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Paula Peckham
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Protected (San Antonio series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Paula Peckham (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.9 out of 5 stars 70 ratings

Disaster strikes a wagon train en route to Texas, leaving 18-year-old Abby in charge of the survivors, all children younger than her. After an attempted kidnaping, the others convince her to disguise herself as a boy. Initially reluctant, Abby soon realizes life on the trail is much easier without bulky skirts. The disguise allows her to do things as "Abner" she couldn't do as Abby. It's intoxicating.
Disfigured by fire as a child, Manny, a young cowboy, is lonely and yearns for companionship. His scars and the judgment of townspeople make it difficult for him to trust others. He intercepts the wagon train and agrees to help the children finish the trip to San Antonio. A new friendship cracks the protective walls built around his heart. Hope blooms when he meets "Abner," and Manny's fear of rejection slowly dissolves.
As the weeks on the trail go by, Abby develops romantic feelings for Manny, and he values his first new friendship in years. When Manny discovers her deception, it destroys the fragile bond of friendship growing between them.
Can God help the two young lovers find trust, faith, and forgiveness on the hot Texas plain?

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    San Antonio series
  2. Print length
    342 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 9, 2022
  5. File size
    1.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 3 books in this series.
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From the Publisher

Christian Westerns, Christian Fiction, Christian Historical Romance

Christian fiction, Christian Western Fiction, Romance

Christian Western Fiction

Christian Historical Fiction, Civil War

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09XLW7Q9K
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. (April 9, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 9, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 342 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1649495544
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 70 ratings

About the author

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Paula Peckham

Paula Peckham

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A fifth-generation Texan, Paula Peckham graduated from the University of Texas in Arlington. She worked at Burleson High School for 19 years as a math teacher. She divides her time between her home in Burleson, Texas, and her casita in Rio Bravo, Mexico. Her church does mission work there, and she makes the 9-hour drive every six to eight weeks. She is married to John, and they have four children and nine grandchildren.

Her debut novel, Protected, book one in the San Antonio series, placed in the semi-finalist round of the 2020 ACFW Genesis contest and won the gold medal in the Global Book awards. Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. launched it in April 2022. Protected was followed by book two in the series, A Father's Gift, a Christmas novella that continues the saga of Abby and Manny from book one. A Father's Gift was a finalist in the 2023 Selah Award contest.

The Journal, The Guide, and Women of Spirit, all Christian magazines, publish Paula’s short stories and articles. The inaugural edition of Awake Our Hearts published her poem, A Garment of Sadness.

Paula has presented to ACFW-DFW chapter, where she serves as the president, and ACFW National. She has also spoken at Unleashing the Next Chapter, an online group for authors, the Colleyville League of Writers, several ACFW local chapters, and Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, invited her to be a guest professor in May 2021 and 2023, where she taught the creative writing and feature writing classes.

Paula has an online presence on Facebook (Paula Babb Peckham), Twitter, Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/paulajopeckham/), TikTok, and her website, UnaPAULAgetically Texan. www.paulapeckham.com

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
70 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story compelling with wonderful plot twists, and one review notes how the nature elements bring the narrative to life. Moreover, the writing style receives positive feedback, with one customer highlighting how it moves seamlessly from scene to scene. Customers appreciate the relatable characters, particularly the strong female protagonist, and one review mentions the excellent painting of the settings. Additionally, the pacing receives positive feedback, with one customer noting that the challenges faced by the characters were reasonable for the situation.

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15 customers mention "Story quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's compelling narrative and wonderful plot twists, describing it as an adventurous read.

"Protected is a wonderful story of courage, determination, loyalty and love. The heroine of the story is young and inspiring...." Read more

"...Why you should read this book. A touching story of the trials and joys of frontier living. This is Book 1 in the San Antonio Series...." Read more

"...This totally realistic historical illustrates the rigors and dangers of a move west by a wagon train when everything goes wrong...." Read more

"Protected provides an adventurous read and a realistic romance. Peckham’s smooth writing style moves you seamlessly from scene to scene...." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing style"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer noting how it moves seamlessly from scene to scene.

"...characters' resilience and humor lighten the mood, while the descriptive writing makes one feel wholely immersed in the time period...." Read more

"...They were very real and the challenges they faced were reasonable for the situation. Highly recommended...." Read more

"...Her crafted writing style places you squarely inside the character’s POV so you easily see and feel what he or she experiences...." Read more

"...If you enjoy reading well-plotted and written fiction, grab this novel!" Read more

8 customers mention "Book enjoyment"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, with one describing it as a compelling page turner.

"Absolutely loved this book. The boys were cute teaching Abby to be a boy.e Exciting to watch Manny grow confident as he let love in...." Read more

"I loved reading this book. I could hardly put it down until I finished. If you're looking for an amazing Christian story this is the one." Read more

"This is a Christian based western, love story. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading her 2nd book that continues the story." Read more

"I loved the entire book (cover to cover). I especially loved it when I found myself actually laughing out loud in a few places...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character depth"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the characters in the book, particularly noting the strong female lead and their relatable nature.

"...Although there are definitely heavy themes in this book, the characters' resilience and humor lighten the mood, while the descriptive writing makes..." Read more

"...I was amazed by the depth of each of the characters, the excellent painting of the settings and wonderful plot twists...." Read more

"...The characters were interesting as they experienced the adventure. Why you should read this book...." Read more

"...Manny and Abby were two characters who were interesting and likable from very early on in the story...." Read more

3 customers mention "Detail"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the detail in the book, with one noting its well-plotted structure and another highlighting its excellent painting of the settings.

"...I was amazed by the depth of each of the characters, the excellent painting of the settings and wonderful plot twists...." Read more

"...Peckham writes with amazing imagination and enough detail and emotion to bring the story to life." Read more

"...If you enjoy reading well-plotted and written fiction, grab this novel!" Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one review noting that the challenges faced by the characters were reasonable for the situation.

"Protected is a wonderful story of courage, determination, loyalty and love. The heroine of the story is young and inspiring...." Read more

"...They were very real and the challenges they faced were reasonable for the situation. Highly recommended...." Read more

"...role in settling in Texas mid-1800s with a good mix of hardship, trials, and of course love...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Sonya G.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting story, wow!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have never submitted a book review on Amazon (who the heck has time??), but after reading this first novel by Paula Peckham I knew I had to. And here's my disclaimer - as an avid reader I've become pretty jaded, as great authors and memorable books are becoming harder to come by. Most of what's available is ...lackluster, unoriginal, or downright uninspired, so I was happily surprised by this story and the way it quickly drew me in and I became invested in the characters (I couldn't stop reading it, and was a zombie for 2 days at work, but so worth it!!). After sickness strikes their wagon train, a group of orphans look to 18 yro Abby to get them safely to their destination, who learns disguising herself as a boy makes them less of a target. However, after encountering reluctant hero Mannie, she realizes this charade becomes a stumbling block to a possible relationship with him. Although there are definitely heavy themes in this book, the characters' resilience and humor lighten the mood, while the descriptive writing makes one feel wholely immersed in the time period. How much did I love this book? Hint: I've already ordered the sequel and have looked up Peckham's fan page, ha!
    One person found this helpful
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  • SuperReader
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is such a wonderful book. I can’t wait for the next one in this series!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Protected is a wonderful story of courage, determination, loyalty and love. The heroine of the story is young and inspiring. It didn’t take long before I was wrapped up in the story and waiting impatiently to see how these young pioneers would survive.
    As a new author, Paula has already honed her craft. I was amazed by the depth of each of the characters, the excellent painting of the settings and wonderful plot twists. Having personally visited the San Antonio area many times, and trampled around ranches not far away, I found Mrs. Peckham’s descriptions of the countryside very true to life. Bring on the next novel and keep them coming!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Lynda L. Blevins
    5.0 out of 5 stars intriguing Texas frontier story
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I was attracted to this book because - I know the author and was excited to read her first book.

    This book was about a wagon train of children orphaned on their way to Texas. The oldest, 18-year old Abby, disguises herself as a boy to protect the children in her care. On the trail, two men who were heading home from a cattle drive befriended them. As a group, they make their way to San Antonio and the chance for a new life.

    Things I liked about this book. The story was intriguing and moved forward in its telling. The characters were interesting as they experienced the adventure.

    Why you should read this book. A touching story of the trials and joys of frontier living. This is Book 1 in the San Antonio Series.

    This book lived up to the back cover copy. The description of the story on the back is an accurate portrayal of PROTECTED.
    Helpful
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  • KEM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling page turner
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    What a great beginning of a series. Paula Peckham's writing is stellar. I could really relate to the fearfulness of the experiences the characters faced. They were very real and the challenges they faced were reasonable for the situation. Highly recommended. Can't wait to continue going through the series.
    Helpful
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  • Lee Carver
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Genuine Historical
    Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Paula Peckham's novel Protected excited me from the beginning and never let up! This totally realistic historical illustrates the rigors and dangers of a move west by a wagon train when everything goes wrong. It especially pierced my heart because the families suffered a disease that killed all the parents and left children to complete the journey. A strong 18-year-old girl becomes the leader. As the story develops, she must bear the consequences of a deceit constructed to protect herself from villains. But wait! There's eventually a romance between herself and a helpful fellow--with a badly scarred face. I drank in this story as her appreciation and growing affection shows him that she sees past his scars to his kindness and protectiveness. This story breaks a number of barriers. And BTW, the attacking bad guys aren't Native Americans. Peckham writes with amazing imagination and enough detail and emotion to bring the story to life.
    Helpful
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  • mesontag
    4.0 out of 5 stars An Adventurous Read with Realistic Romance
    Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Protected provides an adventurous read and a realistic romance. Peckham’s smooth writing style moves you seamlessly from scene to scene. Her crafted writing style places you squarely inside the character’s POV so you easily see and feel what he or she experiences. Some of the scene and character’s emotional descriptions went on a little longer than I’d prefer, but perhaps that’s because I usually write and read middle grade and young adult historical fiction rather than adult fiction. Well done, Paula!
    Helpful
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  • Iris May
    5.0 out of 5 stars Trust Me
    Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely loved this book. The boys were cute teaching Abby to be a boy.e Exciting to watch Manny grow confident as he let love in. Will buy the rest of the series.
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a literary treat!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Paula Peckham's historical fiction romance kept me turning the pages every chance I got. Manny and Abby were two characters who were interesting and likable from very early on in the story.

    Under Ms. Peckham's pen, I could feel the roughness of the old west, the tug of longing between two of the characters, and the smiles on my face from the absolute enjoyment of this story.

    If you enjoy reading well-plotted and written fiction, grab this novel!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A story so amazimg-I laçk words to describe it,adequately
    Reviewed in Canada on October 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A touching, beautifully written love story. Steeped in scripture to remind us that God is the author of love. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Well done!
    Lynn Halliday
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  • CRB
    5.0 out of 5 stars A love story with lots of heart - and drama
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 14, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    All the adults and many of the children in the small group of pioneers travelling across the prairies to San Antonio have died of cholera within a few days of each other. Abigail, at 18, is the oldest survivor and when the others look to her for leadership she is at first horrified and then, reluctantly, accepting. But it’s only a day later when Abby realises the true dangers which can beset their young, female-led band. Persuaded to take on the guise of a boy to give greater protection to herself and the others, Abby finds the change in gender brings a freedom and independence which she could never have a girl. That’s wonderful – until Manny and Jonathon, cowboys returning to their homes in San Antonio turn up, and stay to help.
    Manny bears external scars on his face from a childhood fire and internal scars from a lifetime of believing people shun him for his appearance. When he finds acceptance from the children and a blossoming friendship with the young man, Abner, he begins to understand that perhaps his defences can be loosened. That’s wonderful – until they reach San Antonio and Abby’s deception is revealed.
    Paula Peckham’s tale of two young people dealing with their own grief, and learning to trust again, especially each other, draws the reader into the hearts of these relatable and well-rounded characters. She presents them warts and all, inviting us to share their very human struggles, to be annoyed when they act pig-headed and to rejoice when they see sense. Her secondary characters are pitched at just the right level of being real and interesting without taking the spotlight off the main players. Although the grandmother, Yaedili, could easily do so with her steely persistence delivered in a velvet glove.
    There is plenty of action too. Running through the love story is the tale which starts with the early horrific events on the trail and reaches its dramatic conclusion at the end of the book. There is a light sense of ‘trouble to come’ throughout which ratchets up very quickly and races the reader through the final pages.
    All this against a well-researched historic background which brings the settings – from the wide expanses of the prairies to the growing San Antonio and the farms and countryside round about – alive.
    A thoroughly good read. Thank you Ms Peckham.
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