In this is sequel to Captain Cupid Calls the Shots, Valentine's story continues. The cute, clever titles are at variance to the meaty stories in these books. In Captain Cupid, Valentine is a despicable character, largely due to the effects of alcoholism. A hint of Valentine's redemption is mentioned in the Epilogue to Captain Cupid.

In Valentine's Change of Heart, Valentine continues to reclaim his life, step by step. He is a strong character, but the heroine, governess to his illegitimate daughter, is not sure whether she can trust him, nor does he trust himself. In short he is strong, but very vulnerable and potentially highly destructive to himself and others. The bulk of the story and the unfolding of Valentine Wharton and Elaine Deering's romance occurs on a roadtrip from his daughter's school somewhere in Cumbria to St. David's in Wales.

There are many unusual features to the story. Much of the story takes place in the protagonists thoughts. We get to see how each views their growing attachment to one another, and their uncertainties. Valentine often speaks brusquely and sardonically, but his thoughts are much softer. We get to see what gives him the strength to stay dry.

The ultimate resolution comes in a satisfying, but unexpected way.

A reconciliation between Valentine and his best friend Cupid apparently occurs, but is barely touched on though Penny Foster Shelbourne (Cupid's wife and Valentine's one-time love) plays a minor, but important role in the story. I would have liked this reconciliation to be more overt.

I really liked the book. When I reread it I will certainly reread Captain Cupid Calls the Shots first. It is a substantive romance wherein the protagonists are three-dimensional people with real strengths and challenges, for whom love brings comfort, joy, and meaning to life. ( )