Ms. Blake puts together a wonderful story including childhood infatuation, family loss, finding personal strength, unexpected love all wound together with a Valentine box. It is 4th grade when Taylor moves to Sweetheart, Kentucky and as a new kid plus with red hair and freckles she is a favorite target of the bullies. Luke who always sat near her in home room was a bright spot in her day. On Valentine’s Day her dad, hoping to cheer her up after the move, gives her a beautifully made heart shaped wooden box to collect her Valentines. Through the years the Valentine box continues to be a part of her life - collecting wishes in high school and then for business cards in her bakery. When Luke comes back to town they are thrown together with a new challenge that concerns the whole town. I recommend this book on Valentine’s Day and any day you need a sweet uplifting story. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours.

I absolutely loved this book. The Valentine box is a character all by itself. It’s was such a great character how it all started in elementary school how her father made it for her. She kept it around all through school even high school where it caused a little trouble. Years later she finds something in it only to think her time passed. She finds it comes in handy later in life. What a beautiful book it was.

The Valentine Box is the third in a series, but can be read as a standalone. This sweet page-turner hit all of the emotions, including happy tears and sad tears. The story is set around the valentine box that Taylor Mulvaney’s dad made for her in 4th grade, shortly after they move to a new town. We follow along through high school and then 15 years later when Taylor has made a name for herself with her specialty bake shop. Luke Montgomery, her friend and long-time crush, is back in town after the death of his dad. Decisions need to be made by Luke and his family that could make or break their dying town. Will Luke and Taylor connect over the Valentine Box and come to terms with their past and their future?

Sweet second chance romance. It starts with Taylor as the new kid in school; her red hair, slight speech impediment, and shyness make her a target for bullies. Her classmate, Luke, gives her quiet encouragement, including a sweet Valentine every year.

I loved the flashbacks to their school years, always around Valentine's Day, with the heart-shaped box Taylor's dad made for her a central theme. It's no surprise that Taylor develops a crush on Luke. However, she has no idea that he feels the same way. A missed communication and Luke's sudden departure during their senior year left both heartbroken.

Fifteen years later, Taylor now owns the Sweetheart Bakery, where she makes a living selling heart-shaped goodies. Luke returns home to help settle his father's estate, and the two cautiously rekindle their friendship. I loved how quickly they reconnected and how easily they could talk. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings for each other grow. But Taylor is rooted in Sweetwater, and Luke will eventually return to his home and businesses in Utah. Taylor's friends encourage her to "just have fun," but she wants more.

Communication is once again at the heart of Luke and Taylor's problems. I loved seeing her stand up for her wants and needs, but she stopped short of full disclosure. Luke's reaction mirrors his earlier history until friends set him straight. I loved their reactions to his obliviousness and laughed at his "aha" moment. He still has to make things right. Luke's big moment at the end was sweet, but it almost didn't happen because he didn't learn from the past. The epilogue was terrific.

I loved the small-town setting. The characters were realistic, from the former high school bully to the friends who made their lives in their hometown. I especially enjoyed the storyline of the big factory that wants to relocate to their town. The townspeople's reactions were realistic, as was Luke's desire to do what was right for the town and his family. The solution was creative, and I loved how it came about.

I love this series, and The Valentine Box is my favorite! I enjoyed every minute of Luke and Taylor's story and loved all of the special 'heart' moments throughout.

The Valentine Box by Toni Blake is a heart tugging story that I found difficult to put down once I started reading. The beginning was sad with more sadness happening before life improved for Taylor Mulvaney. I wanted to see the just how right Taylor’s life became but it did take a while. So many books only tell the good about in small towns. Having lived and worked in one for over forty years, this book is much more honest and authentic. Still Taylor survive with grace.

I so adored the box made by her father along with her parents’ love and support for Taylor. Luke and Taylor kept missing the moment to be together until the best time came to be. What a intensely beautiful story with a lovely ending.

I enjoyed reading The Valentine Box by Toni Blake. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

Oh my heart! If you're looking for a sweet read for the Valentine's season, this one is it! I have adored Toni Blake's new Box Series, but this book is, by far, my favorite of the series!

Taylor and Luke's story spans years with a heart wooden box at the center of it. The box, a special gift to Taylor from her father, is an amazing piece of the story.

Fifteen years after breaking Taylor's heart in high school, Luke is back in town for his father's funeral and to help his mother. Now, Taylor is the proud owner of The Sweetheart Bake Shop. Soon, a note dropped into that old wooden box leads to the next chapter of their story.

Toni never disappoints to captivating the reader with all the emotions that falling in love brings.

The Valentine Box by Toni Blake is a heartfelt romance set in a charming small town, exploring themes of love, self-worth, and personal growth. The story follows a strong heroine who values herself and refuses to settle for less, inspired by her father’s example. As she opens her heart, she finds a tender connection rooted in trust, respect, and mutual growth. With sweet, emotionally rich moments and a focus on genuine love, this novella is a cozy, uplifting read perfect for fans of clean romances.

Toni Blake does it again. I'm clearly obsessed with the Box Books and as soon as I saw this one coming out, I knew I would read it. I love that it began with our main characters as children in grade school and she perfectly capture how awkward handing out Valentine's were...at least it was for me so I immediately connected with our slightly awkward and shy FMC. Watching the sweet and unexpected friendship begin to bloom was adorable...at times, I just wished our MMC would be more bold and stop giving in to the peer expectations but all in all, I understood his plight as well. Loved the character arc throughout the story. It felt very realistic and natural for both our main characters.

I loved this book from beginning to end. If you are looking for a quick read or need a guaranteed HEA, Toni Blake has become my preferred palette cleanser.

*Small Town Romance
*Childhood friendship
*Friends to lovers
*2nd Chance Romance
*Grief and loss

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

This story tugs at all of your heartstrings from the beginning to the end. Taylor has her share of bullying at her small hometown of Sweetwater, Kentucky as she’s growing up, but she never forgets how Luke Montgomery defended her the day one of the bullies tried to destroy her wooden Valentine box that her father made her. Luke tries to get Taylor to go out with him, but their communication falls short, and they both grow up and move on with their lives. When Luke’s dad passes away and Luke comes home, Taylor and Luke begin to face the obstacles that have kept them apart. I loved this story and the sweet way it all came together. If you are looking for a story that will make you smile and believe in the happiness of love, this is the one!

This was such a lovely book. Very very lovely. And it's hitting all the right nostalgic, tender and heartfelt feels.
I think we all need a bit of such plots as this sometimes. We may be cynical beings right now lol but these books series serve that special role of.making sure we keep just a little softness to pur dreams and hearts.
This books spans a few decades of Taylors life. As she grows and shifts and perseveres to get her wishes to come true.
Of course there's the man. Or should I say boy when she first meets him. And sadly he breaks her heart when he leaves their small town.
Building herself back wasn't easy. So when the heartbreak and stiiill love of her life returns what will she do. And how will she cope. And what follows is a gorgeous coming together of two amazing friends
And I'd hope two amazing partners...

This book starts with a young girl and her family who move to a small town when she is in 4th grade and follows her for the next 25 years (with some gaps) around the Valentines Holiday. She deals with bullying and the death of her father, while crushing on the only boy who is nice to her.
🩷
The bulk of the book takes place when our MFC gets a second chance with her childhood crush when he returns to town. It is love, cuteness, sweets, horses, and the only kind of miscommunication that I love in a romance book! The cutest part of this book is the hearts she sees everywhere which is a constant reminder of her late father. This cute little aspect makes this book so much cuter

If you love
🩷small town
🩷some cowboyish vibes
🩷2nd chances
🩷Miscommunications (but not in an irritating way)
And of course a HEA, this is the book for you

Enjoyed this one. It takes you on an emotional journey of Taylor from meeting Luke in elementary school to the present with all the ups and downs along the way. I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leaving a review.

As the 3rd book in Toni Blake's Box series, The Valentine Box did not disappoint. It's a sweet romance released just in time for the holiday and evokes all the feelings from Valentines Day back in my own childhood. The story is set around Taylor as the plain Jane girl who the new kid in school and Luke, the popular and handsome athlete. It follows them during Valentines season in school and later picks up some 15 years later as they meet again. The author manages to thread all the stereotypes and angst we remember from our own school days and caused me to rethink some of my own perceptions. No worries for those who seeking an HEA ending as the Valentine Box provides.

Toni Blake’s The Valentine Box is a heartwarming romance that captures the spirit of love, personal growth, and self-discovery. With its charming small-town setting and relatable characters, this novella feels like a perfect Hallmark Valentine’s Day movie come to life.

The story centers on a strong, determined heroine who refuses to settle for less in love or life. Inspired by the unwavering example of her father, she has a clear sense of her worth and what she desires in a partner. This inner strength sets her apart, making her journey all the more compelling as she opens her heart to the possibilities of love.

The romance is sweet and tender, with no spice but plenty of heartfelt moments that leave a lasting impression. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, yet it’s the emotional growth and mutual respect they share that truly shines. Both protagonists experience significant growth, learning to trust, communicate, and embrace vulnerability, making their relationship feel genuine and deeply rewarding.

Blake’s writing is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a romance that is as cozy as it is uplifting. This story serves as a reminder that love is not only about finding the right person but also about being the right person for someone else.

The Valentine Box is an ideal read for fans of clean romances with rich emotional depth. It’s a celebration of love in its purest form—one that’s rooted in mutual understanding, respect, and growth. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Toni Blake or new to her work, this novella is a delightful treat perfect for the season of love.

I was granted an ARC of this wonderful book The third in Ms Blake’s Box series, the novel literally strikes the heart. Based in a town called Sweetwater, the story spans time lived by Taylor who was gifted at a young age a wooden heart box made by her father. This box plays a significant role in the storyline as do hearts. Ms. Blake has a way of helping a grieving or troubled hearts through her writings and The Valentine Box is no exception. For Taylor, hearts were a significant reminder of a loved one.. For me, it is cardinals exactly as described by Ms. Blake. Five stars for a not-to-be-missed novel for Valentine’s Day and any other day of the year.

Amazing romance, not enough spice for me but the story was so beautifully written.

A must if you love low-spice books.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours.
This was a lovely story. The second part was predictable though, but overall it was well written and I’ve had a delightful time reading this book.
My rating : 3.5 stars.

I just finished a great romcom just in time for Valentine’s Day. The Valentine Box is a perfect read for the upcoming holiday.