Every February 14 we exchange cards and flowers as expressions of love. Valentine’s Day is among our most popular holidays. But what do the words “Be my valentine” mean? Who was Valentine?

We know he lived in third-century Rome, during the reign of Claudius II. We know that he was a Christian priest. But he lived during a period of military anarchy, when many of Rome’s records were destroyed. The facts of Valentine’s life have been lost to history. What survive, however, are legends. And legends often contain the residue of truth.

Ann Tompert beautifully weaves together the most enduing stories of Valentine to create a tapestry of the saint’s life. Stories began to circulate after his death, including stories of Valentine performing secret weddings for soldiers who were forbidden by law to marry, and of Valentine giving comfort to persecuted Christians.

Moving and dramatic illustrations by Kestutis Kasparivicius take the reader back to ancient Rome during the time of the Christian persecution. Together, author and illustrator pierce the historical fog that surrounds Saint Valentine to offer a glimpse of the man whose life remains a mystery.

—from front jacket flap