Welcome! I'm happy to share an interview with the author celebrating her new release. Read on below...
A K-9 Mountain Promise
(K-9 Companions #46)
By Helena Smrcek
Contemporary Inspirational Romance
Paperback & eBook, 208 Pages
June 30, 2026 by Love Inspired
Summary
Can a loyal companion
Heal two damaged hearts?
After her life is shattered by divorce, Abby Clifford retreats to her family’s mountain cabin in Colorado with her six-year-old daughter, Charlotte, to heal. Then she comes face-to-face with the man she never thought she’d see again. Noah Ross broke Abby’s teenage heart. Now she wants nothing to do with the handsome veterinarian. But when Noah’s in danger of getting evicted from his condo because of his two Hungarian vizsla dogs, Abby reluctantly allows him and his K-9s to spend time on their property. Charlotte immediately bonds with the sweet dogs. Will Abby ever forgive the past and embrace a fresh start?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
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My Review
What did you love about writing A K-9 Mountain Promise?
A K-9 Mountain Promise is a sweet story about second chances, coming home, breathtaking mountain scenery, a close-knit community, and, of course, dogs. But what I loved most while writing this novel was Charlotte. She is a sweet, innocent six-year-old with a heart full of love—especially for everything pink and sparkly.
Would you tell us more about the main characters, Abby and Noah?
Abby is, first and foremost, a devoted mother. Protecting Charlotte's heart is her highest priority, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness. Carrying deep wounds from her past, Abby must find a place where she feels safe enough not only to forgive but also to open her heart to love again.
Noah is kind, loyal, and dependable. His heart longs for love, family, and a place to truly call home. As a veterinarian, he has a special soft spot for dogs, and his two Vizslas, Briggs and Rosie, are his constant companions. Noah and Abby share a complicated history, and for years, he has wondered why Abby left Hope Rock so suddenly without ever telling him the reason.
What's a piece of advice Abby would give about being a single mom?
Even in the midst of life's hardest seasons, make room for the pink and the sparkle. Treasure the little moments with your child, because those are the memories that last a lifetime.
Why do you think readers love second-chance romances?
Hope. We've all made mistakes and wished we could turn back the clock, even though we know we can't. A second chance represents forgiveness, grace, and the possibility that our best chapter may still be ahead of us.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not reading or writing?
My husband and I live on a small farm, so I love gardening, caring for our three goats, walking our dogs around the property, hosting friends, and simply enjoying the slower pace of country life.
What are you working on next?
I always have one or two stories in the works. I'm looking forward to revisiting Hope Rock in the near future to discover who might need a second chance next in this cozy little Colorado town.
About the Author
Her stories — thrilling, heartwarming, and deeply faith-filled — trace back to twilight storytimes at her grandparents' home, where books first opened the world to her. That early wonder never left. Today, Helena writes to give her readers that same sense of connection and hope.
When she steps away from the page, you'll find her enjoying farm life, planning her next travel adventure, or losing herself in a great audiobook.
Find the author here.
