What do you think?
Rate this book
Holiday Brides #1
Valentine Bride
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 novella given a liberal dose of humor through a cast of colorful characters intertwined around a heartwarming love story.
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 novella given a liberal dose of humor through a cast of colorful characters intertwined around a heartwarming love story.
154 pages, ebook
First published February 9, 2016
700 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Hatfield
164 books1,328 followersA hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
March 14, 2016
Cute quick read. Loved the meddling grandma and aunt. This was an Amazon recommendation based on other books I had read. Enjoyed.
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Unlimited
February 14, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and loved every minute of the book.
This story is about Fynlee and her wacky but adoreable grandmother Matilda. Carson and his Aunt Ruth. Fynlee works in the billing dept and stops by at Golden Skies retirement home every evening to see her grandmother. Carson has taken over his aunts ranch and every time they turn around they are spending time with each other. Then you have Carson's crazy ex girlfriend Hilary.
A cute story that will make you laugh and cry at the same time. I enjoyed the book and really couldn't put it down.
This story is about Fynlee and her wacky but adoreable grandmother Matilda. Carson and his Aunt Ruth. Fynlee works in the billing dept and stops by at Golden Skies retirement home every evening to see her grandmother. Carson has taken over his aunts ranch and every time they turn around they are spending time with each other. Then you have Carson's crazy ex girlfriend Hilary.
A cute story that will make you laugh and cry at the same time. I enjoyed the book and really couldn't put it down.
April 11, 2018
Once again I am smiling ear to ear upon finishing another Shanna Hatfield book. Valentine Bride had me Laughing out loud. The antics that Fynlee’s Grams and Carson’s Aunt Ruth pull off to get them together are colorfully entertaining. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. If you are looking for a feel good, perk up the spirit type of fun loving romance then Shanna Hatfield’s Valentine Bride is just that book, the search is over!!
February 22, 2018
Loved this story. I knew when I started reading what Gram was wearing that this was going to be a funny, good story and Shanna Hatfield did not disappoint me. Can't wait to see what happens next in the town of Holiday.
March 7, 2026
Love
A crazy story about a Aunt and a grandma, who want their grandma children to fall in love. They will stop at nothing to make it happen.
A crazy story about a Aunt and a grandma, who want their grandma children to fall in love. They will stop at nothing to make it happen.
February 22, 2017
The elderly relatives were a hoot!
This book had me giggling quite a bit! Another winning story from Shanna Hatfield!!
This book had me giggling quite a bit! Another winning story from Shanna Hatfield!!
March 27, 2017
Cute
I couldn't decide which characters I liked better, the couple or their grandmas! What a fun courtship. This is NOT a novella.
I couldn't decide which characters I liked better, the couple or their grandmas! What a fun courtship. This is NOT a novella.
March 3, 2016
What could possibly happen when two "little old ladies" conspire to respectively match-make their granddaughter and nephew into an unsuspecting romance? Fynlee Dale's eccentric grammy and cowboy Carson Ford's aunt have both moved into a retirement community and become fast friends, although they are poles apart in personality. Handsome cowboy Carson has recently purchased his aunt's ranch and she thinks he needs a wife to complete his life. There is an "elephant in the room" in the person of Carson's cloying possessive girlfriend who thinks she is destined to marry him. This sets into motion all manner of wild schemes by the two merry widows which leads to one unintended and embarrassing result after another. There are more romantic starts and stops than an old beater pick-up truck, due to poor timing and misunderstood romantic intentions. What on earth are Fynlee and Carson going to do with all of the maneuvering going on behind their backs? Enjoy another sweet and hilarious best-intentions Valentine caper from this prolific author.
February 11, 2016
Valentine Bride was a thoroughly entertaining book to read. It was easy to care about both Fynlee and Carson. Their interactions were wonderful! I don't read a lot of novellas because I find that the pace is usually rushed and it leads to stories or characters (or both) that are underdeveloped. But that wasn't the case with this one. Shanna wove the story together to make it believable and and the timeline realistic. Because of that, I may have to give novellas another chance!
My favorite character in the whole book, though, was Miss Matilda. She was absolutely fantastic and reminded me of a couple wonderful ladies in my life.
I'm looking forward to reading more in the Holiday Brides series!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
My favorite character in the whole book, though, was Miss Matilda. She was absolutely fantastic and reminded me of a couple wonderful ladies in my life.
I'm looking forward to reading more in the Holiday Brides series!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2016
An adorable story made unique and spectacular by a most amusing friendship, and a quirky, eccentric "Grams"!!! All I will say about " Grams" is "I want to be like her when I grow up." Seriously. I was won over when hearty guffaws were difficult to hold back. The story was a bit predictable, but any parts including Grams and her friend Ruth provided twists and turns that kept things interesting. They made the book! And I could totally see this as a Hallmark RomCom.
I did receive this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I did receive this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2016
Valentine Bride, by: Shanna Hatfield
Valentine Bride is a Sweet Romance Novella. This book was a sure delight. There is such a wonderful cast of characters in wonderful story. You will fall in love with the spunk, determination and stubbornness of Matilda & Ruth two old ladies. A most refreshing romance read. There is nothing boring about this story. I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of these old ladies. Be sure to get your copy of the Valentine Bride today. That way you can enjoy Carson and Fynlee’s story. 5 stars!
Valentine Bride is a Sweet Romance Novella. This book was a sure delight. There is such a wonderful cast of characters in wonderful story. You will fall in love with the spunk, determination and stubbornness of Matilda & Ruth two old ladies. A most refreshing romance read. There is nothing boring about this story. I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of these old ladies. Be sure to get your copy of the Valentine Bride today. That way you can enjoy Carson and Fynlee’s story. 5 stars!
July 28, 2020
Shanna Hatfield just keeps delivering romantic books with Sweet girls and Sexy Cowboys that just sweep me away. She has a talent of bringing love, laughter, and romance together as no one else can deliver. This was such a sweet book. Fynlee and Carson were a perfect couple. Matilda and Ruth just had me laughing with their crazy matchmaking schemes.
Love the joy this one brought me.
Love the joy this one brought me.
May 22, 2018
What a fun novella to read. Shanna Hatfield’s first story about the city of Holiday is sometimes whimsical and silly. However, everything, at least for a while, isn’t coming up roses for her characters.
Fynlee Dale’s grandmother is droll and entertaining and manages to keep poor Fynlee on her toes while she tries to save herself and others from her grandmother’s lovable and laughable schemes.
Carson Ford’s aunt, Ruth, moves into the same retirement home where Fynlee’s grandmother, Matilda lives. Carson has his hands full, too, with his aunt and her escapades with Matilda.
I had only read two and a half pages before I was spontaneously laughing hysterically, picturing Matilda as she was described. The Valentine Bride is a fun, adorably imaginative and creative story. The novella opens with Fynlee having to leave work to rescue her grandmother from another typical escapade, and it keeps you on a wild roller coaster ride from there. Toss Carson’s shrewish girlfriend, the other residents at Golden Skies (the retirement home), and some situations that leave Fynlee, Matilda and Ruth understandably confused into the mix, and you have a wild ride on your hands. You’ll find yourself excited for the characters when things are going at a steady pace. Your heart will plummet when things seem to be out of control. Then you will coast into the ending with a smile as things straighten out with a little help from friends.
I received the book from the author. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.
Fynlee Dale’s grandmother is droll and entertaining and manages to keep poor Fynlee on her toes while she tries to save herself and others from her grandmother’s lovable and laughable schemes.
Carson Ford’s aunt, Ruth, moves into the same retirement home where Fynlee’s grandmother, Matilda lives. Carson has his hands full, too, with his aunt and her escapades with Matilda.
I had only read two and a half pages before I was spontaneously laughing hysterically, picturing Matilda as she was described. The Valentine Bride is a fun, adorably imaginative and creative story. The novella opens with Fynlee having to leave work to rescue her grandmother from another typical escapade, and it keeps you on a wild roller coaster ride from there. Toss Carson’s shrewish girlfriend, the other residents at Golden Skies (the retirement home), and some situations that leave Fynlee, Matilda and Ruth understandably confused into the mix, and you have a wild ride on your hands. You’ll find yourself excited for the characters when things are going at a steady pace. Your heart will plummet when things seem to be out of control. Then you will coast into the ending with a smile as things straighten out with a little help from friends.
I received the book from the author. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.
February 8, 2024
Valentine Bride by Shanna Hatfield is the first book in the Holiday Brides series. Fynlee Dale returns to Holiday to take care of her wacky grandmother, Matilda. Although it means putting her dreams aside for now, she needs to be there for Grams as she was there for Fynlee. Carson Ford vows to take care of his elderly aunt, Ruth, after buying her ranch, the Flying B. Suddenly a plot is afoot as the two old women become matchmakers and scheme to help Fynlee and Carson fall in love. Little do they know, but there is a monkey wrench thrown into their plans when Carson’s “fiancée” shows up at the ranch. Will Fynlee and Carson see they are truly meant for each other? Or will they be torn apart?
Valentine Bride is a funny, sweet, clean romance novella. With a wonderful cast of characters, there is no shortage of laughter and a dose of drama. Carson and Fynlee are great together. Grams is a wonderfully eccentric free spirit. This story is a fast read as I was not able to put it down. I knew Carson and Fynlee would end up together. It is a romance novel after all. However, I needed to know how they finally admit their feelings and deal with the interfering “fiancée.” I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy clean romances with sweet moments, funny antics and a dose of drama, I highly recommend Valentine Bride.
Valentine Bride is available in paperback and eBook
Valentine Bride is a funny, sweet, clean romance novella. With a wonderful cast of characters, there is no shortage of laughter and a dose of drama. Carson and Fynlee are great together. Grams is a wonderfully eccentric free spirit. This story is a fast read as I was not able to put it down. I knew Carson and Fynlee would end up together. It is a romance novel after all. However, I needed to know how they finally admit their feelings and deal with the interfering “fiancée.” I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy clean romances with sweet moments, funny antics and a dose of drama, I highly recommend Valentine Bride.
Valentine Bride is available in paperback and eBook
March 28, 2025
This is a sweet and lighthearted romance that the reader knows from the first page what is going to happen. Still, it's an entertaining read. Fynlee is a character I related to. She is dedicated to caring for her wacky grandmother, setting aside her own dreams in life to do so. Carson Ford is a handsome hunky cowboy who has taken over his elderly aunt's ranch. The minute Fynlee and Carson meet, sparks fly. But it's the antics of Fynlee's grandmother and Carson's aunt together that drive the story. These two old women made me smile, and I fell in love them immediately. One reviewer described them as being like toddlers on the loose in a candy factory and I'd have to agree. Their energy is contagious.
If you're looking for a book that will leave you with a happy feeling that all is right in the world, this will do it. While there is no mystery about what will happen, it's an enjoyable read.
If you're looking for a book that will leave you with a happy feeling that all is right in the world, this will do it. While there is no mystery about what will happen, it's an enjoyable read.
May 13, 2023
Valentine Bride is the first in Shanna Hatfield’s Holiday Brides series, and I can wait to read the other stories. A true-rom com, the book had lots of laugh-out-loud moments. Who doesn’t love a man who looks after his elderly widowed aunt? Add her best friend, an octogenarian with a penchant for getting into trouble and a granddaughter who just tries to keep up, and you’ve got a great story. Although somewhat formulaic, the story was delightful and kept me turning pages. I was fortunate to have the day off and was able to finish in one sitting. There were several touching moments, and I enjoyed when the story switched to the older ladies’ point of view. A light-hearted read no matter what time of year.
February 4, 2020
Book 1 in this Holiday Bride collection. Valentine Bride is the perfect real life love story with all of the ups and downs of courtship and finding true love. Fynlee and Carson are an everyday couple forced to deal with many obstacles before they can find there happy ever after. But with a little help from some feisty ladies they will have a great time falling in love.https://lisaevrydayread.wordpress.com...
February 21, 2020
Adorable!
There is no other word for this story. Fynlee is such a sweetheart, with a grandmother that I would treasure as much as she does. Carson is just as fortunate to have a sweet aunt, who happens to live at Golden Skies retirement home with Fynlee’s grandmother.
These two have such a sweet romance and I loved their characters. And the folks at the retirement home? OMG, hilarious. Clean, sweet read that made for an enjoyable evening.
There is no other word for this story. Fynlee is such a sweetheart, with a grandmother that I would treasure as much as she does. Carson is just as fortunate to have a sweet aunt, who happens to live at Golden Skies retirement home with Fynlee’s grandmother.
These two have such a sweet romance and I loved their characters. And the folks at the retirement home? OMG, hilarious. Clean, sweet read that made for an enjoyable evening.
August 1, 2020
Another great read
I unknowingly read the third book in this series first so I had to go back where the series started. The main characters’ stories are amazing but what really got me was the grandmother. The story starts with Fynlee getting a call because Grams is wearing men’s underwear outside her clothes. No she’s not nuts, she just marches to her own drummer. And in this case...well, I guess you should read the book and find out why.
I unknowingly read the third book in this series first so I had to go back where the series started. The main characters’ stories are amazing but what really got me was the grandmother. The story starts with Fynlee getting a call because Grams is wearing men’s underwear outside her clothes. No she’s not nuts, she just marches to her own drummer. And in this case...well, I guess you should read the book and find out why.
May 21, 2021
I had to laugh at some of the antics Matilda and Ruth get up to, like the interaction between Fynleee and Carson. I did get a tad annoyed at Carson for not breaking things off with Hilary before spending a lot of time alone with Fynlee, it seemed like he was toying with her affections. I couldn't understand how a man like him ever got involved with a scheming, spoiled brat like Hilary in the first place. Thankfully everything worked out in the end, loved the wedding scenes.
February 14, 2024
This is a perfect book for a quick easy night read
I laugh through this book honestly. The characters were quirky and funny I wanna be that grandma. The story line story line was a normal boy meets girl type of story. However this author takes it to a different level that you feel like you know the characters you know what's gonna happen next because they are quirky. I enjoyed this author's and I look forward to reading more of the books
I laugh through this book honestly. The characters were quirky and funny I wanna be that grandma. The story line story line was a normal boy meets girl type of story. However this author takes it to a different level that you feel like you know the characters you know what's gonna happen next because they are quirky. I enjoyed this author's and I look forward to reading more of the books
April 2, 2024
Cute, sweet, western romance
Romance, sweet, contemporary, western; series but stand alone read
Finley and Carson’s story was a lovely fall but interspersed with an old flame of Carson’s showing up, spoiling their HEA a few times.
Cute, light hearted, with genuine, heartfelt emotions between the two of them, even without the help of their matchmaking grandmothers, a sweet read.
Personally found the ex a bit over the top, and the second time, even less believable.
Romance, sweet, contemporary, western; series but stand alone read
Finley and Carson’s story was a lovely fall but interspersed with an old flame of Carson’s showing up, spoiling their HEA a few times.
Cute, light hearted, with genuine, heartfelt emotions between the two of them, even without the help of their matchmaking grandmothers, a sweet read.
Personally found the ex a bit over the top, and the second time, even less believable.
February 15, 2017
3.5 stars
This was a sweet little story. In the short length of it there are two little old ladies up to no good, pulling hi-jinks like middle-schoolers, a hard-working and handsome cowboy, and a lovely lady with a caring and selfless heart. I loved getting to see them all interact with one another, and to have their misunderstandings and resolutions.
This was a sweet little story. In the short length of it there are two little old ladies up to no good, pulling hi-jinks like middle-schoolers, a hard-working and handsome cowboy, and a lovely lady with a caring and selfless heart. I loved getting to see them all interact with one another, and to have their misunderstandings and resolutions.
August 11, 2017
Boy did this sweet romance sizzle! I had no question about the attraction between Carson and Fynlee (Plus, what great names our main characters have!) The relationship built naturally and felt very real. I loved the sweet interfering of Aunt Ruth and Matilda, and their sassy schemes. Excellent read!!
February 14, 2018
Valentine's bride
I chose to give this a 5 star rating it's a very cute heart warming story full of laughs ,tears and love. I absolutely loved the grandmother and her friend. Her grandmother was so full of fun.love the way these two get to get her granddaughter and Ruth's nephew together. Only thing standing in way is his girl.friend
I chose to give this a 5 star rating it's a very cute heart warming story full of laughs ,tears and love. I absolutely loved the grandmother and her friend. Her grandmother was so full of fun.love the way these two get to get her granddaughter and Ruth's nephew together. Only thing standing in way is his girl.friend
February 12, 2021
Definitely a sweet Valentine’s or any other holiday read
Carson and “Rosie Red” are just the sweetest pair. However for me the elderly best friends;grandmother and aunt take the cake in this sweet story! Carson is hunky, kind to old ladies, loves dogs and is polite, what isn’t to love? An hour well spent. I look forward to the rest of this series.
Carson and “Rosie Red” are just the sweetest pair. However for me the elderly best friends;grandmother and aunt take the cake in this sweet story! Carson is hunky, kind to old ladies, loves dogs and is polite, what isn’t to love? An hour well spent. I look forward to the rest of this series.
February 17, 2021
A little too rushed for me, but overall a nice story with a HEA. The cover didn't quite prepare me for the heavy cowboy theme, or I probably would not have picked it up. However, it wasn't that bad and because it was short, there wasn't a lot of time to waste on a lot of ranching. Quite tolerable. Not sure if I want to continue the series. I'll think about it.
February 25, 2022
I loved the heroine, Fynlee and the hero, Carson. It was wonderful to see the development of their relationship thanks to the matchmaking efforts of Fynlee's grandmother and Carson's aunt. They had such great chemistry throughout the story. They were perfect for each other. This was a fun and relaxing read. It is perfect for anyone looking for something light and enjoyable.
July 25, 2022
Loved it
I loved Matilda! She made me smile and laugh. I liked when her and Ruth got together and the things they came up with to get Fynlee and Carson together. This book made me smile. There was some big misunderstanding and it was so fun how the two old ladies helped them talk it out. Such a fun, good feel book. I enjoyed it and can't wait to read more from this author.
I loved Matilda! She made me smile and laugh. I liked when her and Ruth got together and the things they came up with to get Fynlee and Carson together. This book made me smile. There was some big misunderstanding and it was so fun how the two old ladies helped them talk it out. Such a fun, good feel book. I enjoyed it and can't wait to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews