Founding Hearts

Holiday Hearts #1

by Kiva Hart

He’s determined to build a town where none has survived. She knows this land has broken stronger men. Believing in him might cost her everything.

Benjamin Tolliver arrives in the Arkansas wilderness with a bold vision… turn the unforgiving land around Whisper Falls into a thriving community.

Anna McMillan has lived in these mountains her whole life. She knows the floods, the isolation, the quiet dangers that have driven others away. Letting Benjamin fail would be easy.

But when their worlds collide, something unexpected begins to grow.

As rough-hewn cabins rise and strangers become neighbors, Anna finds herself drawn not just to Benjamin’s dream, but to the man behind it. A man who sees possibility where others see ruin.

Then a devastating storm threatens to destroy everything they’ve built.

Now Anna must decide…
hold on to the safety of what she’s always known, or risk everything for a future built on hope.

This sweet and wholesome small town historical romance is a slow-burn story of resilience, new beginnings, and love strong enough to build something lasting.

Genres: Romance, Ebooks

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2026

About the author

Kiva Hart is a passionate romance author known for her ability to weave steamy, heart-pounding love stories with unforgettable characters. With a love for exploring intense chemistry, forbidden romance, and emotional conflict, Kiva creates stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whether it's enemies turning into lovers, brooding heroes falling for bright-eyed heroines, or love blossoming in the most unexpected circumstances, Kiva’s books are filled with sizzling tension and heart-stopping moments.

Reviews

[Susannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.75/5)

Founding Hearts was another sweet addition to Kiva Hart’s Holiday Hearts series! I always enjoy the holiday themes in these novellas, and this one delivered plenty of cozy historical charm.

Benjamin and Anna’s slow-burn romance was heartfelt, and I loved watching a community come together in the rugged Arkansas wilderness. The story is full of hope, resilience, and new beginnings, with just enough drama to keep things interesting.

If you’re looking for a wholesome historical romance that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon, this one is worth picking up. I’ve read quite a few books in this series, and it’s always a treat to return for another holiday-inspired love story. ☺️

[Mint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town? Check. Whisper Falls is literally a main character.
Grumpy x sunshine? No. It’s grieving x green flag and I’m obsessed.

Anna’s whole “I’m not over my past” thing HURT because it felt real. Benjamin said “I got you” with his whole chest and just... waited. No love bombing. No 3rd act breakup over miscommunication. Just two people rebuilding life after a storm wrecks everything.

Is it predictable? Yeah. Did I still cry-smile at the ending? Also yeah.

If you want soft, low-drama, small-town romance where the community actually shows up for each other?? This is your next weekend read. Pair with tea + blanket.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Founding Hearts by Founding Hearts — Kiva Hart 🏔️❤️✨

This was such a warm, heartfelt start to the Holiday Hearts series! Sweet, hopeful, and filled with small-town charm, this story beautifully captures the idea of building not just a town, but a home and a future with the people who matter most. 🥹🌲

Benjamin was impossible not to admire. His determination to create something lasting in the Arkansas wilderness, even when everyone else sees failure waiting to happen, made him such a strong and lovable hero. He believes in hope when others only see hardship, and that optimism slowly changes everyone around him. 🤎

Anna was equally wonderful. Practical, cautious, and deeply connected to the mountains she’s always called home, she understands the dangers Benjamin is up against better than anyone. I loved watching her slowly open her heart — not only to Benjamin, but to the possibility of a future bigger than the life she’s always known. 🌿✨

The slow-burn romance was beautifully done. Their connection grows naturally through shared struggles, quiet moments, and the dream of building something meaningful together. There’s a softness to this story that makes it incredibly comforting to read. ❤️

I also loved the historical frontier setting. The cabins rising, neighbors becoming family, and the constant fight against the unforgiving wilderness made the town itself feel alive. And when the devastating storm hits, the emotional stakes become even stronger. 🏔️❤️🌲.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had the chance to read an ARC of Founding Hearts: A Small Town Origins Romance With A Little Bit Of Frontier Magic by Kiva Hart, and this one was such a cosy, heartfelt surprise.

Set against a charming small-town backdrop with a hint of frontier magic, this story blends romance and whimsy in a way that feels both comforting and quietly enchanting. The town itself feels alive—full of warmth, history, and just a touch of something magical lingering beneath the surface.

The romance is a slow burn that really lets you sink into the connection between the characters. There’s a softness to their story, but also enough tension and emotional depth to keep things engaging. I especially loved how their journey felt rooted in growth, trust, and finding where you truly belong.

The “frontier magic” element adds a unique twist without overpowering the romance, which I appreciated—it enhances the atmosphere rather than stealing the spotlight.

There were a couple of moments where the pacing dipped slightly, and I found myself wanting a bit more exploration of the magical elements, but overall it’s a really satisfying, feel-good read.

If you love small-town romance with a sprinkle of magic and a lot of heart, this is definitely one to add to your list 💫

Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC!

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my god, I read multiple books by this author and i think i should thank booksprouts for introducing her books to me! These books are so cute and entertaining, keep me hooked and i kept adding more and more to my tbr!

The story follows Benjamin, who comes to a wild place called Whisper Falls to build a new life, and Anna, who has lived there for years. Their connection grows slowly, and it feels real and warm. The setting is one of my favorite parts. The forest, the waterfall, and the small growing town all feel peaceful but also full of change. It made me feel like I was there watching everything come together. Anna is a strong and caring character and she helps others, supports her mother, and still finds space for love. Benjamin is hardworking and kind, and I liked how much effort he puts into building not just a town, but a future. The romance is so good and emotional, especially moments like the bridge scene, which is absolutely written well. There is also some conflict with people trying to take over land, that adds some tension to the story and keeps things interesting.

Slow-burn romance
Small-town settings
Found family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alicia Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Founding Hearts by Kiva Hart because I was looking for a heartfelt romance with a little more depth, and this one really delivered. I liked how the story focused not just on romance, but also on personal growth and finding where you truly belong.

The characters felt genuine to me, and I appreciated that their relationship developed naturally instead of feeling rushed. Their conversations and interactions had an easy flow that made it believable, and I found myself rooting for them pretty quickly.

One thing that stood out was the emotional balance of the story. It had sweet and lighter moments, but it also touched on bigger life decisions and challenges in a way that felt realistic. I enjoyed that it didn’t rely on unnecessary drama to keep things interesting.

Overall, I thought this was a warm and engaging read with likable characters and a strong emotional core. It’s the kind of romance that leaves you feeling satisfied by the end, and I’d definitely read more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam Blevins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super quick read in the Holiday Hearts Series with a frontier theme. Perfect for anyone looking for a kisses only story and who grew up reading Little House on the Prairie or watching Dr Quinn Medicine Woman.


Benjamin and Anna were absolutely adorable in this book. Anna had just lost her father a few months before Benjamin shows up to claim some land and turn it into something. The way that Benjamin supports Anna is swoon worthy. He even goes as far as to build her a bridge to make it easier to get to him. Their dynamic as characters are building up each other to achieve their goal of their new town.

Highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick, kisses only story set on the frontier.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading most of the books in this series before the origin story, I can now see how these all come together and explore different facets of love.

This one is a story about resilience, dreams, support, encouragement, community, and small town roots. Benjamin is the embodiment of a dream, he sees the potential for community, growth, family, love. Then there is Anna she is the foundation, she has been in the wilderness and seen what can happen, so she is cautious and careful. Together, though they are just complete, as he buiilds on what she cements. Though there are difficult times, they will persevere and shine together!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Gallitano · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute novella about the founding of Whispering Falls Arkansas back in the days when men could get plots of land simply by promising to make improvements to it.
Benjamin Tolliver is a carpenter who lands in the remote area by Whispering Falls and sees the waterfall and the lumber as an opportunity to build a mill and process timber to build homes and make furniture.
The first person he meets there is Anna who lives with her mother having recently lost her father who was also a carpenter.
It's a sweet story of their relationship growing as the town itself grows.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of The Holiday Hearts Series. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'This sweet and wholesome small town historical romance is a slow-burn story of resilience, new beginnings, and love strong enough to build something lasting.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chyenne Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book but a little confusing. I couldn't tell if this was supposed to be the beginning of the entire series and whisper falls town or if it was a new town near where the series has been. But I did love that the male main character and female main character were infatuated so quickly. I also loved how the male main character stood up for the female main character when the guy tried to buy the cabin of the female main character.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to see how this town came to be, how all started and a blossoming love between a kind, ambitious town founder and a strong-willed, nice local girl.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

So what were the odds of losing a house to floods after decades? How bizarre that there's a big possibility of losing the heroine's family house in floods, which she didn't want to give up but still lost anyway, which didn't happen until after she denied an offer. Guess a buyer's lucky for not getting a lost cause.

[Nicole Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benjamin Tolliver come to this wilderness believing he can turn Whisper Falls into a thriving community.

Anna McMillan has lived here long enough to know it is not possible does he help him or let him fail.

As things start to grow and build and she is thinking maybe he can do it after all.

When a storm comes through and destroys dreams does Anna help with the dream or just admit she told him so.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it !! it's a good start for this new series !! love Benjamin and Anna.. this is their story... a fun well paced shorter rom/drama... Benjamin wants to build a small town and buys the land.. Anna already lives here and knows how hard it is... but, she starts to believe in Benjamin's dream.. it's sweet !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tabitha Pruitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an awesome story. It was a short book but had alot of heart.The characters had great chemistry and it shows that a man with a dream to build something and also fell in love with the woman that helped him build.If you love a great short love story then you should read this book. I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a cute, charming short story. I loved getting a glimpse into the early days of Whisper Falls, and Anna and Benjamin’s story was especially sweet to follow. My only complaint is that I always wish these stories were longer — there’s so much more to explore, and I’m always left wanting to know what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fatima Salih · Rating 4 out of 5]

Founding Hearts is a soft yet powerful story. It leaned into the emotions instead of a dramatic spectacle. Benjamin and Anna feel grounded. Their struggles are both relatable and real. I felt that the relationship was gentle and honest. It's a slow-burn and heartfelt read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks, Booksprout and Kiva! This was an adventure with history and love. Benji and Anna were great MCs, they were strong, they had a vision and worked together towards the dream, all while falling in love w/o being able to do anything or try stop their hearts from fluttering everytime they were close.
An amazing story.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story with Benjamin and Anna. Ben has such dreams and hopes and Anna is living in the reality of her life. They get close to each other and "they rub off on each other". The relationship grows and I was hooked as it grew and they began to see the hope that Benjamin was seeing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and Fun

This is a cute story about new beginnings and locals blending to build a new community.

Benjamin and Anna meet and have an instant bond. They become closer as the town grows and its so cute to watch

This story is labeled as “wholesome” so we don’t get anything more than kissing and longing but it works for this story

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the determination Ben had throughout this story. He had a dream and a plan and he was going to make it work no matter what. Anna, seeing he wasn’t going to fume up started putting her negativity aside AB’s believing in not only his plans but him also. I thought this was a really sweet story and I lived the way these two came together.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming small town origins romance. I love The Holiday Hearts series, have read most of books and it was strange for me to have Book 1 as one of the last 😆
Beginning of Whisper Falls - when new owner of the land Benjamin starts town.
Cute, charming and sweetheart short read to enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaitlyn Raasveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute read. It was good from the beginning and kept my attention. I loved the sweetness of it and the relationship was nice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. /

[Arabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story, even the characters develop slowly they take their time and do not rush. It had different topics that it touched on that made it more enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benjamin and Anna’s story is set back when small towns were forming all over the US. This story is about believing in a dream, hard work and faith.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so freaking cute! I'm actually upset this was so short because I wanted more! I just love Benjamin and Anna. I know this is an interconnected standalone series but I really hope we see more of them!!

[Virginia Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming small-town historical romance that blended resilience, healing, and a slow-burn love story! The plot felt somewhat predictable, however, the supportive community, emotionally mature romance, and hopeful ending made it a satisfying read! 💌

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I came into this series somewhere in the middle so new I had to go back and pick up the pieces I missed. This was a tender love story. I enjoyed it very much. I loved learning the history of Whisper Falls.

[Kennedy Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book love the storyline and characters thanks for writing it can't wait for the next one.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

for the heart
I admired Benjamin for his optimism, he really is a rock to build a future on even though it takes Anna quite a while to leave her negative experiences behind and find trust again.