As a lifelong Texan, I look for genuine realistic portrayals of our great state. I’ve been to Odessa countless times... don’t get the descriptions given here, seems silly.

Wow, an imaginative, well written, very powerful book. I found it quite difficult to read due to the subject matter -- the author has such a wonderful way with words and such a solid grasp of how a female facing or experiencing or remembering sexual harassment/discrimination/assault feels that reading this was very difficult for me. I kept putting the book away and picking it back up, especially during the first several chapters so it took two weeks to finish - a LONG time for me. KEEP READING! By the end, you will be able to see the incredible strength these females had in surviving and trying to thrive. Though not yet free from harassment, females in America do have life a little bit better now than in the 1970s; certainly not all, and not hugely better, but some. Keep standing up. 4.5 stars

Hauntingly beautiful tale that is relevant today. Difficult to read yet can't stop reading it! The Texas landscape draws you in as well as the rich characters and heart wrenching plot.

A heart-wrenching novel, Valentine takes place in a small town as it deals with the aftermath of a vicious rape. Told in several interconnecting points of view and dealing with topics such as racism and misogyny, this novel is as an important read as it was a difficult one.

A special thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you Net Galley for the free ARC.

"You raise a family in Midland, you raise hell in Odessa."

This story deals with the rape of a young girl in a lawless oil boom town in the middle of the parched Texas desert. The town's people all have their opinions about what happened and how justice should be dealt. Finally the case goes to court.