when she saw him kissing someone other than his girlfriend one day. After graduation, Jessica wants to get away from her hometown. Kirk talks her into letting him ride with her, saying he's trying out for a professional hockey team.

Fast forward five years. A LOT can happen in five years. Jessica has become the independent woman she wanted to be. Kirk's hockey aspirations were just that.... aspirations. He ends up in law enforcement and then into private security. When the two run into each other in a local coffee shop, Jessica notices a change in Kirk. It's a change that alerts her that all did not go well for him. And, as a result Kirk does his best to avoid Jessica as he doesn't want to 'relive' the tragic memories of his journey. However, his job puts them together. As a reporter for a Christian magazine, Jessica needs protection. She has a stalker who proves to be dangerous. It's up to WIN security to protect Jessica and Kirk is one of WIN's best bodyguards.

It's interesting to see how forces of evil battle forces of good.... and how Jessica and Kirk are brought together as a result... What was it Joseph said? You you meant for evil, G_d used for good.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,309 reviews44 followers
November 10, 2017
Life can change so quickly. We may think we know what life will hold and how it will work out, yet there will always be uncertainties and possible loss.
In this story by TK Chapin, it was just years ago, Jessica and Kirk took a long road trip across the country. They were young and thought their dreams were right around the corner. They didn’t know there would also be struggles too.
When I read the title I was thinking - sweet romance and warm fuzzy feelings, but this is a TK Chapin book. He is a master of suspense, twists and turns, drama, and oh ya…also romance.
He’s not afraid to tackle tough issues and this book doesn’t fall short. The issue of loss, bad life choices, and alcoholism are some of the things written in this book.
TK Chapin is a dynamic author and paints stories that touch the heart. I truly enjoyed reading this book and will look forward to continuing with this new series.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Edward Arrington.
1,179 reviews12 followers
November 8, 2017
I enjoyed this story of a young woman who left her home in New York to go to Spokane for a job. As much as she loves her parents, she had to make some major changes to get from under their control. She has lived there for five years when her life is suddenly thrown into turmoil. Who is stalking her and why? How can she protect herself? What are the chances of suddenly seeing a man who went his own way after driving from Albany to Spokane with her five years ago? Will he play a role in her future? The author does a good job of conveying the message of real Christ-centered love as shown in the lives of others. I like the way he keeps bringing Charlie and Serenah from his earlier stories back into his books. I feel that I am visiting old friends once again. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Ann.
731 reviews22 followers
November 3, 2017
I always look forward to a new book from this author, and this is another one from him that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is a spin off of the Diamond Lake Series, and it was nice catching up with some of the characters from that series in this book. This one is a wonderful combination of faith, romance and suspense and has a story line with twists and turns that certainly kept me reading. I definitely will be looking forward to the next book in the series. I was given a copy of this book by the author, but a favorable review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own. I definitely recommend this one to the reader who enjoys good Christian romance and suspense.
Profile Image for Debra.
3,466 reviews13 followers
December 19, 2017
Love's Return

This was a Christian based story line. The two people were friends who took a drive across the country to new beginnings. Now five years later she sees him for the first time in years. He has changed since she last knew him. She works for a Christian based news magazine. As a reporter she goes where the boss sends her. But along the way she has picked up a stalker who intends to hurt her. Kirk is a bodyguard now and eventually assigned to her. With the will of God all things will be known. He is going to make sure that she is protected. Will she be in safe hands with Kirk? Or will she need to go back home? Will they see God's plan before it is too late?
147 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2018
Good story

Normally I detest reading stories with an evil villain, but the description had another focus of the story, and it’s true, there was more good depth to the story than I might have thought, had I really understood before I started reading. God certainly gets the glory in this book, which is the way writers should write. There’s even a line of compassion for the broken man, which also sets this story apart from others that use the crutch of an evil villain to make a story. In fact, most of the story is about people interacting and relationships, and that’s what makes it good.
316 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2022
God never leaves us

Jessica grew up with an overprotective father, so she left and moved across the country to have her freedom. She got a job as a newspaper reporter. One day Jessica received a letter with a poem in it, not thinking much about it at the time. Later she found a vase of flowers on her doorstep. One night when leaving from an interview with someone, a man attacked her on the way to her car. People saw the attack and came running and the man left. Her father insisted she get a bodyguard for when she went out. But will this be enough? Read to discover if the bodyguard was successful in protecting Jessica.
Profile Image for Barbara Thompson.
461 reviews12 followers
November 1, 2017
At first when I started reading Love's Return, I wasn't sure if this was my kind of book. I read a few more chapters and became totally hooked. I could not put the book down until I was finished. The author combined the romance and mystery perfectly. I love the characters and how he wrote the faith and Christianity into the novel. I highly recommend reading Love's Return by Author T.K. Chapin. What a marvelous book!

I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,289 reviews17 followers
November 2, 2017
What a great book in a new series by a fabulous author. Second chances makes for a great subject. The characters are very well written with an appearance of characters from Diamond Lake series. Loved touching base with them. In addition to meeting again, Jess is in a big of danger. Will Kirk be able to find out who is stalking Jess and save her? So well written and engaging from the first. Love this author and all his books. Highly recommend.

I received an advance reader copy without the expectation of a favorable review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Vicky Sluiter.
Author 1 book88 followers
November 5, 2017
Books by author T.K. Chapin never fail to have me on the edge of my seat! This story of love, redemption, and forgiveness does just that.

With its mystery and danger, I was pulled in right away. The characters are strong and well developed and you can feel their emotions playing out. With an unexpected twist, it was difficult to put down. I wanted to know who was behind all the trouble. Clean with a bit of romance, I highly recommend Love’s Return.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

7,767 reviews50 followers
December 9, 2017
LOVE'S RETURN by T K Chapin. book 1 " Protected by Love"
Memories linger, I hear his name, and it was Kirk once again, and the car trip memories replaying once again. Would he call, 5 years, he seemed lost.
Jessica the first thing he had felt without pain. She has a stalking, hiring a bodyguard when she is out of a news story. Brings Kirk back into her life, he has changed. Forgiveness of his loss, before he can begin again. Beautiful story once again by Chapin on forgiveness, love and second chances.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
November 1, 2017
This is a one sitting book read.
T.k. Chapin uses suspense and romance to pull you through the book,giving you the first book in a new series.
Kirk and Jessica lost track of each others but are reunite 5 years later and with God's love,find second chances and redemption.
The plot is well crafted,complex characters,new and old,and a return to Diamond Lake and other towns prominent in T.k. Chapin books.
I recommend this book to those who like Christian romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Janice Sisemore.
1,650 reviews15 followers
November 3, 2017
Love’s Return

Kirk and Jessica meet again after several years. He ends up being her bodyguard and tries to find out who is stalking her. A lot has happened during the years between. The book started out a little slow but got very exciting a little ways into it. Great suspense. I loved the inspirational part of the book, the Lord’s work in Kirk’s life.I was given an opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book for an honest review. Look forward to more in the series.
Profile Image for Kate Heinz.
123 reviews13 followers
November 8, 2017
I received a copy of this novel at no cost from the author.

Mr. Chapin has succeeded in another wonderful read, full of beautiful description and literary symbolism. Jessica seemed to be an open book throughout the novel, while Kirk, more difficult to read, added intrigue and suspense to the book. His story, once revealed, was very touching and very real. The devotional quality and lessons throughout were applicable to my own life. Looking forward to book two.
446 reviews37 followers
November 13, 2017
Loves return is a lovely Christian romance novel. The short chapters makes for easy reading and gets straight to the point with a story-line that is easy to follow and keeps you intrigued.

The 'damsel in distress' with her 'knight in shiny Armour' that emanates from this novel is so reassuring and welcoming as a distraction from the busy hustle of life as we know it.

This is the latest novel from T.K Chapin that I have read and I look forward to reading much more.
636 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2017
Mr. Chapin never fails to inspire and teach and entertain all in one fell swoop. This book is no exception. Some mystery, some romance, some Bible truths and the application of those truths; it's all there in a fascinating story. I particularly appreciated that returning to God's love was a main theme. Characters are realistic and interesting. Cannot wait to read Book 2, Love's Promise. Highly recommend this book for anyone who love's good Christian fiction.
Profile Image for Angie.
179 reviews
March 5, 2019
A scary way to run into love

This is such a great story! It is action packed and at times scary to continue reading, but I bit the bullet and finished. Thankfully, I came out unscathed and better for it. I couldn’t help it; I had to find out what happened next. Chapin did a great job providing imagery in the stalker/vandalism scenes. I could see each detail as it played out. Only wish each of his stories were longer. I’m enjoying them too much to find the ending too soon.
387 reviews
January 7, 2020
Kirk and Jessica's journey to find each other

As we follow Kirk and Jessica's journey to find each other, we learn what happens to Kirk in the six years they are apart. After losing his son to SID, his wife leaves him then dies from an overdose. In his grief, he turns away from God but God never turns away from him. A beautiful story of God's great love for us and the romance of Kirk and Jessica.
Profile Image for Jana.
598 reviews
November 4, 2017
T.K. Chapin is an outstanding author of Christian fiction, and he has outdone himself in Love's Return. The characters go through some of life's most heart wrenching tragedies and nightmares, but with strong faith and God as their focus, they persevere. This is the first book in a new series, and I look forward to what follows.
234 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2020
Love

Very good book. The story about Kirk and Jess and how they once knew each other then went different ways. But they ended up running into each other again and with God's help was able to go threw alot. I recommend this book. The publisher provided this book to me. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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