Small-Town Valentine

by Jenny Knipfer

Turn the page on this short and sweet romance, punctuated with conflict and subtle mystery.

“Believable and charming, without offering only fairy tail resolutions, this story hits hfor all who know the pain of a healing heart.” Self-Publishing Review

In the small town of Valentine, Wisconsin, children’s librarian Hannah Sawyer has written off love as a result of a past breakup and numerous recently failed attempts at online dating. She can’t fight the fact that she’s pushing forty with the likelihood of remaining a perpetual spinster.

Coming to the bitter conclusion that there is no one for her, Hannah has shelved the idea of falling in love, painfully archiving the longing to be a wife and mother. However, widower Ben Scott, who brings his young son to the children’s story hour at the library, has her second-guessing her decision. His kind, helpful nature, gorgeous hazel eyes, and his genuine interest in her tempts her to regret setting romance aside.

Will Hannah dust off her heart and open herself up to the possibility of finding her person, or will she let past disappointment and heartbreak rule her future?

Readers of Christian and clean romance will be drawn into Hannah and Ben’s sweet story as they navigate inter obstacles blocking their paths toward a possible future together.

“Readers who like sweet romance and holiday stories will love Knipfer’s characters and the small-town setting. It’s always comforting to watch characters grow emotionally and spiritually as they lean on God for support through their difficulties.” Readers’ Favorite five-star review

Genres: Romance

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2025

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small-Town Valentine, by Jenny Knipfer, is the first story in the Small-Town Sparks Series. This story is nicely written, easy and fun to read. The story has wonderful characters that are caring and helpful to others. I enjoy stories that include young children and this story does that nicely. I felt for Hannah as it is easy to see her insecurities about ever having her own family. While at times she tries to be out going and friendly, it is easy to see she has trouble communicating her hurts. I enjoyed Ben's character as well, and felt he was not being totally honest with Hannah.

This is a sweet clean romance that will be enjoyable for many. I enjoyed how well it was written so I could imagine the story as I read it. I especially enjoyed the small town setting and the story times at the library. I also enjoyed the faith the character have.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story. This is my honest review.

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

I enjoyed reading this charming story. Author Jenny Knipfer brings characters that you just can't help but connect with them and love.

In the small town of Valentine Missouri, can two hearts have a forever ever after Valentine everyday of the year. Hannah has come to find a safe place for her heart. While Ben has also done that too for him and his adorable son Sammy. A story of healing in many ways and a lovable atmosphere will a librarian find love again when when a mysterious famous author captures her heart. Or will Shakespeare be her only companion.

It's a charming story for this new series and I just can't imagine the next stories.

I was given an e-arc from the author/publisher. I was not required a positive comment. All stated here are my own.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story of turning your problems over and trusting that God will take care of it. Hannah, a librarian in the small town of Valentine, after a bad break up, she decided dating and love is not for her. Little Sammy and his Dad, Ben always come to the library for story time, and when Hannah and Ben start getting close, her dreams of having a family starts returning…until she finds out the secret that Ben has been hiding. I loved this story and found myself holding my breath in hopes that Hannah, Ben, and little Sammy could work out their relationship and have their dreams of having family come true

[Amy Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet start to a new contemporary small-town series! I loved meeting Hannah and seeing her interact with young children as a librarian. It was refreshing to read of a heroine approaching middle age and having given up on ever being married. Her interactions with widower Ben and his little boy Sammy were endearing. Ben was both handsome and adorable -- and what a wonderful father! Then there were some swoony moments...

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book with no expectations of a positive review. I loved this story. This is a wonderful story about Hannah who is a children's librarian in Valentine, Wisconson. Ben brings his son Sammy to the story time at the library. Ben asks Hannah to join him and Sammy for ice cream after Hannah gets off of work. This is a wonderful story about forgiveness, new beginnings and trusting in the Lord's timing. This is a must read for a wonderful story.

[Gosia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah decides to stop online dating. After her last breakup, she was having a hard time finding a man she could trust and love. Until she met Ben and his gorgeous six-year-old son, Sammy. Everything was going well until the day she found out he had lied to her.

A sweet story, although you can guess where it leads, you still want to read on. A small town with a children's librarian and likeable characters, added charm to this short romance.

There is a warmth throughout the story that balances the loss and disappointments that Hannah and Ben have experienced in their lives. A lovely and sweet romance that I enjoyed reading.

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Hannah and Ben's story. Everything is going well for Hannah with a job she loves and a chance for love until she finds out he is keeping a secret. Ben wants privacy and love; he has to decide what is more important before it is to late. The story kept my attention throughout. The Valentine Day being in a town called Valentine is sweet and interesting.

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenny has done it yet again. A sweet romance that has it's share of struggles. A small town librarian with a broken heart seeks true love.
The perfect story for this time of year. We all need faith, hope, and trust as we move forward in life.
I recommend this and all of Jenny's books.

[MRS SHARON HAWES · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable sweet romance

This was a very enjoyable sweet romance set in the town of Valentine. Ben and Hannah and little Sammy were very likeable characters.

[Kayla E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small Town Valentine would be a great read for fans of Hallmark movies, expository-style narratives, and faith-focused characters. I would classify this as a clean romance but there are kisses, implied desires, and direct mention of sexual tension.

The female main character, Hannah, seems to have a couple of scenes that are out of her established character. In these, she behaved more forward and flirty just to return to being shy and awkward. As a whole, I didn’t *love* her. At times, she read more like an insecure teenager than an almost 40 year old woman. In my opinion, she also created a problem (made a mountain out of a mole hill, if you will), and worsened the situation by refusing to communicate. The miscommunication trope/refusing to talk as an adult is not something I enjoy. Thus, though I greatly enjoy other writing by the author, and I like the premise of lonely librarian and single dad finding love in one another, this wasn’t my cup of tea.

If you do not mind miscommunication tropes and enjoy sweet, small town romances, then you may enjoy this book!

*I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

While an entertaining and delightful read, this book also dealt with daily struggles….body image, painful pasts and more, bringing a reality to the story, adding heart and deeply buried emotions to the surface. This can only be accomplished by an author who pours her very soul into her writing, enveloping the reader in its entirety. So well written, so well executed!