🐕‍🦺 “Her Son’s Faithful Companion” (K-9 Companions #19; Bluebell Canyon #3; Beckett Brothers #3) (2024) 🐕‍🦺 – Book Review

MY REVIEW 

 

Series: K-9 Companions (Book #19)/Bluebell Canyon (Book #3)/

                Beckett Brothers (Book #3)
Paperback: 208 pages 
Publisher: Love Inspired (May 21, 2024)  
Language: English 
ISBN: 1335597409
ISBN-13: 978-1335597403
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information 

 

 

“Her son needs love and friendship

 

Now she’s found the answer to their prayers…

 

Former barrel racer Caitlyn Calloway wants her son with epilepsy to have everything—even if it means selling her family home. Problem is, the place is in disrepair. Her former crush, service dog trainer Logan Beckett, offers to help. But letting Logan and his dogs into their lives makes the past almost impossible to leave behind…especially when it opens the door to love.”

 

Thank you in advance to the author, Jill Weatherholt, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was not required or requested, and all words are my own.

 

The Love Inspired line of romance books features themes of faith; which often include forgiveness, hope, and second chances.

 

Weatherholt is among a long list of “must-read” authors.

 

I was introduced to her writing in 2021 with Searching for Home. Since then, I’ve tried to read her new releases, and even have some backlist titles on my TBR. There are a few more I do need: A Father for Bella and Second Chance Romance. Trying to track down some reasonably priced paperback copies.

 

While this isn’t listed as a series “per se” (I’ve been using Bluebell Canyon, however it has been listed as Beckett Brothers), there are two connected books:

 

#1 – Searching for Home (Luke Beckett)

#2 – Their Inseparable Bond (Jake Beckett)

 

This is Logan Beckett’s story, so I have it listed as book #3 in the series.

 

Before I continue – the new size of the books takes some getting used to, and packing them in a box for storage or moving – that’s going to be a challenge. Even more so for people, like me, that want to keep them in order – by author and series. Thankfully, I haven’t had to pack them away … yet. Bookcases? Yikes! I know the height difference alone might bother some people. I did see someone put them together and it was a bit – odd.

 

However, I do have to admit – it makes it easier to read, and I feel as though I can read it faster. It also seemed to have shorter chapters, which I don’t mind at all.

 

That said – the book’s format is publisher based and not the fault of the author. There is a slight formatting issue on page 94 though. It didn’t impact the story once I got past it.

 

In addition to Logan Beckett, Weatherholt introduces:

 

🐎 Caitlyn

🐕‍🦺 Henry

 

Returning characters:

 

🏪 Nellie

👨🏻 Jake

🥼 Olivia

👦🏻 Kyle

👧🏻 Kayla

 

Myrna and Callie (service dog) are mentioned, but not seen.

 

Also, Cody Beckett makes an appearance.

 

This can be triggering for some readers with mentions of epilepsy, drug and alcohol addiction (not a main character, off-page), adoption (Caitlyn adopted Henry), and a gun-related carjacking that resulted in the death of another character (this is off page, but is relevant to why Logan feels the way he does).

 

This starts of with Caitlyn inheriting her childhood home, and it’s clear – the home’s guardian has neglected it since Caitlyn moved away. But, despite what sentimental attachment there may be, she’s look to repair it and sell it. That is until she sees how bad it is.

 

On the other hand, Henry wouldn’t mind staying there to live. In his mind – at least no one would know about his epilepsy.

 

It isn’t long until Logan comes up, and of course – since Caitlyn is a friend of Lucas’s from the rodeo circuit – Logan won’t hesitate to help her. She doesn’t want to become the town’s charity case.

 

But, that isn’t how friends and Bluebell Canyon works. He says it’s what friends do. Only, Caitlyn thinks she isn’t going to be around to return the favor. And, Logan has a feeling Caitlyn is hiding something.

 

Pretty soon, the town does what it does best – come out and help. Caitlyn soon eases her stand on the help, especially after an incident where Logan saves her life. And, after seeing the volunteer fire department in action, Henry definitely wants to stay – maybe even join the fire department when he gets older.

 

Caitlyn is insistent on heading back home to Wyoming – though she even admits to herself that staying might be easier. Still, there are the logistics to moving, as well as her barrel riding camp/school.

 

While Logan and Caitlyn aren’t looking for love – they are enjoying each other’s company as they renovate and repair the house. And, Logan learns what is motivating Caitlyn’s wishes.

 

They slowly peel back the layers of their past, and hope that the future they begin to want, is one that will come to fruition in this sweet and endearing read. It is also being heart-breaking. But, God’s guidance is evident in the generosity of the residents in Bluebell Canyon.

 

The romance comes into play about 85% of the way in, with the service dog story arc at 87%.

 

The last bit of the story was a nail biter for certain. I almost had to stay up late to finish it.

 

As always … the Beckett Brothers didn’t disappoint when it came to taking care of those they love – even if love isn’t what one came there to find. Those second chance romances seem to find one, even when it is the last thing on one’s mind – Caitlyn and Logan realized that.

 

Weatherholt definitely didn’t shy away from the hard topics with this read.

 

I could absolutely relate to Caitlyn’s issue with money – the medical bills and the rent. Some landlords work with you – others don’t. In my case – I’ve never had that issue; but more or less being offered a lease renewal and lacking resources to move. It’s expensive – supplies, movers, deposits 😬

 

There was a slight unresolved issue regarding a text from her landlord, and I was REALLY curious as to what it was about.

 

As far as Caitlyn’s issue with the medical bills, I’ve had some add up over my lifetime. It might be different per state, but none of the hospitals I’ve been to has ever threatened a lawsuit for non-payment (and I’ve had quite a few in the thousands). Those bills were eventually sent to collection agencies and later – statute of limitations ran its course. I simply couldn’t pay them (I didn’t even have insurance). What’s worse – she had insurance, so that right there is a hard bite in reality 😟

 

Caitlyn’s height issue is what I suffer from – SPS (short person syndrome 🤭). I’m 5’ 1” and a recent trip to the grocery store caused a sweet encounter. I was climbing shelves to get something, and after I tried and failed a few times, a man sweetly asked if he could offer his height to me. I gladly accepted! And, after he got my items, I profusely thanked him. I also have a habit of collecting journals and notebooks as well (I have about three file storage boxes full). Pens are another collection that I have that is OUT of control 🤣 I mean, one does need a special pen here, there, everywhere.

 

I did have a great big cry near the end with a reference to the song “The Goodbye Girl”. The original one is by David Gates (Bread) [1977], and is my favorite version for several reasons. A remake was done in 2004 for the movie of the same name. That version was by Hootie and the Blowfish. I heard that on a special night, so it too is special in its own way. As a result, the reference instantly had me in tears. But, it is true – “goodbye doesn’t mean forever” 🥰

 

As I stated in another review, with the pattern – which I correctly predicted (this book was Logan’s) – then the next one should be Cody’s, and it is definitely going to be on my TBR list.

 

 

 

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 Series: 

Series: Bluebell Canyon (Book #1) 
Paperback: 224 pages 
Publisher: Love Inspired (December 28, 2021) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 1335759018
ISBN-13: 978-1335759016
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information

“Can three little matchmakers

 

lasso a cowboy father?

 

When injured professional bull rider Luke Beckett returns to his hometown to recover, he doesn’t expect his B and B host and physical therapist to be his first and only love, Meg Brennan. He’s also unprepared for Meg’s adorable triplets to steal his heart. Luke’s past has him doubting he’s good enough for Meg and the children, but they might be just what the doctor ordered to help him heal…”

Series: Bluebell Canyon (Book #2); K-9 Companions (Book #19)
Paperback: 224 pages 
Publisher: Love Inspired (January 23, 2024) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 1335597166
ISBN-13: 978-1335597168
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️

“They’re a mismatched family…

 

But their hearts line up just right

 

Training service dogs is single dad Jake Beckett’s calling. He’s determined to train rambunctious puppy Callie to help his ailing friend Myrna live independently with her growing blindness. Myrna’s granddaughter, Olivia Hart, isn’t easily convinced, but Jake, his twins and Callie are an incredibly persuasive team. If Olivia agrees to give Callie a chance, will working with Jake risk her lifelong dreams?” 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Weekdays, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. On the weekend she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness. Raised in the suburbs of Washington D.C., she resides in North Carolina. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and a paralegal studies certification from Duke University. She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Jill loves connecting with readers at www.jillweatherholt.com. 

 

 

 

You can also find her on the following social media accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552257436478

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillweatherholt.author/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillWeatherholt

 

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