School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 7-10-A compelling gothic romance filled with generational secrets and blackmail. After her mother is hanged for the death of a rich man, Valentine begins attending a prominent school through the support of an anonymous benefactor. Unfortunately, she must encounter daily gossip and take classes alongside Rowan, the son of the man her mother murdered. When the local reverend indicates that her mother was actually innocent, Valentine commits to learning the truth. With someone attempting to suppress her discovery, more and more people are vanishing-including her barely present father. Unfolding mysteries are juxtaposed with Valentine's conflicted heart. Valentine shares a close bond with a working class, childhood friend. Everyone seems to expect that they will eventually marry, but Valentine becomes aware of growing affections from Rowan. The tragedy between both families becomes an overwhelming burden to any possibility of a relationship. While the plot transpires with unforseen turns, the romantic tension Black crafts between Valentine and Rowan pushes the pace, holding readers' attention until the last page. VERDICT Purchase where there are avid fans of gothic romance, historical fiction, and mystery.-Monica Cabarcas, Albemarle High School, Charlottesville, VA © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

In nineteenth-century Connecticut, Valentine Deluca must brave the suspicious jeers of townsfolk who cannot forget that her mother was hanged for killing Nigel Bradshaw. But a string of mysterious disappearances--including that of her father and the town reverend who believes that Valentine's mother was innocent--compels Valentine to uncover the truth, with unexpected help from Bradshaw's son. A romantic thriller for fans of Gothic mysteries. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

In 1849 New England a girl with a scandalous past finds herself at a crossroads.With a mane of wild curls, unconventional beauty Valentine DeLuca lives in a dilapidated estate with her aloof father. Her mother was hanged for the murder of Nigel Blackshaw, an eminent member of her small town of Feavers Crossing. Due to a benefactor shrouded in mystery, Valentine attends the prestigious Drake Academy, where Nigel's heir, Rowan Blackshaw, is also a student. Despite their troublesome connection, Valentine and Rowan predictably fall for each other. However, many dark secrets threaten to rip the ill-fated lovers apart. Valentine must eventually decide between a simple life with Sam, the boy next door; going on the lam with Rowan; and her own independence. Bleak, inclement Connecticut features prominently in this gothic melodrama which is refreshingly free of any paranormal content, despite its otherworldly title. An indecisive heroine, Valentine's inability to make a decision may be polarizing; either readers will swoon as she agonizes or leave frustrated. While complications and conspiracies run rampant, the plot still feels a bit wooden, with its boilerplate love triangle, contrived plot twists, and endless descriptions of smoldering eyes and pouty mouths. Valentine and the other denizens of Feavers Crossing are white; one adult character is developmentally disabled and is treated kindly by Valentine, in contrast to the behavior of other residents.A soapy romance mired in contrivance. (Gothic romance. 13-adult) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Even before her father disappears, Valentine is half an orphan: years ago, her mother was hanged for the murder of a prominent local man. Now Valentine is more or less an outcast in her mid-1800s Connecticut town, focusing on her schoolwork and ignoring the jeers from her classmates. When an acquaintance claims her mother was wrongly accused of murder, Valentine is confused; she may have been only six at the time, but she was there the night her mother shot Nigel Blackshaw, and she's sure she was guilty. Then the man who makes the claim dies under suspicious circumstances, and Valentine's father vanishes. As Valentine learns more about the night Nigel died, she also finds herself caught between Sam (her childhood love) and Rowan (the son of the man her mother allegedly murdered). In a market that can seem overly saturated with the paranormal, this gothic murder mystery will be a breath of fresh air for historical fiction buffs. Resourceful Valentine anchors this atmospheric debut, which marks Black as a writer to watch.--Reagan, Maggie Copyright 2010 Booklist