About the Book

Author: JoAnn Durgin

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 5, 2017

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for February 14th anymore! Love should be celebrated every day of the year. That’s Thornton Fielding’s philosophy. In spite of a few false starts in the arena of love, he holds out hope he’ll eventually find the woman of his dreams. The problem? He loves his job, and there’s no end in sight to his travels. But when Thornton returns to his tiny hometown of Cherish, Minnesota, he meets a beautiful and intriguing woman he believes might be God’s answer to ending his bachelor status—permanently.

Vara Alexandris is soured on love and scoffs at the notion of soul mates. But soon after meeting the handsome and unconventional Thornton, the speech and language pathologist suspects he might be the perfect ally to help jump-start her stroke patient’s recovery—if only Vara can keep Thornton grounded in Cherish long enough. This man who spouts romanticized and idealistic ideas about love seems all too eager to resume his world travels. Could it be Thornton actually prefers globetrotting in order to avoid a romantic relationship?

Is it time for Vara to call the dreamer’s bluff? And can Thornton convince Vara to put past heartache behind her and trust in God’s plan for her heart?

Join Thornton and Vara in USA Today bestselling author JoAnn Durgin’s latest release full of her trademark humor, romance, and lively, small-town characters in a story of God’s fierce passion and loving guidance for His children—if only they pay attention! The Valentine Verse is sure to warm your soul during any season of the year.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

JoAnn Durgin is the USA Today bestselling author of the beloved Lewis Legacy Series as well as Prelude, the prequel to the series. Her other works include the Amazon bestselling Catching Serenity, Heart’s Design and its sequel, Gentle Like the Rain, The Wondrous Love Series, Echoes of Edinburgh, Perchance to Dream, Whisper to My Heart, Thee Will I Cherish, The Christmas Challenge, and the popular Starlight Christmas Series.

A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn now writes contemporary Christian romance full-time and lives with her family in her native southern Indiana. Writing Christian fiction is her passion, and she loves nothing more than sharing the hope to be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Guest Post from JoAnn Durgin

A Little More about The Valentine Verse from Author JoAnn Durgin

I adore writing and reading contemporary Christian romance, but I’ve noticed very few novels in the genre have an actual Valentine’s Day theme and/or title. Perhaps authors believe it would limit the “shelf life” of their book. The way I see it, if Christmas novels (and Hallmark Christmas movies) can be popular year-round, why not Valentine’s Day books?

I’ve always been somewhat of a rebel in my writing career. Don’t tell me I can’t do something or I might just try it (within reason)! After a Christmas release last year followed closely by the eighth installment (500 pages!) of my longest-running series, I knew I couldn’t possibly release a Valentine’s Day book. That’s when one of the primary themes of The Valentine Verse “hit” me—Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be reserved only for February 14th. Expressing our love to one another should be celebrated throughout the year! This concept became the philosophy of the hero, Thornton Fielding, and the book released in early May. Let me tell you a little more about the idea for Thornton…

I dedicated The Valentine Verse to my uncle, Mr. Thornton, and named my hero after him. My uncle was instrumental in my being able to quit my full-time paralegal job in mid-August 2014. Without going into specific details, there were three things that took place (“signs,” if you will) beginning earlier that same year, which seemed to clearly indicate I should try to make writing my full-time career. My debut novel released in late 2010, and the story of my road to publication can be found on my website at www.joanndurgin.com. By early 2014, my books were beginning to find faithful readers, and I was blessed with decent sales. The third and final “sign” and blessing came from Mr. Thornton. Truly, it was as if God were saying, “JoAnn, what more will it take for you to step out in faith?” I promised the Lord and myself that I’d take a year and see how it went…and I haven’t looked back since! I took the leap of faith, but I’m also doing what I feel the Lord has called me to do. Almost three years to the day of quitting my day job, I released my 24th novel. God is so good, and it is my great honor and privilege to write for His glory.

Thank you to Celebrate Lit for the gracious opportunity for this blog tour. The Valentine Verse features fun characters (how can you miss with a small Minnesota town named Cherish?), heartwarming lessons, *sightings* of two of my most popular heroes from another series, and even a surprising twist at the end! I hope you’ll enjoy The Valentine Verse.

Blessings, friends.

JoAnn

Matthew 5:16

I love, love , love anything this author writes. As I read this story I thought of the word lyrical. Her words are like a sweet song that brings a feeling of warmth and content. The story is filled with Greek heritage that I was fascinated by. I loved Vara so much. She is the kind of person others gravitate to. Her warmth is evident and I loved how she is a bit guarded at times with her personal life. Her dedication to helping others is a refreshing trait. 

The information about strokes is very informative and I can tell the author has done extensive research in this area. I’m sure many of us know someone who has had a stroke. It can be life changing and I admire Vara for her dedication to working with stroke patients. I did laugh when she runs into Thornton at a coffee shop. Their banter was funny at times and I found him a bit mysterious. When they meet again Vara is very surprised to see him. I have to say I didn’t see that coming myself. It’s just another brilliant way the author writes that keeps readers involved in the story. She gives subtle hints of upcoming scenes but not enough to give it away.

The story is really a lesson in forgiveness and letting go of secrets. I found Charlotte to be a wonderful character. Something has held her back from giving her life to Jesus? Will she reveal her secret? With Vara and Thornton growing closer each day, can Vara let go of a past hurt to open her heart again? I loved how the story bleneded historical places with the characters and gave readers a glimpse into their heritage . I did like the reference to NASA and Houston, Texas as its my home town. What I loved the most about the story was how strong Thornton was in his faith and how he treated women with respect. This is one story that sweeps across years and finds its way to the present where truth will set someone free. It’s so nice to read how powerful forgiveness is and when you experience it, you feel renewed and joy for a brighter future. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It’s a beautiful story filled with scripture, family, love and forgiveness. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

BlogStops

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Reading is my Super Power, January 11 (Interview)

Quiet Quilter, January 12

Remembrancy, January 13

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Bibliophile Reviews, January 15

Texas Book-aholic, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

Janices book reviews, January 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 19

Carpe Diem, January 20

A Baker’s Perspective, January 21

Simple Harvest Reads, January 21 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

God is Love, January 22

A Greater Yes, January 23

margaret kazmierczak, January 23 (Interview)

Pursuing Stacie, January 24

Bigreadersite, January 24

Giveaway:

To celebrate her tour, JoAnn is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c5dd