Release Date: January 8, 2013
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Publisher
IBSN: 9781595145994
Blurb:The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls.
For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.
With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again.
Paper Valentine is a hauntingly poetic tale of love and death by the New York Times bestselling author of The Replacement and The Space Between.
I was intrigued by Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff ever since I saw that gorgeous cover. Then it showed up on my doorstep and I couldn’t have been more excited. As soon as I cracked open the pages I was in love. Brenna Yovanoff created a lush and atmospheric story filled with ghosts, murders, and friendship.
Paper Valentine has a lot going on. Girls are getting murdered. The main character is being haunted by her best friend who died of a horrible, slow, selfish disease. She’s also falling for a boy who is the epitome of trouble maker. It seems like it would be too much, but it wasn’t at all. Everything was woven together so well. I can’t imagine the story without one of these elements.
Hannah was a great main character. I loved the odd and sometimes turbulent relationship between Hannah and Lillian, her dead best friend. It was a very unique dynamic. Paper Valentine isn’t heavy on the romance, but there is some. Finny Boone is a quiet, broody bad boy that is supposed to be beneath Hannah. Their relationship slowly blooms, but isn’t the focus of the story at all.
Paper Valentine also kept me on my toes. I never guessed who the murderer was and I was pretty surprised when it did come out. All in all, this was a fabulous read. The writing was just as gorgeous as Brenna’s first book, The Replacement. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something with mystery and vivid writing.
I’m so happy you enjoyed this one. I’m actually happy to hear there isn’t much of a romance factor in this one, it seems like a refreshing little breather from all of those who are heavy on it. I can’t wait to read it! Great review.
Michelle @ In Libris Veritas recently posted..Magnificently Magical Read-a-thon!
It’s always refreshing to read a book not so heavy on the romance. I never realize how much I need a book like that until I read one. I hope you enjoy this one!
So this is not a new series but a stand alone? I am still not perfectly sure if I want to read it… I am intrigued but not completely sold. Oh and there is the little romance ;(((
DannyBookworm recently posted..Review: Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
I’m pretty sure it’s a stand alone. I think you would like it!
This sounds really great! I have had my eye on this one since I first saw the amazing cover. I’m glad that it was really good too!!
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Cover Reveal: I Choose You by Bethany Lopez
The cover is so amazing! I hope you get to read it soon, Amy!
I have heard good things about Paper Valentine the last few days. I have it from Netgalley, but haven’t read it yet. I am such a sucker for ghost stories, so I knew I had to read this. I hope to get to it soon. I’m glad you liked it.
Quinn @ Quinn’s Book Nook recently posted..Audio Review: Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
I hope you get to read it soon and like it as much as I did!
Lori recently posted..Saturday Situation! Link up your reviews & giveaways
I read a review of this last week or the week after (which may very well be older than that because I tend to get behind) and I was blown away by the positive review. Now that you back it up, I know there is a great great chance I’ll enjoy this one too.
How great is the cover?
Estelle @ Rather Be Reading recently posted..Estelle’s Holiday Music Mixer
I hope you do!
The cover is The Best!
I’m so glad to hear this one is good! It’s been on my radar from the moment I first saw that absolutely gorgeous cover.
Leah @ The Pretty Good Gatsby recently posted..review; river road
This cover is gorgeous – and one of the reasons I want to read this novel! (Shallow, I know.) But seriously, the story sounds fab, and I can’t wait to check it out for myself!
Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books recently posted..Eleanor & Park – Rainbow Rowell (Review)
I hope you love it!!
This one wasn’t really on my radar but you had me at “lush and atmospheric”!!
Melissa recently posted..Cat Thursday: I Read & Piper Snoozes
Well I happy to have turned you on to it. It was a wonderful read. I hope you enjoy it if you read it!
Oooh this definitely sounds interesting and I don’t think I’d heard of it before now. Definitely worth adding to the to-read this and giving a shot.
Yes, it’s definitely worth adding to the TBR! I hope you enjoy it when you read it.
I really love the cover too so I’m glad the inside is just as great! This sounds so intriguing & I’m even more excited to read it.
elena recently posted..(all we gotta do is be brave and be kind) review: wonder by r.j. palacio
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I loved Brenna’s The Space Between so I’m sure I’ll love this one as well.
Addie R. recently posted..Stacking the Shelves #27
I haven’t read The Space Between Yet. I need to!
Oh man, I really want this one! I loved Brenna’s other books so I’m glad this was great as well. Cant wait to read it!
candace recently posted..Blog Tour: Review of Mia’s Heart by Courtney Cole
I think you will love it!
Lori recently posted..Saturday Situation! Link up your reviews & giveaways
I love mysteries so this story appealed to me right off the bat. The cover is gorgeous as well. This sounds like an excellent read. Great review.
Rachel @The Readers Den recently posted..Blog tour: WinterHaven Sleigh Tour. My dear Santa wish list
wow this one soiunds interesting love suspensful stories that I can’t figure out. It’s hard to surprise me. so that would be a good thing.