What do you think?
Rate this book
Ambition & Destiny #2
Less Than Equals
A woman’s place is in the home… That’s what she’s always been told. But Harriet has other ideas...
In 1860’s England, it’s a man’s world and women aren’t expected … or allowed … to upset the status quo.
Living with her domineering uncle, Harriet is desperate to break free. Could the charming young man who has come to stay with them be her way out? Or will he be just like the rest? Happy to keep her in her place…
Not prepared to sit around while her dreams die, Harriet risks everything to stand her ground.
But she underestimates how far some will go to silence her.
Inspired by a true story, Less Than Equals continues the epic saga of one family’s trials, tragedies, and triumphs as they seek their fortune in Victorian-era England.
In 1860’s England, it’s a man’s world and women aren’t expected … or allowed … to upset the status quo.
Living with her domineering uncle, Harriet is desperate to break free. Could the charming young man who has come to stay with them be her way out? Or will he be just like the rest? Happy to keep her in her place…
Not prepared to sit around while her dreams die, Harriet risks everything to stand her ground.
But she underestimates how far some will go to silence her.
Inspired by a true story, Less Than Equals continues the epic saga of one family’s trials, tragedies, and triumphs as they seek their fortune in Victorian-era England.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2024
761 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
V.L. McBeath
33 books75 followersVal is an accidental author! She started writing in 2010 when she realised the family history research she was working on would make a great story.
That story ultimately turned into The Ambition & Destiny Series, a five part series with a short story prequel.
By the time that was complete, Val had developed a taste for writing and began a series of historical cozy mysteries - Eliza Thomson Investigates.
Prior to writing, Val trained as a scientist and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years. In 2012, she set up her own consultancy business, and currently splits her time between business and writing.
Born and raised in Liverpool (UK), Val now lives in Cheshire with her husband, two daughters and a cat. In addition to family history, her interests include rock music and Liverpool Football Club.
That story ultimately turned into The Ambition & Destiny Series, a five part series with a short story prequel.
By the time that was complete, Val had developed a taste for writing and began a series of historical cozy mysteries - Eliza Thomson Investigates.
Prior to writing, Val trained as a scientist and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years. In 2012, she set up her own consultancy business, and currently splits her time between business and writing.
Born and raised in Liverpool (UK), Val now lives in Cheshire with her husband, two daughters and a cat. In addition to family history, her interests include rock music and Liverpool Football Club.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 29, 2017
The feminist torch is passed down from Mary to Harriet as she weds into the Wetherby clan in Author VL McBeath’s second chapter of her Ambition & Destiny Series, “Less Than Equals”, and the family could not be more at odds.
After having read “Hooks & Eyes: Part I of the Ambition & Destiny Series”, reentering the world of the Wetherby’s felt like coming home to family, for the novel reflects a familiarity and warmth that only family can provide. Soon enough, however, “Less Than Equals” becomes a real page-turner as a conflict of generations and ideas begins to impact households, causing a vast assortment of ill-tidings and tragedies to occur.
McBeath’s writing is superb and her characters reach a depth seldom attained in any of today’s modern romance novels. The grand tapestry of their lives reflects the burgeoning tide that heralded the movement away from the prim and proper matrons of the Victorian Era toward women’s equality in the modern age. In “Less Than Equals” we see women taking on more responsibilities and a greater voice in shaping the destinies of their families, and thus their own lives. This is a powerful journey that gives today’s woman a unique perspective on the tremendous, and oftentimes bitter challenges that our fore-mothers had to overcome I order to earn their places in a male-dominated world.
After having read “Hooks & Eyes: Part I of the Ambition & Destiny Series”, reentering the world of the Wetherby’s felt like coming home to family, for the novel reflects a familiarity and warmth that only family can provide. Soon enough, however, “Less Than Equals” becomes a real page-turner as a conflict of generations and ideas begins to impact households, causing a vast assortment of ill-tidings and tragedies to occur.
McBeath’s writing is superb and her characters reach a depth seldom attained in any of today’s modern romance novels. The grand tapestry of their lives reflects the burgeoning tide that heralded the movement away from the prim and proper matrons of the Victorian Era toward women’s equality in the modern age. In “Less Than Equals” we see women taking on more responsibilities and a greater voice in shaping the destinies of their families, and thus their own lives. This is a powerful journey that gives today’s woman a unique perspective on the tremendous, and oftentimes bitter challenges that our fore-mothers had to overcome I order to earn their places in a male-dominated world.
July 20, 2017
I'm not always the biggest reader of historical fiction works, but McBeath is an amazing author I'll go back to time and again.
The writing is just wonderful! Narration really draws the reader in and characters are in depth. They add something fun to the novel. There is good plot development and interesting twists that will get you hooked waiting for the next part of the book.
I truly enjoyed this story and am excited for the next part!
I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
The writing is just wonderful! Narration really draws the reader in and characters are in depth. They add something fun to the novel. There is good plot development and interesting twists that will get you hooked waiting for the next part of the book.
I truly enjoyed this story and am excited for the next part!
I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
June 3, 2018
This book is Part 2 of The Ambition & Destiny Series (see my review for Part 1, Hook & Eyes here on Goodreads).
V.L. McBeath continues her fictional story (inspired by a true story) which takes place in 19th Century Victorian England. McBeath does an amazing job of fleshing out her characters, and you will feel you know them inside and out as you follow along.
This story revolves mostly around Mary, who marries William, the son of one of the main characters in Part 1. Mt. Wetherby also plays an important role again, and he's a character you will come to love and despise at the same time.
So as not to give an spoilers, I will just say that each part of this series ends on a cliffhanger, and as such, the books do need to be read in order. It's a great series!
V.L. McBeath continues her fictional story (inspired by a true story) which takes place in 19th Century Victorian England. McBeath does an amazing job of fleshing out her characters, and you will feel you know them inside and out as you follow along.
This story revolves mostly around Mary, who marries William, the son of one of the main characters in Part 1. Mt. Wetherby also plays an important role again, and he's a character you will come to love and despise at the same time.
So as not to give an spoilers, I will just say that each part of this series ends on a cliffhanger, and as such, the books do need to be read in order. It's a great series!
February 10, 2018
Mary's children are growing up and William is now of an age to marry. Part 2 features more of the young man and his life, although Mary is still very much part of the story. Harriet Watkins, Mr Watkin's niece has caught William's eye , much to the relief of her uncle who believes that she is more a liability than an asset - an intelligent, head strong girl, who has no qualms speaking her mind, has no place in 18 century England. In fact, the fact she is as outspoken as that, has made Mr Watkins more determined to break her spirit and punish her. It is painful to see how much power men had over the women, and how dangerous standing up for what you believe in, can be.
Compulsive reading, this saga continues the lives and times of the Jackson-Wetherby family. It will stir feelings anger and hatred, you will grit your teeth to stop yourself from yelling and snarling at the injustice, you will cry for their heart breaks - Oh readers, be warned - once you embark on this journey, there is no turning back! Roll on Part 3
Compulsive reading, this saga continues the lives and times of the Jackson-Wetherby family. It will stir feelings anger and hatred, you will grit your teeth to stop yourself from yelling and snarling at the injustice, you will cry for their heart breaks - Oh readers, be warned - once you embark on this journey, there is no turning back! Roll on Part 3
February 15, 2019
Enjoying
I am enjoying this series, with book 2 I have established a love for the characters and starting the next in the saga. This is a beautiful Victorian set family and romance series.
I am enjoying this series, with book 2 I have established a love for the characters and starting the next in the saga. This is a beautiful Victorian set family and romance series.
June 30, 2019
This is book #2 which is an interesting and entertaining which continues based on a true story of the author's ancestors for many generations. This book had many character that come alive as you read. There are five books in this series, I enjoyed each one..
December 29, 2017
The story gets more involved with each book and the characters are coming alive more and more but while one issue gets resolved other issues get carried forward. Onto the next book.
January 7, 2019
This was a great series
January 25, 2019
Disappointing
No personality. No charm. Not well written. Bland. HoHum. Depressing. Characters have no spark. Plot is non existent. Just plain misery for females on every page.
No personality. No charm. Not well written. Bland. HoHum. Depressing. Characters have no spark. Plot is non existent. Just plain misery for females on every page.
April 27, 2019
Compelling!
Couldn't quit reading...every page is interesting and exciting! Enjoyed this family saga and can't wait to read next installment.
Couldn't quit reading...every page is interesting and exciting! Enjoyed this family saga and can't wait to read next installment.
December 6, 2020
Takes place in England during the Victorian Era, mid 1800’s. Women have no rights! The husband controls everything even her inheritance and whether she is allowed to go anywhere. Their education is limited and their duty is to maintain the home and birth babies. Mary the main character from the 1st book is also in this book but her children are grown and married and Harriet, her daughter in law, is one of the lead characters in this book. Harriet is an intelligent woman and does not like the restrictions imposed upon her and fights against them. I can imagine that it was very difficult to be a woman during this time period. Great character development. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 14, 2023
Another in the series of this Victorian Soap Opera. But I have admit it is addicting. The topic of equal rights and women’s suffrage are dominant and because of the author’s research, I feel certain many of the appalling scenarios were fact based. The language is a bit dramatic but given the time period, perhaps that is accurate. Again, we’re left with a cliffhanger so I guess I’ll read the next one as well. Drama in a hoop skirt and bonnet!!!
February 17, 2022
Great story
This book was very emotional to say the least. These women has such a hard life. During that time and fir a long while after a women had to have a husband and more so if she had children. Sometimes families would helo out single women or widows but, that was also probalamatic because no one in that time had alot of money or assests except the ultra rich.
This book was very emotional to say the least. These women has such a hard life. During that time and fir a long while after a women had to have a husband and more so if she had children. Sometimes families would helo out single women or widows but, that was also probalamatic because no one in that time had alot of money or assests except the ultra rich.
April 1, 2022
Less than Equals
It is always interesting to read about the days spent by women in Victorian England. In this day and time with all the freedoms it's hard to imagine how Men dictated every aspect of a woman S life.
It is always interesting to read about the days spent by women in Victorian England. In this day and time with all the freedoms it's hard to imagine how Men dictated every aspect of a woman S life.
May 28, 2019
Cant wait to get to next book. You move page to page not wanting to have it end
February 23, 2021
What a great book
I'm really enjoying this series. Book one was great book two even better. I can't wait to start book 3.
I'm really enjoying this series. Book one was great book two even better. I can't wait to start book 3.
November 12, 2021
I am completely taken with the characters and mesmerized by the time period: Victorian/era England. I am definitely going to read the entire series! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews