One afternoon I stepped onto a mostly empty train. There was a lady several feet away from me with two small children. The older child was an adorable little boy with a sweet face whom I guessed was maybe four years old. The younger child looked around 18 months - 2 years.

The mother was a young lady who seemed frazzled and was trying to comfort the fussy baby while balancing a large sack of food. The older boy, Angel, was mischievous and friendly and seemed to enjoy himself on the train ride.

​I smiled at the little boy and then turned my attention to the book I'd brought. That is, until I heard the mother admonish Angel for shoving gummy bears into his brother's mouth.

The impish grin on the little boy's face hinted that maybe Angel was no Angel. Good luck, Mom. That precious little boy is going to keep you on your toes for years to come!

Whenever I'm searching for a book to read, I scour the reviews, especially the negative ones. A negative review won't prevent me from buying a book, unless my pet peeves align with the reviewers'.

A negative review I see all the time is that the book is cliche or formulaic. This criticism always makes me smile. I understand why readers want original tales with suprising plot twists. I love for an unexpected surprise to jolt me out of the story and leave me amazed.

But for me, I don't read a story for that type of experience. I want to escapte reality, fall in love with a fictional hero and see the heroine get her HEA (happily ever after). So, those "cliche" books are very welcome here.

I haven't had a review yet saying my work is cliche, though I'm sure it's coming one day. A popular girl falls in love with a geek (Wished), a jock falls for an uncoordinated girl (Just Another Stupid Boy), an outgoing, popular guy notices the shy girl (A Boy Named Jackson). Cliche? Maybe. Maybe not.

As long as the story entertains my readers, I'm OK with cliche.

What are you looking for when you read? A tried and true "cliche" to entertain you? A surprising tale that amazes? A little of both?

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and I know some are waiting with eager anticipation, some are dreading it, and some don't care one way or another. Whatever your thoughts about next Tuesday, I hope you have a day filled with kindness, love and joy, whether it's from a sweetheart, a friend or a random stranger who did something unexpected.

​As I commute home everyday, I pass by a utility pole where someone has posted a sign that says You Matter. I love that sign and hope it stays up a really long time. It brings a smile to my face every time I see it, and I hope it brightens other people's days, as well.

​I challenge you to be the random stranger who tells someone on Valentine's Day that he or she matters. Whether it's buying the Starbucks for the person behind you or telling a stranger you love the color of their shirt, there are so many small things you can do to make an impact in someone's life. A little act of kindness will go a long way.

​Spread a little love on Valentine's Day!