Guarding Her Christmas Secret

K-9 Companions #27

by Jill Weatherholt

'Tis the season

for second chances and a special puppy

After the tragic loss of her family, schoolteacher Hannah Simpson hopes coordinating her new town’s holiday festival will keep her mind busy and her past hidden. That is, until she’s forced to work with dog trainer Cody Beckett. As the recently appointed guardian of two of Hannah’s students, Cody sees too much for Hannah to be able to hide her mental health struggles. But as the two of them clash over budgets and event ideas, will a pair of matchmaking twins and a service puppy in training make Hannah and Cody realize a future together is the perfect plan?

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: Love Inspired, Christian Fiction, Christmas, Romance, Inspirational

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2024

About the author

Newsletter Sign-up: JillWeatherholt.Substack.com

Jill Weatherholt is an author of sweet, emotional, small-town romance novels that guarantee a happy ending.

She’s sold over half a dozen sweet romance short stories to Woman’s World Magazine.

Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in North Carolina. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University.

She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard.

Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.

Sign-up for her newsletter at JillWeatherholt.com for the latest news and giveaways.

Instagram: jillweatherholt.author

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was boring, not enough about the k9 either.

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Romance that will capture your heart from the first chapter. I felt this book would make a great Christmas Hallmark movie. It definitely was unpredictable and I loved the characters and the community of Bluebell Canyon, Colorado. The story was filled with the spirit of the holidays and I enjoyed the authors ability to pull her readers into the book. The ending was beautiful and bought closure for the characters and readers alike.
Six year old twins try to matchmake their guardian Cody Beckett with their new and pretty school teacher Hannah Simpson. Miss Simpson keeps a secret about her past and hopes to start a new life in Bluebell. Cody also has insecurities from his past. Circumstances happen that pull the two adults together. The magic of the Christmas season and the twins efforts to bring Cody and Hannah together. It seems their friendship takes one step forward and two steps backward. Find out how everything comes together when you read this delightful Christmas book.
I recommend Guarding Her Christmas Secret to readers of Love Inspired books , Christmas romance and fans of Jill Weatherholt. This book is scheduled for release on 11/26/24. Though this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are solely my own.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Simpson moves to one of my favorite fictional towns, Bluebell, CO. She wants to start over after a tragic loss. Cody Beckett becomes the legal guardian of his best friend’s six-year-old twin girls, McKenzie, and Madison. He gets a call that McKenzie is causing some issues and has to deal with the teacher, Hannah. Although he trains companion dogs, he has no idea what he is doing with the girls. Hannah and Cody have different opinions about how to handle McKenzie. But soon they find themselves thrown together to plan a Christmas festival. The twins are thrilled to have the four of them spend time together, and Hannah is drawn to the dogs in training. I’m happy whenever I visit Bluebell and see old friends. I loved how Cody stepped up by taking the girls, but at the same time didn’t trust himself to raise them. He has a big heart that shines through to the girls and pups. But it’s the slow-burning friendship and attraction between Hannah and Cody that makes this a page-turner. He is patient with Hannah, even not knowing her story and having his fiancé break up with him while Hannah has to deal with her past and loss. Of course, it helps they both have the local grocery store owner looking out for the two of them, along with the girl’s intentions. It’s a heartwarming Christian story that focuses on hope, family, and second chances. I can highly recommend this, especially for reading around the holiday season.

[Abbie Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve never known a book to be so dramatic yet so boring at the same time. And for this whole book being about secrets we sure did learn about everything within the first three pages. However, this was an easy read. I thought it offered a different perspective because I haven’t read many book centered around service dogs.

[JOAN SALLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author and highly recommend adding it to your TBR (to be read) list.
Trying to overcome the loss of her husband and daughter due to a carbon monoxide incident in their home, Hannah, a schoolteacher moves to the small town of Bluebell Canyon. Twin girls McKenzie and Madison throw a little bit of havoc in their new teachers' life, and that of their legal guardian, Cody. What are the twins up to, especially McKenzie who seems to have a knack for getting into trouble at school lately? This is truly an awesome book.

[Irene Frances Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author always develops such awesome characters!

I love when Ms. Weatherholt publishes a new book because I can hardly wait to meet the characters she creates, and this book was no exception.

Scene development is always beautifully accomplished as well. I could see myself in this book’s town and felt I was right there, meeting the townsfolk and being comforted by their attention.

What a wonderful early Autumn read this was. Color me grateful and satisfied.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of second chances and how God works to give beauty for ashes. I loved reading Cody’s story and how Hannah comes to my favorite fictional town Bluebell Canyon. The author deals with the loss of family and panic attacks in a sensitive manner that makes you feel comfortable while reading. I needed tissues but also laughed over the twins matchmaking schemes. The twins are adorable characters that add that extra to the storyline. I enjoyed the planning of the Christmas Festivities and wanted to join in as I could picture it. I loved the twists at the end but am sad to tell this family goodbye. A perfect Christmas read that would make a wonderful Hallmark movie as it gives you all the warmth of faith, family, community, romance, and healing. I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarding Her Christmas Secret by Jill Weatherholt is an absolutely beautiful story about a woman trying to come back to the land of the living after losing her family. What better way than to help plan her new town’s holiday festival. Unfortunately, she has to plan it with dog trainer Cody Beckett. As the two work together, she’s trying hard to guard her secrets while he’s trying to bond with his late best friend’s twin girls. The twins also have an agenda of their own. They want their school teacher & their new guardian to get together to form a family. This was a tear jerking Christmas spirit inducing story. I loved reading about these two as they bantered while planning the festival. It was a cute story. It was a dog story. It was a deep story that dealt with heavy topics. It was a Christmas story. It had an epilogue and it brought tears to my eyes. Of course, I had tears throughout the book. A great Christmas story to inspire the Christmas spirit in you. I was given a copy, but all opinions are my own.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Never really got into this story.. characters or plot .. and as part of K-9 Companions series .. it was a miss.

[Brenda Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a beautiful story

This is a very good story with wonderful characters and a great storyline. Keep the Kleenex hand at the end and what a great ending it is.

[Sherida Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sparkling story to begin your Christmas season! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With a second chance love story, darling six-year-old twin girls, a small town winter festival, a couple of cute service dogs, a mysterious town benefactor, a handsome hero and a sweet heroine…author Jill Weatherholt’s faith-filled Guarding Her Christmas Secret is a perfect, feel-good book for holiday reading!

I was invested in the touching situations Cody and Hannah found themselves experiencing in Bluebell Canyon, Colorado. Dog trainer Cody Beckett is the guardian of his best friend’s daughters, while teacher Hannah Simpson is the girls’ new teacher. The matchmaking twins want to bring Cody and their teacher together. Could a happily ever after be possible for them? Could they have a second chance at love and family…a fresh start?

If you anticipate all the excitement of the Christmas season, you’ll enjoy this book filled with pages of holiday sparkle…charming decorations, yummy treats, friendly community and the inspiring spirit of celebrating together. Be sure to stop in at the Hummingbird Cafe for coffee or hot chocolate and at Garrison’s Mercantile for brownies or a slice of pie. I highly recommend this romance book which will warm your heart!

Favorite quotes:
“Life’s so much sweeter when you share it with someone you love.”

“We trusted God to take care of us during this challenging time and in His always perfect timing, He brought you into our lives.”

*I was given a copy of this book by the author with no requirement to write a review. I’m delighted to offer my honest opinion.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarding her Christmas secret by Jill Weatherholt

An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
'Tis the season
for second chances and a special puppy
After the tragic loss of her family, schoolteacher Hannah Simpson hopes coordinating her new town’s holiday festival will keep her mind busy and her past hidden. That is, until she’s forced to work with dog trainer Cody Beckett. As the recently appointed guardian of two of Hannah’s students, Cody sees too much for Hannah to be able to hide her mental health struggles. But as the two of them clash over budgets and event ideas, will a pair of matchmaking twins and a service puppy in training make Hannah and Cody realize a future together is the perfect plan?
This is Hannah Simpson and Cody Beckett's story.
This is McKenzie and Madison's story.
The woman definitely didn’t look like any of the teachers he had growing up in Whispering Slopes, Virginia. Holding McKenzie’s hand while smiling down at her student, she looked more like a fashion model.

“Uncle Cody!” McKenzie raced toward Cody, all smiles. Her shoulder-length curls bounced. She wrapped her arms tight around his waist. “This is my new teacher, Miss Simpson. Isn’t she pretty?” McKenzie stepped away, creating a private space for Cody and the teacher.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Beckett. I’m Hannah Simpson.”
Five months had passed since he became guardian to his best friend’s six-year-old twin girls. During that time, Cody witnessed no mean-spirited behavior from McKenzie or Madison. Now McKenzie had been in a fight on the playground—no way. Something wasn’t adding up. This had to be a big misunderstanding.
“Mr. Beckett, thank you for coming so quickly.”
"I might not be your real uncle by blood, but that doesn't mean we're not family.
Love makes a family-not only blood.
I hope you'll both remember that.
I recommend this book.
Guarding her Christmas secret by Jill Weatherholt is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to post a review.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jill Weatherholt.
From Love Inspired: 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

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

GUARDING HER CHRISTMAS SECRET by Jill Weatherholt is the story of Cody Beckett and Hannah Simpson set in the Christmas winter wonderland of Bluebell Canyon, Colorado.

Cody Beckett owns Beckett Canine Training, where he trains dogs to be service dogs. After his fiancée broke their engagement, Cody was content to be a bachelor. Then 5 months ago, he became the legal guardian for his best friends 6-year-old twin daughters. Now, he’s a family of 4, if you count Hershey, the 1-year-old German Shepherd.

Hannah Simpson moved to Bluebell Canyon hoping for a new start by keeping her past behind her, a past that once included her husband and 8-year-old daughter, and her panic attacks a secret from the towns people in order to avoid the stares of sympathy and pity. She’s now Miss Simpson to her students at the Mountain View Academy.

Antics of McKenzie, one of the twins, cause Cody to be called to the school. It wasn’t long before it becomes apparent to both Miss Simpson and Cody, that the twins have some sort matchmaking scheme up their sleeves towards the two. When Mayor Jared Jennings asked them to work as co-chairpersons on the towns Christmas festivities, since both had volunteered to help, it appears that they will be spending more time together. Now, if they can just get on the same page by working together, instead of independently, and figure out what will work best and that the town can afford. On top of that, Hannah falls in love with one of the dogs in training and volunteers to help with the dog. However, having to spend so much time together and her growing attraction to Cody, she’s fearful that her secret will come out, making her immediately regrets volunteering.

Can Cody and Hannah find a way to work together? When both find a budding attraction towards the other, will they allow it to mature or shy away from commitment? Can Hannah keep her past a secret? Will a Secret Santa be able to help them make this the best holiday season ever for the town? Or will clues left unwittingly have someone being able to put the pieces to the puzzle altogether on Hannah's secret? Will Ellie, a young support dog, make the best Christmas present? Is it possible for a person to put the hurtful things of the past behind them, keep the good memories and move towards a bright future? Will the twin’s matching making plans succeed?

GUARDING HER CHRISTMAS SECRET is an exceptional FIVE STAR story with many levels. Jill Weatherholt managed to squeeze recovering from past heartaches, the sweetness and fear of adoption, family – by blood and by choice, new love and romance, giving to others in need without acknowledgment, acceptance, stepping up to the plate when there’s a need and volunteering to fill it, and learning that some secrets only end up hurting those keeping them all within the pages of one amazing story. She ties it all together with the love of 2 sweet 6-year-olds and a K-9 named Ellie and weaves in a wonderful thread of faith.

GUARDING HER CHRISTMAS SECRET by Jill Weatherholt is the 27th book in the K-9 Companions series. In this amazing series with a connection thread of the K-9’s, each and every book can be read as a standalone book. I highly recommend GUARDING HER CHRISTMAS SECRET to everyone that loves a clean, touching story at Christmas or anytime of the year. It deserves more than my FIVE STARS and I would give it more if I could!

I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#GuardingHerChristmasSecret #K9Companions #JillWeatherholt #LoveInspired #InspirationalRomance

[Jan Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all the books I've read in this K-9 Companions series and this one is no exception. It's great seeing some of the wonderful characters I've met in other books in the series and to meet new ones.
Hannah Simpson has escaped to Bluebell Canyon to start a new life where no one knows her or the tragedy she has endured. But the past has a way of following you no matter where you go.
Cody is one of the brothers who rescue dogs and train them to be service animals. He is dedicated to his work but his life has gotten more complicated. When his best friend died unexpectedly, he'd named Cody as guardian of his twin girls who are six. Cody faces huge insecurities about his ability to be a parent to these two girls, but is giving it his all.
When Hannah starts working as a teacher at the school where the children attend, their paths cross. The girls are determined to play matchmaker and it adds to the depth of the story.
As with all of this author's books, this one is heartwarming. Learning to trust again, to lower the walls around the heart, is not easy and there are obstacles. But faith and honesty are two things that prevail. I loved everything about this story from the setting to the characters AND the dogs that play a big part as well. If you are looking for a lighthearted read, a way to escape from daily life, this book will take you into the small tight-community of Bluebell Canyon where you'll fall in love with the characters—guaranteed!

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Stars ⭐️🎄

This was a sweet read and there were some quotes that stood out to me and the epilogue was really sweet. I loved how the characters would pray for things and then something would happen and they would realize God was part of it. It reminded me of my own walk with God and how intentional He is. This book was mainly about second chances and that God can help us move forward no matter what we've been through which does fill me with hope.
Unfortunately, the storyline felt bland and dramatic at the same time. The main characters felt immature which caused me to have a lack of connection with them. The depictions of the school environment felt unrealistic since there are important security protocols teachers and guardians are required to follow when on school grounds (aka no one can just walk into a school and talk to the staff or a student, at least where I'm from). Lastly, there was just more trauma than I prefer to read about in the main character's lives along with the secret being revealed to the reader way too soon which felt underwhelming since it was about something she had no control over.

Some quotes I liked:
"She prayed for him to find peace and follow through with plans to adopt the twins."

"...he would've thought they'd gone bananas." (about raising twins after the passing of his friend)

"This was what she prayed for each morning."

"With your head so full of ideas, maybe you should think about writing a book."

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming book from Jill Weatherholt. As with all of her stories, I hesitated to start because that meant it would soon end. Jill Weatherholt's Guarding Her Christmas Secret (Love Inspired 2024), Book 25 of the K-9 Companions, is about a widowed teacher--Hannah Simpson--who lost her young husband and child to a tragic accident. She moved to a small town as a teacher hoping to heal. In her class are two twins also struggling to recover from the loss of first their mother and then their father to unexpected deaths. With no other relatives, the father's best friend--Cody Beckett--though a bachelor, takes the girls into his home and heart while managing a dog rescue business with his brothers. He never imagined himself to be the father of two young children and Hannah never saw her future as a childless widower. Together they find a way to help each other heal.

Jill has an ability to write cozy romances that are page turners with satisfying endings. The addition of dogs just makes everything even better. I give this a jubilant 5/5

Oh–Insider knowledge! The story again includes a duck named Donald, this time only a quick cameo, but I didn't miss it. If you follow Jill’s blog like I do, you know she has a duck named Donald who makes frequent appearances there.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm SO happy to be back in Bluebell Canyon, Colorado! Author Jill Weatherholt brings us another fantastic K-9 Companions book set in this charming town. Note that this story can absolutely be read as a stand-alone, but I guarantee you'll want to read the others if you haven't already.
Sweet schoolteacher Hannah Simpson is starting over in Bluebell Canyon after a tragic loss. She's holding onto a secret, too, but some things you just can't outrun.
Dog trainer Cody Beckett never expected taking guardianship of his best friend's young twin daughters so soon after his friend named him as such in his will. The six-year-old twins are sweet, impish, funny and kind, but Cody wonders at his own qualifications to be a parent.
Cody and Hannah, the girls' teacher, are teamed up to plan the local Christmas festival. These two are NOT always on the same page. But with caring townspeople, mischievously matchmaking twins, and the Lord working behind the scenes, could there be a chance for a forever future?
I loved this delightfully heartwarming story, plus it has my favorite, an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

[Priscilla Bettis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guarding Her Christmas Secret is a small-town, sweet romance featuring Cody and Hannah. Obviously from the title, there’s a secret, which we learn right away. Hannah is haunted by a sad event from a Christmas past.

Cody is the guardian of two young girls (twins), McKenzie and Madison. Hannah is McKenzie and Madison’s teacher, and the girls want Cody to marry Hannah. They play matchmaker, but they’re kids, so they go about it all wrong, especially poor McKenzie.

But it may be the mayor, who needs someone to coordinate the Christmas festival, who ends up forcing Hannah and Cody to work on the same project.

Hannah is so sweet and generous and quite capable as a teacher. I loved her character. Cody is kind and patient. I couldn’t help but cheer for the couple to get together. Or will Caleb, who has his eye on Hannah, capture Hannah’s heart?

This book has everything a Christmas romance should have: snow, love, generosity, kids, dogs … did I mention the dogs? Golden retriever Ellie and chocolate Labrador Hershey play big roles in the story. Guarding Her Christmas Secret is a wonderful, heartwarming read!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! Guarding Her Christmas Secret was my first Christmas book of the season and it was a great way to kick off my holiday reading! I loved Hannah, Cody, McKenzie and Madison as well as everyone they encountered in Bluebell Canyon. I was inspired by the town's secret Santa.

Hannah is looking to heal from the loss of her husband and daughter so she moves to Bluebell Canyon where she wants to hide her secret that she suffers from panic attacks and get a fresh start. Through her position as a teacher, she meets Cody who is the guardian of two of Hannah's students who Cody is raising due to the death of his best friend and his best friend's wife. Cody and Hannah work together on the town's annual holiday festival and develop feelings for each other. There are matchmaking efforts why McKenzie and Madison along with the town general store owner which help their relationship along.

If you are looking for a feel good holiday story, I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragedy brings teacher Hannah Simpson to Bluebell Canyon, Colorado. She is struggling in many ways, but she believes that finding new scenery will help her heal. She is struggling in ways that she does not want anyone to know about and feels that her secret could hurt her.

Dog trainer Cody Beckett understands tragedy firsthand as he is raising his best friend's twin girls after this friend's death. His heart is right and he loves the girls, but he is also having doubts about his ability to be the father they need.

When Cody and Hannah both end up volunteering to head the planning of the holiday festival for the town, they learn more about each other which deepens a new friendship.

This heartfelt story will pull on your heartstrings with joy and a little sadness, but healing and second chances are on the menu as well.

I dearly loved those little twin tornadoes and their antics. You never knew what they were going to come up with.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schoolteacher Hannah Simpson has recently moved to the quaint town of Bluebell Canyon, Colorado. She has secrets from her past that she is hoping to keep hidden. But secrets have a way of spilling out! Two of her students, six-year-old twins McKenzie and Madison are anxious to be matchmakers for their Uncle Cody Beckett with their teacher Hannah. They are precocious and adorable. Their Uncle Cody is a dog trainer. He realizes the anxiety attacks Hannah suffers could improve with Ellie, a dog he has in training. But Hannah is reluctant to share her past. As they work closely together planning the town’s annual Christmas festival it becomes apparent that each needs to face their pasts and learn to trust. Even though the story is set at Christmas it is a to-be-read at any time. Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions are my own.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Bluebell Canyon winner featuring Beckett brother, Cody, as he discovers the challenges of instant parenthood in the care of his late friend’s six-year-old twins. A forced conference with their teacher, Hannah, about McKenzie’s disruptive behaviour, generates instant attraction, but Hannah’s occasional odd behaviour waves red flags in Cody’s mind.
Ms Weatherholt’s deep love for, and knowledge of dogs, and service dogs in particular, is well-documented in this beautiful story. Faith, perseverance and honest communication between the protagonists, both adult and children. will help to overcome the difficulties of building strong relationships when there are feelings of insecurity as a result of keeping secrets.
I received this book via a BookFunnel promotion and this is my honest opinion.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this heartwarming romance between Hannah and Cody. The characters are wonderful especially the twin girls who are being raised by Cody. He became their guardian when his best friends who were the parents of the twins were killed. Hannah is the school teacher for the twins. The twins kept coming up with ways to get Hannah and Cody together because they want a real family. They didn't know that Hannah had moved to their small town to overcome her battle with PTSD after a family tragedy. Cody and his brothers train service dogs. Can one of the dogs help Hannah get over her panic attacks and her fear to love again? You will have to read the book to find out. I recommend this book for those who enjoy a clean romance. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Note that each of these stories are standalones. Read the ones that sound good to you!)

While this story deals with heavy loss and sadness, it is done gently, and we see the need to let others into our lives to help bring about healing.

Hannah and Cody clash over everything it seems, but Cody wants to help Hannah. He’s just not sure why or how. Hannah is trying to keep her past a secret and to stay busy as a way of dealing with loss. Add twin matchmakers who will keep you laughing, and a special K-9 and you have a heartwarming story that you won’t want to miss. I highly recommend it1

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Gwendolyn Plano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarding Her Christmas Secret is a story about second chances. A schoolteacher who has lost her loved ones meets a single man who is the guardian of his brother’s twins. These two eventually work together to plan the town’s Christmas festival, and that interaction opens their hearts to something more. Each character is well-defined, both emotionally and physically, as is the small-town setting.

I highly recommend this gentle-on-the-heart story about falling in love again. Small miracles abound, as does the underlying trust in the Divine.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jill Weatherholt's books. They lead me to a new place (serene and gorgeous setting) with flawed but wonderful characters who approach life the best way they can, while longing for a special someone who will join them on their life's journey. Add adorable twins, a best friend's sacrifice to take care of said twins, some adorable Golden dogs, and a woman who is trying to change her life - secretly - after immeasurable loss, and you add it all up to a wonderful novel by Weatherholt. This one is perfect for the holidays.

[Lifelongreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas can be an isolating and lonely time of year. For newly widowed Hannah this was especially true. Then she met Cody, his twin wards, and Ellie, a very special dog. The very special town and its occupants also helped her heal. This was an excellent story of kindness, generosity, neighborliness, and love.

[JeanneK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarding Her Christmas Secret by Jill Weatherholt is an excellent addition to the K-9 Companion series. It is an inspirational heartwarming story about second chances, rediscovering oneself after a tragic family loss, grief and love. I received an ebook copy of this book from the author and these opinions are strictly my own. I rated it a five.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is best reading theory boo because it is heartwarming story. Jill done Wonderful job writing this about the characters in this book . It is so inspiring that some one working with dogs for mental illness.

[Barbara Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! I really enjoyed reading this book with a set of twin matchmakers. A story of a school teacher, who suffers from panic attacks and a man who becomes guardian to a set of twin girls who only want a new family. I highly recommend this book.