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A Fortune of Sand
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26The daughter of an automotive magnate escapes to an artistic retreat that holds more secrets—and more intrigue—than she could have ever imagined, in this Prohibition-era novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Salt to the Sea.
Detroit, 1927. A city of smoke and ambition, where glittering wealth conceals a graveyard of secrets.
Marjorie Lennox is the youngest daughter of a powerful automotive dynasty, a family known for money, not manners. Artistic, impulsive, and always slightly out of step, Marjorie has long been dismissed by her controlling father and self-absorbed siblings. But when she secretly applies to an exclusive arts program funded by an elusive benefactor, she sees a chance to redefine herself on her own terms.
The building is grand. The participants are gifted. But something…is off.
The program is uncomfortably restrictive. Doors lock at odd hours. Strange sounds echo through the halls amid whispers that women are disappearing. And the handsome benefactor’s presence—mostly absent, yet somehow everywhere—begins to unnerve her. As Marjorie’s sense of self begins to slip, so does her grip on the truth. What happens to women who don’t fit neatly into a gilded frame?
Set against the crumbling grandeur of 1920s Detroit and inspired by actual, long-buried historical events, A Fortune of Sand is a haunting mosaic of glamour and grift—a novel about those who vanish, and those who demand to be seen.
Detroit, 1927. A city of smoke and ambition, where glittering wealth conceals a graveyard of secrets.
Marjorie Lennox is the youngest daughter of a powerful automotive dynasty, a family known for money, not manners. Artistic, impulsive, and always slightly out of step, Marjorie has long been dismissed by her controlling father and self-absorbed siblings. But when she secretly applies to an exclusive arts program funded by an elusive benefactor, she sees a chance to redefine herself on her own terms.
The building is grand. The participants are gifted. But something…is off.
The program is uncomfortably restrictive. Doors lock at odd hours. Strange sounds echo through the halls amid whispers that women are disappearing. And the handsome benefactor’s presence—mostly absent, yet somehow everywhere—begins to unnerve her. As Marjorie’s sense of self begins to slip, so does her grip on the truth. What happens to women who don’t fit neatly into a gilded frame?
Set against the crumbling grandeur of 1920s Detroit and inspired by actual, long-buried historical events, A Fortune of Sand is a haunting mosaic of glamour and grift—a novel about those who vanish, and those who demand to be seen.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 26, 2026
21950 people want to read
About the author
Ruta Sepetys
14 books25.6k followers#1 New York Times Bestselling Author and Winner of the Carnegie Medal.
Ruta Sepetys was born and raised in Michigan in a family of artists, readers, and music lovers. The daughter of a refugee, Ruta is drawn to underrepresented stories of strength through struggle and hopes to give voice to those who weren't able to tell their story. Her award-winning historical novels are published in over sixty countries and have received over forty literary prizes.
For more information:
https://www.rutasepetys.com
https://www.facebook.com/rutasepetys
https://www.instagram.com/rutasepetys...
https://www.twitter.com/rutasepetys
Ruta Sepetys was born and raised in Michigan in a family of artists, readers, and music lovers. The daughter of a refugee, Ruta is drawn to underrepresented stories of strength through struggle and hopes to give voice to those who weren't able to tell their story. Her award-winning historical novels are published in over sixty countries and have received over forty literary prizes.
For more information:
https://www.rutasepetys.com
https://www.facebook.com/rutasepetys
https://www.instagram.com/rutasepetys...
https://www.twitter.com/rutasepetys
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
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October 19, 2025auto read author
Want to read
November 6, 2025Sepetys's first adult novel. LET'S GO!!!!!
January 20, 2026
To say I’m disappointed is a gross understatement. Ruta Sepetys has a true talent for writing wonderful, amazing stories. This story does not fall under that category, unfortunately.
This book falls into the category of an interesting story in the hands of a very talented story teller, who writes a good story and then taints it with content that takes away from the story and ruins the reading experience.
She did up the reading age from YA to adult.. so I’ll give her that I suppose.
Content: STDs, tons of alcohol abuse. Spouse abuse. Mentions of the FMCs friend having “fun” with her father when she dresses up as her deceased mother. 🤢 … which actually turns out to be her pedophile husband who married her at the age of 13 that requires her to call him “daddy” 🤮, crass innuendos, the MC observing an orgy through a window, nothing descriptive but leads us to use our imaginations.. (I don’t want my imagination going to the places she’s leading us to.)
I’m not sure what happened here but I definitely won’t be reading anymore from this author if this is the direction she is going to pursue with her writing. This story could have been SO good! Very disappointing.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc of this book.
I don’t even know what to rate this.. I’m just going to go with a 1 star for the pedophile being called daddy. It’s just too much.
This book falls into the category of an interesting story in the hands of a very talented story teller, who writes a good story and then taints it with content that takes away from the story and ruins the reading experience.
She did up the reading age from YA to adult.. so I’ll give her that I suppose.
Content: STDs, tons of alcohol abuse. Spouse abuse. Mentions of the FMCs friend having “fun” with her father when she dresses up as her deceased mother. 🤢 … which actually turns out to be her pedophile husband who married her at the age of 13 that requires her to call him “daddy” 🤮, crass innuendos, the MC observing an orgy through a window, nothing descriptive but leads us to use our imaginations.. (I don’t want my imagination going to the places she’s leading us to.)
I’m not sure what happened here but I definitely won’t be reading anymore from this author if this is the direction she is going to pursue with her writing. This story could have been SO good! Very disappointing.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc of this book.
I don’t even know what to rate this.. I’m just going to go with a 1 star for the pedophile being called daddy. It’s just too much.
Want to read
September 23, 2025!!!!!! Can’t possibly wait for the SUMMER
March 12, 2026
A FORTUNE OF SAND
This story is set in Detroit and Grosse Pointe in 1927 and centers around the very wealthy Lennox family. In the automotive capital of the world, they’ve made their fortune in windshields and have become members of the Nouveau Riche.
Family dynamics range from bizarre to really bizarre, with three generations living in the magnificent Glen Arden estate. Secrets, lies, schemes, and crimes are plentiful. And of course there is a handsome, rich, reclusive bachelor who lives just down the road a ways.
Full of glitz, glamour, and humor, many important topics are also interwoven, including mental health, grief, decadence, trust, and changing societal norms. There is a lot of terrific information about the auto industry, prohibition, and Detroit and Grosse Pointe areas 100 years ago.
“The glamour of old Detroit is now eclipsed by the grit of its underworld.”
I would like to thank NetGalley, Ruta Sepetys, and Ballantine Books/ Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This story is set in Detroit and Grosse Pointe in 1927 and centers around the very wealthy Lennox family. In the automotive capital of the world, they’ve made their fortune in windshields and have become members of the Nouveau Riche.
Family dynamics range from bizarre to really bizarre, with three generations living in the magnificent Glen Arden estate. Secrets, lies, schemes, and crimes are plentiful. And of course there is a handsome, rich, reclusive bachelor who lives just down the road a ways.
Full of glitz, glamour, and humor, many important topics are also interwoven, including mental health, grief, decadence, trust, and changing societal norms. There is a lot of terrific information about the auto industry, prohibition, and Detroit and Grosse Pointe areas 100 years ago.
“The glamour of old Detroit is now eclipsed by the grit of its underworld.”
I would like to thank NetGalley, Ruta Sepetys, and Ballantine Books/ Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Want to read
November 22, 2025Can't wait!!!!!
January 1, 2026
ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Publication date: June 2, 2026.
“A Fortune of Sand” is an atmospheric, ever-shifting historical novel that feels less like a single fixed story and more like a series of revealing character moments that gradually accumulate weight. Set against 1927 Detroit, the book captures an uncertain era shaped by ambition, wealth, performance, and the cost of progress.
Marjorie is written with warmth and complexity. She doesn’t always understand things immediately — and that delay feels intentional. Her growth comes from observation, lived experience, and emotional reckoning rather than quick realizations. Watching her piece things together gives the story its quiet momentum. When other characters are confronted by her presence, they often respond with unexpected vulnerability, seeking deeper connection in ways that feel authentic rather than tidy.
The narrative widens beyond Marjorie at times, giving space to her family and others, which enriches the emotional landscape and reinforces how interconnected personal choices and social expectations are. The story is constantly evolving, and while a few moments feel slightly forced, they are rare and never overpower the larger emotional truth.
Sepetys’ craft shines in the details — reflective chapter headings, period newspaper excerpts, and visual materials that ground the story in its historical moment. The acknowledgements and author’s note are especially thoughtful and add meaningful context to the work as a whole.
This is a layered, adult historical novel about perception, reputation, and the slow understanding of truth — one that lingers well beyond the final page.
“A Fortune of Sand” is an atmospheric, ever-shifting historical novel that feels less like a single fixed story and more like a series of revealing character moments that gradually accumulate weight. Set against 1927 Detroit, the book captures an uncertain era shaped by ambition, wealth, performance, and the cost of progress.
Marjorie is written with warmth and complexity. She doesn’t always understand things immediately — and that delay feels intentional. Her growth comes from observation, lived experience, and emotional reckoning rather than quick realizations. Watching her piece things together gives the story its quiet momentum. When other characters are confronted by her presence, they often respond with unexpected vulnerability, seeking deeper connection in ways that feel authentic rather than tidy.
The narrative widens beyond Marjorie at times, giving space to her family and others, which enriches the emotional landscape and reinforces how interconnected personal choices and social expectations are. The story is constantly evolving, and while a few moments feel slightly forced, they are rare and never overpower the larger emotional truth.
Sepetys’ craft shines in the details — reflective chapter headings, period newspaper excerpts, and visual materials that ground the story in its historical moment. The acknowledgements and author’s note are especially thoughtful and add meaningful context to the work as a whole.
This is a layered, adult historical novel about perception, reputation, and the slow understanding of truth — one that lingers well beyond the final page.
Want to read
September 20, 2025"Set against the crumbling grandeur of 1920s Detroit and inspired by actual, long-buried historical events, A Fortune of Sand is a haunting mosaic of glamour and grift—a novel about those who vanish, and those who demand to be seen"
it's ruta sepetys, of course i'm reading it
it's ruta sepetys, of course i'm reading it
February 21, 2026
4.5 stars!
Ruta strikes again! What a magnificent book. Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine for the ARC. Ruta is my favorite writer, so it was a privilege to have early access.
I LOVED the plot. The mystery. I really felt the tension, and my curiosity was desperate. This book is very reminiscent of "Out of the Easy," which is my second favorite of Ruta's book, so this was right up my alley. It's not surrounding a big, flashy historical event like most of her books are, so it's got a very different vibe to it. I will say, it does start off a bit slow, and really picks up a little over halfway through. This wasn't an issue for me because I love character-driven stories, but I think it's worth noting for curious readers.
Marjorie is one of Ruta's best protagonists, and I'll say that with my full chest. She is vibrant, bubbly, fun, full of life, and her arc is fascinating. I love how she handles her situation, it was very satisfying. I also loved Graham, despite being slightly questioning towards the end haha. I love his sharp wit, and especially his dynamic with Chet. They're really funny together. I also LOVED Ivy and Bernice. Overall, such a colorful ensemble, really well-written. Even the odious characters, I still enjoyed reading them because they were really well done.
The dialogue can be a bit superfluous at times, but I think it's very fitting for the glamorous, Gatsby-like (there's even a dog named Daisy haha) setting the story is set in. I also did not care for the romance up until like 70% of the book, when we really start to get to know Bonafante. I think the beginning of this relationship was a bit unrealistic, and it just doesn't make sense that Marjorie has this insane infatuation with a man who is more monosyllabic than Jess from Gilmore Girls. But I love their chemistry towards the end, so it doesn't take away from the story. At least not for me, anyway.
Overall, loved loved loved this book. It's criminal that one must wait a year or more for a Ruta Sepetys novel, but this one was well worth the wait. I rated it 4.5 stars for now just because I like to save my 5s, but this book definitely has potential to earn that extra .5 in the future.
Special shoutout to Granny. I strive to be like her when I'm old. What an icon.
#AFortuneofSand #NetGalley
Ruta strikes again! What a magnificent book. Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine for the ARC. Ruta is my favorite writer, so it was a privilege to have early access.
I LOVED the plot. The mystery. I really felt the tension, and my curiosity was desperate. This book is very reminiscent of "Out of the Easy," which is my second favorite of Ruta's book, so this was right up my alley. It's not surrounding a big, flashy historical event like most of her books are, so it's got a very different vibe to it. I will say, it does start off a bit slow, and really picks up a little over halfway through. This wasn't an issue for me because I love character-driven stories, but I think it's worth noting for curious readers.
Marjorie is one of Ruta's best protagonists, and I'll say that with my full chest. She is vibrant, bubbly, fun, full of life, and her arc is fascinating. I love how she handles her situation, it was very satisfying. I also loved Graham, despite being slightly questioning towards the end haha. I love his sharp wit, and especially his dynamic with Chet. They're really funny together. I also LOVED Ivy and Bernice. Overall, such a colorful ensemble, really well-written. Even the odious characters, I still enjoyed reading them because they were really well done.
The dialogue can be a bit superfluous at times, but I think it's very fitting for the glamorous, Gatsby-like (there's even a dog named Daisy haha) setting the story is set in. I also did not care for the romance up until like 70% of the book, when we really start to get to know Bonafante. I think the beginning of this relationship was a bit unrealistic, and it just doesn't make sense that Marjorie has this insane infatuation with a man who is more monosyllabic than Jess from Gilmore Girls. But I love their chemistry towards the end, so it doesn't take away from the story. At least not for me, anyway.
Overall, loved loved loved this book. It's criminal that one must wait a year or more for a Ruta Sepetys novel, but this one was well worth the wait. I rated it 4.5 stars for now just because I like to save my 5s, but this book definitely has potential to earn that extra .5 in the future.
Special shoutout to Granny. I strive to be like her when I'm old. What an icon.
#AFortuneofSand #NetGalley
February 21, 2026
Fast paced, with lots of Detroit references this former Livonia girl enjoyed. The late 1920’s & the Motor City … I enjoyed this thoroughly! Another Ruta Sepetys book I loved!
Thank you to Ballantine Books for this advanced reader’s edition! Get your copy on 6/2!
Thank you to Ballantine Books for this advanced reader’s edition! Get your copy on 6/2!
March 15, 2026
This was an unusual story with a lot going on. I wish there had been more closure— there should be a sequel!
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
Want to read
November 6, 2025Oh I've BEEN waiting
December 5, 2025
3.5
Major Ruta fan here and I’m so sad I didn’t love this more. Let me explain my rating without spoilers.
Loved the time period, it had a vibe of Great Gatsby but in Detroit, with big family money due to the automobile industry.
I enjoyed following our protagonist, Marjorie, as she navigates life, a young woman in her 20’s. The chapters rotate between her and her siblings.
A focus on the arts was interesting-but perhaps what made it falter for me?
A mixture of history with suspense that kept me wanting. The mystery aspect didn’t drop enough breadcrumbs for me.
Marjorie falls for a guy she meets once and can’t get him out of her mind. Seemed juvenile to me and not realistic.
It felt very slow. Not much happens until 70%, but once I got to that point it picked up and ended well. A lot of story development that took too long developing and not enough time for me to enjoy the story. It took forever for me to pick up where the story was going. That said, the chapters were short enough that it didn’t drag too much.
Loved the historical content once I knew it was historical in the authors note. I would have liked even more of the history.
If you’re a Ruta fan, you should read this, but it’s not as strong as her other works IMHO.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the gifted e-arc.
Major Ruta fan here and I’m so sad I didn’t love this more. Let me explain my rating without spoilers.
Loved the time period, it had a vibe of Great Gatsby but in Detroit, with big family money due to the automobile industry.
I enjoyed following our protagonist, Marjorie, as she navigates life, a young woman in her 20’s. The chapters rotate between her and her siblings.
A focus on the arts was interesting-but perhaps what made it falter for me?
A mixture of history with suspense that kept me wanting. The mystery aspect didn’t drop enough breadcrumbs for me.
Marjorie falls for a guy she meets once and can’t get him out of her mind. Seemed juvenile to me and not realistic.
It felt very slow. Not much happens until 70%, but once I got to that point it picked up and ended well. A lot of story development that took too long developing and not enough time for me to enjoy the story. It took forever for me to pick up where the story was going. That said, the chapters were short enough that it didn’t drag too much.
Loved the historical content once I knew it was historical in the authors note. I would have liked even more of the history.
If you’re a Ruta fan, you should read this, but it’s not as strong as her other works IMHO.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the gifted e-arc.
December 9, 2025
I always enjoy this author’s books! The setting and plot of this one was excellent, I really felt like I was transported to Detroit in the 1920’s. There were some fun twists, but I wish there were more resolution at the end of the book. The author’s note at the end of the book was interesting as well. I’d recommend it! 8.25/10.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 5, 2025
3.5 stars for me. Although I have loved many of her books, this one was a bit of a disappointment for me...
November 18, 2025
Marjorie Lennox, her father’s least favored child in the complicated Lennox clan, leaves the Glen Arden estate for an artist residency in fashion design. Marjorie begins to find her own path until she is pulled back home after finding the truth of her residency, family and more.
This was an enjoyable read with great character development.
This was an enjoyable read with great character development.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a Ruta Sepetys fan, I was so excited to receive this ARC. Unfortunately, it isn’t as strong as some of her previous work. I haven’t read much historical fiction set in 1920s Detroit, so the references to Prohibition, the auto industry, and women’s rights were fresh and engaging. Once the story finally began to take shape, it became fast-paced and compelling.
The main character, Marjorie, is difficult to fully grasp, and the plot doesn’t truly come together until about 60% into the book. Once we reach the housewarming party and Marjorie starts to understand what’s happening with her family, the pieces finally begin to fall into place. However, just as the story starts to get interesting, it abruptly ends. There are so many loose ends that are never resolved. I really wish the book had either been longer or started with the party, as much of what comes before felt unnecessary. It almost seemed like the author had too many ideas for one story—the artistic retreat, the family infighting, the jewel heists, the secrets, the mysterious Bonafante, the relationship, etc.—and as a result, none of them were fully developed. Overall, Ruta is a must read author for me and I'm glad I read the book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The main character, Marjorie, is difficult to fully grasp, and the plot doesn’t truly come together until about 60% into the book. Once we reach the housewarming party and Marjorie starts to understand what’s happening with her family, the pieces finally begin to fall into place. However, just as the story starts to get interesting, it abruptly ends. There are so many loose ends that are never resolved. I really wish the book had either been longer or started with the party, as much of what comes before felt unnecessary. It almost seemed like the author had too many ideas for one story—the artistic retreat, the family infighting, the jewel heists, the secrets, the mysterious Bonafante, the relationship, etc.—and as a result, none of them were fully developed. Overall, Ruta is a must read author for me and I'm glad I read the book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
October 27, 2025what do you mean my favorite historical fiction author is releasing a new story!!! especially for my birthday tooo, fantastic
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What does the American dream in the 1920s look like? To Marjorie Lennox's grandparents it was leaving a life in Scotland behind where 16-hour days and being astute resulted in an automotive glass empire in the glory days of Detroit. To her father, it is entitlement, excess and shady dealings. To two of Marjorie's half-siblings, Chet and Graham, it is navigating the shifting secret sands of their wealthy existence for the good of the family, to include looking out for their artistic, naive younger sister. To Marjorie it is being a constant disappointment to her father, trusting in friends who let her down and getting into scrapes with the police for being her creative, guileless self. However, Marjorie has two secrets. The first is years ago she had a brief encounter with the handsome, wealthy and elusive, Charles Bonafante. The second is she's secretly applied to and been accepted into an exclusive residency program to foster the arts, ran by none other than Bonafante. Marjorie wants to discover what her dream looks like.
Chet and Graham create a cover story for Marjorie's first time away from the bosom of her privileged life. The artist community only has three others in residence and strict rules to include a curfew, locking all doors at all times and no visitors. She's quickly told the building is haunted due to hearing eerie noises at night and despite Charles having a mansion near her family's, he also stays in the upper floor of the building. As Marjorie immerses herself in design, befriends her fellow artists, and keeps a flame burning for Charles, her family is navigating layers of intrigue and tension. When they all intersect, Marjorie learns how the powerful and wealthy can create their own rules and what she can do about that knowledge.
Thank you, Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC of this Prohibition era historical fiction. Facts about what was going on in the world and the region were sprinkled throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed how unique each character was and how they fit intricately into the story. Marjorie's blend of quirkiness and sincerity are endearing and I found myself rooting on her positive outlook despite the ridicule she frequently bears. I struggled with the first half of the book because it felt like the plot was skipping stones rather than delving deeper to do these engaging personalities to allow them time to develop more fully. At that point the book seemed to shift gears and introduced the topic of the powerlessness of women due to their limited rights. I enjoyed the seemingly new direction and was looking forward to delving more deeply into the issue. Also in the latter portion of the book, the character of Charles Bonafante, comes to the forefront and we learn more about his intriguing history. Unfortunately, the book felt as though it ended abruptly when it was becoming more compelling and rich. Additionally, there were several engaging plot threads that were not resolved or revisited. I would suggest this for those who are looking to get the flavor of what the affluent automotive families were like in Detroit and how Prohibition and gangs came into the picture.
Chet and Graham create a cover story for Marjorie's first time away from the bosom of her privileged life. The artist community only has three others in residence and strict rules to include a curfew, locking all doors at all times and no visitors. She's quickly told the building is haunted due to hearing eerie noises at night and despite Charles having a mansion near her family's, he also stays in the upper floor of the building. As Marjorie immerses herself in design, befriends her fellow artists, and keeps a flame burning for Charles, her family is navigating layers of intrigue and tension. When they all intersect, Marjorie learns how the powerful and wealthy can create their own rules and what she can do about that knowledge.
Thank you, Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC of this Prohibition era historical fiction. Facts about what was going on in the world and the region were sprinkled throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed how unique each character was and how they fit intricately into the story. Marjorie's blend of quirkiness and sincerity are endearing and I found myself rooting on her positive outlook despite the ridicule she frequently bears. I struggled with the first half of the book because it felt like the plot was skipping stones rather than delving deeper to do these engaging personalities to allow them time to develop more fully. At that point the book seemed to shift gears and introduced the topic of the powerlessness of women due to their limited rights. I enjoyed the seemingly new direction and was looking forward to delving more deeply into the issue. Also in the latter portion of the book, the character of Charles Bonafante, comes to the forefront and we learn more about his intriguing history. Unfortunately, the book felt as though it ended abruptly when it was becoming more compelling and rich. Additionally, there were several engaging plot threads that were not resolved or revisited. I would suggest this for those who are looking to get the flavor of what the affluent automotive families were like in Detroit and how Prohibition and gangs came into the picture.
January 21, 2026
This is a layered book that I would compare to The Fountains of Silence in that I need to read it again.
From featuring Marjorie, the heroine main character, who chooses happiness and friendship and a touch of romance over the devastation that her family was inflicting on her and those "in the business" to the intrigue of the auto industry, rumrunning, and female institutionalization, there were moments of joy and moments of pain. Marjorie always chose to feel the pain and provide the joy where she could as evidenced by the ending (loved that it ended the way it did) or how she responded to learning about Poor Peter's plight and in how she treated Bonafante.
I finished this book last night after a marathon afternoon to read it in one sitting because it is immersive- the lush descriptions of Marjorie's Nightingale apartment and her wardrobe to ugly descriptions of her father's suffering, I spent today in a haze of a dream. Did I experience it? No, I read it in a book but it FELT like I experienced it from the sweeping romantic gestures (I'll be calling my local liquor store to have them order me some Pol Roger) to the beautiful heartbreak that turned into sheer determination to save Ivy from Eloise after hearing the full story. The darkness of the secrets and lies is juxtaposed with the hopefulness that Marjorie's mother and Bernice get to experience when more is revealed as the story unfolds and their ambitions can take flight.
To know Sepetys' careful research that parlayed itself into this Gatsby-like epic makes all the difference in its enjoyment. She peels back stories to find their guts to expose to readers to make them think and feel. And what an apt visual of the Lennox's family's empire built on a "fortune of sand".
Each character was three dimensional and purposeful. It was not overwritten because the intrigue spoke for itself from Bonafante's comings and goings on the floor above the ladies to who else was in that apartment to the machinations of power and wealth from the grandfather and father- magnates of a storied time and place. Sepetys' meticulous knowledge shows up in the cars driven and the landmarks (she is from Detroit after all!) as examples.
Do I get more words to describe it? Evocative. Sexy.
And in part I know it's because I love the grandeur mixed with the morbid fascination. I did notice when memento mori was referenced and the cemeteries that flanked Eloise. It's the sweet tragedy that I love in stories like The Virgin Suicides and another one of Sepetys' books: Out of the Easy.
Can't wait to own a copy. June is too far away. *Sigh* as one of the laments of an avid reader is not having the experience of reading this for the first time ever again.
From featuring Marjorie, the heroine main character, who chooses happiness and friendship and a touch of romance over the devastation that her family was inflicting on her and those "in the business" to the intrigue of the auto industry, rumrunning, and female institutionalization, there were moments of joy and moments of pain. Marjorie always chose to feel the pain and provide the joy where she could as evidenced by the ending (loved that it ended the way it did) or how she responded to learning about Poor Peter's plight and in how she treated Bonafante.
I finished this book last night after a marathon afternoon to read it in one sitting because it is immersive- the lush descriptions of Marjorie's Nightingale apartment and her wardrobe to ugly descriptions of her father's suffering, I spent today in a haze of a dream. Did I experience it? No, I read it in a book but it FELT like I experienced it from the sweeping romantic gestures (I'll be calling my local liquor store to have them order me some Pol Roger) to the beautiful heartbreak that turned into sheer determination to save Ivy from Eloise after hearing the full story. The darkness of the secrets and lies is juxtaposed with the hopefulness that Marjorie's mother and Bernice get to experience when more is revealed as the story unfolds and their ambitions can take flight.
To know Sepetys' careful research that parlayed itself into this Gatsby-like epic makes all the difference in its enjoyment. She peels back stories to find their guts to expose to readers to make them think and feel. And what an apt visual of the Lennox's family's empire built on a "fortune of sand".
Each character was three dimensional and purposeful. It was not overwritten because the intrigue spoke for itself from Bonafante's comings and goings on the floor above the ladies to who else was in that apartment to the machinations of power and wealth from the grandfather and father- magnates of a storied time and place. Sepetys' meticulous knowledge shows up in the cars driven and the landmarks (she is from Detroit after all!) as examples.
Do I get more words to describe it? Evocative. Sexy.
And in part I know it's because I love the grandeur mixed with the morbid fascination. I did notice when memento mori was referenced and the cemeteries that flanked Eloise. It's the sweet tragedy that I love in stories like The Virgin Suicides and another one of Sepetys' books: Out of the Easy.
Can't wait to own a copy. June is too far away. *Sigh* as one of the laments of an avid reader is not having the experience of reading this for the first time ever again.
March 2, 2026
From the very first page to the final reveal, A Fortune of Sand proves that its title is anything but simple. It’s layered, symbolic, & beautifully reflective of a story built on wealth, illusion, & secrets that refuse to stay buried. Like sand, fortunes can shift — & in this novel, they certainly do.
One of the strongest elements of this book is its rich historical fiction backdrop. Set against the industrial pulse of Detroit in the 1920s, the story follows a powerful family known for their automotive windshield empire — a detail that grounds the novel in the grit & ambition of a booming city. The setting adds texture & authenticity, making the scandals feel even more real & immersive.
The novel also gives strong Great Gatsby vibes — from the lavish parties to the undercurrent of scandal simmering beneath polished wealth. There’s that same glittering surface of champagne, glamour, & high society, contrasted sharply with corruption, deception, & moral decay. The wealth dazzles, but it also blinds. Behind every elegant gathering is a secret waiting to unravel.
& what scandals they are. Jewel heists. Asylums. Blackmail. Murder — or at least the chilling implication of it. The plot is thick with crime & deception, yet what makes this novel especially impressive is that despite all the wrongdoing circling the family, no one is actively killed on the page. Still, the tension never falters. The stakes remain high, & the atmosphere stays heavy with suspense. It’s proof that psychological weight & moral corruption can be just as gripping as overt violence.
At the heart of it all is Marjorie — a standout protagonist. Though surrounded by privilege, secrecy, & moral decay, she refuses to let her family’s foolishness define her. Instead, she channels her ambition into her creative genius, determined to become a fashion designer. Her journey toward independence feels empowering & refreshing. She isn’t naïve, but she is hopeful — & that balance makes her compelling.
As Marjorie uncovers the darker truths about her family’s dealings, the emotional tension rises. Falling in love with the man of her dreams only complicates matters. She’s left facing a powerful dilemma: expose the corruption & risk everything, or protect the family name & walk away into a quieter, safer future. That moral crossroads is where the novel truly shines. It forces readers to question loyalty, integrity, & what we owe to the truth.
I commend Sepetys for crafting a story so layered & emotionally complex. Even with crime swirling in every corner, the narrative never feels sensationalized. Instead, it’s thoughtful, dramatic, & deeply human.
A Fortune of Sand is a sweeping tale of legacy, ambition, love, & the heavy cost of secrets. It’s historical fiction at its juiciest — rich in atmosphere, thick with intrigue, & impossible to put down. If you love stories where glamour masks scandal & truth threatens to shatter everything, this one absolutely delivers.
*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
One of the strongest elements of this book is its rich historical fiction backdrop. Set against the industrial pulse of Detroit in the 1920s, the story follows a powerful family known for their automotive windshield empire — a detail that grounds the novel in the grit & ambition of a booming city. The setting adds texture & authenticity, making the scandals feel even more real & immersive.
The novel also gives strong Great Gatsby vibes — from the lavish parties to the undercurrent of scandal simmering beneath polished wealth. There’s that same glittering surface of champagne, glamour, & high society, contrasted sharply with corruption, deception, & moral decay. The wealth dazzles, but it also blinds. Behind every elegant gathering is a secret waiting to unravel.
& what scandals they are. Jewel heists. Asylums. Blackmail. Murder — or at least the chilling implication of it. The plot is thick with crime & deception, yet what makes this novel especially impressive is that despite all the wrongdoing circling the family, no one is actively killed on the page. Still, the tension never falters. The stakes remain high, & the atmosphere stays heavy with suspense. It’s proof that psychological weight & moral corruption can be just as gripping as overt violence.
At the heart of it all is Marjorie — a standout protagonist. Though surrounded by privilege, secrecy, & moral decay, she refuses to let her family’s foolishness define her. Instead, she channels her ambition into her creative genius, determined to become a fashion designer. Her journey toward independence feels empowering & refreshing. She isn’t naïve, but she is hopeful — & that balance makes her compelling.
As Marjorie uncovers the darker truths about her family’s dealings, the emotional tension rises. Falling in love with the man of her dreams only complicates matters. She’s left facing a powerful dilemma: expose the corruption & risk everything, or protect the family name & walk away into a quieter, safer future. That moral crossroads is where the novel truly shines. It forces readers to question loyalty, integrity, & what we owe to the truth.
I commend Sepetys for crafting a story so layered & emotionally complex. Even with crime swirling in every corner, the narrative never feels sensationalized. Instead, it’s thoughtful, dramatic, & deeply human.
A Fortune of Sand is a sweeping tale of legacy, ambition, love, & the heavy cost of secrets. It’s historical fiction at its juiciest — rich in atmosphere, thick with intrigue, & impossible to put down. If you love stories where glamour masks scandal & truth threatens to shatter everything, this one absolutely delivers.
*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I adore Ruta Sepetys, so I smashed that request button as soon as this came across my dashboard. And it’s my first 5-star read of the year!
Although Sepetys is known for her historical fiction, thus far it’s all been young adult. I’m excited to see her branch out, and I love that she’s continuing to uncover forgotten bits of history. In this case, it’s Prohibition-era Detroit. The motor city is definitely in its heyday, and all of the various car family dynasties are in play. The Lennox family makes glass, so they’re in the mix with the Fords and Packards and all. And although we spend time with the three younger Lennox siblings - Chet, Graham, and Marjorie, this is really Marjorie’s book.
Marjorie is a flighty, artistic free spirit, the troublemaking youngest daughter of a super wealthy family. So she (and her siblings too) gets into all of the mischief you’d expect from someone in her position. But she does have a genuine talent for design, so when she just happens to find a brochure for an artistic fellowship, she jumps at the chance to get away from her parents for a while (her father is making noises about sending her away somewhere decidedly less fun). Chet and Graham help her “escape” to her artists’ enclave, but Graham smells something fishy almost immediately. And the program is…weird. Marjorie has all of her expenses taken care of and can get pretty much any supplies she wants for her work. But there’s a curfew, and jobs, and a whole set of restrictive rules she has to follow (with demerits for breaking them). She befriends two of the other participants - Ivy, an artist who only paints Christmas pictures; and Bernice, who makes furniture. Both are extremely gifted (though Ivy is pretty kooky). Marjorie is also nursing a pretty serious crush on Charles Bonafonte, the benefactor of this whole situation.
Meanwhile, things back home are their own kind of kooky. The family is fighting about succession, as these kinds of families tend to do. And Graham and Chet are “sharing” a job at the paper, writing obituaries (Graham has the job, but Chet does all of the writing and they split the checks).
It’s hard to say too much more without getting into spoiler territory, but I really, really loved this. Sepetys has this gift for bringing to life extremely niche moments in history. My only quibble is that by the end it feels almost unfinished? I don’t think she’s one for sequels, but without giving too much away, there are a few threads left hanging. But it’s such a beautiful story, and I feel like I have a book hangover after finishing it.
Although Sepetys is known for her historical fiction, thus far it’s all been young adult. I’m excited to see her branch out, and I love that she’s continuing to uncover forgotten bits of history. In this case, it’s Prohibition-era Detroit. The motor city is definitely in its heyday, and all of the various car family dynasties are in play. The Lennox family makes glass, so they’re in the mix with the Fords and Packards and all. And although we spend time with the three younger Lennox siblings - Chet, Graham, and Marjorie, this is really Marjorie’s book.
Marjorie is a flighty, artistic free spirit, the troublemaking youngest daughter of a super wealthy family. So she (and her siblings too) gets into all of the mischief you’d expect from someone in her position. But she does have a genuine talent for design, so when she just happens to find a brochure for an artistic fellowship, she jumps at the chance to get away from her parents for a while (her father is making noises about sending her away somewhere decidedly less fun). Chet and Graham help her “escape” to her artists’ enclave, but Graham smells something fishy almost immediately. And the program is…weird. Marjorie has all of her expenses taken care of and can get pretty much any supplies she wants for her work. But there’s a curfew, and jobs, and a whole set of restrictive rules she has to follow (with demerits for breaking them). She befriends two of the other participants - Ivy, an artist who only paints Christmas pictures; and Bernice, who makes furniture. Both are extremely gifted (though Ivy is pretty kooky). Marjorie is also nursing a pretty serious crush on Charles Bonafonte, the benefactor of this whole situation.
Meanwhile, things back home are their own kind of kooky. The family is fighting about succession, as these kinds of families tend to do. And Graham and Chet are “sharing” a job at the paper, writing obituaries (Graham has the job, but Chet does all of the writing and they split the checks).
It’s hard to say too much more without getting into spoiler territory, but I really, really loved this. Sepetys has this gift for bringing to life extremely niche moments in history. My only quibble is that by the end it feels almost unfinished? I don’t think she’s one for sequels, but without giving too much away, there are a few threads left hanging. But it’s such a beautiful story, and I feel like I have a book hangover after finishing it.
March 10, 2026
4.75 stars.
From the very first sentence, this book was both magical and mysterious. The mood of the book was beautifully conveyed with sinister and creepy vibes I could feel very thoroughly throughout. Marjorie and her siblings’ vibrant personalities and the charm of 1920s society also made the book such an enjoyable read. The characters were peculiar in a delightfully whimsical way, and I loved how they, especially Ivy and Bernice, were sophisticated yet quirky. The dialogue was probably one of the best parts of the novel, but I do feel that there were sections where description and/or backstory was dumped in a lengthy paragraph or two rather than distributed and interspersed more naturally throughout. However it was only really at the beginning and Ruta Sepetys’ writing makes up for it.
The dialogue was amazing and every sentence seemed to be told in the way that people would speak back then, but the plot initially wasn’t that intriguing to me because it didn’t have that emotion-piercing, heart wrenching aspect that some of Ruta Sepetys’ other books had. There wasn’t real pain, and so it didn’t hit me deeply like her other books did. It wasn’t quite as captivating at first, although I think that’s largely due to the time period this novel is set in, and the troubles Marjorie faces are very different than those surviving the horrors of war. Ruta Sepetys is one of my favorite authors in historical fiction, but this book just didn’t have that same style of hers I love so much, although it developed a unique style of its own that I began to love. But even if I wasn’t that interested in the plot for the first half, I still adored the interactions of the odd yet charming relationship between Graham and Chet, and Ruta’s writing was still done remarkably well. Despite the my somewhat lack of interest at the beginning, the clues kept me reading and wanting to find out more. This was a fairly fast read, and the writing was stunningly done.
All that said, this was certainly not what I was expecting, but it’s wonderful all the same. There was just enough romance that it had me on the edge of my seat waiting for more—and that first kiss was to DIE for. I adored the twist at the end, as well as the newspaper cutouts! It was such a brilliant and authentic way to reveal the truth about what happens and how all the secrets were revealed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the free eARC!
From the very first sentence, this book was both magical and mysterious. The mood of the book was beautifully conveyed with sinister and creepy vibes I could feel very thoroughly throughout. Marjorie and her siblings’ vibrant personalities and the charm of 1920s society also made the book such an enjoyable read. The characters were peculiar in a delightfully whimsical way, and I loved how they, especially Ivy and Bernice, were sophisticated yet quirky. The dialogue was probably one of the best parts of the novel, but I do feel that there were sections where description and/or backstory was dumped in a lengthy paragraph or two rather than distributed and interspersed more naturally throughout. However it was only really at the beginning and Ruta Sepetys’ writing makes up for it.
The dialogue was amazing and every sentence seemed to be told in the way that people would speak back then, but the plot initially wasn’t that intriguing to me because it didn’t have that emotion-piercing, heart wrenching aspect that some of Ruta Sepetys’ other books had. There wasn’t real pain, and so it didn’t hit me deeply like her other books did. It wasn’t quite as captivating at first, although I think that’s largely due to the time period this novel is set in, and the troubles Marjorie faces are very different than those surviving the horrors of war. Ruta Sepetys is one of my favorite authors in historical fiction, but this book just didn’t have that same style of hers I love so much, although it developed a unique style of its own that I began to love. But even if I wasn’t that interested in the plot for the first half, I still adored the interactions of the odd yet charming relationship between Graham and Chet, and Ruta’s writing was still done remarkably well. Despite the my somewhat lack of interest at the beginning, the clues kept me reading and wanting to find out more. This was a fairly fast read, and the writing was stunningly done.
All that said, this was certainly not what I was expecting, but it’s wonderful all the same. There was just enough romance that it had me on the edge of my seat waiting for more—and that first kiss was to DIE for. I adored the twist at the end, as well as the newspaper cutouts! It was such a brilliant and authentic way to reveal the truth about what happens and how all the secrets were revealed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the free eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Fortune of Sand by Ruta Sepetys is a nuanced historical novel set in prohibition-era Detroit just as it was earning the nickname Motor City.
The Lennox family has made a fortune selling glass windshields to the auto industry, and the new-adult children (in their 20s) have grown up in riches and relative splendor among the elite in nearby Grosse Pointe. But underneath the carefully controlled image are secrets and a malevolent darkness. The family is in chaos as the grandfather and father aren't speaking following a rift over how the company should be run. One of the youngest children, Marjorie, secretly accepts a private artist's residency to work on fashion design -- but only her brother Graham knows. Marjorie lets the rest of the family believe she's gone away to the family cottage to get away from the family drama. Graham and Chet, another sister, are secretly plotting revenge on a family member, with somewhat hilarious side effects. Marjorie's residency is spartan in its accommodations and imposes boundaries like she has never known, but also has an air of mystery as it is fronted by the enigmatic (and rumored gangster) Bonafonte, to whom Marjorie felt an instant attraction the one time they met at a social engagement. Subplots include women mysteriously disappearing from the artist's residency, gangsters and blackmail, stolen jewels, and news reporters sniffing out stories that reach beyond the society pages. Many of these were inspired by real-life incidents that author Ruta Sepetys discovered while researching newspapers of that era from her hometown of Detroit. The novel progresses from the shallow happenings of an eccentric family to a more refined look at image, power, and a world within living memory where women lacked the ability to control their own destinies.
Sepetys has made a career out of writing historical fiction for young adults. Despite the adult tag on this title, it will be a good fit in most high school libraries. The main characters aren't much older than high school graduates. What makes this book ‘adult’ aren’t the brief mentions of sex and alcohol but instead the slow build of the story, which might require a slightly more mature and experienced reader compared to Sepetys’ previous young adult titles.
The Lennox family has made a fortune selling glass windshields to the auto industry, and the new-adult children (in their 20s) have grown up in riches and relative splendor among the elite in nearby Grosse Pointe. But underneath the carefully controlled image are secrets and a malevolent darkness. The family is in chaos as the grandfather and father aren't speaking following a rift over how the company should be run. One of the youngest children, Marjorie, secretly accepts a private artist's residency to work on fashion design -- but only her brother Graham knows. Marjorie lets the rest of the family believe she's gone away to the family cottage to get away from the family drama. Graham and Chet, another sister, are secretly plotting revenge on a family member, with somewhat hilarious side effects. Marjorie's residency is spartan in its accommodations and imposes boundaries like she has never known, but also has an air of mystery as it is fronted by the enigmatic (and rumored gangster) Bonafonte, to whom Marjorie felt an instant attraction the one time they met at a social engagement. Subplots include women mysteriously disappearing from the artist's residency, gangsters and blackmail, stolen jewels, and news reporters sniffing out stories that reach beyond the society pages. Many of these were inspired by real-life incidents that author Ruta Sepetys discovered while researching newspapers of that era from her hometown of Detroit. The novel progresses from the shallow happenings of an eccentric family to a more refined look at image, power, and a world within living memory where women lacked the ability to control their own destinies.
Sepetys has made a career out of writing historical fiction for young adults. Despite the adult tag on this title, it will be a good fit in most high school libraries. The main characters aren't much older than high school graduates. What makes this book ‘adult’ aren’t the brief mentions of sex and alcohol but instead the slow build of the story, which might require a slightly more mature and experienced reader compared to Sepetys’ previous young adult titles.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been looking forward to this most recent Sepetys novel, and ultimately, I enjoyed it.
Things I disliked:
Some of the dialogue between the family was confusing or felt strange or pushed in some way, especially when getting to know the characters.
The history in this novel didn't feel as important or meaningful as the history in some of Sepetys' other books, but that could be directly related to the era of history--a book about a war-torn group of refugees will feel more important than a book about Detroit's automobile industry families. For the Sepetys reader, I would compare this book to Out of the Easy.
Things I liked:
I thoroughly enjoyed the main character, Marjorie. I thought she was a delight. Her naivety was at times annoying, but isn't that the way naivety strikes in real life as well? I could see where as the youngest daughter in this privileged family, she ended up that way. I also enjoyed Marjorie's growth throughout the story.
The other characters were interesting, intriguing, or deeply disturbing. Graham and Chet, Marjorie's two closest siblings are entertaining. Their antics, trying to deal with difficult situations in their lives, are often silly and at times hilarious. Marjorie's friends in the artist program, Ivy and Bernice, were well-nuanced, and I would have happily read about their activities for far longer than they were on the page. Marjorie's father, other sister, and brother-in-law were not my favorites, but part of that was due to their activities and their attitudes toward Marjorie.
Charles Bonafante, the MMC, was mysterious and dashing but became layered as the novel progressed.
This was good historical fiction where I understood many things better about the era after reading--the automobile industry in its early days, Detroit during the 20s, how women were treated during this time period, as well as a good glimpse into the lives of the elites of society, whether old or new money. It was like reading a much lighter and airier version of The Great Gatsby, without all of the heartache and death.
Thank you Ballantine and Netgalley for providing this digital ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
Things I disliked:
Some of the dialogue between the family was confusing or felt strange or pushed in some way, especially when getting to know the characters.
The history in this novel didn't feel as important or meaningful as the history in some of Sepetys' other books, but that could be directly related to the era of history--a book about a war-torn group of refugees will feel more important than a book about Detroit's automobile industry families. For the Sepetys reader, I would compare this book to Out of the Easy.
Things I liked:
I thoroughly enjoyed the main character, Marjorie. I thought she was a delight. Her naivety was at times annoying, but isn't that the way naivety strikes in real life as well? I could see where as the youngest daughter in this privileged family, she ended up that way. I also enjoyed Marjorie's growth throughout the story.
The other characters were interesting, intriguing, or deeply disturbing. Graham and Chet, Marjorie's two closest siblings are entertaining. Their antics, trying to deal with difficult situations in their lives, are often silly and at times hilarious. Marjorie's friends in the artist program, Ivy and Bernice, were well-nuanced, and I would have happily read about their activities for far longer than they were on the page. Marjorie's father, other sister, and brother-in-law were not my favorites, but part of that was due to their activities and their attitudes toward Marjorie.
Charles Bonafante, the MMC, was mysterious and dashing but became layered as the novel progressed.
This was good historical fiction where I understood many things better about the era after reading--the automobile industry in its early days, Detroit during the 20s, how women were treated during this time period, as well as a good glimpse into the lives of the elites of society, whether old or new money. It was like reading a much lighter and airier version of The Great Gatsby, without all of the heartache and death.
Thank you Ballantine and Netgalley for providing this digital ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
March 18, 2026
This historical novel is set in prohibition-era Detroit, aka Motor City. The wealthy Lennox family has made its fortune in the auto glass industry. Consequently, the children, now young adults, have grown up in riches and splendor among the elite if Grosse Pointe. This family has dark and malevolent secrets.
Marjorie, one of the youngest children, has secretly accepted a private artist's residency to work on fashion design. Only her brother Graham knows the truth and Marjorie leads her family to believe she's gone away to the family cottage to escape the drama at home, Marjorie doesn’t fit into the family dynamic. She's overlooked, ignored and maybe even shunned by her controlling father and self-absorbed siblings.
Marjorie arrives to find her residency accommodations to be very basic, clean, and are accompanied by extremely strict and odd rules.
The story moves along at a painfully slow pace with a few points of drama as women in the residency mysteriously disappear, among gangsters, blackmail, and stolen jewels. Still the intrigue of the residency was enough to keep me reading.
Some of the story’s events are inspired by real-life incidents that author Ruta Sepetys discovered while researching newspapers of that era from her hometown of Detroit.
Sepetys' writing career has previously involved fascinating historical fiction for young adults. A Fortune of Sand veers from her norm as it is geared to the adult reader but it could well fit in high school libraries as well. The main characters aren't much older than high school graduates.
Don’t bypass the afterword about the author's research of Detroit during the prohibition time. Sepetys shares her own family stories of growing up in Detroit. Sepetys does what she does best, highlighting a time in history that most people have never heard or have forgotten.
Marjorie, one of the youngest children, has secretly accepted a private artist's residency to work on fashion design. Only her brother Graham knows the truth and Marjorie leads her family to believe she's gone away to the family cottage to escape the drama at home, Marjorie doesn’t fit into the family dynamic. She's overlooked, ignored and maybe even shunned by her controlling father and self-absorbed siblings.
Marjorie arrives to find her residency accommodations to be very basic, clean, and are accompanied by extremely strict and odd rules.
The story moves along at a painfully slow pace with a few points of drama as women in the residency mysteriously disappear, among gangsters, blackmail, and stolen jewels. Still the intrigue of the residency was enough to keep me reading.
Some of the story’s events are inspired by real-life incidents that author Ruta Sepetys discovered while researching newspapers of that era from her hometown of Detroit.
Sepetys' writing career has previously involved fascinating historical fiction for young adults. A Fortune of Sand veers from her norm as it is geared to the adult reader but it could well fit in high school libraries as well. The main characters aren't much older than high school graduates.
Don’t bypass the afterword about the author's research of Detroit during the prohibition time. Sepetys shares her own family stories of growing up in Detroit. Sepetys does what she does best, highlighting a time in history that most people have never heard or have forgotten.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Ruta Sepetys previous novels as she often wrote about historical events that most people are unfamiliar with. This novel as no exception as it takes place in prohibition era Detroit. I really didn't really know what this book was about before I read it, but since I loved all her other books, I was eager to read it.
This is her first adult novel. She tackles a lot of subjects such as mental health, toxic/dysfunctional families, crime, the treatment of women in the upper class, being true to oneself , the opportunity to forgive, as well as a few others. At first, I thought the banter between the siblings was obnoxious - especially with Graham and Chet. As the book went on, there seems to be so many family secrets as well as sub plots it was a little hard to keep track of. It did come together towards the end of the book.
I really enjoyed the character growth of Marjorie. She went from a flighty, spoiled youngest child to someone who was able to stand up to others and support those she loved by being selfless, compassionate, and empathic. In the end she had a few choices should could have made - and she took the high road instead of trying to get back at everyone that wronged her.
I loved the afterword about the author's research of Detroit during the prohibition time (The author shares her own family stories as she grew up in this area). The newspaper clippings were very interesting in that they gave her inspiration for some of the plot lines in the book. Again, Sepetys does a great job of bringing to light a time in history that most people forgot about.
I loved Ruta Sepetys previous novels as she often wrote about historical events that most people are unfamiliar with. This novel as no exception as it takes place in prohibition era Detroit. I really didn't really know what this book was about before I read it, but since I loved all her other books, I was eager to read it.
This is her first adult novel. She tackles a lot of subjects such as mental health, toxic/dysfunctional families, crime, the treatment of women in the upper class, being true to oneself , the opportunity to forgive, as well as a few others. At first, I thought the banter between the siblings was obnoxious - especially with Graham and Chet. As the book went on, there seems to be so many family secrets as well as sub plots it was a little hard to keep track of. It did come together towards the end of the book.
I really enjoyed the character growth of Marjorie. She went from a flighty, spoiled youngest child to someone who was able to stand up to others and support those she loved by being selfless, compassionate, and empathic. In the end she had a few choices should could have made - and she took the high road instead of trying to get back at everyone that wronged her.
I loved the afterword about the author's research of Detroit during the prohibition time (The author shares her own family stories as she grew up in this area). The newspaper clippings were very interesting in that they gave her inspiration for some of the plot lines in the book. Again, Sepetys does a great job of bringing to light a time in history that most people forgot about.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75/5 stars, rounded up!
Ruta Sepetys has been an auto-read/auto-buy author for me since 2016. My first introduction to her was Salt to the Sea, which is a masterpiece, by the way. While this wasn't my favorite story of hers, it was still beautifully crafted. I'm always so impressed by her writing style as well as the effort that she puts into her books. Sepetys always makes sure to research, research, and do even more research. She researches historical events and does thorough research into firsthand accounts, but she uses her research to create a mix of history with her own spin.
I will always be appreciative of Sepetys. She has taught me a lot through her books. This one was also exciting as previously her books were categorized as "young adult" and this one has crossed into the "adult" territory! Again, masterful writing and she's a great storyteller with such a dedication to research. That being said, I did like this book less than her others. The content of this book felt a bit different than her previous works. This one reminded me a bit more of The Great Gatsby, if anything. Her other books felt more removed from this one. There was nothing inherently wrong with this story, I just didn't feel as gripped by it as her other works. I think she has a strong talent for writing war stories, and I think I was missing that here. Again, absolutely no fault of her own, but my own preference.
It was still a total delight to be approved to read this book. I was incredibly excited to see it come through and I felt honored to have the early opportunity! Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Ruta Sepetys has been an auto-read/auto-buy author for me since 2016. My first introduction to her was Salt to the Sea, which is a masterpiece, by the way. While this wasn't my favorite story of hers, it was still beautifully crafted. I'm always so impressed by her writing style as well as the effort that she puts into her books. Sepetys always makes sure to research, research, and do even more research. She researches historical events and does thorough research into firsthand accounts, but she uses her research to create a mix of history with her own spin.
I will always be appreciative of Sepetys. She has taught me a lot through her books. This one was also exciting as previously her books were categorized as "young adult" and this one has crossed into the "adult" territory! Again, masterful writing and she's a great storyteller with such a dedication to research. That being said, I did like this book less than her others. The content of this book felt a bit different than her previous works. This one reminded me a bit more of The Great Gatsby, if anything. Her other books felt more removed from this one. There was nothing inherently wrong with this story, I just didn't feel as gripped by it as her other works. I think she has a strong talent for writing war stories, and I think I was missing that here. Again, absolutely no fault of her own, but my own preference.
It was still a total delight to be approved to read this book. I was incredibly excited to see it come through and I felt honored to have the early opportunity! Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 4, 2026
A Fortune of Sand by Rita Sepetys is a dazzling and dangerous glimpse into the lifestyle of Detroit, Michigan in 1927. Her debut adult novel is a haunting historical tale set during Prohibition, weaving together gangsters, jewel heists, automobile dynasties, and stories long forgotten.
At the center is Marjorie Lennox, a bubbly, aspiring fashion designer determined to forge her own path despite her father’s harsh expectations. As the truth-to-a-fault daughter of a windshield developer during the height of the automobile boom…she longs to prove to her eccentric family that she can succeed if she only follows her heart. For Marjorie, fashion is her heartbeat. Yet part of her heart also beats for a mysterious, reserved man she has spoken to only once.
With the help of her dashing, Yale-educated, boisterous brother Graham, and her melancholy, death-obsessed sister Chet, Marjorie secretly attends a women-only artistic residency in a Detroit Mansion — hosted by the very man her heart longs for.
While the residency starts as a dream opportunity for her, slowly things start to darken. Women disappear in the night. Strange sounds echo throughout the halls. Rules are strictly enforced, and Marjorie senses that there might be something sinister lurking behind this residency. As secrets start to unravel in the mansion, her family is starting to come apart at the seams, as the years of hidden secrets start to come to light. Marjorie must face truths that threaten her dreams and more importantly, her life.
Rita Sepetys skillfully transports you to the glamour and grit of the 1920’s. She captures the tension between wealth and corruption, ambition and loyalty. This novel is a must-read for those who seek richly detailed historical fiction that is seamlessly weaved with mystery, family drama, and the timeless strength of self-determination. Marjorie’s story will stay with you long after the final sentence. Thank you to Ballentine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. I loved this book and I will remember it for years to come.
At the center is Marjorie Lennox, a bubbly, aspiring fashion designer determined to forge her own path despite her father’s harsh expectations. As the truth-to-a-fault daughter of a windshield developer during the height of the automobile boom…she longs to prove to her eccentric family that she can succeed if she only follows her heart. For Marjorie, fashion is her heartbeat. Yet part of her heart also beats for a mysterious, reserved man she has spoken to only once.
With the help of her dashing, Yale-educated, boisterous brother Graham, and her melancholy, death-obsessed sister Chet, Marjorie secretly attends a women-only artistic residency in a Detroit Mansion — hosted by the very man her heart longs for.
While the residency starts as a dream opportunity for her, slowly things start to darken. Women disappear in the night. Strange sounds echo throughout the halls. Rules are strictly enforced, and Marjorie senses that there might be something sinister lurking behind this residency. As secrets start to unravel in the mansion, her family is starting to come apart at the seams, as the years of hidden secrets start to come to light. Marjorie must face truths that threaten her dreams and more importantly, her life.
Rita Sepetys skillfully transports you to the glamour and grit of the 1920’s. She captures the tension between wealth and corruption, ambition and loyalty. This novel is a must-read for those who seek richly detailed historical fiction that is seamlessly weaved with mystery, family drama, and the timeless strength of self-determination. Marjorie’s story will stay with you long after the final sentence. Thank you to Ballentine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. I loved this book and I will remember it for years to come.
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