🤰🏻🐕🦺 🎄 “Her Christmas Healing” (Hope Crossing #4; K-9 Companions #17) (2023) 🎄🐕🦺 🤰🏻 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Hope Crossing (Book #4); K-9 Companions (Book #17)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Books (November 28, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335597042
ISBN-13: 978-1335597045
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Christmas is around the corner…
And love might be right next door.
Hope Crossing, Texas, is just what Jillian McKenna needs. Here, she can recover after a terrible attack…and create a home for her baby-to-be. But she also has a complication next door. She once saw a future with veterinarian Gabriel Vaughn—a future that feels impossible now. But with love, faith, a support dog and some Christmas spirit, maybe it’s not too late after all …”
Thank you in advance to the author, Mindy Obenhaus, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
Anyone who’s ever read a Mindy Obenhaus book knows she doesn’t shy away from certain subjects. And, given the recent climate in Texas regarding reproductive rights – this book MIGHT be sensitive to some readers. The main character is pregnant by way of a rape, which is referred to in the book as an “assault” or “attack”. This is likely due to the Love Inspired line’s guidelines.
Obenhaus is respectful when referring to the incident as well as Jillian’s “recovery”. As of note, recovery from such an event is individual and not standard. There is NO right way to recover. Jillian is electing to keep and raise the baby – again, another topic of debate. As a result of this storyline, it could be upsetting and/or triggering for some readers.
As someone who has read books by the author before, this was not too much of a surprise for me.
Since this is part of the Hope Crossing series, and some of the characters return, it is advised to read the first three books. This is also part of the K-9 Companions series. That is more of a “theme” series, and not seemingly connected by characters or place.
Returning to this book:
📺 Gloriana
🍪 Kyleigh
🎄 Annalise
🐎 Hawkins
And, some new characters:
🤰🏻 Jillian
🥼 Doc
🥼 Gabriel
👵🏻 Ida Mae (Jillian’s grandmother)
👵🏻 Milly (Gabriel’s grandmother)
Obenhaus begins with Jillian arriving in Hope Crossing, TX. She’s there to take the librarian job since the current one is retiring. Ida Mae is going to let Jillian live at her home.
Jillian’s next-door neighbor is Gabriel. Prior to the attack, Jillian and Gabriel had been “dating”, but after that day five months earlier, she ghosted him. He of course didn’t understand why.
The “grandmas” – Ida Mae and Milly – end up putting Jillian and Gabriel in charge of the bazaar. Gabriel isn’t so sure about it. He’s shocked that Jillian is pregnant and thinks there was someone else. One thing he notices – Aggie, a service poodle whose previous handler died – seems to attach herself to Jillian as if she can sense a problem.
Other than his new neighbor, Gabriel is plagued at work. It’s clear the octogenarian vet he works for – Doc Grinnell – needs to retire. He’s getting more forgetful, in addition, he’s not one to update the practice to better suite the needs of the community’s pets. He’s promised Gabriel can have the clinic – but nothing legal is set in place.
It isn’t long until Jillian tells Gabriel her story – and he is ashamed he thought the worst of her. He is first shocked she’d keep the baby to raise, but understands. He then decides to do what he can to restore Jillian’s confidence.
It is at Hope Crossing’s Homecoming game where he sees the true panic and anxiety Jillian faces in a crowd. From there, he knows that Aggie was right in choosing Jillian as her new handler.
For a while, Jillian feels like a drama queen when she’s around Gabriel as a result of the panic attacks. But, slowly – with Aggie’s help – she begins to find her footing.
Though, their “romantic” footing is somewhat stilted. But, once they truly discuss what happened and how Gabriel felt, they become friends. Though he’d like more, if being a friend keeps him in her “orbit”, Gabriel will take it.
Together they gather donations for the bazaar while renovating or working on her house.
Though, what they both want, is to work themselves back together.
However, Gabriel is worried about his future with Doc’s office and that makes him wonder where his future is.
As usual, Obenhaus brings out all the “feels” – laughter, hope, compassion, and even a few tears. Her stories are emotional, inspiring, and beautiful. Those who’ve read her other books shouldn’t hesitate to get this one. Despite the circumstances surrounding Jillian’s pregnancy, I really couldn’t put it down.
The romance was more of a “what could’ve been” type of second-chance. The actual reveal took quite a long time, so it was quite the “slow-burn”. Though, with the pacing, it didn’t seem that drawn out.
What was sweet was how much space Gabriel gave Jillian after he learned what happened, and how much he looked after her. I also enjoyed the fact, albeit unrealistic, that he wanted to help get the “old” Jillian back. Sadly, in those case, the person is a different version of themselves. Some aspects are there, but they are changed by it. It’s natural.
I was a bit concerned about her safety, especially with Gloriana going public with what happened to the bazaar. I was wondering if the attacker had been caught or on the loose, so there was some concern while reading. Still, I was drawn in and had to keep reading to see what was going to happen.
I adored how Aggie picked up on Jillian’s needs, and went right to her. She knew EXACTLY what to do to calm Jillian down.
The main concern I had, was that Jillian never certified to require a service dog. Aggie seemed to act more as an emotional service dog. It was great that they didn’t run into much problem with the situation, however, that could be an issue in other cases.
There is a LOT of very HEATED debate on the subject of service dogs (SD) versus emotional support dogs/animals (ESAs). The laws are greatly varied as to the protection between the two. In short – service dogs are more like “medical” equipment, are legally allowed to go in most places, and are exempt from pet restrictions in renting. ESAs do NOT enjoy the same legal protection though. Most are treated and/or regarded as “pets” only.
According to the ADA (in this example):
✅ Psychiatric Service Dog is a dog that has been trained to perform tasks that assist individuals with disabilities to detect the onset of psychiatric episodes and lessen their effects. Tasks performed by psychiatric service animals may include reminding the handler to take medicine, providing safety checks or room searches, or turning on lights for persons with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, interrupting self-mutilation by persons with dissociative identity disorders, and keeping disoriented individuals from danger.
⛔ While Emotional Support Animals or Comfort Animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals, they are not considered service animals under the ADA. These support animals provide companionship, relieve loneliness, and sometimes help with depression, anxiety, and certain phobias, but do not have special training to perform tasks that assist people with disabilities.
[Information taken from: https://adata.org/guide/service-animals-and-emotional-support-animals (ADA National Network – Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals).]
While Gabriel was right that Aggie being a service dog had legal protection, there is a slight issue as to whether Jillian REQUIRED using Aggie as a SERVICE dog or EMOTIONAL SUPPORT dog.
Despite that issue, I absolutely ENJOYED this book. And, I’ve come to enjoy my visits to Hope Crossing. Obenhaus has created that small town vibe I love so much. I hope to visit again down the road. I love reading about the references to Whataburger and Buc-ee’s (never been there, though it’s “legendary”). I do miss Whataburger and hope they bring a location to Henderson – there is a 24-hour one on the famous Las Vegas strip (Las Vegas Boulevard) since this summer.
Since this is from the Christian themed romance line, this book will definitely have stronger references of faith. These are evident by attendance at church, characters’ prayers, and guidance through Jesus.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/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 Hope Crossing Series:
Publisher: Love Inspired Books (August 23, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335585214
ISBN-13: 978-1335585219
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“She came home to make things right
Gloriana Prescott has returned to her Texas hometown to make amends—even if the townsfolk she left behind aren’t ready to forgive. But when her mother’s ranch manager, Justin Broussard, is tasked with saving the struggling rodeo so his teen daughter can compete, Gloriana sees a chance to prove she’s really changed. But can she prove to Justin, and the town, that she’s trustworthy? ”
Publisher: Love Inspired Books (November 29, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335585397
ISBN-13: 978-1335585394
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“Can a property dispute…
Turn into a holiday blessing?
When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal? ”
Publisher: Love Inspired Books (May 23, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335585761
ISBN-13: 978-1335585769
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“A short-term solution
Could lead to long-term love
When Alli Krenek returns to her hometown, she’s surprised to find herself agreeing to become a nanny to Jake Walker’s children. Seventeen years ago, Jake betrayed Alli’s trust, and she’s avoided him ever since. But the more time she spends with Jake, the more his two little ones melt her heart and Alli begins to see the man Jake has become. Is this their chance to finally heal old wounds?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, and countless cattle. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her in the kitchen, spending time with her grandchildren or roaming the ranch in search of inspiration. She’d love to connect with you via her website or on Facebook.
You can follow her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorMindyObenhaus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindy.obenhaus/
Website: https://mindyobenhaus.com/
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