The Valentine Suite

by Tracy Broemmer

Grief pulls some families together and rips others—like the Hollands—apart. Two years have passed since Alys and Fletcher Holland lost two of their children in a fatal accident. But time has done nothing for Alys’ broken heart.

Her surviving son’s destination wedding means a reunion for Alys and Fletch, who divorced shortly after the accident. Alys intends to keep to herself for the wedding festivities and hustle back home to her quiet, sterile life when the big day is over.

When the double-booked Valentine Suite at the Kahalina Resort puts Alys and Fletch in close quarters, Alys soon finds it’s difficult to ignore the man she fell in love with over twenty-five years ago. Fletch frustrates her, but he protects her, too, acting as a buffer between her and the rest of his family and their son’s wedding guests.

Will their stay in the Valentine Suite drive them further apart and send them home as strangers or will their time together in the suite mend their broken hearts and put their family back together?

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2021

Reviews

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a car accident claimed the lives of two of her children and one of their friends, Alys couldn't face the overwhelming grief, memories and guilt while trying to move forward with her remaining child and husband so she packed her things and left, divorcing the man she had loved for twenty five years and leaving him and her son who are also drowning in grief and self blame. Two years have passed and Alys finds herself at her son Ledge's destination wedding - oddly enough, staying in the Valentine Suite that she and her husband Fletcher once shared so much love in. Ledge is marrying the woman of his dreams, and Alys couldn't think of a reasonable excuse to miss her child's wedding so she packed her grief and heartache and showed up. Imagine her surprise to find her ex-husband mistakenly booked into the same suite. With no other rooms available, they agree to co-exist for the couple of weeks they'll be there for the wedding festivities. It soon becomes obvious there are a world of unresolved feelings between them and as the story unfolds, those walls begin breaking as they forge a tentative path toward burying their grief, hurt and pain. Alys comes to realize she has also caused her son unimaginable pain and needs to make amends. She just doesn't think she's strong enough to approach the son she walked away from.

The Valentine Suite is a fantastic second chance romance with all the feels and emotions. But what excited me is that it's so much more. Broemmer tackles some tough issues in this book with class and empathy - the grief of losing a child, depression, thoughts of suicide, alcoholism, guilt, self-blame, finding oneself, taking chances. These characters are authentic, and I alternately laughed and cried with them. What could have been a very simple plot line was complex with twists and turns that kept me turning pages. Simply put - I was surprised by this book and the depth of the emotional turmoil playing out. I found it to be well-crafted and will seek out more by this talented author. Highly recommended to fans of romance.

Thanks to Indie Pen PR for an arc of this book.
Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews

[Esther]

SELF NOTE SPOILERS
H and h divorces after the lost of two of their kids in a car accident. She was the one that wanted the divorce and is the one running away.
During the two years separation, neither of them celibate.
Some time after (not long), he starts to date a 35 years old woman named Trish. We know that they had sex in the back of a car because they were drunk and she was handsy. We know this because he told this to his sister and brother in law and then in a dinner they told this to h in front of H. He says that he didn’t love this woman. Only really like her. They broke up because she wanted kids and he didn’t. He didn’t want to set back her. I don’t know how to say it in English. If they didn’t broke up he would have go to the son’s wedding with her.
And she starts to date a woman that I think dies later on. And they are friends first but then they did some stuff (the ow did to her finger stuff and they make out a little bit)

[Tmstprc · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up

Heartbreaking story of a family dealing with death, mourning, inconsolable grief, while celebrating a family wedding.

[Cali Gal’s · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! …. WOW! Unless you have a heart of stone this book will bring on the water works. Though you know that by reading its blurb but it doesn’t disappoint. Holy Cow!

If you are looking for your typical romance… this isn’t it. Truthfully it has such a realism that is hard to take at times. As a parent what these two have been through is devastating. You can’t help but understand that even if you learn to live again, a piece of your heart will always be missing.

This book looks at how different people respond to grief. Alys and Fletcher responses aren’t always pretty but they feel so authentic. If you read about the stages of grief you will agree.

This is about a family coming together again. Ugh this couples living son got the short end of the stick. My momma heart hurt for him but I tried to reserve to much judgment cause his parents' world fell apart and we get a front row seat to their humanness.

Overall this is an awesome read but I felt like some aspects of the story were repetitive but maybe they should have been. I don’t know. It is definitely worth experiencing.This story felt like a solid four star read.

Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really well written sweet second chance romance about a divorced couple who suffered a tragic loss of two if their children. The fmc mentally breaks and runs away from her husband and don and into the arms of a female friend ( I wouldn't say it was a romantic relationship n her part) and after the divorce the ex husband ( mmc) starts dating again.

The couple is reunited when they double book the Valentine Suite they had their anniversaries at. They are forced to re examine their marriage and the circumstances of their divorce. There is a spark that reunites but os it enough for them to become a family again?

I say this is a must read and great if you are looking for charachters over 40.

My only complaint is that I wish their had been more of a connection/ conversation between the fmc and her estranged son who was getting married. The resolution happened more with her pregnant future daughter in law then him.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Valentine Suite" is an achingly beautiful and emotional glimpse of how grief can shatter souls and love can be a healing salvation.

Read full review in the 2021 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Joy Avery Lovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐'s

     Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I came across this book by accident and it is one I am very thankful for reading. I had never heard of this author before but after reading this, from now on I will definitely pay attention when I see she has written another book. This was also my first experience with a women's fiction book.
     By the end of this story, I was left feeling like my heart and soul had been completely shredded but thankfully, it was put back together. Words have to be crafted in an ingenious way for that to happen. So many elements felt as if I personally experienced them because in a way I did.
     Alys and Fletcher Holland had been happily married until they lost two of their children in a horrific accident. Pain and grief were completely unbearable so she ran, not only from her husband but the son she had left.
     Now, two years have passed and her last remaining son is getting married in a romantic, destination wedding. She wants to find an excuse not to go but deep down, she knows she needs to be there. She gets a huge surprise when the resort mistakenly thinks her and her ex-husband are still together and puts them in the same room. There are no other rooms available and the forced proximity pushes her to feel things she hasn't felt in so very long. The universe may be working to fix everything that was so cruelly taken away.
     I don't think it's possible to describe what this book did to me and how grateful I am for it. Don't pass up the chance to read this too and make sure tissues are handy.

[Kate Carley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to reassemble the pieces of a shattered life?
Recently divorced and emotionally devastated from too many losses, Alys Holland has one week to kick back and relax before friends and family arrive at the posh resort for her son’s wedding. But when her ex-husband, Fletcher, unlocks the door to her resort suite and walks right in, Alys knows that nothing about this week is going to be relaxing.
This moment sets the stage for an emotional rollercoaster that had me near tears for the entire story.
The novel is filled with a likable, solid cast of characters, several that I’d love to hear more about. The setting—a beautiful oceanfront resort—stands in complete opposition to the pain that Alys has suffered. At first, the roil of the ocean waves holds Alys’s attention more than anything, but as the story progresses, she seems to notice the perfectly maintained grounds and the abundance of flowers, indicating the beginning steps to healing her broken heart.
The Valentine Suite by Tracy Broemmer is an excellent example of women’s fiction. While this novel is written exclusively from Alys Holland’s point of view, the reader is not privy to all of her heartache up front. Ms. Broemmer has a way of twisting and turning through the plot, slowly peeling away the layers of backstory to reveal the secrets and heart-wrenching sorrow that brought her characters to the breaking point.
If you enjoy an emotional read about finding a small piece of happiness within the ruins, The Valentine Suite is the perfect novel for you. –Kate Carley, author of Changing Krysset Series

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚡️Trigger Warning⚡️
This book contains death of children/teenagers and thoughts of suicide.

I don’t know what I was expecting when I started The Valentine Suite by Tracy Broemmer, but it certainly wasn’t what I expected, so if you are expecting a fluffy, second chance love book, this is not the book for you, but if you are looking for a gritty, warts and all book, then welcome.

There are several characters in this book, but the one the book is set around is Alys Holland. Mother to 3 grown children, but because of a devastating accident, 2 of her beloved children are lost to her, lost in her guilt and grief, she runs away from everything. But that was 2 years ago and now on the eve of her sons wedding, Alys is faced with everything she ran away from, including her ex-husband Fletcher.

The Valentine’s Suite is a well written book, with great characters, there are slow parts and parts that’s suck the breath from you. I will say I’m not a big fan of flash backs, but I don’t think that the book could have been written in any other way. But by the end of the book you are left reeled with hope! Not just hope for Alys but hope for them all.

[Jennifer Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will swallow you whole and spit you out. I was not a huge fan of Alys at the beginning. She came across very cold and mean. I was starting to think the woman didn't have a heart but Ms. Broemmer was able to turn this around for me. She made me tear up several times and cry once. What an extremely emotional journey that Alys and Fletcher are on together and separately. I also think this is a story that many people can relate to. The loss of a child, a marriage and a best friend is a lot of any one person to deal with let alone more than one at the same time. Ms. Broemmer does a great job of developing her characters and taking them on a journey with deep feelings and helps them find their way back to themself again. It's amazing what forgiveness can do for a person and I think this book brings it full circle.

[Danielle Melo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional read about a family that's been through enough grief to last a lifetime. A mother and wife drowning in her own sorrow, an ex-husband and father attempting to pick up the pieces, and a son who suffers daily thinking he could have changed the outcome if he did something different. Alys and Fletcher are brought back together to watch their son get married. They have to go back to the one place that seemed to break their family apart, the Valentine Suite. Fletch and Alys are "forced" to bunk in the same suite as there isn't another bed available. With their marriage dissolved and emotions high they agree to share the room. During their stay, they start slowly finding a way back to each other.

I loved the character development and world-building. You're able to connect with each character and understand their level of grief and pain. You feel the emotions and hurt. The author has a great way of connecting you with each character and what they're going through. I would definitely give this book another read.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alys and Fletcher lost two children in an accident. Each dealing with grief in the own way, the loss in their family destroyed their marriage. When their surviving son gets married, they have a second chance to explore their past and future. The author has written two incredible characters in Alys and Fletcher - real, flawed, still grieving. I cried with them and for them, ugly crying at times, as they worked their way back together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching story with Alys and Fletch who lose two of their children in a terrible accident leaving them only one son. When she could not deal with everything she walks away from her marriage and son but when her son is getting married she has to go to the wedding which is held at the same resort where she and her ex husband always went to celebrate their marriage and stays in the same suite but unfortunately her ex Fletch comes in late the first night because the resort thought that they were still married and now there are no more rooms available. This is their story how the death of a child can change the course of the survivors and seeing their pain as they tried to work their way back to each other. Wonderful book.

[Tracy Broemmer]

The Valentine Suite is live in just THREE days!! You can pre-order it now right here:

https://amzn.to/3ysVwH7

#comingsoon #mustread #womensfiction #thevalentinesuite #grief #storiesofhealing #beautifuldestinations #broemmerbooks


They slept with the balcony door open, the same as they did when they had come to celebrate their anniversary. There hadn’t been much sleep that night in the past, and Alys hadn’t slept much last night, either, but for different reasons. She had lain awake most of the night, hugging her side of the bed, as if Fletch wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off her.

Laughable, because she couldn’t remember the last time they had made love.

She awoke to the smell of coffee and the sound of shower water pattering on the tiled walls. For just a moment, she lay with her eyes closed and listened. The rolling ocean outside their room spoke to her. Today she would venture out for a walk. Alys stretched and allowed herself a small thrill at the feel of the crisp, cool sheet on her bare legs. She imagined Fletch in the shower, water pelting his broad shoulders. Small drops rolling over his chest and the flat plain of his stomach. The tangle of dark hair that narrowed at his waist.

They had gone to Cabo a few years before the divorce, and Alys had surprised him with a French bikini wax. He’d loved it, and he had suggested she pierce her nipples or get a tattoo. Alys had only laughed and suggested he go in for a Brazilian ball wax, knowing that would shut him up.

The thought of him nude right now stirred a longing buried deep in her belly.

“Jesus.” She snapped at herself and jack knifed in the king-sized bed. Most definitely not going there.
When they were younger, when the kids were very little, Fletch sang in the shower. Goofy songs—anything from “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” to “Pink Shoelaces” because sometimes the boys showered with him, and a few times Jade had wandered in and out of the bathroom. Alys didn’t strain to hear him singing now; life had leached the joy out of both of them, and she doubted her ex-husband would remember the tune of a fun song, let alone the lyrics.

With a deep sigh, she threw off the top sheet and the fluffy white comforter and swung her legs around to sit on the side of the bed. Hers was the side that faced the balcony, the ocean. That didn’t matter so much today as having her back to Fletch did.

She hated mornings, because for a long time, she had hoped to not wake up with the next sunrise. Iva used to watch her with those intense damned eyes that saw everything, and mornings were particularly hard. Iva would brush her shoulder with her fingertips as she passed her a cup of coffee. Alys tried hard not to, but inevitably, she would look up and meet Iva’s eyes and know what she was thinking.

Sympathy. Empathy, even.

Never pity.

She needed coffee, even if Fletch had made it. The bourbon from last night pounded now in her head and rattled her brain. She’d gone back for more after Fletch had brushed his teeth, stripped down to his boxers, and fallen in bed. True to form, he had been asleep the second his head hit the pillow, and the heat of his body all the way across the king-sized mattress had driven Alys back to the kitchenette.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Valentine Suite is an emotional book about loss and grief, that shows you how differently people handle these feelings. In this story you are taken through how the main character Alys, deals with the loss of her children, and how it affects the other relationships in her life. This story keeps you coming back as you read how Alys struggles with tragedy, loss, love, loneliness and the ability to heal.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alys and Fletcher were happily married until they lost two of their children in a car accident. Severe grief caused them to divorce and her son stayed with his dad. Now, they are all meeting at a destination wedding for her son. Knowing she needs to mend a few fences with her son, she goes, but ends up in the same suite as her ex. This two week period forces them both to talk and mend the feelings and memories. The author does a great job in dealing with all the dark sides of depression and grief. Very nicely done work at building those bridges back up again and maybe even a marriage. Prepare to cry a lot, but also really think about everything that is happening. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story line that will take you on a roller coaster ride, spin you around, toss you about and have you feeling every emotion. In the end it's 100% worth it. The story is well written and you can't stop reading. The characters are well developed, realistic and easy to relate to. A story that will stay with you long after you read the last word.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Tracy Broemmer; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

She has written another fantastic book. The story line was well written and keeps you reading. Alys & Fletcher divorces shortly after the accident that killed two of their kids; they each dealt with the grief differently. Two years later their other son is getting married; when she gets to the resort they have double-booked her & Fletcher together in the Valentine Suite.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and wonderful story that deals with tragedy. Interesting characters to follow through the pain of tragedy and loss. Hard to put down. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fletch and Alys were a typical couple, when suddenly two of their three children die in a car accident. It breaks their marriage apart and makes it difficult especially for Alys to move on.
When a few years later their last child marries at a destination wedding, there is a problem with the booking and both, Alys and Fletch have to share one suite.
Old feelings - good and bad - well up again.
An interesting piece of human intrerest story, of people trying to cope with grief, with surpressed feelings of guilt and love.
Early on engaging the reader, this book is entertaining and well-written, despite the rather sad topic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, wow! I can't remember when any other book sent me on such an emotional roller-coaster. Each character is super precious, although I didn't like the mention of Trisha, throughout.

Alys is truly admirable, I understand, what she did in her grief isn't necessarily right but we all deal with grief in our varied ways, so I can't help but root for her.

Fletcher and Ledger, perfect. Although, I must say, Fletcher moved on remarkably fast for someone so in love and what rankles me the most is that he would have stayed with her if not for her need desire for children, I can't quite get over that fact.

Brooke and Claire are lifelines of the story. This will go to be rereadables heap.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very hard, very sad read that broke my heart and made me hurt for their tragic story and grief. I was touched with the epilogue of a new beginng after their horrible loss.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of emotions with the heartbreaking beginning, or reality to the story. Losing loved ones in a car crash is always unimaginable. How a husband, Fletch, and wife, Alys, handled it broke them as a couple. Through the writes eyes and story one does not hold one correct and one wrong, it is too hard to judge. 2 of their children died in the vehicle accident and a close friend.

Years later, 2 years to be exact, the only surviving son is getting married. Now the 3 are trying to function for Ledger's wedding to his long time love, Brooke. There was a lot of drama, emotional pull, twists and turns throughout til the end. Written beautifully well showing love, care and compassion along with guilt and self doubt. Great story and cannot put down.

[Christine Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

They were married and they loss their children due to an accident. They seem separate and go their separate ways. They reconnect a few years later and it is a great book
Second chances in most cases can be a great thing

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and uplifting.

I like the authors writing style and the way she drives into grief and emotions. I love that Alys and Fletcher persevered and made it through together in the end.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate that they got back together. Neither was pining for the other. Neither really cared or wanted the marriage back. Neither was celibate.