The Lost Valentine

February 2, 1998
On February 14, 1944, their first anniversary, Navy Lt. Neil Thomas bids his wife, Caroline, farewell at Union Station, Los Angeles. They never meet again. Before he can set eyes on the son born in his absence, Neil's fighter plane goes down in the Pacific. He is declared missing in action, but love never dies in this avowedly "inspirational" first novel from Utah executive Pratt. Each anniversary, Caroline returns to Union Station to await her husband. On their silver anniversary, two days after learning that Neil died a hero's death among Philippine partisans, she makes her final pilgrimage--with supernaturally happy results. The telling of the story by Neil Jr., himself a lonely widower, to cynical reporter Susan Allison, spawns a parallel romance. Originally self-published, the novel is steeped in roses and friendly songbirds. Pieces of the puzzle fall thuddingly into place. Sentence fragments abound. The point of view shifts alarmingly. Yet the book's sincerity is palpable, and the war scenes add a little grit to its anodyne message: that love triumphs over death. Doubleday Book Club and Literary Guild alternates; author tour.

November 15, 1997
Yet another self-published book that sold well enough to attract a big publisher, this love story within a love story concerns a TV anchor who falls for a man whose mother waited 50 years to receive a "last valentine" from her navy pilot husband, missing in action during World War II.

Starred review from February 15, 1998
Get out your box of tissues, and rid yourself of all distractions because once you pick up this book, you will not put it down. Neil Thomas Jr. writes the poignant story of his parents' love, and television journalist Susan Allison agrees to interview Neil for a nationwide audience. Susan, as well as the reader, is immediately drawn to this emotional romance that begins during World War II and ends 50 years later. Married only a year and pregnant, Caroline Thomas must part from her husband on their first anniversary--Valentine's Day, 1944. Neil Thomas, a naval pilot sent to the Pacific front, promises he will return on their anniversary. Eight months later, Caroline receives a telegram listing Neil as missing in action. Caroline remains faithful and waits to hear from her husband. Fifty years later, she is notified that her husband's remains and papers have been found and will be returned to her on February 14, 1994. Neil Jr. and Susan's love story is intertwined with his parents'. Through their legacy, Neil Jr. learns about faith and true love, which he shares with Susan. This book is sentimental and will tug on the heartstrings of the reader. Fans of "The Notebook" (1996) by Nicholas Sparks will enjoy this book. ((Reviewed February 15, 1998))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1998, American Library Association.)