Soldier's Chrismas Hope: Trinity Falls Sweet Romance - Home for Christmas - Book 5

by Clara Pines

Can this lonely soldier earn the trust of the woman he has always loved?

Nora needs a Christmas miracle. When she and Edward got married, they never planned to have kids. But then a family tragedy landed her with custody of her adorable niece and nephew. Now, Edward is gone, the apartment is too small, and she doesn’t know what comes next…

River Young is finally back home from the Army, and ready to make a name for himself. He’s bought a farm in small town Trinity Falls, and he’s excited to start the next chapter of his life.

Until he finds out that his older brother, Edward, has abandoned his wife. River can’t imagine anyone walking out on sweet Nora, especially in her time of need. And when he meets the kids, his heart starts telling him what he needs to do.

But can he really open his home to his brother’s ex-wife and her sudden family without slipping up and revealing the feelings he’s always had for her?

Nora might just follow River from a towering city apartment to the snowy fields and twinkling Christmas lights of Trinity Falls. And when he forms a deep bond with the children, she might even be grateful to have the handsome veteran in their lives. But what will happen if he dares to ask for her heart?

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.

Genres: Romance

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[ItaPixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed Soldier's Christmas Hope so much.

When Nora adopted her late sister's children, her husband left her and she had to plan a life as a single mother in a big city without any help, until her ex brother in law, River, appeared on her doorstep inviting her and the kids to his farm in Trinity Falls.

River is a protective sweetheart, Nora is a strong selfless woman. Their relationship easily grew and they and the kids effortlessly became a family, even if they have to overcome the fear of being judged.

Clara Pines made a terrific job with this story and these sweet characters, her writing pulled me in and kept me turning the pages because I did need these good and warm feelings.

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Soldier's Christmas Hope (Trinity Falls Romance - Home For Christmas #5) by Clara Pines

From the first paragraph I was drawn into single mum Nora and returned veteran River’s story set in Trinity Falls.

The writing is so descriptive that I can easily see Trinity Falls in my mind whilst reading.

Desperate to do the right thing by the niece and nephew she now has custody of, Nora is struggling.

Riveting has always had feelings for his brother Edward’s ex, but never acted on them. Now that he has returned could he finally have a chance?

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

The relationship he develops with the children melted my heart.
I loved the development of their relationship and it made for a heartwarming and well written story.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldier’s Christmas Hope, Home for Christmas, Trinity Falls Sweet Romance
Book 5

Do you want to know why I liked this particular book sooo much? As there is so much anger and hatred in the world lately, this book is filled with healing moments. Where there could be so much sadness and anger in the circumstances of River Young, Nora Young, Pixie and John-John, Nora’s niece and nephew there is not. Life had been already difficult for the children as their father died when John-John was a baby and their mother (Nora’s sister) dying recently. The children actually love each other and work together because of their grief to roll with everyday events. They are polite and caring children. When any of the situations in the story might send a tantrum to some other child this sister and brother chose to take the high road. It was refreshing to see the adults being unselfish too. This is a clean, well thought-out book. It is also refreshing to read a good story that encourages the reader. I loved this sweet story and I KNOW you will also.

[Rosie Trzewik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet feel good heartwarming story. River Young has just finished his time in the service and now he has purchased a farm. His dream and loving it. Although he still is adjusting to civilian life he volunteers at the Veterans Center and is slowly trying to fit into the small community. When his mother informs him of the holiday plans and mentions his brother has divorced Nora. River is shocked at the reason and rushes to see Nora, the one person who he never forgot.
Nora is putting her life on hold for her niece and nephew. They lost their mother, her sister and she now is their guardian, but kids is the one thing Edward never wanted. So her husband, left her thankfully before the children moved it. But unexpectedly his brother River shows up with an offer that they all spend the weekend at his farm.
A sweet clean romance, that has second chance at love, adorable children and beautiful HEA. Thank you for this ARC, #ClaraPines. All opinions expressed are my own. #SoldiersChristmasHope

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldier's christmas hope.

Sometimes a christmas miracle is all someone needs.

Miracles come in small ways, sometimes they come in small packages. And sometimes they come in forms you never see. miracles are simply gifts from god.
and nora definitely needs a small miracle.
Losing her sister becoming an instant mom. Recently, being divorced Her world has been turned upside down.But not really, she has more in her world than she ever anticipated.But love is what wins in the end.

River,
A soldier coming home. Doing things that maybe wasn't really in the cards for him. Thinking about things that he always wanted in the past. River has a big heart.Maybe things will work out for him like they always should have.


Simply a wonderful story. Miracles, the story is definitely full of them wonderful characters.


Clara Pines writes, the most wonderful stories that will pull at your heart strings.

[Pam Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartfelt story! River is home after serving his country and has purchased a farm. When he finds out his brother has divorced his wife Nora once she was made guardian of her sister’s children after her death he decides to go see her. He invites her and the children Pixie, Pixie and John-John to visit and stay at the farm for the holidays. He helps them pack and loads them into his car and brings them back to his home in Trinity Falls. This story will tug at your heartstrings and the children are adorable. Can River and Nora get a chance for their happy ever after you will have to read this book to find out. There is family issues, sibling rivalry and lots of misconceptions. There is also River, Nora and the children waiting for the magic of the season and the hopes of family. Love how their story is also told by reading John-John’s favorite book. A story within a story. 5+ stars.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read one of these books it makes me feel so happy. This series is truly wonderful and each book always has a feel good vibe to it with lots of beautiful moments with family and friends who are all very good to each other. This is River and Nora’s story and what makes it a little complex is that Nora was once married to River’s brother Edward. Their relationship went south when Nora took in her orphaned niece and nephew and Edward never wanted children. River has always been in love with Nora and he sees this as his opportunity to help her but of course feelings surface and both fall in love. I loved the family dynamics in this book and the two cutest children in John John and Pixie make this a delightful story. I was immediately drawn into this story and the characters and I could not put it down such is the appeal. Once again Clara Pines delves into the lives of the residents of Trinity Falls and we are treated to a beautiful and sweet Christmas Romance.

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly lovely story, filled with a sweet romance as well as delightful scenes with adorable kids. When Nora had to take her late sister's children into her care, it broke up her marriage with Edward. But it led to something new with Edward's younger brother, River. He had just come back from being in the army and he bought himself a farm. When he had Nora and the kids stay with him for a while on his farm, his kindness and caring were very apparent. I loved all the activities he did with the kids, and his interactions with Nora were so charming. All along, I kept wondering how their budding relationship would go over with River's parents and with Edward. I loved how things were resolved. The book was easy to read and very entertaining. It left me feeling very happy, so that was a plus!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing Christmas romance from Clara! I loved River and Nora! They were great for each other! After finishing his time in the military, he returned home to Trinity Falls and buys a farm. It was his dream. When he learns his brother Edward divorced his wife Nora and he goes to her. He has loved her since her met her. He brings her and her niece and nephew , who she is their guardian of after the passing of her sister, home for the weekend. He is hoping for more than a weekend. Can he convince her to stay with him forever? Soldiers Christmas Hope is a sweet, clean romance with adorable children and a beautiful love story! I can’t wait for more of Clara’s books!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story from Clara Pines.

Amazon synopsis:
Nora needs a Christmas miracle. When she and Edward got married, they never planned to have kids. But then a family tragedy landed her with custody of her adorable niece and nephew. Now, Edward is gone, the apartment is too small, and she doesn’t know what comes next…

River Young is finally back home from the Army, and ready to make a name for himself. He’s bought a farm in small town Trinity Falls, and he’s excited to start the next chapter of his life.

Until he finds out that his older brother, Edward, has abandoned his wife. River can’t imagine anyone walking out on sweet Nora, especially in her time of need. And when he meets the kids, his heart starts telling him what he needs to do.

[D'anah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this nook right from the start. It draws you in immediately, makes you feel like you are living it with them. The kids ate precious, can't help falling in love with them. Both Nora and River have such loving, giving hearts. They were obviously meant for each other. Loved the new tradition idea. Really impressed with River's explanation of his life choices. A real coming home read.
Highly recommend it. Leaves you feeling really good.

[Bonnie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite, so far

I've read all of Clara Pines' books, and I've enjoyed them very much. This one has been my favorite. Nora's life is turned upside down when her sister dies, leaving two young children behind. Nora takes on their guardianship, but her husband leaves her as a consequence. Her ex-husband's brother, River, steps up. And boy, is he swoon-worthy, because of his kindness and huge heart.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

River and Nora's story offered up the perfect combination of sweetness, heart, emotion and swoon to warm my heart and make me fall. A beautiful and often poignant tale that tugs at your heartstrings and gets you up in your feels.

[Toi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

I love these books, all about falling in love and being from a small town - I love that each ends with an HEA.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

Loved the,story a nd loved the Christmas bear book! It's always sweet to see children woven into the story. Pixie and John john were great additions! Great story!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet story

Clara Pines writes great simple stories that deal with families and love. Her stories are always great. Pixie and John-John were portrayed with love too.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

I love this book. River and Nora's book is addictive., It sucks you in from the first page to the last.

[Brenda Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great one

The characters are so great the storyline outstanding the Christmas scenes
Are so well written and enjoyable to read. Great story

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate

Trinity Falls Sweet Romance series is fun and warm and stories for all ages. I loved this book -- a vet with a farm, an "ex" sister-in-law with 2 young kids and the small town of Trinity Falls. Family by choice. I also love the children's favorite book. Bravo!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and sweet story of two hearts finding each other.

I love this series by Clara Pines. She has given me so many heroes and heroines that have touched my heart, but the loneliness and longing between River and Nora nearly broke it. Nora has an inner strength (that she needs) as she is raising her niece and nephew after the untimely death of her sister. All three of them feel the loss intensely, but Nora not only lost her sister, but her husband and job as well. She has her heart set on helping those children heal. When River, her ex-husband’s brother, who just returned home from the military, learns about Nora, her sister, and his brother, he drops everything to travel the few hours to the city to see her and see if she needs help. And somehow invites her and the children back to his newly acquired farm for the weekend.

These two lonely hearts fit so perfectly together as their relationship grows organically and exponentially. The yearning and angst they suffer broke my heart. Not only between Nora and River, but the two children, Pixie and John-John. I love River as a hero. He was so kind and loyal. He stood up for himself and Nora, and though he was hesitant to jump into a relationship, he just couldn’t stop himself. I couldn’t help smiling at these two as they circled each other and finally reached for true love that would help all of them heal. Ms. Pines always creates stories that captivate me from the beginning and hold my attention through the end. I become invested in the characters and cheer for their happy endings. This series is more special as it’s not only about my favorite time of year, but about men and women we should celebrate and comfort who have given so much of themselves for others.

[Marea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the next journey in the Trinity Falls Sweet Romance series by Clara Pines and Tess Thompson. These are clean romances, based in a small town, every holiday season that gives you a little bit of an escape in the world we are in right now and a reminder that true love is out there somewhere.

Nora thought she had a happy marriage to Edward but that was suddenly torn apart when she gained custody of her 6 year old niece and 3 year old nephew after her sister died. Suddenly she is divorced and raising them on her own, hoping for a miracle because she wants to give them the best Christmas ever after all that they have been through. Nora wasn’t expecting it to come from her ex-brother-in-law, River who had just gotten out of the military and bought a small farm in Trinity Falls. Nor was she ready for the feelings she started to have for him. Making her ask all sorts of questions about her marriage to Edward.

When he had heard his brother had just up and left his wife, River knew he had to step in because that is the type of person he is. He is nothing like his parents or his brother. They expected college, education, a standard job, he had joined the Army and bought a farm. River was happy and the only thing that would make him happier he realized, was having Nora and her niece & nephew in his life forever.

Thanks to 1852 Media and the authors for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Nora’s sister passes away, she became guardian of her niece, Pixie who’s 6 and her nephew, John-John who’s 3. That’s when her marriage ended. Her ex didn’t want any children, so they divorced amicably. She was changing her mind about children so it wouldn’t have worked anyway. Now on her own, she tries to be there for the children. So far, so good, even though she’s struggling without working to make the kids transition easier. When River retired from the military, he took his savings and bought a small ranch In Trinity Falls, his hometown. When he finds out that his brother is divorced from Nora and left her alone with the kids, he heads over to visit her. He invites her, Pixie and John-John to stay at his ranch. Nora agrees because the kids are having a hard time making friends. They enjoy it so much that they stay through the holidays. Can they get a miracle? Nora could use one. Will she be able to find a job when they both start school again? Is John-John ready to leave her for pre-school? The more time she spends with River, she sees how kind he is to the children, and to her. She sees how handsome and smart he is. Surely she can’t have feelings for her ex brother-in-law. River had a crush on her when they were young. His feelings are still there. It’s like it has always been her. Can his brother accept that he wants to be in Nora and the children’s life forever? Will it cause trouble in his family? How does Nora feel? The characters are wonderful. I was rooting for all of them. All they have to do is accept that the past is the past. Let their heart choose. With Christmas nearing, there is always magic and miracles happening. Will they all get some? This book is worth the read. Clara Pines always brings it. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldier’s Christmas Hope is Nora and River’s sweet and heartwarming journey. It’s book five in the Trinity Falls- Home For Christmas Series and it’s a magical story about hope, friendships and love.
Nora thought her life was complete until her life fell apart when she gained custody of her 6 year old niece and 3 year old nephew after her sister passed away. Trying to build a life for them has her husband walking out when she needed him the most and she finds herself divorced and raising them on her own. Trying to give them the best Christmas has her catching up with her ex brother in law River and when he suggests bringing them to Trinity Falls she jumps at the chance.
River has just gotten out of the military and brought himself a small farm and it seems a Christmas with Nora and the kids is what he needs as well. But what happens when feelings come into play ……..
This was a heartwarming, entertaining read that I quickly became invested in. I fell hard and fast for River and I adored Nora but what made this magical was watching them build a life for two adorable children who really needed a magical holiday. Loved everything about this book from the characters to the magic of the holiday season.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever this reader picks up a story by this author , she knows it will be a touching, sweet, inspirational, feel good romance . It will be a promise that there is good in the world and in life.
This time the magical story belongs to former soldier River Young and recently divorced Nora.
When Nora’s sister passes away, Nora finds herself the sole provider to her sweet 6 year old niece, Pixie, and 3 year old John-John. Something her then husband couldn’t handle, as he never wanted children.
As hard as it will be financially, Nora is determined to give the kids the best Christmas she can provide.
When River discovers his brother, Edward has left Nora, he goes to the city, never expecting to be once again enchanted with Nora, as he was years ago, and with the children.
From that moment on , the future they expected, will not be the one they get.
Will they realize they are meant to become a family or will Edward, his family and the town think otherwise?
A wonderful story to be enjoyed year round as this is a story about hope, new beginnings and second chances in life and love.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by 1852 Media. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Pines never disappoints me with her books. She writes small-town, sweet romances that always touch my heart and fill me with all kinds of wonderful emotions. Soldier’s Christmas Hope is no different. This is River’s story. He has recently returned from his tour of duty and bought the farm of his dreams. He also learned that his brother Edward had divorced his wife when she took custody of her deceased sister’s two small children. River is shocked at this and drives to the big city to check on Nora and the kids. From here the book takes us readers on an extraordinary journey as River opens his home and his big heart to Nora and the kids to give them a Christmas on the farm they’ll always remember. Having Nora and the kids at his farm, soothes the kind hearted soldier’s soul. Could he possibly hope for more? Would Nora even consider giving him a chance at forever with her and the kids?

Excellent read. I can’t recommend this book enough. While you don’t have to have read the other books in the series to enjoy Soldier’s Christmas Hope, I highly recommend them. In fact all of Ms. Pines Trinity Falls books are exceptional, romance reads.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars

[Tara Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet, clean, feel-good romance to read and enjoy. When River comes home from the military, he finds it difficult to be around people and is horrified (I didn't understand why right away) when he learned that his brother left his wife when she took responsibility for her niece and nephew. He shows up on Nora's doorstep he immediately steps in and starts connecting with both children and Nora. Nora doesn't regret taking responsibility for her niece and nephew but wishes that it wouldn't have been the end of her marriage. When she finds River outsider her door, she is shocked but happy.

A fabulous holiday romance that is all about family, connection and taking chances that could change your life in the best way possible. River is strong, dependable and all-around fantastic. Nora is stronger than even she realizes and will do anything to keep her niece and nephew happy, so she doesn't hesitate to take them to River's farm. The kids are fantastic, and his brother even surprised me with his reasoning/reaction to River and Nora.

I love Trinity Falls and can't wait to see what happens next. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Charlie Sandino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had it's beautiful story, it was totally a nice read. This was the 5th book in the Trinity Falls series. The characters, the storytelling unraveled at a good pace, the setting as always lovely. The holiday season around the corner, the Christmas themed happenings that makes you want to be there. This book is the story of River Young who's back from the army, River has bought a farm where he will start the next part of his life. He will meet Nora the wife that his brother Edward abandoned. Nora has to take care of her niece and nephew, left behind by her sister that passed away. Adorable kids that need someone to care for them. The story is filled with hope and a chance of new beginnings, it is so sweet how these characters in the book will find their way to happiness.They blend in perfectly with each other and the pages finished too quickly making you want to read more.
I'm happy to have read this book to and grateful to the author and the publisher for the chance to read yet another great read.
Charlotte N

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching Christmas story
An unexpected knock on her door results in Nora and her orphaned niece and nephew, Pixie and John-John, leaving the city for a pre-Christmas weekend on a farm in Trinity Falls owned by her brother-in-law, River.
While Nora and River find the small-town vibe both welcome and intrusive as they attempt to negotiate an awkward situation River has inadvertently created, Pixie and John-John take great delight in re-enacting scenes from their favourite bedtime storybook as they explore their new environment.
Ms Pines has delighted readers with this heartwarming ‘holiday rescue’. It is a story which includes characters who demonstrate loving acceptance and empathy for one another as well as protagonists who tend to judge without having full knowledge of the circumstances. The children play a pivotal role in the development of the storyline of this delightful novel filled with Christian values. A voluntary opinion of a review copy received from the author.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I pick up a book by this author, I know I’m in for a cozy, uplifting romance. This time, we meet River, a former soldier with a big heart, and Nora recently divorced (did I say she is his former SIL?),  and has unexpectedly became guardian to her adorable niece Pixie and toddler John , after her sister’s passing. When she's betrayed by the man she thought wanted kids like her, she's determined to give them the best Christmas. Enter River,  who falls not just for Nora but the kids as well. 


This story was about hope, healing, and second chances — not just in love, but in life. It’s the kind of book you can read any time of year when your heart needs a little reminder that love does win even when there's heartbreak .

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Ela (Mouse333) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked Nora and River, but the issue of River’s family isn’t resolved or even really talked about until the end and even then, I wasn’t satisfied with how his parents, especially his mother, were dealt with. Surprisingly, Edward wasn’t a problem, but his mother caused River to feel like he was second best for a long time and in this book, he explains his actions, she gets tears in her eyes and everything is fine while her treatment of him isn’t really mentioned.

Pixie and John-John were actual characters which I liked, but I still wanted to see more of them (and Nora) getting to know River. I liked the idea of the town, but the people weren’t shown much, which doesn’t make me too interested in trying other books in this series.

Setting: Trinity Falls, Pennsylvania
MCs: Nora Young, River Young
POV: both (but mostly Nora), 3rd person