“A Rumored Fortune” by Joanna Davidson Politano is a treasure hunt in itself, with a heroine that everyone loves, a hero to be proud of and a family mystery that ends up in the discovery of a Rumored Fortune. In this delightful debut of a poignantly sweet romance, a cleverly crafted story-within-a-story, full of dramatic Victorian intrigue, the rules of nineteenth-century England are explored in the complex pecking order of British society. Extremely witty, deeply heartfelt and exquisitely penned, this inspirational historical romance is a most captivating story with an intriguing plot, dramatic plot twists, strong faith themes depicting how God works in human lives to make faith grow in the hearts of His children.

I would give this a 3.5 rating. It was an interesting story and while I didn't love it, I did enjoy the story and a couple of surprising twists along the way. I liked the main characters a lot, Donnegan Vance is definitely a swoon-worthy hero from his introduction to the story to the end. This was a new author for me and I will definitely read her books again!

A good sophomore installment, filled with mystery and relationships. Very forthright in its approach to spiritual themes, and very bold in how it explains its own themes near the end. If you're looking for subtlety, this book won't offer much of that. However, if you're looking for a creatively crafted story, you'll enjoy your hours with this one.

Delicious mystery!
There's a hidden fortune belonging to an heiress desperately in need of it, with several relatives and so called friends also in pursuit. Her father hired someone to manage the vineyards, and watch over her. A God filled and guided man. Intricate suspense and romance, in a journey of faith. Christian historical set in England. And there's a castle! Excellent quotes from Vinters that relate to the story. Joanna is an author new to me, and goes to the top as one of my favorites. There is a richness and depth to her stories that is equaled by few.

#ArumoredFortune #NetGalley
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Author and Revell/Baker Publishing Group - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Everything about this book drew me to it - the amazing cover, title, synopsis . . . It had me hooked.

Our MCs, Tressa Harlowe and Donegan Vance are both interesting and unique characters. I loved Tressa's sweet spirit, artistic mind, and generous heart, and found myself relating to her a lot, especially on the artistic front. Donegan Vance was a very intriguing character, but he somehow fell flat to me. I think the author made him out to be such a bad guy in Tressa's mind that by the time we the readers discovered the truth about him, I was already adamant in my dislike of him. I think having more of his POV would have helped clear that issue up for me. More on that later.

The storyline and mystery were very intriguing, though I must admit, I was very confused for about 90% of the book, which lessened my enjoyment of it. I love a good mystery, but this one seemed . . . too mysterious, if such a thing is possible. I would have preferred a slightly quicker pace with the revelation of certain plot points a little sooner.

Politano's writing style is very beautiful and poetic, if a little overly detailed at times. The author chose a very unique style in that Tressa's POV was in 1st person, while Donegan's was in 3rd person. While I felt that it interrupted the story on occasion, overall, I think it worked quite well and was a unique change.

Overall, my favorite aspect of this book was the vine and vineyard analogies and metaphors, and the tie-ins to John 15. That is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, and I loved how the author wrapped so many beautiful metaphors into the story in a very subtle but effective, beautiful way.

All in all, while A Rumored Fortune wasn't a personal favorite of mine, I will say that Politano knows how to write a solid mystery, for which I give her kudos.


Recommended for ages 15+ for mild romance



FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Tressa and her mother are summoned home. There, they’re told her father has died. He never told her where he’d hidden his treasure. Now they can’t pay their servants, their vineyard workers, or their bills with the townspeople. Worse, fortune hunters descend on them.
Tressa adored her father, even though they didn’t have a close relationship. She’s told he drowned, but his body wasn’t recovered. Therefore, she clings to hope that he’s still alive. The vineyard manager he supposedly hired before his disappearance is a puzzle to her. She doesn’t want to trust him, but at times, he seems her only ally.
Neither parent makes a positive impression. Her mother married for security, is relieved her husband is dead, and pushes Tressa toward an old suitor to secure her future. Her father pushed her away because of his own issues. In spite of them, Tressa is a level-headed young woman.
Between searching for her father, finding a means to sustain the vineyard and their home, and fending off gold diggers, Tressa experiences more downs than ups and finds herself utterly depleted with no one to look to except, maybe, God?
A happy ending is achieved for most, but questions remain: How, in an age before telephones, was the maid able to summon the hero who miraculously rescues Tressa at a critical moment? And why did no one question the villain’s identity?

On one level, I liked this book better than Lady Jayne Disappears. The setting was atmospheric, and I liked the way that the family vineyard was used as a basis for moral and spiritual lessons. It was certainly a well-written story full of family drama and mystery, with plenty of twists and turns.

I also liked the central story line about a young woman who loved her distant father and her home, and only sets about finding the rumoured ancestral treasure to save it. She never expects to be confronted with some apparently shocking revelations about her father, and desires above all else to clear his name, so her image of him will not be shattered. Through the search, she learns to trust her Heavenly Father as well, and what real treasure means.

Maybe the hero was a little too perfect, and even Tressa at times. Another reviewer mentioned there were times when she wanted to shake her. Don't think I did at the time, but looking back, she was bit silly on occasion.

So why the lower rating? A couple of reasons. One was some apparent contradictions. Early in the story, I'm fairly sure it said Tressa and her mother had returned home after a long sojourn 'abroad': but afterwards it said they had simply been in London.
The constant Americanisms also contribute to it. The characters used the American 'trunk' and the British term 'chest' to describe wooden box believed to contain the family fortune interchangeably, sometimes in the same sentence.
Also, the characters sometimes referred to an area of the castle/stately home Tressa grew up in as a 'Hall Block'. I have no idea what that is. Is it a made up term? Never heard of anything called that before in a castle, or manor house, or any building, whatever its meant to be.

The audiobook narrator was good though. Liked her West Country accent. I requested this title from Netgalley, and purchased the Audible version of my own volition. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.

After reading this book, I want to read any book that Joanna Davidson Politano writes.

How to describe this book? The storyline is mesmerizing. It’s intriguing. It’s suspenseful. It’s romantic. The story takes place in Victorian England. There’s a missing father and a desperate search for hidden treasure in a castle. The lead characters in this story, Tressa and Donavan, are everything you could want in a heroine and hero. The supporting characters are excellent in their own way, whether they are good or evil. There’s no foul language or embarrassing scenes to mar the story, which proves if you are as skilled at writing as this author, you don’t need to include those things to have a captivating story.

Add all of this together and you have an awesome novel by Joanna Politano. I loved this book. I’ve read many books this year. I’d put this one in my top ten. It would not surprise me at all if this one didn’t win some awards.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

essa Harlowe's father did not trust banks, but neither did he trust his greedy extended family. He kept his vast fortune hidden somewhere on his estate in the south of England and died suddenly, without telling anyone where he had concealed it. Tressa and her ailing mother are left with a mansion and an immense vineyard and no money to run it. It doesn't take long for a bevy of opportunists to flock to the estate under the guise of offering condolences. Tressa knows what they're really up to. She'll have to work with the rough and rusticated vineyard manager to keep the laborers content without pay and discover the key to finding her father's fortune--before someone else finds it first.

This book is about greed and what it can do to people. Tressa has to find her fathers fortune so they can pay their bills so they don't get kicked off their estate. Her mother thinks Tressa can just produce the money. Her ex fiance shows up all contrite for breaking off their engagement. Her cousin and his wife show up to offer their support. All the while, all they are doing is searching for the fortune with no intentions of sharing. Then there's the new estate manager. Tress doesn't know what to think about him. Is he after the fortune or does he really want to help.

Parts of the book were good. Other parts were kind of slow. Overall, it was an enjoyable book with some twists and turns.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

This book, A Rumored Fortune, is one of the best I’ve read this year! (That’s saying a lot, I know, but it’s true!!) What makes it even more surprising is that this is only the 2nd novel published by the author. (I also really liked the first one, Lady Jayne Disappears, but this one is on a level all it’s own!)

I have a tendency to do what we’re told to not do–judge a book by it’s cover. In this case, I really think the cover doesn’t quite do the story justice.

I started reading it and loved it from the first chapter! ARF51PlYqvgDbL

Tressa Harlowe, the main character, is an heiress (or so it is supposed), and has to come home from a trip because she and her mother receive bad news about her father. When they arrive home, they are told he’s dead.

In reality, rather being a wealthy heiress, she is penniless because nobody knows where his (rumored) fortune is hidden.

I love treasure hunts, don’t you?! So when I caught on that she’d have to do this, I was thrilled!

I also really like the girl herself. Rich, but not too spoiled. Intelligent, not taken-in easily by all the fortune-seekers that come to their home under other pretenses… Beautiful, inside and out. A rare, rich, ripe grape among the many soured ones.

Woven throughout the story are also tidbits about caring for a vineyard, being a vinedresser, and other wisdom, not applicable only in the vineyards, but relevant for any part of your life.

This a historical suspense novel, just overflowing with mystery, intrigue, good guys and bad guys. A castle, a vineyard, a grieving widow and her beautiful daughter. The author leaves us details, and clues, to help us figure out just what is going on, but the path is not so well marked that it is easily deduced. The story will keep you reading as quickly as you can, just to find out what happens next!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Most of you know that I love a good historical romance. I have reviewed many here at Our Good Life and I am happy to recommend others, just ask!

I adored the setting of this book, an old castle with a huge vineyard. Doesn't that already give you goosebumps? The book doesn't disappoint, the author successfully weaves the setting into the plot, making the reader want to go and spend time here. The book's premise is that Tressa, the daughter of the late Master Harlowe, needs to find a treasure that will save her mother and herself from destitution. She's not the only one who wants to find it, so does Donegan Vaughn, the new manager of the vineyard that was the pride and joy of Master Harlow. Tressa herself spent much time in the vineyard with her father, and she is uneasy with Donegan working with the vines, as her father had a special plan for them that Donegan could not know.

The story goes on as others try to find the fortune, causing the Mansion to be further and further in debt. The servants aren't paid, and the workers aren't paid, and there are bills all over the village for the food the mansion needs to feed all the visitors. It becomes imperative that the treasure be found and quickly.

A twist in the plot, as the Donegan has secrets he hasn't shared with Tressa. Those secrets nearly get her killed. Read on to find out how the mansion comes to be in the hands of the rightful owner.

What I love about this book is that Joanna Davidson Politano uses the book to tell the story, not just through the plot and characters, but by the use of quotes from a viticulturist at the beginning of each chapter. Those quotes are a foreshadowing of what is going to happen in the chapter. She also sprinkles in Bible verses, such as the one at the end of the book 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."

A beautiful reminder of what we have been told for over two thousand years.

If you would like to order your own copy, use this link to order the book. I am an Amazon Affiliate, and I will receive a small commission. The price of the book won't change for you!

I did not want to put this book down. I wanted to join in the treasure hunting myself. That would have been fun. I was very sorry for Tressa the way she was raised. This book had so many twists and turns. Tressa and Donegan were a great couple. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

My thoughts....This is my first book by Politano, so I was curious about her writing style. There were a lot of different pieces to this Gothic Christian fiction mystery, which made it interesting. I really liked Tressa's character. Even though she came from wealth, she wasn't afraid of getting her hands dirty in her family's vineyards...I really liked this about her character. The new vineyard manager was another piece of the mystery, as his past is revealed a little bit at a time. That certainly helped build some tension. The treasure search was a key part of the plot. I honestly wasn't sure what would happen with that. I really enjoyed how the author used the treasure hunt as a journey of self-discovery for Tressa. She learned perseverance, how to place her trust in the right things/people, and the true love a Father can have for a daughter. There's a lot going on in this story, but overall I enjoyed it and would read another book by this author.

Personal takeaway...Even if we can't trust those around us, we can always trust our Heavenly Father and His plan for us.

**Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest thoughts, which I did.**

Joanna Davidson Politano writes books with A Rumored Fortune
bit of mystery thrown in with the romance. With her newest book, I wish it was better than it truly was. Tressa has been called back to the family holdings, called Trevelyan, her father has been proclaimed dead, and Tressa knows that he has a fortune set aside for her.

Like other books in this genre, all the relatives and former fiances come crawling out of the woodwork for a piece of the treasure pie. People who should have been trustworthy weren't, Tressa's father's doctor tried to kill Tressa, and the one man Tressa can really trust, she doesn't.

With a few changes--names and settings, this could almost be any book of the romantic mystery genre. Two stars is all I can give this book. I would like to thank Revell for making this book available in NetGalley.com for me to read and review.

What I Loved: This was a prime example of fine Christian fiction. From the moment the story began, I was captivated by Tressa, her world, and her story. And as it unfolded, I was treated to an interesting new mystery. The conclusion of the mystery wasn’t clear from chapter one, so it was nice to go on the treasure hunt with the rest of the cast. The romance was sweet and clean. But what really stood out to me was the way Politano crafted the story to include tips on keeping a vineyard to mirror the Christian life. Again, and again, and again I found myself being convicted, refreshed, and reminded of various areas in my relationship to Christ. If you read this novel, keeping in mind the Biblical context of Christ being the vine and you being the branches, there is so much more waiting here for you than just an entertaining story! Bringing the focus back on Christ is what makes Christian fiction such a valuable form of entertainment, and Politano kept the focus where it ought to be in the most natural way.
Oftentimes, with a vineyard setting, the reader may see things such as wine tastings but that wasn’t the case here. The focus was solely on the growth of the grapes and not the producing of wine.

Rating and Recommendation: I highly recommend A Rumored Fortune to all Christian Fiction fans but especially fans of Christian Historical Fiction. I give it 5 stars.

~ I received a copy from Bethany House through Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one. All thoughts are my own.

This is Joanna Politano's sophomore book. I purchased Lady Jayne Disappears when it released and it is patiently waiting for me on my shelf. When I received the request from Revell to review this book the synopsis sounded great, and knowing that her first novel, Lady Jayne Disappears, received so many awards and was recommended by my friends, I decided to give it a shot.

The idea of a treasure hunt in a Victorian castle for a hidden fortune made a great backdrop for the story. For me, however, that's where the book came up short. The story moved very slowly, and there wasn't enough focus on the treasure hunt for me.

I really enjoyed the spiritual theme of grafting to the true vine. It wasn't overwhelming. It was my favorite part of the book.
If you enjoy authors like Sandra Byrd, and Julie Klassen. This is a book you'll want to try.

“A Rumored Fortune” by Joanna Davidson Politano was sent to me for my review. I was not that excited about reading and reviewing this book because it takes place in a time period that is not one of my favorites. However, not even one chapter into the book, I changed my mind. I found this book to be very exciting. It was full of mystery, mayhem and possibly murder.

I found the characters to be diverse and their interactions were attention-grabbing. I tend to make up my mind about a character quite early in the book, but in this case I would suggest withholding judgement until the end. I also thought that the author used her words in the most colorful way, depicting scenes that the reader could very easily visualize. I thought it a very good read.

A Rumored Fortune
By Joanna Davidson Politano

Tressa Harlowe can hardly contain her excitement she is returning home to her beloved Trevelyan Castle - summoned she is sure by her father. But nothing is how she expected it to be - her father is dead and creditors are demanding their debts be paid. But the Harlowe family fortune is a thing of legend - hidden away years ago and Tressa has no idea where it lies. With time against Tressa needs help but to whom she should turn that is a matter of trust.

Donegan Vance has a daunting task before him - hired by Josiah Harlowe as the vineyard manager seems easy enough hard work for a more than generous salary. But the laborers of Trevelyan have been paid sporadically and the estate's funds at present are non-existent. But Donegan needs the money he was promised and it seems that helping Tressa Harlowe find her father's hidden fortune may be his only option.

But Tressa isn't the only one interested in finding her father's fortune and those she'd once have welcomed with open arms in this time of grief may very well be those who are working against her. With threats, suspicions, and danger closing in Tressa finds herself learning truths she never knew while relying, somewhat unwillingly, on the estate's new manager. But does Donegan Vance truly have her best interests at heart or is him merely another fortune hunter here to claim his piece?

This book is set in 1866, England and while a historical fiction there is a definite but subtle undercurrent of mystery running throughout it. A daughter who has always felt alone. A father she never truly knew. A mother always in need of pampering and care. A cousin and his less than happy wife. An old suitor who had once broken her heart. The kindly doctor. The new estate manager. The staff she's known her whole life. And her father's notebooks. These all combine is a most delightful story that will touch the reader's heart as Tressa works through her emotions at her sudden and unexpected change in circumstance. This is a journey of discovery of who she is and who those around her are.

This is a most lovely reading excursion and one not to be missed the characters are both complex and yet identifiable. One wants to be wanted not for possessions but for who one truly is at their heart. The need to be understood is a driving force for the main characters and one most can probably relate to on some level. This would make an excellent book club selection and I highly recommend it.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Tressa Harlowe's father did not trust banks, but neither did he trust his greedy extended family. He kept his vast fortune hidden somewhere on his estate in the south of England and died suddenly, without telling anyone where he had concealed it. Tressa and her ailing mother are left with a mansion and an immense vineyard and no money to run it. It doesn't take long for a bevy of opportunists to flock to the estate under the guise of offering condolences. Tressa knows what they're really up to. She'll have to work with the rough and rusticated vineyard manager to keep the laborers content without pay and discover the key to finding her father's fortune--before someone else finds it first.


My Thoughts: This is the second novel for Author Joanna Davidson Politano and her books only get better and better! A story of intrigue, suspense, love, and lessons to be learned. Tressa and her mother are summoned home early from a trip abroad. Assuming that her father has called them home, Tressa is excited to see him again. When they do finally get home, she is met by a handsome stranger who comes to her aid and brings her to the castle only to find that her father has died. As she learns that Trevelyan has run into money problems she quickly starts searching for the hidden treasure; the only thing is, is that she isn't the only one. At the world of her father's death, everyone wants a piece of the treasure.


This is a gripping story that keeps the reader entertained throughout. It is full of twists and turns, that keeps the reader on edge wondering what will happen next.


The characters are well developed and very believable, as they interact with one another through the story-line,


At the beginning of each chapter, there is a nugget of wisdom that deals with horticulture and raising grapes but it also has a deeper meaning for what goes on in life. The characters also supported a great faith in God which is a good example for us in our own times of despair.


Tressa is a loveable character, and well portrayed in the novel. I can't imagine how hard it would be to trust in a time when it seems all people wanted was money. I think that she did an amazing job, with a few lessons learned.


I highly recommend this novel. I will certainly be looking for more from this author.



I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

“I didn’t set out to eavesdrop, but some conversations are simply too interesting to avoid overhearing. Especially when the topic discussed by these strangers is me” (location 33). This is the first book I’ve picked up by this author, but when I read these opening lines, I knew it was a good choice. I wasn’t disappointed.
Tressa is summoned home by her father and arrives only to find him dead. He had always told her that he’d tell her where he’d hidden his treasure before he died. Now all kinds of friends and relations have popped up to “support” Tressa in her grief and to help her look for the treasure. When things start going badly, it’s hard to know who she can really trust.
I was immediately drawn into this story. I felt for Tressa having to deal with insensitive, greedy relatives. Like Tressa, in hard times, we sometimes find that the things we counted on aren’t capable of offering us any sustainable hope or comfort. Suffering strips us bare until we are forced to cry out to God for help, as He’s the only thing left that offers any hope or comfort.
Tressa is an interesting character. Her parents were very distant and she longs to make connections with people. Yet, she is full of beauty and light. She is teachable, forgiving, and loyal yet has some big faults too. She can be quick to jump to conclusions. She and Donegan have lively interactions that leave her fuming at times and laughing at others. Andrew is more predictable and known, but he’s hurt her in the past. There’s a great scene towards the end that reminded me of a scene from Pride and Prejudice. It was quite a twist and I found it breathtaking. I couldn’t imagine how a certain situation could ever be happily resolved but then things changed. It was a very satisfying conclusion.
I really enjoyed this book. There were plenty of twists and turns that changed the course of my thoughts. I would recommend it. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a complimentary e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.