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K-9 Companions #16
A Companion for Christmas
A family secret…
Could be an unexpected Christmas gift.
To escape the small-town gossip around her broken engagement, Kelly Walsh plans to house-sit alone with her therapy dog, Pokey—not spend the holidays with her late sister’s ex-boyfriend. But when Alec Wilkins and his daughter arrive on her doorstep, Kelly can’t turn them away. Soon the temporary arrangement has Kelly wishing for more. Only, Alec has a secret that could change everything…
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
Could be an unexpected Christmas gift.
To escape the small-town gossip around her broken engagement, Kelly Walsh plans to house-sit alone with her therapy dog, Pokey—not spend the holidays with her late sister’s ex-boyfriend. But when Alec Wilkins and his daughter arrive on her doorstep, Kelly can’t turn them away. Soon the temporary arrangement has Kelly wishing for more. Only, Alec has a secret that could change everything…
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
- GenresChristmas
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
55 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Lee Tobin McClain
164 books531 followersNew York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 16, 2023
Secrets are not good, no matter who you promised. Did not care for this book.
October 1, 2023
A Companion for Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain. This was another great story with such amazing characters when I picked this book up I was hooked from the first page to the last! I highly recommend this book! I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion!
September 26, 2023
A Companion for Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (K-9 Companions Book 16)
Book 14 of 17: K-9 Companions
A family secret…
Could be an unexpected Christmas gift.
To escape the small-town gossip around her broken engagement, Kelly Walsh plans to house-sit alone with her therapy dog, Pokey—not spend the holidays with her late sister’s ex-boyfriend. But when Alec Wilkins and his daughter arrive on her doorstep, Kelly can’t turn them away. Soon the temporary arrangement has Kelly wishing for more. Only, Alec has a secret that could change everything…
This is Alec Wilkins and Kelly Walsh's story.
Kelly Walsh carried her last box of supplies into the big river house and then kicked the door shut behind her, blocking out the December cold. She stomped the snow off her boots and shook it from her hat, then set the box on the wood block table and rubbed her cold hands together. “We’ll unload the boxes and then turn on the fireplace,” she assured her dog, Pokey.
The greyhound was shivering despite her red fleece jacket. She looked up at Kelly with trusting brown eyes.
“Okay, okay. We’ll do the fireplace first.” Kelly patted the dog’s head and then led the way to the living room, checked the thermostat for the furnace, and turned it up. She knelt on the chilly wooden floor and studied the gas fireplace, then switched it on. Immediately, warmth radiated outward. Pokey leaned against her, wagging her tail.
“Who’s a good dog?” Kelly put an arm around Pokey. Trained to give comfort to schoolkids and nursing home residents, the therapy dog wasn’t a personal service dog. She and Kelly worked as a team to help others. Still, the sensitive greyhound often gave comfort to Kelly as well. No doubt Pokey had sensed her anxiety about their temporary new home.
Through the tall front windows, the sky glowed deep pink, edged with gold and purple. Kelly had intended to move in well before dark, but her first graders had been wild today, and she’d spent extra time cleaning up her classroom and adjusting her lesson plans to account for the kids’ pre-holiday excitement.
A key sounded in the door, and then it opened, and a large, jacketed man burst in, half turned to the side as if he was hiding something behind him. He shook snow out of his hair, his eyes scanning the room, and he spotted her in the doorway instantly.
Was he hiding a gun? She raised the fire iron. “I’m calling the—”
“Get out. No squatters—”
Recognition dawned. They both went silent and stared at each other. Beside her, Pokey whined.
She let her makeshift weapon clatter to the floor. “What are you doing here?” she burst out, beating him to the question. Seriously, Alec Wilkins, her older sister’s high school boyfriend, had just shown up, unexpected and uninvited, in her temporary home?
I recommend this book.
A Companion for Christmas 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.
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
Bok 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
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (K-9 Companions Book 16)
Book 14 of 17: K-9 Companions
A family secret…
Could be an unexpected Christmas gift.
To escape the small-town gossip around her broken engagement, Kelly Walsh plans to house-sit alone with her therapy dog, Pokey—not spend the holidays with her late sister’s ex-boyfriend. But when Alec Wilkins and his daughter arrive on her doorstep, Kelly can’t turn them away. Soon the temporary arrangement has Kelly wishing for more. Only, Alec has a secret that could change everything…
This is Alec Wilkins and Kelly Walsh's story.
Kelly Walsh carried her last box of supplies into the big river house and then kicked the door shut behind her, blocking out the December cold. She stomped the snow off her boots and shook it from her hat, then set the box on the wood block table and rubbed her cold hands together. “We’ll unload the boxes and then turn on the fireplace,” she assured her dog, Pokey.
The greyhound was shivering despite her red fleece jacket. She looked up at Kelly with trusting brown eyes.
“Okay, okay. We’ll do the fireplace first.” Kelly patted the dog’s head and then led the way to the living room, checked the thermostat for the furnace, and turned it up. She knelt on the chilly wooden floor and studied the gas fireplace, then switched it on. Immediately, warmth radiated outward. Pokey leaned against her, wagging her tail.
“Who’s a good dog?” Kelly put an arm around Pokey. Trained to give comfort to schoolkids and nursing home residents, the therapy dog wasn’t a personal service dog. She and Kelly worked as a team to help others. Still, the sensitive greyhound often gave comfort to Kelly as well. No doubt Pokey had sensed her anxiety about their temporary new home.
Through the tall front windows, the sky glowed deep pink, edged with gold and purple. Kelly had intended to move in well before dark, but her first graders had been wild today, and she’d spent extra time cleaning up her classroom and adjusting her lesson plans to account for the kids’ pre-holiday excitement.
A key sounded in the door, and then it opened, and a large, jacketed man burst in, half turned to the side as if he was hiding something behind him. He shook snow out of his hair, his eyes scanning the room, and he spotted her in the doorway instantly.
Was he hiding a gun? She raised the fire iron. “I’m calling the—”
“Get out. No squatters—”
Recognition dawned. They both went silent and stared at each other. Beside her, Pokey whined.
She let her makeshift weapon clatter to the floor. “What are you doing here?” she burst out, beating him to the question. Seriously, Alec Wilkins, her older sister’s high school boyfriend, had just shown up, unexpected and uninvited, in her temporary home?
I recommend this book.
A Companion for Christmas 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.
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
Bok 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
September 25, 2023
After breaking up with her fiancé, Kelly Walsh decides to housesit for some friends with her greyhound, Pokey, over the Christmas break. It will give her some quiet time alone to reflect and regroup without being the main topic of gossip in town. Before she and Pokey even make it through the first night, they have unexpected visitors. The guy her sister used to date has an open invitation from the house owners for him to stay there whenever they’re in town.
Alec Wilkins and his young daughter, Zinnia, have nowhere else to stay, so he and Kelly need to work something out. Kelly's great-aunt decides to take her own holiday away from the retirement center where she lives and moves in with Kelly to keep the town tongues from wagging. It makes for a ready-made family that's utterly charming and often hilarious.
There are some major twists and surprises that had me devouring this quickly in one sitting. The characters are vulnerable, multi-layered, and in dire need of healing. As always, with a LTM romance, the character growth is authentic and compelling as they find forgiveness and a new beginning. Enticing, heartwarming, and inspiring, you won’t want to miss this wholesome and uplifting story of compassion, grace, and second chances.
Alec Wilkins and his young daughter, Zinnia, have nowhere else to stay, so he and Kelly need to work something out. Kelly's great-aunt decides to take her own holiday away from the retirement center where she lives and moves in with Kelly to keep the town tongues from wagging. It makes for a ready-made family that's utterly charming and often hilarious.
There are some major twists and surprises that had me devouring this quickly in one sitting. The characters are vulnerable, multi-layered, and in dire need of healing. As always, with a LTM romance, the character growth is authentic and compelling as they find forgiveness and a new beginning. Enticing, heartwarming, and inspiring, you won’t want to miss this wholesome and uplifting story of compassion, grace, and second chances.
January 14, 2024
Spoilers ahead!
Going into this book I wasn’t expecting much since it was just a harlequin style book that my mother had gotten in a book box along with 5 others.
Just by the cover I was hoping it would delve deeper into Kelly’s struggles and why she would need a service (therapy) dog and when I finished the book, I felt like I didn’t know any of the characters. By the 3/4 part of the book I was only reading so I could finish it since I felt i was too far in to DNF.
On top of that the romance felt sloppy and poorly put together even though it was the main plot of the book, I felt like i was just reading about a couple of buddies who kissed once and forgot about it and Alec confessing at the end wasn’t as compelling as I was expecting due to the amount of build up we got. Their relationship also felt very rushed, getting married only a few months after they literally met.
In all I understand how this book is not for my age range and how it’s purposefully written to be read quickly. These types of books just aren’t my style. I picked it up due to the dog on the cover for the most part.
Going into this book I wasn’t expecting much since it was just a harlequin style book that my mother had gotten in a book box along with 5 others.
Just by the cover I was hoping it would delve deeper into Kelly’s struggles and why she would need a service (therapy) dog and when I finished the book, I felt like I didn’t know any of the characters. By the 3/4 part of the book I was only reading so I could finish it since I felt i was too far in to DNF.
On top of that the romance felt sloppy and poorly put together even though it was the main plot of the book, I felt like i was just reading about a couple of buddies who kissed once and forgot about it and Alec confessing at the end wasn’t as compelling as I was expecting due to the amount of build up we got. Their relationship also felt very rushed, getting married only a few months after they literally met.
In all I understand how this book is not for my age range and how it’s purposefully written to be read quickly. These types of books just aren’t my style. I picked it up due to the dog on the cover for the most part.
September 13, 2023
A Companion for Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain is a novel in Harlequin’s Love Inspired K-9 Companions series. Each book in the series is a standalone by a different author. Tobin has written previous novels in this series.
Kelly Walsh is house sitting with her therapy dog, Pokey, when Alec Wilkins unexpectedly arrives with his three-year-old daughter, Zinnia. Alec knows and is known to Kelly and her family, but isn’t prepared for the emotional interactions between them. He’s made a big mistake and isn’t sure what to do to fix it.
Lee Tobin McClain presents us an inspirational tale of grace in her usual excellent writing style. The characters and dialogue are dynamic. The plot is fully engaging. I really enjoyed A Companion for Christmas, rate it 5 out of 5 stars, and highly recommend it to all readers of Christian 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.
January 12, 2025
I loved a sentence near the beginning of the book when one of the characters said “like a Hallmark movie waiting to happen.” Many of the occurrences in the rest of the book actually were Hallmark-type events, which felt right due to this prediction.
My problem was that I couldn’t get myself to buy into the reasoning for not letting anyone know who the mother of the child was. Whenever I came up, I found it grating, because I couldn’t relate to it.
There was a sentence near the end of the book summing up why it made sense, and I could almost see it at that point. I wish the author had put that information closer to the front of the book, so I could relate to it more.
I can definitely imagine a good spin off book(s) featuring the main character’s brother and/or the best friend.
My problem was that I couldn’t get myself to buy into the reasoning for not letting anyone know who the mother of the child was. Whenever I came up, I found it grating, because I couldn’t relate to it.
There was a sentence near the end of the book summing up why it made sense, and I could almost see it at that point. I wish the author had put that information closer to the front of the book, so I could relate to it more.
I can definitely imagine a good spin off book(s) featuring the main character’s brother and/or the best friend.
December 27, 2023
This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last.
Kelly and her therapy dog are escaping town for Christmas and house sitting for a couple just out of town, what she doesn't expect is her late sisters ex boyfriend and his adorable daughter to turn up as well.
Can they really stay in the same house - it has enough rooms or will town gossip lead to problems for them both? Also what is the secret that Alec is hiding and how will it affect a number of people in the town?
A well written and thoughtout book. I loved the interaction between the characters, the wee girl was such a sweet heart - so caring and loving.
Kelly and her therapy dog are escaping town for Christmas and house sitting for a couple just out of town, what she doesn't expect is her late sisters ex boyfriend and his adorable daughter to turn up as well.
Can they really stay in the same house - it has enough rooms or will town gossip lead to problems for them both? Also what is the secret that Alec is hiding and how will it affect a number of people in the town?
A well written and thoughtout book. I loved the interaction between the characters, the wee girl was such a sweet heart - so caring and loving.
January 3, 2026
Kelly Walsh is housesitting after experiencing a broken engagement. Soon her deceased sister's ex turns up with his daughter needing a place to stay. They work out arrangements for him to stay since she does not have to turn them away. Little does she know that he has a huge secret he is hiding.
The story was wonderful. I enjoyed getting to know Kelly and all the secondary characters, including the rather adorable sounding dog, Pokey. I loved the Christmas theme. A great story to put you in the holiday spirit.
The story was wonderful. I enjoyed getting to know Kelly and all the secondary characters, including the rather adorable sounding dog, Pokey. I loved the Christmas theme. A great story to put you in the holiday spirit.
September 18, 2023
In this book you will read about two unlikely people showing up to watch the Baldwins house, secrets that have been hidden and broken engagements. Kelly is trying to get over her cancelled wedding when Alec shows up at the Baldwins house with Zinnia. Can these two stay in the same house until the Baldwins return? You will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next in this wonderful story.
September 26, 2023
This is Lee Tobin McClain's 4th book in the K-9 Companions Love Inspired Series.
A Hallmark Christmas movie waiting to happen-
Alec Wilkins, returns to his hometown, with his daughter, Zinna and hits it off with local girl, Kelly Walsh.
Add in Pokey, the greyhound, Kelly's therapy dog and you have the perfect Christmas romance, but Alec's has a secret!
Heartwarming romance, that proves God is in charge, and he works everything for the good.
A Hallmark Christmas movie waiting to happen-
Alec Wilkins, returns to his hometown, with his daughter, Zinna and hits it off with local girl, Kelly Walsh.
Add in Pokey, the greyhound, Kelly's therapy dog and you have the perfect Christmas romance, but Alec's has a secret!
Heartwarming romance, that proves God is in charge, and he works everything for the good.
December 25, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Kelley and her therapy dog who house sit to escape people during the time her cancelled wedding would have taken place. But a friend of the homeowner, Alec, and his young daughter show up and have no where else to stay! Life takes several unexpected turns for both Kelley and Alec! I recommend this tender Christmas story to others. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
September 26, 2023
I was caught up in this story from the beginning. I loved the characters. One of my favorites was Olivia, who was always ready to stand up for Kelly, no matter what. This was a great story of secrets, learning to not let others’ mistakes reflect on you, and forgiveness. I really enjoyed this story.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
October 12, 2023
A fun read for Christmas and some time away from real life. Kelly Walsh is recovering from a broken engagement and Alec Wilkins and his small daughter move to town. But a huge secret lay between them and Alec has to figure it out before it destroys a future. A lovely, sweet therapy dog, Pokey steals some scenes. Loved it.
December 11, 2023
An absolutely amazingly, written story! I could not stop reading this book once ai started. An inspirational story that will help you see that your past does not have to define your future. It's a wonderful story with characters you can fall in love with. Add in a terrific dog and a sweet little girl and it's a story you can't wait to read more of!!!
December 19, 2023
Kelly Walsh and her therapy dog, Pokey,plan to spend Christmas alone after her broken engagement. However, when her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Alec Wilkins and his little girl, Zinnia, arrive on her doorstep, everything changes. Kelly starts falling for Alec, but he has a secret that has him pulling back. This is a story of love and forgiveness.
November 24, 2023
This was another one of Lee's stories making making it so real life. The story of Kelly and Alec was interesting. Sometimes we try not to hurt people and it goes differently. I loved how it all turned out.
December 17, 2024
This novel is a sweet story about new beginnings, forgiveness, changing one's life, all with a little romance thrown in the mix. It somewhat follows the pattern of a Hallmark movie, making it a little predictable in places. But all in all it was a quick simple read on a cloudy December day.
August 8, 2023
very uplifting and inspiring book
Read
September 2, 2023Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #16)
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #16)
Read
September 2, 2023Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #16)
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #16)
September 2, 2023
Lee Tobin McClain is one of my favorite authors I enjoy anything she writes.
October 5, 2023
Beautiful story
The characters are so good .The story line is really great. I have enjoyed every book in this series and found a few new authors
The characters are so good .The story line is really great. I have enjoyed every book in this series and found a few new authors
October 19, 2023
Wonderful book
I loved this book. I loved the Christian format. No nasty words or actions. It was perfect. I would love to read more like this.
I loved this book. I loved the Christian format. No nasty words or actions. It was perfect. I would love to read more like this.
December 20, 2024
I won this book. Took me a little while to decide if I was ok with the big secret. Overall a very sweet book with a great dog!
January 9, 2025
I just love the k-9 companions series of books.
March 30, 2025
A nice, heartwarming story. The dog was great. Some of the plot seemed a bit forced, but overall a good read.
December 15, 2024
Very exciting
February 17, 2026
Another wonderful story in the LI K9 Companions books.
Kelly Walsh just wants time alone following a nasty broken engagement. She's and Pokey, her therapy dog, are house sitting for the holidays.. alone.. until Alec, her sister's ex boyfriend, shows up with a child in tow. AS they spend time together, Kelly wishes their temporary time together could become permanent, but will she still feels that way when she learns Alec's secret?
Kelly Walsh just wants time alone following a nasty broken engagement. She's and Pokey, her therapy dog, are house sitting for the holidays.. alone.. until Alec, her sister's ex boyfriend, shows up with a child in tow. AS they spend time together, Kelly wishes their temporary time together could become permanent, but will she still feels that way when she learns Alec's secret?
September 27, 2023
Great story with likable characters and an adorable therapy dog named Pokey! This is the first book in the author Lee Tobin McClain's Holiday Point series. It's also part of Love Inspired 's K-9 Companions multi-author series. It can be read as a standalone. I liked Kelly, Alec, his daughter Zinnia, and their real life, relatable situations. I also enjoyed the secondary characters of their families and friends. I always enjoy a book written by Lee Tobin McClain.
I received a free e-copy of this book from the author with no requirement of a positive review. All opinions are my own. I also received the book from a friend who loved it and knew I would too. She was right!
I received a free e-copy of this book from the author with no requirement of a positive review. All opinions are my own. I also received the book from a friend who loved it and knew I would too. She was right!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews