The Valentine Writer

Sweet Historical Romance Shorts #2

by Iris Lim

She's spent her life writing everyone else's love story. It's time she learns to write her own.

Beloved and sickly since childhood, Mary Danforth lends her pen to her siblings' courtships while accepting her own inevitable spinsterhood. When her brother returns home with a brooding, handsome captain in tow, Mary strikes up an unlikely friendship with the gentleman that makes her dare to dream of more.

Captain William Hayes has never thought to take a wife, not with his own fortunes as uncertain as they are. But seeing an admirable young lady unnecessarily give up on all her prospects might just be what it takes to make him want to sort out a better future, specifically one with her.

A sweet, cozy, bite-sized historical romance.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Historical Romance, Clean Romance

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2024

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scrumptious! My only complaint with this novella is that it isn’t longer. I could easily identify with dear Mary, living out her dreams through her pen. Trying to content herself with surviving, rather than thriving. And the wise and brooding Captain Hayes? Sigh. They are a lovely pair who could have easily filled another score of chapters! I read this short romance in one sitting, and guarantee you will do the same. Small but as satisfying as a chocolate truffle. I received an early copy of this treat via Book Sirens, and was not required to post a review.

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-six year old Mary Davenport has been sickly all of her life. She’s accepted her situation and revels in helping her brothers woo their sweethearts by writing love letters for them, never thinking she would see such happiness in her own life. She figures it’s as close to finding a love of her own that she’ll ever have. That is until her brother arrives home with his commanding officer, Captain William Hayes. Captain Hayes is a quiet, serious, and solemn man, but he’s all kindness and gentleness when it comes to Mary.

This was such a wonderful and sweet tale of finding a love you never thought would come your way. It’s beautifully written, and it had me smiling throughout. The story unfolds with the perfect pacing, and it develops in a believable manner. I recommend this book.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author through Book Sirens. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story however I feel like something was missing. I wish there had been more descriptions of the houses, rooms and scenes. It feels difficult to connect to the story if I cannot picture the scene.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gill M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also posted on my blog

https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...

Mary Danforth has resigned herself to spinsterhood. Since childhood, her health has been too fragile to allow her to join in the active lives of her many siblings.

Mary excels at writing sweet, romantic notes to assist her brothers' courtships. She is happy for her siblings, but their success is bittersweet.

Doctors have advised Mary to be extremely cautious with her health as another illness may be fatal. While caution is keeping her alive, she wonders if it is worth missing out on so much.

The introduction of Captain Hayes, allows Mary to dream of love and a future, but can dreams become reality.

Mary is a well drawn and believable character. You yearn with her as she is left behind as her siblings find love.

An enjoyable novella.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Las cartas privadas que le escribía a su marido imaginario (antes una tarea vaga y genérica) habían empezado a parecerle terriblemente específicas en los últimos tiempos. La idea del matrimonio ya no era algo con lo que soñaba despierta con un personaje no realizado. En algún momento, de alguna manera, en el transcurso de las últimas semanas, sus fantasías habían tomado la forma de un hombre de guerra alto y melancólico, un alma amable pero atormentada, de palabras amables y modales tranquilos.'




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




The Valentine Writer de Iris Lim (Sweet Historical Romance Shorts)

Argumento:

Mary Danforth ha pasado su vida escribiendo las historias de amor de los demás. Es hora de que aprenda a escribir la suya propia.

Amada y enfermiza desde la infancia, Mary Danforth presta su pluma a los cortejos de sus hermanos mientras acepta su inevitable soltería. Cuando su hermano regresa a casa con un capitán atractivo y melancólico a cuestas, Mary entabla una improbable amistad con el caballero que la hace atreverse a soñar con algo más.

El capitán William Hayes nunca ha pensado en casarse, no con su propia fortuna tan incierta como es. Pero ver a una joven admirable renunciar innecesariamente a todas sus perspectivas podría ser justo lo que se necesita para que él quiera buscar un futuro mejor, específicamente uno con ella.



Mi humilde opinión:

La historia de amor de Mary y su capitán fue muy dulce pero muy breve también. Me gustaron tanto a estos dos personajes que quería que el libro fuera más largo. Me dieron migajas! Me gustaron las cartas de Mary a su esposo ficticio y lo conforme que parecía estar con su vida que me alegró cuando ella decidió dar un salto de fe con William para tener esa vida de felicidad que parecía imposible.

Esa carta final fue emotiva finalmente escribiendo a su marido en la vida real, transmitió lo feliz que estaba, con salud y un bebé en camino. Un final hermoso.

[LizardQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and sweet novella. The characters were entertaining, both main and secondary. I would have liked a bit more of the story. More backstory, more interactions between main characters, between main and secondary characters. The wedding takes place off the page, which was disappointing.

I received a free advance review copy from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shilo Goodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, quick read. Mary is that person who's so focused on other people's happiness that she sometimes forgets that it's okay to be happy herself. She has been sickly since childhood, although her actual ailments are never fully explained. I wish that had been explained a little better.

I wish that we'd gotten the chance to know Mary and Captain Hayes. I don't feel like either character was fully developed. This story deserved more than just the 68 pages it was given. It would have been a 5-star novella if we'd had more time to get to know our two main characters better.

Even though I wanted more out of this story, I did enjoy that it felt different from other stories taking place during this time period. Mary is an unusual protagonist. If you're someone who likes Regency novels but you have limited time to read, this is a good option. I think I read the whole book in just a little over an hour.

This is a clean novella. There's no swearing, sexual content, or violence. It's the sort of story I'd feel comfortable recommending to someone who only reads really clean books.

I got a free ARC of this novella through BookSirens, and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Danforth was the go-to writer for every sibling in her family when they faced romantic challengers or needed romantic poetry for their significant other.

Mary was a sickly daughter of an otherwise happy, healthy, boisterous family and always experienced life from the sidelines. Having suffered scarlet fever as a child her parents and doctor always advised Mary not to exert herself too much. The minute she felt a little cold, tired, or just a little winded, she would retire for the evening. This must have been a very limiting experience for her, but she took it all in stride, becoming the "valentine writer" for all her siblings and seeing them marry the loves of their lives and look forward to a full life ahead.

Imagine Mary's surprise when, following the return of her two brothers from the war, they bring with them a fellow soldier, Captain Hayes, who fits in well with the family. Captain Hayes is a quiet, observant man. He notices Mary and appreciates her quiet, insightful nature. They converse over many an evening and slowly get to know each other.

A sweet novella that kept me invested in Mary's and Captain Hayes' story and I was sorry to see it end.

I received an ARC from Book Sirens and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Valentine Writer is a sweet novella that is a quick and easy read. It is about Mary Danforth, who has unfortunately suffered from ill health and leads a quiet life writing love letters to help her brothers woo their ladies. Her health has prevented her from most normal activities and other than spending time helping her brothers she also writes pretend letters to her dream husband. Having a normal life is her greatest wish but her frailty has held her back. When one of her brothers returns from the war bringing one of his comrades to stay for a while, Mary finds herself intrigued by the handsome and gruff Captain Hayes. Soon there is an attraction but Mary can’t believe the Captain could possibly be interested in her since she believes she is plain, mousy, weak.

While the plot is not complicated or surprising, it still is a lovely look at two characters and how they come to know and trust each other. Iris Lim’s descriptions and faithfulness to the time period are nicely done and the book is a pleasant read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored "The Valentine Writer" and became fully absorbed in the Danforth family. Mary, deemed sick, infirmed and a spinster, wrote love letters for her siblings who were wooing their brides-to-be. She was often overlooked with her quiet demeanor, "brown hair, plain skin and a frame that was slightly too tall to be fashionable--mixed with a dash of poor health." She was content "in being the invisible, steadfast sister". When her brother, sister's fiance and their friend Captain William Hayes returned safely from war, the household was filled with joy and celebration. Mary was instantly drawn to Captain Hayes and his quiet demeanor. Though she secretly wrote love letters to her imaginary husband, she doubted that finding a true love would ever be for her.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sweetness imbued in the storytelling, including the boisterous fun and celebrations of the community as well as the swoonworthy description of a kiss. My only disappointment is that the book was much too short. I heartily recommend this sweet, short historical romance for a very quick "romantic getaway".
I received a complimentary ARC and have given my honest opinion in this review.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris has such a beautiful was of storytelling and reading her Regency romances are like a homecoming for me. This elegant and sweet novella packs a punch in a complete story in just seven short chapters. I sighed as the story came to a close, feeling that it was an hour well spent.

Sweet Mary Danforth has contently owned her spinsterhood and her place in her family as she watches her siblings marry off one by one. I love that she is grateful for her life, but she is so quirky by expressing her dreams through letters. When the good captain returned from war and started changing her mind about what she wanted from life (through some seriously lovely dialogue), you stop feeling sorry for Mary and start cheering her on! I loved the ultimate feeling of victory as she redefined her life and her place in her family. The reader can see how special she is! Such a wonderful short story.

I received a complimentary copy of the author's wonderful book to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[Sherry Bendorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet little romance novelette. I found myself grinning as I read the words between the Captain and Mary. I would have liked to know more about their story. I did, however, enjoy getting to know members of Mary's family and her role in the family especially for her brothers.

I was impressed by how often the principle of what matters most is what's on the inside of a person, not the outside appearance. This seemed to be a prevailing theme, especially since Mary was sickly.

The quote, among many, that stuck out to me the most is: "But if forced to choose, I must admit myself unconventional enough to believe that it is the inward soul that matters more."

I look forward to reading more from this author. I was graciously offered a complimentary copy of this book. The honest review is my own.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who's not read many historical romances, i will admit i very much. enjoyed this book a lot. The book is short enough to read when you have some downtime to yourself. I found myself feeling like i was in the story and watching it play out in front of me, which made me feel even more hooked onto the story.

Mary is one of seven children, though she is also different to her siblings. Mary offers her talents to her brothers to help them court the women they wish to marry, whilst she also writes her own letters to a husband who doesn't exist. Dreaming of a life she wishes to have, though she feels like she will never have due to always having bad health.

But could that all change when she meets Captain William Hayes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Danforth believes that due to her sickly childhood that she will never find romance and will only ever experience love when she writes her letters for her siblings to aid their courtships. Yet when her brother returns home with a brooding, handsome captain in tow, Mary strikes up an unlikely friendship with the gentleman that makes her dare to dream of more. Captain William Hayes has never thought to take a wife, not with his own fortunes as uncertain as they are. Yet, in Mary he begins to feel that he might have a future.
A sweet novella that followed the romance between Mary and William, two souls unsure of what their futures might hold. Mary was so kind and endearing but it was William who made her think of a future beyond her family. Mary, in turn, made William feel whole again, having experience the ordeal of war.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book? It’s charming, sweet, and romantic. If you want a delightful feel-good romance, this is it! Iris Lim has written a beautiful story with characters who are so human and likeable. I loved the interaction between Mary and William. They’re so sweet together. Personally, I think he’s the perfect Regency hero. One of the biggest things I liked about this book is that it’s a “slice of life” kind of story. There’s no evil villain, no last-minute rescues, no overwrought drama, and the story doesn’t need any of these things. It’s just a beautiful story of two hearts looking for a home. I absolutely loved it. In fact, I can definitely see myself rereading it when I’m having a bad day and need a pick me up.

I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patti Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris Lim's "The Valentine Writer" is a short and charming read about a young woman learning to actually live her life, despite her questionable health. Self-professed spinster Mary Danforth is seemingly content until she meets Captain William Hayes, who opens her eyes to the future she deserves.

This quick tale spans a few weeks, although most of it is not detailed given the length of this story. Despite this, characters are well-drawn drawn, and banter is clever and entertaining. As always, Lim displays an impressive understanding of the Regency period. I greatly enjoyed this work, a "novelette". That term was new to me, and I don't know when it came into use, but I learned something new.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet and short novella follows Mary Danforth, a woman resigned to spinsterhood due to her frail health. Devoted to her siblings, she assists them by writing beautiful poems for their courtships.

When her brother brings home Captain William Hayes, a man with no intentions of marrying, Mary’s contentment is shaken. Their friendship blossoms, and for the first time, Mary envisions more for herself.

Iris Lim crafts a joyful tale of a selfless woman who finally realizes she deserves more. Mary and Captain William’s heartfelt love story is both uplifting and sweet. I highly recommend this delightful historical romance for a quick, smile-inducing read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary is a sweet natured girl who loves her big, loud family. She has a wonderful way with words which helps her established a role as the writer of the family. Her gentleman love is a quiet man and I like how the author brings the two together. Overall, I liked the story, but feel there should have been more scenes between the main characters. I was almost as surprised as Mary when he finally got up the courage to say anything. The characters as a whole were wonderful. I’d like to know more about each supporting role. They were a wonderful family. Because of this I am still giving 4 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MyFairLady Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet, clean and wholesome romance novelette is only seven chapters and can easily be read in an evening. But it is not at all short on sweetness, tension, emotion and just all the feels. I thoroughly enjoyed Mary and the Captain’s tender love story and would definitely recommend it to friends. And I would Absolutely read it again.

I loved the valiant captain’s sweet vulnerability in this quote . . . "You might be surprised, sometimes, at how little a man may know about talking to a woman—even if said man shows every confidence on the battlefield."

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Southern Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short, sweet romance. Mary has delicate health and spends a good deal of her time writing love notes for her siblings and letters to her imaginary husband. When her brother and sister’s fiancé come home from the war and bring a handsome Captain with them, her hopes and dreams begin to change from being content as a spinster living at home for the rest of her life to something much more. It was heartwarming to see her come into her own although I wish there was more to the story to have the characters develop more depth. I received a free ARC copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though a quick read, The Valentine Writer is a full developed story with well-rounded characters. Somewhat sickly throughout her life Mary accepts that she will never marry, instead writing love poems and letters on behalf of her siblings. When her brother brings home a soldier from his unit who is nice to her she assumes he’s just being mannerly. How wrong she is! I enjoyed watching the relationship between her and Captain Hayes develop among the confines of polite society and their own baggage. As always, the author uses cultural references, dialogue, and description to effectively evoke the era. A lovely story.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick yet entertaining read! This author created a wonderful heroine who has given up hope for romance for herself, yet helps her family find it.

Then in comes the hero who truly sees her for herself.

The characters and story were developed such as to make me wish for more… but was happy to have read this book. This book could easily have several sequels with the siblings, as well as made into a larger novel.

I recommend this book and author.

I received an ARC copy of the book and all opinions are my own.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

She writes love letters to her siblings romantic interests
They feel like they can never do it as well as her so . . .but she never has anyone to send a letter to, So she writes letters to her imaginary husband - - - and then a man comes to visit and finds her the most interesting. She cannot believe he is interested in her!!!! Loved this story . . . lots of unexpected connections happen and it just makes life complicated.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Trinnia Greenlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely novella featuring a warm family atmosphere with Mary Danforth a sickly spinster in the middle of a boisterous clan. Mary expresses her thoughts and feelings by writing. The story is written about her dreams and wishes for a love and a better life. She meets Captain William Hayes, a kindred spirit who has her believing that she can have more out of life if she wants it. This is a fun heartwarming love story that makes you feel good. I highly recommend this book.

TG


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet novella, though I would have loved even more of Mary and her Captain, it was over too soon… There could definitely have been more to dive into here. I wish he would have read and reacted to some of her writing (the love poems and the letters). I wish we got to see them interact more. They were wonderful characters and they didn't get nearly as much exposition as I would have liked.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary and William met when her brother brought him home after the war.
He's quiet and stays in the background... just like her.
Not that it matters, she's too sickly for a man to ever take an interest in her.

This was such a sweet story. Their conversations have her questioning everything she's settled for in her life.

It's a well-written, clean short story.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from Booksirens.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt that the first half lagged, hence the 4. Once momentum got going within the storyline the later half, it was intriguing and captivating. Good cast of characters, especially Captain Hayes and sweet Mary. Enjoyed seeing these characters grow into the great adults they were at end of story, especially Mary and her health issues.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Denise Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of Mary and William! I’m glad that William was able to earn her trust in a subtle way. I liked that their relationship dance was a slow and steady build. It was nice to watch Mary come to the self realizations all on her own and start to come out of her shell. I would very much like to read more of their story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, entertaining read!

While a very short story, this deals with some very important issues—health, loneliness, and soldiers coming home from the war. Both our hero and heroine have been close to death too often for comfort, our hero as a soldier and our heroine as a very sickly child. This is a very well-written story, allowing us to experience how it must have been to be an invalid back in the days of the Regency period. Very unique story.

[C.Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris Kim's novella is a heartwarming and captivating read that explores the themes of love, connection, and self-discovery. Despite its brevity, the story feels complete and satisfying, with relatable characters and a compelling plot. The romance between Captain Hayes and Mary is particularly endearing, and the themes of love and acceptance are well-developed throughout the narrative.

I was given an advanced copy of this book for free and I’m leaving my review voluntarily..