Lizette Woodworth Reese occupies an intriguing place in American poetry, often overshadowed by her contemporaries yet deeply respected by those who study her work. Her poetry is frequently likened to that of Emily Dickinson and Edna St. Vincent Millay, as highlighted in reviews by Genevieve Taggard and Louis Untermeyer. Reese's work is celebrated for its clarity, restraint, and an absence of sentimentality, features that set her apart within the nostalgic and somber themes she often explored.

While some critics like Mark Van Doren and Louise Bogan have pointed out what they see as a lack of originality and intellectual depth in her work, others appreciate her dedication to simplicity and sincerity. This critical divergence highlights Reese's role as a transitional figure in American poetry, bridging the gap between the more ornate styles of the 19th century and the emerging modernist sensibilities of the 20th century.