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Knotwood Mountain, Ga. #2
Hometown Sweetheart
Seven unruly kids have moved next door to Simon Adams's mountain cabin. On a church retreat, these rambunctious rascals and their perky teacher, Shanna White, prove to be too much for one reclusive craftsman to handle. Plus, they're a big reminder of everything Simon lost, especially his chance for marriage and family. All he wants is to be left alone, but soon he's drawn in by the kids' shenanigans—and by Shanna herself. Can a brooding mountain man and a sweet lady live happily ever after?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Lenora Worth
294 books394 followersLenora Worth has written 75 books for three different publishers. She reached a milestone when she received her 50th book pin from Harlequin. Her books have won both regional and national awards and she now has millions of books in print and is a NY Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Currently she is writing both Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense and Tule Publishing. Married to her childhood sweetheart, Lenora has two grown children and lives in Florida.
Pen name: Lenora Nazworth
Pen name: Lenora Nazworth
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 28, 2025
This was a sweet story that I enjoyed. Super quick read.
April 21, 2011
What an awesome take on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! I absolutely loved this book.
March 12, 2026
If I had to describe Hometown Sweetheart by Lenora Worth in one word, it would be tender. This story is the literary equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa on a chilly mountain morning. From the very first page, the book radiates kindness, sweetness, and a wholesome charm that feels refreshingly sincere. Worth crafts a story that isn’t driven by drama or cynicism but by compassion, healing, and the quiet ways people can change each other’s lives.
At the heart of the novel is Simon Adams, a reclusive craftsman living quietly in his mountain cabin, carrying the weight of past loss and the life he thought he’d never have. His peaceful solitude is completely upended when seven unruly kids move in next door along with their endlessly patient and cheerful teacher, Shanna White. Simon wants nothing to do with the chaos—especially since these children are a painful reminder of the family and future he believes he lost forever. But of course, children have a magical way of breaking down walls, and these kids are equal parts troublemakers and heart-melters. Their antics bring humor and life to the story, and watching Simon slowly soften under their influence is incredibly satisfying.
Shanna White is just as delightful as her name suggests. She embodies the book’s gentle modern Snow White vibe—kind-hearted, optimistic, and able to see the goodness in people who have long since stopped believing in it themselves. She doesn’t force Simon to change; instead, her warmth and quiet strength slowly invite him back into the world. Their relationship develops in such a sweet, natural way that every small moment between them feels meaningful. The romance is soft and sincere rather than flashy, which perfectly suits the tone of the story.
What really makes this book shine is the emotional core. Simon’s grief and guarded heart feel genuine, and the way the children and Shanna gradually bring light back into his life is handled with a lot of care. The story celebrates second chances, chosen family, and the idea that love sometimes arrives in the most unexpected ways—sometimes in the form of seven noisy kids who refuse to leave a grumpy mountain man alone.
The mountain setting adds another layer of charm, creating a cozy backdrop that perfectly matches the tone of the story. Everything about the book—from the pacing to the character interactions—feels warm, hopeful, and uplifting. It’s the kind of story that reminds you how powerful simple kindness can be.
Overall, Hometown Sweetheart is an incredibly sweet and heartfelt romance that feels like a modern fairy tale wrapped in faith, warmth, and community spirit. It’s tender, wholesome, and quietly beautiful from start to finish. If you enjoy romances about healing hearts, found family, and grumpy heroes who don’t stand a chance against love and a pack of determined kids, this one will absolutely melt you.
⭐ 5/5 stars — pure tenderness in book form.
At the heart of the novel is Simon Adams, a reclusive craftsman living quietly in his mountain cabin, carrying the weight of past loss and the life he thought he’d never have. His peaceful solitude is completely upended when seven unruly kids move in next door along with their endlessly patient and cheerful teacher, Shanna White. Simon wants nothing to do with the chaos—especially since these children are a painful reminder of the family and future he believes he lost forever. But of course, children have a magical way of breaking down walls, and these kids are equal parts troublemakers and heart-melters. Their antics bring humor and life to the story, and watching Simon slowly soften under their influence is incredibly satisfying.
Shanna White is just as delightful as her name suggests. She embodies the book’s gentle modern Snow White vibe—kind-hearted, optimistic, and able to see the goodness in people who have long since stopped believing in it themselves. She doesn’t force Simon to change; instead, her warmth and quiet strength slowly invite him back into the world. Their relationship develops in such a sweet, natural way that every small moment between them feels meaningful. The romance is soft and sincere rather than flashy, which perfectly suits the tone of the story.
What really makes this book shine is the emotional core. Simon’s grief and guarded heart feel genuine, and the way the children and Shanna gradually bring light back into his life is handled with a lot of care. The story celebrates second chances, chosen family, and the idea that love sometimes arrives in the most unexpected ways—sometimes in the form of seven noisy kids who refuse to leave a grumpy mountain man alone.
The mountain setting adds another layer of charm, creating a cozy backdrop that perfectly matches the tone of the story. Everything about the book—from the pacing to the character interactions—feels warm, hopeful, and uplifting. It’s the kind of story that reminds you how powerful simple kindness can be.
Overall, Hometown Sweetheart is an incredibly sweet and heartfelt romance that feels like a modern fairy tale wrapped in faith, warmth, and community spirit. It’s tender, wholesome, and quietly beautiful from start to finish. If you enjoy romances about healing hearts, found family, and grumpy heroes who don’t stand a chance against love and a pack of determined kids, this one will absolutely melt you.
⭐ 5/5 stars — pure tenderness in book form.
June 12, 2017
Simon Adams tries hiding away in his mountain cabin so that he can grieve the loss of his wife in peace. But when a group of kids move in next door for a week of summer camp, Simon has a hard time keeping his boundaries in place. Unwilling to engage in the kind of life he had when his wife was alive, the rowdy bunch of kids with hurts of their own, begin luring him back into a life of joy.
Shanna White serves as the camp leader. Her sunny disposition and determination to include Simon in the fun stirs new hope for both of them. But when her painful past unfolds during a summer storm, Shanna is fearful of letting Simon see her for who she really is.
I enjoyed each of the characters in this story, every child had their own lesson to teach. The chemistry between Simon and Shanna was playful and believable. I highly recommend Hometown Sweetheart if you're up for a little campfire fun.
Shanna White serves as the camp leader. Her sunny disposition and determination to include Simon in the fun stirs new hope for both of them. But when her painful past unfolds during a summer storm, Shanna is fearful of letting Simon see her for who she really is.
I enjoyed each of the characters in this story, every child had their own lesson to teach. The chemistry between Simon and Shanna was playful and believable. I highly recommend Hometown Sweetheart if you're up for a little campfire fun.
May 12, 2022
Great short story!
July 3, 2022
Sweet romance to make you feel good.
April 30, 2023
Not my typical type of read. Enjoyable. Short and sweet. Learning to love again.
June 20, 2025
Cute, endearing story. Predictable and a little inconsistent, but enjoyed it nonetheless.
May 22, 2012
It has been some time since I last read one of LENORA WORTH'S books, but only because she changed genres. She was one of the very first inspirational fiction authors I read, and I fell in love with her writing. I was excited to discover HOMETOWN SWEETHEART.
As I began to read this wonderful story, I wasn't disappointed, being instantly swept away. The writing was just as amazing as I'd remembered, with three-dimensional characters you'll fall in love with. The storyline was unique and rich.
Shanna White is pretty and sweet, always sporting a sunny smile and a bubbly attitude. Simon Adams is not happy when she disrupts his reclusive live by moving in to the rental cabin next door with seven unruly kids on a church retreat.
As Shanna breaks through Mack's stone heart, he opens up Shanna's heart to the hurt and pain she'd been hiding from, revealing the warm, kind and sensitive man he once use to be. The unlikely match discovers their lives would be incomplete without the other.
As I began to read this wonderful story, I wasn't disappointed, being instantly swept away. The writing was just as amazing as I'd remembered, with three-dimensional characters you'll fall in love with. The storyline was unique and rich.
Shanna White is pretty and sweet, always sporting a sunny smile and a bubbly attitude. Simon Adams is not happy when she disrupts his reclusive live by moving in to the rental cabin next door with seven unruly kids on a church retreat.
As Shanna breaks through Mack's stone heart, he opens up Shanna's heart to the hurt and pain she'd been hiding from, revealing the warm, kind and sensitive man he once use to be. The unlikely match discovers their lives would be incomplete without the other.
March 28, 2020
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
8/27/2013-
“This is probably one of my favorite Love Inspired books to date. There was a twist at the end I didn't see coming and overall really enjoyed this story.”
Main Content-
*All seven kids come from homes with physical abuse, drug addict parents, or missing father figures; One of the boys calls a girl "an awful name" but it is not written.
*Kisses; Touches & Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Two of the teens hid away together which causes Simon to give them a talk about respect; Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
8/27/2013-
“This is probably one of my favorite Love Inspired books to date. There was a twist at the end I didn't see coming and overall really enjoyed this story.”
Main Content-
*All seven kids come from homes with physical abuse, drug addict parents, or missing father figures; One of the boys calls a girl "an awful name" but it is not written.
*Kisses; Touches & Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Two of the teens hid away together which causes Simon to give them a talk about respect; Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
June 22, 2011
i do like love inspired books they our cute little storries that make you feel so warm inside. this book was no excecption.
it is about a women name shanna white she took some rambunctious kids on a camp trip for a week. There she meets a handsome cowboy boot maker the one of a kind simon adams. He has issuses of his own his wife died and he has withdrawn from the world. Shanna tries to help him come out of isolation and join the world, but Shanna has issuses too. Until one thunder storm changes everything.
it is about a women name shanna white she took some rambunctious kids on a camp trip for a week. There she meets a handsome cowboy boot maker the one of a kind simon adams. He has issuses of his own his wife died and he has withdrawn from the world. Shanna tries to help him come out of isolation and join the world, but Shanna has issuses too. Until one thunder storm changes everything.
July 12, 2016
i could have given this a full 5 stars but im giving it a 4 cause its not the absolute best.
i love it when a book makes me relate to it in some way.
Just the idea of pain and grief is so clear to me.
its not the best story but the simple writing and the realism of the character's reactions and emotions is really good and i enjoyed it.
might try other Lenory Worth's books a try someday.
i love it when a book makes me relate to it in some way.
Just the idea of pain and grief is so clear to me.
its not the best story but the simple writing and the realism of the character's reactions and emotions is really good and i enjoyed it.
might try other Lenory Worth's books a try someday.
May 8, 2015
This was a cute little story and the romance in this story is completely innocent and adorable. I was so happy when the two main characters finally got together. But I was very sad at all the kids had to go through. Very touching story
May 8, 2011
I think this was sweet because we learn our romance does come from those who care about us if we have in mind HOLY matrimony and not just the casual friends we become but the best of friends.
March 12, 2012
Nice, clean romance. I enjoyed the story. I don't know that it will stand out in my mind a lot, but it was a nice piece of escapist literature. :)
October 28, 2012
Quick easy read. Not the best Love Inspired book I have read. This was more of a plain love story than a "learn to lean on God" love story. Still good, though. I chuckled and cried throughout.
January 4, 2014
I loved this book. The end something about it bothers me. I don't know what, but I loved it anyway.
November 22, 2013
I really like the characters and the story line. Author did a great job, one of the first love inspired novels I have read. Just a feel good easy read.
Read
December 1, 2014An excellent book and a good version of Snow White.
Want to Read
August 21, 2016I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14138328
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14138328
Read
January 5, 2017It was fine, but it won't stick in my mind or become a re-read for me.
September 19, 2015
Really enjoyed this modern retelling of Snow White!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews