🦮🦉🏔️🎄 “An Alaskan Christmas Promise” (Home to Owl Creek #6/K-9 Companions #11) (2022) 🎄🏔️🦉🦮 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Publisher: Love Inspired Books (November 29, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335585389
ISBN-13: 978-1335585387
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“A Christmas to cherish …
And a secret to protect.
This needs to be the best Christmas Kit O’Malley has ever seen—because she may not be able to see another. Diagnosed with failing vision, it takes all her determination to stay focused on what makes her happy: her daughter, her service-puppy-in-training and the puppy’s trainer, Leo Duggan. But they can’t reach their Christmas joy together until Kit’s secret comes to light …”
Thank you in advance to the author, Belle Calhoune, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
This book is like some unique ones in the K-9 Companions series, while they are connected by theme (K9 Companions) – the books are either standalone or connected to other books in a series by the author.
While readers don’t have to read the previous books in the K-9 Companions series, they should familiarize themselves with the five other books in the HOME TO OWL CREEK series. Several characters from previous books either appear or are mentioned – namely, Hank (from the first book), Braden (the third book), and Maya and Ace (the fifth book).
What’s interesting about my love of this series, is that back in February 2020, I got an Amazon gift card and bought the first book of the series, Her Secret Alaskan Family – which is STILL on the TBR list.
I was lucky enough to review Their Alaskan Past, which is the fifth book of the series – those characters, Ace and Maya play a significant role in this book. As a result, I bought books #2-#4 to again, place on the TBR list.
I’ve also read Calhoune’s No Ordinary Christmas, the first book in her Mistletoe, Maine series from the FOREVER imprint. Incidentally, I have #2 on the TBR due to it being delayed in transit for two (2) months thanks to the USPS.
I mention this because her FOREVER books are clean, but are not as “Christian”-centered as the LOVE INSPIRED line. But her themes of love, lost-loves, and new loves are the same.
That said …
I’m a “Christmas-all-year” kind of person. I can read a Christmas book at Christmas time, middle of summer, or even over Valentine’s day. So, because I love Christmas books, I always say yes to reading one.
I also loved the premise of the story – a single mom, declining vision, and trailing a service dog; which then leads to love.
Right off – the cover gives off the “feels” – romance, sadness (for Kit’s situation), and the joy from the holiday scene.
In this Owl Creek novel, Calhoune introduces us to Kit and Leo; along with a service-puppy-in-training –> Jupiter.
Kit is dealing with a diagnosis that is going to have a severe impact on her life – her vision namely. Watching someone lose their vision from cataracts and glaucoma is heart-breaking – even worse when the person is younger and has a small child.
In addition, she doesn’t want to tell anyone about her condition, even her parents, just yet.
At first, Leo doesn’t have any pups – but, he does recall Jupiter, a smaller and a bit “less inclined” to train. As he is about to send the assigned pups home – he can give Jupiter more attention.
This works to Kit’s advantage.
Kit is there to begin training. I loved the “progress not perfection” expectation.
Eventually she and Leo become friendly. Though there is a secret she is keeping from him and his family. And, it is one the town wonders about – the father of Kit’s daughter, Adaline.
Kit has her reasons for staying away from the Duggan family, and Leo has his own reasons to avoid a romantic entanglement.
Of course, things do change. Leo soon learns that he’s spent so much time mourning his losses, he’s forgotten to honor the lives of those he’s mourning. And, he also begins to think about Kit a bit more and in a different way.
Eventually all the secrets come out, but getting to the romance? Calhoune keeps the readers reading until the end to see how it turns out.
And, I have to give it to the author. She knows how to write a sad, inspiring, frustrating, and endearing story. This tugged at every different emotional setting. I couldn’t put it down, and ended up staying up late to not only continue it, but complete it as well. Honestly, it seemed to fly right by me. She didn’t rush the story, but didn’t slog along either. It truly has a Hallmark Movies feel. And, one of her books was the basis for a Hallmark Movie – so it isn’t that far from reality. This is easily a day read, especially if started early in the day.
I LOVED the nuances of training service dogs, as well as the acknowledgment of “invisible” disabilities. There might be some who “chaff” at “invisible disabilities”, but there are common misperceptions about being disability.
A young person with two legs in a wheelchair raises eyebrows. This is despite the fact they may have been paralyzed from birth, an accident, or medical illness. Yet, if they were missing one leg, and in a wheelchair – it would hardly garner attention. While Calhoune doesn’t go in depth, she does touch the surface of it which gives the reader a chance to do some research and reflecting.
On the other hand, Leo’s “pity party” routine was a bit annoying. I get that he was taken in by someone, but he knew Kit most of his life. Also, his reaction to Kit’s news was – I feel – a bit overblown, yet he defended her, which I thought was sweet.
I also loved the author taking time to address pups and the zoomies. It’s also seen in kitties – a burst of energy that makes them run around. It’s about the first time I’ve seen it in a book, but I’ve also seen it on social media videos.
Like most Love Inspired books, this had noticeable Christian faith themes and elements, including bible passaged and reliance on God for decisions.
I am eagerly awaiting the next stop in Owl Creek or wherever Calhoune wants to take us. I am also looking forward to her third trip to Mistletoe, Maine next year.
Fans of the author won’t want to miss this read!
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
Previous Books in the Home to Owl Creek series:
Series: Home to Owl Creek (Book #1)
Publisher: Love Inspired (December 17, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335487905
ISBN-13: 978-1335487902
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“Can she come home to a place she’s never known?
Everyone remembers the kidnapped Alaskan baby…but they don’t know she’s returned home.
Sage Duncan is the only person in Owl Creek who knows her true identity: the missing Alaskan chocolate heiress. Now she’s returned to Alaska to learn about the family she was stolen from—without disclosing her identity. But keeping her deep secret from gorgeous town sheriff Hank Crawford is much harder than Sage thought…especially when she finds herself falling for him.”
Publisher: Love Inspired (April 21, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335488162
ISBN-13: 978-1335488169
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“His runaway bride is back… With twins!
The last person Gabriel Lawson expects to find in town is Rachel Marshall—especially with twin toddlers in tow. Gabriel refuses to risk his heart again on the woman who left him at the altar years ago. But working to renovate her mother’s house means he must spend time with Rachel and her adorable twins…and soon he can’t help but wish they were his family.”
Publisher: Love Inspired (September 29, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335488456
ISBN-13: 978-1335488459
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“Before he gives his heart…
he’ll have to forgive himself.
Returning to Owl Creek after years away, Braden North’s determined to help his best friend, Piper Miller, save her failing diner. But as they work to revitalize her business, Braden’s convinced he must hide the truth about a tragedy from their past…or risk losing Piper for good. If he can find the courage, might telling her everything make this Christmas a time for healing and forgiveness?”
Publisher: Love Inspired (February 23, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 133548874X
ISBN-13: 978-1335488749
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“Can this witness risk opening her heart
in her new Alaskan home?
Forced to reinvent herself in witness protection, Isabelle Sanchez begins working for an Alaskan chocolate company under the alias Ella Perez. Her new warmhearted town is a peaceful refuge—as is the company of chocolate empire heir Connor North. She may never be able to tell Connor the truth about her fresh start…but can they find love despite her secrets?”
Series: Home to Owl Creek (Book #5)
Paperback: 224 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (April 26, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335759247
ISBN-13: 978-1335759245
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“Could their unexpected reunion lead to a second chance?
She broke his heart years ago
But now she needs his help
Veterinarian Maya Roberts has complicated feelings about her ex—Iditarod racer Ace Reynolds—returning to Owl Creek, Alaska. But he’s the perfect person to help with her dog rescue. Now they’re working together, caught by their tangled past and still-unresolved feelings for each other. But a second chance with Ace isn’t just about forgiveness. It means sharing the secret that’s kept them apart…”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Belle Calhoune grew up in a small town in Massachusetts as one of five children. Married to her college sweetheart, she is raising two lovely daughters in Connecticut. A dog lover, she has one mini poodle named Copper and a black lab, Beau. Writing for the Love Inspired line is a dream come true. Working at home in her pajamas is one of the best perks of the job. Belle enjoys summers in Cape Cod, traveling, and reading.
She can be found on the following social media networks:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellecalhounebooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellecalhoune/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BelleCalhoune
Website: https://bellecalhoune.com/
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