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Discovering Gold
In Eleanor Perry’s life, people always leave. Now a single mother in the mining town of Idaho Springs, Colorado, she vows no one will abandon her again. Closing her door and her heart to the world, she focuses on making a living and keeping food on the table. Eleanor rethinks things, though, when a charming cowgirl rides into town.
Julia Holte grew up running wild on her family’s oil fields in west Texas. She always wanted to be one of the boys, but her brash behavior has recently caused more trouble than good. After following her sister and brother-in-law to a life in the mountains, Julia is taken by the sweet, intriguing Eleanor.
Both yearn desperately for connection but are wary of the consequences. Grappling with the haunting shadows of their pasts, new love is the last thing either of them expects. Will they discover the biggest treasure of all and let love back into their hearts?
Julia Holte grew up running wild on her family’s oil fields in west Texas. She always wanted to be one of the boys, but her brash behavior has recently caused more trouble than good. After following her sister and brother-in-law to a life in the mountains, Julia is taken by the sweet, intriguing Eleanor.
Both yearn desperately for connection but are wary of the consequences. Grappling with the haunting shadows of their pasts, new love is the last thing either of them expects. Will they discover the biggest treasure of all and let love back into their hearts?
312 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2025
About the author
Sam Ledel
10 books27 followersSam Ledel is the author of nine novels with Bold Strokes Books. Her debut, Rocks and Stars, was a 2019 Goldie Finalist for Young Adult fiction. She is twice a finalist in the LGBTQ+ category of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards - in 2023 for Wildflower Words and in 2025 for Adrift, both historical romances. Her 2025 novel Discovering Gold placed first in Women's Fiction in the CIPA EVVY Book Awards.
Ledel enjoys being able to write in her free time, usually with a cup of tea in hand. She is currently working on her next novel.
Ledel enjoys being able to write in her free time, usually with a cup of tea in hand. She is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 18, 2025
3.5 Stars
Discovering Gold by Sam Ledel is set in the 20’s in a small town in Colorado. The author crafted the setting with attention to detail. The sense of community was captured perfectly and gave the read a warm vibe of belongingness.
I also appreciate how the hardships of the early frontier living was highlighted like the negative side of mining, the dangers of falling ill and the great possibility of death and the downside of living in a small community where everyone knows everyone’s business.
I would categorise the main characters’ romantic development as slow burn and quite sweet. However, the self-doubt and indecision going back and forth was quite tiresome the third time it reoccurred. Maybe once or twice but the third time felt like it was overdone and got tedious to read through.
In summary, Discovering Gold was a comfortable read with minimal tension and a cozy found family vibe.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC.
Discovering Gold by Sam Ledel is set in the 20’s in a small town in Colorado. The author crafted the setting with attention to detail. The sense of community was captured perfectly and gave the read a warm vibe of belongingness.
I also appreciate how the hardships of the early frontier living was highlighted like the negative side of mining, the dangers of falling ill and the great possibility of death and the downside of living in a small community where everyone knows everyone’s business.
I would categorise the main characters’ romantic development as slow burn and quite sweet. However, the self-doubt and indecision going back and forth was quite tiresome the third time it reoccurred. Maybe once or twice but the third time felt like it was overdone and got tedious to read through.
In summary, Discovering Gold was a comfortable read with minimal tension and a cozy found family vibe.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC.
June 20, 2025
This was an historical fiction story taking place in a small mining town in Colorado. Eleanor is a single mom with a son Peter. Peter has asthma and is a curious 9 year old. He was to work in the mine and stop going to school. Eleanor works as the mines laundress, cleaning uniforms. Jules has moved from a Texas family ranch with her sister Rose and her husband Henry. Henry works in the mine office and gets Jules a job there. She hangs out in the town bar and is constantly harassed by the town sheriff for being lesbian.
Eleanor and Jules emotional relationship was way too quick in my view. There was very little dialogue to build a relationship. It was a love at first sight deal. And for the time period of 1920 in a rural town, it was not believable to me that they would seek out an open relationship.
Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Eleanor and Jules emotional relationship was way too quick in my view. There was very little dialogue to build a relationship. It was a love at first sight deal. And for the time period of 1920 in a rural town, it was not believable to me that they would seek out an open relationship.
Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
April 27, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this lovely book
based in the early frontier years eleanor answers an ad to become a wife to a lonely miner in idaho springs colorado but when he disappears one night leaving her with her son to fend for themselves eleanor decides to retreat from everyone and their judgmental ways and just concentrate on her son..... its a hard life for her and takes in washing to keep afloat
julia holte is the tom boy of the family and not at all like her dainty sister but they love each so much that when things become to much julia decides to travel with her sister and new hubby to idaho springs to start a new life for themselves
julia though cant resist a challenge and is soon in trouble with the sheriff and finds herself most days in jail just because he can.... the sheriff has taken an instance dislike to julia and her ways and has taken it upon himself to police her activities to the hilt....
as julia and eleanor get to know each from the mining office they each recognise a need in each other.... but with the sherriff breathing down their necks and the judgement of the town its not easy for them to become friends ....
ohhh man this storyline was very addictive love a good cowboy/western storyline and this one hit the right buttons for me...early life settlers did have it hard but as the town mostly pulled together it was great to see this one doing that as well....
my second book by this author and this one is my favourite by far
based in the early frontier years eleanor answers an ad to become a wife to a lonely miner in idaho springs colorado but when he disappears one night leaving her with her son to fend for themselves eleanor decides to retreat from everyone and their judgmental ways and just concentrate on her son..... its a hard life for her and takes in washing to keep afloat
julia holte is the tom boy of the family and not at all like her dainty sister but they love each so much that when things become to much julia decides to travel with her sister and new hubby to idaho springs to start a new life for themselves
julia though cant resist a challenge and is soon in trouble with the sheriff and finds herself most days in jail just because he can.... the sheriff has taken an instance dislike to julia and her ways and has taken it upon himself to police her activities to the hilt....
as julia and eleanor get to know each from the mining office they each recognise a need in each other.... but with the sherriff breathing down their necks and the judgement of the town its not easy for them to become friends ....
ohhh man this storyline was very addictive love a good cowboy/western storyline and this one hit the right buttons for me...early life settlers did have it hard but as the town mostly pulled together it was great to see this one doing that as well....
my second book by this author and this one is my favourite by far
April 21, 2025
Discovering Gold is the first story I have read by this author. This is an historic sapphic novel, set in the 1930s of a mining town in Colorado. We meet Eleanor who wakes up to find her husband has abandoned her and her young son, shunned by gossip of not being able to keep a husband she learns to survive by becoming the sole provider to her asthmatic son. By chance she meets Julia an ex rancher who now lives here with her family to restart her own life following her own tragic mistakes, charmed and intrigued by the cowgirl a spark of something blooms between them.
This was very well written but for me the pace was slow and some of trauma and self blame at times just felt a too much and repetitive. It is a slow burn however I think this works for the setting the tone of the story, it’s not a modernist tale so both MCs do have to be careful as god fearing and gossip could ruin them both. I can’t say I really felt the tension of both of them yearning for each other but it was a sweet coming together of found family and community.
This was a gentle read of trust, longing and the possible consequences of actions, very hallmark worthy. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an opportunity to read this as part of an ARC prior to realise in the 13th May.
This was very well written but for me the pace was slow and some of trauma and self blame at times just felt a too much and repetitive. It is a slow burn however I think this works for the setting the tone of the story, it’s not a modernist tale so both MCs do have to be careful as god fearing and gossip could ruin them both. I can’t say I really felt the tension of both of them yearning for each other but it was a sweet coming together of found family and community.
This was a gentle read of trust, longing and the possible consequences of actions, very hallmark worthy. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an opportunity to read this as part of an ARC prior to realise in the 13th May.
May 13, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Eleanor is raising her son Peter who is handful after her husband Louis abandoned her. She managed to get odd jobs around town while also working laundry for single men working the mines as support. Julia follow her sister and her family to town but she butts head with the Sheriff who seems to have it out for her as her sister lands her a job to get her stay out of trouble but to also get her to figure out what she wants out of life. Eleanor and Julia meet and their is a spark as they grow closer they have to hide their relationship but will they have a future and will the people in their life accept them.
Eleanor is raising her son Peter who is handful after her husband Louis abandoned her. She managed to get odd jobs around town while also working laundry for single men working the mines as support. Julia follow her sister and her family to town but she butts head with the Sheriff who seems to have it out for her as her sister lands her a job to get her stay out of trouble but to also get her to figure out what she wants out of life. Eleanor and Julia meet and their is a spark as they grow closer they have to hide their relationship but will they have a future and will the people in their life accept them.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Discovering Gold is a charming historical romance set in Idaho Springs, Colorado—a lively mining town filled with hardworking laborers, chatty townsfolk, and a corrupt sheriff. Vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, from the bustling main street and towering mine to the sparkling streams and majestic mountains. The dialogue feels authentic, and the characters are distinct and well-developed.
I appreciated the careful attention given to building the relationship between Julia and Eleanor. The stolen glances, lingering touches, and extended eye contact created a simmering chemistry that felt both believable and compelling. Their individual backstories added meaningful tension, especially as Julia continued to clash with the town sheriff, who clearly has a personal vendetta against her.
Eleanor’s son, Peter, along with Julia’s sister and brother-in-law, are strong supporting characters whose relationships evolve significantly throughout the story. Their development adds real emotional depth and richness to the narrative.
Discovering Gold is a richly layered historical romance that balances slow-burning chemistry with strong character development and a vivid sense of place. The growing bond between Julia and Eleanor is both tender and electric, grounded in meaningful backstories and emotional nuance. The well-drawn setting of Idaho Springs—with its rugged charm, small-town gossip, and looming threat of a corrupt sheriff—adds tension and authenticity. With a cast of well-rounded supporting characters and relationships that evolve with heart and complexity, this story offers much more than a simple romance—it’s a heartfelt journey through love, resilience, and community.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Discovering Gold is a charming historical romance set in Idaho Springs, Colorado—a lively mining town filled with hardworking laborers, chatty townsfolk, and a corrupt sheriff. Vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, from the bustling main street and towering mine to the sparkling streams and majestic mountains. The dialogue feels authentic, and the characters are distinct and well-developed.
I appreciated the careful attention given to building the relationship between Julia and Eleanor. The stolen glances, lingering touches, and extended eye contact created a simmering chemistry that felt both believable and compelling. Their individual backstories added meaningful tension, especially as Julia continued to clash with the town sheriff, who clearly has a personal vendetta against her.
Eleanor’s son, Peter, along with Julia’s sister and brother-in-law, are strong supporting characters whose relationships evolve significantly throughout the story. Their development adds real emotional depth and richness to the narrative.
Discovering Gold is a richly layered historical romance that balances slow-burning chemistry with strong character development and a vivid sense of place. The growing bond between Julia and Eleanor is both tender and electric, grounded in meaningful backstories and emotional nuance. The well-drawn setting of Idaho Springs—with its rugged charm, small-town gossip, and looming threat of a corrupt sheriff—adds tension and authenticity. With a cast of well-rounded supporting characters and relationships that evolve with heart and complexity, this story offers much more than a simple romance—it’s a heartfelt journey through love, resilience, and community.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2025
(3.5 Stars) The story is set in 1927 with the location Idaho Springs, a small mining town where gold was first discovered in Colorado. Julia Holte came to town with her sister Rose and her husband. Her family accepts that she’s always been a little wild and Tom-boyish. Her drinking and making strange bets has her on the bad side of the crusty town sheriff. She gets a job working in the office of the town mine. There she meets Eleanor and her son Peter. Elenor came to the town as a mail order bride. She married and settled into the hard life only to have her husband leave after she had her Peter. She provides for her and her son by washing the mining uniforms by hand.
I’ve been to Idaho Springs and it still has a mine tour of the original gold mine. It is very typical of many mining towns in the picturesque Rockies. This story is rather wholesome but feels realistic. Elenor and Julia are endearing as they go slowly from friendship to attraction. They have to be careful and yet are accepted by those that love them. The side characters enhance the story. I love sisters that love unconditionally and support each other.
I enjoyed the story. The pace is slow but it allows the characters to grow on you. I wanted them to find a way to be together. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I’ve been to Idaho Springs and it still has a mine tour of the original gold mine. It is very typical of many mining towns in the picturesque Rockies. This story is rather wholesome but feels realistic. Elenor and Julia are endearing as they go slowly from friendship to attraction. They have to be careful and yet are accepted by those that love them. The side characters enhance the story. I love sisters that love unconditionally and support each other.
I enjoyed the story. The pace is slow but it allows the characters to grow on you. I wanted them to find a way to be together. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
May 5, 2025
Discovering Gold” by Sam Ledel is a historical romance set in the 1920’s gold mining town of Idaho Springs, Colorado. The story features single mother, Mrs, Eleanor Perry, and wild Texas cowgirl, Julia. Eleanor has an eight-year old son, Peter, who is adorable but does challenge authority because he wants to work at the gold mining mill like his father, Louis. Louis was sick, likely attributable to the mill, and ended up leaving his family.
This was an enjoyable slow burn romance with some intense chemistry between Eleanor and Julia. I liked the way that Eleanor was able to “tame” Julia’s wild side through love, conversation, and family life with her and Peter. In return, Julia made Eleanor’s life worth living again following the disappearance of her husband. The supporting characters such as Sue (“you didn’t hear that from me”), Rose, Harry, and Ralph also added depth and a family dynamic to the story. The sheriff, Volz, added a needed antagonist to the mix, who ended up getting what he deserved in the end. Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read where I also learned a little about gold mining, 4.5 stars
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable slow burn romance with some intense chemistry between Eleanor and Julia. I liked the way that Eleanor was able to “tame” Julia’s wild side through love, conversation, and family life with her and Peter. In return, Julia made Eleanor’s life worth living again following the disappearance of her husband. The supporting characters such as Sue (“you didn’t hear that from me”), Rose, Harry, and Ralph also added depth and a family dynamic to the story. The sheriff, Volz, added a needed antagonist to the mix, who ended up getting what he deserved in the end. Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read where I also learned a little about gold mining, 4.5 stars
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2025
Ms Ledel decided to take us to the year 1927 where we got to meet Eleanor Perry along with her young son Peter. Eleanor didn’t have a family she was close to so she answered an ad advertising marriage. Apparently there were men in need of a wife and when she arrived she met Louis Perry, got herself married. Her life still wasn’t easy but she made do. When he left she had to make her way keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table. Doing laundry for the ‘Monarch Mines’ was hard work. And seeing as she didn’t have a washing machine she did all the laundry by hand.
Julia Holte came to Colorado to be with her sister Rose and her husband Henry. She felt she had to stay with Rose to make up for a mistake that cost Rose dearly. Now Rose didn’t blame Julia for her problems, but Julia still blamed herself. Never interested in being ‘lady like’ she not only drank too much but was known for her fist, ready to fight anyone in her way.
Ms Ledel is great when it comes to writing stories worth reading. All in all a pretty good story. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Julia Holte came to Colorado to be with her sister Rose and her husband Henry. She felt she had to stay with Rose to make up for a mistake that cost Rose dearly. Now Rose didn’t blame Julia for her problems, but Julia still blamed herself. Never interested in being ‘lady like’ she not only drank too much but was known for her fist, ready to fight anyone in her way.
Ms Ledel is great when it comes to writing stories worth reading. All in all a pretty good story. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
May 1, 2025
Set in 1927 in a small and close-knit Colorado mining town, Discovering Gold is a story of pure gold (pun intended). Following single mom Eleanor and swoon-worthy cowgirl Julia, this is a charming book not only about romantic love between the protagonists, but so much unconditional love amongst many of the supporting character.
Ledel beautifully combined my love for historical romance and the single mom trope (a woman treating her romantic interest’s child with so much care just does a thing or two to me - sigh). The chemistry between Eleanor and Julia was simply beautiful, their small interactions melting my insides with each chapter, especially when each of the women experienced obstacles that almost pushed the other away. The care and love these women have for one another was precious in every way possible, and is something I will remember for a long time. My heart is so full!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ledel beautifully combined my love for historical romance and the single mom trope (a woman treating her romantic interest’s child with so much care just does a thing or two to me - sigh). The chemistry between Eleanor and Julia was simply beautiful, their small interactions melting my insides with each chapter, especially when each of the women experienced obstacles that almost pushed the other away. The care and love these women have for one another was precious in every way possible, and is something I will remember for a long time. My heart is so full!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2025
Discovering Gold by Sam Ledel is a tender, slow-burn romance that celebrates the unexpected beauty of connection when you least expect it. Featuring Eleanor and Julia—two women who weren’t searching for love but find it anyway—the novel captures the magic of chance encounters and the slow unfolding of genuine affection.
Ledel excels at creating emotionally grounded characters with depth and relatability. Eleanor and Julia are both strong, authentic women whose chemistry is undeniable from the start, and their evolving relationship is written with care, vulnerability, and warmth. The dialogue is natural, the pacing thoughtful, and the emotional journey feels earned rather than rushed.
What makes Discovering Gold shine is its sincerity. It’s a sweet and engaging story that quietly pulls readers in with heartfelt moments and strong character dynamics. Whether you’re a longtime fan of sapphic romance or new to the genre, this book offers a comforting, feel-good escape that lingers in the best way.
Ledel excels at creating emotionally grounded characters with depth and relatability. Eleanor and Julia are both strong, authentic women whose chemistry is undeniable from the start, and their evolving relationship is written with care, vulnerability, and warmth. The dialogue is natural, the pacing thoughtful, and the emotional journey feels earned rather than rushed.
What makes Discovering Gold shine is its sincerity. It’s a sweet and engaging story that quietly pulls readers in with heartfelt moments and strong character dynamics. Whether you’re a longtime fan of sapphic romance or new to the genre, this book offers a comforting, feel-good escape that lingers in the best way.
June 5, 2025
I am a fan of Sam Ledel, having read a number of her books. I also enjoy reading westerns and this was enjoyable. Julia Holte relocates with her sister Rose and husband Henry from Texas to Colorado. Julia is full of guilt and uses wagering and competition as a stress release. After countless run-ins with Sheriff Volz, getting a job and meeting Eleanor Perry and her son Peter, she calms down and finds purpose. The supporting characters are wonderful additions to the story, especially for their unconditional love. Eleanor's friend Sue and Julia's friend Ralph were the kind of friends anyone would like to have. And yes, the story needed the sheriff. I embraced the slow friendship-to-romance between Eleanor and Julia. The information about mining was interesting and detailed enough the danger was an understanding. The springs, town and environment was well described. There was much to like about this story,
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
May 10, 2025
4.5 stars
A slow burn historical romance set in 1930's Colorado about a single mother (Eleanor) and a newcomer to town (Julia). While this one does have a bit of an antagonist in the sheriff, most people in town are warm and accepting (or at least willing to change).
I genuinely enjoyed most of this book. The pacing was a little slow for my taste, but it turned out to overall be cozier than I anticipated. I like the cast of characters and the way life in a milling town was portrayed. I love Julia's sister and brother-in-law and how they love Julia no matter if she's stirring up trouble or being scared of love.
There are a couple instances of homophobia,
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
A slow burn historical romance set in 1930's Colorado about a single mother (Eleanor) and a newcomer to town (Julia). While this one does have a bit of an antagonist in the sheriff, most people in town are warm and accepting (or at least willing to change).
I genuinely enjoyed most of this book. The pacing was a little slow for my taste, but it turned out to overall be cozier than I anticipated. I like the cast of characters and the way life in a milling town was portrayed. I love Julia's sister and brother-in-law and how they love Julia no matter if she's stirring up trouble or being scared of love.
There are a couple instances of homophobia,
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
April 27, 2025
I love a good historical book and thus the settings of this one intrigued me. It is played out in the 1920’s in a small town in Colorado. It is interesting to read about how things may have been in those days and to add a good romance adds and extra layer.
I loved how struggling single mum Eleanor copes on her own despite all challenges after her husband left. When Julia comes to town to support her sister Rose she is kind of a wild one to start with but after meeting Eleanor things slowly change. They are sweet together and all you want is for them to be happy together and not judged for being two women loving each other.
The pacing of the book is a bit dragging at times but overall an enjoyable read.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
I loved how struggling single mum Eleanor copes on her own despite all challenges after her husband left. When Julia comes to town to support her sister Rose she is kind of a wild one to start with but after meeting Eleanor things slowly change. They are sweet together and all you want is for them to be happy together and not judged for being two women loving each other.
The pacing of the book is a bit dragging at times but overall an enjoyable read.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
August 20, 2025
This is a well researched historical fiction book set in 1920 in a mining town in CO. I enjoyed it and thought it was decently written. I especially liked the attention to detail of everyday domestic life, and how most of the characters came fully to life. I am not convinced that the main love story would have survived that much scrutiny in such a small town at that point in history, but there is also the insular nature of small towns protecting and looking out for their own.
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