Valerie Best

Valerie Best is an American author known for her work in young adult fiction. She specialises in contemporary, emotional stories, with her notable titles including Rebel Darling (2019), Traitor Darling (2023), and her most recent novel, Matching Heartbeats (2024). Valerie has become known for her relatable characters and poignant explorations of change, identity and resilience.

Born and raised in New York, Valerie studied English Literature at Brooklyn College, where her academic focus was on women in literature. This background continues to influence her writing, although she humorously admits to using it mainly for critical readings of The Babysitters Club series.

With over 12 years of professional experience in corporate storytelling, branding and political content creation, Valerie brings a sharp, observant voice to her novels and professional work.

Matching Heartbeats (2024), her third book with 8th Note Press, follows seventeen-year-old Susanna, a restless teen struggling with family upheaval and a sense of disconnection. When her mother's documentary research takes her to the Arctic Circle, Susanna's world changes when she meets Benjamin, an eighteen-year-old boy who has lived his entire life isolated from modern society.

The two bond over their love of running and imagine a life beyond the vast wilderness. But when tragedy strikes, Susanna faces loss and realises that the answers she sought in distant places are closer than she thought.

In an interview, Valerie reflected on the novel: "Matching Heartbeats was a journey to discover how far people will go, not just for love but to understand themselves.

Valerie Best currently lives in New York.

Photo credit: www.valeriebest.com