I’m sharing Sheldon Collins’s The Legend of Valentine, a historical epic that uncovers the origins of Valentine’s Day through a story of courage, love, and rebellion in ancient Rome.

The novel takes readers to 268 AD, where Valentine, once a warrior hardened by violence, is transformed by his love for Agatha, a woman whose blindness reveals remarkable strength. Their bond inspires him to defy the emperor’s edicts by secretly marrying Christian couples, risking his life with each ceremony. His sacrifices set in motion a legacy that outlasts his own life, laying the foundation for a holiday celebrating love centuries later. With its blend of historical detail, timeless romance, and a narrative of resistance against tyranny, The Legend of Valentine invites readers to discover the man behind the legend and the hope that still shines through his story.

Excerpt

They stood facing each other, Rose towering over Bear, her height and poise only deepening his discomfort. With a deep breath, she leaned down to kiss him, her lips hovering close to his as he awkwardly closed his eyes and puckered. But just as their lips were about to touch, Rose pulled back.

“This isn’t right,” she exclaimed as she sat back on the log.

“What is it?” he demanded, his heart now racing at the thought of actually kissing her.

“You’re at a disadvantage,” Rose replied, her gaze lingering on his stature.

“What do you mean?” he asked

“The man I am to wed will likely be taller than me. It makes little sense to practice with somebody of your height,” she explained, her voice tinged with defeat.

Bear’s frustration was evident, but inspiration quickly lit his eyes. Scanning the riverbed, he announced, “I have an idea.” Quickly springing into action, he gathered flat rocks and assembled them into a makeshift platform. With a satisfied grin, he climbed on top, elevating himself slightly above Rose’s height. “There. How’s this?”

Rose’s smile widened at his ingenuity. “Perfect,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she stood up and approached him.

As her lips neared him, he leaned down awkwardly while balancing on the rocks, his heart pounding in anticipation. Suddenly, their lips met. The sensation sent a surprising shiver down each of their spines. But as they drew closer, Bear’s balance betrayed him, and he toppled into the river with a startled shriek.

Emerging from the water, soaked and sputtering, he caught Rose doubled over in laughter. “You must work on your balance, Bear!” she teased, her laughter echoing through the forest.

“I will never do that again!” he declared, his pride wounded.

Rose, still chuckling, offered a playful retort: “Yes, you will!”

“No, I will not!”

Rose turned and ran off through the forest toward a meadow, her laughter trailing behind her as she playfully chanted, “Yes, you will! Yes, you will!”

“Wait for me!” he called, pausing briefly to strap on his sandals before resuming his chase. Suddenly, he halted and hid behind a tree, his gaze fixed on a formidable figure advancing across the meadow on horseback. It was Rose’s father—the town’s jailer, a man feared by many and someone Bear instinctively knew to avoid.

“Daughter, the hour has come,” her father declared as he approached Rose and drew her onto his steed. “And how many times must I remind you not to wander off into the forest without permission?”

“Wait.” She hesitated, her gaze darting back toward the forest in search of Bear’s familiar figure, but he was nowhere in sight.

“What is it?” her father pressed, his brow furrowed as he followed her gaze.

“It’s nothing,” Rose replied, lowering her head. She knew better than to reveal her relationship with Bear, wary of her overly protective father’s reaction.

With a gentle kick, her father urged the horse forward, and they departed from the forest.

Hardly able to contain his emotions, Bear stepped out from behind a tree and called out to her: “Rose!”

Unheard by her father, she turned in her saddle and gave Bear a small, heartfelt wave in farewell. Bear waved back, feeling a hollow ache begin to settle in his heart. As the horse picked up speed and galloped away, Rose clutched her father and turned her head forward. A tear rolled down Bear’s cheek as the truth dawned on him—his feelings for Rose ran deeper than friendship. Silently, he had always imagined them growing old together, a future he had never dared voice to his first and only true love.

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About the Author

Sheldon Collins began his creative career as a Hollywood screenwriter and director. His films, celebrated for their character-driven storytelling, earned awards at international festivals and aired on premium television. With The Legend of Valentine, his debut novel, Collins brings cinematic scope and emotional depth to the page, also co-directing a multi-cast audiobook edition. He lives in California with his wife and daughter, drawing inspiration from the outdoors and enjoying activities like hiking, surfing, biking, and skiing. Collins studied Rhetoric at UC Berkeley before earning his MFA in Directing from the American Film Institute. Learn more on his website or follow him on Instagram.