An Alaskan Christmas Promise

K-9 Companions #11

by Belle Calhoune

A Christmas to cherish…

And a secret to protect.

This needs to be the best Christmas Kit O’Malley has ever seen—because she may not be able to see another. Diagnosed with failing vision, it takes all her determination to stay focused on what makes her her daughter, her service-puppy-in-training and the puppy’s trainer, Leo Duggan. But they can’t reach their Christmas joy together until Kit’s secret comes to light…

A K-9 COMPANIONS TALE

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 8: The Cowboy's Journey Home by Linda Goodnight
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

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

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published November 29, 2022

About the author

Belle Calhoune writes heartwarming, inspirational romance novels set in small, cozy towns. Married to her college sweetheart and living in southern Connecticut, she is the mother of two girls. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she is one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library allowed her to become an avid reader who aspired to be a romance writer. When she isn't writing, she enjoys reading, spending time in Cape Cod, traveling and enjoying time with friends and family.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable romance between single mother Kit, who is losing her eyesight, and Leo, who trains service dogs and offers to help Kit train with one. The romance was sweet, the story held my interest, and the dog Jupiter was such a sweetheart.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Festively angsty....because, really what's a Christmas romance without a few emotional sucker punches? But no worries, there's also cuteness overload between Jupiter (puppy-in-training) and Kit's adorable toddler. And plenty of holiday happenings in Owl Creek to get a reader in a yuletide groove. An enjoyable rollercoaster of emotions that kept me turning pages to reach the happily ever after at the end.

This is the twelfth book in the year long (dare I hope for more in 2023?) multi-authored series that focuses on a variety of K-9 companions and their humans. The books don't interconnect in any other way so can happily be read in any order. Just love this dog-centric series! It's been so interesting to explore the different kinds of services and therapies that dogs can provide.

But, 'An Alaskan Christmas Promise' also does double duty in the series department as it is the sixth book in the author's much loved 'Home to Owl Creek' series. I love this town and it was so much fun to meet up with characters from previous novels. No worries, though, because this book reads well as a standalone too. It was just fun to be back in Owl's Creek -- especially at Christmas time.

https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/20...

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Alaskan Christmas Promise by Bell Calhoune is book #6 in her Home to Owl Creek series. It’s also part of the K-9 Companion books. Kit O’Malley has been diagnosed with failing vision. One of her fears is losing her independence and relying on her family to take care of her. Her sister encourages her to get a service dog. She contacts Leo Duggan who has been training the dogs. He and Kit start working with her new service dog, so they both will be ready if/when Kit’s vision fails. Things start to heat up between them, but Leo has been burned before and Kit is hiding a terrible secret that could definitely ruin any chance she had with Leo. Can these two work through their issues? It’s going to take a lot of faith to push these shadows away and light up a path towards love.

I loved loved loved this Christmas story. I admit, I was bawling my eyes out at the end (plus I might have teared up a time or two before that lol). I’ve never had macular degeneration, but just reading about Kit’s struggles and her worries really brought it alive for me. I really could feel Kit’s pain and her fears as she thought about what the future might hold. I could relate to Leo as well. He had 3 major things happen to him. Things he was still trying to heal from a year later. He and Kit each gave the other hope. Hope in the future & hope that they would both heal from their pasts. It was nice to visit Owl Creek again. I love Alaskan small towns so it was a treat to spend Christmas there once again. I love how the town celebrates the holidays. It’s so special. I felt like I was in a holiday movie. It has a beautiful epilogue. That’s all I will say about that. I also really enjoyed the last line of the book. If you love Christmas books set in small town Alaska with beautiful mountains and that has cute pups in it then this faith based story might be the perfect one for you! I was given a copy, but all opinions are my very own!

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle Calhoune has done it again! An Alaskan Christmas Promise was another great story by this amazing Author! As Kit O'Malley is trying to make this her best Christmas ever because she has been diagnosed with an eye disease that could take her sight away! As Kit goes to see her long time friend Leo Duggan who is a service dog trainer hoping she can get a service dog to adopted to help her along the way! But Kit must bring a secret to light before she can move on! Can Kit and Leo find happy ever after in this wonderful story! This is a must read! This is a page turner and a great story about Kit O'Malley and Leo Duggan! I was given a copy of this book for an honest review! And this is my own honest words! This is a book You pick up and you don't want to put down!

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN ALASKAN CHRISTMAS PROMISE by Belle Calhoune is the 11th book in the K-9 Companions series. It’s the amazingly well-written and inspirational story of Kit O’Malley and Leo Duggan that takes place in Owl Creek, Alaska during the Christmas holiday season.

Kit O’Malley, mother to a precious little baby girl named Adaline, aka Ada, and partners with her sister, Jules, at Second Time Around, finds herself given some bad medical news just before Christmas. She has macular degeneration. Her grandfather lost his eye sight to this disease making her well aware of the consequences of this disease. Still trying to sort things out, she’s kept the news a secret except for her sister, who she’s only kept one secret from in her whole life – who Ada’s father is.

Getting pregnant and becoming a single parent in a small town had Kit use to being the center of the town gossip. The joy of motherhood made facing all the whispers and stares bearable. It would have only been worse if folks has known who Ada’s father was. Admittedly there wasn’t a big love connection, but rather two people leaning on each other in a bad time and things getting out of control. By the time Kit found out she was pregnant, he was stationed out of the country and had just announced his engagement leading Kit to keeping quiet. By the time she thought better about telling him, Ethan had been killed. Fear had her keeping it a secret after that.

Kit was determined to face her diagnosis head on. She knew about Leo Duggan Service Dogs. She had went to school with Leo, even crushed on him then, so it was a natural to approach him about acquiring a service dog because of her failing eyesight.

Leo loves his relatively new business of training service dogs and the satisfaction it gave him when he placed an animal with someone in need of assistance. However, the work didn’t ease his conscience of not being there when his Dad suffered a seizure and stroke that took his life last year or the sadness of the sudden death of his cousin. Plus he’s still reeling over his heartbreak of finding out the woman he thought was the love of his life had just been using him for monetary gain and had ended up dropping him like a hot potato. He’s surprised to see Kit, who he had a crush on back during their school days, show up needing a service dog for herself. It greatly saddened him to have to tell her he had no dogs available. The one’s he has are already spoken for.

Can the dog he thought unfit as a service dog be worth giving a second chance now that he had more time on his hands? Could Jupiter be the perfect fit for Kit? Will Kit be willing to put in the time and effort for the training? While working together will they learn more about the other having the school daze crushes coming to the surface again? Can crushes grow to something more serious? Will some well place mistletoe lead to that first kiss? Will the moment be an eye opener for them both? Dare Leo open his heart up again? Will a hidden secret ruin it all? Or will the truth set them free?

AN ALASKAN CHRISTMAS PROMISE is an uplifting story of faith, forgiveness and hope that will grab you from the first page and carry you through the trials and tribulations of Kit and Leo. Love that in the worse conditions they both fall back on their faith and then on each other. Seems they both needed to be reminded of two things - “You are a child of God – strong, smart, resilient. Beautifully made.” (Page 68) and “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Page 29) Something we all need to remember. Belle Calhoune wrote a compelling story that will tug at your heart, make you laugh and maybe form a tear of two as well leaving you joyously happy by the time you read the epilogue. AN ALASKAN CHRISTMAS PROMISE would be an excellent book to read any time of the year as a reminder of what’s really important – faith, family, forgiveness and community. FIVE STAR reading and I highly recommend it to everyone - any time of the year!

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never get tired of visiting Owl Creek, Alaska and this new book by author Belle Calhoune is an especially poignant visit. Kit O'Malley has a lot of burdens weighing on her. She's raising her one-year-old daughter by herself, and she's been diagnosed with macular degeneration. She also has a secret that she needs to protect. Can she bear these burdens alone?

If you're longing for an inspiring Christmas story with a special setting and wonderful characters that include an adorable dog and a precious toddler, look no further! An Alaskan Christmas Promise is a heartwarming romance that is filled with faith and trust during a season known for joy and hope. It's a great addition to both the Home to Owl Creek series and the K-9 Companions series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

You can see my full review by visiting https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Alaska at Christmas time most be so beautiful. The characters were great.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author 2 me.
12/3 Read ch. 1-3. She really has the emotions down in her writing !! I am finding that unique and wonderful.
[I am glad that this book is living up to the good review I read on GR .. that prompted me to snatch it up from the WalMart shelf.]
Got 2B a bit too repetitive for me.
The baby conception story bothered me quite a bit .. did not jive with character of Kit .. needed explanation.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you in advance to the author, Belle Calhoune, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.

This book is like some unique ones in the K-9 Companions series, while they are connected by theme (K9 Companions) – the books are either standalone or connected to other books in a series by the author.

While readers don’t have to read the previous books in the K-9 Companions series, they should familiarize themselves with the five other books in the HOME TO OWL CREEK series. Several characters from previous books either appear or are mentioned – namely, Hank (from the first book), Braden (the third book), and Maya and Ace (the fifth book).

What’s interesting about my love of this series, is that back in February 2020, I got an Amazon gift card and bought the first book of the series, Her Secret Alaskan Family – which is STILL on the TBR list.

I was lucky enough to review Their Alaskan Past, which is the fifth book of the series – those characters, Ace and Maya play a significant role in this book. As a result, I bought books #2-#4 to again, place on the TBR list.

I’ve also read Calhoune’s No Ordinary Christmas, the first book in her Mistletoe, Maine series from the FOREVER imprint. Incidentally, I have #2 on the TBR due to it being delayed in transit for two (2) months thanks to the USPS.

I mention this because her FOREVER books are clean, but are not as “Christian”-centered as the LOVE INSPIRED line. But her themes of love, lost-loves, and new loves are the same.

That said …

I’m a “Christmas-all-year” kind of person. I can read a Christmas book at Christmas time, middle of summer, or even over Valentine’s day. So, because I love Christmas books, I always say yes to reading one.

I also loved the premise of the story – a single mom, declining vision, and trailing a service dog; which then leads to love.

Right off – the cover gives off the “feels” – romance, sadness (for Kit’s situation), and the joy from the holiday scene.

In this Owl Creek novel, Calhoune introduces us to Kit and Leo; along with a service-puppy-in-training –> Jupiter.

Kit is dealing with a diagnosis that is going to have a severe impact on her life – her vision namely. Watching someone lose their vision from cataracts and glaucoma is heart-breaking – even worse when the person is younger and has a small child.

In addition, she doesn’t want to tell anyone about her condition, even her parents, just yet.

At first, Leo doesn’t have any pups – but, he does recall Jupiter, a smaller and a bit “less inclined” to train. As he is about to send the assigned pups home – he can give Jupiter more attention.

This works to Kit’s advantage.

Kit is there to begin training. I loved the “progress not perfection” expectation.

Eventually she and Leo become friendly. Though there is a secret she is keeping from him and his family. And, it is one the town wonders about – the father of Kit’s daughter, Adaline.

Kit has her reasons for staying away from the Duggan family, and Leo has his own reasons to avoid a romantic entanglement.

Of course, things do change. Leo soon learns that he’s spent so much time mourning his losses, he’s forgotten to honor the lives of those he’s mourning. And, he also begins to think about Kit a bit more and in a different way.

Eventually all the secrets come out, but getting to the romance? Calhoune keeps the readers reading until the end to see how it turns out.

And, I have to give it to the author. She knows how to write a sad, inspiring, frustrating, and endearing story. This tugged at every different emotional setting. I couldn’t put it down, and ended up staying up late to not only continue it, but complete it as well. Honestly, it seemed to fly right by me. She didn’t rush the story, but didn’t slog along either. It truly has a Hallmark Movies feel. And, one of her books was the basis for a Hallmark Movie – so it isn’t that far from reality. This is easily a day read, especially if started early in the day.

I LOVED the nuances of training service dogs, as well as the acknowledgment of “invisible” disabilities. There might be some who “chaff” at “invisible disabilities”, but there are common misperceptions about being disability.

A young person with two legs in a wheelchair raises eyebrows. This is despite the fact they may have been paralyzed from birth, an accident, or medical illness. Yet, if they were missing one leg, and in a wheelchair – it would hardly garner attention. While Calhoune doesn’t go in depth, she does touch the surface of it which gives the reader a chance to do some research and reflecting.

On the other hand, Leo’s “pity party” routine was a bit annoying. I get that he was taken in by someone, but he knew Kit most of his life. Also, his reaction to Kit’s news was – I feel – a bit overblown, yet he defended her, which I thought was sweet.

I also loved the author taking time to address pups and the zoomies. It’s also seen in kitties – a burst of energy that makes them run around. It’s about the first time I’ve seen it in a book, but I’ve also seen it on social media videos.

Like most Love Inspired books, this had noticeable Christian faith themes and elements, including bible passaged and reliance on God for decisions.

I am eagerly awaiting the next stop in Owl Creek or wherever Calhoune wants to take us. I am also looking forward to her third trip to Mistletoe, Maine next year.

Fans of the author won’t want to miss this read!

[Janet Nush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading An Alaskan Christmas Promise by Belle Calhoune. This is Book 11 in the K-9 Companions Series. The setting of this story is Owl Creek, Alaska during the Christmas holiday season. You will fall in love with characters Kit O'Malley, her daughter Ada and Leo Duggan. This story holds your attention from the very first chapter until the very last page! Once you start reading this story, you won't be able to put it down! This story begins with Kit being diagnosed with macular degeneration. This is a vision condition that will eventually lead to blindness for her. She hasn't shared her diagnosis with anyone. Kit is a single parent with a young daughter. Leo owns a service puppy training business. Kit visits Leo and shares her medical diagnosis with him. She is hoping that he will be able to help her get a service puppy. This story is well written and very realistic. There were many scenes in this story that were surprising and unexpected! Wait until you learn the secrets that Kit and Leo have been hiding. You will definitely be surprised! I know that I was! I highly recommend that you read this book! You won't be disappointed! I look forward to reading more books by Belle Calhoune in the future!!

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

This is a wonderful Christmas love story. Kit O'Malley has been diagnosed with a vision condition which will eventually lead to near blindness. She is determined to the make the most of this Christmas. She also has a beautiful little baby girl, Ada. She has already ridden the wave of shame in her small town when she had Ada because she refused to tell anyone the father's name.

Leo Duggan has suffered loss recently in his life when he lost his father and his cousin was killed in action. Leo decides to begin a service puppy training business which is something he feels his father would be proud of. Kit has not shared the news about her medical condition with anyone. She decides a K-9 companion is just what she needs, so she shares her news with Leo. They are working together, and let's just say love is in the air. Both of the main characters in this story were very real to me as the reader. I grieved for what Kit was going through, and Leo was my hero. It was very obvious that Kit was an outstanding mother to her little girl. I fell in love with her puppy, Jupiter. He was such a smart dog, but he definitely needed to be tamed. I wanted to crawl inside this book and enjoy the beautiful Alaskan scenery as it was described by Belle Calhoune. Snow, a puppy, Christmas trees, sweet baby girls and a good looking cowboy with the heart to match will put you in the Christmas spirit. This inspirational love story of forgiveness and learning to lean on others is the perfect prescription for anyone who needs a little holiday cheer in their life.

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

[Keren Herrera-Lyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I read from author Belle Calhoune. I must say I enjoy reading her stories. They are full of love, sweet characters and an amazing God message inside.

This story is about Kit and Leo. Kit a young single mother and Leo with a broken heart come together as a labrador puppy comes to their rescue. Leo trains puppy to be service dogs, and Kit needs one. Her vision is slowly declining and Leo has only one puppy left that he feels is not up to be a service dog. But when Kit goes in search of one and the puppy Juniper goes to her like he has always known her, is Leo's sister who brings a light to the situation.

Leo and Kit have a connection, although a secret to his family, is that Leo and Kit rely on God's Promise to always be by our side, He will always see us through anything and we are never alone.
This is a sweet story full of Promise. And to always hold to what you believe. Dreams come true when you do. I truly enjoyed this story.

I received an ARC of the book for my personal honest thought. All mentioned here are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by this author and have loved them all. This novel is no exception. I am a big fan of Christmas stories so that is always a plus. And I am an animal lover so it is never bad when the book includes them. Leo works on a ranch training service dogs, but there are also horses mentioned. From the beginning of the story, I am grabbed by the emotions and personalities of these characters. I feel as though I am there in Owl Creek, Alaska with Kit and Leo. The situation Kit finds herself in grabs at my heartstrings and has me imagining what I would do if I were also losing my ability to see. You also have quite a bit of intrigue in this story because of wondering when Kit will tell her family about her losing her eyesight as well as another secret she is keeping close to her heart. I would definitely recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Jennifer Heckert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kit O'Malley receives a disturbing medical diagnosis. She reaches out to Leo Duggan, hoping to acquire one of his service dogs to assist her. As they work together to train her dog, they begin to develop feelings for one another. However, he's working through crippling grief and a past heartbreak. She's harboring a secret that could change everything. Can they overcome their fears and Kit's secret to be together?
An Alaskan Christmas Promise by Belle Calhoune is a lovely friends-to-romance story. You'll fall in love with the characters and the setting of this wonderfully written love inspired romance.

My thanks to the author/publisher for the ARC of this book. I was only asked to write an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kit and Leo's story unfolded against the majesty of the Alaskan scenery at Christmas! It made me want to hop an airplane and go visit! I've already fallen in love with the town of Owl Creek from previous books. The people are friendly and close, but they still have problems to overcome. In this story, we meet Kit who is grappling with the recent diagnosis of macular degeneration and that is devastating for her because she has a one-year-old daughter that she is raising, and she can't bear the thought of not seeing her grow up. She turns to Leo, who trains service puppies for those with disabilities. They've known each other for years but haven't had close contact until now and Kit is harboring a secret that could tear apart his family. Leo is also harboring a secret that he needs to share with his mother for him to move forward in his life. As Leo and Kit become closer as a result of Kit training with the service puppy, will they be able to overcome their private issues? I enjoyed both these characters and sweet toddler, Ada, was a joy! To revisit the town of Owl Creek and some of the previous characters was also wonderful! This is a great holiday read!

[Tammi Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a warm heartwarming story that I finished it within a day! I didn’t want to put it down!
When Kit O’Malley finds out that she is losing her eyesight, she goes to Leo Duggan’s farm to see about training with a service puppy. Will they find love? What about Kits daughters father? You will have to read this book to find out! 5 stars

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come visit Owl Creek and meet single mother Kit O'Malley, Leo Duggan and one precious adorable K-9 puppy Jupiter. Kit has a secret to keep she's been diagnosed with failing vision. She wants to make this Christmas extra special because she may never be able to see another one. She doesn't want to burden her family about her vision so she turns to her friend Leo for help and of course a very special adorable K-9 puppy Jupiter for help. I love this story of love, hope and faith.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! From the Alaskan setting, to the Labrador Retriever Jupiter - everything about this book makes me happy! Kit and Leo are friends who need to get to know each other and share some secrets before things can go on. The story unfolds in a natural way that is also riveting. I almost skipped to the end to see how things resolved which I never do but I couldn't read fast enough! I want to visit the fictional town of Owl Creek, it sounds so pretty and welcoming. This is my first Belle Calhoune book, it will not be my last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but my review is my own, I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming back to Owl Creek, Alaska is as enjoyable as cozying up with a cat and some cocoa on a snowy day. Author Belle Calhoune has hit the snowball on the bullseye again with this newest entry in her Owl Creek series, An Alaskan Christmas Promise.
Kit O’Malley has been diagnosed with macular degeneration, and doesn’t know exactly what the timeline will be for complete vision loss, but she knows it’s already started. She’s a single mom to sweet toddler Ada, and is determined to do anything necessary to keep her life from changing too much, including begging Leo Duggan to train a puppy as a service dog for her. Kit has also been carrying a secret for a long time…the identity of Ada’s father. She hasn’t even told her parents or business-partner sister.
Leo helps run the Double D Ranch - we’ve met the Duggans before in previous books in the series - and as a tribute to his father who passed a year before, has begun training puppies to be service dogs. He’s a little surprised when Kit comes asking for help. He’d had a crush on her years prior, but after a disastrous ending to what he thought would be a great romance, he’s determined to never open his heart to anyone again…not even Kit.
As they spend more time together, training with adorable puppy Jupiter, both develop feelings for the other. Can Leo and Kit each look to the Lord and finally believe that He works all things for good? Can they set aside their fears and open their hearts to truth, and to each other? You will absolutely want to find out! Plus, there’s an epilogue! I so, so hope we will revisit Owl Creek again…and again!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Alaskan Christmas Promise, by Belle Calhoune is book #11 in the Love Inspired K-9 companions series.

Sweet Christmas Story
"This is what happens when you believe, all your dreams come true."

Owl Creek, Alaska is a lovely, heartwarming town.

Amazing Characters-
Kit O'Malley has a secret and has just been diagnosed with macular degeneration.
Leo Duggan is grieving and has had his heart broken. He is training service dogs on his family's ranch, The Double D Ranch.
Jupiter- a pup that just didn't make the cut.

With enough faith, love, and forgiveness they all can get a second chance and make all of their dreams come true.

[Dawn Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book.Though I don't have any sight issues, author Belle Calhoune did a great job of creating Kit that I could imagine what she was going through. You can also understand what she is going through with her secret and her struggles about revealing it. Another great job was done with Leo as his struggles with thinking he failed his dad and being lied to. Very real struggles. I loved Adaline. Her cuteness was described so well. This is a K-9 Companions Tale and Jupiter does not disappoint. I fell in love with him!
I did receive an early copy of this book from the author. A family member offered me a copy as well. All opinions and ratings are my own.

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #11)

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #11)

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a little longer to read this due to my daily life

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you start this book you won't be able to put it down. I started it and finished it in a day.

Leo has been through a lot and has decided to give up on love. In the last year, he has lost his father, his cousin, Ethan whom he was very close to, and the lady that he thought he loved but found out that she didn't feel the same way. He has decided to train service animals for people with disabilities, in honor of his father.

Kit is an old friend from High school whom he used to have a crush on. He hasn't seen her around town much until she comes out to the ranch to see about getting one of his service dogs. He finds out that she has been through a lot too. Her eyesight is starting to fail her and she may become blind in the next year or so. She also has a secret she has been holding onto since she became pregnant and had her little girl Ada.

Will these two overcome their past and be able to have a new future. Check out this story I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

In An Alaskan Christmas Promise, we meet Kit and Leo. Both are hiding secrets that have caused hurt. Both think they want to be left alone. Both are wrong. But can their friendship survive an incredibly painful secret? I enjoyed watching both of them grow in trust of others. Calhoune shows how destructive secrets can be, and how to deal with them, and she writes it gently and with grace.

I always love returning to Owl Creek, Alaska. Author Belle Calhoune has created a beautiful town that I wish I could visit. While the town itself is charming, the people are the real treasures. So kind and caring. And human, with all the flaws of being real.

If you enjoy Christmas stories that include cute dogs and the sweetest of little girls, then I highly recommend this book.

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

[Linda Stringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although An Alaskan Christmas Promise is a K-9 Companions story, Belle Calhoune takes us back to Owl Creek, Alaska for this story.

Kit is harboring 2 secrets. She needs Leo Duggan and his service dog training to help her with one of her secrets—a secret that has totally devastated her. Leo agrees to help her but having duped by a woman he was interested in, he was keeping Kit firmly in the friend zone.

Leo carries a lot of guilt because he had gone to meet this woman when his father had a seizure followed by a fatal stroke. He was sure if he'd been home, he could have saved his father's life.

Kit finally breaks down and reveals her devastating secret to her family, who proves to be supportive. After a nasty rumor is revealed to Kit by Leo, she reveals her second life-changing secret.

Will this revelation cause her to lose Leo and his love for her?

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kit and Leo reconnect after Kit receives a devastating medical diagnosis that will lead to blindness. She wants a therapy dog and Leo is the one who trains them. As they spend more time together, mutual respect and feelings begin to develop. Leo is still trying to heal from multiple tragedies that occurred a year prior, and Kit harbors a huge secret...her daughter's father. Kit refusing to share that information for so long, especially with the family so close by, is why I took a star away from my rating. I felt like Ada's dad's family was robbed of precious time they could have had with her and that Kit could have had a larger support system with raising her daughter and her medical diagnosis. I did really enjoy seeing Kit and Leo grow in faith and trust through the story! I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in the K-9 Companions collection is also part of another series called "Home to Owl Creek". I'm looking forward to reading more books from that series as well.

This book focused on training service dogs, particularly preparing a dog to aid a visually impaired person.

From the back cover: "A Christmas to cherish…

And a secret to protect.

This needs to be the best Christmas Kit O’Malley has ever seen—because she may not be able to see another. Diagnosed with failing vision, it takes all her determination to stay focused on what makes her happy: her daughter, her service-puppy-in-training and the puppy’s trainer, Leo Duggan. But they can’t reach their Christmas joy together until Kit’s secret comes to light…"

[Edyth A · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea was good.

I would have liked to learn more about the actual training of guide dogs.
In every chapter the H was bringing up his determination not to marry because he’d previously been taken by someone who took him for a lot of money.
Also in every chapter the h was constantly bemoaning her status as a need mother as well as her diagnosis of eventually going blind due to macular degeneration.
The good part was the little dog H was training for her to use.
At the very end the 4 sibling pups the H had been training were each for different disabilities. I don’t know enough about the methods, but if the pups were trained at the same time, I wondered how one person could handle it.