This book felt really like being transported to the 1930's. I don't know much about that time period, but it felt well-researched and information about it was told quite well as background information.
I did miss a bit of plot in this book. It is very character driven, but I didn't really feel a connection with either MC. Clara is very naive and she definitely felt like she was way younger than she actually was. Addie though, Addie I don't trust for life. On paper, I could see that both characters developed from the beginning of the story (Clara more than Addie), but I didn't exactly feel it. Even at the end, I still have doubts about Addie and her sincerity, as her main focus is getting herself secured. Yeah, maybe Clara is a nice bonus, but it's still all about Addie. If Clara had been/become poor, wouldn't Addie have gone looking for some security elsewhere? I still feel like she would've.

There was also some inconsistencies in pacing. Some things happen very quickly so there's no suspense. In one chapter Clara is saying 'oh no I won't show her my sketches yet, it's too personal' and a literal chapter (!) later she's like 'oh yeah sure I can show you!' (and things like this happen a couple times more, which draws all the suspense and weight of the decision out of the story). And then other times the story took forever to get somewhere and felt quite too slow at times.

Lastly, I hate misunderstandings that happen because someone refuses to have a proper conversation. Why immediately assume the worst and not talk about it? It really annoyed me and I wished conflict would've been created and resolved in a different manner.

Much like the title, this book was an ‘unexpected’ delight! The promise sounded interesting to me but I was quickly drawn in by Clara and Addie.

I really enjoyed the time period, though I felt at moments it could have been expanded upon to add to the atmosphere a bit more because sometimes it felt like this book could’ve have taken place throughout any point in modern history if not for the few reminders of the 1930’s scattered throughout.

I thought the chemistry was nice and it was believable for Clara to be so captivated by Addie when she’d never been given so much attention before. For Addie, it was nice to see her walls come down and for her to accept that what she felt for Clara had crossed the line from a con to something real - that came across really well and it made the chapters towards the third act of the book that were heavier with angst stronger. I also love Pip, what a sweet little Angel.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for a copy of The Unexpected Heiress and would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a light historical sapphic read that’ll make you want to take a river cruise through France, grow a garden in Boston to mend your relationship with a beautiful woman and get a cute little green bird.

The Unexpected Heiress was a nice enough read and the storyline had so much potential, unfortunately it fell well short of my expectations. A love story for me needs a connection not only for the characters but for me as well. Clara and Addie lacked chemistry from the start. The author told me there was chemistry, told me there were emotions but I didn’t feel it. They were one dimensional characters who failed to develop as the story went on. I had hoped that the 1920s setting would shine through and rescue the story at some point but alas it didn’t get anywhere close.

This needed more “feels” and more action.

This was cute but I felt like I wasn’t able to give my whole heart to it. Life was really busy during this 55 day period and this story didn’t completely consume me so I feel left wishing I had a bit more time with it.

A sapphic historical romance set in the Great Depression with a secret inheritance is right up my alley. I’ll be purchasing a copy to give this one a reread.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read.

I am an absolute fiend for queer historical romance so this book was right up my alley and I enjoyed it a lot. I thought the plot did drag a little in some places but I really liked the realistic character growth over the course of the book. I thought the relationship could have been developed a little more, and as much as I dislike a third-act breakup I thought this one was handled quite well.

I wanted to really love “The Unexpected Heiress” by Cassidy Crane. I love historical romance and I adore the Art Deco cover of the book. Unfortunately, this book didn’t really live up to what I wanted. The main character Clara, was incessantly naive, while her love interest, Addie, was a selfish and toxic person. This made rooting for their relationship difficult. Going into a romance with one person solely into it for personal monetary gain and not caring that she was cruelly manipulating and using the other is tough to swallow. I understand that perhaps it was supposed to be romantic that such an individual set in these ways, was persuaded into living more honestly and empathetically because of love. But to me, I just felt like she didn’t deserve money and love. I’m also not a fan of when someone’s circumstances are completely separated from their agency. As in the case of Clara, where she ends up receiving a huge family inheritance. I feel like too much of her worth stems from this new money, even if it’s tried to be played more as her good nature. I also struggled through the writing of this book, as a lot of it felt infantile in nature and too internal. I think overall, the Achilles heel of the book was the unchangeable dislikability of Addie. I simply couldn’t find myself rooting for her, even when she “changed.” Becoming a better person from a money-hungry swindler and being rewarded with… more money didn’t feel like a win. Also, I wanted more chemistry in their relationship that wasn’t just sex.

okay, so.. i was really looking forward to this one. a sapphic historical romance during the great depression? with a secret inheritance and two women navigating class, and their feelings? yes, please. i'm a sucker for this kind of setup and i went in fully expecting to fall in love with the story.

and tbf, the premise absolutely delivers. the historical setting is refreshing and the author clearly did her homework. the world-building is solid without being too heavy-handed, and i appreciated how grounded everything felt. you can tell this was written with love for both the genre and the time period.

that said, some parts just didn't quite land for me. the pacing was a bit inconsistent. there were stretches where a lot happened, and i found myself waiting for the emotional payoff that never fully came. the central relationship between clara and addie had potential, but it felt underdeveloped in key moments. i wanted more tension, more longing, more oomph. instead, it sometimes felt like the story was telling me "they have chemistry, just trust us," rather than letting it build organically. i just wished i could've connected with them on a deeper level.

that being said, i do want to shout out the things that worked: the writing style is accessible and flows nicely, and i loved the overall message abt agency, self-discovery, and carving out space for love even in uncertain times. there are some truly sweet and thoughtful moments sprinkled throughout, and if you're someone who enjoys historical fiction with a sapphic lens, this might still hit the spot.

thank you, netgalley and bold stroke books, for the e-arc!

rating: 3.5 ⭐

An historical romance set in the Depression Era. Clara has no interest in marriage and no skills to support herself. Without much options she accompanies her aunt as a companion on a European river cruise. She meets Addie, a cabin stewardess, who isn’t above using her charms to get by. When Clara gets an inheritance, it is enough for her to invite Addie to return to Boston with her. Is Clara a meal ticket for Addie or could this be the real thing?

I liked both characters and the historical setting. The hardship of the depression is depicted as is the difficulties for queer people. The characters develop and grow over the course of the story and I had empathy for Addie because of her background. This is not a light romance but I enjoyed reading it all the same.

The Unexpected Heiress is a quick and light read perfect to pass the time. I must admit I was lured in by the backdrop of the Great Depression, during which this story is set, and was a little disappointed when it didn't play as big a role as I was expecting.

The timing of the events felt slightly off, with both time skips and day-to-day descriptions that made the timeline a bit confusing. The author also relies on the 'third act misunderstanding trope', which I'm not a big fan of. Nonetheless, the story is easy enough to follow, the characters likeable (even if not all well fleshed out) and the events narrated interesting enough to keep reading.

Clara is someone who doesn't have money, but, her extended family does. And, when an unexpected inheritance comes out of nowhere for her. Well, it throws her life into the (not yet invented yet) fully electric/automatic washing machine. Addie is always looking for another person who will help her survive the world. When she finds Clara, well, she thinks that by becoming Clara's companion she'll be set for life. But... I mean, this is a LesFic romance, so... one guess for if that goes sideways or not...

I liked the setting for sure. The characters were fun too, and they were what kept me reading. On the other hand, I do wish that there had been more showing me of things in the narrative instead of telling.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would and flew through it in no time! I had no trouble being invested in the story. Both our main characters, Addie and Clara, had good character development though I think Addie had more depth. I appreciate an author that is able to take a seemingly unlikable character and transform them into someone you understand and maybe even relate to.
*Spoilers below*
What I found the sweetest was the ending though. I love how Addie redeemed herself and was willing to do whatever it took to earn Clara's trust again. And Clara, despite what Addie did, found it in herself to understand Addie's actions and the reasoning behind it, and used her privilege so that Addie could be financially stable and be with Clara without necessity. I loved this happy ending.

My favorite thing about this book was that it took a left turn every time I was sure I had it all figured out. The story starts out around 1930, the very beginning of the American Depression. Hard times for most but there are always some exceptions and Clara Cooper’s aunt is one of those people who remains wealthy. In order to see a bit of the world, Clara agrees to act as her aunt’s companion on a river cruise in France where she meets Addie Barnes, the beautiful and charismatic cruise director. Both mains are sharp and a joy on the page. Sure, the story twists and turns but the characters change as well in unexpected ways. At the beginning, Clara is the naive, small town gal in love with world and Addie is the shrewd con artist looking to hook a rich woman. But as the story unfolds, the characters evolve too. I had a great time reading the book although sometimes I had a knot in my stomach wondering what might happen next to Clara and Addie. I recommend for people who like solid storytelling, rags to riches tales, romance, heat, angst, a little bit of grit, and memorable main characters.

Clara Cooper met Addie Barnes on a riverboat when she was travelling with her aunt Matilda. On the ship, Clara discovered that she has inherited a small fortune. This meant that she could live an independent life and not rely on getting married. Addie also secretly discovered the news of Clara’s inheritance and place herself in a position to accompany Clara as a companion.

This was in The Great Depression era where queer relationships were not accepted. I liked that part of the book a lot, with speakeasy bars and great poverty. The main characters were ok. Clara is rather gullible. I found her quite lovely. However, I don’t quite like Addie in the beginning as I found her quite conniving. She was still in love with her ex and that was rather clear. And I felt that she was trying to cheat Clara. But halfway into the book, I became more engaged with the story. I loved the characters more then. It felt like the book shift and I could then feel the real feelings the main characters had for each other.

So persist reading beyond the halfway mark as it became a book that I could not put down. Great story.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Thanks to the publisher Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I usually love a historical sapphic romance read but this one left me wanting more. There's some good spice and angst. It had cute moments and was well paced. I can't quite articulate what I'm missing just that it didn't give me everything I hoped for.

Clara Cooper longs for more than the predictable life laid out before her. Restless and stifled by a society that values marriage over ambition, she yearns to chase her artistic passions instead of settling into convention. When an unexpected inheritance falls into her hands, Clara’s world shifts overnight, unlocking opportunities she never dared imagine.

On paper this should have worked for me, but it really didn't. I had a hard time finishing this because I struggled to connect with either of the main characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A historical lesbian romance novel taking place in the 20s and 30s. I loved the beginning of this book: the meet-cute, the intrigue, the set-up. After about 35% in, I wasn't as into it. I can't believe I'm saying this, but this book almost had *too* much interiority. Given how much time elapsed in it, not enough *happened* in the book. Additionally, the characters' thoughts and feelings got pretty repetitive and didn't evolve or change very much throughout the book. Ultimately, this was a fun and quick read, but not much beyond that.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

4/5 🌟

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for this ARC!

This was such a cozy read! Two women who start on the same spot, economical difficulties, and one suddenly grows and "changes" social class. It talks about the intricacies of falling in love with someone from another tax bracket, how it can deteriorate the relationship, and specially, how miscommunication is <I> not </I> something that helps building a healthy one.

I absolutely adored how well the characters were built. With that you knew how someone was going to react. I also liked how homophobia was mentioned yet it didn't have <I> that </I> important place on the plot.

In the beginning it was kind of hard to get hooked, but the moment I understood the characters, I really needed to know how it would develop. This was a very nice read so if you like historical romances, this is for you!

This was cute but honestly I expected something… more. More action. More romance. More angst. It’s not a bad story, at all, but it’s a little bland, unfortunately. At least for me.
However, I appreciated the historical setting, very accurate.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

To my great disappointment I found this book unbearably slow and dull. The plot and characters never held my interest and reading it felt like a chore. From the description it had so much potential but it never lived up to it.

This was a good read. The man characters were well developed and the secondary characters were written well too. The plot was very interesting., and the romance between the main characters was nice and spicy there's drama and angst throughout. It was very interesting reading about an era that I'm not to familiar with, some of the hardships that a section of the country went through in order to survive and live, this storyline kept my interest from the beginning to the end of this book. I wound definitely recommend this book and author.