I don't love the second chance romance trope, but I thought this was executed in an interesting way. It was low key impossible to figure out the plot based on some of the summaries I saw, so I actually requested this book based more on author than description. While there are elements like You Deserve Each Other (tension, misunderstood hatred, etc.) this book also feels very separate in a way I really liked. Anyways, on to the review!
For characters, I think Hogle did a pretty good job. I liked the main two, but the others also just seemed really fun even when I didn't love them. There was no real villain, just a need for everyone to get over themselves and stop lying to each other. I didn't always like how Alex operated, but Romina didn't seem to care, so go off I guess?
In terms of relationships, my thoughts are mixed but also positive. Romina and Alex had INSANE amounts of chemistry, and I was swooning left and right, but they were pretty bad at communication. Spoiler alert, but they breezed over the fact that he heard about her child-related emotional damage and really didn't tell her he had a kid and let her find out abruptly at a wedding where she couldn't outwardly express anything??? Otherwise, though, WOW. I kind of hated Naomi's outlook on her relationship in YDEO, but Romina was actually pretty likable and I adored the tension between her and Alex.
With plot, the end of the book actually made me really mad in the sense that I wanted more. This was a couple whose relationship I got to watch from high school to a second chance, but I couldn't get more? Booooooo. When I turned the page to the acknowledgements, I was just really disappointed. That's both a compliment and not because while every book should make me want more, it shouldn't make me feel like it's unfinished even if it does give off series vibes (about the other two sisters, though, probably with Romina and Alex in the background). Otherwise, pacing was good, and the flashbacks were done well enough that they didn't consume the book, but they gave necessary background.
Overall, I'd totally recommend this book to fans of low fantasy and high romance, even those who didn't like other books from the author. The chemistry is off the charts, I just wish the book was 50-100 pages longer for some reason. Enjoyment level was a 10/10 until I was done, though!

Ever since reading You Deserve Each Other way back in 2020, I’ve been a big fan of Sarah Hogle’s brand of chaos and romance, so naturally I immediately added her newest release to my TBR list. Unfortunately, this book was not for me in a variety of ways. A lack of foundation for the romance and strong characterization made Old Flames and New Fortunes fall flat for me.

In a small town called Moonville, Romina Tempest runs a magical shop with her two sisters, Luna and Zelda, with the help of Trevor, the now-owner. After purchasing the neighboring rundown lot, they’re in desperate need of a loan from Trever’s father Daniel. However, after a misunderstanding at what turns out to be Daniel’s wedding announcement with the entire family, everyone thinks Romina and Trevor are dating, which they decide not to clear up once they learn that both of their exes are there. The only issue? For Romina, her ex is Alex, the high school sweetheart who broke her heart eleven years ago and the one who she never really got over. Now, he’s the bride’s son so they’re thrown together constantly over this weekend, resurfacing old, intense feelings.

Typically I start a review with what I liked about the book but honestly, there wasn’t really anything I enjoyed about this book…I don’t even think it was necessarily bad but I just genuinely didn’t care for the characters or the plot (what of it that we had) or the romance. As usual, these are my thoughts, you might feel differently, etc.

The biggest issue I had was with the romance. I’m very much a person who cannot get into romances unless the couple has a decent foundation. Other than a couple random flashbacks, I don’t think we got enough explanation for why Romina and Alex’s dynamic/hatred is so intense now, eleven years later. It seemed like a pretty typical high school break-up to me; even that I’d excuse if there was a little more detail but there was such a disconnect between that and their anguish now that I could not get into their dynamic at all.

Their current dynamic of petty hatred felt akin to that of Naomi and Nicholas from You Deserve Each Other, but again, there we had a lot of explanation for why they both act the way they do. Here, the two of them broke up, and I cannot emphasize this enough, eleven years ago because essentially they didn’t want the same things as teenagers. Again, there are a few flashbacks but they really did nothing to set the scene for what I would’ve assumed to be an epic romance, so anytime Romina or Alex would talk about back then or how the other has changed or how they haven’t, etc, I would be pulled out of the story even more.

The fake dating part of the story takes up a little less than half of the book, maybe? The rest is Romina and Alex relearning each other and falling back in love, so you can understand my frustration with the book when the majority of it just had no foundation whatsoever.

I think the worldbuilding of the book also felt very disconnected as well. Romina and her sisters are witches; Romina is a flora fortunist, meaning she makes customized bouquets that will nudge people in the right direction. The first chapter or so lays the magic part on really thick, in an info dumping way. I say this only because supposedly the town they live in itself is supposed to be magical but we see that in action maybe once or twice. Otherwise, it’s a focus on Romina and her sisters’ powers, but inserted into random parts of the story in a way that didn’t feel cohesive to the story at all. I would say almost in a way that felt like it was added into the story later because you could’ve taken all of the magical parts and the book would’ve been exactly the same.

The last point I’ll talk about isn’t necessarily an issue with the book but one that made Romina’s characterization harder for me to relate to was the fact that her character is very much centered on the fact that she wants children and to have a stable, loving family one day. This is something not super relatable for me, which is fine! It’s just that much of her internal narration (when not thinking about Alex) is intensely spent on how she wants children; by this, I mean pages-long monologues that occur multiple times throughout the story. Again, this is not an issue with the book, but I’m bringing this up because I think some other readers might also not be into this part.

In the end, Old Flames and New Fortunes was not a very cohesive book to me. There was such a disconnect in the romance’s dynamic as well as in the worldbuilding that I struggled to find anything that I liked. You may enjoy this one more than I did, especially if you liked the dynamic of the romance from Hogle’s debut, or honestly you may not if you’re not into books that center around wanting to have children.

I just love Sarah Hogle!!! I went in with super high expectations since You Deserve Each Other is one my favourite all-time books and I loved this so much! The town, the characters, the writing, was all done so well. Such a great second-chance romance for all romance lovers!

Hogle’s novels are always a hoot, full of crazy antics, and hilarious characters. Its what I love most about her writing.

I will say it’s best to keep romance expectations low on this one and focus on the wackiness and absurdness of everything. Hoyle wrote into fruition the all time book boyfriend in Wesley Koehler (From Twice Shy) but honestly in this, I loathed Alex as the MMC. I thought him too self righteous and selfish. This kicks off with a fake dating trope between Romina (MFC) and Trevor (soon to be stepbrother of Alex). It bugged me that Alex got all jealous when he had no right to be. Plus in the beginning not only did he not respect Romina’s choice in profession he also openly made fun it. Yeah like no babe, red flags all around.

Then there was that twist that just made me want to smack Alex upside the head, especially considering what Romina has been through and what she had already told him about her past!

Romina and the side characters were great though. Trevor especially was giving golden retriever vibes. Hoping this is going to be a series following the other sisters with how it ended!

4/5 ⭐️

Enigmatic and enchanting. Hogle has done something special here. No one writes in this style. Engaging and charming and I cannot say enough good things

Thank you so much to Putnam for the ARC! Unfortunately, this was not for me.

One of the biggest reasons was that the MMC kept a HUGE secret from the FMC for the majority of the book and it just rubbed me the wrong way. I ended up just fully disliking the MMC Alex and he did not have any redeeming qualities for me. Because of that, I could not feel the connection between the two main characters.

The plot itself was really interesting and I liked the magic shop element but beyond that I did not feel any connection to this book.

Thank you to NetGalley & Putnam Books for the ARC!

OMG THIS BOOK WAS SO CUTE!!!!!
I was a little skeptical at first going in because the first couple of chapters seemed like filler to me. The author just seemed to be using a multitude of descriptive words that didn't really add anything to the structure of the sentences. However, as I continued to read, my previous thoughts went away as we got a bit of insight into the main character Romina. Her connection to the magical realism world, and nature was right up my alley. Along with this, I absolutely adored the strong roles the side characters played throughout the book. We get a deep dive into Romina's relationship with her sisters and friends working at the town's shop. The banter, and deception was just hilarious.

Now I can't forget about Alex. Oh boy, where to begin. The chemistry between him and Romina was off the charts, definitely rooted back to their past history with each other. A perfect portrayal of second chance romance, branched from one of my favorite tropes, friends to lovers. Ugh honestly the scenes depicting Alex pinning over Romina is just adorable. The reader also gets a chance to dive into some small moments of their past relationship with a few flashback chapters.

Definitely the perfect read if you're looking for something light, fun and fast paced! Plus it's witchy elements makes it fit wonderfully into the fall season!

Ugh. I was excited for this with the adorable cover and fun blurb!

BOY. Maybe I don’t mesh with Hogle’s writing too well..? I DNFd Twice Shy and actually didn’t get thru YDEO the first time around (tho I ended up trying it again and liking it) because I felt like my initial impressions of the characters were unlikable. It was the same instance here, except I truly was getting the ick from everyone, especially Alex. Why he act like that.

I got through about 35%, feeling no spark between Romina and Alex at all. Then I skimmed the rest and I’m glad, because it seems like a disaster. I will say that a lot of Romina’s character revolves around her wanting to have children which is not something I at all relate to, so it was exhausting to hear her talk about it all the time. And then the “twist”?? No thank you. The ending is abrupt and there’s just too much going on in this book. I’ll probably avoid any Hogle books for a bit.

Unfortunately this was not my favorite book. I don’t mind the fake dating or second chance romance trope, however I felt that it wasn’t executed well here.

I absolutely did not find any romantic connection between Romina and Alex. Though there was a lot of banter between them, nothing stood out that made me believe they were each other’s first love. The romance between them was lackluster. The spicy scene seemed way too forced and came out of nowhere, like not in a cohesive way. Not to mention it happened right after he chased her down and wouldn’t leave until she got in his car. That left a bad taste in my mouth. The secret that Alex was withholding from Romina definitely made that bad taste worse. I had already felt like he had no redeeming qualities from the beginning and as the book went on, I disliked Alex more and more. There were also a lot of back stories that didn’t seem to fit in with the plot that threw me off.

I like the witch theme and the side plot with the magic shop, but there was a lot I was wanting from this book and it just didn’t deliver much.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

I love Sarah Hogle's writing. <i>You Deserve Each Other</i> is one of my favorite books. The second chance trope is one of my favorite tropes to read, even if it's rarely done correctly. I wanted to love this book and I was until 60% in when you learn that the Alex (MMC) withheld a major thing from the Romina (FMC). I could not get on board with Alex after that. He didn't give her a heads up and never apologizes. It's also one of my least favorite tropes in second chance romances.

I did like Romina. I liked Alex's commitment to getting her back once he realized she was single. I loved the witchy and flower aspects of the story. I liked her relationships with her sisters and friends. I would've loved this book without the twist.

I received an arc of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This book was so fun! I must not have read the blurb fully, because I don’t normally go for second chance books, but I’m glad in this instance. I’m hoping there will be more books and it will be a series (the sisters, please!). I loved the hint of magic in Old Flames and New Fortunes. It wasn’t overpowering, but it was just enough to be charming. I ADORED the lush imagery and landscape that the author brought to the story. It had a very fairytale vibe to it. I want to be a character in a Little Golden Book in my next life!

I think Part Two was unnecessary and could’ve been combined with Part One, with Part One being pared down a bit. I kept wondering what was going to happen with 40% of the book left and the big conflict resolved. I didn’t care for that much.

Overall, I’d recommend this book! Three stars for the length and not much spicy time.

i don't really know what to say because the revelation that was thrown in here felt like experiencing whiplash because there was little development on the mmc's end. with the fmc, there were hints, but it didn't have to go down like it did here. in addition, there is promise of communication later on that turns into a lack of communication without warning to the fmc which was later played to be due to insecurities to little substance. hogle should've spent more time on why romina and alex were each other's person instead of going down this route. i will say she can write emotionally resonant scenes, but it was a bit lost here.

This was so adorable and genuinely funny with some downright swoony moments. And I loved, loved, loved the hint of magicalness. Also loved the chapters being named after flowers and how the meaning of each flower was tied into the chapter. And how cute is that cover?!

(Slightly spoilery remark ahead.)

There was no third act break-up but I would have preferred that to the reveal at around 60%.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I didn't love the first third. I thought there was too much backstory and it felt a bit like I was being beat over the head with some of the points that were being made. Also the plot was slow. Once we met Alex, I think the pace quickened and it got much better.

I thought the exchanges between them were really sweet, and Alex's character is sooo smooth. This is definitely a kick your feet and giggle type of romance novel. I like that this book includes storylines for some of the sisters and friends (maybe we will get a Zelda x Morgan story someday?)

The only other complaint I have is probably a personal preference. Some of the metaphors were a little goofy and didn't land well for me. I feel like it was trying to be quirky and I just didn't love that.

Overall I did enjoy this, after pushing through the beginning. It was a cute story, even if I did feel like some points were being thrust upon me.

DNF. I think the problem is that I just don't enjoy Sarah Hogle's writing. It's not that she's a bad writer but, except from "Twice Shy" which I really loved, I just haven't been able to get into any of her other books. I really think it's a question of taste and Hogle's style just isn't mine.

I trudged through about 40% of this story but just couldn't connect to the characters or care about what happened to them.

I read Just Like Magic and thought it was adorable and just finished You Deserve Each Other by this author I and found the petty shenanigans (mostly) entertaining. For some reason, this one just didn't feel quite right and I think it's because I never warmed to Alex. I loved the sisters, the flowers, witchy vibes, their shop, etc. and was here for all that. However, something about Romina and Alex's romance just felt off to me, and the whole kid thing from her past vs. her struggle with Alex felt flimsy I guess. This one was just okay and I'm thinking there will be two more books for the other sisters and I'm hoping I enjoy those ones.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As a fan of Sarah Hogle's books, I was super excited to get an ARC of Old Flames and New Fortunes. It was nice to go back to one of Hogle's previous tropes...second chance romance! I thought Hogle did a wonderful job of creating initial tension between Romina and Alex. I adored the couple and was rooting hard for them. Once Romina and Alex got together, the story lost some of its mojo. I wish the slow burn was a little bit longer. Towards the end, the story started to get a little too mushy/cheesy. Overall, this was a fun and solid read! I loved the secondary characters and the town setting (especially as a fellow Ohioan). I'm hoping there will be a spin off with Miles, Zelda, and Luna. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC.

Anytime I see a book with the second chance trope, I have the biggest urge to run the other way. However when I saw Sarah Hogle was releasing one? I immediately jumped to read it !! How could I not??? She did after all bless me with You deserve each other. And I was honestly enjoying this book so much. Like the humor and magic witchy vibes was just EVERYTHING. I almost never laugh out loud in rom coms but I found myself doing several times during this book. But that changed at about the 60-65% mark when Alex revealed something 😭 Unfortunately I am not a fan of that particular trope…like at all and just ended up not liking Alex because of it. I was already holding a grudge against him for how cocky he was but the big revelation just iced over the little warm feelings I had toward him. It just left me so bitter especially considering how Romina felt about that matter and after everything she’s been through. No one is more disappointed by me that I didn’t enjoy this 😭 I wanted to love it so bad

Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

thanks so much for the arc! i was apprehensive about starting this book because i did not like hogle's last book at all. but this was a solid read - i loved the premise, the characters, and the overall plot, and this definitely was better than her last two books. love to see growth!

i think there was something lacking in the second half - it almost feels like the pay-off wasn't worth the build-up. i don't know if its bc i felt something was lacking in the dialogue... or it felt kind of rushed? the last third of the book definitely felt a little disjointed. i feel like this often happens when authors try to circumvent the third act breakup.

also... there are almost too many metaphors/similes. in the first half/world-building part that is okay, but in the 2nd half it can be a little distracting to parse through a simile when the plot is moving forward.

overall though, i really enjoyed this book. finished it in a day. can't wait to read the sequel!!

This was my first book by Sarah Hogle, and I enjoyed it fairly well. It’s a story about reconnecting with an old love, with some fake dating thrown in. I wasn’t expecting magic to have such a primary presence in the book, but I appreciated that the MMC was apprehensive about the magical aspect of things. It made the story feel more realistic to me.

I liked the overall theme the story followed, and I think the author did a nice job explaining details of the scenes, so you could really picture the settings in the book. I could imagine the cozy, magical, small town of Moonville perfectly as I read. The story did drag a bit at times, though. It’s divided into two parts, and I felt like it should have been wrapping up around the time part two began. The MMC wasn’t painted in a very likable light for the majority of part one, so it made it a little difficult for me to root for him in part two. The supporting characters were all very entertaining, though.

Overall, I enjoyed this magical romance story. The characters were fun, the setting was cozy, and I always love a happily ever after. I also love the beautiful cover art, which is what initially drew me to the book.