The Legend of Valentine Book Amplifier Tour

The Legend of Valentine: An Ancient Historical Love Story that Ignites a Revolution 

Published January 21, 2025

Genre: Historical Fiction

I’m thrilled to feature Sheldon Collins’s The Legend of Valentine, a richly imagined story that explores how love and faith can triumph over tyranny in ancient Rome.

In 268 AD, Rome is an empire in turmoil under a merciless ruler. At its heart stands Valentine, a warrior reborn from the brink of death who abandons his violent past when he falls in love with Agatha, a woman whose blindness does not diminish her courage. Their devotion drives him to perform secret Christian marriages in defiance of imperial law, knowing discovery could cost him his life. With each vow he seals, Valentine risks everything, but also ensures that the legacy of love will endure through the ages. Sweeping in scope and deeply moving, Collins’s debut novel reimagines the origins of Valentine’s Day with vivid historical detail and unforgettable characters.

Q & A with the Author, Sheldon Collins

Behind the Book
Why did you choose this setting/topic?

At first, I was drawn in because no one had tackled the origins of Valentine’s Day in this
way—it felt fresh and exciting. But as I researched, the history and the love story kept pulling
me deeper. What started as a challenge became a passion: a tale where history, romance, and the
message that love conquers all could come alive together.

If your book became a movie, who would star in it?

I’d actually imagine it as a series! Valentine himself could be a breakout role for a newcomer,
but for the key figures: Mark Strong would make a perfect Emperor Claudius with his quiet
menace, while Hayley Atwell or Keira Knightley could embody Empress Serena with the
elegance and fire the role demands.

Which author(s) most inspired you?

Ken Follett, without question. His ability to consistently deliver sweeping, intricate historical
novels that are still completely gripping amazes me.

Author Bio

Sheldon Collins is a distinguished storyteller who honed his skills as a Hollywood screenwriter and director. His award-winning films were celebrated at film festivals and on premium television before he shifted to fiction with The Legend of Valentine, his first novel. He also co-directed the book’s cinematic audiobook edition, bringing his directorial expertise to the project. Based in California with his wife and daughter, Collins takes inspiration from the natural world and pursues outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, biking, and skiing. He earned his BA in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley and an MFA in Directing from the American Film Institute. Find out more on his website or on Instagram.

Purchase Links

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/legendvalentine

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217405700-the-legend-of-valentine