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Valentine to Faith
Angel del Corazon, a single mother, has a good life with her teenage daughter, Faith, on shell-encrusted Sanibel Island, even if it’s based upon a lie. Angel’s sacrifices and hard work will soon pay off when Faith sails off to college, hopefully changing the bedeviled family pattern of loss and longing. When Faith falls for an abusive man with strong beliefs, unknowingly repeating her mother’s mistakes, Angel questions her decision to hide the past. To win back her daughter’s trust, she must divulge her secrets, and in the process, open her heart or risk losing the man she loves. Along the way, the Sea Goddess Yemaya, as well as the Victorian shell craft of Sailors’ Valentines, bring healing for old wounds and hope for the future.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2020
About the author
Victoria Foyt
8 books69 followersVictoria Foyt's debut novel, The Virtual Life of Lexie Diamond, a young adult fantasy
mystery thriller (HarperCollins) was Recommended by The Center for Children's Books, and received a five-star, must read rating from Teens Read Too: “Foyt has created a compelling character and an electrifying story that will hold readers until the last page.”
Victoria co-wrote and starred in several acclaimed feature films, including "Going Shopping" with Rob Morrow, "Déjà Vu" with Vanessa Redgrave, "Last Summer in the Hamptons" with Melissa Leo, and "Babyfever" with Eric Roberts.
Victoria has appeared on news outlets such as Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, E! Entertainment, HBO, CNN-TV, Showbiz Today, ABC Radio, Turner TV Entertainment Report, TNT Rough Cuts, and Westwood One Radio, and has received extensive coverage on Siskel & Ebert.
She also has been featured in Vogue Magazine, O at Home, Elle Magazine, Movieline, Venice Magazine, Avenue Magazine, Night Magazine, Moviemaker Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, La Opinion, Miami New Times, Dramalogue, and Backstage West, among others.
Born and raised in Coral Gables, Florida, Victoria attended the University of Miami, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish and German. She currently resides in Santa Monica, California. She loves reading--at least two or three books a month--movies, tennis, swimming, hiking, and lots of dark chocolate.
mystery thriller (HarperCollins) was Recommended by The Center for Children's Books, and received a five-star, must read rating from Teens Read Too: “Foyt has created a compelling character and an electrifying story that will hold readers until the last page.”
Victoria co-wrote and starred in several acclaimed feature films, including "Going Shopping" with Rob Morrow, "Déjà Vu" with Vanessa Redgrave, "Last Summer in the Hamptons" with Melissa Leo, and "Babyfever" with Eric Roberts.
Victoria has appeared on news outlets such as Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, E! Entertainment, HBO, CNN-TV, Showbiz Today, ABC Radio, Turner TV Entertainment Report, TNT Rough Cuts, and Westwood One Radio, and has received extensive coverage on Siskel & Ebert.
She also has been featured in Vogue Magazine, O at Home, Elle Magazine, Movieline, Venice Magazine, Avenue Magazine, Night Magazine, Moviemaker Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, La Opinion, Miami New Times, Dramalogue, and Backstage West, among others.
Born and raised in Coral Gables, Florida, Victoria attended the University of Miami, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish and German. She currently resides in Santa Monica, California. She loves reading--at least two or three books a month--movies, tennis, swimming, hiking, and lots of dark chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 3, 2020
Valentine to Faith started off a little slow and it took a while for me to get into it, but once I did, I couldn't wait to find out what would happen in the end.
The story follows Angel as she finally faces the past she thought she'd left behind forever. She tells the story of that past in letters to her daughter, Faith, and ultimately, the story comes full-circle. It shows the struggles of a single mother, and what she'll do to protect her child as she tries to break the cycle of abuse.
The story bounces easily from present to the past and back again, something that's not always done well, but the author succeeded in making it work seamlessly here. Tales of mermaids and goddesses are interwoven with religion and faith, sprinkled liberally with beautiful turns of phrases throughout, and just enough drama to keep you reading to find out what happens next.
I do feel like I should note that there are several instances of domestic violence, so if that's something that would bother you, you might want to avoid it. Otherwise, it's a nice escape.
Full of surprising twists and turns, a slight air of mystery and romance, and wonderfully descriptive writing, Valentine to Faith would be a nice story to get lost in on a summer evening.
The story follows Angel as she finally faces the past she thought she'd left behind forever. She tells the story of that past in letters to her daughter, Faith, and ultimately, the story comes full-circle. It shows the struggles of a single mother, and what she'll do to protect her child as she tries to break the cycle of abuse.
The story bounces easily from present to the past and back again, something that's not always done well, but the author succeeded in making it work seamlessly here. Tales of mermaids and goddesses are interwoven with religion and faith, sprinkled liberally with beautiful turns of phrases throughout, and just enough drama to keep you reading to find out what happens next.
I do feel like I should note that there are several instances of domestic violence, so if that's something that would bother you, you might want to avoid it. Otherwise, it's a nice escape.
Full of surprising twists and turns, a slight air of mystery and romance, and wonderfully descriptive writing, Valentine to Faith would be a nice story to get lost in on a summer evening.
April 18, 2020
I'll be the first to admit that I was skeptical about this one. To start with I thought the blurb gave it all away and when the main character goes around like a crazy person afraid of shells I hope you can understand I had one foot out the door. There's just so much foreboding and OH the SHELLS! Then she meets Max and nearly devours him after a near tirade about how men are all bastards (or maybe it was that she doesn't need a man at that point? I might be a little imprecise on that, I'm writing *after* finishing it all so...) leaving me more than a little confused. Needless to say this tale takes a bit of a while to kick off and that doesn't help its case. I'll also be brutally honest and add that I found the cover unattractive.
All that said, the shell fear was mildly tempered by Angel talking about Yemaya who doesn't sound too important in the beginning (that is not too important *to the story* because I'm not looking down on anyone's beliefs) and soon it drew me in even more.
That brings me to the first pro. I really appreciate how this presents some Cuban culture (even goes deeper and uses some Spanish) because it's not only interesting but also done so it's not alienating, meaning that when another language is used (because there's also german) the translation (and often significance of the words) soon follows.
Second pro to me is that though it brings up many interesting moral debates (like is there a point where revealing a lie is pointless? Is there a point when it's too late?) it does so within the story and not really to your face. I like that, I like having to “work” and be able to draw my own conclusions even when the characters come to theirs (and extra points if they differ from mine).
The final (but to me the most important) pro is that it was really fascinating how it illustrates how “mother” is to one generation what “heathen” is to the next. It's truly artful how this can take something as deep as the impact of religion (and the clashes between them too) and weave in into a story that though heavily based on it *isn't* dominated by that topic. Angel's life though fiction is so believable that if someone told me this was a biography I wouldn't bat an eye. I also learned that the cover has a very important (and significant) reason for being what it is, as does the title. And that along with how much this made me reflect is the reason that I rate this 5 stars.
I would happily recommend this to anyone as long as it's clear that this is a 'slice of life' type of story (as in this isn't a light read) and though it has a happy ending, it also proves that sometimes a happy ending is simply the ending that carries happiness (and any reader who wants to enjoy this needs to be mature enough to handle that).
All that said, the shell fear was mildly tempered by Angel talking about Yemaya who doesn't sound too important in the beginning (that is not too important *to the story* because I'm not looking down on anyone's beliefs) and soon it drew me in even more.
That brings me to the first pro. I really appreciate how this presents some Cuban culture (even goes deeper and uses some Spanish) because it's not only interesting but also done so it's not alienating, meaning that when another language is used (because there's also german) the translation (and often significance of the words) soon follows.
Second pro to me is that though it brings up many interesting moral debates (like is there a point where revealing a lie is pointless? Is there a point when it's too late?) it does so within the story and not really to your face. I like that, I like having to “work” and be able to draw my own conclusions even when the characters come to theirs (and extra points if they differ from mine).
The final (but to me the most important) pro is that it was really fascinating how it illustrates how “mother” is to one generation what “heathen” is to the next. It's truly artful how this can take something as deep as the impact of religion (and the clashes between them too) and weave in into a story that though heavily based on it *isn't* dominated by that topic. Angel's life though fiction is so believable that if someone told me this was a biography I wouldn't bat an eye. I also learned that the cover has a very important (and significant) reason for being what it is, as does the title. And that along with how much this made me reflect is the reason that I rate this 5 stars.
I would happily recommend this to anyone as long as it's clear that this is a 'slice of life' type of story (as in this isn't a light read) and though it has a happy ending, it also proves that sometimes a happy ending is simply the ending that carries happiness (and any reader who wants to enjoy this needs to be mature enough to handle that).
April 18, 2020
Beautiful Storytelling With Elements of Magical Realism, Romance and Drama
This book is a truly epic novel that makes for the perfect escape during the current pandemic—and beyond. It’s a transformative story about love, faith and breaking the cycles and patterns of relationships that are often repeated through generations.
Foyt’s prose and ability to invoke visuals from her descriptions are equally ethereal and mesmerizing. I also learned about this whole world I had never even heard of: shell work and Sailors’ Valentines.
The characters are very well-developed and relatable, though at times you want to shake both Angel and her daughter, Faith, like you would your own relatives (for their own good, of course)! Foyt weaves in and out of the different lifetimes of three generations of women, drawing you into their sagas and raising the stakes in every chapter.
It was also a very relaxing page and there were definitely moments where I couldn’t put it down.
There really is so much to love about this book! It has elements of magical realism, romance and drama that make it a truly compelling, beautiful read. Excellent storytelling!
This book is a truly epic novel that makes for the perfect escape during the current pandemic—and beyond. It’s a transformative story about love, faith and breaking the cycles and patterns of relationships that are often repeated through generations.
Foyt’s prose and ability to invoke visuals from her descriptions are equally ethereal and mesmerizing. I also learned about this whole world I had never even heard of: shell work and Sailors’ Valentines.
The characters are very well-developed and relatable, though at times you want to shake both Angel and her daughter, Faith, like you would your own relatives (for their own good, of course)! Foyt weaves in and out of the different lifetimes of three generations of women, drawing you into their sagas and raising the stakes in every chapter.
It was also a very relaxing page and there were definitely moments where I couldn’t put it down.
There really is so much to love about this book! It has elements of magical realism, romance and drama that make it a truly compelling, beautiful read. Excellent storytelling!
May 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! I love the way author wove the women's lives into the background of the story and shared the depth of their dysfunction. Faith and her mother's arguments were so realistic and relatable for me and the way everything is woven together is beautiful. Just a really great contemporary romance story with a sort of epic feel to it.
April 30, 2020
Laced with magical realism and beautiful descriptive passages, "Valentine to Faith" is a comforting, warm tale. I was immediately drawn into the book by the author's writing and could envision the story easily. Focused on a mother/daughter relationship, the book also weaved in religion and spirituality, ritual, questions of free will, and how the past will repeat itself if we don't acknowledge it and face who we truly are. Bouncing easily from past to present, I found the pace of the story to be good, though I was sometimes frustrated by the main character's hesitant, almost scared nature when it came to shells, as well as her reluctance to experience open communication. A lot of her problems would have been solved easily if she had just talked to the person from the get-go. Tell your daughter about her father and your past instead of lying, have an adult discussion with the other adults around you rather than assuming their thoughts. But then there wouldn't be a story, so I guess the hidden past is necessary and I ultimately enjoyed reading it. I also really liked the tidbits of shell information sprinkled throughout the book. All in all, a nice read with truly beautiful, descriptive writing and a thoughtful story.
April 22, 2020
I am glad that my sister recommended for me to read this book.
I usually snuggle in my bed before going to sleep to cuddle up with a soothing book and this one is perfect.
I like the how the descriptive words can paint a picture of the scenery for reader. As you read along it is so calming and romantic that once you put the book down, you'd want to snuggle up with your loved one.
Well written!
I usually snuggle in my bed before going to sleep to cuddle up with a soothing book and this one is perfect.
I like the how the descriptive words can paint a picture of the scenery for reader. As you read along it is so calming and romantic that once you put the book down, you'd want to snuggle up with your loved one.
Well written!
December 31, 2020
“Valentine to Faith,” by Victoria Foyt, is an emotionally engaging new adult novel that will have you totally immersed. The cycle of abuse can be as vicious as the spell of the Sea Goddess Yemaya, and sometimes children repeat the unhealthy patterns of their parents. But the cycle can be broken, and those who seem destined to repeat history can rise above it all and shine.
This captivating novel tells the story of a mother named Angel and her daughter Faith, who is entering young adulthood and striking out on her own to attend college and start a life of dreams and independence, and a new romantic relationship. But Angel has kept her troubled past a secret, and now sees that her daughter could be repeating the dangerous cycle. The trust between mother and daughter is broken, but Angel is set on winning back Faith’s love and respect. Intertwined with this emotional domestic drama is a shell craft by the name of Sailors’ Valentines, and the Sea Goddess Yemaya.
I like everything about this novel, which has its beginning in 1985. Foyt’s writing is mesmerizing, lulling you in a lyrical way, the way the sound of the ocean waves do. And speaking of ocean waves, this story is set on the Sanibel Island, a perfect location for such a balanced tale of reverie and realism.
The characters are so real they could walk off the page, the descriptions delight the senses and have a poetic feel, and the plot will keep you invested until the end, which comes way too soon. Foyt has her players imperfect, and not just a line or two about being an OCD house-cleaner, a list-keeper, or a little clumsy or forgetful. These flaws are deep, buried, and have life-changing consequences. It isn’t always easy to make truly flawed characters likeable, but this author knows how, and you’ll find yourself caring for how things turn out for them. Then the author takes you deep into motivations, and the past, and how it affects the present and future. That Angel is trying to resist the dark power of Yemaya adds another layer of drama, and the tension builds in a slow, dreadful way that you will thoroughly enjoy.
Other themes of the story include religion, family, romance, lies, mystery, among others. If there is one novel to read next, make it “Valentine to Faith,” by Victoria Foyt.
This captivating novel tells the story of a mother named Angel and her daughter Faith, who is entering young adulthood and striking out on her own to attend college and start a life of dreams and independence, and a new romantic relationship. But Angel has kept her troubled past a secret, and now sees that her daughter could be repeating the dangerous cycle. The trust between mother and daughter is broken, but Angel is set on winning back Faith’s love and respect. Intertwined with this emotional domestic drama is a shell craft by the name of Sailors’ Valentines, and the Sea Goddess Yemaya.
I like everything about this novel, which has its beginning in 1985. Foyt’s writing is mesmerizing, lulling you in a lyrical way, the way the sound of the ocean waves do. And speaking of ocean waves, this story is set on the Sanibel Island, a perfect location for such a balanced tale of reverie and realism.
The characters are so real they could walk off the page, the descriptions delight the senses and have a poetic feel, and the plot will keep you invested until the end, which comes way too soon. Foyt has her players imperfect, and not just a line or two about being an OCD house-cleaner, a list-keeper, or a little clumsy or forgetful. These flaws are deep, buried, and have life-changing consequences. It isn’t always easy to make truly flawed characters likeable, but this author knows how, and you’ll find yourself caring for how things turn out for them. Then the author takes you deep into motivations, and the past, and how it affects the present and future. That Angel is trying to resist the dark power of Yemaya adds another layer of drama, and the tension builds in a slow, dreadful way that you will thoroughly enjoy.
Other themes of the story include religion, family, romance, lies, mystery, among others. If there is one novel to read next, make it “Valentine to Faith,” by Victoria Foyt.
May 10, 2020
At first, I wasn't sure I would enjoy reading this book, but I'm glad that I did. I love the religious symbols used in the book, especially the names "Angel" and "Faith." I thought the mythical creatures like the mermaids and sea goddesses were a nice addition because then there is a sense of magic in the story. The book is about a mother and a daughter who finally get to know more about each other after the mother has kept her dark past a secret. There are moral questions that the readers have to ask themselves. Like Kantian Ethics, is it always wrong to lie? Is it always wrong not to divulge the truth? Or do we keep that part of our lives a secret until it's necessary to speak about it? And when we do talk about it, does it help us or someone else? Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, and I recommend it, especially to anyone out there who wonders if they should talk to their children about their past.
May 13, 2020
I loved this book! It wasn't what I was expecting at all--I was expecting sort of a cliche romance, which is what i was exactly in the mood for. But the story had layer upon layer of rich storytelling.
The book has a romantic core, but it weaves in these cycles that transcend three generations of women who are so different but also very similar. I could totally relate to Angel's relationship with her daughter and how she so desperately wants to save her from the same mistake she made.
I also really enjoyed all the description, both of the characters and Sanibel island itself. I now have this dreamy idea of this beautiful magical island that I want to go visit on my next vacation!
The book has a romantic core, but it weaves in these cycles that transcend three generations of women who are so different but also very similar. I could totally relate to Angel's relationship with her daughter and how she so desperately wants to save her from the same mistake she made.
I also really enjoyed all the description, both of the characters and Sanibel island itself. I now have this dreamy idea of this beautiful magical island that I want to go visit on my next vacation!
April 19, 2020
I have to say that "Valentine to Faith" really drew me in as the story unfolded and kept me wondering what was ahead. Well-written and thoughtful, the author did a wonderful job creating the beautiful setting of Sanibel Island, and really upped the ante when it came to the romance and slight air of mystery. I love when a book pulls you in and makes you wonder about the story even when you're not reading it at the moment and that's exactly what "Valentine" did for me.
I also enjoyed the endearing little stories that were before each chapter that ranged from factual to mythical. I felt that it gave the book a nice touch and made the story more alluring that it already is. Overall, I enjoyed "Valentine to Faith" and look forward to more reads from Victoria Foyt.
I also enjoyed the endearing little stories that were before each chapter that ranged from factual to mythical. I felt that it gave the book a nice touch and made the story more alluring that it already is. Overall, I enjoyed "Valentine to Faith" and look forward to more reads from Victoria Foyt.
April 22, 2020
Though many of the plot details are given away in the description, I had no idea how much I was going to like this book until I started reading! This is a beautifully-written story about a mother-daughter relationship and it's many complexities. The imagery was great and really made this book a page-turner for me. All in all, this was a highly enjoyable book and I can't wait to read more from Victoria Foyt!
April 18, 2020
I'm usually not too thrilled with romance novels, but this one is the exception. It's beautifully written and really has so much more depth than what you'd find in the average romance novel. I love the little facts and history about shells that are sprinkled throughout, it just serves to give even more depth and value to what you're reading. This is more than some steamy romance, this is about a mother and a daughter, finding love again, losing love, betrayal, and everything in-between. Definitely worth a read!
Currently Reading
April 20, 2020First, let me say that this novel was very well written at roughly 237 pages. I found the book to be a very easy and quick read. However, I found the begining a little slow and I was worried regarding the shells. Once I got past the begining, the book moved very quickly. The mother/daughter angel was touching.
April 19, 2020
Valentine of Faith, is a mixture of romance, mystery, and a story that demonstrates a true rite of passage for mother and daughter. This read is compelling and will keep you wondering what’s to come. I like the descriptive nature of the writing and the bits and pieces of cultural lessons within the pages. A bit emotional at times, worth reading 100%.
April 20, 2020
Valentine to Faith by Victoria Foyt was such an enjoyable, entertaining and intriguing read. I was so pleased to find one of the settings was Sanibel Island, Florida. This is one of my favorite places on earth and it was fun to imagine the characters on those shell-filled beaches next to the aqua-blue waters. I was hooked from start to finish and am excited to see what other novels I might enjoy from Victoria Foyt.
April 21, 2020
I liked this book. It was well-written and had beautiful language. It made you appreciate the struggle of a single mother raising her daughter. The struggle that women go through in abusive relationships and the potential for a daughter to make the same mistakes as her mom is explored successfully. The imaginary component of the sea angel is also quite interesting. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a good story.
April 20, 2020
Really enjoyed this one! I’ll admit that I slowly grew interest with this one, but it is a beautiful story. Just took me a little bit to get really hooked. I enjoyed how the relationship between mother and daughter was portrayed and there were several times I had to stop and really think. It was thought provoking! I would recommend this one to anyone looking for something sentimental to read.
April 22, 2020
Destiny and Faith go hand in hand. We can't always protect the ones we love by hiding the truth. This is an excellent journey back to self and facing our fears within.
January 4, 2022
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
3rd January 2022
TITLE: Valentine to Faith
AUTHOR: Victoria Foyt
Star Rating: 4
‘A wonderfully written literary novel populated with mesmerising characters. I was enthralled. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
Allow me to begin by saying this is a very good novel. It’s not often I get to enjoy such a cleverly plotted story with such literary merit. Valentine to Faith is the gripping tale of a woman (Angel) who must face her abusive past in order to prevent her daughter from making the same mistake she did. This book is a study of character, abuse, vulnerability, and intimacy. The writing style is delightful; I’d call it a ‘slow burner’, the author taking her time to develop her characters so the reader can truly get to know them.
The first word I thought of when I read this novel was ‘struggle’. Not that it was a struggle to read, but the story looks at the ‘struggle’ of a single mother trying to do the best for her daughter. The author also works hard (successfully) to explore the terrible struggle women often face with ‘abuse’; In many ways, the author is exploring the curbs and limits forced on women by the community they live in. The protagonist ‘feels’ so very much – all of the time – and it was this intimacy with the central character I enjoyed the most.
To sum up, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Admittedly, it’s a little slow going at the beginning, but for the most part it’s superbly written – and the sprinkling of shell facts adds considerable charm. Most readers, particularly women, will find it gripping; the sort of book to get lost in; the sort of book which allows you to get to know every character very, very well. Also, I suspect, many will find this story helps them to reflect on the strength of a mother/daughter bond. This, in many ways, is a book to curl up on a sofa with; the sort you recommend to a pal; that gets tatty corners as it’s read so much.
Enjoy!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
3rd January 2022
TITLE: Valentine to Faith
AUTHOR: Victoria Foyt
Star Rating: 4
‘A wonderfully written literary novel populated with mesmerising characters. I was enthralled. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
Allow me to begin by saying this is a very good novel. It’s not often I get to enjoy such a cleverly plotted story with such literary merit. Valentine to Faith is the gripping tale of a woman (Angel) who must face her abusive past in order to prevent her daughter from making the same mistake she did. This book is a study of character, abuse, vulnerability, and intimacy. The writing style is delightful; I’d call it a ‘slow burner’, the author taking her time to develop her characters so the reader can truly get to know them.
The first word I thought of when I read this novel was ‘struggle’. Not that it was a struggle to read, but the story looks at the ‘struggle’ of a single mother trying to do the best for her daughter. The author also works hard (successfully) to explore the terrible struggle women often face with ‘abuse’; In many ways, the author is exploring the curbs and limits forced on women by the community they live in. The protagonist ‘feels’ so very much – all of the time – and it was this intimacy with the central character I enjoyed the most.
To sum up, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Admittedly, it’s a little slow going at the beginning, but for the most part it’s superbly written – and the sprinkling of shell facts adds considerable charm. Most readers, particularly women, will find it gripping; the sort of book to get lost in; the sort of book which allows you to get to know every character very, very well. Also, I suspect, many will find this story helps them to reflect on the strength of a mother/daughter bond. This, in many ways, is a book to curl up on a sofa with; the sort you recommend to a pal; that gets tatty corners as it’s read so much.
Enjoy!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
May 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Romance is not usually my thing, but this was more of an epic story about love, family, breaking dysfunction and so much more.it didn’t feel like a traditional romance novel, but in a good way. What I loved about it is that the author wove in components of magical realism so smoothly that I didn’t have any time to suspend belief. I loved each character’s arc and the evolution of the familial relationships as they broke deeply ingrained beliefs, patterns and cycles to reach the culmination of all their stories.
The descriptions were rich and vivid; it really helped me visualize the island setting and imagine the beauty of the shell craft and Sailors’ valentines. I also really liked the blurbs at the beginning of each chapter that had their own little story that set the tone for what was ahead.
Really beautiful and inspiring storytelling!
The descriptions were rich and vivid; it really helped me visualize the island setting and imagine the beauty of the shell craft and Sailors’ valentines. I also really liked the blurbs at the beginning of each chapter that had their own little story that set the tone for what was ahead.
Really beautiful and inspiring storytelling!
May 22, 2020
A charming look at a life destroyed and rebuilt:
Angel uses a false name, to hide her past from her neighbors and her daughter. She tells a false story of her parents and her husband, to redirect her daughter's curiosity. But Angel cannot deny the truth when her daughter wants to find her father, and when the handsome new shop owner shows interest in her.
Valentine to Faith is a biography inside a novel, and it is carried off admirably. Normally, I dislike jumping back and forth in time through a story, but in this case the story unfolds in a linear way, and the time jumps make sense.
I enjoyed the story, the explanation of sailor Valentine's, and the history of shell use and pursuit since the days of Queen Victoria.
Angel uses a false name, to hide her past from her neighbors and her daughter. She tells a false story of her parents and her husband, to redirect her daughter's curiosity. But Angel cannot deny the truth when her daughter wants to find her father, and when the handsome new shop owner shows interest in her.
Valentine to Faith is a biography inside a novel, and it is carried off admirably. Normally, I dislike jumping back and forth in time through a story, but in this case the story unfolds in a linear way, and the time jumps make sense.
I enjoyed the story, the explanation of sailor Valentine's, and the history of shell use and pursuit since the days of Queen Victoria.
April 26, 2020
Valentine to faith is the story of a single mother who has kept her daughter close to her. At the same time she has kept her at arm's length and unaware of her past and the things that have happened to her when she was young. When Faith falls in love with a man whom turns out to be abusive, it seems that history is repeating itself all over again. This book is a fun read if you like romance and close intertwined relationships of the family. If you're a mother with a daughter or a daughter with a mother this might also be a good book club read.
April 22, 2020
I like the characters name Faith and Angel beautiful complimenting names for mother and daughter. I gave it 3 stars because the mermaid/ sea goddess these are demonic beings from a marine kingdom, just the mentioned of those creatures in the book ruined my concertration in this story. The author is a wonderful writer I just couldn't get through this book the way I wanted to and I apologize if this review offends anyone especially the author Victoria, I'm sorry.
January 17, 2022
Wow! This book is so original.
I loved this story. This was my bedtime read. You know the one, can't wait to visit it every night !
I could not put it down. Turbulent as an ocean storm yet comforting as a warm summer day. I fell in love with the characters and was rooting for the main character Angel and all her woven relationships. A must read.
Dana Anaice Felice
The Journey of the Abalone Pendant
I loved this story. This was my bedtime read. You know the one, can't wait to visit it every night !
I could not put it down. Turbulent as an ocean storm yet comforting as a warm summer day. I fell in love with the characters and was rooting for the main character Angel and all her woven relationships. A must read.
Dana Anaice Felice
The Journey of the Abalone Pendant
April 12, 2022
“Valentine To Faith” was the most compelling novels I have read in a very long time. Every sentence engaged my imagination with beautiful and, at times, comical illustrations and references. The story was filled with endearing characters leaving me with tears of sadness and feelings of deep compassion, while riding the two time lines as they converge in an adventurous and drama filled outcome. Victoria is a fantastic writer and I look forward to reading another one of her creations.
April 19, 2020
This book is a wonderful drama about a mother and daughter who live a seemingly perfect life on a beautiful island. But that couldn't be farther from the truth, as the mother is hiding her dark past from everyone; including her own daughter. This main plot point makes this book a great read and therefore I highly recommend it.
April 23, 2020
This is a artfully word painted book that has more than just romantic elements. It has mystery and drama woven in. If you like books that have mother and daughter relationships involved, this is a worth a try. At first, it seems like they live in a perfect utopia on an island but there's more to this family than one meets the eye.
April 25, 2020
'Valentine to Faith' is a great read. I enjoyed reading this novel. I do not wish to give spoilers but would just say, the story is about a mother and a daughter with some untold past. It's a romantic novel with little mystery. It doesn't hurt to have that, isn't it? And also have an Island. Made it more interesting and help to visualize the story. Love, betrayal, and all it has.
June 5, 2020
This is a great story that tackles both a great romance and deep rooted family issues that transcend several generations. Once i got into it, it became a bit of a page turner for me. It's laced with symbolism that I was completely unfamiliar with and actually turned out to be pretty cool (Sailors' Valentines and shell work)
April 19, 2020
The title lured me in and I am glad it did. The author definitely know how to get a reader in a deep zone being so desprictive making you think you inside the book. This book definitely got me love the beginning and end.
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