Born in Uruguay to Italian and Latino parents and having lived in Miami, FL, for twenty-three years, Valentina has now made her home in a secluded Victorian watermill in Italy, which was the direct inspiration for this novel. Her debut novel, The Rose Master (2014 REUTS Publications, LLC) was called "a strong, satisfying effort" by Publishers Weekly, and her latest novel, Aleister Blake (Journal Stone's Trepidatio Publishing), was published in September 2022. Valentina also runs a blog, Il Vecchio Mulino delle Rocche, where she shares her journey restoring the mill and home.