Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

K-9 Companions #33

Holding Onto Secrets: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance – A Love Inspired Small Town Contemporary Story of Redemption

Rate this book
Redeeming past mistakes
One pawprint at a time…

To support his sister and young nephew, handyman Luke Johnson is in desperate need of a new job. His prayers are answered when Angie Anderson hires him to help renovate her property to house and train therapy dogs. Grieving widow Angie hopes to rebuild her life with a new sense of purpose, and establishing a therapy-dog reading program is just the fresh start she needs. Soon, unexpected feelings begin to grow between them, but will the secret Luke’s keeping threaten their chance at a future together?

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

368 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2025

22 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Lee Tobin McClain

164 books538 followers
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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
70 (59%)
4 stars
34 (29%)
3 stars
9 (7%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,588 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2025
This is a Clean Romance, and this is part of the K-9 Companions series. I have read some of the other books in this series before picking up this book. I really loved the dogs and kids in this book. I loved getting to know the characters, and I really got into all the drama. There is talk about an eating disorder in this book. I got pulled in this book right now, but I felt there are parts that repeated itself. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,237 reviews133 followers
July 5, 2025
I could not finish this book, the characters were horrible. Vanessa and Luke are ridiculous, Luke is demanding and cant stay out of peoples business's. Vanessa should have her child taken away for neglect.
Profile Image for Veronica Torres-Cortijo.
36 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2025
ARC Read.
I absolutely loved it. I'm not a very religious person but this book was too good to put down.

The way Angie character developed was perfect and so complexed I had to know more!!

Luke was the sweetest even when having to hold so many secrets.

Peppy *chef kisses* wish I could read to her !!

Overall it was a beautiful and inspiring read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
499 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2025
This book was both enjoyable and emotional. The story captured my heart and the characters were heartfelt.
Young widow Angie is developing a reading therapy dog program for children struggling to read. She also wants to do fundraising to help veterans and train more therapy dogs to help with ptsd as well.
Handyman Luke is hired to help make adjustments to Angie’s property. His nephew Declan and his friend Caleb love reading to therapy dog Peppy. Luke is also trying to earn money to help his sister Vanessa get into an eating disorder program.
Secrets that have long been kept hidden come to light. Both Angie and Luke chose to be victors instead of victims of past circumstances and both became better instead of bitter. Forgiveness and acceptance of certain past decisions help all those involved.
A sweet and satisfying ending makes this a delightful read.
1,661 reviews30 followers
May 28, 2025
Holding Onto Secrets by Lee Tobin McClain
Redeeming past mistakes
One pawprint at a time…
To support his sister and young nephew, handyman Luke Johnson is in desperate need of a new job. His prayers are answered when Angie Anderson hires him to help renovate her property to house and train therapy dogs. Grieving widow Angie hopes to rebuild her life with a new sense of purpose, and establishing a therapy-dog reading program is just the fresh start she needs. Soon, unexpected feelings begin to grow between them, but will the secret Luke’s keeping threaten their chance at a future together?
This is Luke Johnson, his sister and young nephew's story.
This is Angie Anderson's story.
Luke Johnson was removing the spray arm from a customer’s state-of-the-art dishwasher when he heard a sharp “yip” from the next room.
It broke through the well-modulated women’s voices, making several of the wealthy ladies laugh. It made Luke smile, too. He liked animals and would’ve had a pet if he didn’t work ridiculously long hours.
“Does your grandma have a dog?” he asked Caleb, Mrs. Ralston-Jones’s eight-year-old grandson, who had been watching Luke’s work with interest. Luke was surprised that Mrs. Ralston-Jones, who was very particular about her home, surroundings and image, would have a dog and would allow it to be present at her women’s group meeting.
Angie Anderson straightened her spine and managed a cheery goodbye wave to the small group of women in Mrs. Ralston-Jones’s living room. Then she followed her hostess to the front door. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me,” she said. “I hope you find a charity to support that fits your needs better.”
“Children who are learning need a lot of practice,” the woman went on, still in that amazing voice. “But reading to teachers, or even to other kids, makes them anxious. Then it’s hard for them to think and remember. Reading to an animal—without an audience—gives them practice without the pressure.”
A small brown-and-white dog trotted into the room, tail wagging.
I recommend reading this book.
Holding Onto Secrets 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 readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.


106 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2025
Holding Onto Secrets

Holding Onto Secrets Is one of many books in the K-9 Companions Series by Harlequin Publishers. Tis story is written by Lee Tobin McClain. This was the first book I read by this author as well as in this series . In this Story Luke ends up having to find a new job. He meets Angie who is a Therapy Dog Trainer. She decides to allow him to work for her doing handyman items for her exchange to rent a space from her . Luke has 2 nephews one of them Declan whom meets Angie and one of her dogs at School before Luke tells him he is moving to her therapy dog compound to help do work .

Like begins to fall for Angie but there are some issues that may prevent him from getting into a relationship with Angie. I listened to this story on Audio Book . Though romance is not really my 1st choice of books I do sometimes enjoy some clean romances. I liked the story of this one between the Romance and the therapy dog program and some of the character drama. Lukes Nephews Declan and Caleb seem sweet and innocent. The therapy reading dog program was interesting concept and this was a good contemporary romance. The Narrator of the audio book Tanya Ebbs was very talented and her voice performance really drew me in . .


Many thanks to Harlequin audio for providing me a courtesy copy of this story. #Harlequinaudio #NetGalley #Holdingontosecrets
3,593 reviews41 followers
May 4, 2025
This audiobook is a clean, Christian inspirational story in which the main characters are seemingly opposites and both are keeping secrets about themselves and their families.
Luke Johnson, former military man, works as a handyman around town in order with his main of supporting his sister and her son. When his latest employer fires him unfairly, he is desperate.
In comes wealthy widow Angie Anderson who needs renovations in her land so she can start a therapy dog reading program. She offers him room and board and a job.
An instant attraction is felt by them but she is keeping secrets about her past, and recently he’s also keeping secrets that could destroy their bond.
When the web of secrets are revealed, will they be able to overcome the hurt and betrayal felt?
This is a touching story about hope, faith, forgiveness and second chances in life.
Tanya Eby does a wonderful job with the narration as she brings the story to life.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio.
The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,102 reviews210 followers
May 22, 2025
This gifted storyteller is my go-to for wholesome, uplifting, inspiring romances full of faith and hope. Angie Anderson and Luke Johnson may not seem like a match made in Heaven, but when divine knowledge and intervention are involved, the seemingly impossible becomes possible.

Angie has a service dog that helps children improve their reading skills by reading to a four-legged friend, and she's working to expand her program. This involves handyman, Luke, who moves into her carriage house while building additional kennels. Add in wonderful secondary characters and memorable townsfolk, and you have the perfect backdrop for a romance full and healing and heart.

This romance is a little heavier than LTM's normal, with some complicated secrets that demand being brought into light. It makes for an emotional, heartfelt, inspiring read showing that faith and trust can overcome any obstacles and that divine guidance will do more than we ask or think. This sweet but complex romance is wrapped in a story of faith, forgiveness, and new beginnings, and it's pure food for the soul.
4,010 reviews1,764 followers
May 14, 2025
The strength of Lee Tobin McClain’s storytelling comes from the way she shines grace into the broken pieces of our lives. This redemption story is exceptional. Emotional and angst-riddled punctuated by moments of humour to balance everything out.

The therapy dog reading program is fascinating! I’ve been a fan ever since I heard about the concept so it was so much fun to see how it works in ‘real’ life. Okay, yes, I know this is fiction, but it felt true to life so I think it counts as a lived experience now. 🙂

A contemporary romance full of heart and grace and so much hope. A joy to read…well, listen to, courtesy of the talented Tanya Eby’s narration. She’s one of my favourite voice performers and it was so much fun to be welcomed into a new story by a familiar voice.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/05/14/h...
Profile Image for Rachel DeVaughn.
1,101 reviews32 followers
June 8, 2025
This was a fantastic, easy to read, Love Inspired k9 companion story!

Angie was such a strong, compassionate woman despite her incredibly hard past as a youth. I loved reading her vision about the dog therapy reading program and how she responded to conflict and difficult things. I liked that she made a point to include Luke and his nephew Declan with her dog therapy work because she knew it could make a difference.

I really liked the characters and the book plot and quickly finished this book in one sitting. I can’t wait to read more books by this author!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,399 reviews6 followers
June 16, 2025
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version. I enjoyed this book a lot. This was a clean romance drama and I will admit that I was mostly drawn to it due to the cover (I have a Cavalier, ha)
I usually find myself bored with Christian novels. I just don't find the story good or engaging but this one had me from the very beginning. It is a bit predictable but it was not cheesy like a Hallmark movie.

I highly recommend! I can't wait to read more stories from this author, and the author's notes at the end had a bit of a teaser about two more upcoming novels for this series.
Profile Image for Elaine Applebury.
731 reviews5 followers
July 28, 2025
This is a heartwarming story of Angie Anderson who was rescued from her past life by a wealthy man, Oscar. He has passed away and she is searching for a purpose and is using a therapy dog to help children read. She is going to expand her therapy dog business and hires Luke Johnson to build her kennel. Luke is helping his sister, Vanessa, and young nephew, Declan. He needs to earn money to help his sister get some help. Luke and Angie are getting close, but Luke has a secret he must keep. Will it come between them?

This is the start of a new series where a couple of the
characters in the story will get their own book!
500 reviews11 followers
May 24, 2025
Angie and Luke both harbor some big secrets. They both fear that letting those secrets out could lead to hurt and the end of any chance of a relationship. Yet in keeping those secrets, they keep the chance of a relationship at next to nothing. I love the rescue dog story. And the care, compassion and respect shown in these stories for our military men - those who were lost, and those still here to be part of the stories. I received a copy of this book as part of a launch team. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
1,405 reviews8 followers
May 24, 2025
In this book you will read about secrets kept and how therapy dogs help kids read more. Angie is doing all she can to get her therapy grants to help children learn to read with her dog. Luke is working hard to make sure his sister and nephew are doing okay. When Luke starts working for Angie he struggles with their wealth differences. Watching these two fight to keep from getting close will have you on the edge of your seats waiting to see what happens next. Can there relationship last when hidden secrets come out.
Profile Image for Susan.
643 reviews30 followers
May 27, 2025
This was a great book. I loved that it featured a therapy dog that helped children who had problems reading. I really liked the story and the characters. Both Luke and Angie had pasts that shaped how they reacted to things, and Luke has a secret that he has to keep from Angie. It was also a good reminder that I should depend on God to handle thing instead of trying and failing to do it myself.
This is a voluntary review of a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ranie.
919 reviews18 followers
July 14, 2025
A truly well written story about redemption, forgiveness, and finding happiness again through an emotional spiritual journey! An exceptional and inspiring storyline with fascinating writing techniques.

Angie Anderson is a remarkable, resilient, and quite impressive young lady who used her therapy and rescue dogs to assist kids with difficulty reading, helping veterans with PTSD and potential mental illnesses that lead to suicide.

Highly recommended
915 reviews11 followers
September 3, 2025
Angie has started a therapy dog reading program to help kids read and now Angie is trying to get the funding to expand it. It is a bummer Angie's husband did not want children with her but good he kept her secret and she assumes he had none when he died. Luke is hired to help Angie but he also has a secret that he has to keep. I like that the characters do their best to do what they need to do and still find time to help others. I found this to be well told and an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Debbie Clark.
49 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2025
it is encouraging when someone will help family out even to the extent of putting their own life on hold and that is what Luke does. Angie is trying to help children with learning to read by using dogs to help them. Check it out to see how the story plays out and see what all happens to them both. It is encouraging and romantic at the same time.
474 reviews
May 30, 2025
heart worming

The characters are well written and so realistic I think some them my friends. The storyline is very realistic and well written. Hope you read it and enjoy as much as I did.

Profile Image for Tami Willard.
2,492 reviews15 followers
June 8, 2025
He's struggling to care for his sister and nephew. The opportunity that she provides is a Godsend. Then he learns about his sister's secret. A secret that will affect everyone. Will they be able to overcome and let go of the past or will the past destroy their chance at aHEA?
Profile Image for SARAH TAYLOR.
305 reviews65 followers
June 10, 2025
Holding Onto Secrets by Lee Tobin McClain! This was another great story with amazing characters and a K-9 companion I highly recommend this book I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion
Profile Image for Janis Rich.
442 reviews8 followers
July 30, 2025
This is a very cute story with all the feels - kids, dogs and a sweet romance. Parts of the story were a bit repetitive but it was entertaining nonetheless. A worthwhile read for a summer day when you want to relax with something light and clean.
Profile Image for Vicky Sluiter.
Author 1 book101 followers
May 26, 2025
Painful and pain causing secrets. Forgiveness that can only come through God. A sweet reading dog that helps children discover they can do the hard things. I recommend it!
Profile Image for Kristy.
57 reviews
May 27, 2025
A touching & tender book- A lovely read.
153 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2025
Twist on an old theme, very good. cannot wait till the other stories!!!
Profile Image for Janet.
3,388 reviews24 followers
August 23, 2025
Wonderful, heartwarming romance!
436 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2025
This was an enjoyable read, but it did deal with some pretty heavy subjects like infidelity, domestic violence, etc. If these topics would be triggers for you, you might not want to read this book.
147 reviews5 followers
April 12, 2025
I loved this book. Lee Tobin McClain never disappoints. I love stories involving rescued animals and therapy animals.
354 reviews7 followers
June 22, 2025
Holding Onto Secrets by Lee Tobin McClain, narrated by Tanya Eby. Grieving widow who wants to train therapy dogs hires a handyman to build a training house for her dogs. Secrets have a way of coming to the surface. Can they put them aside and allow love to take hold? Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harlequin Audio for this Arc. This is my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.