The Valentine Verse: A Contemporary Christian Romance
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
The Valentine Verse is Copyright © 2017 by JoAnn Durgin. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce in whole or in part in any form or medium.
All Scripture contained within is from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Copyrights for “God Will Take Care of You” (lyrics by Fanny Crosby) and “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” (lyrics by Elisha A. Hoffman) are found in the public domain and not subject to copyright violation.
By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the author.
Cover Design: MaxCovers at fiverr.com
Author’s Note
Dear Readers,
After releasing Pursuit, Lewis Legacy Series 8—the longest and most deeply researched novel of my career—in late January of this year, I took a much needed vacation and (brief) break from writing. One of the greatest privileges of being an independent author and publisher is the freedom to pick and choose writing projects and the timing of releases.
After the humbling success of The Christmas Challenge this past holiday season, I thought why not try a Valentine release? With this in mind, I had already commissioned a book cover for The Valentine Verse before our trip. However, it didn’t take long to realize it would be impossible to complete another book before February 14th. However, Thornton and Vara’s story was begging to be told, and I knew it would be my next release—no matter when it was completed. If readers can enjoy Christmas books year-round, why not a Valentine-themed love story for any season of the year?
The timing of the publication of The Valentine Verse actually underscores one of the major themes in the book. Expressing our love to one another shouldn’t be reserved for only one day of the year! True and lasting love cannot be turned on and off at will.
As a Christian romance author, first and foremost, it is always my intention to write faith-inspired stories that portray God’s grace and mercy for us as sinners. Love is the driving force, the true heart and soul, of every great and memorable story. Love is what binds us together and feeds our souls. Quite simply, life without love is a tragedy.
Many people feel the sting and pain of loneliness on Valentine’s Day, and they’re thankful when it’s behind them for another year. My heart reaches out to those individuals. Relationships of any kind aren’t easy. But when we put the effort into making a relationship work, especially with God at the center, it can blossom into something of rare and exquisite beauty.
I hope you’ll allow our gracious heavenly Father to wrap His loving arms around you, so that as each day passes, you will be drawn into a deeper and more satisfying personal relationship with Him. Our God loves you with a fierce passion.
So, here’s to the year of romance! Wishing you Valentine’s Day blessings throughout the entire year.
Blessings,
JoAnn
Matthew 5:16
The Valentine Verse
Book Description
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for February 14th anymore! Love should be celebrated every day of the year. That’s Thornton Fielding’s philosophy. In spite of a few false starts in the arena of love, he holds out hope he’ll eventually find the woman of his dreams. The problem? He loves his job, and there’s no end in sight to his travels. But when Thornton returns to his tiny hometown of Cherish, Minnesota, he meets a beautiful and intriguing woman he believes might be God’s answer to ending his bachelor status—permanently.
Vara Alexandris is soured on love and scoffs at the notion of soul mates. But soon after meeting the handsome and unconventional Thornton, the speech and language pathologist suspects he might be the perfect ally to help jump-start her stroke patient’s recovery—if only Vara can keep Thornton grounded in Cherish long enough. This man who spouts romanticized and idealistic ideas about love seems all too eager to resume his world travels. Could it be Thornton actually prefers globetrotting in order to avoid a romantic relationship?
Is it time for Vara to call the dreamer’s bluff? And can Thornton convince Vara to put past heartache behind her and trust in God’s plan for her heart?
Join Thornton and Vara in USA Today bestselling author JoAnn Durgin’s latest release full of her trademark humor, romance, and lively, small-town characters in a story of God’s fierce passion and loving guidance for His children—if only they pay attention! The Valentine Verse is sure to warm your soul during any season of the year.
Dedication
For Mr. Thornton,
a true blessing in my life.
Your generosity of spirit is
an inspiration to many.
From the bottom of my heart,
thank you.
Love,
JoAnn
Theme Scripture Verses
Psalm 23:1-3
1The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11
1There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.
11He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
12And if no one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
Matthew 6:14-15
14For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 13:34-35
34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
1 Corinthians 13 (4-7, 13)
4Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
13But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Ephesians 4:2
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for another in love.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ als
o has forgiven you.
Colossians 3:12-13
12So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:18-19
18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 19We love, because He first loved us.
About the Author
In addition to The Valentine Verse, JoAnn Durgin is the USA Today bestselling author of the beloved Lewis Legacy Series as well as Prelude, the prequel to the series. Her other works include the Amazon bestselling Catching Serenity, Heart’s Design and its sequel, Gentle Like the Rain, The Wondrous Love Series, Echoes of Edinburgh, Perchance to Dream, Whisper to My Heart, The Christmas Challenge, and the popular Starlight Christmas Series.
A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn now writes contemporary Christian romance full-time and lives with her family in her native southern Indiana. Writing Christian fiction is her passion, and she loves nothing more than sharing the hope to be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Contact JoAnn via her website: www.joanndurgin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gr8tReads
Chapter One
Mid-January—Thursday Morning
Cherish, Minnesota
“Sarah, your order’s up!”
Vara suppressed her sigh. This wasn’t the first time someone had gotten her name wrong. Did she not clearly enunciate? If not, that would be an embarrassment, not to mention a poor reflection on her capabilities as a speech and language pathologist. A shiver raced through her, making it a moot point for the moment. With the morning’s frigid temperatures, her top priority in life was warming up with a cup of liquid chocolate decadence.
“Sarah, order up! Come and get it.”
“I’m coming!” Vara attempted to move, but the other customers barely budged. Alrighty then. Time for the foolproof method. She cleared her throat. “Signomi. Parakalo.” Maybe it was shameless, but throwing in a Greek word or two usually garnered quick attention.
This time was no exception.
She scooted through the maze of bundled-up customers as they cleared a path with a minimum of grumbling. As a general rule, she’d learned Minnesotans were a pleasant bunch who avoided confrontation. They might do some passive-aggressive huffing and puffing but rarely did they speak up when irritated.
The machines at the front of Andrea’s Coffee Shop whirred loudly, and the intoxicating aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans filled her senses. Breathing in deeply, she smiled with anticipation. As she tugged off her gloves, Vara eyed two cups sitting on the counter. “Can you tell me which one is the chocolate latte espresso?”
“Sure thing. This one here.” The blond man behind the counter—Ron according to the name embroidered on his deep red apron—pointed to the cup on her left. “Chocolate chips are melted right into the espresso, and it’s topped with steamed milk and bittersweet mocha sauce. Or, as we call it”—he kissed his fingers and then waved his hand in the air with a dramatic flourish—“death by chocolate. In other words, it’s to die for.”
“Oh, but what a way to go! It’s exactly what I need this morning.” Wrapping her hand around the cup, Vara relished its warmth.
“I hope you enjoy it.”
“Efharisto para poli.”
“What’s that mean?”
She’d dropped a tip in the jar and started to walk away but turned back at his question. “It’s Greek for thank you very much.” Maybe she should cool it with the Greek, but it was sort of fun and helped her stay in practice. Her grandparents would be proud.
“You’re welcome para poli.” Ron’s grin grew wider. “How about that? I learned a little Greek today.”
She smiled. “I’m sure I’ll be back for another one soon.”
“Have a great day, Sarah. See you next time.”
When she stopped in Andrea’s again—and she would while in Cherish for her patient assignment—she’d correct Ron on her name. Based on the barista’s sunny disposition, the citizens of this little town thirty miles outside of Minneapolis seemed friendly enough…perhaps they’d be even more so after their morning jolt of caffeine.
A leftover shiver raced through her, making her wonder if she’d ever be warm again. Of all the places on Earth, how had she landed in Minnesota? Actually, she knew the answer to that question, but it was another moot point—a permanent one. For a native of South Florida, this region of the country in the dead of winter might as well be Antarctica or the North Pole.
Pausing on the threshold of an adjoining room, Vara sipped her espresso and surveyed the area. Hmm. No empty tables. That wasn’t exactly a surprise since a good number of the town’s citizens must be crowded inside the coffee shop this morning. Thankfully, the temperature was noticeably warmer. All that body heat probably helped.
Vara lifted her chin and gloried in warm air gracing her from an overhead vent. Maybe she could stand in this doorway while dying a slow death by espresso. Things could be worse.
Snow continued to fall outside the large picture window, adding to the foot or more already on the ground. The customers—a healthy mix of senior citizens, young mothers with children, older students, and corporate types—congregated at small round tables or curled up on armchairs facing the roaring fireplace in the middle of the room. Hardwood floors, soft music, scattered touches of home—throw pillows, pottery, colorful paintings—created a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
No wonder Andrea’s was packed. This was the kind of place where you could immerse yourself in a book or chat with a friend and not want to leave. Or dream of a far-off exotic beach destination while wrapped in a winter wonderland. That option sounded good.
The low hum of conversation was punctuated by an occasional outburst of laughter. Some worked on laptop computers while others read newspapers, books, or magazines. Most had shed their coats and sipped drinks or nibbled on delicious-looking pastries. Although the sweets had tempted her, if she indulged—combined with the chocolate latte espresso—she’d be flat on the floor from sugar overload. Not the positive first impression a girl wanted to make.
Vara glanced at her watch. She still had thirty minutes before she was expected at her patient’s home, a half-mile away according to the GPS. Sipping her drink while listening to music in her SUV didn’t sound nearly as appealing as soaking up the local flavor inside the shop.
She walked farther into the room, hoping for an available seat. Several pairs of snowshoes were lined up next to snowboards against the opposite wall. She’d spotted skis strapped onto the roofs of several cars parked outside, a common sight this time of year. While Minnesota was predominantly flat, skiers took full advantage of the snow-covered hills during the winter season.
“You’re welcome to share my table if you’d like.”
The voice was decidedly male. Where had it come from? Vara scanned the area, her gaze settling on a man at a nearby table. He lifted his hand with a small smile of welcome. At first glance, he looked to be about her age—early-to-mid-thirties. His dark brown hair was slightly tousled, and he sported a short but well-groomed beard and trendy eyeglasses. In his jeans and dark green sweater, he presented the image of sophisticated urban casual, but not like he was trying too hard. A laptop computer sat open on the table. No leering, evil grin. Normal voice. No obvious physical tics.
All things considered, for the privilege of a place to sit, she’d give him the benefit of the doubt. Wow. When had she become so paranoid? It wasn’t his fault he was close to her age and distractingly good-looking.
&
nbsp; “Thanks.” Sliding into the empty chair across from him, Vara set her cup on the table and carefully lowered her laptop case to the floor.
“I need to be leaving fairly soon, and the table will be all yours. Sarah, right?” When she gave him a curious glance, he pointed to her cup. “It’s written in black marker on the side.”
She turned the cup. So it was. “It’s Vara, actually. No ‘h’ on the end.”
“I’m Thornton. It’s nice to meet you.” When he stretched his hand across the table, she gave it a brief shake. Large, strong, and manly. Always a good sign. In spite of his professor-ish appearance, his skin was uncommonly sun-kissed for this time of the year in Minnesota. Perhaps he was an avid outdoorsman or skier.
“You, too.” Releasing his hand, Vara wished she could hang on a bit longer for the warmth factor alone. Instead, she began the tedious process of unfastening the buttons on her gray wool coat with still partially frozen fingers. Another reason to hate winter weather—the multitude of layers from head-to-toe.
“Listen, if you have work to do, I’ll be quiet. Just say the word.”
“You’re fine. I’m killing time before an appointment.” Vara draped her coat over the back of the chair and then took another quick sip of her espresso. Ahhh, it tasted good. “Besides, I like conversation.” Brilliant. All she needed was a dollop of the whipped topping on her nose.