“Where the Heart Should Be grapples with huge themes of colonialism, poverty, privilege, and power imbalance with astonishing intimacy. A love story set within a harrowing historical period, this is a gripping journey of longing and loss, injustice and sacrifice, crafted by a master of the novel in verse.” - Joy McCullough, award-winning author of Blood Water Paint

“An emotionally taut story of strength and loss, exhibiting how darkness and hope can intertwine. Readers will be left breathless.” - Booklist (starred review)

“[Nell] is indeed hesitant to tell her story initially, her cadence a bit halting, her narration a bit sparse. But as she opens up to John, so too does she to the reader, speaking of her hopes and dreams even as her world falls apart. . . . Despite the hardship, however, a happy, well-earned ending that emphasizes hope over despair rewards the reader, especially fans of doomed romances that beat the odds.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Acclaimed author Crossan atmospherically renders the rural Irish setting of this emotionally resonant and powerfully written, page-turning verse novel. . . . Hauntingly beautiful.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)