A Soft Place to Land

by Kelsey Kranz

After an unexpectedly intimate encounter in the fall of 1950, best friends Virginia and Elaine part ways to each follow their dreams—Elaine to medical school, and Virginia to find a husband. When Elaine returns, and Virginia turns up in the middle of the night, the two realize their mutual youthful crush has evolved into much deeper romantic feelings. But in an era when widespread fears of communism produce immense pressure to adhere to rigid social norms, there is no path for two women to fall in love. Together, they must learn how to protect their relationship—and each other—from the consequences of choosing love.

Genres: Historical

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2025

Reviews

[kelisliveshere˚₊⋆ ʚɞ ⋆₊˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sadly a little underwhelmed.

I think this author is pretty good at writing and it was honestly a very heartfelt story. It was just lacking in too many plot areas for me to rate higher. There was so much room to expound on important plot points and I’m disappointed she didn’t jump on those opportunities.

I did read a bit about how this book came to be so honestly, very impressive. It’s just that, given the nature of the story, I wish there was more focus on particularly one aspect of the story. Outside of that, the MCs were clearly written with care and compassion.

If this was a novella I’d have given 5 stars but I think there was enough time to really hone in, and that just didn’t happen.

Despite that, please read the book of you see this!

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 sentence synopsis: Best friends Virginia and Elaine share a night of naive touches and kissing before Elaine goes away to medical school for 6 years, but they stay in touch through friend/love letters. Upon Elaine's return to their small town, Virginia flees the brand new marriage she mistakenly entered (thinking she needed a man for stability) and finds refuge with Elaine. The two women navigate their shared life of love, friendship, and commitment while living in the 1950s.

If you want a cozy queer HistRom that is 80% slice-of-life vibes and 20% actual plot, this book is for you. A Soft Place to Land begins with the two FMCs as besties who declare their love for each other. Despite a 6-year separation while Elaine is away at medical school, the two women never stop loving each other. I enjoyed the exploration of what a queer existence would look like for two women in a small town in the 1950s. The pacing of this book was different from most romances, but I found it highly readable.

Overall rating: 3.5 stars

[Mary-Jean Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely cozy sapphic romance. I love that there was amazing communication and no third act breakup. I loved the devopment in this friends to lovers story. I hope this author writes another! I love that I can read this story multiple times and still get the same fuzzy feelings.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In A Soft Place to Land, Virginia and Elaine’s story is both tender and quietly powerful. Their open, honest connection and the love they build, despite the pressures of the time, make this much more than just a romance. The historical setting feels vivid and real, and the characters are so thoughtfully written that it’s easy to get swept up in their world. This book is a beautiful reminder that even in difficult times, love, trust, and the courage to be yourself can still shine through. It’s the kind of story that lingers with you long after the last page. So grab your copy immediately, find a comfortable spot to settle in, and enjoy this beautiful story.

Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com

[Robin Thaxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a sweet sapphic period romance

So sweet and lovely I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend it for anyone like me who loves reading about historical sapphic romances. Made me cry a little at the end but they were good tears.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

H/H