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Lucy Valentine #1
Truly, Madly
Meet Lucy Valentine; sassy, fabulously original…and psychic.
Lucy hails from a long line of matchmakers known as Valentine INC. According to family legend, the Valentines have been blessed by Cupid with the ability to help couples find true love. Trouble is Lucy’s powers were zapped away by an electrical surge and now all she can find are lost objects.
But what good is that in the matchmaking world?
Lucy is about to find out when she tries to solve a murder and winds up falling into a romance of her own.
Lucy hails from a long line of matchmakers known as Valentine INC. According to family legend, the Valentines have been blessed by Cupid with the ability to help couples find true love. Trouble is Lucy’s powers were zapped away by an electrical surge and now all she can find are lost objects.
But what good is that in the matchmaking world?
Lucy is about to find out when she tries to solve a murder and winds up falling into a romance of her own.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2010
163 people are currently reading
11954 people want to read
About the author
Heather Webber
36 books4,366 followersUSA Today bestselling author Heather Webber loves to read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, and bake. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is hard at work on her next book. *Heather also writes under the pen name Heather Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,176 reviews
April 27, 2011
Everybody who's familiar with my reading patterns knows that I tend to have phases. Like a historical romance phase and a teen paranormal phase and so on... I came across Heather Webber's Lucy Valentine series last year, when I was in my fluffy mysteries phase. And I was hooked instantly.
To be fair, although the blurb may make the book out to be complete fluff, it really isn't. Not like, say, Ellen Byerrum's Crimes of Fashion books. The Lucy Valentine books are fun reads, but they're not fluffy. They're entertaining, engaging mystery novels for women, with a dash of romance.
Lucy Valentine is descended from a long line of matchmakers. All blood Valentines have the power to see auras around people, and match them with their soul mates. Lucy's matchmaking ability, however, was zapped out of her at age 14 by a bolt of lightning, leaving her with a completely different psychic ability - she can touch a person's palm and find any lost object belonging to them.
When Lucy's father, the 'King of Love', is caught pants-down with his latest mistress, he decides to take a mini-vacation, leaving the matchmaking agency in Lucy's unwilling hands. Her problems are compounded by her attraction to the sexy PI-in-training upstairs, Sean Donaghue, her wacky and relentless match-making grandmother, a missing child and a vision of a dead body in a national park.
Webber takes all of these threads and weaves them into a well-written, heart-warming story. Lucy's a great character, tough but tender hearted, with an intriguing hint of the subtleties that lie below her competent appearance. Her grandmother Dovey is a doll, her love interest in fun and sexy, her best friends are awesome and her story is charming and engaging.
Seriously, I have nothing but good things to say about Truly, Madly. I've just re-read it for the second time, and I find it as wonderful as I did the first time. I was cheering for Lucy the whole way through, same as always. If you're looking for a fun, entertaining mystery to while away an afternoon on the beach or a rainy day, this is the perfect book. I whole-heartedly recommend Heather Webber's books!
To be fair, although the blurb may make the book out to be complete fluff, it really isn't. Not like, say, Ellen Byerrum's Crimes of Fashion books. The Lucy Valentine books are fun reads, but they're not fluffy. They're entertaining, engaging mystery novels for women, with a dash of romance.
Lucy Valentine is descended from a long line of matchmakers. All blood Valentines have the power to see auras around people, and match them with their soul mates. Lucy's matchmaking ability, however, was zapped out of her at age 14 by a bolt of lightning, leaving her with a completely different psychic ability - she can touch a person's palm and find any lost object belonging to them.
When Lucy's father, the 'King of Love', is caught pants-down with his latest mistress, he decides to take a mini-vacation, leaving the matchmaking agency in Lucy's unwilling hands. Her problems are compounded by her attraction to the sexy PI-in-training upstairs, Sean Donaghue, her wacky and relentless match-making grandmother, a missing child and a vision of a dead body in a national park.
Webber takes all of these threads and weaves them into a well-written, heart-warming story. Lucy's a great character, tough but tender hearted, with an intriguing hint of the subtleties that lie below her competent appearance. Her grandmother Dovey is a doll, her love interest in fun and sexy, her best friends are awesome and her story is charming and engaging.
Seriously, I have nothing but good things to say about Truly, Madly. I've just re-read it for the second time, and I find it as wonderful as I did the first time. I was cheering for Lucy the whole way through, same as always. If you're looking for a fun, entertaining mystery to while away an afternoon on the beach or a rainy day, this is the perfect book. I whole-heartedly recommend Heather Webber's books!
December 20, 2009
I received this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) through a Goodreads giveaway. I was extremely pleased with Heather Webber’s novel Truly, Madly. I finished it fairly quickly, as it’s an engaging read that develops at a steady pace. The characters are likeable, the plot is suspenseful, and the point of view keeps you interested in the main character the entire time.
I liked how the author Heather Webber infuses mysterious events throughout the entire novel, but she doesn’t wait until the final chapters to solve them all at once. The events unfold and the twists and resolutions just keep on coming.
Lucy Valentine comes from a family line of matchmakers that are able to see and match peoples’ auras and guarantee them a love match in the process. However, Lucy’s ability was affected one day during a thunderstorm and her supernatural power transforms into an ability to find lost objects. When she is asked to run the family’s business, she discovers there is more to her ability than she ever considered and goes a on a journey full of twists, turns and suspense.
Webber did a great job of blending mystery, suspense, romance, and drama into a novel that grabs your attention from the beginning and takes you on an adventure that doesn’t disappoint. I look forward to reading the next installment. Great book!
I liked how the author Heather Webber infuses mysterious events throughout the entire novel, but she doesn’t wait until the final chapters to solve them all at once. The events unfold and the twists and resolutions just keep on coming.
Lucy Valentine comes from a family line of matchmakers that are able to see and match peoples’ auras and guarantee them a love match in the process. However, Lucy’s ability was affected one day during a thunderstorm and her supernatural power transforms into an ability to find lost objects. When she is asked to run the family’s business, she discovers there is more to her ability than she ever considered and goes a on a journey full of twists, turns and suspense.
Webber did a great job of blending mystery, suspense, romance, and drama into a novel that grabs your attention from the beginning and takes you on an adventure that doesn’t disappoint. I look forward to reading the next installment. Great book!
August 28, 2010
Captivating and full of humor!!! This was a wonderful read. I have always loved humor, and this page turner hit my humor spot. I would recommend this book for those that loves a good mystery, adventure, humor and a wonderful cast of characters. This book also holds some paranormal aspects, but this is not a romance novel, so there is no HEA or sex.
This is a fun book about Lucy running her family match-making service for a couple of weeks. The thing is Lucy has a touch of physic in her. After she takes over for the first day she has a client that she really wants to help and when she touches him she sees a missing ring, the thing is its on a dead body. From here Lucy gets in deep and between running the match-making service, trying to solve the mystery of the ring and help the client, she also goes out to help a little boy. But wait that’s not all she also has sparks that starts up with a certain PI named Sean. Needless to say she has her hands full.
My favorite passage
Sean as he is putting the shovel back in the car he asks “What now ? Should we rob a bank or something to make our day complete?”
Lucy “No need to be sarcastic”
Sean “Forgive me, but I don’t dig up dead people everyday”
This is a fun book about Lucy running her family match-making service for a couple of weeks. The thing is Lucy has a touch of physic in her. After she takes over for the first day she has a client that she really wants to help and when she touches him she sees a missing ring, the thing is its on a dead body. From here Lucy gets in deep and between running the match-making service, trying to solve the mystery of the ring and help the client, she also goes out to help a little boy. But wait that’s not all she also has sparks that starts up with a certain PI named Sean. Needless to say she has her hands full.
My favorite passage
Sean as he is putting the shovel back in the car he asks “What now ? Should we rob a bank or something to make our day complete?”
Lucy “No need to be sarcastic”
Sean “Forgive me, but I don’t dig up dead people everyday”
August 2, 2022
LOVED IT! I have read Heather Webber before (Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe - fantastic!), & I don't know how I missed this series! Lucy Valentine should be a Matchmaker like her dad, however, her gift doesn't quite work like that. From a missing engagement ring, to a missing little boy, to a missing person, I was totally hooked and I did not want to put the book down. I definitely recommend this one and I cannot wait to read book 2.
September 23, 2022
The first book in the Lucy Valentine Mystery series is Truly, Madly by Heather Webber. A fantastic series debut that I really loved.
I finished it quite fast. I enjoyed how Heather Webber incorporated enigmatic occurrences throughout the entire book without waiting until the very end to reveal all of the answers at once. The way the situation plays out, the twists and conclusions just keep coming.
It's an interesting book that moves along at a good clip. The likable characters, thrilling plot, and engaging point of view keep you interested in the main character throughout.
Lucy is such a fascinating character, she is strong but kindhearted, and she has an appealing suggestion of the subtleties that lie beneath her professional demeanor.
Keep in mind that this book contains some paranormal elements as well however, since this is not a romance tale, there is no Epilogue or intimacy.
The most appropriate adjective to describe this novel is charming. Check it out if you enjoy adorable since it's a pleasant bit of intellectual sweets that won't insult your mind.
I finished it quite fast. I enjoyed how Heather Webber incorporated enigmatic occurrences throughout the entire book without waiting until the very end to reveal all of the answers at once. The way the situation plays out, the twists and conclusions just keep coming.
It's an interesting book that moves along at a good clip. The likable characters, thrilling plot, and engaging point of view keep you interested in the main character throughout.
Lucy is such a fascinating character, she is strong but kindhearted, and she has an appealing suggestion of the subtleties that lie beneath her professional demeanor.
Keep in mind that this book contains some paranormal elements as well however, since this is not a romance tale, there is no Epilogue or intimacy.
The most appropriate adjective to describe this novel is charming. Check it out if you enjoy adorable since it's a pleasant bit of intellectual sweets that won't insult your mind.
December 17, 2009
My earlier note on receiving this book free from Goodreads as part of the First Reads program at bottom.
I really liked this book! For a mystery (and a first mystery,) it was actually suspenseful, and didn't telegraph the ending a third of the way through. As an urban fantasy novel, it was convincing and consistent in its mythology-building, if definitely on the light-hearted side. As a romance, I was SO GRATEFUL that it wasn't your standard virgin-meets-hot-guy-with-issues then promptly has hot sex with him before a misunderstanding... well, you know the trope.
My only criticism (besides the usage of non-standard variants of "storey" and "brooch"; but I was raised on Queen's English, so that's just my personal problem) is the weird compulsion the characters have to repeatedly say each other's names, and especially Lucy's, while talking to that other person. It's kinda... naggy, and definitely breaks the realism of the otherwise well-written dialogue.
Otherwise, it's a fabulous mystery novel with a touch of both romance and the paranormal. It's good-quality chick-lit that isn't afraid to hop genres.
***
I won this as a Firstreads novel almost a month ago. Two weeks after I was notified, I still hadn't received the book, so sent an e-mail to the publisher to check on it. I received a curt reply telling me to wait another week. Two more have passed, and I still have no book, so I am "reviewing" it here for the sake of being able to get back into the Firstreads pool and receive a novel I can actually review for the site.
***UPDATE***
Received the book today, and am happy to tell that it's been pretty awesome so far! Lucy Valentine is quirky and endearingly imperfect; I'm excited for the rest of the book!
I really liked this book! For a mystery (and a first mystery,) it was actually suspenseful, and didn't telegraph the ending a third of the way through. As an urban fantasy novel, it was convincing and consistent in its mythology-building, if definitely on the light-hearted side. As a romance, I was SO GRATEFUL that it wasn't your standard virgin-meets-hot-guy-with-issues then promptly has hot sex with him before a misunderstanding... well, you know the trope.
My only criticism (besides the usage of non-standard variants of "storey" and "brooch"; but I was raised on Queen's English, so that's just my personal problem) is the weird compulsion the characters have to repeatedly say each other's names, and especially Lucy's, while talking to that other person. It's kinda... naggy, and definitely breaks the realism of the otherwise well-written dialogue.
Otherwise, it's a fabulous mystery novel with a touch of both romance and the paranormal. It's good-quality chick-lit that isn't afraid to hop genres.
***
I won this as a Firstreads novel almost a month ago. Two weeks after I was notified, I still hadn't received the book, so sent an e-mail to the publisher to check on it. I received a curt reply telling me to wait another week. Two more have passed, and I still have no book, so I am "reviewing" it here for the sake of being able to get back into the Firstreads pool and receive a novel I can actually review for the site.
***UPDATE***
Received the book today, and am happy to tell that it's been pretty awesome so far! Lucy Valentine is quirky and endearingly imperfect; I'm excited for the rest of the book!
May 3, 2020
Truly, Madly by Heather Webber is the 1st book in the Lucy Valentine Mystery series. Lucy Valentine's father runs a successful matchmaking business with his ability to see auras and to match couples. Lucy's talent is in finding lost inanimate objects and when she is put in charge of the family business, she sees a lost ring on the body of a skeleton and is compelled to investigate further. A wonderful start to the series that I enjoyed very much. I loved Lucy finding her niche for her talent. A fun and engaging light mystery.
November 13, 2014
Blessed (or cursed) by Cupid, The Valentine family has been given the gift of matchmaking, with the ability to see people's auras. Only Lucy lost this gift at the age of 14 during a thunderstorm and now her powers has been subjected to finding objects rather then the matters of the heart. While her father recovers from a heart attack, Lucy has to keep her fathers company -Valentine Inc- up to float while her parents take a little vaca. Soon enough things start to spiral out of control when Lucy finds something she wasn't meant too...
I absolutely adored and loved Truly, Madly. It has everything I was looking for in a novel. Romance, mystery and just enough paranormal twist that I crave in my books.
Heather Webber really brings this novel to life with her crisp characters and surprising plot.
All the characters are a wonder! Lucy is charming, enduring and delightful. Sean is mysterious and sexy. With delicious chemistry, they make the perfect team. I also loved her parents wit, Dovie's pushiness and Raphel's kindness. Really, a great cast of characters!
Sexy, Funny, Energetic and Engaging, Truly, Madly is an outstanding read!
I can't wait for the sequel!!!
I absolutely adored and loved Truly, Madly. It has everything I was looking for in a novel. Romance, mystery and just enough paranormal twist that I crave in my books.
Heather Webber really brings this novel to life with her crisp characters and surprising plot.
All the characters are a wonder! Lucy is charming, enduring and delightful. Sean is mysterious and sexy. With delicious chemistry, they make the perfect team. I also loved her parents wit, Dovie's pushiness and Raphel's kindness. Really, a great cast of characters!
Sexy, Funny, Energetic and Engaging, Truly, Madly is an outstanding read!
I can't wait for the sequel!!!
March 4, 2015
Didn't like Book 1 much but im willing to give this series another go ! :)
January 20, 2010
Plot according to my sister: This book is Sex and the City meets Law and Order (a mediocre episode, not one of the good ones). It is about a "Matchmaker's daughter" who has a special ability (ESP-type thing) and finds herself and the hunky ex-fire fighter turned PI investigating a murder committed years before. She also spends time searching for a missing boy, finding mates for all her friends and rehabilitating injured animals. All in designer jeans and stiletto heels.
Having said all that, It was entertaining enough to keep my interest. Some books are "dessert" books or "brain candy." If that were my judging scale this would be a "diet Coke" book. Nothing but some fizz and fake sugar.
I totally agree with her evaluation of the book. Additionally, I hate the blase attitudes toward marriage - both that of her parents, and her own. And her "woe is me" attitude about Cupid's Curse. And I thought it was weird that she had guarded her secret (ESP-thing) so carefully, not even telling her best friends, and then she tells the hunky PI when it is convenient, even though she's known him less than a week.
In the end, this really felt like a pre-story: something to introduce you to the character, her love interest, and what she really wants to do with her life. Perhaps the sequel will be better.
Definitely a "Diet Coke" book on the dessert scale.
Having said all that, It was entertaining enough to keep my interest. Some books are "dessert" books or "brain candy." If that were my judging scale this would be a "diet Coke" book. Nothing but some fizz and fake sugar.
I totally agree with her evaluation of the book. Additionally, I hate the blase attitudes toward marriage - both that of her parents, and her own. And her "woe is me" attitude about Cupid's Curse. And I thought it was weird that she had guarded her secret (ESP-thing) so carefully, not even telling her best friends, and then she tells the hunky PI when it is convenient, even though she's known him less than a week.
In the end, this really felt like a pre-story: something to introduce you to the character, her love interest, and what she really wants to do with her life. Perhaps the sequel will be better.
Definitely a "Diet Coke" book on the dessert scale.
February 9, 2010
TRULY, MADLY is mystery, romance, chick-lit and a bit of paranormal all wrapped up in one delightful little package. Lucy Valentine is a nice, normal, and a little bit quirky protagonist who never got on my nerves. It's nice to have a main character who isn't totally self-absorbed, ditzy, neurotic, clumsy and just plain irritating, basically just about every female you run across in lighter fiction books these days. All the other characters added to the story seamlessly and there wasn't one who was unnecessary. I enjoyed the psychic angle and thought that it was used in a fresh and interesting way. The plot was engaging and moved swiftly, and everything was well-written in an easy and smooth manner. I don't really have any major complaints and look forward to the next in the series.
The best word to use in describing this book is cute. So if you like cute, check it out, it's a nice piece of brain candy that won't offend your intelligence.
The best word to use in describing this book is cute. So if you like cute, check it out, it's a nice piece of brain candy that won't offend your intelligence.
March 28, 2016
This book was adorable.
Lucy Valentine is recruited by her father to run Valentine's Inc, a super successful matchmaking service. All the Valentines have the ability to read auras and match people with their soulmates, but Lucy can no longer do that after a freak accident. However, she can find lost objects, instead. It's a light murder-mystery with some paranormal sprinkled in and lots of romance and humor. It's a great chick-lit book and I read it super fast. It was enjoyable and light, which was what I needed after The Light Between Oceans. I'm definitely going to pick up the sequel soonish, depending on if I like the next book I have on my to-read list!
Lucy Valentine is recruited by her father to run Valentine's Inc, a super successful matchmaking service. All the Valentines have the ability to read auras and match people with their soulmates, but Lucy can no longer do that after a freak accident. However, she can find lost objects, instead. It's a light murder-mystery with some paranormal sprinkled in and lots of romance and humor. It's a great chick-lit book and I read it super fast. It was enjoyable and light, which was what I needed after The Light Between Oceans. I'm definitely going to pick up the sequel soonish, depending on if I like the next book I have on my to-read list!
October 8, 2015
Fluffy as a cotton candy can be.
RTC
RTC
February 19, 2010
What a fun, enjoyable book! I received an ARC of this book as part of a first-reads giveaway. I am really glad that I did!
This is the story of Lucy Valentine. She is a girl with a problem! Lucy comes from a long line of matchmakers. The ability to match make is literally in their genes. All of the members of her family can see the colors of people's spirits. Then, they find two people who's spirits match, and presto! You have a match. In fact, their matchmaking business has a 98% success rate. But as I said, Lucy has a problem. When she was a teenager, she was electrocuted, and now, she can't see the colors any more. Instead, she has a new "talent". Whenever Lucy touches someone's hand, if they are thinking about something that they've lost, she can see where it is. When a family issue forces Lucy to temporarily take over the family matchmaking business, she is terrified. How in the world can her odd talent help her with matchmaking?
I loved how unpredictable this book was! There was some great romance, but certainly not the type that you usually read. Also, there was a fantastic mystery that literally had me guessing all the way to the end. I kept being sure that I knew what the outcome of the mystery would be, but I was completely wrong!
This book had a bit of everything! Mystery, romance, humor, phenomenal characters that you can't help but love, and just a perfect dose of the supernatural. Give it a try! Just a little note. If you really aren't into supernatural or fantasy, you should still give this book a try. There is a supernatural element, but not a huge dose of it.
Check out my blog on www.kelleysbooks.blogspot.com
This is the story of Lucy Valentine. She is a girl with a problem! Lucy comes from a long line of matchmakers. The ability to match make is literally in their genes. All of the members of her family can see the colors of people's spirits. Then, they find two people who's spirits match, and presto! You have a match. In fact, their matchmaking business has a 98% success rate. But as I said, Lucy has a problem. When she was a teenager, she was electrocuted, and now, she can't see the colors any more. Instead, she has a new "talent". Whenever Lucy touches someone's hand, if they are thinking about something that they've lost, she can see where it is. When a family issue forces Lucy to temporarily take over the family matchmaking business, she is terrified. How in the world can her odd talent help her with matchmaking?
I loved how unpredictable this book was! There was some great romance, but certainly not the type that you usually read. Also, there was a fantastic mystery that literally had me guessing all the way to the end. I kept being sure that I knew what the outcome of the mystery would be, but I was completely wrong!
This book had a bit of everything! Mystery, romance, humor, phenomenal characters that you can't help but love, and just a perfect dose of the supernatural. Give it a try! Just a little note. If you really aren't into supernatural or fantasy, you should still give this book a try. There is a supernatural element, but not a huge dose of it.
Check out my blog on www.kelleysbooks.blogspot.com
January 18, 2010
I received this SWEEEEET funny book as an ARC from Goodreads and I am so glad I did! It took me a month from receipt to read it. I tend to shy away from romance books, but this one has been getting rave reviews from 'trusted agents' and it had that paranormal and mystery I love so well....I caved (glad I did) and read it rather quickly. I stayed up late to read 'just one more page'! A danger book in that sense.
Wonderfully funny, a little wacky, some hot romance without making me avert my eyes, nifty dialogue and a really intriguing mystery with a neat little twist towards the end that had me wishing for the next in the series to come out soonest.
TRULY, MADLY comes out next month and you definitely should get this little gem.
Five SWEEEEET beans......
Wonderfully funny, a little wacky, some hot romance without making me avert my eyes, nifty dialogue and a really intriguing mystery with a neat little twist towards the end that had me wishing for the next in the series to come out soonest.
TRULY, MADLY comes out next month and you definitely should get this little gem.
Five SWEEEEET beans......
August 13, 2016
Čo prosím ? Toto bol za posledný čas asi najbláznivejšia zvrátený koniec ! Neklamem,ak poviem,že som posledné dve kapitoly obracala s otvorenými ústami a nič ma nemohlo vyrušiť ! Gratulujem autorke. ;)
February 20, 2021
Awww, this was adorable - and surprisingly entertaining, too. Being a cozy mystery / romance combo, I rather expected this to be the kind of book that is a pleasant enough read but just a tad bit too cutesy and fluffy for me. Soon enough, however, I was actually thoroughly invested in Lucy's various troubles, be they on the romantic front, involving her psychic gifts, or in attempting to solve a murder. The cast of characters is great - definitely looking forward to spend some more quality time with everyone.
September 8, 2010
Valentine, Inc. The Trusted and 98% succesful Matchmaking Agency.
Vision
Envisions a future where heartbreaks would have no space on the earth. Where everyone could live in complete harmony. Where everyone is happy and content with their love lives. Where there is no need for annulment and divorce. (Well, that was oddly TOO optimistic for me.)
Mission
Utilizing the use of “matching auras”, we at Valentine’s Inc. make sure that our clients are happy and satisfied and of course, “in love”.
CEO Oscar Valentine
A professional and well trusted figure in the matchmaking world with abilities to see auras. Currently out of town, recuperating from a heart attack, after having sex with someone other than his wife at the beach. (Okay, maybe we shouldn’t mention him having sex on the beach, it kind of dampens our competency.)
Temporary CEO Lucy Valentine
With a degree in Business, minor in English. Former barista, day-care worker and dog walker. Gifted with the abilities to find lost objects.
___
Huwat? Lucy Valentine has no ability to see auras. Unfortunately, being electrocuted does that to the Valentines. She’s left with the gift to find lost objects.
But never underestimate Lucy’s gift. It definitely comes in handy especially me who loses almost everything. Unfortunately, Lucy isn't precisely near me. But with her gift, she manages to help a few families and reunite lost lovers.
Truly, Madly is a refreshing brand of paranormal romance. There’s also a mystery. It’s interesting, but why the miserly three stars?
For me, the romance was sadly lacking. It was there, but I wasn’t satisfied. I need romance in large doses. It’s interesting as I said, but the story line wasn’t grabbing me enough. The characters were interesting, but somehow, I wasn't able to sympathize with them.
But still, the first book offers enough promise. Despite me giving it three stars, one shouldn't definitely over look this book.
Vision
Envisions a future where heartbreaks would have no space on the earth. Where everyone could live in complete harmony. Where everyone is happy and content with their love lives. Where there is no need for annulment and divorce. (Well, that was oddly TOO optimistic for me.)
Mission
Utilizing the use of “matching auras”, we at Valentine’s Inc. make sure that our clients are happy and satisfied and of course, “in love”.
CEO Oscar Valentine
A professional and well trusted figure in the matchmaking world with abilities to see auras. Currently out of town, recuperating from a heart attack, after having sex with someone other than his wife at the beach. (Okay, maybe we shouldn’t mention him having sex on the beach, it kind of dampens our competency.)
Temporary CEO Lucy Valentine
With a degree in Business, minor in English. Former barista, day-care worker and dog walker. Gifted with the abilities to find lost objects.
___
Huwat? Lucy Valentine has no ability to see auras. Unfortunately, being electrocuted does that to the Valentines. She’s left with the gift to find lost objects.
But never underestimate Lucy’s gift. It definitely comes in handy especially me who loses almost everything. Unfortunately, Lucy isn't precisely near me. But with her gift, she manages to help a few families and reunite lost lovers.
Truly, Madly is a refreshing brand of paranormal romance. There’s also a mystery. It’s interesting, but why the miserly three stars?
For me, the romance was sadly lacking. It was there, but I wasn’t satisfied. I need romance in large doses. It’s interesting as I said, but the story line wasn’t grabbing me enough. The characters were interesting, but somehow, I wasn't able to sympathize with them.
But still, the first book offers enough promise. Despite me giving it three stars, one shouldn't definitely over look this book.
December 18, 2009
This book was SOOOO GOOD!!! I can't say enough about this book. I just know that Heather Webber should be proud of producing such a product. I live in New York City and oftentimes I read books while on the train (its a skill). However, as I was reading this book on the train I nearly missed my stop!!! I was so entralled by the story and the characters that I was not aware of what was going on around me.
This is a paranormal romance that I would definitely recommend to my friends. Lucy Valentine, is the last descendent of the Valentine family, a family that has been blessed by Cupid to see people's auras. The Valentine family has used this ability to help couples find true love by matching the auras of their clients. Unfortunately, the Valentines are not so successful in love, as they cannot see their own auras and are said to be cursed to never find their own true love. After scandal threatens the family business, Lucy's father goes into hiding and leaves Lucy, the only member of the family that cannot see auras, in charge of the family matchmaking business. In fact, Lucy's power only allows her to find lost objects, a skill that at first glance does not appear to be helpful to a matchmaker. Lucy flounders in the beginning, but ends up meeting her perfect match and making some successful matchs while solving mysteries. What else can you ask for in a book?
The Valentine family is hilarious and annoying at the same time (as only family can be). Lucy's grandmother, who only married into the Valentine family and has no skill at matchmaking, is the funniest of them all. The book as a whole was a success and I can't wait to read the next installment of Lucy Valentine novels.
This is a paranormal romance that I would definitely recommend to my friends. Lucy Valentine, is the last descendent of the Valentine family, a family that has been blessed by Cupid to see people's auras. The Valentine family has used this ability to help couples find true love by matching the auras of their clients. Unfortunately, the Valentines are not so successful in love, as they cannot see their own auras and are said to be cursed to never find their own true love. After scandal threatens the family business, Lucy's father goes into hiding and leaves Lucy, the only member of the family that cannot see auras, in charge of the family matchmaking business. In fact, Lucy's power only allows her to find lost objects, a skill that at first glance does not appear to be helpful to a matchmaker. Lucy flounders in the beginning, but ends up meeting her perfect match and making some successful matchs while solving mysteries. What else can you ask for in a book?
The Valentine family is hilarious and annoying at the same time (as only family can be). Lucy's grandmother, who only married into the Valentine family and has no skill at matchmaking, is the funniest of them all. The book as a whole was a success and I can't wait to read the next installment of Lucy Valentine novels.
January 25, 2010
Lucy Valentine has lost the family ability to match people based on their auras, and can now only find lost objects. After some negative publicity, Lucy finds herself in charge of the family matchmaking business for a few weeks. Not realizing what she's getting herself into, she offers to try to find a new client's lost love, then asks the PI in the upstairs office to help her out. Sparks fly as soon as she walks in the door.
Really, this was a 3.5 star book for me. I'll get my complaints out of the way first. Some of the situations Lucy finds herself in felt very contrived. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll leave it at that. I also saw a lot of the small surprises coming, and I definitely knew what the big surprise/solution at the end was going to be.
Overall though, I had a lot of fun with this. It's been a while since I've read a chick lit kind of mystery, and I realized that I've missed it.
Lucy was a lot of fun, as was her family, but I have to say that I'm glad Dovie isn't my grandmother. I would die of embarrassment! Sean was hot in all the right ways, but in a personal preference, I wish he wasn't a retired firefighter. I love a man in a uniform, but that doesn't extend to firefighters. Lots of stories there. The chemistry between Lucy and Sean was maybe a little too instant, but that was part of the fun.
How many times have I used the word fun in this review? Too many! But that's the best way to describe this book, and I recommend it for a nice little break between heavier reads. I'll be looking for the next book in the series!
Really, this was a 3.5 star book for me. I'll get my complaints out of the way first. Some of the situations Lucy finds herself in felt very contrived. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll leave it at that. I also saw a lot of the small surprises coming, and I definitely knew what the big surprise/solution at the end was going to be.
Overall though, I had a lot of fun with this. It's been a while since I've read a chick lit kind of mystery, and I realized that I've missed it.
Lucy was a lot of fun, as was her family, but I have to say that I'm glad Dovie isn't my grandmother. I would die of embarrassment! Sean was hot in all the right ways, but in a personal preference, I wish he wasn't a retired firefighter. I love a man in a uniform, but that doesn't extend to firefighters. Lots of stories there. The chemistry between Lucy and Sean was maybe a little too instant, but that was part of the fun.
How many times have I used the word fun in this review? Too many! But that's the best way to describe this book, and I recommend it for a nice little break between heavier reads. I'll be looking for the next book in the series!
December 19, 2009
Lucy hails from a long line of matchmakers known as Valentine Inc. According to family legend, the Valentines have been blessed by Cupid with psychic ability to help couples find true love. Trouble is, Lucy’s powers were zapped away by an electrical surge and now all she can do is find lost objects. What good is that in the matchmaking world?
The Mix of Romance- Mystery & Humor was just the right blend.
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to after seeing the quote on the back saying "Romance with a little Mystery and whole lot of fun” I would say just the perfect blend of all three!
Lucy Valentine is a great character she’s funny & tough, yet sweet & sensitive. I’ve also noticed a trend in some recent books I’ve read and was happy to see a romance Without a love triangle and I hope this series continues this.
I enjoyed Lucy & Sean’s courtship and all of the supporting characters are a great addition to this series and I look forward to getting to know better.
The Mystery kept me guessing and was happily surprised by an outcome I had not figured out. This book is a nice mix of cozy mystery with a splash of psychic ability thrown in. If you like Janet Evanovich, Diane Mott-Davidson etc. you’ll enjoy this new series.
I know this book doesn’t come out till Feb.2010 but I am already looking forward to the next book in series. Bring on more Lucy Valentine!
I received this from LT’s Early Reviewers Program.
December 23, 2009
Truly Madly is a good, quick read. Originally I intended to wait until my days off to attempt reading it, but my "quick peek" pretty much turned into a race to the finish because I didn't want to put the book down. Immediately after I finished it, I wanted the sequel as well as to pass the book off to at least three people I knew who'd love it.
I like LucyD, which is getting harder and harder to say about heroines these days. She's funny and charming, and I can't wait to see what other situations she manages to get herself into.
Mystery wise, I managed to guess the twist fairly early on, but there were plenty of times I second guessed myself, so it was still a fun ride.
There were a couple of flaws.
One is the way Lucy keeps saying, "In all my 28 years" or something similar. We get it. You're 28. Luckily this bad habit seems to be broken by the second half of the book.
The other? It's taken Lucy how long to realize she could just see if the lost people she bemoans being unable to help were also wearing lost objects. I spent the first half of the book wondering why she couldn't and then... she finally caught on. Luckily, when it's explained, she seems to have a bit of a, "Why didn't I think of that? Duh!" moment herself.
So, very small flaws in an otherwise good book.
I like LucyD, which is getting harder and harder to say about heroines these days. She's funny and charming, and I can't wait to see what other situations she manages to get herself into.
Mystery wise, I managed to guess the twist fairly early on, but there were plenty of times I second guessed myself, so it was still a fun ride.
There were a couple of flaws.
One is the way Lucy keeps saying, "In all my 28 years" or something similar. We get it. You're 28. Luckily this bad habit seems to be broken by the second half of the book.
The other? It's taken Lucy how long to realize she could just see if the lost people she bemoans being unable to help were also wearing lost objects. I spent the first half of the book wondering why she couldn't and then... she finally caught on. Luckily, when it's explained, she seems to have a bit of a, "Why didn't I think of that? Duh!" moment herself.
So, very small flaws in an otherwise good book.
September 18, 2010
ARC copy
Smart, funny and interesting. It's a weird quirk to the whole 'psychic detective' cozies that I've read before.
Lucy Valentine is the daughter of Oscar Valentine who owns Valentine Inc. They are hugely successful mainly due to their well-kept secret, the ability to read Auras and base matches on that. Unfortunately Lucy was struck by lighting and that power was literally 'zapped' out of here. Instead, she can find items through touch.
All well in good until she's put in charge of the business and her first big client is looking for his ex-fiance and Lucy gets more than she bargains for when she shakes his hand and sees a ring that he's lost; on the body of a dead woman.
Add to the mix, P.I Sean Donahue, an ex-firefighter who is unconventionally drool worthy (I think I have a new fiction crush)who gets roped into helping her solve the mystery of the dead woman. What neither bargained for is the insane amount of steamy chemistry they have.
But, there's a curse to think about, possible girlfriends and that little thing about her psychic ability.
The secondary characters were all interesting, full of color and life. I specifically liked Raphael and Em. The cast was diverse and while I'm not a Red Sox fan (blech) I found that I was willing to overlook that.
Smart, funny and interesting. It's a weird quirk to the whole 'psychic detective' cozies that I've read before.
Lucy Valentine is the daughter of Oscar Valentine who owns Valentine Inc. They are hugely successful mainly due to their well-kept secret, the ability to read Auras and base matches on that. Unfortunately Lucy was struck by lighting and that power was literally 'zapped' out of here. Instead, she can find items through touch.
All well in good until she's put in charge of the business and her first big client is looking for his ex-fiance and Lucy gets more than she bargains for when she shakes his hand and sees a ring that he's lost; on the body of a dead woman.
Add to the mix, P.I Sean Donahue, an ex-firefighter who is unconventionally drool worthy (I think I have a new fiction crush)who gets roped into helping her solve the mystery of the dead woman. What neither bargained for is the insane amount of steamy chemistry they have.
But, there's a curse to think about, possible girlfriends and that little thing about her psychic ability.
The secondary characters were all interesting, full of color and life. I specifically liked Raphael and Em. The cast was diverse and while I'm not a Red Sox fan (blech) I found that I was willing to overlook that.
March 18, 2021
I hovered between 3 and 4 on this one. In the end, I had a couple of issues that didn’t quite let me enjoy it as much as a 4.
The potential love interest. He’s living with someone and kind of in a relationship yet messing around with the main character. That was just distasteful to me and didn’t endear him to me at all.
The main character kept running out, literally, on her grandmother and friends. Tough situation? I’m going to ditch them. Mid meal etc. grow up and face your family and friends and the situations!
The back and forth and Cupid’s curse got on my nerves. How many times did we have to get told about this??
By the end, I didn’t even care that much about the mystery. There were so many plot points that could have been expanded on. This book was shelved in the romance section so the fact the romance failed me so badly was a major turn off. I do already have the second book so I will likely read it and hope some of the weaker plot points are better in the 2nd.
The potential love interest. He’s living with someone and kind of in a relationship yet messing around with the main character. That was just distasteful to me and didn’t endear him to me at all.
The main character kept running out, literally, on her grandmother and friends. Tough situation? I’m going to ditch them. Mid meal etc. grow up and face your family and friends and the situations!
The back and forth and Cupid’s curse got on my nerves. How many times did we have to get told about this??
By the end, I didn’t even care that much about the mystery. There were so many plot points that could have been expanded on. This book was shelved in the romance section so the fact the romance failed me so badly was a major turn off. I do already have the second book so I will likely read it and hope some of the weaker plot points are better in the 2nd.
January 12, 2016
Every now and then I want to read the literary equivalent of eating a bowl of potato chips. But they can't be too much fluff or downright stupid. This fit the bill. There is a surprise to the mystery at the end that I didn't see coming at all. It was fun and entertaining, which is what I was looking for. The main character has a gift of being able to find lost objects. She is able to use this gift in more than one mystery in the book. I do enjoy the thought of psychic powers or magical powers, even though I don't believe in them in real life.
December 31, 2010
What a fun book, loved the characters and the story! I usually don't read the end of the book intro to the next book as I would rather wait for the actual book, but I didn't want to stop reading last night when Truly Madly was over.
May 22, 2013
What a great read! Everyone kept telling me I should read this series and now I understand why. It's a great mix of mayhem, mystery, and murder with a little hint of flirt thrown in. LOVED every word of this book. It's well written, and the characters and details are rich.
December 18, 2010
REALLY liked this one and can see why so many on the Cozy board have raved about it! Have DEEPLY, DESPERATELY coming up some time next week!
January 31, 2013
I wasn' t sure if I would like this because I know it is more "romantic" than what I usually read. I liked it a lot and would like to finish the series. I got this as Christmas present.
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