I received this romantic short story, Valentine’s Day at the Star and Sixpence by Holly Hepburn through the Books and the City newsletter. It is published by Simon and Schuster UK on 8th February 2016 and is available as an ebook with Holly’s other books on Amazon UK and on Amazon US. At the time of this blog post it is currently free. Summer at the Star and Sixpence and Autumn at the Star and Sixpence are available for pre-order.

This lovely little story only takes half an hour or so to read. There are references that I think relate to the first in the series Snowdrops at the Star and Sixpence, but that did not spoil my enjoyment of the read and the story works well as a stand alone and as a good introduction to the other tales.

Sam Chapman and Nessie Blake have taken over their dead father’s pub and are hosting a Valentine’s meal. In the thick of preparations and delivery of the meal, love can sometimes blossom.

Given that the whole tale takes place in under 50 pages of narrative, Holly Hepburn packs in plenty of action to entertain the reader and creates characters that seem real and attractive. There is a light tone and some gentle humour as well as plenty of romance and some bigger issues such as those raised by Sam and Nessie’s father’s past behaviour. There is also a real sense of community in the village.

Reading Valentine’s Day at the Star and Sixpence has introduced a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the characters. I’m looking forward to finding out more about them in the other stories.

I think Valentine’s Day at the Star and Sixpence is a super read for a wet afternoon, a commute or when the reader just needs a heartwarming story in their life.

You can follow Holly Hepburn on Twitter and visit her web site. You’ll also find Holly on Facebook.

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