Healing the Veteran

K-9 Companions #27

by Ciara Knight

A K-9 in need
could help open his closed-off heart.

Haunted by a disastrous military mission, wounded veteran Ace Gatlin vows to live alone on his farm so he can never fail anyone again. However, this doesn’t discourage his determined neighbor, physiotherapist Jolene Pearl, who shows up at his door with a troubled K-9 desperate for a home. Jolene is sure the two injured warriors need each other, and soon, their joint efforts to rehabilitate sweet Bear chip away at the shrapnel lodged in Ace’s heart. But when a catastrophic tornado strikes Willow Oaks, more than just their budding relationship is put to the test. Can Jolene help Ace see himself as worthy of happily-ever-after?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

Ciara Knight is a USA Today bestselling and Maggie Award-winning author of heartwarming romance.

Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and moving romance that is filled with emotion, come along and meet injured vet Ace Gatlin and physiotherapist Jolene Pearl.

Ace has returned home wounded, he has become a recluse wants no help from anyone and feels guilty about what happened in the last mission but it appears that his neighbour Jolene has no intentions of leaving him alone when she arrives with a dog, Bear who is also wounded and suffering PTSD and Jolene thinks that they would make a good pair, only Ace has other ideas.

Jolene is never one to give up she is a very caring and determined woman she has many clients and people that she cares for and she is determined that Ace and Bear will be happy together, the more time she spends with Ace the more their friendship grows could this lead to more?

There was a lot of healing and support in this one I loved watching Ace open up with the help of Jolene and working together to help Bear this is truly a beautiful emotional romance, will they find their way to a HEA, one they both very much deserve?

I do highly recommend this one, it is heartfelt and heart-warming.

My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guillain-Barre is a horrible syndrome,as is its variants, I lost a loved one to this horrible syndrome, earlier this year. I wished they talked more about GBS in this book, so people are aware of it.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my first visit to Willow Oaks, little girl Gracie stole my heart. In Healing the Veteran, it was Bear, a sometimes-hilarious, usually-sweet dog with PTSD. Actually, this whole story captured my heart and refused to let go. Watching wounded (inside & out) veteran Ace Gatlin go from the antagonist he was in A Blessing in Disguise to the hero he becomes (and has always been) in Healing the Veteran really touched me. I love ‘redeemed rogue’ stories, and this is one of my recent faves. His character arc across both books is masterfully layered and engaged my emotions from beginning to end.

For that matter, Ciara Knight’s skill in writing vibrant personalities made me care deeply about all three protagonists – Ace, Jolene, and Bear. (Oh, Bear. Seriously, this dog – expect to see me mention him in any future posts I make about memorable pups in fiction. I fell head over heels for him from the first ‘woof’, and I just loved him more with every scene he stole.) Each of these characters has external scars that correlate to internal wounds still in need of healing, and isn’t that just like God to bring them together to accelerate the process? I shed a few tears as I watched them reach out a hand – or a paw – to walk with each other through complex grief, but I also laughed out loud several times and swooned often. Jolene and Ace have butted heads in the past, and they will in this book too, but those sparks between them also lead to some very delicious romantic tension and yummy kisses. And oh my heart, some of the plot twists had me biting my nails as I waited to see how it would all turn out.

Bottom Line: Healing the Veteran gives readers a heartfelt story of second chances by bringing together a battle-weary soldier, a determined heroine, and an unforgettable dog in need of healing. Ciara Knight crafts these characters with such relatable depth and tenderness, weaving their scars – both visible and hidden – into a narrative rich with emotion, faith, and redemption. The blend of poignant struggles, playful moments, and simmering romance makes this not just a moving-and-fun love story, but also an uplifting reminder of God’s power to mend what’s broken. I stayed fully invested in this book from the first word to the last, and several hints that the author dropped have me already anticipating the next one!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing the Veteran is a very intense read filled with pain, heartbreak, but also forgiveness and God's love. It's emotional but uplifting and inspirational. There were parts of the story that brought tears to my eyes, parts where I laughed, and then parts where I saw God's intervention at work and smiled.

The characters had plenty of layers, which were peeled off as I read. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting. Put a male veteran with PTSD, an army retired canine with PTSD, and a therapist suffering from a painful past, and you have an excellent and interesting triangle for a book. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not feeling like doing a full review....so, this was pretty good...romance is always a bit rushed like in these...third act break-up/get back together was intense and not what I was expecting based on the cozy first half of the book...I was here for Bear and was glad he got a happy ending!

[Nancee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe not the book for me right now. It was too busy and I didn’t like the writing.

[Paige Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as an ARC and I have to preface that it’s not the type of book I usually go for. However I did enjoy it. I liked the dynamics with the dog and the power of healing and redemption through God. I wish it had been a little longer so that there was more opportunities for plot/character development.

[Dana Boersma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well written book that pulled at my heartstrings. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend.

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Healing the Veteran!! This is the first book I've read by Ms. Knight. I will be looking forward to more of her stories!! I enjoyed meeting veteran, Ace Gatlin and Jolene Pearl. This is a very emotional story of second chances, pain, forgiveness, friendship and accepting Gods love!!! K9, Bear and Ace need one another. With Jolene and help from God, she's determined to show Ace he is worthy of love and companionship. A must read!! I wish I could give ten stars instead of five!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author. I really like that this novel includes both horses and dogs. This book was so engaging and well-written. I was so drawn into the growing relationship between Ace and Jolene. I found the back story for Jolene to be extremely unique and interesting. Ace and Bear, the dog that needs help, are so similar in the issues that I was not surprised Ace became attached to him. I really enjoyed reading about their bonding. There are so many good life lessons in this book. It also deals with survivor guilt. This novel had so many great secondary characters that would be good to read their stories in future books. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing The Veteran was such an amazing book that will keep you reading the pages from start to finish as Ace and Jolene have past that will keep them working together in their faith with K-9 companion Bear who has PTSD can these two injured warriors work together and find a happily ever after！ I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion I highly recommend this book!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book thirty seven in The K-9 Companions series and it is Ace and Jolene’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Ace is now a civilian after returning from the military when a mission went drastically wrong which left him with PTSD, nightmares, the loss of his leg and survivor’s guilt, so now he live on a farm, keeps to himself as much as possible and doesn’t mingle very well with others because of his attitude. Jolene hasn’t had a easy life so now she deals with helping others with therapy, charities and other problems and when Bear who is a K-9 dog who had lost one of his legs and also suffered with PTSD needs a home she decided to take Bear to Ace so that they can get to know each other and be companions but Ace fights against it and in the end Jolene manages to get him to take Bear on a trial basis which she hopes that it will become permanent. The more time that Ace and Jolene spend together the more friendly they become and she is hoping that along the way she can help them both in the process while getting Ace to start to move forward with his life because he has such a lot of love to give. Ace and Jolene are getting along really well and things are starting to settle down and move forward until something happens that makes Ace walk away yet again but will Jolene be able to eventually get through to Ace yet again or is it already too late. Ace and Jolene are so perfect together and for each other in every single way especially as they had both gone through such traumatic experiences in their lives and they definitely deserve happiness and a future together which is what they both want and deserve while also being a family for Bear. Wow this book will take you on the biggest rollercoaster ride of so many emotions so make sure that you have those tissues ready because you are definitely going to need them. I loved this book so much with all it’s twists and turns along with loss, trauma, tragedy, healing, friendship, suffering, grief, blame, self loathing, hope, moving forward, forgiveness, love and difficult situations and subjects that are written in such a caring and compassionate way. I read this book in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down and had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and it was so addictive and kept my attention throughout. I can’t wait to read more books in the future.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ciara Knight’s Healing the Veteran is a poignant, emotional and captivating contemporary romance sure to touch the heart and bring a tear to every reader’s eye.

Wounded veteran Ace Gatlin is still haunted by old ghosts and by a disastrous military mission that had cost him dear. Determined to keep the world at bay, Ace had decided to close himself off from everyone and live alone at his farm where he can never disappoint or fail anyone ever again. Ace is adamant that nobody will cross the threshold of his house and to continue to keep his heart firmly under lock and key. But Ace hadn’t counted on his next-door neighbour Jolene, a woman who always gets her own way and who never takes no for an answer…

With a troubled K-9 desperate for a home, Jolene knows just who to place Bear with: her reclusive neighbor Ace Gatlin. Aware of his reputation, Jolene thinks that Ace is the perfect man to help rehabilitate Bear and nothing and nobody is going to dissuade her otherwise – not even the grouchy veteran himself who makes it clear from the off that he wants to keep Jolene and the K-9 at arm’s length. However, it doesn’t take long for Ace to realize that opening up his home and his heart might be just the balm to soothe his troubled soul.

When a tornado strikes Willow Oaks, Ace and Jolene realize that the stakes have never been higher for them. Can Jolene prove to Ace that he is worthy of a second chance? Or will he persist in his resolution to spend the rest of his life all by himself?

Ciara Knight writes with sensitivity, compassion and heart and readers will need to have a box of tissues while reading Healing the Veteran because this tender romance takes them on an emotional journey they will certainly not forget in a hurry. A terrific tale about second chances, stepping out of the shadows and finding love in the most unexpected of ways, Healing the Veteran will steal every reader’s heart and have them rooting for Ace and Jolene.

An inspirational romantic tale readers will thoroughly enjoy, Healing the Veteran by Ciara Knight is not to be missed.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt story of healing, love, and second chances

I was fortunate to be selected as an ARC reader for Healing the Veteran by Ciara Knight (thank you!). I wasn’t paid to review it, and everything here is my honest opinion.

This book really took me by surprise in the best way. It’s not just a romance—though the slow-burn connection between the two main characters is lovely—it’s also a deep, emotional journey through trauma, healing, and rediscovering purpose. The story follows a veteran navigating life after service, carrying the weight of PTSD and trying to find some kind of peace again. Right away, you get a sense of how isolated and guarded he is, which makes his emotional growth throughout the book feel powerful and earned.

The female lead brings a beautiful sense of calm and care to the story. She’s dealing with her own challenges too, but the way the two of them slowly connect and start building trust is what really pulled me in. Nothing happens too fast—it’s all believable, thoughtful, and real.

I especially appreciated how Ciara Knight handled the PTSD angle with care and authenticity. The veteran’s struggles aren’t brushed aside or magically healed with love—he has setbacks, moments of fear, and doubt. But there’s hope running through the whole story, and you see real emotional progress by the end. It’s honest without being heavy and uplifting without being unrealistic.

The story unfolds in a small-town setting, full of quiet moments that really highlight the importance of human connection and community. I loved that the ending doesn’t promise perfection—it gives something more meaningful: hope, progress, and a sense that healing is possible, even if it’s messy.

If you're into stories with emotional depth, slow-burn romance, and characters learning to trust again, I’d definitely recommend this one. It left me thinking about the characters long after I finished.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is clean Christian romance belongs to Ace Gatlin and Jolene Pearl.
Ace , a man who thought he would make a career in the military, is a shell of himself. Not only did he loose his leg, but most importantly, he lost most of his teammates, his brothers in arms. As their leader, he has not forgiven himself for that loss. This leaves him to become a grouchy hermit.
After an illness and a childhood, though privileged, had little love, Jolene knows what it is to be abandoned by those who are suppose to care and love her. Knowing the feeling , she’s always helping others. Whether it’s through her work in a therapy facility or by helping everyone who needs her help. Leaving little time for herself.
When Bear, a K-9 dog is brought to her before it’s put down, Jolene knows who is the right person to help. While each learn to trust and hope, dog and human will find themselves drawn to Jolene .
Will these three find themselves a home or will fear keep them apart and heartbroken?
This was a touching, at times heartbreaking but also heartwarming story where God plays a major role. It’s a story about healing and trusting God and oneself. It’s also a reminder of the difficulty many troops encounter upon their return to civilian life. Especially if injured . The same thing goes for the K-9s that either have lost their handler or are no longer of service.
As individuals as well as a nation, more needs to be done for these brave individuals and dogs that have put their lives on the line to keep us safe.
Kudos to the author for that reminder.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 4 1/2 Stars!

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a clean inspirational romance book and part of the K-9 Companions series. The main characters are Ace and Jolene. Ace is haunted by a military mission so he has closed himself off from everyone. Jolene is his neighbor who wants to help him so she shows up with a K-9 named Bear who is suffering with PTSD. Will Ace take in Bear? Will Bear be the thing Ace needs to open up and heal? I loved seeing Ace and Jolene help Bear heal. Seeing Ace open up along the way was awesome. Will he open up to Jolene about what happened? Will she help not just Bear but Ace too? I loved watching Ace and Jolene grow closer and fall for each other. Will Ace open his heart to her when he has been determined to stay closed off? This book goes to show God knows who to put in your life and when to put them there. We all face hard times in life but God is there for us we just have to acknowledge Him. Life isn’t easy but God never said it would be. I truly loved all of the characters in this book. Jolene was such a sweet and amazing person. Ace was like a different person by the end of the book thanks to God, Jolene and Bear. My sweet Bear… I have a soft spot for dogs and was rooting for him throughout this book. Overall, this was a great book full of healing, faith, and redemption. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ace Gatlin is a haunted recluse. After losing his men in a mission gone wrong, he blames himself. He lost a leg with the only other survivor, who is a double amputee. Ace continues to have nightmares. He feels he’s not worthy of being around other people. How could he have a life when the others won’t? Physiotherapist Jolene Pearl, is a kind, beautiful and smart young woman who always helps everyone. Even animals like K-9 dog, Bear, who loss his partner. Now he has to be retrained or be euthanized. Not on Jolene’s watch. If she can figure out what triggers Bear, she can train him again. She brings Bear to Ace to see if he can watch him until she finds Bear a home. As Ace and Bear live together, they seem to heal each other. Both have nightmares and understand what they are both going through. Jolene and Ace start hanging out together. Jolene wants to help Ace heal. Can she? She does make Ace wish for something more. He even begins to believe in God. God is showing him the way. I was so rooting for Ace, Jolene, who also has a sad childhood, and Bear. They all deserve a second chance in life, have faith in God and help others who need. Learning to forgive himself and heal. Worth the read. You won’t regret it. I didn’t want to put the book down. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.

[Monae Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the K-9 Companions series. This book was very emotional, a bit sad but I loved the love story in it. There is talk of religion in this story. Triggers for this story : PTSD

This story is about a guy named Ace Gatlin. He is haunted by a disastrous military mission. Ace is a wounded veteran. He vows to live alone on his farm so he can never fail anyone again. However, this doesn’t discourage his determined neighbor, physiotherapist Jolene Pearl.

Jolene shows up at his door with a troubled K-9 desperate for a home. Jolene is sure that the two injured warriors need each other. Soon their joint efforts to rehabilitate sweet K-9 Bear chip away at the shrapnel lodged in Ace’s heart. When a catastrophic tornado 🌪️ strikes the town of Willow Oaks more than just their budding relationship is put to the test. Can Jolene help Ace to see himself as worthy of a happily-ever-after ? I felt bad for Ace and how he felt that he wasn’t worthy of love after being injured in the military. I also felt bad for Bear who needed a home after going through his own PTSD after losing his trainer. I also felt bad for Jolene and all that she went through. I was mad at Ace when he was pushing Jolene away when she was trying to be his friend and more. I loved how the story progressed and the how the story ended. I loved reading this book.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read several of this author’s books and this is now my new favorite of hers. Ace is a former Marine. He returns home with PTSD, a missing leg, and survivor’s guilt due to his team dying in combat. Logan, a double amputee, and him were the only survivors. Ace is basically a grump and is ignoring Logan’s calls and letters. Jolene is a therapist at Nana’s Hippotherapy and Horsepark. Jolene takes Bear, a German shepherd that’s missing a leg and suffering from PTSD to see if Ace will take him in. Sheriff Angelina Monroe says if he doesn’t find a home, he’ll be put down. Of course, Ace refuses, but Jolene won’t give up and eventually gets him to take Bear. I’m not going to leave any spoilers because I think everyone should read this beautifully written, heartfelt story. This book will capture your attention from the beginning until the end, which led to me reading it in one sitting. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. Grab your copy and see what happens when you’re open to forgiveness, second chances, and learning to trust again.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing the Veteran by Ciara Knight, book 37 in the K-9 Companions series, is a very emotional, heartfelt story of second chances, pain, healing, forgiveness, heartbreak, and PTSD, that is emotional, uplifting and inspirational; accepting G-d’s love.

Therapist Jolene Pearl might have grown up in a family that was privileged, but love was something she seldom received. After being ill as a child, she knows what it feels like to be abandoned by those who are supposed to care and love her. Knowing the feeling, she’s always helping others: through her work in a therapy facility or by helping everyone who needs her help; leaving little time for herself. When Bear, a retired K-9 dog is brought to her before it’s put down, Jolene knows who is the right person to help this dog; Ace Gatlin. Ace, a man who thought he would make a career in the military, is a shell of himself. Not only did he loose his leg, but most importantly, he lost most of his teammates, his brothers in arms. As their leader, he has not forgiven himself for that loss. This left him to become a grouchy hermit dealing with PTSD.

Jolene leaves Bear with Ace knowing that both dog and man have similar issues; hoping they will be able to help each other. Spending time together, Ace and Bear bond, with Ace becoming attached as Jolene had hoped. What Jolene did not expect was that Ace and Bear were also drawn to her; enjoying spending time together. Jolene, with help from G-d and her faith, is determined to show Ace that he is worthy of love and companionship.

This was a touching, at times heartbreaking but also heartwarming story where faith plays a major role. It’s a story about healing and trusting G-d and oneself. It’s also a reminder of the difficulty many troops encounter upon their return to civilian life; especially if injured. The same thing goes for the K-9s that either have lost their handler or are no longer of service. There are so many good life lessons in this book. It also deals with survivor guilt. This novel had so many great secondary characters that would be good to read their stories in future books. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Knight and hopefully it will not be the last.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#HealingTheVeteran #CiaraKnight #K-9 Companions #Harlequin

[Jean Volk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing the Veteran by Ciara Knight is a deeply moving tale that blends emotional depth with faith-filled hope. Wounded veteran Ace Gatlin has shut himself off from the world, haunted by a past mission gone wrong. But when his determined neighbor, physiotherapist Jolene Pearl, shows up with a troubled K-9 named Bear, everything begins to shift.

This story is rich with layers—Ace’s guarded heart, Jolene’s quiet strength, and Bear’s journey from trauma to trust. Knight handles themes of PTSD, forgiveness, and emotional healing with grace and authenticity. The tornado scene adds urgency and heart-pounding stakes, but it’s the quiet moments of connection that truly shine.

If you love inspirational romance with a strong emotional core and characters who earn their happily-ever-after, this one’s for you.

I received an advance reader copy of this book and was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Kate Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the K-9 Companions series, in which physical therapist and volunteer of almost everything, Jolene Pearl, is concerned about protecting an injured K-9 veteran, now reduced to three-legs from being put down because he appears to be dangerous, especially when near children. Her nearby neighbor is farmer and veteran, Ace Gatlin, who has also lost a leg in combat and who also suffers from PTSD. Jolene is convinced that Ace could benefit from caring for the dog, named Bear, and that Bear would benefit from Ace's care. But Ace seems less than enthusiastic about either Bear or Jolene's interest in getting him to do the exercises designed to strengthen his leg when using his prosthesis.

Various crises reveal the strengths of each character as well as their weaknesses as they begin to get to know one another. A great read that examines the effects and needs of veterans, both 2- and 4-legged versions and how each can be healed after their combat experiences.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ace Gatlin, ex-marine, lost a leg while serving in the Middle East. He's a bitter and ornery man that avoids people. He especially tries to avoid Jolene Pearl since she keeps trying to help him with his ill-fitting prosthetic.

Jolene has an ulterior motive for this visit to Ace. She needs him to foster Bear, a German Shepherd that lost a leg defending his handler. The handler died so Bear, along with the amputation has PTSD. This makes the stay with Ace perfect since he too has PTSD.

I am happy I was given an ARC of this story. I have so much admiration for our military and service men and women, whether active duty or retired. K-9's are also worthy of admiration.

Ciara Knight wrote a clean, faith-based, contemporary story with a happy-ever-after ending. She treated the subjects and theme in this story with honor and respect. I definitely recommend it.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Read for the Fireworks Spectacular [Summer Holidate]Fireworks Spectacular prompt of Romanceopoly(military romance).*

I loved that this book dealt with both a veteran soldier, as well as a K-9 dog who'd lost his handler in the line of duty. The heroine, Jolene, was incredibly giving and compassionate, sometimes to the detriment of herself. Ace, the hero, had a lot of trauma due to his past, thinking he didn't deserve happiness, because in his mind he'd failed his men. I liked seeing him deal with being an amputee, and the fact that Bear, the dog, was also one was a unique touch. This book was warm, hopeful, and touched on things that should be more talked about. If you're not into Christian romance, this won't be for you, as faith and God are very important to Jolene. Overall, I enjoyed this story a lot. It was sweet and emotional, and I loved seeing them all happy in the end.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

Captivatingly emotional! The next book in the K-9 Companions series with Love Inspired is from Ciara Knight and revolves around a reclusive injured vet and a neighbor who doesn't take being pushed away easily. I was hooked from the start and really enjoyed getting to know Ace and Jolene. He's hiding away to punish himself for the things he thinks fell to him in the mission that left him missing more than just a leg. She's a healing soul to all she meets and enjoys the connection she feels within this town. I was entertained throughout and especially loved the camaraderie that Bear helped bring into the plot. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a faith based sweet romance with lots of healing and broadening of horizons going on throughout.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, heartfelt story is Healing the Veteran by Ciara Knight. I have read several books by this author, but she has outdone herself this time. Ace Gatlin, Jolene Pearl and Bear will win your heart, while tearing it apart and putting it back together again. This one book manages to covered all the emotions, I cried, I smiled, I laughed, and I was uplifted. If you have a family member or friend in military service, this story will help you to understand and empathize with them. This is a story not to be missed if you enjoy heartfelt, well written relevant stories. More than a romance it is also a book of healing and forgiveness. I highly recommend it.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, inspiring story. Ace and Bear totally needed each other. Jolene does her best to help them both, but you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. I love how the Bible continually opens to 1 John 4:16 “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” It is exactly what Ace needs to believe. Excellent story with wonderful characters.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Nas Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing the Veteran is a touching and beautifully written story about second chances, emotional scars, and the power of love to heal. Author Ciara Knight does an excellent job of portraying the struggles veterans face while balancing it with hope, resilience, and tender romance. The characters felt genuine and relatable, and their journey kept me turning the pages late into the night.

If you enjoy small-town charm, heartfelt storytelling, and a romance that feels both real and inspiring, this book is a wonderful read.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Willow Oaks. Where we meet, wounded veteran Ace Gatlin, a loner, wants nothing to do with people, so he doesn't have to care about what happens to others. However, Physiotherapist Jolene Pearl shows up with a K-9 named Bear. Jolene knows that Bear would be good with Bear. When a tornado hits the town, Ace finds that he still has faith in his heart. This is a clean, Christian romance.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an inspirational book, full of faith and God's perfect timing. I liked all of the characters including Bear, a K-9 dog suffering from PTSD after losing his handler. I liked that two lonely souls, Ace and Jolene, found each other with God's help.
This book truly touched my heart with all that Ace and Jolene had been through. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.