Her Easter Prayer

K-9 Companions #4

by Lee Tobin McClain

Forgiving herself could be the answer she needs…in this novel by New York Times bestselling author Lee Tobin McClain.

While recovering from the past…

Can she hope for a new future?

After a tragic loss, reading teacher Emily Carver dedicates her life to educating troubled boys with the help of service dog Lady. Tutoring new school handyman Dev McCarthy’s struggling son reminds Emily of everything she’s missing. Time spent with them could heal her heart—only, Dev has a secret. Can she see past what he’s hiding to the family forming around her?

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

Genres: Love Inspired, Romance, Dogs, Christian Fiction, Animals

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2022

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

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Clean Inspirational Romance, and this is the fourth book in the K-9 Companions series. I have only read the first book in this series before picking up this book. This book does not have a K-9 police dog, but this book has a support dog in it. I love the characters in this book, and I love that the characters are over coming so much stuff. Lady is the support dog in this book, and she will take you heart from the first chapter. Dev is one of the main characters, and I love that he cannot read and this book brings light to adults learning to read late in life. They did a great job with the adult not being able to read. Emily is the other main character, and Lady is her support animal. Emily works with special needs kids, but she is trying to move on from the lost of her family in a fire. The messages in this book is very moving, and I love the characters in this book. Great Read and I loved every minute I spend with these characters. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has me still wrapped up in emotional knots. So many talking points -- but not for a review. Would make a great book club selection though.

Dev's secret -- the one mentioned in the book blurb -- whoa -- sucker punch to my sensitive book-loving heart! And Emily's tragic loss, again no details except to say that it gutted me. So, I was equally invested in both hero and heroine and then McClain throws in an empathy-spewing service dog and a troubled boy and, well, I consumed this book in one sitting.

Devoured it. Revelled in it. Shed a few tears. And a few more chuckles. Wanted to smack a certain handyman upside the head at one point and shake some sense into a certain reading teacher at another point, so, yes, actively engaged for the entire read. The very best kind of book!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this year .. no review ?!?

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Easter Prayer by Lee Tobin McClain is book four in Harlequin’s Love inspired K~9 Companions series. Each book in the series is a standalone by a different author.

Emily is still healing from her tragic past. How can she possibly help Dev and his eight-year-old son, Landon. Dev is a great dad, but he has a secret. How could he ever be worthy of Emily’s attention?

Lee Tobin McClain does not disappoint. These characters are dynamic and entirely likable. The novel is very well-written and the plot holds the reader’s attention start to finish. Her Easter Prayer gets 5 out of 5 very enthusiastic stars. I fully enjoyed it and recommend it to all readers of chaste romance.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This truly gifted storyteller is one I can always count on for a deeply emotional, uplifting read. She gives us relatable characters who are battered by life yet find healing and forgiveness for the past and hope for the future.

Emily Carter has overcome tragedy but the scars remain. Her service dog, Lady, helps her through the day as she works as the librarian at an all boys boarding school. Her first interaction with young Landon McCarthy occurs when she finds her service dog now has blue around her eyes because “Lady needed decoration.”

But it's his father who frightens Emily and makes butterflies erupt in her stomach, both in equal measure. It's the fear Emily listens to, trying to distance herself from the school's handyman, Dev McCarthy. But someone has a different plan, and Emily and Dev find it impossible to avoid each other.

As we watch Emily and Dev learn how to triumph over tragedy and create a promising, fulfilling future, McClain once again reminds us that miracles are possible. That with divine guidance we can find healing and redemption. A wholesome and uplifting story, fans of inspirational romance will love this compelling, heartfelt, soul-stirring read.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Her Easter Prayer" is a Christian romance. Emily's in-laws blame her for taking a break for a night out with friends. She returned to her house on fire, her husband and baby dead, and was barely able to rescue her own mother. The grief and guilt were so terrible that she needed an emotional support service dog. She also uses the dog to help boys at the troubled boys school where she works. (The dog simply cuddles with anyone who's upset, so don't expect much about service dogs.) Both Dev and his son have trouble reading, so he hires Emily to tutor his son while he hides his own difficulties. They grow closer as they spend time together.

Dev was much more thoughtful and kind than her dead husband, so Emily's attracted to him. Dev tended to make quick, condemning judgements of others then apologized when he realized he's wrong. He once did this when Emily really needed support, not someone else condemning her for something that's not really her fault. Emily took him back, though, because he apologized and no one's perfect. While Dev realized that he held a double standard and that he jumped to conclusions without all of the needed information, I wish his pastor cousin had pointed him toward letting God change this tendency. Ah, well.

Emily made progress at forgiving herself as God forgave her. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this author years ago with her original Bond series books. She’s one of my top go-to authors when I’m looking for heartfelt but not overly simplified Christian romance books. And Her Easter Prayer is only one reason why. The characters are far from perfect and struggle with significant issues. There’s not much preaching at the reader but rather heartfelt and Godly advice from secondary characters, always driving home the point that no one is beyond God's love. Easter is about celebrating the resurrection, and the hope left for us. Which is at the heart of this story, and it illustrates acceptance, kindness, and love powerfully.

While it’s a part of a series, it’s a true standalone title. I haven’t read any of the other books, so I can’t speak about whether or not they are good reads. But I’m definitely here for more books by this author.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily teaching special need kids and trying to get answers. Lady now had blue tinted eyes thanks to a permanent marking pen. His answer was the dog needed decorating. The handyman seemed to be always there
observing her, or the scars she had. Then seeing them together it clicked why he was always in the room, this was his son. Conversion of what happened didn’t go well. Friends asking about new handyman. Telling her to forgive the past and move on.To many obstacles now as was in the past.
Delightful story of two people with scars, hurt feeling, can they try to move on and find love. A delightful story of new beginnings
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

[Susan Faloon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily is a teacher at a school for special needs children who have been in some form of trouble. Lady, her canine companion senses when Emily feels panic enveloping her as she has suffered a great trauma. She lost her husband and child in a fire.
Eight-year-old Landon is a new student at the school. His father, Dev, has taken on a janitorial position at the school. Now that he has custody of his son, he is intent on being close by the boy so he can help him. Dev has a huge secret and holds himself back even though he is attracted to Emily. He feels he can never be good enough.

This is a well-handled story that threads the challenges of learning abilities throughout. I have at least two members of my family who live, struggle and have advanced with other capabilities who have dyslexia. This is a very important topic as is the need for support dogs or animals for those who endure aftereffects of trauma.
This is a believable story with characters that are easy to like. I want to thank the publisher, Love Inspired and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy of the book. This is my own opinion.

[SOMDReigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Easter Prayer is an emotional and uplifting read. Both main characters have issues to overcome and are struggling with guilt and hiding secrets. Through God’s word, forgiveness, and the help of friends, they manage to overcome their issues and give love a try.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new Love Inspired book in the k9 companion series and is about Emily who is a teacher and librarian at a special boys school where she meets new student Landon and his dad Dev.

I liked reading about Emily and her love for reading, helping her students and how her service dog helped her and her students. I could really relate to her.

Single dad Dev has his struggles as well as he gets to know the teachers at his sons school and tries to help his son academically and emotionally.

Lots of emotions in this book dealing with dementia, grief, addiction and loss; and how God’s word, love and forgiveness can help us look towards the future.

Great characters, sweet and relatable story line . I really enjoyed it! I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Marie Pinkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've probably (truthfully) said this before about one of Ms McClain's books, but now this is definitely my favorite of hers (honestly, I haven't read one of her's I didn't like). I loved Emily and Dev's (and Landon and Lady's) story. It is full of hope even in the aftermath of tragedy and hard times. It takes the two of them a few tries before they realize past mistakes needn't keep them from moving on, and experiencing happiness again. A.good, small community of friends helps along the way. I received a copy of this book from the author with no expectations as to a review. These are my own honest thoughts and opinions.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It showed how two flawed people, who didn’t think they deserved love, could find it. Emily didn’t think she was worthy of a family after losing hers. Dev didn’t think he was worthy of anyone because he couldn’t read. I loved the characters of Emily and Dev. And, of course, Landon and Lady. I also loved their friends and how they were an encouragement for each of them. This was a great book and I would recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily and Dev’s story will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see how what happens next. Emily is struggling with guilt, Dev is hiding a secret. Watching these two become friends and helping each other is truly inspirational. You will feel Gos working throughout this wonderful book. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Easter Prayer
An emotional story, where friends, faith, & love help guide them all thru life's challenges. So they are able to forgive each other, but most importantly forgive themselves. Reminding us that the struggles we're in today, is only building the strength we need for tomorrow.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Easter Prayer by Lee Tobin McClain
(K-9 Companions Book 4) Companions
Forgiving herself could be the answer she needs…in this novel by New York Times bestselling author Lee Tobin McClain.
While recovering from the past…
Can she hope for a new future?
After a tragic loss, reading teacher Emily Carver dedicates her life to educating troubled boys with the help of service dog Lady. Tutoring new school handyman Dev McCarthy’s struggling son reminds Emily of everything she’s missing. Time spent with them could heal her heart—only, Dev has a secret. Can she see past what he’s hiding to the family forming around her?
This is Emily Carver and Dev McCarthy,Landon and Lady's story.
He was watching her and the students again.
Emily Carver deliberately looked away from the dark-eyed handyman who kept finding things to repair in her library’s teaching space. There had been a time, in her carefree twenties, when she’d have smiled at a handsome man who seemed to take an interest in her, but not anymore.
Anyway, his expression wasn’t flirtatious so much as curious, watchful, assessing. Well. If he had a problem with the way she conducted her reading class—or the scars on her arms—so be it. She had to shepherd nine students on to their lunch hour, a task sometimes easier said than done with this particular group.
She reached the pair. “Landon, I didn’t get the chance to tell you before class, but service dogs shouldn’t be petted or touched while they’re...” She trailed off and stared at the bright blue circles around Lady’s eyes. “What are you doing? Give me that marker right now!”
He didn’t, so she reached out and pulled it from his fingers. “Lady. Down.” She pointed at a spot on the floor well away from the boy. “Landon, wait right here while I make sure she’s okay.”
“I didn’t hurt her.” The boy’s tone was gruff.
A quick check of the dog assured her that he was telling the truth, although... She looked down at the marker. Sure enough, it was permanent
The new handyman strode into the library and looked from Landon, crushing down paper into the overfull wastebasket, to Emily, and back again. Then he knelt in front of the boy. “Why are you cleaning? You’re a student here.”
Seeing the two dark heads together made it click for Emily: they had to be father and son. New handyman, new student. No wonder the handyman had paid extra attention to the class. His son was in it.
Landon ducked away from his dad and hustled over to the chairs, moving them back to their original locations at tables.
He didn’t volunteer why he was in trouble, of course.
Emily opened her mouth to explain and then snapped it closed again as the handyman advanced on her, brows drawn together, mouth pressed into a flat line.
He gestured at Landon. He’s the custodian’s kid, not the custodian,” he growled in a low voice, obviously not wanting Landon to hear.
“I won’t have him doing cleaning work.”
I recommend reading.
Her Easter Prayer by Lee Tobin McClain is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lee Tobin McClain.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Joyce Stewart Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author : Lee Tobin McClain
Her Easter Prayer: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (K-9 Companions Book 4 of 10
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description:
Forgiving herself could be the answer she needs…in this novel by New York Times bestselling author Lee Tobin McClain.While recovering from the past…
Can she hope for a new future?
After a tragic loss, reading teacher Emily Carver dedicates her life to educating troubled boys with the help of service dog Lady. Tutoring new school handyman Dev McCarthy’s struggling son reminds Emily of everything she’s missing. Time spent with them could heal her heart—only, Dev has a secret. Can she see past what he’s hiding to the family forming around her?
🐾🐕 MY REVIEW 🐾🐕

Her Easter Prayer is a
emotional, small-town romance that is book 4 in the K-9 Companions series, written by various authors. However, Her Easter Prayer can easily be read as a stand alone story . Right from the start the author caught my attention and drew me into the story. Dev McCarthy and Emily Carver were characters that you wanted to discover more about as you read their story. They were so easy to like with their very emotional back stories.
I just loved Emily's service dog Lady too. The other characters in the story Ashley , Hayley and Nate , all added depth to the storyline and were well developed, especially Ashley and Hayley . The emotions were well done and so easy to feel. I really hope all 3 will have their own story .Kids always add so much to a story and there is a lot of them in this story because it takes place at Bright Tomorrows Academy .The descriptions of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado were well done and so easy to visualize. I felt like i was standing there and very much part of the story. The pacing of the story was neither too slow nor too fast. There was a smooth flow to the whole book and it had a satisfying ending.
This was a clean christian romance but was not preachy or pushy. Religion was just a part of the characters' lives.. I highly recommend this book and all of her other books if you love romance. You really can't go wrong no matter which book of hers you pick up.

*******Disclosure*******
I received a free E -ARC copy of this book from netgalley prior to release. Many thanks to NetGalley ,the publisher and the author for the chance to read and review a copy of this interesting book in exchange for my honest review. I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All opinions I have expressed are my own. As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
#LeeTobinMcClain

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was wonderful! I think I connected with it most because the main character is a book lover and reading tutor... something I also share.

Emily is trying to overcome a troubled past that took her son, husband and injured her and her mother. She pours all over energy into her students at the boys school for troubled boys. There she connects with the handymans son Landon, and realizes that the single dad Dev and Landon are also her neighbor. With money tight she agrees to tutor Landon. No matter how hard they try, they both are at risk for developing feelings for each other.... But Dev and Emily are both keeping secrets from eachother that constantly have them pushing away from the feelings developing. If they can't be together... they don't even want to be around each other, which could mean leaving her teaching spot/cabin and moving away for good!

I loved this story because it's not just a romance developing. You have a woman trying to over come her past, heal, forgive and move on. You have a man hiding a secret that has been letting hold him back for years. You have a young boy thats struggling in school and is misunderstood and a service dog that everyone loves!

[Moira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emily is a reading teacher at a private school for troubled boys. She's suffered great loss when her husband and 2 year old son died in a fire that injured she and her mother. Shortly after the fire her mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's.

Dev and his son Landon are newcomers at the school. He's divorced and Landon had troubles at his last school after setting a small fire in the restroom. Dev took a janitorial/handyman job that affords him free housing and reduced tuition.

Both Dev and Landon struggle with reading issues and possibly dyslexia. Emily is hired on to tutor Landon and her feelings for Dev grow but she feels unworthy of his love.

I struggled with her character, as she's supposedly a Christian woman but does not seem to trust easily. Not with people, her faith, or in general. Overall a good read that was quick and with an HEA. I would give it a 3.5out of 5 stars.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Easter Prayer by Lee Tobin McClain is part of the Love Inspired K-9 Companions series.

I love K-9 books, so I was excited to read Her Easter Prayer. Lady, the K-9 in this book, is a emotional comfort companion for her owner who suffers PTSD from the loss of her young child (big trigger warning here!) It made this an emotionally intense read, but also a deep one. Adding in foster care and learning disabilities made this an unexpectedly raw read.

I really liked the focus on literacy and learning disabilities. I would love to see more books that address this topic in such a real and challenging way.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. I only wish I’d been more prepared for the content going in, though it was handled well, I think.

—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved this book. You just never knew what life might throw you as the Reynolds sister's were soon to find out. I loved these women right from the start. They made me feel like the siblings I never had. The secrets in this book y'all are what made me turn the pages in the book to see what was coming up next and you'll be surprised until the very end I'm telling you! There are lessons to be learned from this book as well and tears will fall, anger will be shown and so will love. Will love prevail over all and make the family ties stronger? Well, you'll just have to pick up this book to find out! And you'll definitely need a box of tissues. There's places you'll bawl.like a baby. I am still thinking about this book of course. I'm looking forward to see what more thos new author will have in store for us in the future. 5 stars! I highly recommend! My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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

This was such a precious story of forgiveness of others and forgiveness of yourself. It is also a very valuable lesson about only hearing one side of a story. Emily Carver is a reading teacher who suffered a devastating loss. She cannot forgive herself for what she considers her part in the loss. She is a kind and compassionate teacher who cares about her students. Dev's son is struggling in school and reminds him of his struggles in school. This was such a wonderful story, and the characters were very likable. I also loved Lady. She is the support dog for Emily, but Emily allows her to love on the kids of the school. She will steal your heart from the the first pages. The plot for this book addresses some real world issues of today. I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two characters try to help the other heal from their pain. It was a sweet love story with a touching inspirational message as well.

[Denise Boldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Tobin McClain has written a great story of redemption and hope with deep characters and a plotline that draws you in. She deals with the struggles that we have in seeing ourselves in a negative light and not only accepting ourselves complete with our perceived mistakes and struggles, but truly believing in the redemptive power of the cross.

Her Easter Prayer is a story with a depth that deals with betrayal, forgiveness, mercy and redemption and the healing that comes from being set free from the chains that God desires to remove from our lives. My favourite quote is from chapter two:

"The stars are pretty, aren’t they? ... Do they make you feel small, the stars?” she asked him.
He’d never thought about it. “I guess…they make me feel like there are infinite possibilities.”

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily is a school teacher just trying to live a quiet life after dealing with a lot of loss that eventually led her to had a service god and bills racking up. Dev is the schools handyman with a son there who is struggling to read. Thankfully Emily is there to help tutor him but with the more time spent around eachother feeling start to arise.

This was such a sweet read. Like the who main characters Emily and Dev were just dealing with a lot and struggling. After their pasts you can't help but want to help push these two together to help heal one another. If you love clean Christian romance novels you'll want to check this one out. There was ups and downs to challenge the two throughout the book and I loved seeing how they worked on their set of issues that eventually lead to them coming together. Overall this was a pretty sweet and interesting read and I really enjoyed it.

[Monae Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t a fan of this book. There was a lot of religion mentioned in this story. There weren’t any spicy 🌶 🌶🌶🌶 moments in this story either.

This book revolved around a reading teacher named Emily Carver. She works at a school. She had something tragic happen to her because of a fire 🔥. She lost her infant son and husband. Her mother suffers from dementia early onset. Emily has a service dog to help her. A boy starts at the school named Landon. He has trouble with reading and his father also has trouble with reading which he doesn’t share with anyone. Landon’s father didn’t communicate in the beginning with Emily. I felt bad for Landon who was having trouble academically. Dev and Emily both have issues in their lives.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming romance of fresh starts and new beginnings.

My heart went out to Emily for all the hurt and tragedy she had been through, now she works at a boy's school teaching reading. Her heart is captured by a young student and his handyman father who give her cause to hope again.

A heartfelt read with compelling characters, Emily is a giving yet vulnerable character slowly healing the pain from the past. I loved her heart for others, and how she reaches out to help Dev and Landon.

Overall, a compelling read with great characters that tug the heartstrings. I'm looking forward to reading more books set at this school!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the K-9 Companions series, in which Emily Carver depends on her service dog to manage her anxiety following the death of her toddler and her husband in a fire that Emily is certain she was at fault. When she ends up agreeing to tutor the school handyman, Dev McCarthy's, son, she fights against getting close to them. And Dev harbors a secret of his own, one he is sure would dismay Emily, a reading teacher. Dev can barely read above the 2nd grade level and his inability to help his son plagues him and the child.

Can Emily and Dev each tackle the secrets that hold them back or will they forever be separated when what each wants it to be together?

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this story. The highlight of this book was on reading difficulties such as dyslexia, along with how to work with troubled kids.

From the book description: "While recovering from the past…Can she hope for a new future?

After a tragic loss, reading teacher Emily Carver dedicates her life to educating troubled boys with the help of her service dog Lady. Tutoring new school handyman Dev McCarthy’s struggling son reminds Emily of everything she’s missing. Time spent with them could heal her heart—only, Dev has a secret. Can she see past what he’s hiding to the family forming around her?"

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This K-9 Companions Story, “Her Easter Prayer,” involves a reading teacher,Emily Carver, and her service dog, Lady. Emily works at a school for boys with behavioral problems. Dev McCarthy is the new handyman at the school and also the father of one of the students, Landon. Landon is struggling with school because he can’t read very well. Emily is dealing with her tragic past and Dev has a few secrets of his own. This book has me laughing one minute and near tears the next. This story is well-written, with believable characters and storyline.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an inspiring story of forgiving oneself and others, letting go of the past and moving forward. The problems that Emily and Dev each dealt with were realistic and believable and made me feel for them in their efforts to get on with their lives in the best ways possible. I loved the progress Landon made, both personally and scholastically and his love for Emily’s service dog, Lady. Looking forward to reading many more books in this series! I read this via audiobook with excellent narration.