Happy Valentine’s Day

Valentines Day makes us think of chocolates, roses and romance, right? That sounds like the happy-ever after-ending to a good romance book. The hero and heroine have overcome all the obstacles that an author can throw at them, and the time has come for a commitment. In real life though, that happy-ever-after brings with it another set of obstacles: finances, raising children, jobs, sticking out the hard times and enjoying the good times. I still have the Whitman’s Sampler box that held my first box of chocolates from Mr. B, along with the sweet letter that went with it. They came all the way from Germany where he was stationed in the military. After more than half a century, Mr. B and I still enjoy Valentine’s Day—not with chocolates and roses, but just spending the evening together. Maybe I cook. Maybe we go out to a restaurant. The important thing is that we can still say, “I Love You,” and mean it, not only on Valentine’s Day but every day of the year.

To celebrate the holiday this week, here’s some quotes from my books:

“And that’s your lesson to yourself tonight. Don’t let something fall through your fingers when you’ve got a good firm grip on it.”—The Sometimes Sisters

“Friendship with love is a precious thing. If you find it, hold on to it and never let it go.”—Small Town Rumors 

“The heart never steers us wrong. Sometimes it doesn’t answer us as fast as we want it to, but we have to give it time and be patient. It doesn’t see, hear, or smell, but it has an acute sense of feelin’ and it will never lie to us.” —The Strawberry Hearts Diner

“There’s two secrets, son. One is to love your woman, not with your whole heart but with your soul. If you got an inklin’ that you aren’t finished chasin’ skirts, then you ain’t ready to settle down anyway. The other is to respect your woman.”—The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop

“Love someone enough to give them your whole heart with no reservations.”—Lily’s White Lace

Here’s hoping all my readers have a lovely Valentine’s day,

Carolyn Brown