A Rumored Fortune

I reviewed Joanna Davidson Politano’s debut novel Lady Jayne Disappears and adored it, so I was quite excited to get my hands on her second work, A Rumored Fortune. Also a historical Christian romance with a strong female character, this one did not disappoint – and it too features a good mystery and more than a few twists to keep you on your toes.Tressa is kind, thoughtful – and as Donegan reveals to her, naive about and sheltered from the world outside the castle in which she lives. While she lived a life of wealth and one free of material concerns – at least up until shortly after we meet her character on the page – the luster of her privileged life is dulled as we read of her childhood, and what saves her from the “poor little rich girl” stereotype is that her character is genuine, clever, and caring to those she engages with.A Rumored Fortune is a layered tale. The alleged death of Tressa’s father draws out greedy fortune hunters, and it quickly becomes obvious that some people can’t be trusted…or can they? With plenty of red herrings to make us second guess who is there for Tressa and who will try to take advantage of her, Politano also shows that people are more complicated than they appear on the surface.And there are twists! Caught up in the search for the missing fortune her father is said to have hidden, I found myself wondering if the fortune was more philosophical (was it actually Tressa, or the vineyard itself); why had her father pushed her away, and what was the mystery behind the source of his wealth; what had happened to her father; and who could she trust? The author beautifully weaves all these questions together, and as one seems on the verge of revealing itself, the story takes another turn.The author also weaves in an excellent reflection on women and marriage, and love versus necessity as a driver in this period. From Tressa’s mother and her cousin Neville’s former actress wife Ellen Langford, to her hapless ladies maid Lucy and the very cheery, generous but poor Mrs. Sullivan, her treatment of the necessity of marriage for stability versus for love is human and perceptive, and her treatment of both her mother and Ellen’s situations are insightful and much more layered than I expected – a thoughtful treat.The Christian element is much more prevalent in this novel than her last, but Tressa’s faith is as well woven into the essence of her character as it is into Donegan Vance’s, so it doesn’t feel gratuitous or preachy. A Christian myself, I’m ever leery of books where the main character prays for rescue and God responds with a billboard and fanfare and flashing lights; I like to think God sends us what we need, but it’s up to us to see it the solution in front of us, and this is one of Tressa’s strengths. She reveals that as a lonely child she had easy conversations with God, and as an adult she questions the prompts and pushes she receives in response to prayer as wishful thinking – again, something relatable as a rational, overthinking adult. If you are not overtly religious, this may make you uncomfortable, but I would encourage you to view it as part of her innate characteristics (she’s kind, she’s creative, and she’s of deep faith) as it explains much about her character and it’s development.All in all, A Rumored Fortune was a lovely stand alone mystery AND romance. For me, though, its true strength was in the character development. We watched some of the main characters grow and change and even heal; through secondary characters like Tressa’s mother and Ellen, the author made me push past the stereotypes of those who married for wealth and status by revealing the weaknesses and fears that drove them, humanizing them to where even if I couldn’t like them, I could understand them. If a book can grant you a change in perspective, even if it was unintended, that is a gift.

Powerful!! A Rumored Fortune, only the second book by written Joanna Davidson Politano, is on my list of top ten for 2018. More importantly, though, this novel will be in the running for top honors among book awards. This is my prediction for a novel of such high-caliber.Tressa Harlowe’s odd vineyard-keeping father has disappeared from their mid-1800’s castle. Sadly, the search begins not so much for him, but for the treasure rumored to have been behind.I should mention the narrative switches between first person, the rich heiress, Tressa; and third person, Donegan, the vinedresser in a class beneath her. Considering the societal differences so important at that time, this is extremelyclever of Politano.This book grasped my attention from the start and held on, like the sea and mist that surround the castle and rarely loosen their clutches on it or its land.Sadly, no matter what time period, people change very little. There are those who hear of someone else’s fortune and justify it should be theirs instead; schemers descend like vultures determined to get their share of the grand meal.Obviously, Politano is an anglophobe and describes the area, life, and characters with a poetic prose that makes them “a wonder to behold.” She is a romantic in the linguistic sense of the word.Fortunately, Politano is quite the romantic in the more common sense of the word. We see several possible romances, involving more than just the main characters. Which will thrive, and which will die, because there was no real connection?Speaking of connections, Tressa has three main interests: her father, (and the vineyard because that was his obsession); relationships, and the fortune. Politano weaves them all together in an unforgettable story of agricultural lessons for life, including the spirit, romance, and intrigue that will leave you amazed at the experience you have just sojourned.Hard to pick just a few quotes, but here are some faves:“Strength comes to the branch through connection, and that’s what I’m offering.” How Tressa needs connections in more ways than one!“It takes a harsh summer to yield abundance in the vineyards...When you feel you’re dying in the summer, all a branch needs to do is hang on.” So timely for anybody going through a rough patch!“...isn’t the sort of man I would imagine knowing much Scripture.” ‘No, ...he simply lives it out.’” We all need to live out our faith like that unnamed character!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. (I also bought my own copy.) This did not affect my opinions in any way, nor was I required to leave a positive review.

What a wonderful story! I thoroughly devoured Joanna Davidson Politano's latest book. Rarely do I end a book with a prayer, but following the last line of the book was a scripture verse from John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing", so I quite naturally ended with a prayer asking for help to always abide in Him. It was so nice to see the author on Facebook on release day sharing her own personal growth during the writing of this story. The lessons of the life of a vineyard corresponding to scripture was so lovely. What is not to love about the handsome Donegan, a true example of the Father's unconditional love. The story is a treasure hunt to be sure, in more ways than one! I highly recommend A Rumored Fortune!

This is one of the worst romance book I have every read, however I thought it was just a historical romance and it is a Christian themed book, which does not interest me . That being said, the novel was slow as a snail with pages of the main character talking to herself about beauty, lack of family support and on and on. The characters were not well developed and mostly boring and it was very predictable. I made myself finish the book just to see if there were a fortune. What a waste of time.

A very well told tale unraveling the mystery around Trevelyan and its people. Donegan Vance is a wonderful hero! Highly recommended Victorian novel!