Allow me to introduce PROTECTED, a Western romance set in the 1860s. It is a story about authentic people, but also about love and the gritty, real-world road back to faith.
Eighteen-year-old Abby travels to Texas with her parents and three other families in a wagon train. Disaster strikes, and the orphaned children must fend for themselves. The responsibility of getting them the rest of the way to San Antonio lands on her. After a close call with two questionable men met on the trail, the others persuade a very reluctant Abby to finish the journey disguised as a boy.
Enter Manny, a tall, lean, Hispanic Texan, returning home from a cattle drive. He intercepts the wagon train and offers to help them finish their journey, believing all the while that “Abner” is leading the small band of orphans. Making friends is difficult for him, and he unexpectedly relishes his growing relationship with his new friend.
Abby is an independent woman at a time when society expects women to be anything but. Her challenge is giving up control and placing her faith in God. Manny, disfigured in a fire as a child, finds it difficult to acknowledge his God-given worth and to place his trust in others.
Friendship, romance, betrayal. Forgiveness does not come easy. Spend some time in this scorching Texas summer, and discover the surprise waiting for you there!
PROTECTED is Beauty and the Beast crossed with John Wayne’s The Cowboys and Disney’s Mulan, with a splash of Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. It is book one in the San Antonio series. It won the Gold Award in the 2022 Global Book Awards.
You may purchase Protected as an eBook, a paperback, or an audiobook. All are available on Amazon. Click here.
I am not a reader but this book “Protected” kept my attention Kudos! The end of “Protected”, there is a chapter 1. San Antonio, Texas – Spring, 1864. Is the book soon to be? Thank you
Yes! It’s titled “A Father’s Gift,” and it is available on Amazon. Jonathan’s story follows, and it comes out in September.
So excited that the ACFW Book Club chose to read Protected this month. I couldn’t put it down! Your true depictions of loss, fear, courage, physical attraction and fighting to resist sin are some of the most realistic I’ve read. I felt ALL the feels. You had me laughing, crying and sighing. Headed to Amazon to get book 2. Looking forward to Johnathan’s story.
Thank you, Susan. I’m so happy you enjoyed the story. I appreciate your kind words. I hope book two meets your expectations.
Best book I’ve read in a long time, I couldn’t put it down. Awesome job Paula! Where can I purchase Part 2???
Thank you, Angela! You made my day. Book two is available on Amazon. Book three is at the publisher’s as we speak. Tell your friends. 🙂
I just finished it yesterday, and absolutely loved it. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
Thank you, Stacy! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
Looking forward to reading it1
Thank you, Marie! I hope you enjoy it.
Excited to read a glimpse into you’re intriguing book! A series!!! Drop this mic! Awesome!
Where can I purchase a copy of Protected? I am wanting to read this and it is on my book club’s list.
I’m honored! So exciting to hear your club is reading the book. It will be published in March, 2022. I will let you know as soon as it is available for order. Does your club meet in Burleson?