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Widow's Peak Creek #2
Seeking Sanctuary
All she wants is a home…
Can her second chance
survive a painful secret?
When pregnant single mom Paige Faraday arrives in Kellan Lambert’s bookstore seeking a temporary job, he wouldn’t dare turn away the sister of his old military buddy. After all, she just needs the job until her baby’s born and she figures out her next steps. But when Kellan’s deepest secret threatens their growing bond, will Paige be able to forgive him for the past he can’t forget?
From Harlequin Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Widow’s Peak Creek
Can her second chance
survive a painful secret?
When pregnant single mom Paige Faraday arrives in Kellan Lambert’s bookstore seeking a temporary job, he wouldn’t dare turn away the sister of his old military buddy. After all, she just needs the job until her baby’s born and she figures out her next steps. But when Kellan’s deepest secret threatens their growing bond, will Paige be able to forgive him for the past he can’t forget?
From Harlequin Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Widow’s Peak Creek
- GenresLove InspiredRomance
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2021
6 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Susanne Dietze
57 books733 followersSusanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she's an award-winning, RITA®-nominated author who's seen her work on the Publisher's Weekly and ECPA Bestseller Lists for Inspirational Fiction. Married to a pastor and the mom of two, Susanne lives in California and loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, the beach, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama. You can visit her on her website, www.susannedietze.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 17, 2021
I love stories set in quaint historical towns. Paige Faraday must too because she wants to make afresh start as a new Christian where her past is unknown. She turns to Kellen Lambert, who was with her brother Drew when he was killed in Afghanistan. Another of my favorites is book shops and Kellen owns Open Book! Kellen gives Paige a job there. I like the way Ms. Dietze depicts Paige as trying to be self sufficient but not afraid to ask for help. She gives her a great personality and a quick mind with creative ideas to help Kellen. They both have much to overcome and forgive including family situations and priorities for their future.
It was good to see a few of the characters from A Future for His Twins appear in this cozy town setting as well as some new favorites. The three elderly matchmaking ladies were a nice touch. They are friends and have the best intentions. The rescue animals showed a soft side of Kellen and add to the fun.
This story showed that with Faith there is hope and healing in reconciliation
I’m ready to return to Widow’s Peak Creek any time!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
It was good to see a few of the characters from A Future for His Twins appear in this cozy town setting as well as some new favorites. The three elderly matchmaking ladies were a nice touch. They are friends and have the best intentions. The rescue animals showed a soft side of Kellen and add to the fun.
This story showed that with Faith there is hope and healing in reconciliation
I’m ready to return to Widow’s Peak Creek any time!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
May 5, 2021
Paige Faraday believes that a peaceful small town with warm-hearted people is the perfect place to raise children, and this is what she hopes to do when she arrives in Widow's Peak Creek. Paige is pregnant, alone, and needing sanctuary as she waits for her "Peanut" to arrive. She is also a new Christian wanting to forget her past, and she believes that this would be the perfect place to strengthen her faith and prepare for her future.
Author Susanne Dietze takes us back to this lovely California town, and she's once again filled it with people that we'd all like to know. Paige is smart, sweet, and sassy; Kellan Lambert is caring, considerate, and bearing a burden that he can't let go; and there are three older ladies who absolutely steal the show! Paige's Aunt Trudie, Kellan's grandma Eileen, and his neighbor Marigold are all delightful, and they all recognize what Kellan and Paige are trying to ignore. These three are matchmakers extraordinaire but they certainly have their work cut out for them! Paige values total honesty and Kellan is hiding a disturbing secret, so how will these determined ladies overcome these obstacles?
Reading this book will satisfy your love of romance, and fuel your desire to live where people love and care for their neighbors. Seeking Sanctuary also has a strong message of hope, grace, and forgiveness for readers who enjoy Christian fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can't wait to return to Widow's Peak Creek. Great job, Suzanne Dietze!
I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Author Susanne Dietze takes us back to this lovely California town, and she's once again filled it with people that we'd all like to know. Paige is smart, sweet, and sassy; Kellan Lambert is caring, considerate, and bearing a burden that he can't let go; and there are three older ladies who absolutely steal the show! Paige's Aunt Trudie, Kellan's grandma Eileen, and his neighbor Marigold are all delightful, and they all recognize what Kellan and Paige are trying to ignore. These three are matchmakers extraordinaire but they certainly have their work cut out for them! Paige values total honesty and Kellan is hiding a disturbing secret, so how will these determined ladies overcome these obstacles?
Reading this book will satisfy your love of romance, and fuel your desire to live where people love and care for their neighbors. Seeking Sanctuary also has a strong message of hope, grace, and forgiveness for readers who enjoy Christian fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can't wait to return to Widow's Peak Creek. Great job, Suzanne Dietze!
I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
April 27, 2021
Full of hope
My rating is 4.5 stars
Kellan had no idea how much Paige would turn his life upside down when he offered her a job at his bookstore.
I loved the kind and heroic Kellan. Though he would never have viewed himself as such, he was constantly stepping up and helping others. His passion for helping the community showed in everything he did, from helping with book drives, reading to the preschoolers at the nearby school, to adopting animals needing homes. Oh, and offering Paige a job at his bookstore.
Kellan's relationship with the Lord was rather new yet he held firm to his faith. However, he somehow saw his sin as too great for him to be forgiven and figured he would have to pay for his mistakes the rest of his life. It was a good thing for him that his friend (and pastor) had the wisdom and courage to point out the fallacy of his reasoning.
Paige was sweet as pie! It was a treat watching as she tried so hard to be strong and independent only to have her attempts thwarted by the well-meaning people of Widow's Peak Creek. Her ideas for helping the bookstore and her passion for children endeared her to me very quickly. One of my favorite moments in the story was when Paige and Kellan went to the preschool to read to the little ones there and she wore her sparkly shoes with the superpowers!
I can't wait to find out what Pastor Brenton's story is! I have a feeling his just might be next.
Readers who enjoy romance with a clear Christian message will enjoy reading the books in the Widow's Peak Creek series.
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
My rating is 4.5 stars
Kellan had no idea how much Paige would turn his life upside down when he offered her a job at his bookstore.
I loved the kind and heroic Kellan. Though he would never have viewed himself as such, he was constantly stepping up and helping others. His passion for helping the community showed in everything he did, from helping with book drives, reading to the preschoolers at the nearby school, to adopting animals needing homes. Oh, and offering Paige a job at his bookstore.
Kellan's relationship with the Lord was rather new yet he held firm to his faith. However, he somehow saw his sin as too great for him to be forgiven and figured he would have to pay for his mistakes the rest of his life. It was a good thing for him that his friend (and pastor) had the wisdom and courage to point out the fallacy of his reasoning.
Paige was sweet as pie! It was a treat watching as she tried so hard to be strong and independent only to have her attempts thwarted by the well-meaning people of Widow's Peak Creek. Her ideas for helping the bookstore and her passion for children endeared her to me very quickly. One of my favorite moments in the story was when Paige and Kellan went to the preschool to read to the little ones there and she wore her sparkly shoes with the superpowers!
I can't wait to find out what Pastor Brenton's story is! I have a feeling his just might be next.
Readers who enjoy romance with a clear Christian message will enjoy reading the books in the Widow's Peak Creek series.
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
December 1, 2023
I enjoyed this story surrounding the world of a bookstore in a small town. I really liked the characters and their believable romance amid heartache and trouble in the past. It was a inspiring and delightful read.
June 7, 2021
Such a sweet book! Due to circumstance things happen quickly, but it seems to fit for this story. I enjoyed the bookstore being part of the story. Definitely a good read and great to be back in this little town again. I look forward to more stories there from this author. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated are my own.
April 27, 2021
Susanne Dietze takes us back to the small town of Widow's Peak Creek with this second book in her series. These folks are so precious and I've been happy to get to know them. When Paige Faraday comes to town to see her late brother's best friend and to ask for help, she never imagined what she would find. All she wants is a place to have her baby until she decides what her life needs to look like. Instead she finds something she never thought she'd have. Kellan Lambert hires Paige to work in his book shop because he promised her brother he'd look after her. But he has a huge secret.
Dietze takes the reader on a journey in this book. A journey that teaches us some very important lessons about God's plans for our lives. And, grace along with forgiveness, still exist in this world and in God's heart for His children. She packs this story with so many wonderful characters! I'm looking forward to another book in this sweet town. Well done!
My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion here is my own.
Dietze takes the reader on a journey in this book. A journey that teaches us some very important lessons about God's plans for our lives. And, grace along with forgiveness, still exist in this world and in God's heart for His children. She packs this story with so many wonderful characters! I'm looking forward to another book in this sweet town. Well done!
My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion here is my own.
October 8, 2022
I love this book, it was awesome with such eloquent and powerful group of characters. Everyone was so unbelievable caring, thoughtful and compassionate.
Kellan was genuinely a passionate, helpful and kind person not only to his community but also to Paige. He dedicated his life and sacrifice himself to make sure others were content and well taken care of...
Highly recommended
Kellan was genuinely a passionate, helpful and kind person not only to his community but also to Paige. He dedicated his life and sacrifice himself to make sure others were content and well taken care of...
Highly recommended
November 21, 2024
The following quote from this book sums up the book as a whole...
"life throws curveballs but we still have to stay in the game until all the innings are up" (153).
"life throws curveballs but we still have to stay in the game until all the innings are up" (153).
April 1, 2022
This started out well, and then it just really went downhill fast and hard so that it ran into a tree. Oh wait. That was me, the one time I went sledding and bruised my back. But this book reminded me of that experience. Fun and pretty awesome at the beginning, painful at the end.
Kellan reminded me a lot of a girl, in the way he spoke and acted. And, since he was supposed to be ex-military, that was a real turn off for me. I mean, what man actually knows what mustard yellow looks like in clothes and would actually call it "mustard?" Yellow is yellow to a guy.
And (SPOILER ALERT - do I really have to put this in a review for a romance novel; doesn't everybody already know what's going to happen?) the epilogue ... I was all, like, "What? They got MARRIED eleven weeks after their FIRST KISS? Even though BOTH of them have supposedly sworn off of relationships ENTIRELY, Kellan for years and Paige for at least months? Why the hasty about-face?"
I did like the idea of them healing together. I really did, but healing doesn't happen that quickly, in my experience. I guess the author thought it just had to end that way so Paige's baby wouldn't be born out of wedlock, even though it was conceived out of wedlock ... as if that somehow makes it better.
The animals were cute. The old people were cute. The overall storyline had promise, but every single broken relationship in this book (and there were several) was mended too quickly and easily. Cheesy, unrealistic, and just frustrating.
Kellan reminded me a lot of a girl, in the way he spoke and acted. And, since he was supposed to be ex-military, that was a real turn off for me. I mean, what man actually knows what mustard yellow looks like in clothes and would actually call it "mustard?" Yellow is yellow to a guy.
And (SPOILER ALERT - do I really have to put this in a review for a romance novel; doesn't everybody already know what's going to happen?) the epilogue ... I was all, like, "What? They got MARRIED eleven weeks after their FIRST KISS? Even though BOTH of them have supposedly sworn off of relationships ENTIRELY, Kellan for years and Paige for at least months? Why the hasty about-face?"
I did like the idea of them healing together. I really did, but healing doesn't happen that quickly, in my experience. I guess the author thought it just had to end that way so Paige's baby wouldn't be born out of wedlock, even though it was conceived out of wedlock ... as if that somehow makes it better.
The animals were cute. The old people were cute. The overall storyline had promise, but every single broken relationship in this book (and there were several) was mended too quickly and easily. Cheesy, unrealistic, and just frustrating.
November 16, 2021
2.75 stars. This one was decently written but the characters drove me nuts with their incessant insistence on not trusting anyone ever. Why does it always seem to be the characters in Christian novels that act the least Christlike? It reads so false me. Not that Christians are perfect, but characters in these types of books always seem way more broken than characters in any other type of book. Comically so.
Could we not just have a cute romantic storyline? Instead these characters have to stubbornly refuse to trust and love each other, or anyone else in their family, until the final chapter. Then suddenly it’s like… “Oh wait! I just remembered that God’s here for me and it’s okay to be loved and to let your family love you, and hey let’s get married even though we haven’t even dated or kissed yet.” 😂🤦🏼♀️
Kudos for well written pet characters though! Three dogs and a cat. They all had proper personalities. 🐶🐶🐶🐈 And the four elderly friends they had were adorable as well. I think if this author weren’t so focused on making her main characters unrealistically flawed, she’d actually be a decent writer.
Could we not just have a cute romantic storyline? Instead these characters have to stubbornly refuse to trust and love each other, or anyone else in their family, until the final chapter. Then suddenly it’s like… “Oh wait! I just remembered that God’s here for me and it’s okay to be loved and to let your family love you, and hey let’s get married even though we haven’t even dated or kissed yet.” 😂🤦🏼♀️
Kudos for well written pet characters though! Three dogs and a cat. They all had proper personalities. 🐶🐶🐶🐈 And the four elderly friends they had were adorable as well. I think if this author weren’t so focused on making her main characters unrealistically flawed, she’d actually be a decent writer.
May 3, 2021
A sweet small town romance about finding love and new beginnings.
Paige Faraday is pregnant and looking for a fresh start in Widow's Peak, where Kellan Lambert gives her a job working at his bookstore. Paige has a passion for children and reading, which she puts to work at Kellan's store. I loved how he let's her use her gifts to bring a fresh spin to his store. Kellan is a really nice guy, well loved by the community, but holding onto a secret.
This was an enjoyable read with likable characters, in a delightful setting. I loved the knitting circle ladies who where constantly trying to help them out. Paige is a new Christian and I admired her sincerity in wanting to live her new faith.
A sweet read with good character development and interaction along the way!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Paige Faraday is pregnant and looking for a fresh start in Widow's Peak, where Kellan Lambert gives her a job working at his bookstore. Paige has a passion for children and reading, which she puts to work at Kellan's store. I loved how he let's her use her gifts to bring a fresh spin to his store. Kellan is a really nice guy, well loved by the community, but holding onto a secret.
This was an enjoyable read with likable characters, in a delightful setting. I loved the knitting circle ladies who where constantly trying to help them out. Paige is a new Christian and I admired her sincerity in wanting to live her new faith.
A sweet read with good character development and interaction along the way!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 26, 2021
Seeking Sanctuary by Susanne Dietze is the perfect example of why I enjoy small town romances. The camaraderie and helpfulness of the characters in the story were a delight. The main characters, Kellen Lambert and Paige Faraday, are realistically flawed and engaging. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and develop as they spent time together. Themes of hope, healing, and forgiveness of self and others added depth and dimension to the story.
Although this is part of the Widow’s Peak Creek series, it can easily be read alone. It was fun to see some of the characters from the first book in the series show up in this one. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy clean, wholesome, uplifting romance stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Although this is part of the Widow’s Peak Creek series, it can easily be read alone. It was fun to see some of the characters from the first book in the series show up in this one. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy clean, wholesome, uplifting romance stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
May 8, 2021
Seeking Sanctuary is the second book in Susanne Dietze’s Widow’s Peak Creek series. And what a wonderfully delightful story it is!
I loved Paige. Strong and sweet in the best ways. And Kellan is the perfect match for her. They both deserve a happily ever after. It’s a story of secrets and promises and helping others. Plus there are some cute children and animals involved.
With a bookstore and a tiny house, Seeking Sanctuary could not be a sweeter story. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
I loved Paige. Strong and sweet in the best ways. And Kellan is the perfect match for her. They both deserve a happily ever after. It’s a story of secrets and promises and helping others. Plus there are some cute children and animals involved.
With a bookstore and a tiny house, Seeking Sanctuary could not be a sweeter story. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
---
I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
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January 26, 2022I am a huge fan of small-town romances. I love all the side characters with quirky personalities who help push the love interests together because they can see the promise between them, even when those love interests are too stubborn. And to put this one in a bookstore? Uh, yes, please!
Paige is sweet, stubborn, and determined to raise her child alone, while Kellan is so stuck in his own nightmares that he can’t see the potential standing right in front of him. It’s those quirky side characters like his Grandma and her aunt that help them get out of their own way. And I love that.
I didn’t realize that this way book 2 in a series until I reached the end of the book. But it completely stands alone and reading book 1 is not required to enjoy this one.
Paige is sweet, stubborn, and determined to raise her child alone, while Kellan is so stuck in his own nightmares that he can’t see the potential standing right in front of him. It’s those quirky side characters like his Grandma and her aunt that help them get out of their own way. And I love that.
I didn’t realize that this way book 2 in a series until I reached the end of the book. But it completely stands alone and reading book 1 is not required to enjoy this one.
May 28, 2021
This is the second book in the Widow’s Peak Creek Tale series. Susanne Dietze writes with such warmth and heart. Kellan Lambert promises his dying army Buddy, Drew Faraday, that he would take care of his mother and sister. He told Paige Faraday that if she ever needed help she could come to him. Paige arrives pregnant, thrown out by her “fiancé,” needing a job,and place to stay while figuring her life out. Now that Paige is there, Kellan has a lot of soul searching to do. Does he tell her how and why her brother died? Very good characters and storyline. I can’t wait to see if the pastor,Benton, gets his story told next!
May 4, 2021
A story set in and around a bookstore?? Yes, please! I love bookish themed stories and this one is charming. I really liked Paige and Kellen was a perfect hero for this story. I really felt for his tragic past and Kellan and Paige were pretty perfect for each other. Add in three sweet but meddling older ladies, and a bit of a crusty older gentleman, which make for great secondary characters too. A fun story overall, with a perfect happy ever after ending.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
May 17, 2021
Well done
A good story that deals with some hard issues in an understated way. I really enjoyed the book, as it is balanced and God centred, with good characters and relationships. It wasn't "soppy" or trite. A good read with good values.
A good story that deals with some hard issues in an understated way. I really enjoyed the book, as it is balanced and God centred, with good characters and relationships. It wasn't "soppy" or trite. A good read with good values.
September 16, 2022
Seeking Sanctuary #2 Widow’s Peak Creek by Susanne Dietze
Paige Faraday arrives in her deceased brother’s friend Kellan Lambert’s bookstore; not expecting to be offered a job and a place to stay. Thus begins a tenuous relationship. But past events and secrets may end their growing relationship before it truly begins.
This is a sweet story with relatable characters that have the same challenges, hopes and dreams, heartaches, joys and love as we do. Paige and Kellan learn important lessons about forgiveness...both for others and for oneself, second chances, God’s grace and trusting God’s plans for their lives.
~I won a copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
Paige Faraday arrives in her deceased brother’s friend Kellan Lambert’s bookstore; not expecting to be offered a job and a place to stay. Thus begins a tenuous relationship. But past events and secrets may end their growing relationship before it truly begins.
This is a sweet story with relatable characters that have the same challenges, hopes and dreams, heartaches, joys and love as we do. Paige and Kellan learn important lessons about forgiveness...both for others and for oneself, second chances, God’s grace and trusting God’s plans for their lives.
~I won a copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
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April 1, 2021Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Widow's Peak Creek
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Widow's Peak Creek
Read
April 1, 2021Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Widow's Peak Creek
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Widow's Peak Creek
May 3, 2021
Wow! Loving this series and town. What better setting for a book is a bookstore. Then adding in a new baby and a second chance makes a great book.
May 17, 2021
Seeking Sanctuary is a very well written inspirational romance. Good plot and character dynamics. My thanks to the author for my complimentary copy of the book. This is my unbiased review.
June 7, 2021
It was a little cheesy, but it was a cute story and a quick read.
April 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this story.
More review to come!
More review to come!
January 25, 2025
My heart hurt for Kellan as he struggled with survivors guilt and almost missed out on love.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews