A review by nikolita
Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould

3.0

More like a 3.5, for sure. I picked up this book after first reading about its sequel - one that I'll certainly be reading in the future - and generally enjoyed the story. Gould's writing was nice, very atmospheric. My only complaint was how Laura (and may I add: I desperately wished her name was more Italian, like literally everyone else named in the book) had her more bland moments. I wish the relationship between the painter and Laura had more time to develop, though I do try to keep in mind that things were much different in 16th century Venice. Nevertheless, more things could have been developed throughout the book and perhaps the sequel will be a continuation of what was left out. For example, the Doge and his illness, or Paulina's hesitance toward her new husband when it was revealed that he wasn't the first born any longer? I can only hope the sequel includes these bits.