My Valentine

This was a really sweet period piece, and I liked how it meshed the Jewish and Christian religions together in a novel of understanding.  The surprise novel at the end was also wonderful!  It wasn't at all what I expected, but was a great journey anyway.

Read all of her historical fiction books and was waiting to read her others. Nice story about two people who are of different faiths . One being Jewish and the other Christian.. Falling in love but knowing they could not be together because of there faith. It was well written and a lot of information on the Jewish faith and traditions and the meaning behind there Passover. I felt I learned a lot..

Two gentle romances set in 19th century New York City, reminiscent of the style of Grace Livingston Hill. The gentlemen and ladies in these well-written stories have noble character, integrity, and faith that moves them to act honorably. They are both tender tales that have strong spiritual themes. The first one has some interesting theological discussions among a Jewish family and a Christian one, overlapping their faiths. The time period of 1835 was unique, with a lot of cultural prejudice and class distinction, especially among the old NY elite.
The second story takes place sixty plus years later when New York City was bursting at the seams, and poverty a growing problem. The main characters feel led to reach out to help children left on their own, putting their faith into action. Some good examples of how God works all things for good, and how He does not abandon His children.
Recommend to readers who enjoy a tender historical Christian romance.
(Both stories have been previously published.)

My Valentine / Little Shoes of Mistletoe are two great short stories by Tracie Peterson and Sally Laity. I enjoyed them both. They are sweet, clean and definitely worth the read. 
4 1/2 stars

My Valentine by Tracie Peterson with Sally Laity is about two nineteenth century gentle romance stories of honorable people with most noble character, sterling integrity, abiding faith and strong spiritual themes. Tracie Peterson’s My Valentine has interesting theological discussions about overlapping faiths interweave in rapid succession throughout the novel. Set in the unique time period of 1835 with cultural prejudice and class distinction, especially among the elite, this is a great novel of understanding. Sally Laity’s Little Shoes and Mistletoe is a tender historical Christian romance which confirms beyond the shadow of a doubt that the only love that transcends all barriers is God's love. In My Valentine, Tracie Peterson reveals who Jesus is to each of us, and how His love helps us to love others as He loves us.

A Valentine’s Day story and a Christmas story!  It’s fun to read stories set with a holiday theme.  I think I’ve only read one other Valentine’s Day story before, so that was something different for me.  I enjoyed both of these tales.  

"My Valentine" (Barbour, 2017), by  Tracie Peterson, includes a “bonus story” titled "Little Shoes and Mistletoe" by Sally Laity.  I selected this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review because I have been enjoying Barbour’s repackaged Heartsong books.  And also because I have liked a couple of books by each author.  

Overall rating: 4 1/4  stars

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"My Valentine" by Tracie Peterson
Published by Heartsong in 1997
A historical Christian romance set in New York City in 1835.

Rating: 4  stars

The heroine:Darlene Lewy, 20, is a Jewess and the daughter of Abraham Lewy, a tailor.  She helps her father with the bookwork and some of the sewing.  Both Darlene and her father are strong followers of the Jewish faith.  Darlene’s mother and baby brother died fifteen years earlier, when they still lived in Germany, and they have no other family.  The tragedy seemingly prompted their move to the America.  They don’t seem to be very well-to-do, and to complicate matters, Darlene’s father is struggling with a winter illness.  

The hero: Pierce Blackwell, 26, recently returned from traveling abroad, and his father are customers of Abraham.  The Blackwell men are wealthy - and Christian.  On occasion, Pierce’s father Dennison discusses the Christian faith with Abraham, which really upsets Darlene.  

Christian elements: This is very much present, as an underlying issue of the book is the difference between Judaism and Christianity.  The discussions were really well done.  I never felt that the book turned into a sermon, nor that it was dancing around the fact that it is in the Christian fiction genre.  

What I liked: 

*The included information about Jewish customs, particularly related to the Sabbath
*The close relationship the hero and heroine each had with their fathers
*The secondary characters were well constructed.  I liked Pierce’s fifteen-year-old sister and disliked his Aunt Eugenia, who “was stuffy enough for them all.
*The wisdom from Dennison when he perceives Pierce’s interest in Darlene.  “Don’t buy yourself a heartache” because “You are a Christian, Pierce.  Darlene doesn’t believe like you do, nor will she turn away from the faith of her fathers easily.”   “If you truly feel called of God to speak to Darlene, then by all means do so...”  

What I didn’t like: 

*I found at least one homophone error.  (Mettlesome rather than meddlesome; phased by instead of fazed by)
*A bit of instalove here, at least on the part of Pierce

I will certainly continue to read more of Ms. Peterson’s stories.   I have put "The Icecutter’s Daughter" on my to-read list, which I just picked up for free from Amazon!   (It’s currently a Kindle Unlimited book as well.)    
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"Little Shoes and Mistletoe" by  Sally Laity
Published by Heartsong in 1999
A historical Christian romance set in Manhattan, New York in 1898

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Eliza Criswell left her home of Harrisburg to escape a recent hurt.  She now lives with her 64-year-old aunt Phoebe Harper, who she has not seen in ten years.  Aunt Phoebe runs a combination tea parlor and gift shop, and she uses the profits to “give regularly to the needy.  Orphans in the city, to be more precise.”  Eliza promises her aunt that she will learn some of the skills required to keep up with the gift shop supply for the Christmas season.  Micah Richmond, who works with Child Placement Services, is Aunt Phoebe’s collaborator in the giving of aid to needy people.  Unfortunately, it turns out that he could be a double for Weston, Eliza’s former fiance, who unexpectedly ran off with another woman.  ”How would she ever banish her former betrothed from her mind when she’d be crossing paths with someone whose very appearance would be a constant reminder of the man who had stolen her untried heart and thoughtlessly smashed it into a million pieces?”  Micah’s fiance Anabelle Dumont, 22,  rounds out the cast of main characters.  Eliza befriends Anabelle after she is drawn to Ana’s very talented organ playing at Aunt Phoebe’s church

Christian elements:  “I know that eventually I must let go of my anger and humiliation … Help me to remember that Your Son forgave even His murderers.  Please don’t let me forget His example.”    Nice!  We all need to be reminded to follow Jesus’ example even in our hurts.  Other mini-gems are in the book, which give practical examples of what Christian living can look like. This is a real strength of the book.  

What I liked: 

*The inclusion of orphans, a topic dear to my heart.  And attachment issues are dealt with realistically.  
*I liked a subtle lesson included in the story by the author to the reader.  I thought it extremely clever.  
*Eliza learns to walk with God more closely.  

What I didn’t like: 

*It’s a minor detail, but I felt that Eliza seemed to know her aunt better than warranted after a ten-year absence.  

*I believe the word averted was used incorrectly on three occasions.  I found a couple of other word usage errors as well as a couple of odd turns of phrase.  I recognize it’s hard to get an entire book perfect, but it was distracting.  To be fair, these issues were by no means prevalent.  

“Eliza … averted her attention to the cup she held.”


I would like to read more of Sally Laity’s stories, as this makes two or three of hers that I’ve enjoyed.   I have put "Rose’s Pledge" on my to-read list.  

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I recommend this two pack to fans of historical Christian romance.  Both stories were quite good!  I hope to read more of these offerings from Barbour.

Tracie Peterson has done it again.  This was such a great book.  This was a book that I feel in love with right away.  I highly recommend it.

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

What are the differences that separate the beliefs of Jews and Christians? Does the Bible warn not to be unequally yoked and if so, does that apply to Jews and Christians? My Valentine by Tracie Peterson is a heartwarming regency romance between Darlene Lewy, raised a Jew her entire life that lives with her father Abraham and Pierce Blackwell, a Christian young man who has recently arrived in New York with his father.

At the height of the season, Pierce comes to Lewy and Company with his father to get some suits made in time for the Valentine's Day ball. In order to expedite things in acquiring what he needs over trying to find suitable attire somewhere else, he is enchanted when he meets with Darlene who is trying to figure out just why her father and Dennison Blackwell are having discussions over the differences in their religious faiths. Darlene is concerned because if Abraham leaves his faith as a Jew, the entire Jewish community will ostracize them and stop doing business with them. It will also impact her future as well in the community, not that someone like the Blackwell would have any romantic interest in her as suitable match. The one thing Darlene didn't expect is that she would be caught overhearing their conversation and find herself trying to explain things to Pierce.

Pierce's Aunt has just the right girl in mind for Pierce from just the right family and when she arranges to have them meet at a Bachelor's auction, the only girl he can't get off his mind is Darlene. Even he knows however that unless she is a Christian, there will never be any hope for anything more than a business relationship between them. But will the changes Darlene sees in her father, cause her to consider that perhaps Jesus Christ is the Messiah promised to come by the Jewish people after all?

I received My Valentine by Tracie Peterson compliments of Barbour Publishing and Net Galley. I absolutely loved seeing the various differences between the Jews and Christians in regards to their religious rituals and how they interpret the Bible. I love how the Blackwells are invited to participate in the Passover meal and how they are so impressed by how the Lewy's remember the blessings of God saving his people during Passover. In addition to this novel, readers are also treated to a bonus book, Little Shoes and Mistletoe by Sally Laity inside. This is the story of Eliza Criswell that moves in with her Aunt Phoebe at Harper House after her fiancè Weston runs off with her best friend. She just doesn't expect to fall for someone who looks identical to him while working for her Aunt! Both books earn an equal 5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion.

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
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.

My Valentine by Tracie Peterson  
January 1835, New York City. Darlene Lewy is a devout Jew. She helps her father in his tailoring shop of the Old Slip District. Pierce Blackwell and his father bring their business to the Lewy’s. Both fathers develop a friendship that develops into a deeper conversation into Jesus. As a result, lives are changed. Both Darlene and Pierce develop a friendship that becomes deeper. Tragedy strikes the OId Slip District and Darlene is in danger. Pierce comes to her rescue. 
Although this story did start a bit slow, it did pick up its pace. It is filled with a lot of deep meaning of both Jewish traditions and Christianity, and what it means to both sides. The romance between Darlene and Pierce was not rushed but a slow boil. I appreciated that because Darlene had her reasons. There are a lot of hurt feelings and rejection, which I would have loved to have seen resolved. The ending was a sweet wrap up of the whole story.

In Little Shoes and Mistletoe 
This story is also set in Manhattan in 1898. Eliza Grace Criswell left her family to live with her elderly Aunt Phoebe. Eliza is recovering from a broken heart – from her scoundrel of a fiancé and her best friend. 
Micah Richmond comes to Harper House to pick up funds for the orphaned children when he meets Eliza. Micah is a Child Placement Services Worker. Micah is engaged to Annabelle Durmont. 
Once Eliza’s eyes are opened to the plight of the orphaned children of Manhattan, she wants to do more. Her and her aunt open their hearts and home to two adorable girls. Through these girls, Eliza’s heart unthaws, and love blossoms once again. But Annabelle is marrying Micah and she will not interfere. However, God works all things for His good and purpose. Who will marry Micah? 
This novella was very heart-warming. I loved it from the first chapter to very end. I cannot imagine how bad it was in the early 19th century, before orphans had to roam the streets. It makes my heart grieved to know little kids had to defend for themselves! I am glad there are programs in place today to help children in these situations. This was my first story I have read by this author, I will definitely be looking up more of her books!
Disclosure statement 
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

A really great read with sweet and poignant romance, beautiful characters and lovely prose. The book focuses on two people with different religions. The short story was also engaging.  I loved it and would recommend it to everyone.  You emerge better for reading this book.

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.

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

‘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.