His Christmas Salvation: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

K-9 Companions #26

by Lee Tobin McClain

On the road to recovery…

Can love lead the way?

With his service dog, Nemo, by his side, woodworker Fisk Wilkins vows to repair his reputation with his hometown—while remaining sober. But he’ll need Lauren Kantz’s financial expertise to make his new business a success. Except the divorced mother and her baby are a painful reminder of the family he lost. After learning of her ex-husband’s drinking, Fisk understands Lauren’s intent to keep her distance. But as the Christmas rush brings them closer together, can Fisk prove to Lauren—and himself—that he’s a changed man?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

K-9 Companions

Book 1: Their Unbreakable Bond by Deb Kastner
Book 2: Finding Her Way Back by Lisa Carter
Book 3: The Veteran's Vow by Jill Lynn
Book 4: Her Easter Prayer by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 5: Earning Her Trust by Brenda Minton
Book 6: Guarding His Secret by Jill Kemerer
Book 7: An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh
Book 9: A Reason to Stay by Deb Kastner
Book 10: The Veteran's Holiday Home by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 11: An Alaskan Christmas Promise by Belle Calhoune
Book 12: A Steadfast Companion by Myra Johnson
Book 14: A Friend to Trust by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 15: Her Alaskan Companion by Heidi McCahan
Book 16: A Companion for Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 17: Her Christmas Healing by Mindy Obenhaus
Book 18: Finding Their Way Back by Jenna Mindel
Book 19: Their Inseparable Bond by Jill Weatherholt
Book 20: Bonding with the Babies by Deb Kastner
Book 21: Her Son's Faithful Companion by Jill Weatherholt
Book 22: Training the K-9 Companion by Jill Kemerer
Book 23: A Companion for His Son by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 24: Her Loyal Companion by Heidi Main
Book 25: A K-9 Christmas Reunion by Lisa Carter
Book 26: His Christmas Salvation by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 27: Guarding Her Christmas Secret by Jill Weatherholt
Book 28: A Faithful Guardian by Louise M. Gouge
Book 29: The Veteran's Valentine Helper by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 30: Rescue on the Farm by Allie Pleiter

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction, Love Inspired

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

New York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a light read, it had so many heavy topics, but was a good read.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Would like to read all
these Holiday Point books.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming romance! Fisk is dedicated to rebuilding his business and making up for his past mistakes. He's burdened with guilt over the loss of his ex-girlfriend and their baby. Balancing his remorse, staying sober, and keeping his business afloat is no easy feat. When Lauren, his neighbor's granddaughter, needs a job, he hires her as his assistant. But Lauren carries her own secrets, guilt, and fears. Working together is tough for both of them—not because they don't get along, but because they do, and neither is ready to admit it. Can they overcome their fears, let God help them heal from their pasts, and move forward together?

This is such a touching story that will pull at your heartstrings. It's definitely one you won't want to miss. Now, I can't wait for Frank, Fisk's older brother, to get his own story in a few months. These grumpy, reserved men have their walls up high, but it's so rewarding to watch their love stories unfold as their barriers come down.

⚠️Content Warning: Fisk struggles with alcoholism but is now sober. Lauren’s ex-husband is a sex offender and is currently in prison.⚠️

[Vickie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What great story.

[Tracey Casto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good heartwarming Christmas story but a terrible narrator!! Don’t know how some of these people get jobs voicing these books!!

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotionally riveting Christmas romance. McClain has added complex layers to both Fisk and Lauren’s back stories that are heartbreaking and tough and plain hard to bounce back from. The more I got to know them, the more invested I became in their lives…and hoped for a timeless love story. And did the author ever deliver!

She touches on tough topics with compassion and heart without sugar-coating any of it. Fisk’s struggles in particular touched me because there was just so much stacked against him but he stoically overcame obstacle after obstacle.

While part of Love Inspired’s multi-authored K-9 companion series, it’s clear that the Wilkins family (Fisk has brothers!) have appeared in other books, perhaps a different series by the author? No matter, this one can definitely be read as a standalone but I’d love to read all the brothers’ stories as well.

I was thrilled to find ‘His Christmas Salvation’ featured on audible. And narrated by a favourite voice performer of mine — Tanya Eby. I thoroughly enjoyed every listening minute.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/10/30/h...

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story of forgiveness and second chances! Lauren Kantz moved herself and her baby daughter to Holiday Point to be closer to her grandfather and distance herself from her ex-husband, while Fisk Wilkins tried to rebuild his reputation as a recovering alcoholic and forgive himself for past mistakes. While the chemistry between these two was undeniable, each of them put the brakes on in the relationship for different reasons. While there were some tough issues for them to work out, I loved how both Lauren and Fisk grew in their faith and sought God’s guidance for direction in their lives. Baby Bonita was adorable, as was service dog Nemo. While this book is part of the K-9 Companions series which I love, I didn’t know it. was also part of a series by the author called Holiday Point, and now I want to read those other books about the relatives and side characters from this story. A heartwarming Christmas novel that can be enjoyed any time!

I received a complimentary copy from the author as part of a giveaway. A positive review was not required and these are my own opinions.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. READ A BOOK WITH A K-9 COMPANION THEME: HIS CHRISTMAS SALVATION: I had picked this book thinking it had more of a Christmas theme than it did....since I didn't get a chance to finish 2024 with a "feel good" Christmas book, I thought I'd start 2025 with one :) Here, Fisk followed in his family’s footsteps and not in a good way. His family had a reputation in the small town of Holiday Point. But he was working hard to rid himself of that reputation with the help of his service dog Nemo, but the guilt of what he had done was holding him back. Lauren arrived in town with her baby girl, visiting Gramps would allow her to keep her baby hidden and safe. Maybe, they could help each other, if only they can learn to put it in God’s hands and learn to trust each other. But they each have a secret that could push them apart forever. This is a wonderful story of starting over with a Christmas theme as a basic storyline and adding learning to trust, and acceptance with amazing characters that will warm your heart. KU

[Marie Pinkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming and heartwarming story. It's Christmas, always a plus in my book. Fisk and Lauren both have hurting hearts. And it's going to take a lot to heal them. Alcoholism has touched each of their lives and left its scars. Now Lauren's only need (or so she thinks) is to protect her baby, Bonita.
Fisk is a recovering alcoholic doing his best to make it through, with the help of his adorable and trusty service dog, Nemo. As they meet and get to know each other, healing comes slowly, hampered by mistrust and bad memories. Will they be able to work through it all in time for Christmas? This author always leaves me wanting the next book ASAP. She consistently delivers a solid story full of faith, hope, real, flawed characters who learn and grow, and find love along the way. Such good stuff!

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Fisk and Lauren’s Christmas story. Fisk followed in his family’s footsteps and not in a good way. His family had a reputation in the small town of Holiday Point. But he was working hard to rid himself of that reputation, with the help of his service dog Nemo, but the guilt of what he had done was holding him back. Lauren arrived in town with her baby girl, visiting Gramps would allow her to keep her baby hidden and safe. Maybe, they could help each other, if only they can learn to put it in God’s hands and learn to trust each other. But they each have a secret that could push them apart forever. This is a wonderful story of starting over, learning to trust, and acceptance with amazing characters that will warm your hear

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Tobin McClain writes a book that is sensitive to what an alcoholic might go through.

Fisk Wilkins messed up big time last year at Christmas. Now he has been sober a few months and wants to make it up to his hometown. He doesn’t think he deserves to have a family again after the one he lost in Baltimore.

Lauren Kant and little Bonita arrive at her grandpa’s looking for a fresh start. She takes on managing Fisk’s office. There is attraction there, but Lauren’s ex husband and her dad both were alcoholics.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. I loved Fisk and Lauren and, of course, Bonita, Nemo, and Gramps. Fisk and Lauren both think they are defined by their past. With the help of family, community, and God, they learned to stop running from the past and move forward. This was a great Christmas read that can be enjoyed anytime.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review.

[Ann Peachman Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fisk used to be the town drunk, just like his father. But a traumatic experience a year ago changed his life, and he determined to make a change. He started going to AA and began a small business. But starting over in a small town isn’t easy. Enter Lauren, who, with her young daughter, is making changes of her own. She’s more than cautious about getting into a relationship with someone like Fisk, but could it work?

[Dawn Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed His Christmas Salvation by Lee Tobin McClain and read it in one setting. Holiday Point was a great place to revisit. While characters from prior books in the series are part of this book, I believe this book can be read as a standalone. I recommend this book and the entire series.
I received a copy of this book from a friend who also enjoyed it. All opinions are my own.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this book while driving to Chicago.
Sweet story about a lady with a daughter who fled the scandal of her ex husband’s crime to stay with her grandpa. He fixes her up with a neighbor who is a recovering alcoholic.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! Fisk has had a past with alcohol and is trying to redeem himself, but it isn’t easy with his past. Lauren is helping him with his business who has an ex husband who was an alcoholic. Loved Fisk’s service dog Nemo. Great holiday read set in fictional town of Holiday Point.

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction, Wholesome Romance, Holiday Romance, Holiday, Disabilities & Special Needs
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #26)

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction, Wholesome Romance, Holiday Romance, Holiday, Disabilities & Special Needs
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #26)

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a sweet, hometown, Christmas read?
I can help you find it!!
Curl up with Lee Tobin McClain's new K-9 Companion book, His Christmas Salvation.
You'll read way past your bedtime!!!

[Brenda Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great story

This a good story with great characters and a very real to life storyline. Told by a very good storyteller. Thank you for all your hard work.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fisk and Lauren

Both have been dealt with some tough issues in life. Yet both realize they must work with God to overcome these issues and they do! Good story!

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uplifting read regarding ones struggles with alcoholism and the healing that occurs when one gets sober.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story!

[Courtney Rolfe · Rating 3 out of 5]

a cutie little heartfelt Christmas story. super super short and quick to get through. loved the theme of redemption and second chances. I will probably not remember a single detail about this book in a couple of weeks, but still a nice story to set the Christmas vibes.