When Annabelle Elliot returned his engagement ring six years ago, Rick Wentworth buried his broken heart in his job at Intelligence Associates, Inc. Returning from his overseas assignment, a newly awarded contract forces him into daily contact with her.
Working with Rick is a constant reminder of what Annabelle gave up when she let herself be persuaded to focus on a career instead of love. Now, she admits she made a mistake, but reconciliation seems impossible.
Can Annabelle find the courage to let Rick see her heart? And if she does, will he forgive her?
This sweet contemporary Christian romance novella, inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, is a modern reminder that love is worth waiting for.
USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.
Operation Valentine by Elizabeth Maddrey is the second book in the Operation Romance series but can be read as a stand-alone. It was a delightful story that I read in just one sitting as I could not put it down. Rick and Annabelle were an item in college but Annabelle broke off their engagement to pursue her career. As the novel opens, it is six years later and Annabelle is a free lance computer expert. She works alone and lives alone, never having recovered from Rick. She still loves him. Rick has been working in Germany but is back for a month. He too never stopped loving Annabelle. Circumstances throw the pair together. Both believe the other is over the relationship and they try their best to avoid each other. What will happen? Elizabeth Maddrey explores the theme of settling for second best, as both Rick and Annabelle try dating others. How many of us have settled for second best in life, when God has something far greater planned for us? There is also the theme of hiding. For six years Annabelle has hidden from the world. She mistakenly believes that hiding will prevent her from being hurt. However in hiding, Annabelle is merely missing out on life. She isolates herself preferring to live on warm memories from the past and the 'what if's.' Annabelle chose her career over love six years ago. She listened to others in making her life choices. Now she is older and wiser, she realises that she should have listened to God. In Operation Valentine Elizabeth Maddrey highlights the need for God. The need to daily listen to Him and the importance of meeting corporately with other Christians in church. Christianity was never meant to be done in isolation, as we meet with other believers so our faith is strengthened. Both Annabelle and Rick go to church. The reader is reminded that it is important not to be yoked to an unbeliever, as both are looking for Christian partners. The theme of following God's plans is important. God has a plan for our lives. It is vital that we keep our eyes fixed on God and not be influenced by others to take a different direction. I really enjoyed Operation Valentine. I always enjoy Elizabeth Maddrey's stories. They contain likeable characters who face normal everyday problems and there is always a good dose of faith. If you have never read a book by Elizabeth Maddrey, then you are missing out. Give Operation Valentine a try today. You will be glad you did. I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. It is the second book in the Operation Romance series but it can be read as a stand alone. It a sweet romance that follows the main characters, Annabelle and Rick, as they attempt to move beyond what has happened in their past to see if they can have a future together. It is also a wonderful story of forgiveness and second chances. I was given a copy of this novella in return for an honest review, and it is another one from this author that I can certainly recommend.
Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. Over well written,this story tugs at the heart. The author takes the reader into another world. A world that shows God does hear and answers prayers we sometimes don't realize we're praying. Rick and Anniebell always put God first and they truly listen and follow His lead. This book is not just about rekindled lost love,it is about embracing the opportunity of the opened door God has provided. I recommend this book for all age groups.
I really liked the professionalism of the business and the characters. Annabelle is an outstandingly gifted, capable, determined introvert. She excells at what she does. However, her social skills seem to be sadly lacking. I can't believe she allowed herself to be swayed by others all those years ago. Wanted to smack her and Rick, for not communicating honestly with each other!! Was glad to have a HEA finally at the end. Would have liked a bit more of that connection to have been shared. Still, a good clean read, with a good conclusion.
I really enjoyed this book. A sweet little romance. At the end, it felt like the book was rushed to wrap it all up. Almost like they were running out of pages, or out of time to meet a deadline. Still though, I liked it and am glad I read it. Love that there are books about romance and commitment, without the graphic details of physical intimacy. Definitely God based, which is a tough sell in the world these days. I will continue to look for more books from this author!
A short, sweet Valentine themed read. Elizabeth Maddrey mixes coding and romance in such a fun way! Her career-minded heroines like Annabelle are my favorite. Especially with the hint of Austen's Persuasion in this title!
This was a sweet, quick read. Even though there was a bit of a love triangle, it was satisfying for all involved. It had overt Christian elements. Recommended for those who enjoy sweet Christian romances.
I'd read the first and last in this series a while ago, and finally was able to read all 4 in order. I like this type of series, in which the reader gets to keep up with earlier "new friends" in subsequent books. I read this during the week of Valentine's Day, so that added to the enjoyment.
Jane Austen is the portrait of romance and what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to read a contemporary story based on Austen’s Persuasion! Annabelle Elliott is a programming whiz, but her life is lack-luster. Six years earlier she was persuaded to call off an engagement to her college sweetheart, Rick Wentworth. Rick has returned from an overseas assignment only to find his vacation puts him in direct contact with Annabelle; the girl he would like to forget! Some matchmaking friends from Operation Mistletoe are determined to get these two together, but with both of them dating other people, and dealing with Annabelle’s disapproving parents, can they possibly work out their differences? Or will they be persuaded to give up the second chance that God has given them? This is a sweet novella, by Elizabeth Maddrey, with a wonderful Valentine ending. Fans of Austen will definitely enjoy the ending! I’m looking forward to reading Operation Fireworks!
I first read this book back in December when I won a copy during a Facebook author party. I'm so glad I received this book, along with Operation Mistletoe, as I loved both of them. Operation Valentine is a quick, sweet read, and I will definitely be re-reading this one since Valentine's is quickly approaching. I love 'seasonal' books, and have a growing affections for novellas like this one, I'm definitely going to be tracking down more "Operation ..." books!
I only rated this four stars because I would have loved for it to be longer. Elizabeth has a way with down to earth, real characters, and Rick and Annabelle are no exceptions. A quick read with sweet romance. Though both are stubborn, they come to realize the grace and mercy of God's second chance.
This is a wonderful story. It follows Operation Mistletoe, but it can be read by itself. I fell in love with the characters. it is well written and I love the inspirational theme. I cant wait to read the others in the series that will be coming out later this year.
I loved this novella giving us romance, forgiveness and second chances. As usual we see characters from previous books and novellas. I always enjoy Elizabeth's writing and I thank her for the advance reader's copy. In exchange I give my honest opinion.
This Inspiritional novella is the second book in the Operation Romance series, however, it can be read as a stand alone. It a sweet romance of forgiveness and second chances. I was given a copy of this novella for an honest review. I highly recommend this novella and the author, Elizabeth Maddrey.
I love this author, especially how all of her series are woven together. Her characters are always believable, like real people. I strongly suggest you read everything she writes.
Short easy read. The books was quick and easy to read. I wished for a few more details to be sprinkled throughout, but it was a sappy holiday read matching the day. The resolution seemed abrupt, but the happily ever after worked out.