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My Valentine takes place in the late 1800’s in Worcester, Massachusetts. Rosalyn Sue Mitchell is the newly hired delivery girl for the New England Valentine Company, a cottage industry created by her idol, Esther Howland. Esther hired Rosalyn after her beloved benefactor, Callie Garrett died and her heir, Christian Garrett, ordered Rosalyn removed from the house. Christian comes to Massachusetts to finalize the sale of Callie’s estate and to track down a valuable ruby necklace that once belonged to his grandmother. He believes Rosalyn has stolen it and arranges “accidental” meetings under an assumed name in order to get close to her and find a way to recover the necklace. Only he’s never met anyone like Rosalyn, and she finds herself incredibly attracted to the gentleman she thinks he is. Sheridon Smythe is the writing team of Sherrie Kelly and Donna Smith. My first introduction to this top notch team was their contemporary series, (Mr. Complete, Completely Irresistible, Completely Yours) and I have been searching out their back lists ever since. This novel is a reprint from a 1999 Berkley release and it is great to see it back in print again. I applaud the authors on their ability to project such an innocent, “gentler time” tone to this book. It is a departure from their contemporary novels, and, while it could be disappointing if their racier/edgy style was expected, it actually offers a fresh breath of air and a warm glow. Rosalyn is a delightful, emancipated girl who embraces the idea of a career in making and delivering valentines, her heart thrills to the proposals and breaking with the refusals of her customers. Her whole-hearted enthusiasm and clever verses end so frequently in weddings that she has garnered the nickname of Cupid in the area. Christian Garrett is less appealing, heartlessly plotting to seduce innocent Rosalyn and reclaim the jewels he believes the clever criminal has stolen from their rightful heir – HIM! His arousing seduction scenes leave the reader equally enthralled and dismayed (since we know his cold, calculating intent), a confusion that mirrors Rosalyn’s own mixed feelings. Circumstances and later revelations do help to mellow him and we are allowed to see a softer, more appealing side. I was enchanted by the concept of the New England Valentine Company with its band of positive, progressive women and thought the setting added a unique and charming aspect to the story. This time period in New England is not one that I have encountered frequently, so that was refreshing. I loved the snowy cover of My Valentine with its horse-drawn carriage and thought it added just the right romantic atmosphere to the tale. The novel contains relatively mild sensuality fitting to the more conservative setting. While the novel points out how the authors have grown in their craft since its original 1999 issue, I would still recommended it as a satisfying read.Reviewed by Crystal |
My Valentine
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