This book just didn't work for me. It wasn't bad and, I'll admit, a good 60% of the problem is my feeling about the Bluebeard story, which is a fairy tale I really don't like. I was just surprised recently by a Bluebeard story I loved and I think that threw me. [Book: Seventh Bride] by Ursula Vernon, for those of you playing along at home.
This one wasn't terrible - the Bluebeard character is pretty terrible from the get go and the rate at which the main character drew away from him was reasonable. My biggest pet peeve with her was one that comes up a LOT in YA, first person narratives: the narrator's self-awareness does not match the narrative's awareness. The way she describes herself and her behavior did not match up with her internal monologue; the latter lacked an awareness of her feelings and surroundings that was painfully obvious when she was narrating her actions. And it frustrated me.
Also, the book kinda falls into the trope of giving the good characters 21st century liberal morals. Set in 1855 Mississippi, it absolutely makes sense to have the character from Boston be against slavery. But, by the end, some of her responses were a bit...historically unbelievable and played into some of the "white people save the blacks!" stereotypes. The book, overall, did pretty well, but there were moments where the historical narrative could have used more nuance. The slavery sections predominantly furthered the white girl's fairytale and that was disturbing.
Also, it's hard to believe in a happily ever after in 1855, given any knowledge of US history.