Out of all the holidays of the year, Groundhog day is the most different to me. The main reason is the fact that it's a prediction of the weather. Despite that, or because of that, people have taken this very seriously. They celebrate the groundhog, the prediction, and enjoy the movie of the same name.

As far as I can tell, every February 2nd, people gather around and wait for the animal to see if it sees its shadow. If the animal does, then there will be six more weeks of winter. If it doesn't, then spring will come early that year.

I'm glad people can find enjoyment in this holiday, but I still feel that this is a very weird holiday.

As a romance writer, how can I not love the month of February? In reality, St. Valentine's Day is all year for me as I spend my days coming up with heartwarming love stories for my readers

I love a good romance (Pride and Prejudice, The Princess Bride). But for a story to qualify as a good romance, I do have a few requirements. A likeable heroine and a loveable hero. Don't you want to identify with the characters and root for their happy ending?

Which brings me to my biggest requirement—A happy ending! I sincerely don't understand how a writer can craft a story, go through the hero's journey, and end with the couple not getting together. Or worse, the man or woman dying. Really? Did you just want to see if you could make me cry, romance author? Mission accomplished. If a major character dies, what's the point? I'm very picky about the books I read, researching the author's previous books. I do not want to be devastated after investing time and emotions in the story.

What about you? What makes you love a good romance? In honor of St. Valentine's Day, read one of your favorites. Or try a new one. And enjoy the love.

Blessings,

M.M.

I heard a Valentine's Day story (honest guys, I'm not the guy in this story) about a girlfriend who was a big fan of "thoughtful gestures" for days like this. Me, I mean the boyfriend, not so much.

So it was no surprise when the day rolled around and no such thought had been given to a thoughtful gesture. Off to the store he went, only to face the picked through leftovers; none of which was screaming thoughtful gesture. That's when he fell upon the Relationship Survival Kit (which included a stress ball, a tiny notebook titled "Notes for the Next Argument," and a pack of breath mints). Perfect.

He handed her the kit with a grand gesture and got a half-smile and "Really? A Relationship Survival Kit?"

My heart sank. But then she burst into laughter. "Well, at least you didn't get me a t-shirt with a heart-shaped rubber chicken on it like last year.

Moral of the story? Valentine's Day might be a bit of a commercial holiday, but sometimes it's the effort (and the ability to laugh at yourself) that makes the day memorable. So, if you're out of ideas, just remember; even a Relationship Survival Kit might win a laugh or two.