The Valentine Edition

By Robin Shope

The last place in the world Jodi Williams wanted to live was Turtle Creek, Wisconsin, but when her stepdad refused to put in a good word for her at the Chicago paper, she had no other choice than to accept the first job offer that came her way. Josh Thomas was Turtle Creek's veterinarian, but he also happened to be single and quite handsome. His life was pretty peaceful until a pretty, young stranger came to his clinic with a dog that had been hit by a car. While his first reaction was to care for the injured animal, he couldn't help a few glances at this unique young woman. That day was one of quite a few new beginnings. Jodi came to the aid of an injured animal, earning her the respect of a handsome man, she started a new job as a reporter for The Turtle Creek Newspaper, and she gained the wrath of the vet's receptionist. Della had her sights set on Joshua, and she wasn?t about to let anyone come between her and the man of her dreams.

• Language: English
• Publisher: White Rose Publishing
• Release date: Jan 16, 2009
• ISBN: 9781611160376

Book preview

encouragement.

The Valentine Edition

Chapter One

January 2

Jodi Williams sighed for the hundredth time as she waved goodbye to the Chicago skyline, catching the last of the city in her car’s rearview mirror. Dreams of working at The Tribune were dead right along with drinking green tea latte’s at Starbucks anytime she wanted.

Hope behind her.

The unknown ahead.

She steered toward Wisconsin. An hour later, Jodi looked out the window at the open fields of frozen ground and cows standing along snowy fences. The comparison between her two lives—the previous and the present—were startling.

Jodi attempted to shift her body in the seat but was pretty well anchored into the one position with her belongings crammed into the compact car from the trunk to the front. The turn-by-turn directions she had printed out were hard to follow since not all the roads were actually marked in this neck of the country. She decided to refer to them as mystery turns. Finally, Jodi pulled over to the shoulder and unfolded the road map to try to figure it out one more time. According to her calculations, she was almost there.

She looked around again and there it was, the Welcome to Turtle Creek sign, less than five feet ahead. Snickering at herself, she put her car back in drive, turned on her signal and pulled back onto the road. Soon she passed Ma’s Diner on the left and zoomed past one block of storefronts realizing that was all there was of town. It’s worse than I imagined.

Watching for the turn that would take her directly to the newspaper, she nearly missed seeing the small-bedraggled dog that darted out right in front of her. Startled, Jodi swerved and hit her brakes as her heart palpitated hard in her chest. It was a foolhardy maneuver that nearly landed her in the ditch but she felt it was worth the risk since she didn’t feel or hear a thud against the tires. After she came to a complete stop, Jodi peered over her steering wheel. She frantically looked to her left and right. The dog wasn’t in sight. She had to find the little thing. It was unsafe for it to be running around loose like this. What kind of people let a little dog roam free anyway? Jodi caught her negative thought and softened. Maybe the dog was lost and the family was searching at this very moment.

Jodi checked both lanes of traffic. Then she pulled up hard on the door handle, swiveled in her seat and set both feet on the ice. Gingerly stepping out to search for the animal, she was thankful no vehicle appeared from either direction. She walked around the car feeling the snow and ice seep into her leather shoes.

She finally found what she was looking for; the dog sat shivering under a bush. Fearful-looking eyes studied her approach. With matted hair and sad eyes, it looked unloved and unwanted, pulling at her heart.

Hey there little one, Jodi bent down. Don’t be afraid. Let me help you. When she held out her hand, the dog took off like a rocket, past her and right for the road. From a blanket of snowy air, a car appeared. It careened down the road traveling much too fast for the conditions. Jodi frantically called to the dog, Come to me, come to me! But instead of obeying, it sat down. Now is no time to be stubborn!

Jodi couldn’t watch. She shut her eyes and turned away from the awful sound of squealing brakes, the thump of the dog and the whimper. When she opened her eyes, she saw the poor thing lying still on its side. Jodi ran to it as the angry driver rolled down his window and yelled, Watch your dog!

Watch where you’re going! Jodi shot back and ignored him as he drove off. Without thinking about the cold or the possibility of being bitten, Jodi yanked off her coat and carefully placed it around the injured animal. It’s all right; I’m just trying to help you. It’s okay.

Gingerly, she held the dog just as a pickup truck came rolling toward them. Oh, no, not again. The road was too icy for her to get out of its way in time. She gripped the dog to her chest, said a prayer and hoped for the best. The tires splashed icy muck on her skirt. To her surprise, the driver was able to slow and come to a complete stop within inches of her frame. On the side of the truck was written Veterinarian Clinic Turtle Creek, Wisconsin—Josh Thomas.

Is everything okay? The man inside rolled down his window.

No, everything is just terrible. The dog was hit. Jodi started to cry.

I’ll help. He checked his side mirrors before parking on the shoulder of the road and then got out of the truck. Jodi noticed the man was her extreme opposite. He stood at least six foot two, weighed about two-fifty, where she was only a couple of inches over five feet and half his weight. His hair was the kind a woman longed to run her fingers through—thick, black and straight.

Wind blew snow into Jodi’s face. She rubbed her eyes and then brushed her curly auburn hair from her face, making sure the kind stranger wasn’t an illusion.

After grabbing a mid-sized crate from the back of his truck, he walked over to where Jodi stood shivering in the cold wind holding her bundle.

Let’s get the dog to my clinic. Do you want to put it in the crate, or should I?

I’ll do it. Feeling protective now, Jodi put the dog inside, leaving it wrapped in her coat.

Doing a double take, he asked, I guess I should introduce myself. I’m Josh Thomas. Are you all right?

He touched her shoulder. It felt reassuring and made her cry harder knowing someone was here to handle the situation. All she managed was a nod. He patted her again. Follow me. Josh opened the passenger side and placed the crate on the truck seat. Hopefully your little pal will be just fine. I’ll do my best so he’ll be home with you in no time.

She wrinkled her nose. That’s not my dog. I only stopped to help, she explained, walking toward the truck.

Josh turned toward Jodi and gave her an appreciative smile. So you’re the one? It’s nice to finally meet you. I heard about you in church on Sunday.

Me? On Sunday? Her eyes widened.

Yea you. We learned about the Good Samaritan. Let me shake your hand.

Josh was totally disarming and made Jodi smile for the first time that day. When she took his hand, it felt strong and capable. She looked into his eyes where a collection of amber colors seemed to swirl together. I’m Jodi Williams. I was trying to get the dog out of the road when he was hit. The driver didn’t stop to help.

I was on my way back from a farm call and in my daydreaming missed my turn to the clinic. Guess it was a good thing. Josh explained as he climbed into his truck. Don’t worry I’ll take it from here. Thanks again, Miss Good Samaritan.

Wait. Let me come with you. Jodi looked at her car and again at Josh.

Sure, just follow me. Back your car around and pull in behind me. I’ll wait for you.

Okay. Jodi nodded to him as she opened her car door. Just as she scooted onto the driver’s seat a blast of wind slammed the door on her. Freezing to the bone, she cranked up the heater full blast. Then she turned on her wipers to move the snow off her windshield. Jodi found a safe place to turn around, and in no time, she was following Josh’s truck. A few turns later, they arrived at the veterinary clinic. The large sign read Thomas Veterinary Clinic and Animal Rescue. It seemed like an appropriate name since she and the dog had both been on the receiving end of that rescue. Jodi followed Josh into the building.

A pretty blonde-headed woman wearing brightly colored scrubs printed with playful dogs and cats, sat at the desk. What do you have in there? She looked at the small crate.

An injured dog, hit on County O. Josh turned to Jodi. This is my secretary, Della Wheat. Della, this is Ms. Williams.

Jodi, she corrected, hardly noticing Della. Her eyes remained fixed on the dog.

Just fill out a card for me. Della placed it on the counter along with a pen.

She was trying to rescue the stray when it was hit, Josh explained. We don’t need the information.

I’d still like to fill out the card. Jodi picked up the pen. Not knowing where she’d be staying yet, she only wrote her name and cell phone number. She put the pen back down and asked Josh, Would it be all right for me to go into the examination room with you?

Josh shrugged. Sure enough. Keep following me.

They entered a brightly lit and predictably spotless small room. An aroma from the cleaning disinfectant was evident. They faced each other on opposite sides of the stainless steel examination table. Josh placed the crate on the table and slowly pulled out the dog on Jodi’s bloody coat.

Hi, there, little guy. Will you let me see how you are doing? Josh parted the folds of the coat and then lifted the dog out. It whimpered but didn’t try to snap.

Jodi removed her coat from the table. Josh kept looking up at her and down at the dog again. You seem pretty shook up. Are you sure you’re okay?

Yes, I’m fine.

That’s good to know. I thought you might need a doctor yourself, for a minute there. Josh chuckled.

She took her first long look at him. Great smile that was burned into her memory from their first encounter on the road, but now she saw he was also quite handsome. What attracted her was his obvious tender spirit reflected in his soft eyes. She didn’t even know him but he suddenly made an imprint on her heart. The way he looked at her made Jodi wonder if he felt it, too.

The door to the examination room popped open. Do you need my help, Doctor? Della stood in the doorway.

Sure, come on in.

Della entered and began her work while lightly humming. She seemed like the kind of gal who was always humming even when she did things that should be done in silence, like calming animal nerves or cleaning up messes. At least that was how Jodi imagined her to be.

Jodi watched as Josh gently turned the dog on its side and stroked its head, talking low and soft, trying to bring comfort to it. Della quickly stepped in to hold the dog, making Jodi move back out of their way. The room was cramped with all them in it, so she moved to the corner to watch.

The dog has some pretty bad abrasions, but I don’t see anything that would require sutures. It looks like he’s a little neutered male, so someone once cared for him. Josh tilted back the dog’s head and parted his jaws to have a good look inside. And he’s no older than two years.

The animal held his left hind leg tight up against his body. When Josh gently tried to straighten it, the dog yelped in pain and then licked Josh’s hand. Josh responded immediately by stroking its head. Ah, I guess the leg is probably broken. We won’t know how badly until I get an x-ray of it. Josh felt along the side of the animal and examined each leg. In fact, I want to get several x-rays on him to see what else we’re dealing with here.

I’ll get everything ready, Della hummed.

Jodi glanced discreetly at the wall clock. She was late for her first day at her new job. I have to leave, but my cell number is at the front desk. Will you call me later? I’d like to know how he does.

Of course I will. Josh smiled again. It was enough to make her want to stay right here with the dog and with Josh, but then Della opened the door for her and took the dog to the back.

Jodi walked from the room as she took a good look at her coat. It was stained with blood and her clothes had muck on them.

There’s a dry cleaner about five miles from here.

No good. I’m starting my job at The Turtle Creek Newspaper today, and I can’t go in like this. I’m not sure what to do since I’m already pretty late. Jodi fretted as she folded her coat over one arm.

Josh took a jacket from one of the wall hooks.

I know it doesn’t look like much, but at least it’s clean. Here. He held out the dark green jacket.

Jodi managed with much self-restraint not to roll her eyes. The truth was she didn’t want to wear it, but under the circumstances, in near-zero-degree temperature, she didn’t have much choice. Besides it was clean and Josh was sweet to offer it. When she slipped into it, the coat nearly swallowed up her small frame. She pulled the right side over the left and laughed when it nearly went all the way around her back. The way Josh looked at her made her blush.

It’ll keep you warm, he said.

Della walked back into the room. She frowned. The humming came to a stop. Why is she wearing that?

Jodi noticed the young woman’s displeasure. It made her feel silly. She’s right, I can’t take this.

Wear it. It’ll do in a blizzard.

Jodi looked out the window at the snow coming heavier now. The wind seemed stronger. The weather is getting worse. If I take this, what’ll you wear?

There’s another jacket in my truck.

Please be sure to call and let me know how that sweet little guy is doing, okay?

Will do, Josh promised. He sure is a little cherub.

Jodi reluctantly put on the jacket, hesitating before heading out to her car.

****

Twenty-year-old Della Wheat held up her hand and sweetly waved goodbye to Jodi. Then she turned to Josh. She seems nice.

Yep, that she is. He walked to the windows and watched as she got into her car and drove off. He was quiet a minute and then turned to Della. While I get those x-rays taken, I need you to start on the invoices. They’re on your desk. I’d like them in the mail by the end of the work day. Josh started toward the back.

Sure thing, as soon as I organize the waiting room. You know how I am about messiness, Della answered as she began her daily routine with military preciseness. She fanned out the magazines into attractive sections, then swept the floor and finished off her housekeeping with a bit of dusting. Once the fish were fed, she straightened her desk. It was then she noticed something on the counter of her well-ordered room. Calmly, Della picked up the white card and read Jodi Williams’ contact information. Cute, she was the kind who marked a line through each of her sevens and wrote her name in fancy, curly script. Della smiled and hummed happily as she walked over to the shredder and buzzed the piece of paper right through it. Jodi Williams disappeared.

All gone. Della wiped her hands together.

Now that this new woman was out of Josh’s life, Della was ready to get to work. She went around her desk and sat down. From the top drawer, she took out the container of paper clips, the small bag of rubber bands, the handful of pens and removed a folder. Underneath all of that was a picture of Josh and her at last year’s Christmas party at the church. She caressed his face with her finger. Then she picked up a black marker with a thin point and used it to carefully write across the bottom, You’re the only woman for me. All my love, Josh. It made Della smile. Then she shut the folder and returned it to the desk, placing the office supplies back on top.

Within the hour, a CLOSED sign was placed in the door of the clinic. Della assisted Josh in surgery. She watched every move he made. Della had a hard time keeping her mind on what they were doing. She kept looking over at Josh, hoping he’d see her and give her one of those great big smiles of his. He didn’t smile, didn’t even give her a look. All his concern went to the animal he was working on. He was devoted. He would smile at her later. That was her affirmation.

Isn’t he a sweet little thing? Della commented on the dog, needing attention from Josh.

He sure was lucky to come out of it with just one fracture and a few abrasions. I think the good Lord was smiling down on you today, he told the sedated mutt. Della, while I pin the leg, steady it for me by holding the bones together just so. Josh demonstrated.

Della followed his instructions.

Once surgery is over, I’ll attach the rigid bar on the cast. Within a day or two, he should be using that leg just fine, Josh murmured.

You inspire me. Della’s hand brushed his as she took over positioning the leg. It made her heart race.

Just doing my job. Perspiration gathered along Josh’s brow. In a few minutes, he had accomplished stabilizing the leg. Good. You did well. You both did. He looked at Della and gave her a smile.

There it was! Her affirmation! It came true, washing over her heart; she nearly fainted from happiness, but remained vertical and stared down at the dog’s leg that Josh was closing.

That should do it. Josh laid his instruments to the side and looked at the dog one more time. I’ll give Jodi a call. She’ll want to know how the dog is doing.

I’ll do that for you, Della insisted.

No, I’ll do it myself as soon as the dog is fully awake and eats something. Josh carried the animal to a prepared kennel and laid him on a heating pad.

Della’s heart palpitated with fear and self-doubt. Deep breaths, she told herself. It was time to listen to her affirmation tapes. Della returned to the waiting room, unlocked the door and put the Open sign back in the window. At her desk, she slid her earphones on and popped the next CD in her player. She pressed play. She moved her lips along with the words on the tape, I am focused on finding love. I have found love. That is all that matters. I am having fun.

Her headphones were suddenly lifted off her head as her hair caught in the earpiece. Ouch! She turned around. It was her love. Josh, what are you doing?

Are you listening to those silly tapes again? There are messages that need to be answered. Don’t you see the blinking light?

Sorry. Della’s face blushed.

Also get Jodi’s number for me, please.

Uhm…. Della watched her love leave the room. If there was ever a time she needed to listen to her tapes, it was now. However, she would do as Josh asked and put them away. She’d write out her affirmation instead. With a pen in hand, she began; I believe in myself. I believe in the power of love. I believe Josh loves me. I believe Josh and I are destined to be together. I believe Josh will ask me to marry him. I believe in myself. I believe in the power of love. I believe Josh loves me. I believe Josh and I are destined to

Reviews for The Valentine Edition

[judyg54 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is book 2 in the Turtle Creek series. Jodi Williams finds herself leaving the city behind her and taking a job at the Turtle Creek Newspaper in rural Wisconsin. As she drives into town in the middle of winter she rescues a hurt dog and the vet, Josh Thomas, and her have an immediate atttraction to each other. Jodi is learning to love her new job and the town and her new boyfriend, but then Della, the veterinarian's assistant, shares a secret with her that could ruin Jodi and Josh's relationship. Although I enjoyed reading book 2 in this series, I must say I enjoyed book 1 in the series more.

[love2readnovels_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Jodi Williams wasn't happy about moving to Turtle Creek. She was a Chicago girl who wanted a job with the Tribune not a small town paper. But she also wanted a chance to get away and heal her broken heart after her best friend married her boyfriend. The story opens with her almost hitting a dog when coming into town then watching as the dog was struck by another driver who keeps driving. As she is comforting the dog trying to figure out what to do along comes Josh Thomas who just happens to be a vet. The attraction is instant. Josh's receptionist, Della, notices the attraction too and out comes her claws. She has set her cap on Josh and is willing to do anything to keep him away from Jodi. Will Jodi only find heartbreak in Turtle Creek? Will Josh win the girl of his dreams?This was a delightful addition to the Turtle Creek Series. I love Robin's writing and the way she uses words. She holds your attention through the entire book. Jodi is someone we can all relate to. She is sweet, kind and caring but doesn't feel loved. Josh is a VERY romantic hero. A man who is thoughtful, kind and truly listens. I'm sure we have all experienced a Della in our lives but I love the way Robin handled her as well. Although not a suspense the twist toward the end was not what I expected which made it even better. You also get to see all the characters from the Christmas Edition which is fun. You don't need to read the Christmas Edition to have The Valentine Edition make sense but I highly recommend reading them in order for a richer story.

[wbarker_19 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Perfect for : Personal reading, book club readIn a nutshell: Another wonderful, heart-warming book from Robin Shope. Full of the ups and downs of life, the book will touch your heart and help you to remember what life is all about. It will also gently remind you about the power of prayer and forgiveness, that God causes things to happen for a reason, and that things will work out. Published just in time for Valentines Day, the book is wonderfully romantic and will give the reader some refreshing ideas for Valentines Day (romantic picnic, fun gifts, flowers, etc).Extended Review: This is the second book in the Turtle Creek Edition series, but it can easily stand on it's own. Like the first book, this one takes place in Turtle Creek, Wisconsin. Jodi Williams has just joined the staff of the Turtle Creek Newspaper, and on her way to her new job, she has an unexpected encounter with the small town's veterinarian Josh Thomas.As Jodi experiences huge success at work, she also has success in her budding relationship with Josh . . . until his obsessed employee (Della) decides to try to tear them apart. Will God soften Della's heart and help her fix the trouble she has created in time to save Valentine's Day for everyone involved?Characters: Robin has added three new and wonderfully diverse characters in the form of Jodi (big city girl who needs a change of pace), Josh (small town veterinarian who is charming, nice and smart!) and Della (Josh's employee, who sees herself as Josh's future girlfriend, obsessed with Josh) to the already wonderful characters from the first book. I was extremely excited to see Ulilla, Lucy and Joe throughout this book!Story-Line: The story will pull you in and keep you interested, starting with the first chapter. I especially liked the Valentine's Day Match-Making Dance, and the romantic picnic.Readability: This was a very fun and enjoyable read.Overall: A wonderfully romantic story that helps the reader to gently remember the importance of prayer, forgiveness and faith. Robin has included a recipe for Jodi's Blueberry Kiss Me Quick Tarts at the end of the book, and while I haven't made them yet, they sound scrumptious!

[kherbrand_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Robin Shope has done it again with The Valentine Edition(and I just love the cover!) It follows on the heels of The Christmas Edition which came out last fall . We get to travel to Turtle Creek, Wisconsin and visit the Turtle Creek newspaper staff. In addition to Lucy, Joe and Ullila - we are introduced to Jodi - a new reporter from Chicago, Josh- the town's veterinarian, and Della - Josh's secretary/assistant.On Jodi's first day in town, she stops to assist what appears to be an abandoned dog, just in time to see him get hit by a car! As luck would have it, the next vehicle by is the town vet, Josh. He helps her take the dog (which she names Cupid) to his office. Thankfully, he is not seriously hurt (Cupid - not Josh), but does need some recovery time. Well, actually Josh needs some recovery time also because he is instantly smitten with Jodi! As the sparks fly, Jodi helps the Turtle Creek newspaper plan their first matchmaking Valentine's Day dance, Cupid continues to recover, and Della puts her "make Josh mine" plan into motion!Can Jodi get over past heartbreaks to let Josh in? Can Josh stay strong and win Jodi over - or does Della get her man? You have to read The Valentine Edition to find out! Great read just in time for Valentine's Day!