A Very Merry Christmas K-9: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

by Lisa Carter

Will a surprise companion
Bring two people together?

To save her beloved clinic, veterinarian Ingrid Abernathy desperately needs to find a date to the town’s Christmas Ball. But Ingrid is painfully awkward, so she asks Zach Stone for his help. The friendly local mechanic agrees to coach her, but only if she'll help him care for an injured Great Pyrenees he found abandoned on the road. With a dating coach and a sweet dog by her side, Ingrid is confident her plan will work. But when unfamiliar feelings grow between them, will she risk everything she’s ever worked for to follow her heart?

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 by Jill Kemerer
Book 43: Healing a Rescuer's Heart by Ciara Knight
Book 44: Trusting the Veterinarian by Jolene Navarro
Book 45: His Daughter's Faithful Companion by Ciara Knight
Book 46: A K-9 Mountain Promise by Helena Smrcek
Book 47: The Journey to Forgiveness by Vera Smetzer
Book 48: An Alaskan K-9 Blessing by Teri Wilson
Book 49: A Very Merry Christmas K-9 by Lisa Carter
Book 50: A K-9 Christmas Blessing by Tina Radcliffe
Book 51: The Veteran's Christmas K-9 by Lisa Jordan
Book 52: The Veteran and His K-9 by Deb Kastner

368 pages, Paperback

Published September 29, 2026

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun addition to the K-9 Companions series!

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and emotional story set in Truelove

Veterinarian Ingrid is looking for someone to help her learn how to talk fire captain Tate to take her to her parents' Christmas party. She asks auto mechanic Zach to help her because he is so good with people. He agrees to help her after Ingrid helps him save an abandoned Great Pyrenees he calls Bella. But as he works to help her, Zach can't help falling for both Bella and Ingrid. When he is offered his dream of working on a NASCAR crew, will Zach stay in Truelove or follow his dream? 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. Bella is a doll. The Christian ideals are part of the story and not tacked on. This is a great Christian romance set in Truelove, like other stories my Lisa Carter. Enjoy this sweet story about learning to be yourself and overcome obstacles in your way.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. it has humor, romance, great characters and a lovable dog. I loved how the main characters related to each other and how their relationship grew. I was glued to the pages. I couldn't wait to get to the ending.

[Joy Wolfe · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by Lisa Carter. This is the first book of hers that I have read. The story is about a veterinarian named Ingrid Abernathy. Ingrid comes from a wealthy family but does not have a great relationship with her parents. She has opened her own vet clinic in a town called Truelove with the help of her father's money. He made one stipulation...that Ingrid be married by age 30 or he would call the loan. Doesn't sound like a very loving father to me! Ingrid's people skills are lacking terribly and she needs some help to learn how to get a real date. Time is getting short until her 30th birthday. What's an awkward girl to do? You will have to pick up the book and see how this ends!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tears in my eyes near the end. I am a dog lover and this one hit me in my heart.