Vintage Valentines

From the acclaimed Icelandic author of The Journey Home comes a haunting collection of thematically linked stories that traverse the twelve months of a year. The stories in Valentines capture the most candid moments between lovers, husbands and wives, parents and children, when truths and true feelings surge to the surface and everything changes. A wife realizes her closest confidante is much more than that. A father tries to make his new lover into the image of his late wife. A husband, a wife, a child, a boating accident: no harm done . . . or is there? Olaf Olafsson's fans will recognize the perfect restraint and precision--and quick wit--with which he explores these dark epiphanies, when the heart is suddenly laid bare, whether by love or betrayal, disenchantment or the shock of loss. Valentines is a powerful work of fiction from one of our most gifted and subtle international writers at work today.

Valentines, A Collector's Guide, 1700s - 1950s, is a thorough reference for accurately dating and identifying valentines. The book's dating system uses nearly 1,300 photographed cards arranged in chronological order based on extensive research. Besides the visual arrangement, collectors will find researched lists of design trends, card subjects illustrated, and important publishers for each decade and for each different type of card. These key facts placed at the fingertips of the collector make dating and identification easy, accurate, and enjoyable. Illustrated valentines include those by anonymous and early makers from the United States, Germany, Great Britain, and Canada. Feast your eyes on lacy Victorian valentines, romantic couples, adorable children, hearts, flowers, whimsical mechanicals, dimensional tissue paper cards, sarcastic vinegar valentines, and dimensional fold down cards. Beyond the illustrated valentines, lists of non-illustrated cards by more contemporary manufacturers are compiled so collectors can identify way beyond what is illustrated. Enjoy these sentimental, entertaining tokens of love and affection in a clear, easy to understand presentation that will be an indispensable reference for anyone who loves and wants to date and identify their valentines. 2011 values.

Bonnie and Orson, two young rabbits, build a hot air balloon to enter in a St. Valentine's Day balloon race.

Although Ferdinand has worked on his valentine for Florette since November, he's sure that she's forgotten him on Valentine's Day.

A Very Vintage Holiday celebrates the joy and sentimentality associated with all the major holidays on the calendar, from Easter to Halloween to Christmas—and many more. Vintage decorations, customs, history, and lush images offer up great comfort, connection, and continuity in this fast-paced world. Each holiday is opportunity to slow down and connect. There’s a mindfulness associated with carving pumpkins, dying Easter eggs, or stringing popcorn and cranberry garlands that helps us to bond with loved ones in ways that both conjure up good memories and enable us to make new ones. Coupled with beautiful photographs, tips on collecting, and secret shopping haunts, A Very Vintage Holiday offers a 360-degree look at all the traditional and joyful ways we celebrate holidays and gives suggestions on how to make family heirlooms, vintage finds, and holiday activities work for today’s audience. Each chapter is focused on a different holiday and there is a common thread that runs through them all: the love of beautiful holiday decorations as well as an interest in their history, preservation, and relevance in today’s world. Now, more than ever, we need holidays to connect us. A Very Vintage Holiday helps the everyday collector and enthusiast make the most of what they’ve already collected and build upon it for future generations to enjoy.

All is Fair in Love and Bidding Wars When museum curator Maggie Patton learns a rare valentine collection will be auctioned in Minnesota, nothing will stop her from making the cross-country trip to acquire it. As Valentine’s Day approaches, she needs the distraction anyway to take her mind off what should have happened over the holiday weekend—a marriage proposal from her ex. Trouble is, someone also has an eye on the prize and he’s determined to post the highest bid. One valentine in Lot 23 belonged to Ry Murray’s famous distant relative, he’s sure of it. As family historian, Ry’s obsessed with recovering the long-lost card, but outbidding the woman who’s come from Boston seems impossible, unless he convinces her it’s better off in his hands than hers. When an eccentric billionaire pays big money to thwart their plans, Maggie and Ry think they’re out of luck. But then the gentleman proposes a Cupid’s match: spend forty-eight hours together building a convincing courtship and the best performer leaves town with the valentine. The scheme seems like a losing game for Maggie and Ry, but with their hearts on the line, might they win at love?