Historical Romance isn't usually a genre that I gravitate towards! However, the description for this book made it impossible to stay away! While I wouldn't normally pick a book set in the past, the draw of a sapphic romance was enough to peak my interest.

Reading about LGBTQ+ relationships in the past can be scary, especially as our world is seemingly repeating these past indignities. But the way this author wrote the love story between our two female MC and love interests, it was filled with hope. The ending truly makes you smile and cheer for Ava and Harriet riding off into the future.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

The time period and the concept for this book had me so excited, but ultimately it took too long for me to get into this book, and I couldn’t. It was a bit too slow for me to get into.

A cute sapphic rom-com about second chances.
I've read it in a a day and had a good time !
But it's supposed to be historical and the atmosphere wasn't really 40s'. It was like a behind closed-door. The relation ship was to easy for the 40s' in US. They don't really need to hide and their friends know about their relation ship. I needed more about the context after war and about queer women in 1940'. No real historical context and that sad because I really love historical queer rom-com
Tu be in 2022, just need to change the date...

Two women of New York at the end of World War II cross paths as they try to find new purpose and direction.

Harriet an heiress trying not to fumble her family’s lumber empire in need of an assistant . Ava a country girl come to the city, losing her work as a postal clerk with the war office, in need of a job. Old heartache and new feelings compete with the expectations of rich New York aristocracy. In end what is love worth?

The fact both characters process feelings with “locked boxes” and have similar internal dialogues does make things feel a little lackluster if not downright confusing, especially in the final chapters. I might advocate for different emotional methods or a starker personality split between the two characters.

The sex scenes work, written by someone who has actually interacted with a woman’s anatomy! They didn’t cause me to throw my panties out the window but they worked in line with the slow build re-connection romance portrayed. The romance felt genuine.

Cover art works well, the gate on the elevator was a pretty consistent background and it’s very fitting.

Overall an easy quick read, happy endings and though there is the background of War’s end, no great horror or tragedy befalls our characters while we are reading.

A big old “Thank You” to Netgalley, the Publisher and of course the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. Your efforts are in good hands and I appreciate the trust.

I love a good historical and queer story, and this did not disappoint. Ava is looking for a new job and happens to find a want ad from her college love. Harriet is a NYC socialite who needs help settling her father's debts. This second chance romance is classy with a dash of steaminess.

The writing does get a little repetitive at times with the two women constantly mulling over their situation internally, but that's also what people do. I did appreciate the anxiety representation in Harriet. And I love that everyone treated the pair as though it is perfectly normal to love another woman. One thing that bugged me is that, in the letter Ava receives about her brother, he's referred to as a Private. Private is an Army rank, and he was supposed to be in the Navy. However, as a veteran, this probably irritates me more than it would other people.

That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed the two best friends. Flashy Scarlett and cautious Imogene were delightful and exactly the kind of friends the two main characters needed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Worth a Fortune by Sam Ledel.

Thank you Netgallery and Bold Stroke books for an e-book for an unbiased review.

This had all the right hallmarks for the kind of book I love. A historical wlw led romance.
It isn't a long book so is a quick pick up to read. This though also, for me at least, plays into where the book wasn't quite working.
You quickly get a feel for all the main characters, and while no-one stood out, they were all absolutely fine and probably the best part of the book for me at least.
We also had good moments of what had led the two MC's to drift apart, and the problems it caused them both.
The biggest problem I had with the book was all too often everything was just too vague. Vagueness on those around them. Vagueness on details in general. It all felt rather clichéd by the time I finished the book.
If rather light on detail, quick romantic reads are your thing (the chick lit of the wlw world if you like) then this book will absolutely suit you, and I can see why for some people they would give it 5/5 stars.
The characterisation was by far the strongest part of the book, but it felt as if it wasn't enough in this instance. Sadly it didn't quite hit the notes I was hoping for so a solid but unremarkable 3/5 stars is what I give.

This book was an absolutely delight to read. Based in a New York after World War 2, from the poor to the rich, people are feeling the ripples, Harriet and Ava included. Both come from different worlds, but are connected by a brief, but intense moment years before. Now they’re brought back together years later and they have a lot to work through. Both characters are very human, they’ve made mistakes, they have their bumps and lumps, but they have their virtues and big hearts and I loved seeing how these were balanced through the story.
This was a pretty fast read, maybe a little too fast paced as there were a number of time jumps but nothing too extreme, and I loved getting to see Harriet and Ava come together, learn who one another is all over again. They had their own baggage, both personally and with one another, but they learned to move past it and found the courage to keep going.
I also loved seeing these two characters coming together, the little moments that showed how different their backgrounds are (like a moment where Ava has eggs for dinner because she has nothing else in her fridge, while Harriet has eggs and toast and veggies and fruit juice because it’s the same thing she has every day), but they still seemed perfect for one another.
Overall a very great read, highly recommend this.

Worth a Fortune by Sam Ledel.

Thank you Netgallery and Bold Stroke books for an e-book for a honest review

This historical novel is set after Second World War and is a second-chance romance between two women Harriet and Ava. Who met in college, and their relationship ended when Harriet decided to marry a man, breaking Ava's heart. Jumped forward 15 years and is Harriet, the heiress to a lumber fortune and is secretly struggling financial while Ava is a working woman, who after her brothers enlisted, decided to help the war effort by working in a correspondence center. The war is over and Ava needs a job and Harriet needs an assistant this brings two back into each others' lives.

The book is not my usual sort read however I saw the cover and the description of the novel both drew me in. And I wasn't disappointed I enjoyed the story love between the main characters and thought it was a good read. I would have no problem with recommendeding this book to other readers

Worth a Fortune is a historical novel set after Second World War. It's a second-chance sapphic romance between Harriet and Ava. They've met in college, and their relationship ended when Harriet decided to marry a man, breaking Ava's heart. Now, 15 years later, they've both different people. Harriet, the heiress to a lumber fortune is secretly struggling, as after her father's death many financial (and otherwise) issues came to light. Ava is a working woman, who after her brothers enlisted, decided to help the war effort by working in a correspondence center. As Harriet's life is in shambles, and the war is over - Harriet needs an assistant, and Ava needs a job. This brings them back into each others' lives and makes them rekindle their friendship, and as time goes on maybe their relationship as well.

I thought this book was so sweet and I immensely enjoyed it! I requested it on Netgalley on a whim and I'm so glad I did. I am a fan of historical fiction, of second-chance romance (if it's queer especially), and I loved reading about Harriet and Ava. The story is not very action-packed, as you would probably expect, so it's a more quiet one for the majority of the book. But there is definitely some good old yearning and mutual pining, that really works for me. There were also flashback scenes, that showed Harriet and Ava's relationship in college, which was really interesting to see. It was providing a lot of information about them, about how much the years have changed them, and how the war, and the losses they suffered shaped them into the people they are when they reconnect.

The plot itself mainly revolves around Harriet's financial issues, that Ava is helping with. This is, perhaps, an issue I have with the book - I feel like maybe we could've gotten more scenes of their past, that would show even more of their relationship. As mentioned I loved the flashback scenes and I simply wish there were more instead of some "work" related scenes. I probably take issue with the work scenes as I feel like they were a bit glossed over, we were simply told it was nondescript work, rather than what exactly is happening. Not that I expected extensive explanations of work done, but this way everything was so vague made me feel slightly removed from it, and wishing some other plot was there instead. However, I really did like how quickly Harriet and Ava fell into step and develop a routine, and the little talks and encouragement they gave each other. What can I say, I'm a sucker for slice-of-life queer stories.

As characters, I enjoyed both Ava and Harriet, as well as Imogen and Scarlett (their friends). I think both Ava and Harriet had very clear, strong personalities, and while entirely different, they complimented each other very well. As they both came out of the war changed, with hurts they're trying to hide, and they both must face their demons before they're really free from them. Harriet has become a recluse, not going out and not meeting anyone, and slowly with Ava and Scarlett's encouragement she improves. Ava has also dealt with a lot, losing both of her brothers in the war, and feeling like she is not able to talk to her parents because of that struggle. They both slowly but surely start working through those feelings, and I really enjoyed how it wasn't that romance magically saved them from their issues. They also had support from their friends, and I love the focus this story has on friendship.

Ultimately, I wish there was a bit more detail - about the time period, Harriet's work, and their past, and that is the reason I gave this four stars, and not five, even though I truly enjoyed reading this. I read this in one sitting and it just made me feel warm and fuzzy. If what you're looking for is something with a bit of yearning and angst, that by the end makes you feel warm and has a happy ending - look no further!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Beautiful!

Ava finds herself thrown back into Harriet Browning, heiress to a lumber fortune, when she takes a job as Harriet’s personal secretary. Times are hard for Harriet and adjusting after revelations of financial issues after her father’s death, the two get to work sorting all Harriet’s worries, while rebuilding their past connection because Ava just can’t resist Harriet.

Loved this! It was exciting, down to earth and totally unexpected. Nothing outrageous just a wonderful connection between two women who find their world has completely changed following the Second World War. I adored the way both of them had to learn new things, take new changes, risks, and try things that weren’t known to them, only to find themselves reconnecting in a most lovely way.

All the descriptions were vivid and I could picture everything, from the luxurious items Harriet was losing or the memories Ava had of the time she was previously a part of Harriet’s life. They had a lot of deep emotional connections, both together and alone in reflective moments that meant we got to know them really intimately. It was rich in everything you want from a second chance romance. Ava longed to be back with Harriet but worried what would happen if she took a chance on applying for the job. For Harriet there were hesitancy in letting Ava get close to her again, but who better for a job in your hour of need than the familiar. They both faced many difficult decisions, but that moment they were back in each other’s presence you just knew they shared something special and hoped they’d get a chance at happiness now while re-evaluating all they’d ever known.

This is the first book I’ve read by Sam Ledel and I really enjoyed it, so look forward to reading the next. Hopefully Harriet and Ava will also be back in future.

This was a second chance historical fiction. The main characters Ava and Harriet met in college and immediately hit it off. Due to family expectations, they ended up going their separate ways until an add was placed in the paper. I enjoyed the story love the main characters and thought it was a good read.
4 stars


Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley for this ARC.

I love reading second chance romance and historical fiction. This novel combined these two and gave me a light, comforting read.

It was light because even if the story tackled loss and change, it shied away from delving deeper into the characters' emotions. Though it is true that I wish the story offered more glimpse into the inner workings of Harriet and Ava so I could connect more with them, this is also the kind of book one wants to pick up after a long day. It is uncomplicated and is a feel-good novel.

It was comforting because the end was the outcome that I wanted for Ava and Harriet even if their romance developed a bit too fast for me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good HEA, but I was expecting more pushback from Ava considering how she and Harriet left things when they were in college. But hey, some of us are just weak for gorgeous, lumber heiresses. Overall, I'm glad I read this.

Really good book. The relationship between Ava and Harriet was complicated but also a second chance for them. Ava and Harriet met in school fell for each other, but due it being around the turn of the century their love was very hard to sustain, so Harriet ended the relationship and got married because it was expected of her. I really liked the character of Ava because she was fearless and went all out for what she wanted in life even if she got her heart broken or her feelings hurt in the process. Harriet had some growth as well, but she more times then not cared to much about what society thought of her and tended to not do what was best for her well-being. The supporting characters were great as well and helped move the story along. There's some angst and drama, but not enough to discourage the reader from reading to the end. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family, and I look forward to what comes next from this author.

This books starts well with a great plot that captures the imagination. I like the timeline changes between the leading characters meeting up again after the war and when they first met as young art students. Both women have an interesting back story and the narrative gradually unfolds as they both think about how they met and the effects of being from different classes. All very promising, but sadly nothing of any interest really happens other than they get together. So overall the story is ok, but it didn’t really deliver enough on its early promise.

This was the second book I've read by Sam Ledel and I did like it but not as much as I enjoyed the first. This story starts as WWII has come to an end, forcing Ava Clark to search for a new job. She finds an ad for a personal secretary to an heiress she has a history with. The plan is to stay temporarily while she looks for something more permanent but Ava and Harriet find their relationship progressing into something new. I generally like second chance books but felt this one was a little light in the details and too predictable. I felt like we heard more about their families than their relationship in the past or present. There was too much going on in too few pages and all the focus was on getting Harriet's situation sorted out. The characters were likable and I loved Scarlett and Imogene in their roles as best friend to each MC. I do also like Sam Ledel's writing and focus on historical fiction. I liked this for an afternoon read but it just lacked some detail and had a few scenarios that weren't quite resolved to make it a hit.

I really enjoyed this book! a little slow at times but still a nice romance with a nice plot. I would give this a solid four out of four.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
This was a very relaxed book, period romance with the cliché second chance, where Harriet, a New York socialite and Ava, a working woman, are reunited 15 years after their college romance that ended in a very painful way. They are presented with an opportunity to reconnect when Ava sees an ad for Harriet, who is looking for a personal assistant.
During their time working together, they relive the things they went through together during their college years, while trying to decipher if those feelings still exist between them.
This was a pretty relaxed read, I really liked how the second chance trope progressed, I really liked the evolution of the characters.
Harriet on the one hand, has always lived worried about what other people will say, what they will think of her. Always taking care of appearances.
Ava, on the other hand, lives clinging to the past. Worrying about how things were and never realizing how they had changed.
Both have great growth as characters, and I think it's paced quite well.
This period romance, with reenactment, second chance cliché, is the perfect read die are looking for something laid back, quiet to read. I enjoyed it very much, and would definitely recommend it.

The haves and the have nots, the wants and the needs- a perfect illusion crafted into a delightful sapphic fiction. Truly an easy, wonderful read. You are thrust straight into the financial straits of one MC and the sign of the times is glaringly obvious for the other leading lady. Young love lost to social expectations to only be found again when there really wasn't much else to lose and I was completely taken by both of their stories.

In a time when lesbians could be locked into asylums for whom they loved, it was a refreshing read not to see the dark underbelly of times past. This is a well-written, enjoyable read that makes you smile in the end and wonder about the two MC's as they board a new train toward their future.

*3.5 stars

Content Warnings: death of a parent, death of siblings, war (mentioned)

Worth a Fortune is a historical second chance romance set in post-WW2 New York. Ava, newly unemployed since the end of the war, answers an advertisement for a personal assistant from Harriet, an old lover who broke her heart years earlier.

This was a really sweet book! I always enjoy historical fiction when I read it, and post-war is a period I find particularly interesting, so if anything I would have loved more exploration of the time period we were in, but this book is a romance so I understand that wasn't a priority! I found the romance sweet and compelling, and was also pleasantly surprised by how interesting I found the subplots of Ava mourning her brothers and Harriet's financial struggles, which I thought were pretty well developed. I also appreciate a lesbian romance with no overt homophobia, even in historical fiction. Overall, I really enjoyed this, it was a good wee start-of-summer read.

Harriet and Ava were in love once while in school together. Now they have both suffered unimaginable losses. They're together again after the war but in a completely different way..
This is a nice little indie romance with a lot of heart. I enjoyed both the characters and setting. I'd definitely take a sequel!
#NetGalley