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Reading age
14+
Genre
Realistic fiction
Publisher
First Second
Publication date
January 9, 2024
Val must embark on a journey to find true love within a year to break her family’s curse and overcome her hatred for Valentine’s Day.
Val, a Vietnamese American girl, is fond of Valentine’s Day. But during her high school years, her grandmother reveals that Val’s supposedly dead mother is alive and is going to marry someone else. Val discovers that none of her family members have ever found true love, and she despises Valentine’s Day. Her imaginary friend, Saint V, starts asking her for her heart to prevent her from experiencing the same pain her family went through. In response, Val makes a deal with him to give her one year to find true love. Will Val be able to see her true love before time runs out?
I was amazed to discover that the illustrator of this book is the same person who illustrated the famous ‘Friends’ series. This book is not only beautifully illustrated but also tells a beautiful story. It is a highly emotional book that introduces the readers to the Lion Dance and other customs of the Lunar New Year.
The protagonist, Val, is a determined and kind character who reminded me of one of my school acquaintances. Val’s grandmother is a quirky character who adds a lot of humor to the story. However, the character of Saint V, who initially appears cute, takes a creepy turn later on.
This book is perfect for anyone who believes in the power of self-belief and is on a quest to find true love. The story is engaging, the illustrations are stunning, and the characters are relatable. I highly recommend this rom-com to anyone who enjoys an excellent emotional story with a touch of humor.
My rating
