I liked this book! Tressa is an excellent female protagonist, and she certainly grows and matures throughout the book. The book starts off with her and her mother in dire straits, unsure of just what news awaits them as they are summoned home. The idea of a treasure hunt is always intriguing, and though this book focused more on the development of the characters (can't complain about that!) than the actual treasure hunt, it was still a very interesting read.

Tressa is faced with her own failings in judging people and circumstances before she has all the information. She takes many things at face value without looking for deeper or hidden intent. It made me think of situations in my own life where I have done the same, and regretted it. Donegan is a very welcome addition to the story, and he helps Tressa in her growth as a person. There are a lot of twists in the story. Things get a little crazy when family members and exes begin showing up to look for the treasure. The side characters do get a bit annoying at times, and I wish Tressa or her mother would have kicked them out shortly after they arrived! But they help the plot move along, and contribute to the growth of other characters, so they do serve a purpose.

I would definitely read more books by this author, and more in this series as well. She has a wonderful way of conveying truth within a character's story arc, and not sounding preachy.

This book is wonderful. I had never read anything by this author before and I wasn't sold after reading the synopsis, but it greatly exceeded my expectations. It's a treasure hunt story with a romantic and inspiring twist. Tressa is used to living a more than comfortable life and hasn't ever had to worry about being without. But when her father mysteriously disappears and her family is left with close to nothing, Tressa must find a way to make ends meet all while grieving her missing father. The legendary tale of the fortune that is hidden somewhere in the family's estate has relatives and mere acquaintances coming out of the woodwork. But who can Tressa really trust? And will the fortune ever be found?

There are so many lessons to be learned in this book. The book consistently speaks of a literal vineyard that is on Tressa's family's property while metaphorically comparing it to our lives as God's children. He is constantly pruning us and shaping us so that we can bear the best fruit for Him. This book came to me at the perfect time as it lined up exactly with the devotionals I am reading at this moment. It is such a joy to hear God speaking to me through his Word. I read A Rumored Fortune as an e-book which is not usually my method of choice. But in this particular instance, I was glad that it was an e-book because I used the highlighting feature so much. There were just so many quote worthy moments in this book that I want to share with others.

Thank you so much to Revell for sending me this book to review! I enjoyed it so much.

An intriguing cover, secrets, a hidden treasure, a castle, conniving relatives, and a mysterious stranger, this book has so much going for it that I was instantly drawn to it. To top it off, this is one of the very best Christian fiction books that I have read recently. From the notebook entries that are written by a viticulturist to the changes the characters are forced to go through, the book doesn’t hold back on sharing a thorough message about faith.

The characters are well developed and are an interesting group. The main character, Tressa, is mourning the father she always wanted to be close to, but he kept to himself and didn’t easily let others in. She is intelligent, beautiful, kind and motivated by a very strong faith; however, she also has a few things to learn, and this season of testing is beneficial to her in the end. Her mother is a frivolous woman, who is happy her husband, Tressa’s father, is gone because once she finds the hidden treasure she can spend it however she pleases since he won’t be able to hold the purse strings tightly anymore. (I’d love to see a sequel that is written in her point of view with some growth for this character that overlaps with this story.) Donegan is the mysterious stranger. At times he seems to be a genuinely kind person, led by God, at others I was left wondering how he would ultimately deal with the temptations he faces. Throw in some relatives who are out to get what they can any way they can, and a ex-boyfriend of Tressa’s, who broke her heart, but shows up to help hunt for the treasure.

The author does an astonishing job with setting the mood and background with weather changes and the problems associated with growing grapes. The information about grape vines goes along with the story in a way that adds to it.

There is a lot to appreciate about this book. I highly recommend it and feel it is worth 5 stars. I loved it so much, I searched for and ordered the first book by this author.

Everyone loves treasure hunts! This treasure hunt draws all kinds of relatives and others when a wealthy castle owner dies in an accident. The wife and daughter are brought home to a find that no one knows where the money is hidden. Bills are due and and the mysterious fortune is desperately need. This Victorian novel is filled with people who are not as they seem. Tressa, the daughter will soon find out some important lessons as she seeks answers. Highly recommended!

A Rumored Fortune is a great fabulous new release by Joanna Davidson Politano. I enjoyed travelling back in time to the Victorian era. I like the elements that were intertwined with the history that included mystery, suspense, romance and intrigue. Tressa was not a character I like at the beginning but she grew on about a quarter of the way through.
I give A Rumored Fortune a well deserved five plus stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano completely surprised me. I didn't know what to expect when I requested this book from Netgalley. All I saw was an intriguing title and book cover. Little did I know what a treat I was in for. Complete with everything from castles to hidden treasure, damsels in distress to heroes in uncommon places, this book pulled out all the stops and gave me an adventure I never expected.

Venturing forth into this story truly was like seeing a movie running before my eyes. Politano filled her pages with well developed characters, clever nuances, plot twists, and thought provoking symbolism that added surprising depth to what otherwise might have just been another adventure story. I found myself riveted, because this wasn't your typical predictable plot. It was a breathtaking journey into discovery of self, family, and truth.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions in this review are my own.

This is the first book by Joanna Davidson Politano that I have read and I am floored. A Rumored Fortune is a gem of a novel, so beautifully and lyrically written with a ton of intrigue, mystery, and plot twists, as well as captivating and enchanting characters. Set in 1866 England, the scenery is lush and breath-taking as the story unfolds on a vineyard with a stone castle as the manor house. Secrets abound as the story starts with Tressa’s father’s death and the rumored fortune that is hidden somewhere on the vast property. Supposed friends, relations, and neighbors descend on the property to dig for this treasure as Tressa deals with her sorrow, grief, and lack of funds all the while trying to find the treasure herself.

Tressa is a strong woman, intelligent, and practical yet has a tender heart and a fanciful artistic side. She always sees the good in people and loves fiercely. Donegan has a tainted past that the readers learn about slowly, one morsel at a time. Yet, despite his past, he cannot hide his generous, loving, loyal heart from the people of Trevelyan or the surrounding village. He’s hired as the vineyard manager by Tressa’s father before his disappearance and clashes with the family by his honest, forthright, no-nonsense ways and speech. Tressa’s first person point of view and Donegan’s limited third person point of view work extremely well together to weave a fascinating tale that is also emotionally full with angst, betrayal, and tenderness.

I loved the imagery of the vineyard as a metaphor for the characters’ spiritual journey. Donegan’s strong and firm faith that he lives out is truly inspiring; Tressa’s journey of being pruned is so real and painful yet rewarding as she realizes Who the true Vine is that she must cling to.

I’m totally looking forward to the author’s next novel! And I must go read Lady Jayne Disappears, which is her debut novel with a whole lot of accolades (and totally deserving of all of them, I’m sure)!

I received a copy of the book from Baker Publishing via Interviews and Reviews. I was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

"A Rumored Fortune" is a Christian romance set in 1866 in England. It reads like a fantasy that happens to be set in a Victorian rather than medieval type setting. Despite the common belief that her father was a commoner that stole his fortune, people call Tressa "the princess of the castle" and treat her family respectfully.

Tressa idolized her father at the beginning of the story and longed for his love. Only, she and her mother were called home because her father appears to have died at sea. Neither knows were his fortune was kept, plus he took out a loan. Is the fortune even real? Family and suitors descend on the castle to find the fortune for themselves. Tressa deals with finding food for them, money to pay the disgruntled servants and field hands, and money to pay the debt. She struggled with the realization that people desired her rumored fortune, not her.

Tressa and hero were both kind, thoughtful people. The hero has learned through adversity to love others and to think about the common people. Tressa endured heavy pruning and learned who is her true Vine. There were vineyard-related analogies throughout the book. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable story.

Upon receiving a summons recalling the mistress of the manor and her socialite daughter from their social season abroad, young Tressa Harlowe arrives home to Trevelyan Castle only to discover her reclusive father has been lost at sea and presumed dead, the estate's vineyard is struggling, and treasure hunters and creditors are circling like vultures. Her father's fortune has been the source of speculation and rumor since he wrested the estate from the original owners.  Tressa recalls a vague childhood memory of once seeing the legendary treasure, but the location of the family fortune is a secret her father kept closely guarded, even distancing himself from his wife and daughter as she blossomed into womanhood.  With a horde of guests descending upon the estate and the debts piling up daily, Tressa is desperate to find her inheritance and save her home.  As she searches for the treasure, however, whom can she trust?  The mysterious stranger whom her father hired to supervise the vineyard?  The kind doctor whose attentions to the family are turning her newly widowed mother's head?  Her former suitor who has suddenly reappeared?   

Joanna Davidson Politano crafts an inspirational historical romance with Gothic flair sure to please.  Trevelyan Castle, a moldering, classic English estate, materializes through the mists of the reader's imagination.  The plot twists and turns delightfully as various characters' mysterious motivations are brought to light.  Readers trail a step behind Tressa as she rambles through the estate's cellars and vineyards, the village, and the harbor, searching high and low for clues and seeking answers about her family history.  Readers who enjoy both Christian historical fiction and literary classics such as Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights will find this novel deliciously intriguing.  

I received a I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions contained in this review are my own.

This was my first to read by this author and  I am sure it will not be the last. What an absolute delight it was to read A Rumored Fortune by Politano. A Historical read with a very interesting plot and characters...... We have a castle with servants, a dying vineyard, a missing/dead Lord of the castle. A rumored fortune that no one has any idea where it is hidden. A man of mystery shows up and announces he was hired by the owner of the vineyard to be overseer and try to save it. A man claiming that there is a large indebtedness owed and demanding payment now. Relatives arriving to help find the fortune for their own good. A heroine whose life circumstances seem bleak, surrounded by people she can not trust. A simpering plotting mother. All of this makes for a captivating romantic mystery and suspense. This book will keep you turning the pages to see if there is really a hidden treasure at the castle. If you are looking for a christian mystery with a different slant, look no further......  I received this book from netgalley and I am happy to leave my review.

Great book 4 1/2 stars! Loved the setting and Victorian Era with an heiress trying to figure out how to overcome her difficulties. When Tressa's father dies without telling anyone where his fortune is hidden she learns to lean on the new vineyard manager. As they try to find the treasure the locals descend upon them because they haven't been paid. Extended family also come to offer condolences but everyone wants the treasure. And exciting page turner where you do not know what will happen next. I enjoy Joanna Davidson Politano's books and am looking forward to more from her.

I received this e-book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano can be read as a stand alone novel. Most readers will finish it, desire more from this author, and should start Lady Jayne Disappears. Tressa Harlowe is summoned to her ancestral home of Trevelyan Castle in the wake of her father's death. Left with overwhelming debt and the inability to pay the servants, Tressa searches for the rumored fortune that would solve all her problems. However, her efforts are thwarted as treasure seekers, greedy relatives, and a new vineyard manager with many ideas makes her life difficult. Will Tressa find the fortune? Will it solve her problems? Will changing the operation of the vineyard produce a viable crop and save her home? Politano weaves an intricate tale with many twists and turns that will keep the reader engaged and pleasantly surprised with the ending.

Throughly enjoyed A Rumored Fortune. Loved the plot and the well developed characters. I have recommend this inspirational romance.

This was my first from this author. I loved the storyline. It was fairly predictable in some respects but left you curious about others. While most of the characters were well thought out, I did struggle watching the heroine be defined repeatedly as loyal, only to turn around and not be loyal to her own thoughts and convictions. Everything else was wonderful with great storytelling.

From the moment the black-cloaked rider on his massive stallion thundered toward the mistress of Trevelyan Castle, I was held captive within the pages of this magnificent Victorian era gothic novel! Trevelyan—with its legends, secrets, lush vineyards, and rumors of a vast hidden fortune.

Heiress of Trevelyan, Tressa Harlowe, is spirited, bewitching, and beautiful. And oh, so alone in spite of those who flock to the castle hoping to find the infamous hidden treasure there. Who shall capture the lovely Tressa's heart and who can she trust?...the handsome vineyard manager, Donegan Vance, with plenty of secrets of his own or Edward Carrington, the man she once loved and lost?

Lovers of Julie Klassen, Charlotte Bronte, and Victoria Holt will find themselves totally enthralled with 'A Rumored Fortune'. Politano has a unique poetic voice, so much so that I found myself re-reading sections just for the sheer beauty of her prose. Breathtaking romance, twisty secrets, and godly wisdom all intertwine amongst the grapevines making this one unforgettable read!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Growing up, I loved classics such as Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre. Even now, I still find myself reaching for a classic every once in a while. So when I started reading A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano, I was surprised to find that it reminded me of a classic even though it is new. The description sounded fun with a mystery and treasure hunt in England so I started reading it, and I’m so glad I did because it was a very enjoyable book.
First, I enjoyed the way the author used color in the book. She told the story through an artist’s eyes which painted such vivid descriptions in my mind. Tressa, the main character, relates everything, even people and events to color. This gives such a unique aspect to the story.
Second, as mentioned before, I enjoyed the classic tone of the book. The mysterious way the story is told is very reminiscent of classics such as Northanger Abbey and Jane Eyre. I never knew what would happen next and everything seemed really spooky just like in the classics.
Lastly, I enjoyed the sweet ending. There were many ways the ending could have happened, but I’m very glad the author decided to end just as she did
I would recommend this book for classic lovers, mystery lovers, and historical fiction lovers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Rumored Fortune is a wonderful Victorian Mystery full of suspense, tragedy, adventure, life lessons and love. Tressa Harlowe suffers the loss of her dear father and goes through many trials. Her father left a large fortune whereabouts unknown and many who seek their own gain wish to claim it. Tressa trusts God and looks to his leading in all things. I loved reading a book that had so many Biblical truths, insights and applications for life. This story of abiding in Christ, is an excellent illustration of the vine and the branches. I will be following this author and look forward to reading more books by Joanna Davidson Politano. My thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for making this book available to read and review.

A Rumored Fortune is a mysterious story can you imagine sitting there minding your own business and overhearing about yourself and your family? Now that was not all good stuff - was not all good at all.. You hear how they believe a fortune is hidden in your home somewhere and one of them wants to ------I can't go and ruin it for you but it is an unreal thing to hear - what also you hear is that you are dead - can you believe that? You are sitting close to them and they say you are dead. So what happens? Something amazing - something I just loved - it was incredible - phenomenal - you need to find out for yourself what happens - believe you me you will not be disappointed.

This is the first time I have read anything by Ms. Politano, but it definitely will not be the last! I really enjoyed reading this book! A Rumored Fortune is a historical novel full of intrigue and mystery. Tressa returns home to discover her father is dead and no one knows where he buried the family fortune. Everyone is out to discover where it is. Tressa does not know who to trust as she looks for the fortune. This book has a romantic side as well as the mystery. I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed. There were many twists and turns throughout the book. Now, I would love to read her other novel. Ms. Politano is very talented as a writer!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

Wow! I am so impressed. What a pleasurable read filled with mystery and intrigue. A Rumored Fortune is an excellently woven story that kept me glued to the pages. I did not figure out who the villain was - not before the author wanted me to.
There is a budding romance with plenty of intrigue around the hero. Can he be trusted? Does he have alternative motives to win the heroine? Like a rumored fortune?
This was such a delightful read. I love the author's writing style and voice. And the heroine and hero are just wonderful.
Highly recommended!