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Widow's Peak Creek #5
The Secret Between Them
After a lifetime of questions,
She’s ready for some answers.
In her mother’s hometown, Harper Price is sure she’ll finally learn about the grandfather and father she never knew. But that means working with grumpy local lawyer Joel Morgan. The single dad is wary of Harper, even as her kindness to his daughter warms his heart. Winning his trust is Harper’s first challenge…but not her last as her quest reveals shocking truths.
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
She’s ready for some answers.
In her mother’s hometown, Harper Price is sure she’ll finally learn about the grandfather and father she never knew. But that means working with grumpy local lawyer Joel Morgan. The single dad is wary of Harper, even as her kindness to his daughter warms his heart. Winning his trust is Harper’s first challenge…but not her last as her quest reveals shocking truths.
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2022
9 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Susanne Dietze
65 books653 followersSusanne 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.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 26, 2022
'She'd wanted answers, but not like this.'
I just this very minute finished the book and my heart (and my face) is smiling. Big. What a very precious story. Susanne Dietze saved the best for last in her series for sure. I've grown to love the inhabitants in this small town in her Widow's Peak Creek series. I'd like to visit, if only it weren't a fictional place.
Paige and Joel were great characters. Oh, each has their bits of faults, but they truly had hearts for God and trusted Him for the hard things in their lives. Even if His will hurt. Oh, I loved this book so much! Very much recommended.
My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is entirely my own.
I just this very minute finished the book and my heart (and my face) is smiling. Big. What a very precious story. Susanne Dietze saved the best for last in her series for sure. I've grown to love the inhabitants in this small town in her Widow's Peak Creek series. I'd like to visit, if only it weren't a fictional place.
Paige and Joel were great characters. Oh, each has their bits of faults, but they truly had hearts for God and trusted Him for the hard things in their lives. Even if His will hurt. Oh, I loved this book so much! Very much recommended.
My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is entirely my own.
July 14, 2022
“But love grows- it doesn’t divide.”
It is great to be back in this quaint little town and see all my favorite characters. Now Harper has joined the group when she finds out she has inherited something from her grandfather. She meets lawyer, Joel, but does not quite mesh with him at first. All she really wants to do is find out who her birth father is.
The characters are so real that you want to be their friends and live in this picturesque town. There is a cute little girl, daughter of Joel, a meddlesome grandmother type or two and a big beautiful peacock who gets rather possessive.
The heart of the story is Harper longing to belong. With side issues of a child custody case the story is never dull. The characters are Christian for the most part so they seek God in all they do and ask for forgiveness when needed. “Let it go. Such a hard thing to do since he felt more in control when he could grip his worries tightly, but it was necessary to empty his hands so God could use them as He wished.” Joel had a hard time trying not to be in control because he is a defender.
This was a great series and I hate to see it end.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
It is great to be back in this quaint little town and see all my favorite characters. Now Harper has joined the group when she finds out she has inherited something from her grandfather. She meets lawyer, Joel, but does not quite mesh with him at first. All she really wants to do is find out who her birth father is.
The characters are so real that you want to be their friends and live in this picturesque town. There is a cute little girl, daughter of Joel, a meddlesome grandmother type or two and a big beautiful peacock who gets rather possessive.
The heart of the story is Harper longing to belong. With side issues of a child custody case the story is never dull. The characters are Christian for the most part so they seek God in all they do and ask for forgiveness when needed. “Let it go. Such a hard thing to do since he felt more in control when he could grip his worries tightly, but it was necessary to empty his hands so God could use them as He wished.” Joel had a hard time trying not to be in control because he is a defender.
This was a great series and I hate to see it end.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
August 25, 2022
Such a lovely story. Great characterizations, truths and sweet babies! Kept me turning pages.
June 18, 2022
What a truly wonderful story! I enjoyed getting to know Harper and Joel. I especially appreciated the fact that as a reader I felt like I was part of the story, not just an outsider looking in. The characters felt like real-life friends, with honest struggles, missteps and an honesty that made their personality shine. I loved how seamlessly the author wove the characters relationship with God and their faith journey into the story. It wasn’t forced or out of place, it fit the characters like a glove, because their faith was part of who they are.
This book would be a perfect addition to any library!
(I received an early copy from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.)
This book would be a perfect addition to any library!
(I received an early copy from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.)
July 21, 2022
The Secret Between Them by Susanne Dietze is book #5 in Widow's Peak Creek series. This is my very first book of the Widow Peak Creek series. I don't know how I missed the other 4, but I'm putting them on my TBR list.
Harper Price has run off to her mom's secret hometown to try and learn more about her grandfather and her father. Her mom hasn't told her anything about them or even the town she grew up in. Harper stumbled on a letter she had written 30 years ago to a friend, but had never sent. Unfortunately, the first person she encounters in Widow's Peak Creek is Joel Morgan. He's grumpy and has an attitude. He's assuming the worst of Harper's intentions. Eventually Harper and him become friends. He agrees to help her search for her father. Will learning who her father is destroy her chance to find happiness? It's a mystery that you won't solve until you read the book. LOL.
This was a beautiful story. This couple had to really learn to trust God. I did like that God was a major part of the story. It's definitely Christian fiction which I love. I don't know how I missed the other books in this series. I have 4 others to read that's based in Widow's Peak Creek, but I'm sad that this was the 5th and final book. I fell in love with this small town. I teared up quite a few times. It's such a lovely special town. I know you will enjoy this town and all the characters who live in it too. Of course, there is an epilogue which makes me extremely happy. So read the book and find out what secrets lie between them. I was given a copy of this book by the author, but all opinions are my very own!
Harper Price has run off to her mom's secret hometown to try and learn more about her grandfather and her father. Her mom hasn't told her anything about them or even the town she grew up in. Harper stumbled on a letter she had written 30 years ago to a friend, but had never sent. Unfortunately, the first person she encounters in Widow's Peak Creek is Joel Morgan. He's grumpy and has an attitude. He's assuming the worst of Harper's intentions. Eventually Harper and him become friends. He agrees to help her search for her father. Will learning who her father is destroy her chance to find happiness? It's a mystery that you won't solve until you read the book. LOL.
This was a beautiful story. This couple had to really learn to trust God. I did like that God was a major part of the story. It's definitely Christian fiction which I love. I don't know how I missed the other books in this series. I have 4 others to read that's based in Widow's Peak Creek, but I'm sad that this was the 5th and final book. I fell in love with this small town. I teared up quite a few times. It's such a lovely special town. I know you will enjoy this town and all the characters who live in it too. Of course, there is an epilogue which makes me extremely happy. So read the book and find out what secrets lie between them. I was given a copy of this book by the author, but all opinions are my very own!
August 30, 2022
My Thoughts:
The Secret Between Them was tender, sweet, and comfortable. It’s the fifth book in the Widow’s Peek Creek series. While you can read them out of order, why would want to? Widow’s Peek Creek is that cozy little place that you want to settle down in, whether in a book only or in real life. It’s full of friends who love and support each other. But for Harper, it’s also full of secrets that she’s itching to have revealed.
The Secret Between Them is a beautiful, God-centered story about learning to let the Lord lead and how to forgive. It’s the kind of story that just blesses your soul.
Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving The Secret Between Them 5 stars. I recommend it to those looking for Christian Contemporary Romance.
~ I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.
The Secret Between Them was tender, sweet, and comfortable. It’s the fifth book in the Widow’s Peek Creek series. While you can read them out of order, why would want to? Widow’s Peek Creek is that cozy little place that you want to settle down in, whether in a book only or in real life. It’s full of friends who love and support each other. But for Harper, it’s also full of secrets that she’s itching to have revealed.
The Secret Between Them is a beautiful, God-centered story about learning to let the Lord lead and how to forgive. It’s the kind of story that just blesses your soul.
Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving The Secret Between Them 5 stars. I recommend it to those looking for Christian Contemporary Romance.
~ I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.
July 1, 2022
"Trusting God seemed a lot harder when it had to do with his daughter than anything else he'd faced in his life."
The readers first met single dad, Joel, in the previous books in the series (particularly book 4). In this book, we finally get to find out more of his story and how he is in a certain predicament. His adorable daughter, Maisie, is a part of this one, and we learn about some of her struggles as well. She grows a lot as a character in this book.
This title involved a mystery since Harper is trying to find her father. From the beginning, I guessed who it might be, but there was one more person mentioned that could have been the one. Although part of this was predictable, I was surprised at other parts of the situation.
Joel and Harper clash at the beginning. He thinks (for good reason) that she is lying to him. But she simply wants to find out more about her roots. Over time, they come to trust each other. For me personally, that was the only downfall of the book. In my opinion, not quite enough time passed for them to connect as deeply as they did. Especially when a child was involved. But overall, I did like the book and especially appreciated the family parts. The ending was satisfying, and I really enjoyed reading about what became of the property as well as some of the other townspeople.
This is book five in the series, and the titles are connected. It could be read as a stand-alone, but one would appreciate the connections more if they were all read together. I did like reading about "familiar faces," and maybe I would have enjoyed seeing even more of the town characters, but it might not have fit as well with this particular book.
Final rating: 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
I did receive an advanced complimentary copy of this book. Now I have read the whole series, and I definitely would have finished book five no matter what. All opinions are my own.
The readers first met single dad, Joel, in the previous books in the series (particularly book 4). In this book, we finally get to find out more of his story and how he is in a certain predicament. His adorable daughter, Maisie, is a part of this one, and we learn about some of her struggles as well. She grows a lot as a character in this book.
This title involved a mystery since Harper is trying to find her father. From the beginning, I guessed who it might be, but there was one more person mentioned that could have been the one. Although part of this was predictable, I was surprised at other parts of the situation.
Joel and Harper clash at the beginning. He thinks (for good reason) that she is lying to him. But she simply wants to find out more about her roots. Over time, they come to trust each other. For me personally, that was the only downfall of the book. In my opinion, not quite enough time passed for them to connect as deeply as they did. Especially when a child was involved. But overall, I did like the book and especially appreciated the family parts. The ending was satisfying, and I really enjoyed reading about what became of the property as well as some of the other townspeople.
This is book five in the series, and the titles are connected. It could be read as a stand-alone, but one would appreciate the connections more if they were all read together. I did like reading about "familiar faces," and maybe I would have enjoyed seeing even more of the town characters, but it might not have fit as well with this particular book.
Final rating: 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
I did receive an advanced complimentary copy of this book. Now I have read the whole series, and I definitely would have finished book five no matter what. All opinions are my own.
September 19, 2022
Very good book. Great characters.
June 6, 2022
great book
December 9, 2022
This finale may just be my favorite of the Widow's Peak Creek series! I LOVED this story! Harper was a great leading lady and the mystery concerning her history she has come to WPC to solve was right up my mystery loving alley. The story completely held my attention throughout, and the story really developed naturally and well. This book just flowed. Really, really enjoyed this one!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
July 29, 2022
I've made five visits to Widow's Peak Creek and enjoyed each one but this last one was especially poignant. The Secret Between Them is the last book of the Widow's Peak Creek series and it's a powerful reminder of the universal need to belong. Harper Price visits Widow's Peak Creek to try to learn her father's identity but there may be many more secrets to uncover. The townspeople are warm and friendly, and she's especially drawn to Joel Morgan and his little girl Maisie, but the answer she's seeking may offer more than she bargained for. Is finding her father at the risk of hurting others what she truly wants? Will Harper be able to finally move on, or will a part of her heart be left behind?
Author Susanne Dietze gives readers a heartwarming story with many of the issues that are so relevant today. Parental acceptance, learning to trust, and being obedient to God's will are all a part of this outstanding plot. The characters make me want to be their friend and I can see myself living in this friendly little town. Widow's Peak Creek is the perfect place to fall in love and start a new life! If you're a fan of inspirational romance, grab a copy of The Secret Between Them.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review.
September 23, 2022
The Secret Between Them by Susanne Dietze is the fifth and final book in her Widow’s Peak Creek series from Love Inspired.
I have adored this whole series and Joel and Harper’s story was just as sweet as the others. All the couples in the series have been wonderful and I have loved getting to read about each one.
Looking at The Secret Between Them specifically, this review itself feels hard to write because I don’t want to give anything away. The tension between Joel and Harper pulls a reader in from the start. And then, the suspense surrounding Joel’s adoption of his step-daughter had me wanting to peek at the end to make sure everything worked out okay (I didn’t peek because it’s a Love Inspired story, but still!). And while I had my suspicions as to Harper’s parental search, I was on pins and needles to know how it would all work out.
I’m so happy I have the paperback of all five books because one of these long weekends, I want to read the whole series back-to-back and just enjoy being in Widow’s Peek Creek. I’m sad to leave the small town, but I can’t wait to see what Ms. Dietze has in store next!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. 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.
I have adored this whole series and Joel and Harper’s story was just as sweet as the others. All the couples in the series have been wonderful and I have loved getting to read about each one.
Looking at The Secret Between Them specifically, this review itself feels hard to write because I don’t want to give anything away. The tension between Joel and Harper pulls a reader in from the start. And then, the suspense surrounding Joel’s adoption of his step-daughter had me wanting to peek at the end to make sure everything worked out okay (I didn’t peek because it’s a Love Inspired story, but still!). And while I had my suspicions as to Harper’s parental search, I was on pins and needles to know how it would all work out.
I’m so happy I have the paperback of all five books because one of these long weekends, I want to read the whole series back-to-back and just enjoy being in Widow’s Peek Creek. I’m sad to leave the small town, but I can’t wait to see what Ms. Dietze has in store next!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. 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.
July 25, 2022
Welcome back to California in Susanne Dietze’s fifth book in her Widow’s Peak Creek series, The Secret Between Them.
Harper Price, the daughter of a single mom, has come to Widow’s Creek, hoping to finally find some answers to the question she’s been asking her mother for years…who is her father? She finds an old letter that leads her to town, hoping to speak with the lawyer grandfather she’s never heard of until now.
Entering the office, Harper meets Joel Morgan, the other attorney in the business, and discovers her grandfather had passed away. Joel is wary of Harper. She’s just come out of the woodwork hoping for some inheritance…right? Joel already has enough on his plate to deal with this, too. He’s trying to adopt sweet Maisie, the daughter of his late wife that he’s raised since she was an infant.
There are challenges ahead for both Harper and Joel, and secrets, too. Can they each lean on the Lord and follow His path, learning to trust in one another along the way? Could the Lord’s paths for each of them possibly merge into the same one?
You’ll love this sweet story of faith, trust, and love. Plus it has my favorite…an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
Harper Price, the daughter of a single mom, has come to Widow’s Creek, hoping to finally find some answers to the question she’s been asking her mother for years…who is her father? She finds an old letter that leads her to town, hoping to speak with the lawyer grandfather she’s never heard of until now.
Entering the office, Harper meets Joel Morgan, the other attorney in the business, and discovers her grandfather had passed away. Joel is wary of Harper. She’s just come out of the woodwork hoping for some inheritance…right? Joel already has enough on his plate to deal with this, too. He’s trying to adopt sweet Maisie, the daughter of his late wife that he’s raised since she was an infant.
There are challenges ahead for both Harper and Joel, and secrets, too. Can they each lean on the Lord and follow His path, learning to trust in one another along the way? Could the Lord’s paths for each of them possibly merge into the same one?
You’ll love this sweet story of faith, trust, and love. Plus it has my favorite…an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
July 17, 2022
Secrets - facts you do not want others to know. But does one consider how much damage one secret can do and how easily it compounds into many secrets?
WIdow’s Peak Creek is the quintessential small town, where some seem to know everything and they make sure the rest find out. Harper arrives in this beautiful hamlet with questions she hopes to find the answers to, but will she like the answers?! An unexpected inheritance brings more questions with it. Will her mother finally tell her who her birth father is? There are other secrets that, once known, will reveal shocking truths - ones that will have long term effects. How much does DNA mean when it comes to family?
This early copy was received through Love Inspired Inspirational Romance. My thoughts and impressions were in no way solicited.
WIdow’s Peak Creek is the quintessential small town, where some seem to know everything and they make sure the rest find out. Harper arrives in this beautiful hamlet with questions she hopes to find the answers to, but will she like the answers?! An unexpected inheritance brings more questions with it. Will her mother finally tell her who her birth father is? There are other secrets that, once known, will reveal shocking truths - ones that will have long term effects. How much does DNA mean when it comes to family?
This early copy was received through Love Inspired Inspirational Romance. My thoughts and impressions were in no way solicited.
July 25, 2022
It was such a treat to travel back to Widow’s Peak Creek in Susanne Dietze’s story, The Secret Between Them. This tale features lawyer and single dad, Joel Morgan, and Harper Price who is in her mother’s hometown to find answers to her father’s identity. With the delightful addition of Joel’s sweet daughter Maisie and a peculiar peacock named Beau, this is a charming and satisfying read. The characters are colorful, relatable, and engaging, and I loved the small town vibes and camaraderie. It was fun to see characters from previous books in the series appear in this one.
There is a strong inspirational element running through the story focusing on faith, forgiveness, and trusting God’s will. I recommend this book to those who enjoy uplifting books with a strong faith message. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
There is a strong inspirational element running through the story focusing on faith, forgiveness, and trusting God’s will. I recommend this book to those who enjoy uplifting books with a strong faith message. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
October 11, 2022
Oh how I hate for the trips to Widow’s Peak Creek, CA to end! I have loved this series! Susanne Dietze has done such a good job of illustrating the ups and downs in a smaller town’s life. She writes a heartwarming story with adorable children, senior citizens, and quirky animals.
Harper Price returns to her mother’s hometown to meet a grandfather she didn’t know she had, and to try to find out who her father is. She is greeted by lawyer Joel Morgan, who believes she has finally showed up just to grab her inheritance. Joel, a widower, is trying to adopt his young step-daughter, Maisie. Beau, the peacock, provides some laughs in this sweet story.
Harper Price returns to her mother’s hometown to meet a grandfather she didn’t know she had, and to try to find out who her father is. She is greeted by lawyer Joel Morgan, who believes she has finally showed up just to grab her inheritance. Joel, a widower, is trying to adopt his young step-daughter, Maisie. Beau, the peacock, provides some laughs in this sweet story.
July 26, 2022
Harper Price arrives in her mom’s hometown to get to know her grandfather but gets a rude surprise. She must deal with her grandfather’s law partner, a single dad who lives next to her grandfather’s olive grove. Secrets from the past haunt their lives and offer challenges for their present. The heartwarming story will tug at your heart. I like this quote: “She wasn’t sure she could ever forget him even if she was struck with amnesia. She might not remember her own name, but held never slip from her memory.” I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
January 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this series and especially this final book. It was actually grittier than the others. Harper and Joel both are dealing with some hard realities, unanswered questions and uncertain futures. They both come from place of pain and handle it very differently. Which was interesting to watch play out. And while for the most part, this was a happily ever after, there was at least one character who was still called up in their negative attitude at the end of the story and that actually didn’t bother me. It was very realistic.
July 27, 2022
This was a quick and entertaining read. I was surprised by some of the revelations because usually, I can see them coming. This time I couldn't and I loved that. This is the 5th book in the Widow's Peak Creek series. I liked this book and want to read the first four in the series.
August 3, 2022
A wonderful ending to this fantastic series. I hate to see it end. Widow's Peak Creek would be a wonderful place to live. I'm sure I will be revisiting this fictional town at some point. Loved this book on so many levels.
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July 1, 2022Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Widow's Peak Creek (Book #5)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Widow's Peak Creek (Book #5)
Read
July 1, 2022Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Widow's Peak Creek (Book #5)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Widow's Peak Creek (Book #5)
April 14, 2024
A quick read
September 24, 2022
The Widows Peak Creek series was so good!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews