Mysteries, Romance, Historical and Cookbook Suggestions for Valentine's Day

This is the time of year when our hearts (and commercials) turn to Saint Valentine.  The cute little children’s cards packaged in classroom-sized sets are a rather innocent interpretation from the origins of this holiday as described in Celebrations: A Joyous Guide to Holidays from Past to Present by Jim McCann and Jeanne Benedict (394.26 M122). 

Saint Valentine is said to be the patron saint of love, betrothed couples, beekeepers, epilepsy, happy marriages, plague, travelers and young people.  Unfortunately, he was beheaded on Feb. 14.  No wonder there is such a variety of books with a Valentine’s Day theme!

Mysteries:

Death of a Valentine (Hamish Macbeth Mystery) by M. C. Beaton (Mys Beaton New)  A Valentine’s Day package explodes in the face of the Scottish Highland’s festival queen.

A Catered Valentine’s Day: A Mystery with Recipes by Isis Crawford (Mys Pbk) Already dealing with a rush of Valentine’s Day orders, the sisters running a catering business are now dealing with the mystery of why their friend’s dead  husband ends up in someone else’s grave.

The Valentine’s Day Murder by Lee Harris (Mys Pbk) It is a tragic Valentine’s night on Lake Erie when three old buddies take a celebration stroll on the frozen lake and never return.

Romance:

Be My Valentine by Debbie Macomber (Rom Pbk) Dianne, a divorcee, needs a man for a night, the night of the upcoming Valentine’s Day dinner.

The Prodigal Valentine by Karen Templeton (Rom Series Pbk) Ben had reasons for leaving his hometown, but Mercy had never been one of them.  Now he is back home.

Historical:

Clara’s War: One Girl’s Story of Survival by Clara Kramer (920 K89C New)  This biography of a young teen who hid with 17 other Polish Jews in a bunker while the Nazi’s occupied their town includes a chapter of Valentine’s Day.

Cookbooks:

Holiday Hearts: Recipes by Pamela Sheldon Johns (641.568 J65)  Lots of recipes for a festive and romantic meal.

Happy Valentine’s Day Reading!