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He’s snowed in with his forbidden crush—his best friend’s little sister…

Single dad Jensen Webb is completely dedicated to his toddler, Henry, and the sweet, simple life they share in small town Trinity Falls. After losing Henry’s mom, the veteran knows how lucky they are to have a big, extended family all around.

But he has two regrets. And they’re both coming home to roost this Christmas season.

Jensen and his best buddy, Ransom Wright, joined the Army together after high school graduation. Both of them were eager to serve and to learn important skills.

So he shouldn’t have been surprised when Ransom’s baby sister, Willow, came to him a few years later with questions about joining up to become a nurse. After all, Willow always followed the two of them around with stars in her eyes. Naturally, Jensen encouraged her to follow her dreams.

And her big brother hasn’t spoken to him since.

Jensen has been home for a few years now, but his former best friend has finally wrapped up his own service and is coming home this holiday season.

And so is little Willow.

But Willow isn’t so little anymore. And from the moment Jensen lays eyes on her again, he’s afraid that if he’s not careful he’s going to make things much, much worse with her big brother.

When a massive storm leaves the two of them snowed in together, will Jensen be able to resist his feelings for Willow, and ignore the instant bond she forms with his son?

And if he can’t, will Ransom ever forgive them?

Trinity Falls Sweet Romance is all about finding family – one clean & wholesome romance at a time. The Trinity Falls Sweet Home for Christmas series celebrates a group of men coming home to a small Pennsylvania town at Christmastime, and finding love and meaning in the season.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2025

171 people are currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

Clara Pines

35 books181 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,277 reviews149 followers
July 16, 2025

I fell in love with Soldier's Christmas Crush by Clara Pines at chapter 2, that's when I knew I couldn't put this book down until the end.

Willow is back in Trinity Falls, after she served in the army. She took some time for some community work, before she starts her actual job as a nurse at the hospital. In town she meets her teen crush, Jensen, and she finds out he is now a widow and a single dad. It is immediately evident that they still share some good, warm feelings, but will they put at risk their reconciliation with Willow's brother and Jensen best friend?

I was really caught into Willow, Jensen, and baby Henry journey. I would have liked they faced the obstacle to their relationship earlier, but I've liked their easy and sweet relationship.

Thanks to Clara Pines writing I feel like I am there with the characters enjoying all the Christmas delight in July.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

469 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2025
Crush

Incredible book! Clara Pines has done a great job portraying a story of friendship, a past history in a small town setting. Seeing how it all unfolds kept me reading to the end in one day. Loved it and hoping to read on in the series.
Profile Image for Patty Duplechin.
772 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2025
Jensen Webb, Ransom and his little sister, Willow Wright were close as they grew up together. Best friends, even though Ransom knew his baby sister had a crush on Jensen. As Jensen and Ransom decided to join the army, Willow was wanting to join also so she can become a nurse. When Jensen talked to her about the pros and cons of the joining, it put an end to his friendship with best friend Ransom. That’s Jensen regret. Now Jensen is home with his young son after becoming a widower after the loss of his wife at birth. He has family around to help. Willow returns with a job at the hospital after leaving the military. She’s glad has a job and living in the same town of Trinity Falls, close to her brother, since he’s back raising his two children alone. She hopes they can get close again after he was upset with her military career. He was always her protector. When she meets Jensen and his son, she is still drawn to Jensen. Her heart melts for his little boy. When he’s in need of her expertise, when his son falls sick he calls her because he can’t get in touch with his cousin, the doctor. They are snowed in. They finally confess their feelings but will put it aside if her brother doesn’t approve. How is that fair? They are adults and even though Jensen mad a promise to Ransom that she was off limits, he just can’t help but love her. She’s good for him and his son. She makes him feel alive and his son has taken to her. He never thought he would feel again. Will Ransom give them his blessing? Will they both walk away? Can they all become a family? Ransom and Jensen have a lot in common besides being friends. They both are single dads who can help and encourage each other. Sometimes putting the past behind can start a fresh new beginning for all. The characters are wonderful. Love them all. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rosie Trzewik.
877 reviews8 followers
July 9, 2025
Once again a sweet clean romance. What if your childhood crush is still a crush years later and you are all grown up now? Willow thought that maybe after serving her country as a nurse for several years she could come back home to Trinity Falls and make peace with her beloved big brother. They had a falling out when she asked for advice from his best friend Jensen about enlisting. Something that Ransom was totally against. It also was the cause of their friendship ending. Now years later and they have completed their tours of duty and Willow is determined to mend fences. But when Jensen rescues her on the side of the road she realizes that her crush is still there and his sweet toddler has stolen her heart.
Jensen can’t believe that Ransom’s little sister is all grown up, she was always around them playing when they were young. As he offers her a ride to town as her car is towed he is impressed by the way she interacts with Henry who is very shy. Something just melts at how sweet she is with Henry and just maybe? But no, he made a pact with Ransom handoffs. Does it still have to hold up as adults? He will have to reach out and see if they can be friends again, but his attraction to Willow is so strong can he wait?
Thank you Clara Pines for allowing me to read this ARC. As always there is the feel good joy reading your stories, keep them coming. By the way all opinions expressed are truly my own and mine alone.
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
1,912 reviews22 followers
July 15, 2025
I am a huge fan of Clara Pines and I love this series. All the books have been fabulous but this book really stole my heart, especially baby Henry. This was a heart warming read and Jensen, a widowed single dad, and Willow’s journey was so beautiful. They have known each other since they were young but Willow was always off limits because she is Jensen’s best friend’s little sister. These two were always meant to be and they both harboured a secret crush that neither ever acted upon but years later they are brought back together and it seems that now all their stars are aligned and are both willing to admit their attraction and give a life together a real chance. All the characters were warm and lovely and I loved all the interactions with all the family and friends of Trinity Hills.
Profile Image for Cindy Hughes.
1,636 reviews11 followers
July 11, 2025
What an amazing brother’s best friend romance! I loved Jensen and Willow’s story! It grabbed me from the first page. I could’ve put it down! Jensen is a single father to his adorable son Henry after his wife passed away. Willow returned home after her service was over. She had had a crush on Jensen forever, but couldn’t act on it because of her brother. Willow and Jensen wanted to repair their relationship with her brother Ransom after they fought about her going into the service. Can they repair their relationship and have their own relationship? I love the Trinity Falls Sweet Romance- Home for Christmas series! I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,223 reviews219 followers
July 11, 2025
5 Star review Soldier's Christmas Crush (Trinity Falls Romance - Home For Christmas #4) by Clara Pines

From the first paragraph I was invested in single dad to Henry, Jensen Webb and his best friends sister Willow Wright’s story.

This was a heart warming, entertaining and well written, story that moved me on a number of levels.

Both Jensen and Willow were so good and meant to be together. Her relationship with his son Henry was heartwarming and had me smiling whilst ready.

I loved the development of their relationship developed and it made for a heartwarming and well written story. The characters were engaging and you cannot help but become invested in the story.
Profile Image for Linda.
49 reviews
July 19, 2025
Soldier's Christmas Crush: Trinity Falls Sweet Romance - Home for Christmas - Book 4. by Clara Pines
This a wonderfully sweet book about three young adults who were very close to each other from elementary school through becoming adults. The two young men were best friend’s always (Jensen and Ransom) and the younger woman was Ransom’s little tag a long young sister (Willow). This story deals with love of family, romantic love, and how the hearts of all involved can be hurt and healed. I enjoyed seeing Willow fall head over heads for Jenson’s young son (Henry). How they respond to each other melted my heart. You will love this new story! I did!
153 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2025
We are back in Trinity Falls with Jensen , his toddler, Henry and Willow, his best friend’s little sister. When Willows car breaks down, Jensen and Henry are the heroes of the moment. With their old friendship rekindled can it turn into something more? Old hurts and one snowed in mishap brings things to the forefront between Jensen, Willow and her brother Random. Can their friends, the magic of Trinity Falls and the love and trust of their past and possible future bring them their happy ever after. You don’t want to miss this heartfelt story. 5+ stars.
37 reviews
July 16, 2025
knock knock

Who’s there? Love walks in …. and after the usual issues… will stay.
Jan not Rick (shared account). Another winner from Clara Pines. Each of her books bring back memories of growing up in simpler times, visiting my grandparents and other family in a small town in CT; later spending time in various New England villages and towns. From the covered bridges to the village greens, the country stores and local shops, each book in each of her series brings smiles to my face.
Profile Image for Amy Petrowich.
317 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2025
I want to move to Trinity Falls

This is such a sweet story of finding love at Christmas. Willow is an amazing character with depth and warmth that radiates off the page.
Jensen has been only half alive since losing his wife but seeing Willow again sparks to like what’s been dead for years.
Sweet little Henry adds so much to the story.
This book is about so much more than just a romance. It’s a community. It’s a big family growing and changing. It’s reuniting what was lost and fixing what was broken.
Profile Image for Sharon S.
997 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2025
Great addition to the Home for Christmas series by Clara Pines.
Such a tender hearted story!
Willow is just back from her time in the Army and has a job as a nurse at the local hospital.
Jensen was her brother’s best friend and her major crush growing up. Her brother, Ransom, made Jensen promise she was off limits forever when they were kids, but they are adults now. Does that promise still hold?
Jensen is the single father of a sweet, shy toddler, but Willow has won his heart.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
61 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2025
Another great story

Really liked the story of two young people who find that a youthful crush can be so much more. The secondary characters are great; really like some of the older folks.

Another wonderful story from Clara Plines!
70 reviews
July 17, 2025
I love Clara Pines books. they are always good.

This was a very sweet story. You will enjoy reading this book. She kept me guessing a few times. Please read this book. You will love it. Thank you Clara for another super adventure.
Profile Image for Delbora.
1,464 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2025
It Was Wonderful

to return to Trinity Falls! This talented author leads the reader to believe they are actually a part of the town. Hopefully this author will lead us on another adventure soon.
1,349 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2025
Loved the ending.

This was a very fun and light story to read. I loved how you could feel the characters chemistry as you read. The author added twists in at just the right time. Great book.
Profile Image for Rebecca White.
1,563 reviews8 followers
July 19, 2025
Heart touching

What a beautiful story of friendship and love and devotion. I absolutely adored little Henry and I shall care that Jensen took with him. Really enjoyed how Henry opened up to Willow and that she was willing to take the time to understand him
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,480 reviews17 followers
July 19, 2025
Sweet

Lovely story about finding love in the most unexpected ways, and overcoming obstacles and weather! Wonderful series, wonderful characters. Love the whole winter theme! Great read!
1,379 reviews
July 23, 2025
Three

Long ago feelings and returning home. Single dad, a sweet little boy and a vet nurse plus a village of friends. Warm hugs, romance and a stubborn brother. I love the fact that this is a story for all ages and, more importantly, from the heart.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
July 12, 2025
Jensen and Willow's beautifully emotional romance was sweet, heartwarming and swoon worthy. I adored the big feelings and rich emotions that this wonderful book gave me.
3 reviews
July 15, 2025
Start with childhood friends who have been separated over time, an over protective big brother, and a little boy who could use some extra love. Throw in a snowstorm, Christmas , and a small hometown community. You end up with this novel; where certainly, love will have to find it's way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mary.
327 reviews
July 15, 2025
Brilliant

Willow and Jensen's book is romantic. .This book.pulls you in from.the first page. Fabulous to be back in Trinity Falls again. I highly recommend this book.
12 reviews
July 24, 2025
Christmas crush

Again excellent read and story. Wonderful addition to the series. Looking forward to the next story. God bless you and your family.
Profile Image for Rainbow Unicorn.
1,136 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2025
Right, my bags are packed and I am moving to Trinity Falls. The people are awesome, the community is great... and it is always Christmas.
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,645 reviews61 followers
July 10, 2025
Another fabulous heartfelt romance set in the magical small town of Trinity Falls. This is Jensen and Willow’s story and boy did Ms. Pines ever us readers a dandy. The storyline is heartfelt with a touch of heartbreak, yet jam packed with all the romantic love and feels of a sweet small town romance. Jensen has moved back to his hometown of Trinity Fall to raise his young son. His life is pretty good, all things considered, but he misses his best friend, Ransom. You see, when Ransom’s little sister, Willow, came to him for advice about joining up like he and Ransom had done in order to get her nursing degree, he encouraged her to follow her heart. Something Ransom never forgave Jensen for. After all, how was he supposed to know Ransom didn’t want her joining the military? Now Ransom and Willow both are opting out and returning to Trinity Falls. Is this a chance for the three of them to finally put the past behind them and get back their close bonds? And what happens when Jensen learns about the crush Willow had on him when they were younger, one that apparently hasn’t gone away? Does he dare act on his new found feelings for Willow or will that just drive the wedge further between the 3 of them. Not to mention he has a young son now that is his whole world and his feelings and needs will always come first.

This is an excellent story that this reader just couldn’t get enough of (I’ve had it a few days and have already read it twice). I can’t recommend it or any of the trinity falls books enough.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars
3,560 reviews40 followers
July 10, 2025
The author delivers another sweet, clean romance that will touch your hearts.
Jensen Webb is a single dad to adorable Henry. He’s a widower, who has moved back home for a slower pace of life for him and his boy, as well as to be closer to his family.
When he sees Willow Wright, he remembers the cute sister of his best friend, Ransom, who used to follow them around. Sadly, the friends had a falling out when Jensen supported Willow’s career choices, and the men have not spoken since.
Willow is no longer a kid, but a lovely woman and a nurse that served her country and will be working at the local hospital. She never told him she had a crush on him, but he already knew.
Though the attraction is evident, neither believes anything could happen as long as Ransom is unhappy.
The journey that takes Willow, Jensen and Henry to finding happiness has a few twists and turns.
Will these three get a chance of becoming a family, or will old resentments and loyalty to a friend and a brother, keep them apart?
If you are lookin for a “feel good” story with wonderful characters, this is the one for you.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by 1852 Media. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Marea.
388 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2025
This is the 4th book in the Trinity Falls Home for Christmas series and I can honestly say I wish I had found this author’s books years ago because everyone is such a perfect romance story but yet not perfect. It lets us go into this small town where everyone has their own ups and downs from emotional to financial and everything in between. In other words it is a normal, everyday life type of town. The type many of us live in so it seems more real than some of the other books that are out there. In some ways it reminds me of the old teenage romance books we had back in the 80s but now on an adult level.

I could explain the Jensen Webb and Willow Wright story in so many ways but as I was typing it out, I realized it would spoil part of the story which wouldn’t be right at all. Each of the characters served in the US Army and had their own battles to go through but there was one thing that was never going to change no matter how much time passed. How much they cared about each other. Now they just had to figure out how to work in a toddler, an angry brother and a place where magic happens when it comes to love.

Thanks to 1852 Media and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
712 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2025
This is another beautiful heartwarming story that takes place in Trinity Falls. Willow has always had a crush on Jensen, who was her brother's best friend. But the two men had a falling out when Willow joined the army as a nurse on Jensen's recommendation. Ransom, Willows older brother, has always seen Willow as his little sister and he has always been very protective of her. When Willow comes back to town after serving in the army, she and Jensen reconnect and she falls in love with both him and his little boy Henry. It's time for Ransom to see Willow as the grown woman she is, and to cut his former best friend a little slack. However, both Willow and Jensen are prepared to forgo their relationship if that is what Ransom wants. Can Ransom accept that his little sister is no longer a child and allow her to make her own choices? I was certainly hoping that would be the case, barring the main characters' ability to fight for what they want. The writing is beautiful and all of the characters are delightful.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Deb.
1,095 reviews
July 8, 2025
“Soldier's Christmas Crush” is the 4th amazing book in a Trinity Falls Sweet Romance from the ‘Home for Christmas’ series ... I loved it right from the start & did not want to put it down! ... Widower and single dad, Jensen Webb has his hands full taking care of his sweet toddler, Henry... So when his former best friend Ransom’s baby sister Willow, is broke down on the side of the road, all of his early teenage years come rushing back... Little had he realized how much of a crush she’d had on him then, but she is now a fully grown-up, woman who he may not be able to resist...
Lots of emotion from past & present seem to interfere with future possibilities, but always with love for family and friends, tugged at my heartstrings... Can old friends reunite, so they all can heal their wounds and have hopes for a brighter future? Even tho I volunteered to read this, it was without any outside influences... So, I can honestly recommend this & all of Clara Pines must reads :) And now I can’t wait for more, but I absolutely will ;)
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
756 reviews9 followers
July 13, 2025
I love being in Trinity Falls

This single dad, brother’s best friend, sweet romance by Clara Pines is unputdownable. It’s a wonderful and emotionally captivating story with charming characters. Willow has had a crush on Jensen since childhood, and nothing seems to have changed since they returned from Military service. Although with the rift between Jensen and her brother, Ransom, about her enlisting, she’s not willing to take a chance with Jensen unless they can all reconcile.

Clara Pines writes the most heartwarming and delightful books that hook you from the beginning and don’t let go. I was immediately captivated by single dad Jensen and his son Henry. They have a wonderful relationship together, and Henry is adorable. I loved the friendship that develops between Jensen, his son, and Willow. The scenes between Willow and Henry were so sweet, and I couldn’t help but smile. These two people are definitely meant to be together, and I cheered for their HEA. I love being in Trinity Falls and look forward to my next visit.
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