Pretty Sally Couldn't Marry Albert by Jefferson Parrish

PrettySallyCouldntMarryAlbertLGTitle: Pretty Sally Couldn’t Marry Albert

Series: A Valentine Rainbow

Author: Jefferson Parrish

Genre: Contemporary, Holiday

Length: Short (45 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 8th 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Recovering from a stroke, Albert struggles to help his sister deal with her husband’s death and the demands of single parenthood. Everyone puts on a brave face, but the family is overwhelmed and left with a hole in their hearts. The discovery of a stash of old valentines makes Albert nostalgic for the sunny days spent with his childhood friend, Harry. Albert’s nephew, Kyle, decides to find the long-lost Harry only to discover life hasn’t been kind to Harry either.

 Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4677

Review: Albert is recovering from a stroke. His family tries to get him to try to get better faster but he refuses.  He has in home-helpers and has to deal with strangers and his seventeen-year-old nephew helping him with basic needs such as using the bathroom. He has never been married or hasn’t really dated much. He considers himself asexual since sex has never been a big deal for him. Now nearing fifty, he is alone. One day his sister makes him open a box their mother had left them when she passed away. It contains all his valentines from when he was in school and many memories.

Wow! I am a new fan of Jefferson Parrish. This was another of those pleasant surprises.  The title did not woo me in but I am so glad I read this story.

It’s a beautiful story that is unique that Albert was Asexual. He never acted on his feelings thinking sex was important to a relationship.   Unhappy little girls with hurt feelings on Valentine’s Day brings us back to the day when it was required you swap with the entire class not just a few chose friends. I remember those days and I do agree it should be that way now.   The girls eager to read their uncles valentines and ask so many questions and the meddling Seventeen-year-old nephew were so cute and funny.   I loved the cryptic messages in the valentines and the flashbacks to Albert’s youth.

This story has nothing to do with a pretty girl wanting to marry Albert. Grab a copy to see what Pretty Sally Couldn’t Marry Albert really meant.  You won’t be disappointed

If you love a sweet story of family, broken men, stroke patients, recovery, cryptic messages, Valentine’s Day and need a great short story to make you smile this one is it!