Mattie Ross is probably the last person who should be doling out good counsel to anyone on anything. Still smarting after being left at the altar two years earlier, she is strapped with debt, has sworn off men, routinely buries herself in her work and despite her well-proportioned figure, remains haunted by childhood taunts of "Fatty Mattie." But to her publisher at the Chicago Gazette, and readers, she is their latest advice columnist, The Plate Spinner, a self-assured working parent to adorable fake children and multi-tasking savant. Enter Nick Derosa, the twin brother of Mattie's cold-footed fiancé who is trying to get back on his feet after his brother steals his identity and implicates him in an illegal investment scheme. But thanks to Nick's legendary running career, the publisher of the Chicago Gazette proposes a wager: If Nick can train an out-of-shape working parent in time to compete in the Chicago Marathon, he will contribute enough to help Nick launch his own non-profit running club for kids. Suddenly "Fatty" Mattie and Nick are thrust together as the most unlikely of pairs and under a deadline to put their trust issues aside and avoid another false start in their lives.

Assignment: Romance novels:
False Start
Help Wanted
Key Change
Flight Risk
The Plate Spinner Chronicles (non-fiction collection)

What critics are saying about Barbara Valentin's books:

"A lighthearted and endearing blend of comedy, drama, and romance. Quick-moving and thoroughly delightful."
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"Barbara Valentin delivers love, laughter, and a happily ever after—what more could you ask for?"
—Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling author

"False Start was such a wonderful romantic comedy and even though there isn't an ounce of steam in it. I completely loved it! 5 stars!"
—Boundless Book reviews

"I had a hard time putting (Help Wanted) down. That’s probably why I had no trouble reading it in two days! I’ll also stubbornly admit that I got a little teary-eyed towards the end, and I absolutely loved the ending. It was the perfect finish and one of my favorite endings, hands down."
—Chick Lit Central