Many years ago, a girlfriend mentioned her husband had never bought her flowers on Valentine’s Day. My heart was in the right place, but my brain was on vacation. I picked up the phone and ordered her a small arrangement with a card that read “From you know who,” assuming she would recall our recent conversation. But she didn’t, and gushed all over her husband when he got home from work. He was not amused. Lesson learned: Do not buy your married girlfriends flowers on Valentine’s Day. Have you ever committed a similar blunder?
Do you remember Valentine’s Day as a child with a smile? In most elementary schools, including Amish one-room schoolhouses, children bring Valentine’s Day cards for everyone in the class. A fun day to open them. Supposedly, no one is left out. But I heard one boy, now a man, was repeatedly excluded. As an adult, Valentine’s Day can be a burden or time of disappointment and regret.
If you exchange cards, it pays to shop early. Or make one!
I was near a card display the other day, so I purchased one for my husband early. Hope I can find it on February 14, a day when many (mostly men) will be hovering over the picked-over cards. Best to buy your honey’s card early. If you have a honey. If you don’t, the day can be awash with sadness. “A Hallmark holiday,” my father called it, meaning an occasion trumped up to guilt people into spending money.
A lesson learned along the way: Valentine’s Day is one of the most expensive days of the year to buy roses. I’ve already told my husband they’re not necessary as he just bought me roses last week. A card is sufficient.
My favorite Valentine’s Day roses from my husband.
A tip: Having worked in the restaurant business, I can assure you Valentine’s Day is not a great day to eat out unless you make your reservations early and can tolerate long lines and a frazzled staff.
Do you adore Valentine’s Day? Do you dress in red or pink? Do you remember with fondness giving and receiving Valentine’s Day cards or does the day fill you with anxiety? Do you decorate your home and celebrate, or wish you could skip Valentine’s Day?
John and Lydia are Amish-made dolls from Lancaster. Are they courting?
Leave a comment and enter to win Lydia and John, Amish-made dolls from Lancaster County, PA, plus a signed book from The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: either Leaving Lancaster, it’s sequel Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! Winner has three days to respond. USA and Canada.
Love your books. Tell my husband so save money on Valentine’s and birthdays gifts and save for trips to Amish country!
A trip to Amish country is the perfect gift, Aleta! Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
love to read….good luck in the giveaway……..
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Linda!
Kate
I loved Valentine’s Day when I was younger. I’ve changed my view, lowered my expectations & now enjoy making cards for family & friends. I think of them while I make each card and feel loved!
Making cards for your loved ones sounds delightful, Susan! I guess as we age we lower our expectations … or come up with a creative alternative as you have! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love Valentines Day and Love reading your books!!!
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Fay! Good luck!
Kate
I love valentines day, the entire month really. To show those around you that you love them. whether there is a gift or not, no big deal, it is just being with the one I love, the one I married…. God loved us and expects us to love in return.. Happy Valentines Day many blessings to you and yours
You have a wonderful outlook, Sherri! Happy Valentines Day to you and yours. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Alabama be your books, and any books about the Amish.
I’m over do for a trip to Holmes county
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Linda! Hope you have a fabulous trip to Holmes County.
Kate
I’m pleased to be on your blog. I enjoy your books, your blog. Thank you so much. The series of trilogy is great, the quilt is gorgeous. Good Luck To All.
Thanks for writing, Kathy! Isn’t that quilt a beauty? My favorite aunt made it. She lived to be 99, which I take as a sign quilting is good for your health. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Hi! I don’t know if John and Lydia are courting, but they sure are cute!
Thanks for writing, Antoinette! I assume they are not married since John is not sporting a beard as all Old Order Amish men do. Still, the two could be siblings or friends. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’ve never had a valentine, so Valentine’s Day lost its charm upon elementary graduation. But every few years, I try to find something fun to do for the occasion. This year, I’m spending Valentine’s weekend volunteering at a camp for girls in need.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Jessica! Good luck! I admire the way you spend your time.
Kate’s
I do love Valentine’s Day for many reasons. My husband asked me to marry him on Valentine’s Day. He is gone now so those memories are surrounded with love. I have just this minute finished writing out Valentine’s cards for the prisoners I write to. It’s hard to find a card celebrating this holiday that doesn’t refer to physical love, having a crush, etc. But I spend time looking every year until I find enough cards to send to these folks who never hear a kind word, receive any type of greeting card or any encouragement without judgement. Yes, I love Valentine’s Day; but, not for all the usual commercial reasons.
Thanks for your wonderful comment, Kate! You love Valentine’s Day for all the right reasons! May those inmates be blessed by your cards.
Kate
I love Amish fiction and cook books. The only time I have been to Amish country I could not find any Amish dolls. Found some fake ones, with faces, made in China. So now the dolls are on my list of things to either make or buy.
Thanks for writing, Jean! Most Amish children these days play with dolls with faces, however these are genuine, crafted by Old Order Amish in Lancaster County, PA. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love to read Amish books. My living room is decorated with Amish pictures and dolls. These would be welcomed and loved.
I’d love to see your living room, Diana! Thanks for writing and entering to give away!
Kate
Valentine’s Day ………not sure how I feel about it. Mixed emotions. I have read the first book in this trilogy and would love to win a book and the dolls.
Thanks for writing, Ruthann, and for reading the first book in the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My goodness, how cute are those dolls! This is a fantastic give away. As far as Valentine’s Day goes, my spouse and I don’t really do anything for each other. Sometimes we will go out to eat TOGETHER. 🙂
It sounds as though you and your husband are on the same page, Teresa! I think problems arise when one or the other has unrealistic expectations. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Would love those dolls. So cute
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Cynthia!
Kate
HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR A LONG TIME TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A SET OF THOSE DOLLS BUT THE TIME HASN’T BEEN RIGHT MAYBE THIS TIME.
I hope this is the right time, Karen! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Oh how your story brought back some special memories. I loved our grade school Valentine exchange. I can recall decorating brown paper lunch bags putting your name on the front and placing them on the shelf of the window ledge….there they set just waiting to be filled with “love”. Back when I was in school valentines were so pretty and much more detailed then they are today. My husband no longer showers me with candy, diabetic here…..I do get flowers, but I love a mixed bouquet….sometimes I get roses. I do have to laugh as he as always been a late shopper on Valentine’s Day….once my daughter said Dad…did you get Mom a leftover card! I about died…and choked on my sandwich…..I knew she heard me telling my best friend this!!! Anyway he has tried to be better at this…lol. Despite this small flaw…..he is a keeper and I love him to the moon and back a zillion times. I have given flowers to a friend….BUT! Her husband always knew they were from me. I was always hoping he would take a hint! Though she loved the flowers from me..I know how much she wanted her husband to buy her flowers. Happy Valentines Kate Llyod!
Linda, reading your letter brought a smile to my face for a number of reasons. My husband is also a late shopper. Not only that, he won’t even be in town (business trip that I didn’t want to attend) this Valentine’s Day. Am I heartbroken? No, because he treats a well most of the year. Thinking about your friend, you just have to wonder why a husband won’t give his wife what she wants. A premise for a new book? Thanks for entering the giveaway and for brightening my day!
Kate
all the holidays have become to very commercialized. I hope to win the dolls and book tho…I would like my grandchildren to learn about the peoples of this earth.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Dot! Good luck! You’re right about holidays being commercialized, but I still do enjoy seeing hearts on my neighbor’s front doors.
Kate
I enjoyed trading valentines with my schoolmates in grade school but that has been several years ago. It has been a long time since I’ve received anything for valentines day. I would love to win one of your books and the Amish dolls. Thanks for the chance to enter this giveaway.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Donna! I thought the dolls and a novel would be a lovely gift for someone on Valentine’s Day. Good luck!
Kate
Everyday is valentines day with my sweet hubby! 34 yes next month. Its going way to fast.
Wow, you must have a fabulous husband and marriage, Susan! Happy Anniversary in advance. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love it as it’s my parents anniversary…. I think it is over sensationalized as a whole on the commercial market…. Love doesn’t need extra expression just on V-Day.
I agree, Nat, there are 365 days of the year to express your love! How fun that it’s your parents anniversary. Thank you for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Amish fiction is all I read! I have made many trips to Lancaster and Holmes Counties. Love anything Amish! Happy Valentine’s Day, Kate!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Debbie! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Awesome contest love your books
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Tina!
Kate
When I was 17 my valentine ask me to marry him- I’ve never looked back, that was 49 years ago. He was my first valentine, I hit the lottery.
Thanks so much for sharing your love story, Sparkle! He hit the lottery too. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We don’t buy gifts for each other anymore. After being with each other 45 yrs.,each day we are together is a gift in itself.
Sounds as if you have a fabulous marriage, Barb! Congratulations to both of you for 45 years of harmony. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Everyday is Valentine’s Day for me. My hubby treats me like a queen. We don’t do anything special on that day. As long as we are together that’s all I need. Growing up I never had a doll. I’m still waiting for my first one. I have been wanting an Amish doll forever. Perhaps this is the day my prayers are answered. Thank you for the chance at the lovely gifts. A true blessing for me.
Thank you for your lovely note, Deana! If your husband treats you like a queen you are a most fortunate woman. Which of course works both ways. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
What a wonderful opportunity you give to everyone with this contest. Thank You!
Sad to say some schools are trying to do away with the Valentine exchange. Seems they’re taking the fun out of everything these days. Love for the good ole days!
Why doesn’t that surprised me, Zabeth? “They” are taking the fun out of everything. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think John and Lydia are brother and sister. Also, I finally got to visit Lancaster this past summer. I will be going back soon! The people are so kind and sharing.
Thank you for offering these nice giveaways.
How wonderful that you got to visit Lancaster County last summer, Susan! I thought I should offer something special on Valentine’s Day. Hope whoever wins John and Lydia enjoys them. Could it be you? Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I just love reading a lot of Amish fiction. I wear Valentine’s Day pins from Feb. 1st through the 14th and either red or pink. I tell my husband not to spend a lot on flowers. I love receiving just one carnation with babies breath and ferns. It lasts a long time. I make all my cards. Thank you for the chance to win. I just love John and Lydia. Have a blessed Valentine’s Day.
What a delightful lover of Valentine’s Day you are, Debbie! I wish I could see all your pins and wardrobe. How wonderful that you make all your cards. Wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
As a child and young adult I enjoyed Valentine’s Day. Today it’s just another day. I also enjoy your books.
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Lisa! Good luck. Glad you enjoy my books!
I love Valentines day, it is my most favorite holiday! To me it is a sign that spring is just around the corner, and I can put up with what ever old man winter throws at me! Pretty soon the fields will be planted and we will be able to smell the fresh dirt in the air. Everything is new, tulips will be popping out of the ground, grass will be green and robin’s will be singing
A wonderful attitude, Anne, and a lovely description of spring, just around the bend! Thank you for helping me remember what awaits us when we thaw out. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
This post took me back to better years and I am just thankful for that, grade school could be hard at times but your right the holidays was wonderful handmade cards I liked them the best because only a true friend would take the time ta’ make you such a wonderful and caring card, we also had candy, maybe a few cookies or a small piece of cake and fruit punch. Yes’ that was many years ago but well worth remembering, thank you again for letting my mind visit better days.
Thank you for visiting my blog, Katherine, a leaving your dear comment! Best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I do remember having fun in grade school passing out cards and receiving them as well. Like almost any wife I love receiving candy and flowers for Valentine’s Day but I would rather receive them on another day when I wasn’t expecting them. I asked hubby for books for this Valentine’s Day . I love your Amish books and the dolls are adorable. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity !
You’re right, Deanne! I love it when my husband comes home from the grocery store with flowers and my favorite chocolate bars! Books are a fabulous idea for a gift, anytime. However, I’d want to do the choosing. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have come to love the simpler life style and escape from my hectic life by reading Amish books. They take you to a less stressful life for a little while.
They really do, Sue! I read before bed and find I sleep better after I’ve been reading an Amish novel. Definitely not watching the news. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love your giveaways! Valentine’s Day should be in our hearts all year long. It means more when my husband does something ‘just because’ not because he’s expected to. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Thanks for writing, Linda! I agree with you about those unexpected gifts of love that are most appreciated. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We Celebrate Valentines. My Husband will buy Flowers and Chocolates with a little keepsake from him and our Sons. I buy Chocolates for him from the boys and I. And the boys get something as well. We decorate a little bit as our 7 year old wants to so We do. I used to love the Parties in Elementary.
It sounds as if your family celebrates Valentine’s Day beautifully, Tammy! You are teaching your sons how to treat their future wives. Thanks for writing your lovely note and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Valentines was great when I was young and when my kids were young, now that I’m much older I realize it can be a burden and a day of sadness for many.
One of my favorite book titles is Great Expectations, Penny! I guess as adults most of us are trying to recapture the feeling of being loved that we experienced as children. Although not all kids are fortunate enough. I enjoy the decorations I see on homes that I assume have children in them. But maybe not. There are adults who still enjoy Valentine’s Day, with or without children and a sweetheart, just for the fun of it. I hope you have a good one! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I loved Valentine’s Day. My husband And I were married on Valentine’s Day and had 28 very special Valentine’s Day anniversaries, this will be my first Valentine’s Day as a new widow. I will try to focus on the past years.
Please accept my sympathy, Rhonda. 28 years is a long time, but not long enough when you love your husband. May you be blessed on your anniversary in unexpected ways. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I loved giving and receiving valentines in elementary school. We decorated shoe boxes and took them into school so others could put cards in there for us. During my teen years it depended on where I was at in the boyfriend department. Lol. But I always gave my friends cards. My husband has been my valentine for 40 years come September. We stopped buying for each other years ago for any holiday. We surprise each other throughout the year which makes it more special to us cause it is a I saw this and knew you would love it gift, not a I have to get something because it is a holiday. I love your books and pictures. You are so talented. I truly hope I win but will be happy for whoever wins. Thanks for the opportunity.
Thanks for your wonderful letter, Trish! I love your husband and your tradition of buying throughout the year rather than on a holiday when you’re under pressure. It does make it more special. Thank you for your kind words about my writing. You are a very generous woman, this I can tell.
Kate
While I love to receive roses from my husband on Valentine’s Day. I just had a talk with him before I even read your blog and asked my husband to get me an Amazon card instead so I can order the 2 books that I need from Legacy of Lancaster.
As for decorating the house, I decorated my windows and bay window for just about every holiday.
Wow, I was not expecting to read this, Sharon! Thank you for your interest in my books. I love the decorated windows I hope to see on my morning walk today. They brighten up the whole neighborhood. Thanks for entering the giveaway and I wish you good luck!
Kate
My husband like to celebrate Valentines Day, he always gets me something and I like to make a special meal for the two of us. I like to read Amish Books and have read all of yours. I used to decorate the house for Valentines Day, but now all I put out is my Tea cups..
What a fun tradition you have with your tea cups, Nancy! How wonderful that you and your husband share a special home-cooked meal on Valentine’s Day. Thank you for mentioning my books and for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I love your books. Valentines day has always been a special day in our house. Every year I give the kids a card and chocolate heart boxes to show them that they are and will always be my special valentines! Have a blessed day and Valentines day!
Sounds like your kids have a special mom, Pam! Hope you and your family have a blessed Valentines Day. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate l
My granddaughters are now my valentines…..otherwise it is just another day for me. I would love to read your book series.
I would love you to read my books too, Sally! How wonderful that your granddaughters are now your Valentines. Please give them a hug for me. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Wishing you extra good luck!
Kate
I love Valentines Day. A chance for my husband of fifty-one years, and I to celebrate our love for each other and the Lord. We visit Amish Country in Ohio such as Sugarcreek, at least a couple times a year. Love to learn all I can of Amish living and the great stories. Would love to have these dolls to display. Keep bring the good books to us. God Bless.
How wonderful to hear you love Valentines Day with a husband of 51 years! Sounds as if you two are well suited for each other if you both enjoy visiting Amish country a couple times a year. Oh, that sounds fun. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I like the emphasis on chocolate around V Day. It was fun as a child to make the cards. I like getting a card from my ‘honey’. Not sure if I reciprocate tho. This V Day I’ll be working so we won’t even be going out for dinner! Love your books.
I know I won’t be eating any meals with my husband on Valentine’s Day as he is off on a conference, Anne. Not a big deal since I was invited and preferred to stay at home. If I get a hankering for chocolate, I know where to find it … Thanks for your kind appraisal of my books and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love reading about the amish would. Rather have a book than candy on Valentines
I’d rather have a book too, Wendy, but would want to do the choosing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love reading your books l’ve been reading Amish books for about 4 years now i relay enjoy reading them thanks for the giving away
Thanks for writing Barbara! I’m delighted to hear you enjoy reading my Amish books. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I remember grade school days and Valentine’s Day. My parents would get myself and my sisters each a box of the little Valentine’s and my sisters and I would set at the Kitchen table and do our cards. As I do now I’d choose the card that I felt was the best for the person. Then I remember taking them to school to put them in the Valentine we each had made that had a pouch area to put the cards. Then on Valentine’s Day or if it fell on the weekend on Friday we’d all get our Valentine’s and set at our desk and open each card. We could hardly wait for the time to open them. I haven’t thought about that in a long time. Sometimes along with a card the teacher would get us those little boxes of candy that were heart shaped and has words like LUV, LUV U. I haven’t seen those in awhile I’ll have to see if I can find some.
Thanks for writing, Jenny! Fun to hear about your happy childhood experience with your sisters. Too bad we can’t all go back to grade-school one day of the year. Although I realize not all children had thoughtful parents like yours. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I always loved Valentines in elementary school. Those were sweet memories. Valentines day this year my husband will be preaching for another Pastor. We are married 36 years. I love to hear him and will look forward to that. Thanks for the giveaway. It will make a nice gift for someone.
Hearing your husband preach on Sunday would certainly be more exciting than flowers and chocolate, Deana! Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
This would be really nice to have i really love to read amish books. And also a great birthday present for me on Feb. 15 th . Hope to win
An early Happy Birthday to you, Karen! Coming right on the heels of Valentine’s Day. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Extra special good luck!
Kate
Oh I so remember the shoe box Valentine holders you would make in elementary school and how you had Valentine’s for every kid in the class. And how you secretly gave an extra Valentine to the cutest boy in class that said the most special mushy thing then you never signed it. How fun was that getting all of those fun little Valentines….. To me it is not as fun when you get older but it was so giggly exciting when we were young.
Thanks for sharing your delightful childhood memories of Valentine’s Day at school, Suzanne! What fun. I agree: not as much fun when you get older. Although many adults absolutely, positively love Valentine’s Day. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’m surrounded by Amish, I love learning their language from the children. It’s fun being with them. I want to learn to quilt and was offered by a Grossmommi to show me. She quilts and bakes for income, her husband makes thinks from wood.
Thank you for the chance to win
I would love to have Amish neighbors, Sal! Probably anyone reading your letter feels the same way. I hope you start that quilting project, especially with a willing and capable teacher. Thanks for your lovely letter and for entering the contest!
Kate
Would love to be a winner! Love the dolls! I love Valentine’s Day although I don’t particularly want chocolates as I know I’ll eat them & gain weight. To me, just a hug & kiss from my husband or a card will do.
A hug and a kiss is the best, Janet. Much as I love chocolate, I eat it very sparingly, and only the very dark chocolate that doesn’t give me sugar cravings. I would love you to be the winner too. Good luck!
Kate
What a great giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity and blessings to all who enter.
My Husband and I decided long ago that Valentine’s wasn’t worth the money or hassle, so now we wait until the day after and get 2 or 3 times as much for the same as one on Valentine’s day!
I remember being so excited for Valentine’s when I was little. We were fortunate, our teacher made sure every kid got the same number of cards!
The Amish dolls are adorable.
I really enjoyed your book, Pennsylvania Patchwork! (I even reviewed it!)
God’s Blessings to everyone and Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Sounds as though you and your husband have a good system, Robbie. Also sounds as if your teacher was a sweetheart. I felt so sad when a woman told me her father never got one Valentine’s Day card at school. That could scar a person for life … or the man left that sadness behind and became compassionate for those who are left out. Thank you for reviewing Pennsylvania Patchwork. Wow, not many readers take the time to do that and I very much appreciate it. Blessings to you!
Kate