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Protecting the Princess: A Small-Town Clean Romance (Summer Creek Book 3) Kindle Edition

4.7 out of 5 stars 546 ratings

★ 2021 RONE Award Winner ★

He wants to protect her. She needs him to love her.

Parker Princeton is a man’s man. The kind who leads expeditions into the wilderness, can start a campfire with nothing but determination, and has survived on a steady diet of beef jerky and Dr Pepper. When he discovers a female in the woods, alone and injured, his first instinct is to protect her, the second to claim her as his own. Although she can barely remember her name, he’s falling head over heels in love with the beautiful, mysterious woman.

Growing up as a pampered princess from a small European kingdom, all Poppy Granville wants is to experience a normal life. After finishing a year of studies in New York, Poppy decides to explore America before she returns home to face the responsibilities of her title. She ditches her cell phone, buys an old rust bucket car, and sets out on an adventure. After an injury leaves her stranded in the middle of nowhere, a rugged outdoorsman seems to be her only hope of surviving, even if she has to pretend to have amnesia to keep her identity a secret.

Will telling him the truth set her free, or lose him forever?

Laughter, love, and a fairy tale ending await in this funny, sweet romance packed with small-town charm.

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There are 7 books in this series.

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From the Publisher

Protecting the Princess
Protecting the Princess - 2021 RONE Award Winner
Protecting the Princess

Editorial Reviews

Review

"No one writes heartwarming western romance like Shanna Hatfield."
Melinda Curtis -- USA TODAY Bestselling Author

"Shanna Hatfield is pure magic on a page and she doesn't disappoint with Protecting the Princess with her enchanting tale of castles, a storybook worthy princess, a brooding, sexy cowboy, and of course...a goat."
Ciara Knight -- USA TODAY Bestselling Author

"Hatfield has brought Hallmark to Summer Creek."
Goodreads Reviewer

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08DTHMF4W
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wholesome Hearts Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 24, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 9.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 454 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 7 ‏ : ‎ Summer Creek
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 546 ratings

About the author

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Shanna Hatfield
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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever, and an ongoing supply of learning experiences.

Today, Shanna draws on her rural roots to create sweet and wholesome romances filled with hope, humor, quirky small-town characters, realistic heroes, and women of strength. Her historical westerns have been described as historically accurate, blending facts with engaging fiction, while her contemporary works have been called laugh-out-loud funny, swoony, and heartwarming.

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or testing out new recipes (she loves to bake!), Shanna hangs out at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
546 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this romance novel for its sweet storyline and wonderful characters, with one review highlighting a hilarious scene in Chapter 16. Customers love the town of Summer Creek and find the book well-written, emotionally captivating, and worth the tears. They appreciate the pacing, with one customer noting they could picture the scenes vividly.

35 customers mention "Story quality"35 positive0 negative

Customers love this story, particularly Poppy and Parker's romance, with one customer describing it as a fun fairytale.

"...It’s such a sweet and wonderful story." Read more

"This is another installment in a series. This is a good story about two people who deserve each other. And the wonderful way they find each other." Read more

"...Great Book and Thank you, Shanna Hatfield. Can't wait another good story." Read more

"What a wonderful story. I laughed out loud, really loud at Cricket and her sassy antics. I cried also. I'm in love with poppy...." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning that Parker has a kind heart.

"...However, Cricket calls her the princess lady. Poppy is such an outstanding character...." Read more

"...of Summer Creek is wonderful, with her characters' stories and personalities nearly jumping off the page...." Read more

"...I absolutely love the characters and the small town of Summer Creek. Ms. Hatfield is was of my favorite authors!" Read more

"Love the town of Summer Creek and its characters...." Read more

7 customers mention "Humor"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning a particularly hilarious scene in chapter 16, while another notes the sprinkling of tears and laughter throughout the story.

"...author weaves her creative magic throughout this wonderful tale with wild humor, heart melting emotions and a romance for the ages...." Read more

"...extraordinary romance filled with warmth, heart and a sprinkling of tears and laughter...." Read more

"...hopefulness and warm fuzzies❤️ Clean stories, that make you smile, laugh, and sigh!..." Read more

"...Great, funny clean story. Ch 16 has a hilarious scene: Cricket's tea party with the suited, unsmiling guys." Read more

7 customers mention "Love of summer creek"7 positive0 negative

Customers love the town of Summer Creek, with one customer particularly appreciating its deep community and outdoor lifestyle.

"...The deep community in Summer Creek is fabulous. • Of course, that crazy goat Ethel. I love that she is vetting future citizens. •..." Read more

"I truly enjoyed Poppy and Parker's story. Ms Hatfield's world of Summer Creek is wonderful, with her characters' stories and personalities nearly..." Read more

"Loved being back in Summer Creek. Parker and Poppy story was fun. Parker became Poppy knight in shinning armour right at the start...." Read more

"...I absolutely love the characters and the small town of Summer Creek. Ms. Hatfield is was of my favorite authors!" Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and engaging, with one customer describing it as a page-turner.

"Protecting the Princess by Shanna Hatfield is exceptionally sweet, well written, and such a beautiful story. Will Poppy come clean?..." Read more

"This a beautiful read about a beautiful princess, Poppy and a handsome outdoor guide, Parker and how they found their forever love with all the ups..." Read more

"...Shanna is an incredible talented author one of my favorites...." Read more

"This is book three in this lovely and fun series. Just as wonderful to read as the first 2...." Read more

6 customers mention "Emotional content"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally captivating and worth the tears, with one mentioning it made them tear up toward the end.

"...creative magic throughout this wonderful tale with wild humor, heart melting emotions and a romance for the ages...." Read more

"...books (which I think were 3 total) in this series were so worth the time and the tears. So glad I found these book to read." Read more

"...This one even made me tear up toward the end...happy tears. It’s such a sweet and wonderful story." Read more

"This book sent me on an emotional roller coaster! I was crying my eyes out at the goodbye parts. This story really is amazing!..." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one customer noting its luscious details and another mentioning its believable backgrounds.

"Poppy is touring the states and enjoying the sites. She is fascinated with flowers and assembling them. She gets in trouble and is rescued by Parker...." Read more

"...Read it slowly to savor all of the luscious details and sights from Oregon all the way to Briden...." Read more

"This was such a cute book and a good addition to the series...." Read more

"This is book three in this lovely and fun series. Just as wonderful to read as the first 2...." Read more

5 customers mention "Princess content"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the princess content in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating Poppy Granville's character.

"This a beautiful read about a beautiful princess, Poppy and a handsome outdoor guide, Parker and how they found their forever love with all the ups..." Read more

"...Love the spunky and lovable Poppy Granville, and how she is perfect for Parker...." Read more

"...It has the most perfect storyline, with the most perfect princess (plan on falling in love with Poppy😉), and all of the wonderful characters..." Read more

"I can hardly wait to read the rest in the series. The little girl is so special. Your writing is good and clean." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Protecting the Princess by Shanna Hatfield is exceptionally sweet, well written, and such a beautiful story.

    Will Poppy come clean? Will Parker get over himself and find a way to make this relationship work?

    Penelope Elizabeth Amelia Marguerite Granville
    Princess Penelope has many names, but she prefers Poppy. However, Cricket calls her the princess lady. Poppy is such an outstanding character. She loves the outdoors, gardening, hiking, yet she is comfortable at a prestigious club meeting and giving speeches on the things that she loves. Poppy tries to be sneaky, but she is not sneaky at all.

    I adored Poppy's relationship with her grandfather. However, Poppy allows her family to dictate her life and things that make her feel bad about herself. She needs to work on that and be who she wants to be. Poppy and Parker have this instant connection. His truthfulness with her is such a beautiful thing.

    Parker Princeton
    Parker is Summer Creek's nature guide. He has his own business, which he has grown to be profitable, and Parker has a kind heart. Hud and Jossy are his best friends and extended family; Parker is also there for them. Park is what Poppy calls a diamond in the rough. Although, mostly, I think he needs to work on his hygiene. Parker has dated most of the eligible ladies in town, and he hasn't found the lady of his dreams. Since we have seen Parker in the first two stories, it was nice to see him mature and fall in love.

    Things That I Liked:
    • The way the Cole family always try to help out strangers and family alike is fabulous.
    • The deep community in Summer Creek is fabulous.
    • Of course, that crazy goat Ethel. I love that she is vetting future citizens.
    • Logan's loyalty to the family that has made him part of them.
    • Poppy's Grandfather Gavin and the way he flys into to rescue her is so loving.
    • Poppy's brother, Eli, following her around on her tour without Poppy realizing it.
    • The way that Hud and Parker discuss Parker's behavior.
    • Diesel is fantastic what a well behaved dog.

    There are many others; these are just a few things that stand out while writing this review.

    Five Stars
    I adore this series; Shanna Hatfield nails the small-town life and community so well. She breathes more life into Summer Creek with each installment. I enjoyed following Parker and Poppy's romance. The two of them are so well suited, and yet there are those logistics in every relationship. My rating for Protecting the Princess by Shanna Hatfield is five stars.

    I highly recommend this book and the series to all sweet romance readers out there. I look forward to the next book in the Summer Creek Series.

    I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

    Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Protecting the Princess by Shanna Hatfield.

    Until the next time,
    ~Jen

    If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Poppy is touring the states and enjoying the sites. She is fascinated with flowers and assembling them. She gets in trouble and is rescued by Parker. He is a tour guide for hikers and fishermen.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Parker Princeton may have a nobleman’s name but he’s a rugged cowboy outdoorsman through and through. A professional wilderness guide, he’s out scouting for new fishing/hunting/camping spots when his faithful dog Diesel comes upon a badly injured young woman. Parker’s protective instincts kick in and he fireman-carries her out of the rugged area to a hospital. What on earth is a lovely young lady doing a foolish thing like backpacking alone through a remote and dangerous wilderness? Unbeknownst to Parker he has just encountered true royalty in Princess Penelope “Poppy” Granville of the small European kingdom of Briden. Poppy, who was studying botany and landscaping in New York City, does the unthinkable by escaping her body guard, buying an old car and taking off incognito across America and a rare chance at freedom. Now, she is recuperating from her injuries in Parker’s best friend’s ranch in the tiny community of Summer Creek, Oregon. The two are magnetically drawn to each other, even though they are polar opposites on the celebrity scale. In order to protect her identity and keep her zealous controlling royal family from dragging her back to Briden, she concocts a fable faking amnesia to cover her royal stature and her lofty title. She meets all of the wonderful people of Summer Creek Ranch and the relationship between her and ranch owner Hud’s precocious daughter Cricket is the stuff of magical dreams. It is obvious that Parker and Poppy have something very special but it seems that everyone and everything is pitted against the star-crossed lovers, including their own past weaknesses and faults. Author Shanna Hatfield has gone “Hallmark” in this royal romance and that is a good thing because most incurable romantics cannot get enough of romancing with the royals. However, far from being “Hallmark” formulated and predictable, the author weaves her creative magic throughout this wonderful tale with wild humor, heart melting emotions and a romance for the ages. For this loyal fan of Shanna Hatfield, this is one of my favorite reads and the most emotionally captivating since her Gifts of Christmas trilogy. Read it slowly to savor all of the luscious details and sights from Oregon all the way to Briden. This is book three in the Summer Creek trilogy and, for me, the crown jewel in the series. (pun intended)
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I truly enjoyed Poppy and Parker's story. Ms Hatfield's world of Summer Creek is wonderful, with her characters' stories and personalities nearly jumping off the page.
    I laughed and cried with them as their new love was found and tested.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This a beautiful read about a beautiful princess, Poppy and a handsome outdoor guide, Parker and how they found their forever love with all the ups and downs and twists and turns that go along with it. It is amazing to go along for the ride. It is also a page turner read. You did a remarkable job creating this increditable story, Shanna.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved being back in Summer Creek. Parker and Poppy story was fun. Parker became Poppy knight in shinning armour right at the start. It was love at first sight for them both. It was hard for Poppy to disguise her identity from her new friends. Her Papa was a sweet man who believed in her. Her keeping her identity from her new friends was hard to take at first. But I understood why she did it. She and Parker fit so well togethor. Loved being with Hud, Emery, Cricket, Jossy, Nate, Nell and meeting Zandie. Little Cricket made the story fun too. Poppy family made Parker fell at home when he visited meaning her male relatives. Her sisters and mother were snobs. So happy that she finally received the love she needed from her mom. Looking forward to Knox story and also going back and reading Nate and Jossy story.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Lynda Peters
    5.0 out of 5 stars So enjoyable
    Reviewed in Australia on October 11, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The third book in this series and it’s really enjoyable. Parker’s character has developed strongly through the three books and he shines in his own story. Poppy is the perfect match for him even if it takes him a long time to fully realise it. The other great characters from previous book and it’s like visiting old friends. I’m hoping there will be more in this series.

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