A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
Bethany has endured a streak of depressing Valentine’s Days. And this one is turning out no different. Her friend set her up on a blind date—and Bethany can only hope that James will be a decent guy. But it seems the fated day has other plans, and Bethany finds herself in the middle of a comedy of errors that make a blind date with a stranger the least of her problems.
EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
When Maurie moves back to her hometown to open up her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job, and Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood return with full force. When she discovers Grant has a troubled past of his own, Maurie realizes that she might have misjudged him all along.
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
As Kayla trains for the Olympic swimming trials, she vows to never let another boyfriend get in her way. When she finds out her younger sister’s new high school swim coach is Nate—the guy Kayla had a huge crush on when they were in school together—Kayla realizes that her resolve is weakening. But Kayla isn’t willing to risk giving up her Olympic dream for anyone, not even charming Nate.
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
When Sam’s long-time boyfriend, Steve, texts that he has something important to ask her on Valentine’s Day, she’s sure that he’s going to propose. Determined to look great for the big day, she hits the all-night laundromat to wash her favorite outfit. When her clothes are chugging away in a machine, Steve calls and pops a question—not one she ever would have expected. Reeling with shock, she’s left facing the holiday alone, unless you count the other person at laundromat, a guy leaning against his own washer, intent on his phone.
DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
The last place Colette wants to be stranded is the snowed-in Denver airport, especially when her sister is enduring chemo treatments and needs Colette’s help back home. When Colette runs into another stranded passenger—none other than former college boyfriend Drew—she can’t believe how much he’s changed . . . and hasn’t changed. Drew is still the same amazing guy that Colette was foolish enough to blow off for someone else. By the time she’d realized her mistake all those years ago, Drew’s heart had been too broken to give her a second chance. Now Colette can only hope that she can work her way back into his heart.
HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
On the surface, Helen seems to have her life figured out. Her advice column, Hey, Helen!, is gaining more readers every week. She regularly hangs out with the guy next door, laughing and chatting over pizza and work. But when her feelings for her handsome neighbor begin tiptoeing toward something more than friendship, Helen can’t help hoping Neil might feel the same way. Between her own uncertainties, his friend-zone treatment of her, and a pair of loudly interfering parents, Hey, Helen! could use a little advice in love.
When Maurie moves back to her hometown to open up her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job, and Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood return with full force. When she discovers Grant has a troubled past of his own, Maurie realizes that she might have misjudged him all along.
As Kayla trains for the Olympic swimming trials, she vows to never let another boyfriend get in her way. When she finds out her younger sister’s new high school swim coach is Nate—the guy Kayla had a huge crush on when they were in school together—Kayla realizes that her resolve is weakening. But Kayla isn’t willing to risk giving up her Olympic dream for anyone, not even charming Nate.
When Sam’s long-time boyfriend, Steve, texts that he has something important to ask her on Valentine’s Day, she’s sure that he’s going to propose. Determined to look great for the big day, she hits the all-night laundromat to wash her favorite outfit. When her clothes are chugging away in a machine, Steve calls and pops a question—not one she ever would have expected. Reeling with shock, she’s left facing the holiday alone, unless you count the other person at laundromat, a guy leaning against his own washer, intent on his phone.
The last place Colette wants to be stranded is the snowed-in Denver airport, especially when her sister is enduring chemo treatments and needs Colette’s help back home. When Colette runs into another stranded passenger—none other than former college boyfriend Drew—she can’t believe how much he’s changed . . . and hasn’t changed. Drew is still the same amazing guy that Colette was foolish enough to blow off for someone else. By the time she’d realized her mistake all those years ago, Drew’s heart had been too broken to give her a second chance. Now Colette can only hope that she can work her way back into his heart.
On the surface, Helen seems to have her life figured out. Her advice column, Hey, Helen!, is gaining more readers every week. She regularly hangs out with the guy next door, laughing and chatting over pizza and work. But when her feelings for her handsome neighbor begin tiptoeing toward something more than friendship, Helen can’t help hoping Neil might feel the same way. Between her own uncertainties, his friend-zone treatment of her, and a pair of loudly interfering parents, Hey, Helen! could use a little advice in love.
Bubby:
Well, here we are, folks. Less than 24 hours from V-Day. The day that can make or break relationships, depending on the quality of the chocolate one receives. But seriously, Valentine’s Day isn’t that important at my house. Why should we let a calendar date determine when we treat our loved ones well? Dangit, I want good chocolate and pampering treatment ALL THE TIME, not just once a year! The best gift for me (besides the aforementioned chocolate) is a good book with lots of romance and happy sighing at the end. The stories in the Valentine’s Day Collection absolutely fit the bill.
Sissy:
This particular Valentine’s anthology is the perfect gift for a reader! The stories contain the ideal blend of romance, humor, relatable characters and unusual settings and situations. The first tale, A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison, had Bubby rolling on the floor (a disturbing sight) –
Bubby:
Hey, just the thought of our poor heroine trapped outside on a balcony in her underwear makes me want to roll on the floor some more right now!
Sissy:
Please spare me! All the novellas were really entertaining, but one of my particular favorites was HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden. Quirky characters abound and their witty repartee is absolutely delightful. I identified with the main character’s career so much that I want to turn this blog into a “Hey Bubby & Sissy” forum for the dispensing of wise nuggets to the masses. Plus, the Valentine’s Day advice is great.
Bubby:
I.E., no stuffed animals or grocery store boxes of chocolates. Nothing in those inflatable heart-shaped balloons.
Sissy:
The only grocery store flowers I will accept are from Costco, otherwise, forget it. No blue carnations with baby’s breath, thanks. And tchatchkes of any sort are right out.
Bubby:
Amen! If you are still searching for Mr. Wonderful, there is a great selection of book boyfriends here for you to choose from. You’ll find everything from Olympic swimmers, carpenters and policemen to bloggers, college students and random men at the airport. Are you spending Valentine’s Day with the one you love or by yourself with Netflix? Doesn’t matter– the Valentine’s Day Collection should be part of your plans.
Sissy:
In fact, if I had my druthers, Valentine’s Day would consist of take-out food at home and snuggling on the couch with my honey reading books. However, Mr. Sissy, once recumbent, falls asleep in three seconds flat (because that’s his superpower) so I will read a wonderful book like the Valentine’s Day Collection while he watches Independence Day – The Valentine’s Version. Is that a thing?
Click HERE to buy the Valentine’s Day Collection
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