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To Protect and Serve #1
The Gift
God opens doors, but it’s up to us to walk through them.
Dakota Taylor is stuck in a rut. Her dead-end job as a manager of a pizza place is unchallenging, she gets dumped by her obnoxious boyfriend and feels completely unloved by her family. That all changes in an instant when God steps into her life.
On the way home from a late shift, Dakota finds herself in a terrifying situation. Thankfully, two Boston police officers out on patrol come to her rescue and see her home safely. Dakota is certain that their paths will never cross again. She couldn’t be more wrong.
Shane Donavan likes his job as a Boston police officer. He’s thrown for a loop when he’s assigned to train a rookie but soon begins to appreciate his new partner’s sharp intellect and wit, especially when Shane finds himself staring at the wrong end of the barrel.
As a friendship develops between Dakota and Shane, Dakota accepts his invitation to participate in a weekend scavenger hunt. Shane quickly discovers that stakes are higher than merely lounging by the pool or fishing by the lake.
Will God turn this opportunity into something that will change Dakota and Shane’s lives forever?
Dakota Taylor is stuck in a rut. Her dead-end job as a manager of a pizza place is unchallenging, she gets dumped by her obnoxious boyfriend and feels completely unloved by her family. That all changes in an instant when God steps into her life.
On the way home from a late shift, Dakota finds herself in a terrifying situation. Thankfully, two Boston police officers out on patrol come to her rescue and see her home safely. Dakota is certain that their paths will never cross again. She couldn’t be more wrong.
Shane Donavan likes his job as a Boston police officer. He’s thrown for a loop when he’s assigned to train a rookie but soon begins to appreciate his new partner’s sharp intellect and wit, especially when Shane finds himself staring at the wrong end of the barrel.
As a friendship develops between Dakota and Shane, Dakota accepts his invitation to participate in a weekend scavenger hunt. Shane quickly discovers that stakes are higher than merely lounging by the pool or fishing by the lake.
Will God turn this opportunity into something that will change Dakota and Shane’s lives forever?
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2021
107 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Anne Perreault
27 books496 followersAnne Perreault was born and raised in Germany. Her family moved to a very obscure city in the Middle East by the name of Dubai, where she spent the next ten years on and off. During this time, she discovered her passion for ice skating, trained, rode, and fell off high spirited Arabian horses, and collected an assortment of stray cats that found their way into their yard. She attended an American boarding school in Austria. After graduating, she moved to England for a year to start her college education. After meeting her husband, she moved to the US and finished her undergraduate degree in Biology in NH. The couple married and moved to CT to start a family. During the next fifteen years, Anne was busy raising three wonderful children, teaching horseback riding, homeschooling her kids, starting a therapeutic riding center with a group of church friends after becoming a certified instructor, and gaining her masters in teaching secondary education. Because she wasn't busy enough and didn't have enough going on, she prayed for an adventure. God stirred the pot of her comfortable life by first sending her husband to Iraq for two years. After his return, the family moved to VT where they are building a little house in the woods together. Anne started writing late in life when she heard God's suggestion. It took a while to obey but she's enjoyed writing stories that point that God cares, that He is available for anyone - no matter what they have done.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 20, 2021
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
God opens doors, but it’s up to us to walk through them.
Dakota Taylor is stuck in a rut. Her dead-end job as a manager of a pizza place is unchallenging, she gets dumped by her obnoxious boyfriend and feels completely unloved by her family. That all changes in an instant when God steps into her life.
On the way home from a late shift, Dakota finds herself in a terrifying situation. Thankfully, two Boston police officers out on patrol come to her rescue and see her home safely. Dakota is certain that their paths will never cross again. She couldn’t be more wrong.
MY TAKE
This is very much a Christian romance. It's filled with deep and engaging characters, both good and bad. I loved the meet-cute. What better way to meet a guy than when he and his partner sweep in to help you from a really bad situation. And, it's just part of their jobs.
But Shane and Dakota remembered each other the next time they met, while he gets lunch at the pizza place where she works. The interest is immediate on both sides, but it's not like they look at each other and suddenly have the hots for each other. It's more subtle and about concern for the other.
Circumstances and a little prompting from on high force the two together again and again. As Shane and Dakota get to know each other better, they find out how deep each of their scars go. And how similar their controlling families can be.
A lovely story and a sweet romance. I'm glad to see this appears to be the first in a series.
God opens doors, but it’s up to us to walk through them.
Dakota Taylor is stuck in a rut. Her dead-end job as a manager of a pizza place is unchallenging, she gets dumped by her obnoxious boyfriend and feels completely unloved by her family. That all changes in an instant when God steps into her life.
On the way home from a late shift, Dakota finds herself in a terrifying situation. Thankfully, two Boston police officers out on patrol come to her rescue and see her home safely. Dakota is certain that their paths will never cross again. She couldn’t be more wrong.
MY TAKE
This is very much a Christian romance. It's filled with deep and engaging characters, both good and bad. I loved the meet-cute. What better way to meet a guy than when he and his partner sweep in to help you from a really bad situation. And, it's just part of their jobs.
But Shane and Dakota remembered each other the next time they met, while he gets lunch at the pizza place where she works. The interest is immediate on both sides, but it's not like they look at each other and suddenly have the hots for each other. It's more subtle and about concern for the other.
Circumstances and a little prompting from on high force the two together again and again. As Shane and Dakota get to know each other better, they find out how deep each of their scars go. And how similar their controlling families can be.
A lovely story and a sweet romance. I'm glad to see this appears to be the first in a series.
July 17, 2022
I really liked this book. I liked Dakota and Jayne's relationship, the relationship with Shane and Mason, and then the group dynamics with the four of them together.
The banter between Shane and Mason was great, and I loved that they teased each other just like I hear so many men do. There was nothing fake or forced in it.
I love that Shane and Dakota aren't a perfect couple. They both do and say stupid things to make the other upset (not purposely, of course). I like that this isn't cut and dry. I adore romcoms, but these gaffes aren't meant to be funny; they're meant to be real, and Anne achieves that beautifully (in fact, reading this reminded me of stupid things my husband's said to me. For example, when I was about 8(?) months pregnant with my first, after being on bedrest for half of that pregnancy, and enduring debilitating migraines and a spinal tap because there was too much pressure on my brain, and being so dizzy I could barely walk (my doctors had never seen anything like me before. I'm special), he told me, "You don't know what I've been through with this pregnancy!" Ah, memories.).
ANYWAY, they're real. The whole story line felt real. The emotions were raw and genuine feeling. I'm excited to read The Blessing!
The banter between Shane and Mason was great, and I loved that they teased each other just like I hear so many men do. There was nothing fake or forced in it.
I love that Shane and Dakota aren't a perfect couple. They both do and say stupid things to make the other upset (not purposely, of course). I like that this isn't cut and dry. I adore romcoms, but these gaffes aren't meant to be funny; they're meant to be real, and Anne achieves that beautifully (in fact, reading this reminded me of stupid things my husband's said to me. For example, when I was about 8(?) months pregnant with my first, after being on bedrest for half of that pregnancy, and enduring debilitating migraines and a spinal tap because there was too much pressure on my brain, and being so dizzy I could barely walk (my doctors had never seen anything like me before. I'm special), he told me, "You don't know what I've been through with this pregnancy!" Ah, memories.).
ANYWAY, they're real. The whole story line felt real. The emotions were raw and genuine feeling. I'm excited to read The Blessing!
September 14, 2021
This book is a true example of kindness, forgiveness and grace! The relationship that develops between Dakota and Shane shows the perfect evolution from mistrust to complete faith in someone through encouragement to trust God in ALL things.
I absolutely loved the characters in this book! Shane, the Boston cop who was not happy about being partnered up with the sarcastically witty rookie that he came to love, is definitely all about protect and serve! Dakota, a taco pizza maker who has a major in chemistry and her bestie Jayne are two peas in a pod but belong in different pods at times! I felt as though I knew them personally and couldn't wait to see what we were doing next weekend!
The twist that the author gave the story and the way she brought it all together with scripture was simply a work of genius!
I would highly recommend this book if you want a lesson in trust, grace and forgiveness.
I was given an ARC of this book and my opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved the characters in this book! Shane, the Boston cop who was not happy about being partnered up with the sarcastically witty rookie that he came to love, is definitely all about protect and serve! Dakota, a taco pizza maker who has a major in chemistry and her bestie Jayne are two peas in a pod but belong in different pods at times! I felt as though I knew them personally and couldn't wait to see what we were doing next weekend!
The twist that the author gave the story and the way she brought it all together with scripture was simply a work of genius!
I would highly recommend this book if you want a lesson in trust, grace and forgiveness.
I was given an ARC of this book and my opinions are my own.
August 31, 2021
Shane is one of Boston's Finest, a police officer, and he loves his job. What he isn't necessarily fond of is that he has been saddled with a Rookie. He'd prefer to work alone, thank you. And there is no way they are going to become BFF's. He makes that clear to the Rookie. Partners, head on a swivel, but we are not going out for drinks after work. They are not BFF's.
But you know what? Shane likes the kid. He's got what it takes and even on the first day Shane already thinks this kid has what it takes to be a good cop. Which is a good thing, because the Rookie is put to the test quickly having to assess a situation. To cover his training officer's back. Sometimes even with your head on a swivel things happen.
Dakota's is working her dream job. Not. But here she is years after earning her college degree still making pizza. And she just doesn't want to do it anymore. Any of it. Pizza slinging, being single, life. Where is God when you need Him? Does calling out to Him really work? Is He truly there to help? Even someone as stuck in a dead end job living in a small, hot apartment as Dakota?
A sweltering hot summer evening and the want to save a few dollars by not calling an Uber has Dakota walking home late one night after her shift and somehow making a wrong turn into a not so great neighborhood. God's got her, right? Just when things are getting a little to hot to handle 2 police officers show up out of nowhere to save her. Thank you Lord! She'll never see the officers again Dakota assumes; so that is that.
She couldn't be more wrong.
Officer Shane and Dakota's paths do cross again. I mean, a taco pizza is a big draw, right? They have a great friendship developing. But someone is carrying a secret that could destroy that friendship. Can this friendship survive the secret? Can this friendship develop into something more despite the secret?
Both Shane and Dakota are learning they need to not just claim to be someone that believes in God but that they really need Him to guide them through life. Even if what life throws them is a Scavenger Hunt.
I absolutely enjoyed this book and recommend! Go! Read! Now! I am already excited for the next book in this story. And since a K9 partner was teased in this book, I am hoping to see that aspect of police work as this series progresses.
But you know what? Shane likes the kid. He's got what it takes and even on the first day Shane already thinks this kid has what it takes to be a good cop. Which is a good thing, because the Rookie is put to the test quickly having to assess a situation. To cover his training officer's back. Sometimes even with your head on a swivel things happen.
Dakota's is working her dream job. Not. But here she is years after earning her college degree still making pizza. And she just doesn't want to do it anymore. Any of it. Pizza slinging, being single, life. Where is God when you need Him? Does calling out to Him really work? Is He truly there to help? Even someone as stuck in a dead end job living in a small, hot apartment as Dakota?
A sweltering hot summer evening and the want to save a few dollars by not calling an Uber has Dakota walking home late one night after her shift and somehow making a wrong turn into a not so great neighborhood. God's got her, right? Just when things are getting a little to hot to handle 2 police officers show up out of nowhere to save her. Thank you Lord! She'll never see the officers again Dakota assumes; so that is that.
She couldn't be more wrong.
Officer Shane and Dakota's paths do cross again. I mean, a taco pizza is a big draw, right? They have a great friendship developing. But someone is carrying a secret that could destroy that friendship. Can this friendship survive the secret? Can this friendship develop into something more despite the secret?
Both Shane and Dakota are learning they need to not just claim to be someone that believes in God but that they really need Him to guide them through life. Even if what life throws them is a Scavenger Hunt.
I absolutely enjoyed this book and recommend! Go! Read! Now! I am already excited for the next book in this story. And since a K9 partner was teased in this book, I am hoping to see that aspect of police work as this series progresses.
Read
March 10, 2022Excerpt of The Gift, book 1, To Protect and Serve
'Oh, Father. I've really stepped into it this time.'
“Party with us.”
Dakota twisted her hand from his grip. At least, she tried. As she struggled, the cronies around her broke into laughter that sent chills across her back and into her scalp.
“Let me pass,” she hissed and shoved against Muscles, something that caused more laughter to ripple through the group.
Breath shallow, heart racing at ninety miles an hour, Dakota looked for a way to escape. She was surrounded by a circle of cheering, laughing guys who only had one thing on their minds.
'Oh, Father. I've really stepped into it this time.'
“Party with us.”
Dakota twisted her hand from his grip. At least, she tried. As she struggled, the cronies around her broke into laughter that sent chills across her back and into her scalp.
“Let me pass,” she hissed and shoved against Muscles, something that caused more laughter to ripple through the group.
Breath shallow, heart racing at ninety miles an hour, Dakota looked for a way to escape. She was surrounded by a circle of cheering, laughing guys who only had one thing on their minds.
October 2, 2021
The sights, smells, and sounds are so vivid in this book--you may find yourself craving pizza! The characters are fleshed out nicely, and drawn in a way that makes it easy to root for them. The story is not a simple romance; it has substance and complexity. The extended family was trying at times (in a good, dramatic way), but very touching in the end. I especially liked the relationship between Shane and the rookie cop. Overall, it's an original, interesting, emotional story about faith, healing, and forgiveness, with a little bit of fun and suspense mixed in, and I enjoyed it.
September 17, 2021
This is my first book to read by this new author to me. What a beautiful story about Shane and Dakota. Each has had heartache in their past. Learning to trust, forgive and having faith in God are important to both of them. Shane is a cop in Boston. Dakota manages a pizza restaurant but her degree is in biology/chemistry. Shane's grandparents have all the family come to their home in Vermont and has them participate in a scavenger hunt which finally lets Shane follow his heart and frees him from his past. I was given an ARC of this book and my opinions are my own. I highly recommend others to read this wonderful story.
September 12, 2021
This is a great book. It is Dakota and Shane's story and it's full of love, forgiveness, memories and God. This is a story that will make you laugh, cry and wanting to pray hard for a certain person.. God has his hands in a lot of the things This couple went through.. With God all things are possible.. and this story shows that. I was given an ARC copy and these are my own words.
September 26, 2021
A great romance story. Strong characters make for a unique story. This is book one of a series and I’m looking forward to the next stories. This story is set in Boston which I liked because few books that I’ve read had this setting. I think this will be a story that many will enjoy.
November 27, 2021
About Faith
The Gift was an excellent book about reaffirming one's faith. Full of insecurities that plague each of us, this story unfolded around two unlikely characters that gave strength to each other through their faith in God. Well written characters give depth to the reading. It made me pause to reflect, which is what a good book should do.
The Gift was an excellent book about reaffirming one's faith. Full of insecurities that plague each of us, this story unfolded around two unlikely characters that gave strength to each other through their faith in God. Well written characters give depth to the reading. It made me pause to reflect, which is what a good book should do.
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February 9, 2025
I have never read a book by Anne Perreault. This was an excellent book and can’t wait to read book #2.
October 7, 2021
Truly a gift
A new to me author handles extremely sensitive sublime suicide, sensitive before marriage, and family issues with amazing sensitivity and grace. This book is truly a gift from God for all who wonder if they matter. I highly recommend it.
A new to me author handles extremely sensitive sublime suicide, sensitive before marriage, and family issues with amazing sensitivity and grace. This book is truly a gift from God for all who wonder if they matter. I highly recommend it.
October 7, 2021
fantastic
Great story. Lots of police action ! True life situations that had potential to go either way! Author did a fantastic job of keeping it real, interesting and entertaining all at the same time.
Great story. Lots of police action ! True life situations that had potential to go either way! Author did a fantastic job of keeping it real, interesting and entertaining all at the same time.
January 18, 2022
I loved the premise of this book, the characters in the book, and the outright truth in this book! Thank the LORD for authors who still have the desire to tell truth in their books! Thank you, Anne, for always laying out the way in your books. This story has lots and lots of sub-plots, I would say. They all come together so neatly at the end! Loved it and I know you will, too! Get it, snuggle up, and read your heart out! ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
October 11, 2021
THE GIFT, TO PROTECT AND SERVE is a sweet Christian romance. I treasured Anne Perreault’s storytelling skills as she wound each of her character’s challenges into Christian lessons.
Dakota has been working a job in a pizza store for six years. Even though she is overqualified for it, she has remained in the same occupational and social cycle, much to the chagrin of her parents. Shane is a police officer who loves his job. He didn’t find anyone who made him want to stop in his tracks until he met Dakota. Something about her made him want to reveal all his secrets, and he has some pretty powerful ones. Dakota hasn’t lived a sin-free life either, but she is trying to turn everything over to God. Fearing hurt and rejection, both Dakota and Shane move each other into the friend zone quickly, even though they have developed feelings for one another. As they spend time together, will their walls come down, or will they simply remain friends?
It’s a great story that will provide a reader with hours of entertainment. I appreciate the way Perreault was able to wind passages from THE BIBLE and Christian lessons into everyday experiences. It was lovely to witness the way Christian characters found their way to the main character once she put her faith in the Lord. The descriptions of Boston are so detailed that I felt like I was there, and the police situations are realistic.
I recommend this book for young adults and experienced readers who enjoy Christian romance novels.
Dakota has been working a job in a pizza store for six years. Even though she is overqualified for it, she has remained in the same occupational and social cycle, much to the chagrin of her parents. Shane is a police officer who loves his job. He didn’t find anyone who made him want to stop in his tracks until he met Dakota. Something about her made him want to reveal all his secrets, and he has some pretty powerful ones. Dakota hasn’t lived a sin-free life either, but she is trying to turn everything over to God. Fearing hurt and rejection, both Dakota and Shane move each other into the friend zone quickly, even though they have developed feelings for one another. As they spend time together, will their walls come down, or will they simply remain friends?
It’s a great story that will provide a reader with hours of entertainment. I appreciate the way Perreault was able to wind passages from THE BIBLE and Christian lessons into everyday experiences. It was lovely to witness the way Christian characters found their way to the main character once she put her faith in the Lord. The descriptions of Boston are so detailed that I felt like I was there, and the police situations are realistic.
I recommend this book for young adults and experienced readers who enjoy Christian romance novels.
April 2, 2025
This is my first book by this author and is unquestionably one of my favorites. My relationship with my Heavenly Father has become even closer as a result. This family's stronghold is the grandparents, who wished to return the family to their heavenly father. It was difficult for this family to move past the sorrow and accusations brought on by a previous tragedy, but with God, anything is possible. Dakota and Shane were a stunning couple that enhanced one other's best qualities. Anne Perrault has done a fantastic job with this book, which I heartily recommend
November 11, 2021
Interesting & entertaing!
I enjoyed this well written story of faith, family and forgiveness about Dakota & Shane. Plenty of depth to both the main characters which drew me into their lives and I loved the witty banter between Shane and Mason. I enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed this well written story of faith, family and forgiveness about Dakota & Shane. Plenty of depth to both the main characters which drew me into their lives and I loved the witty banter between Shane and Mason. I enjoyed this book.
January 30, 2022
This book was truly a Gift. I have not let God into my life yet but after reading this book I opened my mouth and let God into my heart, and I was able to let go of 6 months of tragedy, and it lifted off my shoulders. This book has really great characters love Dakota and Shawn and all of the tribulations they go through. The way that she intersperses bible verses and wisdom into the story is so wonderful. I loved this book I wish i could give it a 10.
December 20, 2021
I loved this story. From the first encounter you know that Dakota, Shane, Mason and Jayne are going to be interesting. Throw in both Dakota’s and Shane’s parents and you have a circus. I loved the way both Dakota and Shane are learning to listen to and to lean on the Lord. Unfortunately, too many fractured families never find their way and never learn that there is help from above available. I look forward to the next book.
October 31, 2021
I really enjoyed this first book in this series and hope it is not too long before the next book! There is romance, some humor, and a little adventure with a scavenger hunt I'm this story. Dakota and Shane are both struggling with different issues and meet when Dakota is in trouble from some not so nice guys. Dakota has been making pizzas for 6 years now and no other possibilities except the family business. Dakota can't take life anymore. Shane is trying to be on his own without parental interference because he chose to be a cop not join in to his families business of ideas for him. I loved the way the characters are written and I find the plot to be well thought out. The characters are very relatable and have problems that anyone could have at one time or another. This story drew me in from the beginning and kept my interest all the way through especially with the message of the story.
September 30, 2021
This is the 1st book by Anne Perrault. This is a story about love, heartbreak, memories, faith and forgiving yourself. This was such a beautifully written story. Shane is a cop in Boston. Dakota manages a pizza restaurant but her degree is in biology/chemistry. Shane's grandparents have all the family come to their home in Vermont and has them participate in a scavenger hunt which finally lets Shane follow his heart and frees him from his past. Dakota helps him thru his pain and reminds him if he would only talk to God, God will not let him down. I was given an ARC for my honest opinion. This is truly a beautiful story.
July 18, 2022
The Gift
I loved this book! Such an inspiration. When you feel as if you don't matter. Turn to Christ...he has a gift, you just have to accept it. This is a wonderful story of love, accepting, forgiving others and forgiving ourselves. . I highly recommend it, you will smile, cry, and fall in love
I loved this book! Such an inspiration. When you feel as if you don't matter. Turn to Christ...he has a gift, you just have to accept it. This is a wonderful story of love, accepting, forgiving others and forgiving ourselves. . I highly recommend it, you will smile, cry, and fall in love
October 9, 2021
The Gift ( To Protect and Serve Book1)
This is a very good story about two people with faith in God and two people that have a difficult relationship with their parents but finf love and forgiveness
This is a very good story about two people with faith in God and two people that have a difficult relationship with their parents but finf love and forgiveness
September 13, 2021
A quick read that will quickly make you a Perreault fan! The Gift by Anne Perreault is self-published through Amazon, currently in pre-order status for $2.99. Shane, a beat cop in Boston and Dakota, a biology/chemistry major managing a pizza place, are muddling through life without a personal relationship with Christ. How life changes when they begin to pray and live through the Lord’s leading! The story develops a bit quickly in some areas, but I feel the author dealt with some very heavy aspects of each characters development with a great deal of empathy and grace. Her writing style is informal which I appreciate but, there were several instances where I wondered what she was trying to say. In one instance she mixed a metaphor and I was left to inference.
As this book is part of my favorite genre, Christian Romance, I was mostly satisfied with the language and detail used in the book. I do believe she could have left one particular word out of the book. I am not sure if it is there to show how far from Christ one of the characters is at that time, or if the author is unaware of its meaning. One must also resign oneself to the plethora of dangling prepositions.
As for research the author may have done for this book, I feel there are three major police procedure errors that could have been easily corrected before getting this far in publication. All in all, however, I feel that author’s writing is convincing and her conclusions are on point with scripture.
As this book is part of my favorite genre, Christian Romance, I was mostly satisfied with the language and detail used in the book. I do believe she could have left one particular word out of the book. I am not sure if it is there to show how far from Christ one of the characters is at that time, or if the author is unaware of its meaning. One must also resign oneself to the plethora of dangling prepositions.
As for research the author may have done for this book, I feel there are three major police procedure errors that could have been easily corrected before getting this far in publication. All in all, however, I feel that author’s writing is convincing and her conclusions are on point with scripture.
October 17, 2025
4.5 The Gift is book one in the ‘Protect and Serve’ series. It’s a closed-door, kisses-only adventure romance with a happy-for-now ending.
Though it took me a while to get into this story, I’m glad I persevered. I listened to the audiobook, and I loved the narrator’s voice and performance. Lisa Lynn Sandlin has an incredible talent for pulling you in and bringing the characters to life. This is what made me continue. She did a fantastic job with the action scenes, too.
Dakota, the FMC, is the manager of a pizza place in Boston. I didn’t really like her at first. Maybe it was her constant questioning of her self-worth or her negativity. Still, it’s only when God intervenes and literally saves her life twice that she finally becomes more likable to me. Relying on His strength helped her endure her trials and come out victorious.
Meeting Shane, a Boston police officer, was another turning point in Dakota’s life.
While Shane is confidently living his life as a Christian, he’s also avoiding his controlling parents. Past trauma has affected his relationships, so he’s slow to pursue something with Dakota, despite ribbing from his rookie partner, Mason. These two guys had such great banter. I loved their scenes so much.
I really enjoyed the faith, family, and forgiveness themes in this book. They were well-written and realistic.
Though it took me a while to get into this story, I’m glad I persevered. I listened to the audiobook, and I loved the narrator’s voice and performance. Lisa Lynn Sandlin has an incredible talent for pulling you in and bringing the characters to life. This is what made me continue. She did a fantastic job with the action scenes, too.
Dakota, the FMC, is the manager of a pizza place in Boston. I didn’t really like her at first. Maybe it was her constant questioning of her self-worth or her negativity. Still, it’s only when God intervenes and literally saves her life twice that she finally becomes more likable to me. Relying on His strength helped her endure her trials and come out victorious.
Meeting Shane, a Boston police officer, was another turning point in Dakota’s life.
While Shane is confidently living his life as a Christian, he’s also avoiding his controlling parents. Past trauma has affected his relationships, so he’s slow to pursue something with Dakota, despite ribbing from his rookie partner, Mason. These two guys had such great banter. I loved their scenes so much.
I really enjoyed the faith, family, and forgiveness themes in this book. They were well-written and realistic.
May 27, 2022
Anne Perrault writes great books and The Gift is no exception to that rule! Her characters are very realistic and so are the situations in which they find themselves. Sometimes you want to cry, sometimes laugh. Anne brings your feelings out in the open. You feel as though you are there with the characters in the book. The best thing she does is write about God and His love for the individual in a way that has you rooting for them to come on and accept Him as their Lord and Saviour! This book is filled with twists and turns that make it very interesting. Mainly, because the main female character is so dissatisfied with her life-she has a college degree but is still working at a pizza joint-and the male character is a police officer who is looking to work his way up in rank. He decides to go for the K-9 officer job, even though he knows his family will be very disappointed in him for this decision. It is intriguing to see how they finally figure out who each other are and that God truly loves them both, even though they aren’t perfect. I’m not telling you any more because I don’t want to spoil it for you! Please get this book, relax, and enjoy! I know you will! 🙏♥️
August 18, 2022
I discovered Anne Perreault earlier this year when someone recommended her Yellowstone series (great books!!!). I loved those books so much, I was a bit anxious to read another series by her. There have been times where I read a book or series by a new-to-me-author that I truly loved and then found other books by the same author disappointing. That did not happen here!
I thoroughly loved The Gift and have no doubt I will enjoy the rest of this series. I have been drawn to romances this year, but romances with a bit of grit... meaning they aren't just sugar plum and fluff.. they deal with real life issues. The Gift did just that. Both characters struggled with family dynamics and poor choices that caused pain to someone else. I loved that these things were worked out through their relationship with each other but even more so through their relationship with Christ. Faith was a big part of the story. But even there it wasn't all neat and tidy.. they struggled.. they questioned.. and they accepted things not because they "felt it" but because God said so.
Thank you Anne for writing Dakota and Shane's story!
I thoroughly loved The Gift and have no doubt I will enjoy the rest of this series. I have been drawn to romances this year, but romances with a bit of grit... meaning they aren't just sugar plum and fluff.. they deal with real life issues. The Gift did just that. Both characters struggled with family dynamics and poor choices that caused pain to someone else. I loved that these things were worked out through their relationship with each other but even more so through their relationship with Christ. Faith was a big part of the story. But even there it wasn't all neat and tidy.. they struggled.. they questioned.. and they accepted things not because they "felt it" but because God said so.
Thank you Anne for writing Dakota and Shane's story!
February 17, 2025
Enjoyed this sweet and clean CF 'wicked awesome' story about two young people from wealthy Boston families who went their own way once independent. Despite Dakota being educated at BU as a lab scientist, she could only secure a job as a manager of a pizza place. Following the passing of his twin brother, Shane left his family who blamed him for the accident and became a police officer. They met when Shane extricated Dakota from a group of ruffians harassing her. They became closer when Dakota offered to allow the use of her apartment upon being fired where he could recover from a gunshot injury upon returning to her mother's place. Together, before they could move on emotionally, they had to deal with their past traumas and rejections, both depending on their religious background to get them through. Quite a long book but an easy read that depicts great character development, particularly in their spiritual development in order to rid themselves of their past baggage through forgiveness and be able to move on to a future with one another.
September 16, 2025
This story drew me in right from the start. Dakota Taylor is such a relatable character, stuck in a rut, overlooked by her family, and just trying to get through life one pizza shift at a time, until one terrifying night changes everything. I loved watching her journey unfold as God kept nudging open doors she never expected. The blend of faith, suspense, and a touch of sweet romance kept me hooked, and the scavenger hunt twist was such a fun and unexpected element.
But I have to talk about the audiobook. Lisa Lynn Sandlin absolutely brought this story to life. Her narration was so dynamic and engaging, giving each character a distinct voice and pulling me even deeper into Dakota and Shane’s world. She captured the tension, the heartfelt moments, and the sparks of humor perfectly. Honestly, the audio experience made this book feel like a movie playing in my head.
If you enjoy faith-filled stories with heart, hope, and a dash of danger, I highly recommend this one. And if you can, do yourself a favor and grab the audiobook, Lisa Lynn Sandlin makes it unforgettable!
But I have to talk about the audiobook. Lisa Lynn Sandlin absolutely brought this story to life. Her narration was so dynamic and engaging, giving each character a distinct voice and pulling me even deeper into Dakota and Shane’s world. She captured the tension, the heartfelt moments, and the sparks of humor perfectly. Honestly, the audio experience made this book feel like a movie playing in my head.
If you enjoy faith-filled stories with heart, hope, and a dash of danger, I highly recommend this one. And if you can, do yourself a favor and grab the audiobook, Lisa Lynn Sandlin makes it unforgettable!
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