This is a closed door period romance with sad themes like depression. The writing and ending were enjoyable. I was not super invested in the main character but very much enjoyed seeing the story play out.

Vale is a gothic romance to its core, dealing with sensitive issues such as abuse and depression.

Honestly I was so intrigued by the premise of this book and the actual content definitely did not disappoint. The setting of the world felt so well build and easy to slip into, it's clear that the author did her research on the Victorian era. Further more the romance between the two mcs was so ...... Tender? So well done? So deeply human and real. The relationship of Vale with her children was also flawlessly executed and so complex.

Firstly, Thank you to NetGallery, the author and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC of VALE in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4 stars

“I know we are supposed to prefer the bright, cheerful, sunny days, but I am guilty of preferring a mighty thunderstorm.”

This book was out of my usual genre. Vale was a beautiful historical, Victorian-era romance. This book brought raw emotion with every flip of its page; the main character was beautifully written and captured grief and acceptance perfectly. I must admit I cried with this character. She was completely relatable.

Vale follows the story of our modern American female main character, who is thirty-six years old and stuck in a horrible marriage. One day, after a strange encounter in a graveyard, she is mysteriously taken from her children to Victorian-era England. I felt this story would be another Outlander retelling, but it was far from it. Vale was its own unique and comfy read that left me feeling complete. Although I loved this read, I thought that we were cut short of exploring deeper into the main issues of grief and abusive relationships.

Vale is a beautifully written original tale of love, grief and acceptance. This sweet romance and slow burn left me craving for more.

First of all thank you NetGalley and Tess Bentley for an early copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ☆

Just like the author herself, I have always been drawn to gothic, romantic and Victorian literature. It was a no brainer that I would be very keen on reading the novel. However, I will probably be more critical than others given both my interest and academic knowledge (I am an English graduate)

The cover in itself is stunning, and love how it includes some of the main elements of the plot without giving anything away.

I will have to agree with other reviewers that the book needs a disclaimer as some readers might find some sections distressing and triggering (Sexual abuse) I myself struggled with it as a SA survivor. Mind you, I feel it dealt with it appropriately and it actually made me feel heard and understood.

The book starts quite fast, which glued me to it for hours. The plot was intriguing and well planned, including a "plot-twist" at the end. I have to admit it did not surprise me as I suspected as much( apparently part of my ADHD) but still nicely built up throughout the book.

The narrative voice is very engaging, and loved the interactions and reflections that added dynamism to the overall story. I could feel that Vale is indeed a grown woman, albeit too religious for my liking. Nothing wrong with religion itself, but I felt it biased certain parts a bit: after all she had to endure and how hard she worked it feels rather dismissive to just attribute her success to her religious convictions, or rather rely on God's good will and not than her own actions.

As previously mentioned, this is a semi-gothic story, and the use of supernatural, pathetic fallacies and passions works nicely and is well balanced. It did not feel overdone and and times it did feel like a genuine 19th Century novel. I can indeed see the "Wuthering Heights" in it :)

The last thing I am going to mention is the smart criticism of prejudice. I, at times, got quite mad at some characters for their sheer prejudice against certain ethnicities. I could not be happier when characters actually are proven wrong. I only whish there was some inner-reflection and acknowledgement of their prejudice.

Overall very enjoyable read with a very interesting starting point, nice use of settings and mood, character development, a great deal of mental health advocacy (yay!) and resilience despite traumatic events.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
The story was really catching. The heroine is not a teenager (thanks) and the story runs around a second chance in life. Though she felt the loss of her children deeply, she managed to find hope in an unexpected change of scenery (to quote jane austen).
The writing was really good. Made me feel within the story, which makes any story much better. No info dumps no avoiding obvious communicatiob just for the sake of stretching the story. Thank you!

Such a delight of a read! The story is heartwarming and relatable in a captivating way, the character's are loveable and the writing style is very unique! Definitely a much slower-paced read but still good nonetheless! It won't disappoint.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for this arc through netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Vale is a 36-year-old woman in an unhappy and unloving marriage -- the only good thing that came out of it was her two children who she loves unconditionally. Her life is then turned upside down when a man kidnaps Vale from her present life in the 21st century and transports her back to his Victorian England, leaving her children and husband behind. Vale, somehow now 18-years-old again, finds herself in a new country, a new time, and a new life. She must undertake a long journey to find her children once more, and maybe even find a better relationship along the way.

I was really intrigued by the synopsis of this book, and the cover is STUNNING. Vale and Anne's relationship was very sweet and felt like a real sisterhood. There was a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, and I did find myself reaching for the book to find out what would happen next.

I did wish that we spent more time with Vale and her children and husband before the time jump. It would have made me feel more empathy for Vale if we had more connection with her children (especially since they were never named) and if we saw how loveless her husband was.

I also was a bit taken out of the story when Vale would blush so much around Edward and when she would get embarrassed speaking about sensual topics. It felt a little out of place considering she was supposed to be a 36-year-old, 21st-century woman who had been married with children.

I was left wanting to understand the magic more and would have preferred more of a slow-burn romance, but overall I would recommend this to readers who want a relatively easygoing yet intriguing mystery with gothic undertones.

"VALE" by Tess Bentley promises an intriguing blend of time travel, romance, and personal transformation, all set against the backdrop of Victorian England. This novel appears to explore the theme of escape from an emotionally abusive marriage and the quest for a happier life.

The protagonist, Vale, is a modern woman trapped in a difficult situation, longing for a brighter future for herself and her children. When she encounters John Emberley and is transported to Victorian England through magic, the story takes a fascinating turn. The concept of Vale being thrust back in time to her youth provides an intriguing premise, and her journey of adjustment to this new life is likely to captivate readers.

The description hints at a blossoming romance with Edward Emberley, as well as the potential for Vale to recover her children. The book seems to offer a blend of personal growth, emotional healing, and the exploration of love across time periods.

The setting of Victorian England, with its charm and hidden secrets, adds depth to the story and creates a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama. The mention of dark forces and old curses suggests that there will be challenges and obstacles to overcome, adding an element of mystery and suspense to the narrative.

Overall, "VALE" appears to be a captivating novel that combines elements of romance, time travel, and personal rediscovery. It promises an engaging journey for readers as Vale confronts her past and navigates the complexities of love and destiny.

As somebody is who is really into the Victorian Era, I thought this book would be a no brainer! When, in actuality, this book required no brains to read.

So much potential and it fell flat. We needed more detail and less inside Vale's mind. Less drawn out, internal dialogue about the loss of her children and more information about how John got to the modern world. What did John do for all the years he was there? How did the crystal actually bring her back? Even some more context between Vale and her current husband, allowing the reader to really grasp how unhappy she was. Maybe a chapter about her children or their relationship that helped the reader understand the love between them.

Another thing that really bugged me was Vale's dialect. It was as if she went from the modern world and just adjusted immediately to the proper formalities of the Victorian Era. It would have been nice, and even a welcoming relief, to hear her, especially when it was internal dialogue, talk the way she would have in the 21st century.

So much that could have made this book great but, once again, it fell flat. It had so much potential and I wanted it to get there, but even the "dramatic" parts were anti-climactic.

If you're in the mood for a heartwarming romance with a unique twist, then Vale by Tess Bentley is a book you won't want to miss. This story offers a delightful blend of love, time travel, and mystery, reminiscent of the beloved Outlander series.

The narrative follows Vale, a woman trapped in a troubled marriage, who is unexpectedly transported to the 19th century under mysterious circumstances. While the pacing of the book might be slower than what some readers are accustomed to, it provides the perfect backdrop for a sweet and tender romance to blossom.

What sets Vale apart is its charming and low-stakes mystery element. It keeps you engaged without overwhelming you with high-intensity drama. While there are moments where the story feels a bit drawn out, the overall experience is enjoyable and cozy—a refreshing departure from the typical high-stakes fantasy novels.

In essence, Vale offers a soothing escape from the fast-paced and intense books often found in the fantasy genre. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a heartwarming, easygoing read. Bentley's unique blend of romance and mystery in a historical setting is a breath of fresh air, leaving you wishing for more books like this in the literary world.

I thought that Vale was an interesting historical fiction story. It is about an unhappy woman who travels back in time and finds happiness. I never really did figure out the how/why of the time travel, I mean I know that John takes her back with the help of a stone or something and that it was a prophecy of sorts, but I never did figure out exactly how and why. That really does not matter though because Vale's story is about her finding happiness and living the life she has always wanted. It was a great romance and the characters were very well written, I did find Vale's love interest Edward to be a bit much at times. A bit too nice, but I guess that was who things were back in the day. This is a slow burn of a romance and it really works. Loved the cover as well.

Vale’ is a captivating journey through time and romance, where our modern-day protagonist, Vale, finds herself inexplicably transported back to the mid-1800s, all in the quest to break a family curse.

This novel is a clever fusion of styles, narrated in the first person akin to Victorian novels, yet with a 21st-century heroine. It's an unusual pairing that might raise an eyebrow, but it surprisingly works, especially with the unhurried, meandering prose that perfectly complements the slow-burning romance.

However, there are a couple of aspects I found less appealing. Firstly, it occasionally gives off a self-insert romance vibe, with a 21st-century woman falling head over heels for a Victorian gentleman. The time travel setup could have used more depth, as it unfolds almost abruptly. Secondly, once the initial shock of time travel subsides, the narrative doesn't delve much deeper into the mechanics of it all.

That said, the book excels in exploring themes of loss and resilience. Vale's pain is so vividly portrayed that it resonates deeply. The blossoming romance is heartwarmingly sweet, making you root for a happy ending. Moreover, the book also delves into thought-provoking reflections on women's roles in society, highlighting both the progress and the persistent challenges over the centuries.

In summary, ‘Vale’ earns a solid 3 out of 5 stars. It's a unique blend of eras and emotions that, despite a few hiccups, delivers a poignant tale of love, loss, and the timeless strength of the human spirit

I can’t say that I *loved* this book, but I can’t quite say that I disliked this book, either. The plot is compelling, the characters are decently likable. The details of the “time jump” were a bit difficult to understand and wrap my brain around, but I didn’t give it too much attention, and I don’t think it impeded my understanding of the plot.

The text is written in the Victorian style, which admittedly is not my favorite. (There is a lot of name repetition, and that grated on my nerves) and that could have contributed to my indifference to the book.

Vale
By Tess Bentley
October 16, 2023

Vale, a 36 year old woman is not happy in her marriage, she is depressed and desperately wants a better life for her kids and herself. That is until she meets John who claims to be one of her relatives from the past and Vale is magically sent to the Victorian era. She soon befriends Edward Emberley, master of Avenhurst Manor. She gets accustomed to living in the English countryside but she misses her children. She recognizes that her feelings towards Edward might be more than just friendly. With a curse and family ties, Vale must choose between living in the past or facing her fears head on and confronting her issues from the present.

I really liked this book, it was original. I liked the twist at the end.

Thank you to Leifman Books and NetGalley for this early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was drawn to this book based on similarities between this book's plot description and the plot of one of my favorite book series, Outlander. Like Claire in Outlander, Vale, this book's main character, finds herself sucked back in time to the 1800s in Victorian England, where things are extremely different from the life she has been used to. The story follows Vale in her attempt to determine the circumstances that brought her to this new life and how she ultimately finds happiness and peace there. Tess Bentley weaves time travel, gypsies and the supernatural, violence, intrigue into one story that you find yourself unable to put down because you need to know how it ends.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy for review.

Thank you NetGalley for providing an electronic ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Vale by Tess Bentley is a story about a mid-thirties modern woman, Vale, who is kidnapped and violently dragged back in time to England in the 1800’s. Where her age has digressed back to 18 years and her world is changed drastically. There she learns of an old family curse that she is both the product of and the ending to its reign. We watch as Vale learns to accept the loss of her 21st century life and come to love the people and place that she is now destined to be a part of.

**Here is where I want to add that there is a trigger warning for sexual assault in this book. I wont be touching on it in my review but it should be noted.

I am wildly mixed up about this book. First let me say that I ended up loving this story as a whole. But, I do have critiques as well, so I will lay them out here. Overall though, definitely enjoyed my time with this quick read.

The beginning felt stilted. It was as though the author wanted so badly for us to get to the meat of the story, that we did not get the best introduction to Vale or her life before she was taken out of it and back into the 1800’s. At first I forgave the quick transition because I expected that maybe we would get flashbacks of her former life as she remembered her children or times with her husband but those never came. My critique is that I was unable to connect well with Vale and her heartache and depression over missing her children because I never saw them or her interact with them. I didn’t get to be frustrated seeing Vale live in a loveless marriage. She never got a chance to show how she was a matured 36 year old with a full life and loved ones. This made for a very weak beginning. If we weren’t going to be able to live with her in the present day before she was taken, we could have just started from her arrival back in time.
I was also unconvinced in the manner that she meets everyone. Everyone just kind of accepts everything instantly. She is instantly blushing and demure and timid. She accepts Edwards help pretty much right away and the truth of a curse. She seems fine with suddenly being 18 again and reverts to that age and the time without any issue.
I am almost 35 years old and I have 4 kids. If I were to be thrust back into the 1800’s to find out that I was again 18 and no longer married and was without my children but retained all of my memories of my former life, I would be wrecked and also not blushing at every turn and able to just accept the new cultures treatment of women at that time. Not that all women would be like me, but I feel like there was a lot that was overlooked or just avoided. Which is a shame because it was a missed opportunity to explore the idea of being able to relive ones early 20’s.

When I got over the fact that I couldn’t mourn with her, that’s when the story felt good and I was able to really love the slice of life look that we had with Vale and her friendship to Anne. The romance was very sweet and I enjoyed the little bouts of danger that she was in throughout the story that gave it just enough plot to move the characters along in their growth and exploration of each other.

Not long enough for me, not detailed enough but still an interesting idea and a sweet romance.

Hmm, where have I seen this before... oh yes - Outlander wannabe much? Unfortunately this fell flat in every way that matters - historical research and details, character development, realistic dialogue (including period-appropriate realism), etc.

A bit too slow-paced and difficult to get into for my liking. I thought it would be more fast-paced and exciting, like Outlander, but it wasn't. While I empathized with the MC and her struggles with her abusive relationship, I didn't really find myself connecting to her very much. You might enjoy it if you're in for a slow, emotional read.

Vale follows a young woman who is forcibly taken from the 21st century back to the mid 19th century where she must adjust to living during this time and attempt to make a new life for herself. This has a similar feel to the outlander series so if you enjoyed that, vale may also appeal.
While I liked the premise of the book, I found Vale's inner monologue to be, at times, repetitive and whiny which made it a bit challenging to get into. The other main characters though, were all very likeable, especially Anne who alone would warrant the book being 3 stars.

First of all.. the cover is EVERYTHING to me. If anyone knows me they know I appreciate me some stunning covers. Now that aside, Vale is about a woman who is in a marriage that takes a toll on her mentally and emotionally. She never felt quite in place and was considered as a old soul. However she endures it for her two children. One day, she meets a man named John Emberly who takes her back in the 1800s through magic. Vale feels lonelier than ever and misses her children terribly. She is 18 again and adjusting to her new life with siblings Edward and Anne. She finds herself considering them more than friends and some slow burn. They are her support through her depression and terrible grief. This novel had quite a few twists and turns and can I just say… WE STAND GILDI! That woman has my heart and dear anne, dont get me started! This historical dark academia book was not a short read and Vale’s vocabulary is superb that I was jealous and admittedly had to look up a few words… but I still enjoyed this unique story so so much. Author, I wouldnt mind reading about Anne’s story at all!