An Alaskan Christmas Promise: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (K-9 Companions, 11)

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” expe...