Book Review: Cross my Heart by Sasha Gould

Reviewer: Taylor
Title: Cross my Heart
Author: Sasha Gould
Source: Netgalley
Pages: 262
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: March 13, 2012
Publisher: Random House Childrens
Rating: 3/5

Venice, 1585.
When 16-year-old Laura della Scala learns that her older sister, Beatrice, has drowned, she is given no time to grieve. Instead, Laura's father removes her from the convent where he forcibly sent her years earlier and orders her to marry Beatrice's fiancé, a repulsive old merchant named Vincenzo. Panicked, Laura betrays a powerful man to earn her way into the Segreta, a shadowy society of women who deal in only one currency—secrets. The Segreta seems like the answer to Laura's prayers. The day after she joins their ranks, Vincenzo is publicly humiliated and conveniently exiled. Soon, however, Laura begins to suspect that her sister's death was not a tragic accident but a cold-blooded murder—one that might involve the Segreta and the women she has come to trust.

Main Idea: I would recommend picking up this book if you are in the mood for a quick, not too intense mystery/historical fiction book. It was very enjoyable from start to finish and definitely had me guessing!

This was one of the first historical fiction books I have read in a while, and I really enjoyed it! We follow Laura as she is released from the convent her father left her in to discover that her best friend and older sister, Beatrice, is dead. Her father now expects her to act as her older sister, acting as the proper girl that society deems appropriate. She has also been pledged to marry her sister's fiance, Vincenzo who is basically completely disgusting. She learns about the Segreta, a secret society who promises to help her as long as she gives them a secret. And then the story goes on from there.

I loved the whole mystery aspect of the story. She is very suspicious that her sister's death was not an accident, but a murder. However, she begins to suspect the very society she has taken an oath to be a part of. So, yeah, that was very intense and intriguing! There is also a very attractive Italian man that Laura meets who has a few secrets of his own up his sleeve.

I enjoyed the story, however it wasn't very complicated at all. It was kind of point-blank... not much else going on besides the main plot of the story. But, sometimes simple is good! All in all, this was a historical fiction story that I really enjoyed!

Taylor