Title: The Trouble With Valentine’s Day
Author: Rachel Gibson
First published January 1, 2005
368 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780060009267 (ISBN10: 0060009268)
Rating: 3.92
Overview
After a devastating breakup and a stressful job, Claire Jones needs a change of scenery to get her life back on track. She leaves behind the hustle and bustle of New York City for the quaint town of Maplewood, Vermont.
But things don’t go as planned when her attempted seduction of a handsome stranger is met with a cold shoulder. To make matters worse, she discovers that the town’s most exciting event is the annual Maple Syrup Festival.
However, fate intervenes when she meets the town’s most eligible bachelor, Tyler Green, a former football star turned maple syrup producer. Tyler has been burned by love before, but he can’t resist Claire’s charm.
When a mishap at the maple syrup factory leads to a sticky situation, Claire and Tyler find themselves in a compromising position that sets tongues wagging all over town. Can they overcome their past hurts and find love in Maplewood?
About the Author
Rachel Gibson is a highly acclaimed author, best known for her impressive portfolio of 22 bestselling books that have been featured in the New York Times and USA Today.
Editoral Review
In her book, “The Trouble With Valentine’s Day,” Rachel Gibson delivers a fun and engaging romantic comedy that will leave readers with a smile on their faces. Published in 2005, this novel explores love, loss, and second chances in a genre that has been a staple of popular fiction since the days of Jane Austen.
The story follows Kate Hamilton, a successful journalist who has returned to her hometown in Texas to write a story about Valentine’s Day. Unlucky in love, Kate is shocked to discover that her article has been assigned to the handsome and charming Jake Koranda, a former professional hockey player turned writer.
The two begin a romantic dance that takes them from a nursing home where a World War II veteran recounts his love story to the local bar where they share a steamy dance. Along the way, they confront their own fears and insecurities and ultimately find a way to move forward.
Gibson’s humor and wit shine through in her writing, capturing the often hilarious and awkward moments that come with new relationships. While the plot may sometimes feel predictable, the characters are multi-dimensional and relatable, and the author’s skillful use of dialogue makes the story feel fresh and relevant.
The author also touches upon the issues of small-town life and the challenges that people face when trying to break out of their social and economic constraints. Through her characters, she explores the tension between tradition and modernity and the role that community plays in defining our values and beliefs.
While some readers may find the story a bit formulaic, it is worth noting that Gibson’s writing is accessible and engaging, making it a perfect read for those looking for a lighthearted escape from reality. Overall, “The Trouble With Valentine’s Day” is a charming and entertaining book that will appeal to fans of the romance genre.
Gibson’s strengths as a writer are on full display here, and readers will come away with a renewed faith in love and the power of second chances. 4 out of 5 stars.