My most memorable Valentine's Day

A Valentine's Day mystery

I originally posted this in February 2012. But, in honor of Valentine's Day, I'm reposting it. 

The other day, I overheard someone say, “I hate Valentine’s Day! It’s just another Hallmark holiday.” I hope that person reads this post because, well, no, it’s not!

There are many legends surrounding the origin of Valentine’s Day and the identity of St. Valentine, but the fact remains that valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages and written valentines began to appear after 1400. The oldest known valentine, still in existence today, is a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife, while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London after his capture at the battle of Agincourt. I could be wrong but I don’t think Hallmark was in business back then!

I love Valentine’s Day! In fact, it's my favorite holiday. There’s something so special about it. You can almost feel the romance in the air whether you’re romantically involved on that day or not. I’ve had some wonderful, memorable Valentine’s Days. Through the years, there were candlelit dinners and gifts of candy, flowers and jewelry. But, as much as I enjoyed and appreciated those celebrations, they pale in comparison to the Valentine’s Day when I was six years old.

My first Valentine’s Day party! Our first grade classroom was decorated with hearts, which we’d cut out of red and pink construction paper and pasted on lacy, white backings. We ate pink and white frosted cupcakes and heart shaped cookies. Then, we passed out our Valentine’s Day cards with images of kittens, puppies and cupids. I can still remember how excited I was when I opened the cards, especially the one from Stevie Thompson. I had such a crush on him!

At the end of the day, as we walked down the front steps of our elementary school to head home, Stevie called out my name. I stopped and turned around. And then, he walked up to me, kissed me on the cheek and took off running down the steps. I think I floated all the way home. Happy Valentine’s Day, Stevie, wherever you are!

What was your most memorable Valentine’s Day?

Happy Valentine's Day!

February: the month of mystery and romance

Someone is stalking Marnie. 

As an attorney, Marnie Malone has made enemies through the years and she’s received her share of verbal threats. But no one has ever acted on them - until her last week at Cliburn & Reeves. However, in spite of the threatening phone calls, black rose on her desk and other ominous messages, Marnie refuses to be intimated.

But when it becomes apparent that the stalker knows where she lives, Marnie becomes nervous and apprehensive. Sam is out of town on business and she’s alone in the big, old farmhouse with strange noises in the attic, creaking floorboards and someone watching her from the woods.

As she tries to determine the identity of the stalker, the list of men who have grudges against her grows longer each day. Is the stalker someone from the past or one of the men on her list? And, how far will he go?

https://tinyurl.com/yc87jjec

5 Star Reviews:

“Marnie Malone by Patricia Gligor had me hooked before the end of the first chapter.

As Marnie prepares to leave the law firm she’s been with for years to step out on her own, someone has begun to stalk her. Between being a Family Law attorney and a strong woman, she’s made her share of enemies over the years.

Threats, notes and unsavory characters are dogging her steps. Her strength of character may be her best defense, but only time will tell. Someone wants her dead.

Who can save her, if not Marnie herself?

I highly recommend this book to those who love suspense and surprises. This one will have you on the edge of your seat.”

Marja McGraw

“Marnie Malone is being threatened by a stalker. But who is this person? Marnie practices family law for a firm in Charleston, South Carolina. She has made numerous enemies among wife and child abusers over the years by fighting for the rights of her clients. There are also several men in her firm who qualify as possible stalkers. In addition, a large land developer wants to buy her house which she won’t sell. He sees her as the only hold-out. One of her neighbors is also angry.

However, Marnie refuses to be intimidated. She is an independent woman of strong character. Still, the various actions of the stalker do frighten her. Marnie’s boyfriend, Sam Miller, is out of town and the stalker takes advantage of that. Marnie has to stand up for herself and she does so. She’s a well-developed, realistic character who readers will admire. When she makes mistakes, she learns from them.

This mystery novel is a page-turner, a thriller that readers will not want to put down until the last word is read.”

Jacqueline Seewald