Training Her Alaskan K-9: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

by Teri Wilson

Can a little girl and her K-9
lead the way to healing?

Service dog trainer Ella Grace is surprised when her childhood crush, professional hockey player Luke Tanner, returns home to Snowhaven, Alaska…with his orphaned niece in tow. Luke is struggling to be the best guardian he can be for sweet Bethany, who has hearing loss, and looks to Ella for help. When Ella volunteers to train a deaf puppy to be the perfect companion for his niece, he quickly sees how the little girl is comforted by her new emotional support dog. But as old insecurities and past secrets come to light, will they be brave enough to fight for a love they both deserve?

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
Book 31: An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus
Book 32: Earning the Veteran's Trust by Lisa Jordan
Book 33: Holding Onto Secrets by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 34: His New Companion by Jill Kemerer
Book 35: The Soldier's K-9 Companion by Belle Calhoune
Book 36: Her Surprise Neighbor by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 37: Healing the Veteran by Ciara Knight
Book 38: An Unexpected Christmas Helper by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 39: The Rancher's Christmas Gift by Jolene Navarro
Book 40: An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main
Book 41: Training Her Alaskan K-9 by Teri Wilson
Book 42: A K-9 to Reunite Them<

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

New York Times Bestselling Author Teri Wilson writes heartwarming contemporary romance with a touch of whimsy. Four of Teri’s books have been adapted into Hallmark Channel Original Movies, including UNLEASHING MR. DARCY (plus its sequel MARRYING MR. DARCY), ROYAL-ISH, based on her book ONCE UPON A ROYAL SUMMER, THE ART OF US and NORTHERN LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS, based on her book SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS. She is also a recipient of the prestigious RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction and a 2022 inductee into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.

When she’s not writing, Teri enjoys volunteering in her community with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel Charm, a registered therapy dog, reading education assistance dog and crisis emergency response canine. Teri is also a three-time volunteer at the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race in Alaska and has been active in conformation dog shows and performance events.

A cupcake enthusiast, Teri also loves Hallmark movies, barre classes, crocheting and taking her dogs out for pup cups. Visit her at www.teriwilson.net or on Instagram @teriwilsonauthor.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read. I really liked the characters.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. From Ella Grace the service dog trainer, hockey player Luke Tanner, his niece, eight year old deaf Bethany to the animals, especially Snickers and Cupcake. Luke was trying to get a service dog for his niece but she was deemed too young by Ella. Luke left disappointed and discouraged. Bethany kept weighing on Ella’s mind and went to the local shelter in hopes of finding a small puppy companion. What happened all along seemed God ordained. Yes, I had happy tears and big smiles as I read. If a cute little girl and puppy can’t make a person smile probably nothing will.
This was a personal purchase and I’m reviewing because that’s what I do.

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet K-9 dogs and a superb storyline about believing in yourself

Luke, new guardian for his young niece Bethany who is deaf, goes to see Ella about a hearing assistance dog. Ella just walked into her K-9 training office to find a runaway dog trainee Snickers on her desk clearly skipping training! Unfortunately, Bethany is too young to get a hearing assistance dog, but when Ella goes to the shelter to find possible dog trainees, she finds puppy Cupcake who is adorable and also deaf. Could this be the solution to Luke's concerns about Bethany? What about Ella's old crush on Luke, her brother's best friend? Is Luke really ready and able to parent Bethany and start over again in his old hometown? Read this to find out!

The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has a few kisses only. The characters are vibrant and endearing. The Christian ideals are a part of the story. I really hope the author does a follow-up K-9 companions story for Ella's brother Travis. He really needs one! I loved this sweet K-9 Companions romance with detailed characters and superb dogs!

[Tina Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story. Whats not to love when it comes to animals, children having a disability. I love how Ella and Luke come together to help Bethany with a sweet puppy. I can relate due to me having congenital hearing loss. I'm looking forward to reading the next sequel.