Unconventional Love: A Fresh Perspective on Valentine's Day by Josie Riviera

Valentine's Day, traditionally a celebration of romantic love, often focuses on couples exchanging chocolates, flowers, and heartfelt cards. But this year, let's redefine the narrative and celebrate love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, and self-love. Whether you're in a relationship or happily single, Valentine's Day can be a day of joy, connection, and appreciation for the diverse expressions of love.

1. Self-Love Affair: Begin the day by indulging in acts of self-love. Treat yourself to a spa day, a favorite meal, or a quiet moment with a good book. Embrace the concept that self-love is the foundation for all other relationships.

2. Galentine's Day Extravaganza: Celebrate the love and camaraderie of friendship with a Galentine's Day gathering. Whether it's a virtual brunch or a cozy movie night, cherish the platonic bonds that bring laughter, support, and understanding into your life.

3. Love Letters to the Universe: Engage in a reflective exercise by writing love letters to the aspects of your life that bring you joy and fulfillment. Express gratitude for your passions, achievements, and the people who have shaped your journey.

4. Random Acts of Kindness: Spread love beyond your inner circle by performing random acts of kindness. Send a thoughtful message, share a compliment, or perform a small gesture that brightens someone else's day. Love has a ripple effect, and your actions can create a positive chain.

5. Cultural Exploration of Love: Explore different cultural perspectives on love by diving into literature, films, or traditions from around the world. Gain insights into how diverse societies express and celebrate love in their own unique ways.

6. Nourish Your Passions: Rediscover and nourish your passions. Whether it's art, music, writing, or any creative pursuit, spend time engaging in activities that fuel your soul and remind you of the unique love you have for your interests.

7. Virtual Connection: For those in long-distance relationships or separated from loved ones, embrace virtual connection. Plan a virtual dinner date, play online games together, or simply share stories to bridge the physical gap and strengthen emotional bonds.

8. Nature's Love Affair: Connect with nature by taking a walk, enjoying a picnic, or simply basking in the beauty of the outdoors. Nature has a way of grounding us and reminding us of the simple yet profound essence of love.

9. Mindful Meditation: Cap off the day with mindful meditation. Reflect on the various forms of love in your life, cultivating a sense of inner peace and gratitude for the interconnectedness of all relationships.

This Valentine's Day, let's break free from the conventional and embrace a celebration of love that knows no boundaries. Whether you're celebrating romantic love, the love of friendship, or the love you have for yourself, let this day be a unique expression of all the love in your life.

What's better than FREE? Grab your FREE ebook copy of my sweet, Valentine romance,

A Chocolate-Box Valentine, today! Available in ebook, paperback, large print paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Josie Riviera is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, historical, and inspirational romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully support husband. They share their home with an adorable Shih Tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovation.

Sign up for her newsletter and get a FREE ebook on her website: josieriviera.com

An easy and quick recipe for Chocolate-Covered Strawberries by Josie Riviera

 I love Valentine's Day! The holiday is romantic and fun.  

Today I'm sharing my go-to recipe for Chocolate-Covered Strawberries. It's easy, festive and delicious.

Ingredients:

1 pint (2 cups) fresh strawberries

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Preparation:

Rinse strawberries and dry on paper towels. Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. 

In saucepan, melt chocolate chips and oil over low heat and stir frequently. Remove from heat.

Dip the lower half of each strawberry into chocolate mixture; and drip excess back into saucepan. Place on waxed paper lined cookie sheet. 

Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes. Store covered in refrigerator.

My inspirational Valentine romance, A Valentine To Cherish, is on a 99 cent Kindle countdown. (U.S. residents only.) 

All his life, he’s followed a song. Is God showing him it’s time to put down roots?

Valentine’s Day is all about love. And God has a special plan for a small-town woman and a road-weary singer.

Grab your copy today before price goes up.

Josie Riviera is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, historical, and inspirational sweet romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband.  They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations.

Sign up for her newsletter and get a FREE ebook on her website: http://josieriviera.com/

"Like" her author Facebook page.

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Looking forward to Valentine's Day by Josie Riviera

 As we approach Valentine's Day this month, I am taking time to consider those special people and things I love, appreciate, and am grateful for.  That is, the things that bring me joy.

My beautiful family comes first to mind. This includes my husband, children, grandchildren, and yes, our sweet shih tzu, Henry.

Our health is of primary importance, and I appreciate good health the older I get.

For the upcoming Spring season, I look forward to the brown being replaced by greenery and fresh flowers to brighten the winter landscape. I also hope the time will come sooner rather than later that we can all resume travels, and enjoy adventures both large and small.

Until that time, I take pleasure in the little things. A good book. A comfy couch. A sweet treat (I'm a chocoholic!), and the laughter of my grandchildren.

For Valentine's Day, I wish you a day filled with love. Be grateful for the simple things and celebrate.

What are you grateful for this month?

NEW RELEASE!

I'm thrilled that Chocolate-Box Hearts Volume Two, my newest sweet romance boxed set, is available for pre-order. This set includes 3 reader favorite books:

A Chocolate-Box Summer Breeze

A Chocolate-Box Christmas Wish

A Chocolate-Box Irish Wedding

3 books at 1 low price of only 99¢! Grab your ebook boxed set today before the price goes up.

Josie Riviera is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, inspirational, and historical inspirational romances. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovation.

"Like" her Facebook author page.

And remember to join our Sweet Romance Cafe.

Would you pay $99,000 for a Valentine’s Day dinner? by Josie Riviera

Last year, my local Waffle House offered inexpensive Valentine’s Day dinners featuring their trademark waffles and bacon. To complete the ambiance, candles and a white tablecloth added a touch of romanticism.

However, those people with a more disposable income can opt for dinner prepared at their home by a Michelin chef for . . . $99,000!

In an article I recently read, the eight-course meal may feature such items as duck eggs, truffles, and bottle of $27,000 wine.

Entertainment? A professional harpist or violinist, white doves, and/or a poet.

From my research, this Valentine’s dinner has not yet been purchased, but it certainly speaks of luxury at its best.

Do you have any special plans for Valentine’s Day? 

Please leave your comments below.

My husband is checking into Waffle House, although we may opt for early dining at our favorite local restaurant in the Charlotte, NC, area, instead.

My sweet Valentine’s Day inspirational romance, A Valentine To Cherish, is on pre-order!

Order Now and Receive February 14th--just in time for Valentine's Day!

Read Free on Kindle Unlimited

   In addition, grab Valentine Hearts, my Valentine’s Day book bundle of 3 sweet and inspirational romances, at a low introductory price.

Order Now and Receive all 3 romances on February 20^th.

Read Free on Kindle Unlimited

Josie Riviera is a USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations. 

Follow her on Instagram

And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter. Scroll down the right side of our blog and enter your email address under Newsletter Signup. 

Remember to join our Sweet Romance Reads Facebook Cafe too!

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Sweet Romance Reads

Join the authors of Sweet Romance Reads on Facebook Thursday, February 8th from 2:00 - 8:00 pm EST for their yearly Valentine's Party. There'll be books, prizes, and lots of fun. Be sure to join the Sweet Romance Reads Cafe first, however, to be able to post at the party.

Cafe link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SRRCafe1

Valentine Party event page link: https://www.facebook.com/events/147365855968580

Puppy Dog Tales Excerpt by Liwen Y. Ho

I know some of us are a little "holiday-ed out" with all the year-end celebrations we just had, but I can't help but be excited about the next big day coming up. Yes, I'm talking about a romance author's favorite holiday: Valentine's Day! 

We're still about a month away, but most stores are already decorated in shades of pink and red. I've had this day on my mind for a while now because I'm working on a Valentine's story, which will be released February 1st. I'll have more details about it for you soon, but in the meantime, I'd like to share about a rom-com I wrote last year. Puppy Dog Tales has all the makings of a total disaster—opposites attracting, matchmaking mamas, and animal antics—and also the warm fuzzies of a sweet romance.

Here's the blurb:
An animal hater and an animal lover’s paths collide the week leading up to Valentine’s Day.

Melvin Lai inherited the last thing he ever wanted from his favorite uncle: a cocker spaniel. Now he’s on the verge of losing his home to the unruly puppy and, much to his surprise, his heart when he meets Dr. Chu, Sparkle’s vet.

Vivian Chu loves caring for her furry friends, so she can’t fathom how anyone could think poorly of her new patient, especially his owner. To her, first impressions are everything, and the one Melvin left has her feeling disheartened and bruised—literally. 

He longs to make her his valentine; she can’t wait to escape him. It’s going to take a miracle for Melvin to win Vivian’s heart, but nothing’s impossible when four-legged conspirators are involved.

And here's an excerpt:
When the middle-aged lawyer with the bad comb-over recited Uncle Bruce’s last will and testament twenty minutes later, he paused before announcing Melvin’s inheritance. Not only did he pause, he might have snickered as well.

“I bequeath unto the persons named below the following property: To my beloved nephew, Dr. Melvin Lai, I leave my beloved cocker spaniel, Sparkle. To my beloved nephew Calvin Lai, I leave my 80s music collection. To my beloved nephew, Erwin Lai, I leave my set of golf clubs. To my beloved niece—”

“No ....” Melvin finally overcame his shock enough to speak. “What did you say? I’m Melvin Lai. Can you repeat what you said about me? Please.”

The lawyer’s body trembled with suppressed laughter. “It says your uncle left you his dog.”

“His … dog?” Melvin shook his head so hard his neck hurt. “You must be mistaken. I hate dogs.”

A collective gasp resounded in the room. His female relatives all shook their heads in disbelief. They were without a doubt second generation Chinese Americans because their foreign-born parents considered canines a delicacy. Having a dog for a pet was a western way of thinking and the “right” way, according to everyone glaring at him. He waved his hands in a gesture of peace. “Wait, I don’t mean I hate dogs. Hate’s too strong a word. Dislike, maybe?”

The next gasp was quieter, but still disapproving.

“Why would Uncle Bruce leave me his dog? Are you sure he was, you know, in a clear state of mind when he wrote the will?”

“I assure you he was,” the lawyer insisted with a stern look. “He stated he wanted you, and only you, to get the dog.”

Melvin released a long breath. This was unexpected. What was Uncle Bruce up to? If only he were still alive, he could provide some answers. Better yet, if he were still around, he could keep his dog for himself. He had no intentions of bringing a slobbery, smelly animal to live with him in his condo. “May I contest the will?”

“You don’t want the dog?” Stray pieces of the lawyer’s comb-over swayed back and forth as he shook his head in dismay. “Are you saying you don’t want to respect your beloved uncle’s last wishes?”

The lawyer sure had a way with words and, not to mention, guilt trips. He’d heard enough of those from his mother that they didn’t affect his conscience anymore, but this one was different. This one was about his uncle, his favorite uncle. The surgeon who’d sparked his interest in medicine. “Wait, what did you say the dog’s name was?”

“It’s Sparkle. Like what the stars do at night.”

Sparkle. Well, well. Maybe this dog was supposed to spark something in his life. A new interest, perhaps? There was only one way to find out. Melvin ran his hands through his hair and uttered the words he never thought he’d say. “Okay, fine. I’ll take the dog.”

----

Poor Melvin! He's in for a wild ride when he meets Sparkle and Sparkle's beautiful vet, Vivian. Don't worry though (spoiler alert!), he's going to thank his uncle big-time for giving him a dog. :)

Puppy Dog Tales is also now available as an audiobook. My narrator, Satauna Howery, did an amazing job bringing the story to life with her comedic timing. You can listen to her narrate the excerpt above in this sample clip. 

Are you looking forward to Valentine's Day? Do you enjoy listening to audiobooks? Let me know in the comments below!

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Happy Valentine's Day by Merrillee Whren

Because my post day is the 14th of each month here on the Sweet Romance Reads blog, every year I get to blog on Valentine's Day. Did you know that in the USA, it is also National Donor Day? You can read about it here.

As an adult, I've lived in numerous states in the USA. Each time I get a driver's license I'm asked if I would like to be an organ donor. I always say yes. Above you can see the photo of the donor sticker on my current driver's license. It is nice to learn that 95% of adults in the USA support organ donation. You can read about what can be donated here. Have you signed up to be an organ donor?

 In the second book of my Front Porch Promises series, A LOVE TO CALL MINE, I bring attention to bone marrow donation. We all can be thankful for the advances in medical treatment that allow people to donate organs and tissue that may help save someone's life.

To celebrate Valentine's Day and National Donor Day, I'm giving away a copy of the first book in the Front Porch Promises series, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, to one person who leaves a comment on this blog post. I will draw the winning name on February 16, 2017 at 9PM MST.

Merrillee Whren is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award presented by Romance Writers of American. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of  thirty-five plus years, and has two grown daughters. Connect with her on her Facebook page and sign up for her newsletter.

Handy Candy Heart Valentine Sayings

One of my favorite Valentine's Day candy, besides chocolate, is the Necco Candy Hearts.

Here's some of my favorite sayings from their "Happily Ever After" collection:

3 Wishes
Ever After
New You
MagicNewLove
Dream
Charm Me
I'm Me
I Love You

Do you have a favorite Valentine's Day candy? Please share your comment below. One lucky winner will be randomly selected to win a free audible copy of my sweet romance Valentine novella,
 I Love You More.

In the meantime, pick up your ebook or print copy today! Also available on Nook Itunes, and Kobo.

 Author's Note: Thousands of families around the world have opened their homes and hearts through international adoption. Soo-Min is the embodiment of many, many fortunate adoptive children and parents who’ve together created forever families.

Don’t miss this poignant story of love, loss and renewed hope!

Hope you and your loved ones enjoy a very Happy Valentine's Day!


Josie Riviera is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband.They share their home with an adorable Shih Tzu who constantly needs grooming and live in an old house forever needing renovations.

Check out her website and subscribe to her newsletter for a free ebook:
Connect with her on Facebook
Follow her on twitter
Pinterest
Youtube

And, sign up for our newsletter. Scroll down the right side of our blog and enter your email address under Newsletter Signup. Remember to join the Sweet Romance Reads Cafe too.

An Unlikely Beginning by Shanna Hatfield

Sometimes the ideas for stories begin in the most unlikely places. 

A few years ago, my cousin shared a hilarious story about an elderly woman she knew who’d taken to wearing her deceased husband’s underwear, because it provided such a wonderful lipstick holder.

Every time I thought of that woman's logic, I’d get the giggles. Then my overactive imagination jumped in. What if the woman wasn’t in the beginning stages of dementia, but just a little kooky? What if she had a single granddaughter in need of a good man? What if she lived in a retirement village and kept the residents there on their toes?

That’s when the character of a nutty matchmaker named Matilda, aka Grams, was born.

As a young girl, I heard my aunt and her friend laugh about that poem “When I Am An Old Woman,”  by Jenny Joseph. They vowed to one day wear purple (and gold lamé) along with red hats, and to be indescribably outrageous when they were old enough to shock people and not care what anyone thought.

To date, my aunt hasn’t worn purple or gold lamé or a red hat, but I’ve always admired the idea of being a person who wears what they please and does what they want without giving a thought to what others might think.

Matilda is just that kind of person. Is she wacky? Absolutely. But she’s also kind and fun, and completely devoted to her granddaughter. When I was developing her character, I knew Matilda needed a sidekick. Someone completely different from her charge-ahead personality. Don’t ask me why, but the mother of one of my former classmates came to mind. Her name was Ruth and I always thought she looked like such a beautiful well-dressed lady, and she had such an air of poise and grace. I think there were eight kids in the family, so I’m sure she had her moments of keeping up with her children, but she had the softest, most pleasant voice and manner. So, my inspiration for Ruth derives from a real-life person.

Matilda and Ruth team up to get Matilda's granddaughter and Ruth's nephew together. The lengths they go to are quite astounding and loads of fun.

Today through February 13, you can download Valentine Bride (Holiday Brides Book 1) for FREE on Amazon!

https://amzn.com/B01BN0N28M

 Two unlikely matchmakers set the stage for love...

Fynlee Dale returns to Holiday to take care of her wacky grandmother. Although it means giving up her dreams of a career and husband, she needs to be there for Grams.

Carson Ford vows to take care of his elderly aunt after buying her ranch. Comfortable with all aspects of his life, his world turns upside down when he meets a woman who’s impossible to forget.

They find themselves in the midst of a plot by two scheming old women determined to make them fall in love.

Valentine Bride is a funny, sweet romance given a liberal dose of humor through a cast of colorful characters intertwined around a heartwarming love story.

Excerpt:

Fynlee held back a sigh as she watched the older women, wondering how many calls from the staff loomed in her immediate future. Matilda got into enough mischief on her own, but now she’d be dragging poor Mrs. Beaumont into the fray.

A clearing throat drew her gaze to the brawny man standing beside her, staring at the underwear in her arms.

“Is that a welcoming gift?” he asked with a lopsided smirk.

Heat flamed into Fynlee’s cheeks, making her freckles stand out even more as she hastily looked for somewhere to dump the briefs. With nothing readily available, she wadded them into a lumpy ball and clutched them against her side.

“No, it certainly is not. I don’t think anyone would want these old things, anyway.” Humiliated, she studied the burly, unreasonably attractive stranger. At her five-ten height, it wasn’t often she encountered a man tall enough to make her look up to fully see his face.

A tanned forefinger tipped back the brim of his straw Stetson and Fynlee swallowed hard. Blue eyes sparkled with humor behind thick lashes and a boyish smile added to his considerable appeal. Hints of golden brown hair peeked out from beneath the hat brim.

“I’m Carson Ford. Aunt Ruth asked me to help her get settled.” He held out a work-roughened hand to her.

Fynlee glanced at it, noting a cut across the back of his knuckles and a jagged scar near his thumb. Those hands looked every bit as rugged as the man to which they belonged.

With only a slight hesitation, she reached out and shook his hand, unprepared for the electrical current that sizzled from her fingertips up her arm.

From the way Ruth spoke of her nephew who purchased the ranch, Fynlee assumed he’d be in his fifties. A picture of a pot-bellied, balding man had fit her image of him. She certainly never envisioned the nephew as a young, incredibly attractive cowboy.

Gathering her rapidly scattering wits, she smiled at him. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Ford. I’m Fynlee Dale. That loony woman with your aunt is my grandmother.”

The sound of his deep chuckle made something softly pluck at her heartstrings. For a brief, fleeting moment, Fynlee toyed with the idea that she’d finally met the man she would one day marry.

Stunned by the preposterous notions swirling through her mind, she took a step back and turned toward her grandmother’s apartment. In her twenty-seven years of living, she’d never seen a man as virile and entirely appealing as Ruth’s nephew, but that was no reason to lose her head.

Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield is out to make it happen, one story at a time. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances combine humor and heart-pumping moments with characters that seem incredibly real. 

    When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please),  this USA Today bestselling author hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

  Find Shanna’s books at:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple

Shanna loves to hear from readers! Follow her online:

ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter | Newsletter

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