I enjoy short stories. The ones here were interesting and the writing style was good.

4 stars

Thanks to Tracie Peterson, Sally Laity, and Barbour Publishing for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

The book suffers from poor writing and grammatical errors that the editor missed. The portrayal of the Jewish characters might give offense to some readers. The story is very heavy in religious practices, prayer, and scripture. The story seemed to be very heavy or bogged down. It was difficult to get through, and the pace was just very slow.

I love historical romances and Tracie Peterson weaves a beautiful tale of love. The bonus novellas were sweet little reads as well.

My Valentine by Tracie Peterson is a delightful love story. Set in New York City in the 1830s readers find a young Jewish woman and a Christian man navigating the obstacles of religion, society, and prejudice to find love. Engaging characters, a little action, and a beautiful romance and this novella couldn't get much better. I enjoyed the honesty (maybe even chutzpah!) of Pierce as he interacts with his aunt and his aunt's choice of a mate for him. I also enjoyed reading about the Jewish celebration of Passover with the Seder meal and the way the author described the differences and similarities between Christianity and Judaism. A lovely novella
Added as a bonus is another novella--Little Shoes and Mistletoe by Sally Laity. Kind of fun to read a Valentine's story and then a Christmas one too. This story is another delightful romance and it deals with a young woman who has left a broken relationship to come live with an elderly aunt. The author tugs on the heartstrings as she tells of orphans in Manhattan in the late 1800s but also warms the heart with a sweet romance. Both stories are worth the read!
Thank you to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of the book. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.

‘My Valentine’ is exactly what I’ve come to expect from Tracie Peterson--endearing and thoughtful. Pierce Blackwell is everything one could wish for as your hero and Darlene exactly what one expects as heroine. Eugenia Blackwell, as well as the colorful socialite she has decided would be best for Pierce, are not so deplorable as to be written out, but superficial and annoying enough that you’re glad Eugenia doesn’t taint the wedding with her presence, even if an eventual change-of-heart and reconciliation would be admirable. Darlene’s struggle with her father’s conversion and her own is done with an appropriate amount of consideration without belaboring the point to an extreme. Well done, Ms. Peterson, well done!

‘Little Shoes and Mistletoe’ was a delightful and heart-warming addition. While ‘My Valentine’ alone would have been sufficient, the addition of Micah and Eliza’s story was a well loved cup of hot chocolate on a cold day.

Two books in one...Two wonderful stories...I loved them. Thank you for sharing this 'novel' w/ me. I have, in turn, shared it w/ my reading circle.

Rating 5 out of 5 stars.

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Darlene and her father are Jewish people living in New York City, and she helps him in his tailoring shop. Pierce and his father frequent the shop and are friends with Darlene's father. Pierce and his father are also Christians and have been talking to Darlene's father about Jesus being the Messiah.

Tracie Peterson has wrapped the ultimate love story into this story of love growing between two people. She does it in such a way that does not come across preachy but comes across as genuine. She has told the story of coming to terms with who Jesus is to each one of us, and how His love is so complete that it allows us to love others as He loves us.

Sally Laity has written the bonus story in this book--Little Shoes and Mistletoe. Eliza has come to New York to stay with her elderly aunt after her fiancee jilted her and ran off with her best friend. Through her aunt, she meets Micah, whose mission in life is to minister to the poor and needy. He takes her along on some of his relief work and she meets two little girls whose mother has just passed away. Through these children, Eliza's heart is opened to love again. There's only one hitch. Micah is supposed to marry Anabelle, but the two just don't mesh well. All things work out as they must do in these kinds of books, but it is still a very sweet story about fulfilling needs and sharing of what's been given to us.

Definitely a five-star book with two thumbs up and real men who rescue us from ourselves. Where will the children’s new home be? Who will Micah settle down with?

The writer captures the beauty and elegance of this victorian period very well.#book #blog #traciepeterson #Sarah Laity

Two books in one - what more could you ask - these two books make you want to cuddle up with the book and a cup of hot chocolate in the front window - sit in the sun - wrap a blanket around you - and sit and read all day - because you do not want to put this book down - My Valentine is beautifully cautious with the handling of the discussions between Darlene's Dad and Pierce regarding Judaism and Christianity - and she does it with such clarity and non sermon like preaching to the masses. Pierce is dashing and debonair and rich and Darlene is the total opposite - they are a dichotomy, but with that dichotomy they are attracted to each other underneath - Darlene is a little put off by the fact that Pierce is talking to her father about Christianity. Darlene and her father came over from Germany to America. What happens well, let me tell you ------ nah - you have to get it to find out - it is so worth the read. and........you get a second book..........................................................
Little Shoes and Mistletoe and this book is about redemption, Christian living, forgiveness, and trust of the LORD. This is about Eliza who had her heart torn out and broken into pieces - moves to be with her Aunt who has a tea parlor and gift shop and gives money to the orphans - she has a person to take care of the orphans named Micah - who reminds Eliza of the man who stomped on her heart and it is hard for her not to like him - but not trust him either - Eliza has to learn how to help in the gift shop in order to give her keep. Now - will Eliza be able to trust again - will she be able to forgive the other man? Will she trust JESUS to heal her heart? This book was so very well written - this author did a great job.

This is a slow paced romance. Darlene and her father are Germans who live in New York City and run a tailor shop. There is a mutual attraction between Pierce and Darlene. Pierce and his father come into the tailor shop to have suits made for Pierce. They are Christians, where Darlene and her father are Jews, so a match can never be as light and darkness do not work together. Darlene's aging father becomes a Christian, which worries Darlene as their people will discontinue to do business with them (they live in a Jewish neighborhood) and treat her father as dead. Darlene does become interested in the Christian faith.
I, truly, did not enjoy this book. It was a struggle for me to get through it. Perhaps others will enjoy it more than I did.
The plus side of this was the novella at the end, Little Shoes and Mistletoe. Now, this book was a delight! Eliza comes heartbroken, to live with her aging aunt after suffering heartbreak when her fiance' ran off with her best friend.
Her aunt runs a shop out of her home which she sells handmade things. She teaches Eliza to make things, which occupies her mind. The money made from their sales profits the needy and orphans. Micah is a man whose call is to help the needy. He collects funds from Eliza's aunt to give. There is a mutual attraction, but Micah is currently courting Anabelle, who becomes a close friend to Eliza. This is a Christmas story and you'll have to read for yourself to learn more.

I'm a big fan of Tracie Peterson and have read the vast majority of her books.

My Valentine is one of her earlier novels, repackaged here. While her writing style is excellent as always, this story was just okay to me. It centered on a Jewess named Darlene, and a Gentile named Pierce, who fall in love despite the vast differences in their religious upbringing. The main focus of the story is her conversion to Christianity, and as such it becomes a bit too preachy at times. The romance itself was not explored in any depth. I would give this story 3 stars out of 5.

The bonus story by Sally Laity was quite enjoyable. It's a very heartwarming Christmas read and was much more to my liking. 5 stars for this one.

Overall, worth the read. 4 stars for the two books combined.

Tracie Peterson's books keep coming. Her consistency in writing style, tone and attention to detail make her a sure-bet for fans of historical romantic fiction.

My Valentine by Tracie Peterson
This book included the bonus story Little Shoes and Mistletoe by Sally Laity. My Valentine takes place in 1835. Darlene lives with her father both Jewish and living in the Jewish section of the city. Dennison and his son Pierce Blackwell, Christians, use Darlene’s father, Abraham, as their tailor for all of their fine suits. The Blackwells come from money while the Darlene’s family is working class. As all good romances start, Darlene and Pierce meet and sparks ignite.
Tracie Peterson always writes stories that draw the reader into her character’s world. Easy and fast-paced, My Valentine will not disappoint Ms. Peterson’s fans. Although the story takes place in New York City, the story really revolves around the questioning of one’s religion and the learning about Christianity. Some exploration about class difference also comes through with the Darlene’s and Pierce’s budding friendship. The only criticism was the story seemed to conclude a little fast and seemed rushed. Looking for a nice historical read with romance, pick up this title and you won’t be disappointed.
The bonus story, Little Shoes and Mistletoe, is set in 1898 in Manhattan. Another historical romance story that is focused more on the romance between the two main characters. Eliza was jilted by her fiancee and moves to Manhattan to recover with her aunt. Working with her aunt, she meets Micah a Christian young man who has a heart for the down-trodden. Micah spends his time in the poorer neighborhoods helping them and especially the children that have been orphaned by death or inability to care for them. Micah is engaged but his fiancee does not share his passion. Eliza and Micah begin a friendship over their compassion for the down-trodden. Micah is aware that his fiancee, a life long friend, could use friends her own age and introduces her to Eliza. Of course as in any good page turner does, conflict arises for all of the characters.
Little Shoes and Mistletoe is a quick and enjoyable read. The characters are written so the reader quickly can identify and empathize with them. A quick enjoyable read for those liking their romance and a little drama between budding relationships. This read is more about romantic relationships and hits the mark for a cozy read. Give this book with both titles to readers who like a little variety in their romantic reading.
Note: I was given an electronic copy via Edelweiss and the publisher, Barbour Books for an honest review.

What an interesting read. I especially liked how the author contrasted the Christian belief to the Jewish belief and wound an incredible love story about two characters who are obviously right for each other but both believing in one way of thinking and not about to the let the other convince them otherwise. I especially found the Sabbath Feast described in very detailed storytelling most interesting. The short story also featured morals and standards the way God set them up to be.

A very good and quick read with relateable characters and an interesting plot. I recommend this.

My Valentine By Tracie Peterson.
A Valentine story.
Such a beautiful cover I was really drawn to the cover of this book.
Tracie Peterson is a go to author for me. I have really enjoyed everything I have read by her including this one. It was interesting reading about and learning more about the Jewish culture.


Bonus story Little Shoes and Mistletoe by Sally Laity
A Christmas story.
I loved this story.It had such depth to it! I really felt for the orphans. It started out heartbreaking and ended up heartwarming. Very enjoyable!

I highly recommend this to lovers of Christian Historical Fiction.

Published 01 January 2017.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a complimentary copy for my honest review.

Enjoyable but predictable story. I loved learning more about the Jewish culture. This was a quick, relaxing tale with an added bonus story.