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To Protect and Serve #2
The Blessing
Happy Ever Afters are possible… or are they?
Dakota Taylor has found the perfect man to fulfill all her dreams; a godly man of strength, character, and integrity. To top it off, he’s asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. After a whirlwind engagement, they’re back in Boston planning their future, and reality is setting in. Coping with a new job, a new house, and a fiancé with a dangerous job as one of Boston’s Finest completely overwhelms Dakota’s need for order. Her anxieties threaten to derail her plans for a rosy future with a flawless man.
Can Dakota surrender her fears and embrace life’s imperfections?
Shane Donovan’s life is shaping up nicely, now that he proposed to the woman of his dreams. Postponing their wedding until after he has completed his training to become a K9 officer will test his resolve and their relationship. When he embarks on a trip to find his K9 partner, he runs headlong into a ghost from his past. Forced to revisit his greatest failure, he descends into a dark place of anger. If he can’t get himself under control, his happy future is at risk.
Can Shane forgive and move forward? Or will he lose everything–the girl he loves, and the job he’s worked so hard for–in one fell swoop?
© Anne Perreault 2022, All Rights Reserved
Dakota Taylor has found the perfect man to fulfill all her dreams; a godly man of strength, character, and integrity. To top it off, he’s asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. After a whirlwind engagement, they’re back in Boston planning their future, and reality is setting in. Coping with a new job, a new house, and a fiancé with a dangerous job as one of Boston’s Finest completely overwhelms Dakota’s need for order. Her anxieties threaten to derail her plans for a rosy future with a flawless man.
Can Dakota surrender her fears and embrace life’s imperfections?
Shane Donovan’s life is shaping up nicely, now that he proposed to the woman of his dreams. Postponing their wedding until after he has completed his training to become a K9 officer will test his resolve and their relationship. When he embarks on a trip to find his K9 partner, he runs headlong into a ghost from his past. Forced to revisit his greatest failure, he descends into a dark place of anger. If he can’t get himself under control, his happy future is at risk.
Can Shane forgive and move forward? Or will he lose everything–the girl he loves, and the job he’s worked so hard for–in one fell swoop?
© Anne Perreault 2022, All Rights Reserved
- GenresContemporary
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2022
About the author
Anne Perreault
28 books532 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 18, 2022
While I love this story the cliffhanger is hard. I can't wait for the next book. It's a great story of love and commitment and challenges.
Merged review:
Intense
This is a love hate book. It has me in knots. And it's not the story I hoped for, it's better. Good job. Read the gift and the blessing both.
Merged review:
Intense
This is a love hate book. It has me in knots. And it's not the story I hoped for, it's better. Good job. Read the gift and the blessing both.
March 11, 2022
The Blessing took me on a wild ride. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected when I read Anne’s books. Let me just say The Blessing was definitely unexpected. It’s a great read with a meaningful Christian message. Dakota and Shane are real, in-depth characters. If you have read The Gift, book one in this series, I am sure you are ready to follow their relationship to the next level with The Blessing. Hang on though, because this author loves to take you on a crazy adventure.
March 19, 2022
Errrrrrrrrrr
Another amazing story by Anne.
The Blessing is book 2. Book 1 The Gift should be read first. As they are not stand alone.
The characters and situations are real with everyday life. Lots of twists and turns with both family, friends and love.
Anne shows us that everything happens for a reason and we need to have faith.
Surprise ending left me with.......errrrrrrrrr
I guess now I wait till book 3.
Another amazing story by Anne.
The Blessing is book 2. Book 1 The Gift should be read first. As they are not stand alone.
The characters and situations are real with everyday life. Lots of twists and turns with both family, friends and love.
Anne shows us that everything happens for a reason and we need to have faith.
Surprise ending left me with.......errrrrrrrrr
I guess now I wait till book 3.
Read
March 17, 2022Warning. This book ends with a cliffhanger. I'm not happy.
March 23, 2022
This book is fantastic! I couldn’t put it down and now I’m patiently waiting for book 3. The characters grab your heart from book 1 ( can be read as a stand alone.) and keep you coming back for more. I find myself on the edge of my seat throughout the book and laughing at the cheeky dialogue. This is a book that I don’t want to end. Anne Perreault has a gift for story telling!
April 3, 2022
One mire awesome read
One more awesome read that ended much too soon! A supposed death of a twin, training K9 , two influential families, with children that won't follow in their footsteps. As they seek God's way, they are trying to find their way. This is a very good read.
One more awesome read that ended much too soon! A supposed death of a twin, training K9 , two influential families, with children that won't follow in their footsteps. As they seek God's way, they are trying to find their way. This is a very good read.
March 15, 2022
Oh my goodness!!! That’s all I can say.
March 25, 2022
The Blessing To Protect and Serve
A good story about a couple with faith in God and all of the ups and downs of life and the power of prayer
A good story about a couple with faith in God and all of the ups and downs of life and the power of prayer
March 5, 2022
I absolutely adored this book. I absolutely need book 3 to be released now.
This is the 2nd book in a 3 book series. Highly suggest reading book 1, The Gift, before reading this one. The character development from book 1 is important in the continuing growth of the characters in this book.
Back to the adored part...lol. Not only do I think this story is a wonderful one but the strength of the christian element, without it feeling forced, is perfect. The main characters, Shane and Dakota, are growing in their faith, despite their fears and failures. They have learned to turn to God in times when they are feeling weak, lost, afraid.
But then again, sometimes, holding onto that faith that God has everything in control is oh so hard and this book takes both Shane and Dakota (and the readers!) on an up and down journey of faith.
Dakota and Shane love each other. But is that enough? Dakota has fear. Shane has anger. Neither of them are ready to fully let go.
Truly, I normally give a brief review of the actual story (and I love this story and how relatable the characters are since I have found myself asking the same questions they do) in a review but this time, the powerful impact of their growth in the Lord is what really impacted me. It was real. It was strong. They struggled. They prayed. Repeat. No one prayer and “poof” life was perfect. The ups and downs were real.
And the story was great. Some twists and turns that were not expected kept me reading. It also made me want to force the author to get book 3 on the shelves right now.
Highly recommend.
This is the 2nd book in a 3 book series. Highly suggest reading book 1, The Gift, before reading this one. The character development from book 1 is important in the continuing growth of the characters in this book.
Back to the adored part...lol. Not only do I think this story is a wonderful one but the strength of the christian element, without it feeling forced, is perfect. The main characters, Shane and Dakota, are growing in their faith, despite their fears and failures. They have learned to turn to God in times when they are feeling weak, lost, afraid.
But then again, sometimes, holding onto that faith that God has everything in control is oh so hard and this book takes both Shane and Dakota (and the readers!) on an up and down journey of faith.
Dakota and Shane love each other. But is that enough? Dakota has fear. Shane has anger. Neither of them are ready to fully let go.
Truly, I normally give a brief review of the actual story (and I love this story and how relatable the characters are since I have found myself asking the same questions they do) in a review but this time, the powerful impact of their growth in the Lord is what really impacted me. It was real. It was strong. They struggled. They prayed. Repeat. No one prayer and “poof” life was perfect. The ups and downs were real.
And the story was great. Some twists and turns that were not expected kept me reading. It also made me want to force the author to get book 3 on the shelves right now.
Highly recommend.
March 9, 2022
This is not my usual type of book, but I really enjoyed it. I honestly wasn't sure where the author was going to take things when I read the end of book one, but I very much liked that Dakota and Shane's story didn't end with the whirlwind engagement. It felt realistic to give this couple room to grow.
I found myself very captivated by the characters and the storyline, wanting to see where things would go next. I could very much relate to Dakota's fears, and I was encouraged by how she handled them. I feel like I learned something about fear, and prayer, and God's provision.
I felt like I was able to really get to know these characters better in this book, and they were nicely fleshed out and more and more endearing as time went on. I liked this book even better than book one.
There are some sharp twists and turns in this one, and some moments that will leave you gasping. Bottom line: if you like dramatic, unpredictable storylines, action, and characters who face real, honest struggles with their faith, this is your book.
I found myself very captivated by the characters and the storyline, wanting to see where things would go next. I could very much relate to Dakota's fears, and I was encouraged by how she handled them. I feel like I learned something about fear, and prayer, and God's provision.
I felt like I was able to really get to know these characters better in this book, and they were nicely fleshed out and more and more endearing as time went on. I liked this book even better than book one.
There are some sharp twists and turns in this one, and some moments that will leave you gasping. Bottom line: if you like dramatic, unpredictable storylines, action, and characters who face real, honest struggles with their faith, this is your book.
March 5, 2022
I LOVED everything about this book! The author did an amazing job bringing to life the real life ups and downs of a relationship while keeping God in the center. Dakota going through her insecurities of stepping into a new job and the upcoming wedding while Shane training along with Arko to be on the K-9 unit, definitely had its pitfalls! The twists and turns that it takes will not let you put it down! Will they keep God the center of their relationship or will the struggles of so much change bring about yet another more devastating change?
April 2, 2022
Anne has done it this time! She knocked it out of the ballpark with her new book, The Blessing. It is a fantastic read! Her characters are so well written into the story you will feel like you’re living alongside them.
Her first book of this series, The Gift, features characters Dakota and Shane and they are back better than ever.
Scripturally placed verses throughout coincide and encourage the characters feelings and choices.
Without giving away anything I need to say, Oh My Goodness Anne, hurry, hurry, hurry with the next chapter!
Be part of a family, read The Blessing!
Her first book of this series, The Gift, features characters Dakota and Shane and they are back better than ever.
Scripturally placed verses throughout coincide and encourage the characters feelings and choices.
Without giving away anything I need to say, Oh My Goodness Anne, hurry, hurry, hurry with the next chapter!
Be part of a family, read The Blessing!
Currently Reading
March 10, 2022Book 2 in To Protect and Serve series set in Boston.
He wasn't built like Hercules. Instead, his muscles were chiseled as if by a master sculptor with a finesse that left her reaching for the door frame to steady herself.
He turned and stopped pounding the small bag he was working on. Earbuds hung from his ears. Hence, he hadn't heard her enter.
“Hey.” His voice sounded thick, breath swelling his bare chest. He went to reach for her.
His touch would burn her to cinders.
He wasn't built like Hercules. Instead, his muscles were chiseled as if by a master sculptor with a finesse that left her reaching for the door frame to steady herself.
He turned and stopped pounding the small bag he was working on. Earbuds hung from his ears. Hence, he hadn't heard her enter.
“Hey.” His voice sounded thick, breath swelling his bare chest. He went to reach for her.
His touch would burn her to cinders.
March 11, 2022
Having read the first in this series, I didn’t think Anne Perrault could top it but was I ever wrong!! I was literally spellbound from the get go! Being allowed to experience real life along with Shane and Dakota as they struggle to find peace with the past, live in the present and hope for the future, the reader is right there with them, learning how to let the Word of God reveal answers to everyday challenges. I am on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next book in this series!
August 22, 2022
Another great read from Anne Perreault. This review will be rather vague and slightly generic because I don't want to give away any of the story. You absolutely need to read this series in order. The story won't hold the impact intended otherwise. One thing I love is that this isn't a series that focusses on 3 connected people.. 1 book per person. I like series like that.. but I really love how this series focusses mainly on 2 specific people. Certainly there are other stories and characters that reoccur, but the main focus in on Dakota and Shane and their relationship with each other, as well as their faith as individuals and as a couple. Spanning multiple books allows a depth and richness to their story that isn't easily achieved in one book. I have no doubt I will be sad to step out of their lives at the end of book 3.
A bit of a warning... there are big surprises, heart ache and tears in The Blessing. There are also laughs and love and heart warming scenes. So not a gloom and doom book at all!
And lastly.. and while not a true spoiler, you might not want to read this next part if you haven't read the book..
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"The Blessing" ends with a huge cliff hanger. If you like this series / book even a tiny bit, you will have to read book 3... and soon after book 2! Which is why I started "The Promise" (Book 3) within 5 minutes of reading the last line of "The Blessing".
A bit of a warning... there are big surprises, heart ache and tears in The Blessing. There are also laughs and love and heart warming scenes. So not a gloom and doom book at all!
And lastly.. and while not a true spoiler, you might not want to read this next part if you haven't read the book..
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"The Blessing" ends with a huge cliff hanger. If you like this series / book even a tiny bit, you will have to read book 3... and soon after book 2! Which is why I started "The Promise" (Book 3) within 5 minutes of reading the last line of "The Blessing".
July 22, 2022
The Blessing
Oh my goodness! This beautiful story of love and learning was so good. Dakota and Shane have been through so much. Falling in love and learning to put their faith and worry in God's hands. Their families were finally getting closer and accepting the past. Shane had his partner trained and they passed the tests in the K9 division of Boston Police Department. And now the day was close to when they would marry and become a family. But can Dakota put her fears in check and accept that Shane one day might not come home because of his job. Will her fears come true? I definitely recommend this book and am excited to start on book 3
Oh my goodness! This beautiful story of love and learning was so good. Dakota and Shane have been through so much. Falling in love and learning to put their faith and worry in God's hands. Their families were finally getting closer and accepting the past. Shane had his partner trained and they passed the tests in the K9 division of Boston Police Department. And now the day was close to when they would marry and become a family. But can Dakota put her fears in check and accept that Shane one day might not come home because of his job. Will her fears come true? I definitely recommend this book and am excited to start on book 3
March 1, 2023
Dakota and Shane are engaged and planning their wedding. But after their whirlwind romance, Dakota needs life to slow down. Meanwhile, Shane buys his very own K9 partner, Arko (you are going to love this dog!), and has to deal with a major incident from his past. I love the relationship between Dakota and Shane, it’s not a smooth journey for this couple but they love well and seek to understand each other. As always, Anne puts her characters through their paces (understatement!). The Blessing is a great follow-on from The Gift. Thankfully there is another book in this series!
September 4, 2022
As several have said, the cliffhanger, aahhhh!
However, it's not a typical Anne Perreault thing. I figured she had a reason.
That said, the rest is what I've come to expect...strong characters, true Christian values, and true to life highs AND lows.
Highly recommend this book! Read the first book in the trilogy first, The Gift, then jump into this one, to see how Shane, Dakota, Mason, and Jayne have grown, plus a few surprises!!
I'm heading off for book three, The Promise. ❤
However, it's not a typical Anne Perreault thing. I figured she had a reason.
That said, the rest is what I've come to expect...strong characters, true Christian values, and true to life highs AND lows.
Highly recommend this book! Read the first book in the trilogy first, The Gift, then jump into this one, to see how Shane, Dakota, Mason, and Jayne have grown, plus a few surprises!!
I'm heading off for book three, The Promise. ❤
April 18, 2025
WOW is all I can say. This book is bursting with action. Each turn in this novel has been a little more thrilling than the last, and I can't believe how many different turns it has taken. I have no idea where Anne Perreault finds inspiration, but wow, she is amazing. I think this is one of the most thrilling books I've read in a long time. Additionally, I adore the entire romance, and the characters are very remarkable. As soon as I finish this review, I will begin reading the third book in this series, which I am very excited to read. I heartily endorse both this book and the complete series.
January 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. So much so that I stayed up until 2am just to finish it.
This book is the 2nd in a series and you will feel so many emotions with it. From laughter, to a little sadness, to love, to oh my goodness!
You will see Grace, forgiveness and love!
I hope you check out this series for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
This book is the 2nd in a series and you will feel so many emotions with it. From laughter, to a little sadness, to love, to oh my goodness!
You will see Grace, forgiveness and love!
I hope you check out this series for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
February 18, 2025
The Blessing is the continuation of Shane and Dakota's relationship as they prepare to get married. This has realistic characters and faith elements, along with family dynamics, twists and turns, a K9, and a cliffhanger at the end. Get ready for a wild adventure.
May 3, 2022
So good!
But I need the next book now! Don't leave me hanging like that. I love these characters and can't wait to find out what happens next.
But I need the next book now! Don't leave me hanging like that. I love these characters and can't wait to find out what happens next.
July 18, 2022
Book 2 continues with Shane & Dakota’s relationship. They are engaged and preparing for their wedding…..until……cliff hanger! Cannot wait to see how this series ends! Book 3 being released soon!
September 21, 2023
I could barely wait to finish this book and was shocked with a cliffhanger! HOWEVER, I checked and Book 3, The Promise, is here and ready for me to read. Can hardly wait to get into it. Excellent!
November 4, 2023
Can we say cliffhanger?
March 9, 2022
The characters are so realistic with all their human strengths and weaknesses. You are drawn into Dakato and Shane’s story and how their faith helps see them through each challenge. The twist and turns are through out the story and you have to keep reading until the end!
Will Dakato and Shane get their happy ever after? Can their faith keep them on track? What about Mason and Jayne? You will fall in love with Shane’s German Shepard partner.
You will be tempted to read this story all at one sitting!!
Will Dakato and Shane get their happy ever after? Can their faith keep them on track? What about Mason and Jayne? You will fall in love with Shane’s German Shepard partner.
You will be tempted to read this story all at one sitting!!
March 15, 2022
Overall a good story just not the ending I was expecting. There are surprises, suspense, and some humor. The characters are well written and the story moves along. This series cannot stand alone; reading the books in order is going to make the most sense. Definitely need to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews