A Need to Protect

Widow's Peak Creek #4

by Susanne Dietze

Their peaceful life is about to be shaken up

Protecting them is her priority

Is there room for love?

A safe, quiet life—that’s what shepherdess Clementine Simon wants for her niece and nephew. There’s nothing safe or quiet about globe-trotting cameraman Liam Murphy. It’s only right that life pulled them in separate directions. But when he returns—temporarily—old feelings resurface. Can she take the biggest risk of all…falling in love?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Genres: Romance, Love Inspired, Second Chance, Mystery, Inspirational

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2022

About the author

Susanne 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.

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe and quiet versus daredevil life style -- talk about opposites attract! Love the premise for this reunion romance and how it looks at the very real problem of young love between two people who are looking for something very different out of life.

Fast forward a decade or so and Clementine and Liam 'accidentally' meet up again (a certain grandma might have had something to do with that) and they discover that their feelings have matured right along with them, but the same issues are still in the way.

There's so much to love about this contemporary romance! First and foremost, a shepherdess heroine! Love all the parallels to the Good Shepard Dietze brings out in the story. Definitely all about letting go of our fears and trusting God's leading in our lives. Profoundly beautiful.

Plus, there's cute kids, critters galore and a gaggle of secondary characters that will charm your socks off! And humour besides. Even a little bit of a mystery. Plus the kind of slow burn, toe-curling romance that makes my heart sing. In other words, sheer bliss in 217 pages!

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clemmie Simon comes to realize that her need to protect her orphaned niece and nephew may be bordering on the obsessive. Liam Murphy senses his need to protect his childhood love may bring them back together again.
Liam is a worthy hero, injured in his high-risk job as a photographer in dangerous places. Back at Grandma Marigold’s house in Widows Peak Creek, he is healing from a broken collarbone. He did not expect to team with old love Clemmie on a project for the town festival. But he brings fresh ideas and expertise to both the town and to Clemmie’s business, where she raises sheep and makes soap.
It was great to get back to the small-town atmosphere and meet old and new friends.
Ms. Dietze writes effortlessly about relationships and captures the children and animals in an engaging way. She brings out spiritual truths naturally as her characters encounter daily problems and emotional obstacles.
* I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susanne Dietze takes her readers back to the sweet and small town of Widow's Peak Creek with this story. Clementine has become the guardians of her niece and nephew after their parents are killed in a tragic accident. She has been fearful ever since. When her high school sweetheart comes to town to recover from surgery and stays with his grandmother, Clementine is going to have to come to terms with several things.

This is a wonderful little town and I've grown quite fond of its inhabitants. I hope Deitze has more to tell of these folks. This one is precious with two lovely children and a thread spiritually that all believers can identify with. Recommended.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The review is my own opinion.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was an ok read. The kids were never taught discipline or right from wrong.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

One overprotective aunt, two adorable children, and a hunky cameraman who's returned to his hometown. Throw in a matchmaking grandmother, a light mystery concerning the sheep at Honeysuckle Farm, and an old romance that may not be over after all. The results are a delightful inspirational romance that is set in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

A Need to Protect is a lovely, second-chance love story with a strong faith thread of forgiveness, faith, and trust. I recommend it to all who enjoy Christian romance, and I look forward to more visits to Widow's Peak Creek. Well done, Susanne Dietze!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My full review can be seen @https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun visit to Widow's Creek Peak for me! I enjoyed Liam and Clementine and their backstory. Their reunion and the storyline of Liam coming back to Widow's Creek Peak after 15 years made for interesting story and the dynamics of their chosen lifestyle paths and current feelings add a good layer to the story. I enjoyed this sweet reunion read. Looking forward to Joel's story coming this summer!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my I absolutely loved this story. It had such a wonderful inspirational thread. The most adorable kids along with the sheep in this story added so much enjoyment. This whole series is so wonderful. I'm so glad there is another book in this series.

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a bit of easy and update reading this weekend. The last two books of the series hit the spot.

This was a sweet second chance, romance with some really cute kids mixed in.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet story set in the fictional town of Widow’s Peak Creek. Clementine is raising her sisters children and a sheep farmer. Her former boyfriend arrives back in town and they work together on the Gold Rush Festival. Strange things are happening at the farm. Liam and Clementine work together and she has to overcome some fears. The kids in the story are absolutely precious! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There's a difference between trusting God and forgoing common sense. I have to do my part too, to be cautious so I'm around to raise Wynn and Annie. To protect them. They have to learn to be careful."

Clementine and Liam were high school sweethearts. But he left town and pursued adventures while she stayed around. Once she was given custody of her niece and nephew after a tragic accident, she knows that she needs a stable life. But can Clementine learn that protection does not always mean control? Can she trust God? How about Liam? Especially since he is only supposed to be back in town for a short period of time.

The theme of this book resonated with me. Too often I think that I can keep my loved ones safe. But I might be holding them back from pursuing their calling. Am I living by faith or fear? These are the questions that the main character dealt with, and these are questions that I deal with as well. I need to read books like this to remind me that I want to embrace what God has to offer.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book. Clementine is operating her family's small sheep farm. I enjoyed learning some of what that involves and about the fact that one can buy sheep soap. Who knew?

I did read the other books in this series first. While one could appreciate this book as a stand-alone, I am glad that I got to know some of the other townsfolk first. Besides revolving around Clementine's family sheep farm, this book also is about a town celebration. Reading about familiar characters felt like a reunion.

This romance is about commitment and thinking of others first. If one is looking for passion, this might not be the book for them. BUT I definitely had all of the feels, and I was convinced that this couple really loved each other based on their actions and not just their words. There is even a bit of a mystery, but not quite enough of one to classify it as a suspense book. I really enjoyed this book and definitely plan on reading the next book in the series.

I was provided a copy of this book. I have read several books by this author and knew that I would want to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely a five-star read.

Clementine Simon is a business owner who lives outside a small town, Widow's Peak Creek, raising sheep and making soap. She is also a sole guardian of her nephew and niece, and, on top of it all, an ex-sweatheart of Liam Murphy, a guy she broke up with more than a decade ago. But Liam is back in town now, and ends up working closely with Clementine. Although they do not believe in it, second chances can happen, especially when there are lots of people praying for it to happen.

I like that this story has the genuine small-town feeling without being Hallmarkish. It is prayer- and faith-filled, and community strong.

Intentional or not, in Liam's sister and mother's past action, I recognized a nod to Austen's Persuasion. But the references to the Good Shepherd in the Bible are spot on and serve as an encouragement not only to the characters, but readers as well.

A snarky mayor and grumpy neighbor add spice to the story. Fergus, the neighbor, also serves as a example how to mend fences, both literal and relational.

Two things that I personally found encouraging, both from Liam.
First, forging relationships needs to be intentional; wherever we go, we are given an opportunity to be a blessing
Second, home is people and not a place.

So far, A Need to Protect is my favorite story in the Widow's Peak Creek. Thoroughly enjoyable, realistic, and truly uplifting.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by Susanne Dietze, and each and every book is fresh and new. With new perspective, characters and how those characters engage with each other. I really appreciate the fact that I don't feel like I've read a story before, because of overlapping elements. Each one is fresh!

I found myself drawn into the story alongside these dynamic characters and felt like I was part of the action and drama. The beautiful pastoral setting even became its one dynamic character with a charm and vitality all its own.

I was pretty sure the story would have a happy ending, I just wasn't sure how the author would get us there amidst the towering strong personalities of the hero and heroine. A sweet melding grandmother and two adorable kids to the rescue!

You won't want to put this book down. So brew up a cupa and find your favorite cozy reading spot and settle in for a delightful, story that is sure to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face.

(I received an early copy from the publisher. I am not required to write a review. All thoughts expressed are my own.)

[Winnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a treat it was to return to the fictional town of Widow’s Peak Creek in the newest book by Susanne Dietze. I love small-town stories, and Dietze is a pro at capturing the essence of small towns and creating colorful, engaging characters to inhabit them. This book is part of her Widow’s Peak Creek series, but it can easily be a stand alone book. It was fun to revisit some of the characters from her other books in this one.

The main characters in this charming tale, Clementine Simon and Liam Murphy, get a second chance when Liam returns to town to recover from an injury he sustained filming travel documentaries. Clementine is raising her niece and nephew after their parents died in an accident. When Liam volunteers to help Clementine with the town festival old feelings come into play. Two adorable children, some sheep, and a matchmaking grandma add fun to the story. This delightful tale has an inspirational thread woven through it which gives it added depth and meaning.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, inspirational romance

My rating is 4.5 stars

A fun story of a shepherdess who learns more about the care of the Good Shepherd!

You might expect that the character needing to protect was Liam but it isn't. Clementine knew the loss of loved ones to accidents and was afraid to allow her niece and nephew she cared for to do anything that could hurt them. Her fears led to a panic that ruled her life and actions.

There was much to love in this sweet story: second chance love, adorable children, meddling matchmaking grandmothers, and a mystery involving wandering sheep.

Readers who enjoy faith-filled romance will enjoy A Need to Protect.

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.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Need to Protect by Susanne Dietze is book four in her Love Inspired sweet romance series, Widow’s Peak Creek.

I’m loving this series! It has a wonderful mix of unique vocations, history, and romance. A Need to Protect is about a video journalist and a soap-maker who owns sheep. Add in two adorable children and a matchmaking grandma and it’s a wonderful read!

I also love how the story is set around a historical festival celebrating the town’s Gold Rush history. The town’s beautiful setting shine’s through, too. The spiritual side of the story explores anxiety and risk and is beautifully handled. Liam is so sweet in his attempts to help Clementine.

This is such a lovely story in all the ways. I highly recommend it! Now I can’t wait for the next book in the Widow’s Peak Creek series. It releases soon!

—
I purchased a copy of this book. 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.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshing read from all the historical novels I've been reading.
I enjoyed every minute of it.
Such a good story of small town life and 2nd chances that I finished this novel in under an hour.
The kids in my opinion are what really made this story. I had to laugh at their antics and shook my head in others.
They added a special touch to this story.
I like how the author has added a bit of mystery to keep you guessing at who or what was causing all the problems. I was surprised to find that out!
The lambs were so precious! I loved their names and I did snicker at some of them even though they cute.
I enjoy Dietze's writing style. She paints the scenes so well that the reader has no trouble picturing themselves with the characters that are in the book.
Yes, the book starts out slow but it does pick up and before u know it, it's over.
I highly recommend this book
My thanks for a copy of this book.
All opinions are my own.
I was NOT required to write a positive review.

[Anna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have great difficulty, in most cases, reading 'Love Inspired' books. I want them to be something they're not - namely, edifying. Uplifting. GOOD. And mostly? They're just not.

This is an exception to the rule.
And a very pleasant surprise.

I loved how the characters actually PRAY throughout the book. And not just, "God, help me!" when there's drama or whatever. They actually speak to the Lord, in this novel. It was... refreshing. Faith lived out. Amazing.

I shouldn't have to say things like this, but it's true.

The problem is that I didn't realize it's #4 in a series... I just bought it, it was on my end table, so I read it. And then got excited. Because I hadn't looked downstairs at the shelves to see if I had its prequels.

And I do! I have books #2 and #3! ((Not #1, but if I like these others, I may actually BUY it for more than 50¢ a a thrift store!))

I do know this one's a definite keeper.

[Betti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not everything goes according to plan…

Who do you need to protect? For Clementine Simon, protection duties came quite unexpectedly when her sister and brother in law died in an accident. Between her responsibilities for her niece and nephew, she takes care of a sheep farm that produces enough income and sometimes headaches to keep them all going.

The return of a long-ago love seemed almost serendipitous when help was needed to fix the fence that mysteriously continued to allow the sheep to get into the neighbor’s yard. Solving this mystery seems to allow many pieces to fall into place. I received an ARC of this Love Inspired Romance. These comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susanne Dietze has another well-written, heartwarming story that takes place in Widow’s Peak, Ca. Clementine Simon is raising her niece and nephew after their parents were killed in a skiing accident. She has the kids and her sheep. She just wants life to be peaceful and safe, especially safe! Liam Murphy, worldwide traveling photographer(and Clementine’s high school sweetheart) arrives back in town to recuperate from a work related injury. Clementine and Luke work together on the Gold Rush Days festival. Can Clementine get over her over protective tendencies for Wynn and Annie?
This is a sweet read with lovable kids, sheep, dogs, rascally neighbors, and a little matchmaking. Looking forward to more trips to Widow’s Peak!

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tender but troubled tale. Both Clementine and Liam had issues from the past and believe their relationship, which they gave up as teens, could never work. Liam has traveled the world filming adventures, and Clementine has taken over the sheep farm and raising her orphaned nephew and niece. When Liam’s injury brings him back to recuperate at his grandmother’s home at Widow’s Peak Creek, the two are thrown together. Longings stir and danger lurks, but life might drive them apart rather than push them closer. The endearing story touches the heart and includes some suspense too. I received a copy from the author, who crafted these wonderful characters. All opinions are my own.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this well written inspirational romance. Great plot and character dynamics. My thanks to the author for my complimentary book. This is my unbiased review.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Widow's Peak Creek (Book #4)

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Widow's Peak Creek (Book #4)

[Kaye Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book