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Vale
Trapped in an emotionally abusive marriage, thirty-six-year-old modern woman Vale is depressed. She longs for a happier life for herself and her two children. Everything changes when she meets John Emberley, who presents himself as a distant relative but forces Vale back to his Victorian England with magic. Escaping into the English countryside, she finds an ally, Edward Emberley, master of Avenhurst Manor, who informs her she belongs to a cursed family of landed gentry and is eighteen again. As she adjusts to the Victorian life, she struggles to overcome the pain of being separated in time from her children. But as she gets to know Edward, she realizes he may be much more than a friend-and even a chance to get her son and daughter back. But if she is to get her dream of the man she deserves and the children she misses, she must be ready to face not just her own inner turmoil, but the dark forces, old curses and buried secrets that lie hidden in the tranquil Victorian countryside.
370 pages, Hardcover
Published October 16, 2023
82 people are currently reading
3855 people want to read
About the author
Tess Bentley
1 book38 followersTess is a writer of historical fiction with a touch of speculation and the Gothic.
Tess has loved books—their scent, feel, and the world held within their pages—since she was a young child. That love of reading was vital in her development as a woman and mother. After spending ten years working as a registered nurse, Tess found herself in extremis, and returned to her first means of escapism: books. Tess has since written her first novel, Vale, and has recently received her MA in English with a specialisation in Gothic Studies with Distinction. Women’s issues—now and historically—hold a tender place in Tess’s heart.
Tess lives with her family in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada’s with their cat, Patch, who was rescued.
Tess has loved books—their scent, feel, and the world held within their pages—since she was a young child. That love of reading was vital in her development as a woman and mother. After spending ten years working as a registered nurse, Tess found herself in extremis, and returned to her first means of escapism: books. Tess has since written her first novel, Vale, and has recently received her MA in English with a specialisation in Gothic Studies with Distinction. Women’s issues—now and historically—hold a tender place in Tess’s heart.
Tess lives with her family in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada’s with their cat, Patch, who was rescued.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
April 21, 2024
Books that make you go hmmmm…Well sometimes that’s a consequence of buying a book because the cover is just so damn gorgeous. Despite this being a ‘for the cover’ purchase I confess to be initially enchanted. There was a pretty illustration and it just ticked the Jane Eyre, gothic vibe my soul has been craving. Vale is whisked away from her time of 2021 to Victorian England ( I wanna say mid 1800’s) through some dodgy and sadly, unfleshed magical way, kidnapped by someone who does not have her best interest at heart. So much so that he is willing to steal her from her own time and family because that’s the course of action he’s chosen. Though this is the most interesting part of the story it is not well fleshed out and basically works as a plot device to get a woman from our time into the 1800’s where women’s rights are woefully inadequate, especially when compared to our time. I found this beginning engaging and I was feeling pretty smug about my pretty cover book buy. There are definitely some strengths to this debut novel, but there were also some things that didn’t quite work. First the strengths. First and foremost is Anne and the deep friendship and supportive nature of the women’s friendship. It was beautifully written and perhaps the strongest aspect of the story. The female characters were fairly well fleshed out and when they were on the page, they were enjoyable to read about, well….except for the copious amounts of very valid crying. The male characters never really reached that level of being fully formed. Edward became a bit of a caricature of the Victorian gentleman and more of a wish in how some might idealize men of a time rather than feeling like a real person. The dialogue and bantering between Vale and Edward became kind of icky for me and I didn’t like to read it. It read like old romance novels set in this period and I did not like that aspect, so definitely a weakness for me. I liked the prose but I questioned how much a woman from 2021 would sound so much like a woman from the 1800’s, especially as the story is narrated in the first person narrative. Other than remembering aspects of life in our time like cell phones and indoor plumbing, she never sounds like a woman from now. I know the author tried to explain it but the explanation was not really adequate. The depression the mc experienced at finding herself plopped down into a different century without her children seemed completely valid and plausible but became tiresome to read of after a while. Nothing really happened but the mc experiencing her grief for which she was frequently crying or sobbing and always being carried or rescued and that became tedious after a while. There were times I was bored. There was little action and the place where the initial conflict came from just petered out and became a nonissue. This was so there could be a big twist at the end which was actually just a wtf moment, and not in a good way. Even the author’s resolution for the character’s grief for her children was a little too convenient and actually it was at this point where I knew this book wasn’t going to quite work for me. How can the children she created with another man be the same children she’d have in the 1800’s? Didn’t work and was an obvious plot device to get the mc from being utterly unreadable as she was grappling with her depression and grief. There is some attempt at viewing women’s issues but it’s fairly light and when you consider that the mc is constantly likened to a little bird and spends most of the book being patronized by just about everybody, how can a woman of our time stand for it? Again, it’s explained by the mc giving latitude because the men are of a different time which seemed pretty weak. I’m a fairly patient person but I would not be able to muster the forbearance required to be dismissed and patronized so completely and so frequently as the mc was because of my sex. Ohhh, this is turning into a ranty venting review which I didn’t mean to happen but it was kinda problematic for me.
To sum up…female characters…for the most part well written
The relationship between Vale and Anne…well written
The setting and capturing the Victorian England…well done
The concept…interesting but not fully fleshed out or explored
Pacing…uneven and at times, repetitive and boring
Plot…too many convenient answers to problems the mc was facing
The ending…wtf?
Would I read another by this author? Well, this was a debut and she has great potential as an author, as did this book. There is fantasy, portal time travel, magic, witches…I’m learning to enjoy that kind of fantasy but the fantasy where the man of your dreams is perfection, you become 18 again so of course you are beautiful and all your wishes come true…well, that’s fantasy that’s just too out there for me to buy into. I’ll have to see which way she leans next time around. Still keeping the damn book though. It’s soooo pretty.
To sum up…female characters…for the most part well written
The relationship between Vale and Anne…well written
The setting and capturing the Victorian England…well done
The concept…interesting but not fully fleshed out or explored
Pacing…uneven and at times, repetitive and boring
Plot…too many convenient answers to problems the mc was facing
The ending…wtf?
Would I read another by this author? Well, this was a debut and she has great potential as an author, as did this book. There is fantasy, portal time travel, magic, witches…I’m learning to enjoy that kind of fantasy but the fantasy where the man of your dreams is perfection, you become 18 again so of course you are beautiful and all your wishes come true…well, that’s fantasy that’s just too out there for me to buy into. I’ll have to see which way she leans next time around. Still keeping the damn book though. It’s soooo pretty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2023
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.
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.
July 26, 2023
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!
July 13, 2023
thank you so much to netgalley and leifman books for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!!
——⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️——
at the age of 36, vale is depressed and trapped in an emotionally abusive marriage.
but, her life is thrown into a spiral when she meets john emberley, who is from the victorian era… and forces her to come back to the 1800s with him. now calling the english countryside “home,” she meets edward emberley, who explains everything to her.
as she adjusts to her life in a new era, vale struggles with the loss of her children, who are in the 21st century without her. as she gets to know edward, she begins to realize that he’s much more than just a friend to her…. and the possibility of her and edward is also the possibility to get her children back.
trigger warnings:
-sexual assault
-grief of (temporarily) losing children
what i liked:
-anne >>>
-that plot twist
-how REAL vale’s experiences were
-edwarddddd
what i didn’t like:
-there’s nothing to put here
representation/tropes:
-time travel
UHM, THIS BOOK!!!!!??? IT WAS SO GOOD. and this is coming from someone who hates historical fiction. vale had so much depth and so many layers, and her feelings were so well described that i felt as if i was watching a movie.
this book includes FANTASTIC writing, amazing main characters, and real struggles.
once again, thank you so much to netgalley and leifman books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
read if you like:
-good writing
-layered characters
-family secrets
——quote(s)——
“You can never know the extent of the pain you have inflicted upon me. The scar on my heart is much deeper than the one on my palm.”
“I cannot tell you what it means to me to have you nestled so close to my heart.”
…comes with experience; not necessarily sharing in the same sort of suffering, but to have pained enough to understand that others do, in fact, suffer as well.
That lens, that love; it molded me and gave me the strength to survive life’s greatest trials.
“I know we are supposed to prefer the bright, cheerful, sunny days, but I am guilty of preferring a mighty thunderstorm.”
“How could one person have such an old soul yet such a joyous personality? To feel and love so deeply yet be so logical and understated? You are a paradox, my little bird. One could read a chapter from your book of life every day and still never learn all the secrets of your soul.”
“Restoration is always possible for those who seek it.”
——⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️——
at the age of 36, vale is depressed and trapped in an emotionally abusive marriage.
but, her life is thrown into a spiral when she meets john emberley, who is from the victorian era… and forces her to come back to the 1800s with him. now calling the english countryside “home,” she meets edward emberley, who explains everything to her.
as she adjusts to her life in a new era, vale struggles with the loss of her children, who are in the 21st century without her. as she gets to know edward, she begins to realize that he’s much more than just a friend to her…. and the possibility of her and edward is also the possibility to get her children back.
trigger warnings:
-sexual assault
-grief of (temporarily) losing children
what i liked:
-anne >>>
-that plot twist
-how REAL vale’s experiences were
-edwarddddd
what i didn’t like:
-there’s nothing to put here
representation/tropes:
-time travel
UHM, THIS BOOK!!!!!??? IT WAS SO GOOD. and this is coming from someone who hates historical fiction. vale had so much depth and so many layers, and her feelings were so well described that i felt as if i was watching a movie.
this book includes FANTASTIC writing, amazing main characters, and real struggles.
once again, thank you so much to netgalley and leifman books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
read if you like:
-good writing
-layered characters
-family secrets
——quote(s)——
“You can never know the extent of the pain you have inflicted upon me. The scar on my heart is much deeper than the one on my palm.”
“I cannot tell you what it means to me to have you nestled so close to my heart.”
…comes with experience; not necessarily sharing in the same sort of suffering, but to have pained enough to understand that others do, in fact, suffer as well.
That lens, that love; it molded me and gave me the strength to survive life’s greatest trials.
“I know we are supposed to prefer the bright, cheerful, sunny days, but I am guilty of preferring a mighty thunderstorm.”
“How could one person have such an old soul yet such a joyous personality? To feel and love so deeply yet be so logical and understated? You are a paradox, my little bird. One could read a chapter from your book of life every day and still never learn all the secrets of your soul.”
“Restoration is always possible for those who seek it.”
September 6, 2023
This was one of the first books as read as an eARC and I must say, it's set the bar exceptionally high. Beautiful, touching, engrossing, mesmerizing! All.Of.It.
I'm always weary of contemporary authors, but Bentley knows what she's doing. Vale is a great blend of plot and characterization. It's literary fiction that's reachable and relatable.
Bentley's writing style and ability is superb and her characters...I won't soon forget them!
I can't wait to have Vale siting on my shelf. The cover is phenomenal.
I'm always weary of contemporary authors, but Bentley knows what she's doing. Vale is a great blend of plot and characterization. It's literary fiction that's reachable and relatable.
Bentley's writing style and ability is superb and her characters...I won't soon forget them!
I can't wait to have Vale siting on my shelf. The cover is phenomenal.
November 11, 2025
This is the second time I've read this book. I love this beautiful story of second chances and restoration. I am reminded of how God gives us second chances. There is sorrow, loneliness, and depression. People will try to steal your joy. Though painful to go through, invaluable lessons are learned. The romance is sweet and tender, and I love how they accept each other as they are, not a version of themselves they have to pretend to be. The plot is truly unique. Something that I noticed but didn't think too much about the first time I read the book is the generational curse aspect, which haunted me (in a good way) this second time around. This is definitely a comfort read for me, and I will most likely read it for the third time in the future.
September 3, 2023
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.
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.
September 6, 2023
I was lucky enough to win this signed beauty in a giveaway. Isn’t the cover gorgeous? A delicious gothic romance, it introduces you to Vale, a depressed young woman who’s stuck in a loveless, abusive marriage. Everything changes when a strange man who claims to be a distant relative kidnaps her and forces her back in time to Victorian England. There she meets handsome Edward and his sweet sister, Anne, and discovers she plays a role in reversing a family curse.
I loved this book! It’s one of my favorite reads of the year. It’s well written and full of heartbreak, intrigue and swoony romance. I was enthralled; I had a hard time putting the book down. I’m certain it will haunt me for days and I won’t soon forget the well crafted and lovable characters, Vale, Edward and Anne.
I loved this book! It’s one of my favorite reads of the year. It’s well written and full of heartbreak, intrigue and swoony romance. I was enthralled; I had a hard time putting the book down. I’m certain it will haunt me for days and I won’t soon forget the well crafted and lovable characters, Vale, Edward and Anne.
Want to read
August 15, 2023thank you kindly to the publisher for the arc!!!
December 11, 2023
Vale is a first-person POV novel about time travel, curses, fate, 1840's England, depression/grief, romance, and finding yourself and place in life through all of the turmoil.
The book follows Vale, a 36 year old married mother of 2, who lives in 2021 and gets taken back in time to the 1840's. Vale get's reverted back to her 18 year old body, but keeps all of her memories of her life - meaning she still remembers the children she left behind.
The cover and the synopsis had me really thinking I was going to love this book. It has all the markers for me for a good time reading, but it fell flat and confusing for me personally.
The atmosphere of the book and the setting are the book’s strongest points. I think the author spend a lot of time researching the differences and similarities of the time periods and that really shined in Vale. The writing/prose is also well done and Bentley paints a great picture of her world. I enjoyed the world building a lot.
I feel that this book really could have used an extra chapter or two of exposition before the time traveling aspect came into play because I found I didn’t care at all about Vale’s former life and the little mentioned about her family didn’t create any ties for me as a reader to invest in them. It took 23% of the book to even learn of the children’s ages. Even though she has been mourning the loss of them the whole time, we know little to nothing about them. I feel like we could have had a shining moment of learning more about them to get the reader really emotionally attached to them but we didn't.
One of my biggest gripes is the constant breaking of the fourth wall where the main character will address "the reader" for no reason at all. It happens at least 7 times in the book and the first one is on page 3. It's so jarring and takes you right out of the world Bentley built. There is no reasoning for it as there is never a mentioning that Vale knows she is in a book or that she is writing a journal/letter/etc. about her life.
The thing I really could not get over was the cousin incest. Honestly there should be a warning about that in the synopsis. Now - I understand and acknowledge that in the 1800's things were very different than they are now in regards to marriage. Marrying cousins was normal as you needed to keep assets in the family, etc. However, having your protagonist being a 21st century woman who time travels back in time and then have her be blood related to her love interest, without a SINGLE thought about it from the protagonist is off-putting to say the least. I was close to DNF'ing at several points because of these choices. I kept pushing through it because I really wanted an explanation, and I eventually got one, and it did not make me feel that much better.
Spoiler below about the above backstory ^
Another hit to my enjoyment of the book is that I found I was really in search of more information on the magic in the book. The way it ended up being explained turned more offensive to the community she drew it from rather than a satisfying or fleshed out magic.
Spoilers about the magic, curse, and plot points below.
The pacing was also a really big problem for me in the book, it starts medium-paced, then hits slow-paced 20% in and stays slow until the last portion of the book. Then in the last 20% of the book its just fast-paced out of left field. The ending felt rushed and honestly un-satisfying for me personally.
The side characters are shining stars of the book, Anne and Margot are my favorite characters in the book. Anne feels like a real person and you really understand all of her motivations and reasonings. Anne's friendship with Vale felt pure and real, and her personality was a joy to read. I loved all the Anne scenes. If Anne has no fans, then I am dead.
Trigger Warnings: Kidnapping, Assault, Sexual Assault, 1800's Treatment of Women/General Misogyny, Emotional Abuse, Mentioned Suicide.
The book follows Vale, a 36 year old married mother of 2, who lives in 2021 and gets taken back in time to the 1840's. Vale get's reverted back to her 18 year old body, but keeps all of her memories of her life - meaning she still remembers the children she left behind.
The cover and the synopsis had me really thinking I was going to love this book. It has all the markers for me for a good time reading, but it fell flat and confusing for me personally.
The atmosphere of the book and the setting are the book’s strongest points. I think the author spend a lot of time researching the differences and similarities of the time periods and that really shined in Vale. The writing/prose is also well done and Bentley paints a great picture of her world. I enjoyed the world building a lot.
I feel that this book really could have used an extra chapter or two of exposition before the time traveling aspect came into play because I found I didn’t care at all about Vale’s former life and the little mentioned about her family didn’t create any ties for me as a reader to invest in them. It took 23% of the book to even learn of the children’s ages. Even though she has been mourning the loss of them the whole time, we know little to nothing about them. I feel like we could have had a shining moment of learning more about them to get the reader really emotionally attached to them but we didn't.
One of my biggest gripes is the constant breaking of the fourth wall where the main character will address "the reader" for no reason at all. It happens at least 7 times in the book and the first one is on page 3. It's so jarring and takes you right out of the world Bentley built. There is no reasoning for it as there is never a mentioning that Vale knows she is in a book or that she is writing a journal/letter/etc. about her life.
The thing I really could not get over was the cousin incest. Honestly there should be a warning about that in the synopsis. Now - I understand and acknowledge that in the 1800's things were very different than they are now in regards to marriage. Marrying cousins was normal as you needed to keep assets in the family, etc. However, having your protagonist being a 21st century woman who time travels back in time and then have her be blood related to her love interest, without a SINGLE thought about it from the protagonist is off-putting to say the least. I was close to DNF'ing at several points because of these choices. I kept pushing through it because I really wanted an explanation, and I eventually got one, and it did not make me feel that much better.
Spoiler below about the above backstory ^
Another hit to my enjoyment of the book is that I found I was really in search of more information on the magic in the book. The way it ended up being explained turned more offensive to the community she drew it from rather than a satisfying or fleshed out magic.
Spoilers about the magic, curse, and plot points below.
The pacing was also a really big problem for me in the book, it starts medium-paced, then hits slow-paced 20% in and stays slow until the last portion of the book. Then in the last 20% of the book its just fast-paced out of left field. The ending felt rushed and honestly un-satisfying for me personally.
The side characters are shining stars of the book, Anne and Margot are my favorite characters in the book. Anne feels like a real person and you really understand all of her motivations and reasonings. Anne's friendship with Vale felt pure and real, and her personality was a joy to read. I loved all the Anne scenes. If Anne has no fans, then I am dead.
Trigger Warnings: Kidnapping, Assault, Sexual Assault, 1800's Treatment of Women/General Misogyny, Emotional Abuse, Mentioned Suicide.
July 14, 2023
*I received an eARC in exchange for a honest review from netgalley*
I loved this book. When I read the synopsis I thought "sounds similar to Outlander, I'll give it a shot since I'ma fan of that book and it sounded interesting." I began reading the first few chapters and almost got a little bummed thinking it was going to be a rip off of that story. I was pleasantly surprised that it was completely different. I enjoyed the characters and how descriptive the author was with the details of everything. It really let me visualize the world and made it even more enjoyable. It made me feel like I was in the room with characters with how descriptive everything was. I was going to give 4.5 stars because I felt the ending was a bit lacking and felt unfinished (if you read it you'll know what i mean by the last 2 pages) and I figured out who the "real badguy" was pretty quickly, but I kept wanting to reach for the book to find out more and what was going to happen next with the romance of the 2 main characters. I loved the friendship that blossomed between Anne and Vale, and how I felt I was in the story with them with how the author described everything. I felt it deserved 5 stars for those reason. I was highly impressed since it looks to be a debut novel from the author. I am looking forward to when it is released so I can purchase it to have on my shelf for a reread in the future.
I loved this book. When I read the synopsis I thought "sounds similar to Outlander, I'll give it a shot since I'ma fan of that book and it sounded interesting." I began reading the first few chapters and almost got a little bummed thinking it was going to be a rip off of that story. I was pleasantly surprised that it was completely different. I enjoyed the characters and how descriptive the author was with the details of everything. It really let me visualize the world and made it even more enjoyable. It made me feel like I was in the room with characters with how descriptive everything was. I was going to give 4.5 stars because I felt the ending was a bit lacking and felt unfinished (if you read it you'll know what i mean by the last 2 pages) and I figured out who the "real badguy" was pretty quickly, but I kept wanting to reach for the book to find out more and what was going to happen next with the romance of the 2 main characters. I loved the friendship that blossomed between Anne and Vale, and how I felt I was in the story with them with how the author described everything. I felt it deserved 5 stars for those reason. I was highly impressed since it looks to be a debut novel from the author. I am looking forward to when it is released so I can purchase it to have on my shelf for a reread in the future.
April 15, 2024
If you are looking for a sweet romance with a unique twist this is the book for you! This book reminds me of Outlander in the best possible way. A woman named Vale stuck in a bad marriage, is suddenly whisked away to the 19th century for mysterious reasons. This book was slower paced which i’m not used to reading so it was an adjustment on my part but I actually really enjoyed the story. The romance was tender and very sweet. I enjoyed the mystery part of the story as well and really liked that it was low stakes. There were parts that were a bit drawn out that maybe didn’t need to be but other than that this book was very fun! I would definitely call this a cozy read! it was a nice reprieve from the normally high stakes, super intense fantasy books that I normally read. I wish there were more books like this being written!
July 10, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️& 1/2 Stars
Vale, a depressed 36 year old woman with two young children and an emotionally abusive husband meets a stranger, John Emberley, who magically pulls her back in time to Victorian England where she meets Edward Emberley and his sister Anne. She also finds herself now to be the age of 18.
As she settles into life in the 19th century, a strong friendship develops between Vale and Anne and romance slowly begins to bloom between Vale and Edward, but trouble may be on the horizon.
This book highlights some of the differences between the life of modern day women and how women were expected to be in the 19th century. It also deals with the grief the protagonist feels at being torn away from her children.
Thank you to Netgalley and Leifman Books.
Vale, a depressed 36 year old woman with two young children and an emotionally abusive husband meets a stranger, John Emberley, who magically pulls her back in time to Victorian England where she meets Edward Emberley and his sister Anne. She also finds herself now to be the age of 18.
As she settles into life in the 19th century, a strong friendship develops between Vale and Anne and romance slowly begins to bloom between Vale and Edward, but trouble may be on the horizon.
This book highlights some of the differences between the life of modern day women and how women were expected to be in the 19th century. It also deals with the grief the protagonist feels at being torn away from her children.
Thank you to Netgalley and Leifman Books.
September 7, 2023
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 how things were back in the day. This is a slow burn of a romance and it really works. Loved the cover as well.
December 16, 2023
This read is definitely outside of my normal wheelhouse but I was pulled in by the GORGEOUS cover. It took me a little bit to get into, but I did enjoy it. It started off really modern, as Vale is from the current time and then brought into the 1800s. There are twists, turns, and betrayals, and a lot of emotions as Vale mourns the centuries of separation she now has from her kids. But there is hope as she assimilates to her current life in the 1800s— a time where she actually belongs— and a much better husband than the emotionally abusive one she left behind in the 2000s. Sometimes your perfect man is just in the wrong century 😂
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
July 18, 2023
This was a delightful time travel Romance.
Victorian Era,
I absolutely loved Vale and her emotions just felt so raw and real throughout the whole book. It was easy to feel connected to her.
The story line was beautifully written going through her grief, learning this old world and watching her heart open up again.
The author really did a beautiful job bringing the Victorian world to life and she created some really great characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Leifman books for allowing me to read this ARC
Victorian Era,
I absolutely loved Vale and her emotions just felt so raw and real throughout the whole book. It was easy to feel connected to her.
The story line was beautifully written going through her grief, learning this old world and watching her heart open up again.
The author really did a beautiful job bringing the Victorian world to life and she created some really great characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Leifman books for allowing me to read this ARC
October 4, 2023
Beautifully atmospheric and brooding, Vale embodies an unassuming and searching voice from a bygone era. As a modern woman, Vale struggles with the same forces that have subdued women for centuries, her second chance at life in Victorian England offers an apt and deeply emotional reflection of female experience.
February 4, 2025
3.5 stars. RTC.
November 30, 2023
Vale is a story about a woman who has been stolen from her modern life in 2021 and is brought back to the 1800's because of a curse. She was forced to leave her husband who she despises, her children who she loved dearly and everything she had ever know with no hope of getting back.
The premise of this book really had me hooked but I felt that the story was just lacking in a lot of areas. The exciting bits were just not that exciting, the naughty bits really not that naughty, and all around it was boring. The writing was well done, except I found the parts where the main character Vale directly addressed the reader which really just pulled me out of moment. Found that very jarring and hard to get back in once it happened.
I didn't not feel that there was any great danger for main character, nor a real struggle for the her as she would eventually one day get what she wanted which was her children. I found that whole explanation quite convenient, lazy and kind of icky, diminishing the role of the father to purely a sperm donor. I didn't not like how that was handled.
It was a sweet book but just didn't pack the punch I was hoping for. It was just not for me.
The premise of this book really had me hooked but I felt that the story was just lacking in a lot of areas. The exciting bits were just not that exciting, the naughty bits really not that naughty, and all around it was boring. The writing was well done, except I found the parts where the main character Vale directly addressed the reader which really just pulled me out of moment. Found that very jarring and hard to get back in once it happened.
I didn't not feel that there was any great danger for main character, nor a real struggle for the her as she would eventually one day get what she wanted which was her children. I found that whole explanation quite convenient, lazy and kind of icky, diminishing the role of the father to purely a sperm donor. I didn't not like how that was handled.
It was a sweet book but just didn't pack the punch I was hoping for. It was just not for me.
February 6, 2024
A Period Romance with a strong female lead and just a splash of the Paranormal!
Vale is an eloquently written romance where we see our main character, who the novel is named after, as both a modern day woman and a modern day woman trapped in the past. Although we do not spend much time in the present, Bentley does a wonderful job grounding us to 21st Century Vale. Her struggles are well known, some we have in common, and she’s easy to connect with and root for as her life is turned upside down.
Bentley again does a beautiful job transporting us to a different time, a different world, while still making the reader feel as if we are really there. It would be futile to try and resist enjoying the blossoming romance as we watch Vale grow in the past. Not to mention her growing friendship which I believe is the best relationship of the novel! Throw in a bit of paranormal, and you have a wonderfully written period romance that is well worth the read!
Vale is an eloquently written romance where we see our main character, who the novel is named after, as both a modern day woman and a modern day woman trapped in the past. Although we do not spend much time in the present, Bentley does a wonderful job grounding us to 21st Century Vale. Her struggles are well known, some we have in common, and she’s easy to connect with and root for as her life is turned upside down.
Bentley again does a beautiful job transporting us to a different time, a different world, while still making the reader feel as if we are really there. It would be futile to try and resist enjoying the blossoming romance as we watch Vale grow in the past. Not to mention her growing friendship which I believe is the best relationship of the novel! Throw in a bit of paranormal, and you have a wonderfully written period romance that is well worth the read!
September 15, 2023
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.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for this arc through netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
November 11, 2023
A soothing drink of water in a difficult world.
I loved the feeling of being in another time and place, the attention to detail, and the restoration. Couldn’t put it down. Must buy this beautiful book in hard copy for the cover!
I loved the feeling of being in another time and place, the attention to detail, and the restoration. Couldn’t put it down. Must buy this beautiful book in hard copy for the cover!
July 21, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Leifman Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Song: You Are In Love by Taylor Swift
Mood Board:
When I first read the summary of this book, I thought it would be a crossover between Outlander and Bridgerton. However, upon completion, I found that it's not fair to compare it to either of the two because this is its own beautiful and unique story.
Vale is titled after the MC who is a 36-year-old woman from modern-day California. After meeting a strange man in a graveyard, she is suddenly transported far away from her children to Victorian-era England. There, she finds out that she is the solution to a multi-generational family curse and the hope for multiple people involved.
This book highlighted a lot of important issues such as grief, friendship, family, and abusive relationships. My one complaint is that I felt like Vale lost so much, but a lot of the issues were quickly glossed over so that characters could "move on." Some of my favorite aspects of the story are the modern-day observations of Victorian-era customs, Vale's sisterhood with Anne, and the trust and relationship built between Vale and Edward.
Overall, this was a beautiful, slow-burn love story with multi-dimensional characters and I rated it 3.5 ⭐.
Song: You Are In Love by Taylor Swift
Mood Board:
When I first read the summary of this book, I thought it would be a crossover between Outlander and Bridgerton. However, upon completion, I found that it's not fair to compare it to either of the two because this is its own beautiful and unique story.
Vale is titled after the MC who is a 36-year-old woman from modern-day California. After meeting a strange man in a graveyard, she is suddenly transported far away from her children to Victorian-era England. There, she finds out that she is the solution to a multi-generational family curse and the hope for multiple people involved.
My prayers were neither eloquent nor beautiful. They were desperate.
This book highlighted a lot of important issues such as grief, friendship, family, and abusive relationships. My one complaint is that I felt like Vale lost so much, but a lot of the issues were quickly glossed over so that characters could "move on." Some of my favorite aspects of the story are the modern-day observations of Victorian-era customs, Vale's sisterhood with Anne, and the trust and relationship built between Vale and Edward.
Edward was quiet for a few moments, then he whispered in my ear, "I, too, hold a preference for fire."
Overall, this was a beautiful, slow-burn love story with multi-dimensional characters and I rated it 3.5 ⭐.
October 23, 2023
4.5
Vale by Tess Bentley is a historical fiction that takes place in the 1800s where Vale, a woman from the 21st century is forced to travel back in time and can’t be returned. Leaving her husband isn’t a problem for her since their marriage is already broken, but she wants her kids by her side. Vale slowly gives in to the grief of missing her kids when she finds no way to get them back. When she is brought to London against her will, she ages backward, leaving her 18-year-old old who isn’t even married.
Vale isn’t a story for you if you like a lot of action, but if you like Victorian vibes and gothic mansions with charming men, Vale might be the book for you. Tess Bentley has done an amazing job bringing this world to life, and the idea of a young girl from the 21st century trapped in the 1800s comes with its own sets of challenges, which Vale faces daily. She isn’t independent anymore, the idea of a working woman is not even something that is considered and she has to get ready every day in hefty gowns only to stay in the mansion.
Vale has to slowly unlearn the way of her world to fit in the past. And Edward is so patient with her. He lets her grieve everything she has lost and takes care of her as much as she allows. I did see one of the plot twists coming in the end but that didn’t make this book any less enjoyable.
Vale by Tess Bentley is a historical fiction that takes place in the 1800s where Vale, a woman from the 21st century is forced to travel back in time and can’t be returned. Leaving her husband isn’t a problem for her since their marriage is already broken, but she wants her kids by her side. Vale slowly gives in to the grief of missing her kids when she finds no way to get them back. When she is brought to London against her will, she ages backward, leaving her 18-year-old old who isn’t even married.
Vale isn’t a story for you if you like a lot of action, but if you like Victorian vibes and gothic mansions with charming men, Vale might be the book for you. Tess Bentley has done an amazing job bringing this world to life, and the idea of a young girl from the 21st century trapped in the 1800s comes with its own sets of challenges, which Vale faces daily. She isn’t independent anymore, the idea of a working woman is not even something that is considered and she has to get ready every day in hefty gowns only to stay in the mansion.
Vale has to slowly unlearn the way of her world to fit in the past. And Edward is so patient with her. He lets her grieve everything she has lost and takes care of her as much as she allows. I did see one of the plot twists coming in the end but that didn’t make this book any less enjoyable.
October 18, 2023
This book is a mix of my favorite genres: Historical Fiction and Fantasy. I loved the time travel aspect and the portrayal of the Victorian era from someone who is from modern times. The FMC Vale is in her mid-30s and unhappy with her marriage in current times until she meets a man that brings her back with him to the 1800s. Vale’s struggles are very relatable. She misses her children deeply since they are not with her. The depth of her character is the stamp of some beautiful, thorough writing by the author. Each page had me guessing what would happen next and I recommend this book if you’re a Historical Fantasy reader!
December 7, 2023
This read is definitely outside of my normal wheelhouse but I was pulled in by the GORGEOUS cover. It took me a little bit to get into, but I did enjoy it. It started off really modern, as Vale is from the current time and then brought into the 1800s. There are twists, turns, and betrayals, and a lot of emotions as Vale mourns the centuries of separation she now has from her kids. But there is hope as she assimilates to her current life in the 1800s— a time where she actually belongs— and a much better husband than the emotionally abusive one she left behind in the 2000s. Sometimes your perfect man is just in the wrong century.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
December 1, 2024
The constant reference to her “tiny” and “bird-like” frame made me want to DNF this. We get it, you’re oh so petite and perfectly tiny.
The slow(ish) burn was the only thing keeping me reading and a few moments made me kick my feet. Only downside was the continuity with the “propriety” of 1847 and not giving ANY spice with the romance.
3 stars for lack of spice and general patronizing throughout the whole thing. And also the petite frame remarks all the damn time.
The slow(ish) burn was the only thing keeping me reading and a few moments made me kick my feet. Only downside was the continuity with the “propriety” of 1847 and not giving ANY spice with the romance.
3 stars for lack of spice and general patronizing throughout the whole thing. And also the petite frame remarks all the damn time.
October 22, 2024
4.5 sweet little isekai. if you aren't a big isekai reader it can be hard to accept some of the brushed off explanations because that's not the focus. i sincerely enjoyed this story
October 17, 2023
A woman, 36, mother of two, trapped in an emotionally abusiv£ marriage is forced into the past - Victorian England in an attempted kidnapping by a man from the time. Once there she is able to escape into the arms of a man named Edward and finds out she's 18 again. From here Vale goes through so much. Dệpression, missing her children, personal growth and healing. And Edward is a soft, safe place to land.
really enjoyed Tess Bentley's prose, and thought the pain of Vale was so well written. The ending added a layer of joy that the rest of the book did not have and really appreciated that! also loved the setting of Victorian England and I would go crazy over a bonus chapter that gave us a peek into her life in the 21st century before she traveled through time!
really enjoyed Tess Bentley's prose, and thought the pain of Vale was so well written. The ending added a layer of joy that the rest of the book did not have and really appreciated that! also loved the setting of Victorian England and I would go crazy over a bonus chapter that gave us a peek into her life in the 21st century before she traveled through time!
September 26, 2023
Firstly, Thank you to NetGallery, Tess Bentley and Leifman Books, 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.
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.
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