If you are planning to read Finding Lady Enderly, which I highly recommend you do, know that you are in for an outstanding journey. This story has it all — mystery, intrigue, adventure, romance, and reconciliation. The characters are excellently crafted. The hero and heroine are relatable and endearing, the secondary characters are complicated and charming, and the villains are the perfect balance of very bad and heartbreaking. And, I love, love, love the very timely and thought-provoking inspirational messages. Truly, this story has it all!

Raina, our heroine, has a metaphorical angel and demon on her shoulders. The demon, Mr. Prendergast, offers her an amazing deal that seems too good to be true. For a good 70-75% of this novel, the voice of Prendergast is so dominant that Raina begins to believe that his lowly estimate of her worth is true. She is, and always will be, just Ragna the useless, worthless rag girl. But then Raina’s guardian angel breaks through Raina’s negative loop in her brain and she begins to hear God’s true Voice — the one that tells her she’s worthy, cherished, and valued.

I desperately needed this reminder this week. Man has the devil been giving me an earful! Unfortunately, in my weakness, I was starting to believe him. It’s crazy how sinuous and snakelike the devil is. He can slide into the smallest aperture in our brains and sound SO convincing. It’s a little scary, and it really brings the point home that we need to make sure we are daily wearing God’s full armor. My most favorite moment in Finding Lady Enderly is when I read the following: “No human has the power to take away the inherent dignity given by God, or change the identity He has granted you of belonging to Him.” And, the same can be said about the devil. He has NO power to take away our dignity or our place with God. If we have accepted Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior no one or thing can take this truth away from us. This reminder was a balm to my soul this week, and I feel God immensely blessed me by bringing this book into my life at this time.

Finding Lady Enderly is a masterful novel. I highly recommend this story. I implore you to purchase a copy today. I promise you will not be disappointed that you did!

I received an eBook copy of this book from the publisher, Revell, through NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I love a good mystery with a bit of humor and romance. This wonderful story had all three and was one of the most creatively written novels I've had the privilege to read. The author was new to me and I enjoyed this so much I am already exploring some of her other works.



The basic premise is a bit of a Cinderella story. A poor young lady is given the opportunity to live a life of opulence for a time as she pretends to be someone she is not. The enticing presentation of a solicitor, who guarantees there is no harm nor illegal act, is too much for her adventurous curiosity. Since she learned of the death at sea of the young man she loved, she has been looking for a way to escape her life and this seems to be the opportunity. Soon, however, she realizes there must be something awry in spite of all the fine promises of the solicitor.



Two things struck me as I read this novel. The first was the way in which the author presented the story. Current trends lead novelists to write in 3rd person limited fashion with usually two lead characters (one male and one female) giving us insight into their perspectives, but not from the personal perspective of I. In this novel there was a shift in perspective, but one used 1st person (the heroine) and one used 3rd person limited (the hero). I was initially surprised by this style but ended up absolutely loving it! It kept the writing fresh and alive and my attention was completely held from page one.



The second was the setting. I loved that the mansion our heroine arrives at is actually a abbey which was once used by monks. Its history and beauty shone through the author's pen and made me want to live there myself! Not because of the opulence, but rather because of the meaningful spiritual context.



Finally, I loved the complex plot and unexpected twists throughout the narrative. I was continually surprised and ready to learn what would happen next.



I highly, highly recommend this novel! I can't wait to read more by the author.

I requested this book through Netgalley and was pleased to read and review this book.

This was an advanced reader copy so I am hoping that it will receive another editing. There were a few errors that stuck out but did not detract from the story or reading much, though a bit. The layout on my Kindle was also annoying as the first letter of every chapter was out of place and partially covered words.

But, I totally enjoyed the story. It was well written and flowed very well. The main characters were very well developed. The story was partial romance and partial mystery set in the 1800s. This is also a Christian book. It is not at all preachy but shows how ignoring God can/will affect your life.

The story wasn't actually believable nor was it totally unbelievable and that was part of the joy of reading it.

I have never read a book by Joanna Davidson Politano before, but I look forward to reading more from her.

I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars, deducting one star for editing which I hope will be corrected.

What a book! As I read Finding Lady Enderly, I couldn't help but feel as though I was reading a classic novel--- not something just released. This is not just because of it's historical setting, but just the overall timeless feel of the story.

The mystery and suspense promised in this story is what first drew me to this book based upon the description, and it's certainly what kept me in it's grasp right through to the end. This isn't what I would call a fast paced suspense--- there were no major action packed scenes or anything of that sort, but rather a mystery that built throughout the story. Who was the REAL Lady Enderly? What had happened to her? What secrets were being kept? And how would Raina ever get herself out of this mess? I had to read on to get all the answers!

Perhaps my favorite aspect of this book was the romance and the secret communication. Ah yes, perhaps that adds a bit to the mystery in the story as well. The communication between Raina and her love through secret book references was absolute romantic perfection. The lover of classic literature will certainly enjoy the many great references and how they weave so beautifully into the story.

Aside from the romance, this was also a really great story about identity, and how we are more than just a name or what people see and believe about us. It was really interesting to see Raina come to this throughout the story, and to see God's part in all of that too.

Overall, this was a really good story and one that I'm so glad to have read. Fans of historical romance will definitely want to add this to their to be read list!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Finding Lady Enderly is the third book I have read by Joanna Politano and I can see definite growth in her writing abilities.I would class this book as Gothic in style. I am giving this book four stars rather than five because it took me a while to get into the story. For me it was a very slow start. Looking back on the book, I think I had trouble connecting to the characters because I really did not like them in the beginning. However, I am glad I stuck with the book as I did enjoy the plot and the use of literary references. By the end of the book I did honestly care what became of Raina and Sully. So grab a pot of tea and settle in for a good read.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

I've wanted to read this book ever since I first glimpsed its gorgeous cover. I've read both of Joanna Davidson Politano's earlier novels, and loved them. So yes, I already knew her writing style, and knew I would not find this one lacking.

I found myself amazed, my mind blown as I read. I've wondered, and continue to, just how does an author get to know their fiction characters so good that they can so beautifully, completely, bring them to life on pages of a book.

In this book, Raina is captured so perfectly. Her thoughts are portrayed for us in absolute detail. Deep, pondering, heart level kinds of thoughts.

Each chapter begins with a quote/thought given as "from the diary of the Substitute Countess". I marveled at each one, pondered, and kept pulling them back up, even now, after I'm finished with the book.

This book, along with the other I'm privileged to own of Politano's, has earned a permanent position on my home library shelf. They are books that are truly worth a re-read. Yes, I think I'll even go so far as to say, they demand a re-read. I think that might be the only way to do true justice to all the beautiful loveliness that is found within the pages.

I absolutely loved Raina. I really just couldn't get enough of this story, I loved it from the beginning, all the way through to the end.

I loved the way the story is revealed, bit by bit, rather like peeling layers off an onion. Each layer revealed a deeper, hidden layer. One that you had no idea of, until just as you were peeling off the one right above it.

I loved the setting. Raina is taken from her life as a rag woman to a life that is completely foreign to her. In some ways, this story has a Cinderella feel to it. And yet, the story line is far from that. So from the streets of Spitalfield to a large, elegant Abbey, where in spite of it's loveliness, nothing is quite as it seems.

Raina's life becomes one of luxury and elegance. And yet, there is so much that is hidden, so much for her to uncover. As the reader, I was never quite sure what to expect.

Joanna Davidson Politano has tremendous talent, and I love seeing it come out in these beautiful stories set in England in the 1800s. (Is this what is called Regency era? I'm not sure...I only know I love the results!)

There is a mystery in this story. Intrigue. Danger. And yet, it can't quite be called suspense, or gothic. But there is a definite layer of darkness...and Raina is desperately trying to uncover the secrets that are hidden there at the abbey.
This book is definitely one of my top reads for the entire year!!

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

“There’s something rare and intensely beautiful in a person who knows you well and loves you anyway. Ordinary men and everyday romances are the sweetest and deepest. There’s a wonderful charm to ordinary, everyday moments, and the people who remain through them.”

Every time I read Joanna Davidson Politano’s book, I am left speechless, breathless, and in awe. The author has this incredible ability to draw you into Victorian England with a Gothic suspense and intrigue wrapped around a beautifully and stunningly crafted plot about poverty, greed, finding one’s identity and core in Whose you are, and, of course, sacrificial love that forgives and extends grace. Her writing is flawless and the characters are memorable and impressive. Spoken through the first person point of view from Raina and third person point of view mostly from Sully, the story moves at a great pace and the puzzle pieces come together nicely as Raina and Sully individually try to find Lady Enderly. Raina’s faith journey is wonderful to behold as is the heart-achingly tender love that Raina and Sully share. If you’re a fan of classic English literature (Bronte, Dickens, Eliot, Austen, Hardy), you will absolutely adore how the author infuses these classics into Raina and Sully’s own love story. And when Sully plays his fiddle and sings for Raina....man, my heart melted into a puddle every time. And the plot twists! These will have you gasping as you try to read faster to figure out what truly has transpired.

Joanna Politano combines fantastic suspense, lovely details from the historical era, sweet and tender romance, and an inspiring spiritual journey to offer a unique and unforgettable tale. An absolute must-read.

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

FTC Disclosure: NetGalley and Revell Reads gave me complimentary copies of this book (one electronic, one paperback). A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.

Where do I start? What a captivating novel! From the first page, the style was engrossing, fascinating, and exquisitely quotable. If I had jotted down every line that made me sigh for how beautiful it was, I would have a notebook filled with at least half the lines from this story.

The unique usage of novels within the romance thread was beautiful and made me giggle with delight and gasp with elation. I truly admired the way each of the classics used were woven in so seamlessly and delectably. Every new quote had me holding my breath to see just what sentiment would be shared this time.

There were pieces of this story that reminded me of My Fair Lady and Cinderella as well as the gothic flavor of Wuthering Heights, though not necessarily the torrid tragedy that I somehow find enthralling about that particular vintage book. It’s clear to me that Mrs. Politano has a great appreciation for classic stories, for she put them on display very well in her own tale, from transforming a rag woman to the book quotes I previously mentioned to the very essence of the telling of Finding Lady Enderly. There was something so completely addicting about the overall classic feel to this story that it truly ought to be an instant classic, if I might be so bold to state.

The characters were rich and deep, quite complex, and so secretive that I was kept guessing along the way. The twisty plot aided that, definitely. Every chapter had me on the edge of my seat, not solely to find out what happened next to the leading lady, but also to see which surprises and twists and turns would pop up next around her. Let me tell you, there were an entire universe of them! I love how all of that added up to be one of my favorite books of the year, joining Mrs. Amanda Dykes’s Up From the Sea and Whose Waves These Are as well as Mrs. Kim Vogel Sawyer’s Ours for a Season.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes, because I simply must share a couple of the very quotable lines within this story.

“Conceding a battle didn’t mean losing the war, and I always won when it counted.”

“Even without meeting a person, we can determine a lot about her by looking at the people she allows into her life.”

“Never be ashamed of who you are, your ladyship, for you have something powerful in you.”

“Quiet was the best cure for the noise of my thoughts.”

The faith thread was rich and exactly what I love in a novel. I want more books with this saturation of good, solid faith, please!

You know that saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is?”. Well, someone should have given Raina that advice. But Raina is oh-so relatable.

This original and engrossing story kept my attention from the first page to the last as Raina embarks on what, at first sight, seems like a My Fair Lady story . One that goes more horribly wrong as truths are uncovered.

At least Raina has a champion in her corner. Sully takes on a position at Rothburne Abbey and (swoon) leaves her messages via the text in books. Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, the Brontes, and more classic authors get mentions through Sully and Raina’s secret communications.

Add to that the dark mysteries surrounding the Abbey, the manipulations of one man, an earl in need of a wife, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and Finding Lady Enderly pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

At its core, this is the story of a woman discovering she doesn’t need wealth, possessions, or titles to become beautiful. Because, the people who matter most, who love her the deepest, see the beauty in her no matter her circumstances.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I loved this book! Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano is wonderful! It is a rags to riches story with intrigue, secrets (there is also secret codes) and romance. It kept me up late at night reading to discover what would happen next.

When a handsome stranger offers Raina, who is a beautiful seller of rags, a chance to leave the slums of London to travel to Rothburne Abbey to take up a position there. She accepts, as everyone she loves is gone. Once there she lives a life of luxury and falsehoods. Now she must discover who she really is.

A wonderful book and a great cast of characters. I have read all of Ms. Politano's stories and can't wait to read more. I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

Finding Lady Enderly is an amazing read! Joanna Davidson Politano is a master storyteller. She has a way with words and I especially enjoyed the rich Irish brogue of the hero. With her rich use of language, she brings to life the characters and you envision yourself in their presence. A true rags to riches tale of a rag peddler Raina, who is plucked from her life on the streets and taken to live in the Abby as Lady Enderly. It is only temporary until the real Lady Enderly arrives. She is promised to be paid handsomely for doing this. Since her lover has been captured at sea and cast into prison and not returning, what can she lose and much more to gain. Right from the start when she enters the Abby, she feels something is not right with the whole proposition. She struggles with her true identity, and at times becomes lost in becoming Lady Enderly. So much is going on at the Abby and who and where is the real Lady Enderly? This is a great read and as the mystery grows, so does your interest……… My thanks to the Revell Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

The premise of a rag lady being taken off the streets and told to pretend to be a countess is unique. I found it to be an interesting read. The author's writing showed that nothing in life is free and that the terms of deals can be changed at any time. This was definitely an enjoyable and unique read!

The depth of meaning in this very well written novel may require a second reading. There is more there than one may be able to capture on the first read. The theme of finding one's true identity is explored and readers are given much to contemplate and to see reflected in their own lives. Each chapter in Finding Lady Enderly begins with a pearl of wisdom, and more are to be found within the text. The author's inclusion of quotes from classic literature, so aptly applied to the characters' circumstances, is a delight. Politano's writing is so compelling that at one point I actually jumped, so startled was I by the unexpected appearance of someone who had been lurking in the shadows.

I am more than thrilled to have discovered this new-to-me author, and I cannot wait to read more books by Joanna Davidson Politano. I am grateful to have received a copy of Finding Lady Enerly from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

A compelling and accessible Victorian romance with strongly overt spiritual threads. Drawing parallels to Jessica Dotta's Price of Privilege series (especially in its literal rags to riches flavour) and Jennifer Delamere's clean Victorian staples in the genre.


Several twists and great pacing add to the suspense with flourish but perhaps the most admirable trait of the book is its non-conforming treatment of the central romance. The reader might assume that it will play in a linear fashion like other books of its trope and ilk, but Politano prefers to stretch out a thread that mirrors many of the issues of social justice that permeate Raina's My Fair Lady-esque tale.

with thanks to netgalley

Intricately done mystery in a stunning historic setting. I love how much Politano enjoy's crafting her stories--it comes through in her work. I am always surprised by the twists and turns in her plots!
I felt like the number of characters was a bit isolated, and I wanted more characters for more meaningful interactions, & at times I felt like the plot did feel a tad slow at times, however, this was a really beautifully done novel. Great plot, characters and atmosphere with beautiful themes woven throughout.

This book started out with a bang for me. The premise was so fascinating. A man chased down a rag woman and asked her to play the part of a Countess for a time. It sounds too good to be true. Yet as Raina takes to her new role, she grows uneasy when things don’t all add up. Where is the real Countess? Raina sets out to solve the mystery and to set things right not fully realizing what she is setting in motion.
I loved the way Raina and Sully communicated with each other. I enjoyed the quotes from many books I’ve enjoyed in the past. Raina was an interesting woman. She was an “unconventional” Countess in the best sense. It was fun watching her grow and change as she struggled to find her place.
This book has a compelling mystery although there was one thing that was not explained. It’s a fascinating look at both rags and riches and finding out who God wants you to be. It’s a story of repentance, new beginnings and adventure. I found it to be delightful.
Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I’d recommend it.
#FindingLadyEnderly #Netgalley

Finding Lady Enderly
By Joanna Davidson Politano
5 stars

A dark abbey. A rag woman. A desperate hero. A delicious villain.

This novel was just incredible. A gothic background that just comes to life. Characters that are so fleshed out and real. A mystery that kept me guessing. A beautiful allegory of IDENTITY and RENEWAL. I highly recommend! Just brilliant!

I fully admit to having absolutely no idea where this story was headed, and it was immensely enjoyable. So many twists and turns and red herrings and shocking surprises, it would have been overly melodramatic in the hands of a lesser writer. But this author has a strong grasp on the narrative and a beautiful sense of timing. I felt what our heroine was feeling, rather than wanting to roll my eyes at her choices.

This story falls under Christian fiction, and our characters faith does inform many of their choices, but I felt it was very subtle. I get annoyed when authors bang bible verses down on my head, but that is not what happens here.

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

I was in the mood for something different so I was glad to have the opportunity to read an ARC of Finding Lady Enderly. This is the first book that I have ready by this author so I had no expectations although I have heard wonderful things about her writing and after reading this book, I have to agree with other readers, Ms. Politano is truly gifted.

Raina Britton is a unique character and that's why I liked her so much. She's much more brave than I would ever hope to be but our circumstances are different. I have never been in her situation so I have no idea how she desperate she must have been to escape her life as a rag woman and to accept the offer of a stranger to provide an adventure she would never have had if she chose to stay in her neighborhood. Would I have had the nerve to throw caution to the wind and go off with a complete stranger? No, I would not but I'm sure glad she did!

Raina has lost her one true love, Sully who was killed at sea so she figures she has nothing to lose as she embarks on her new adventure. Sometimes things aren't what you expect them to be but you sure meet a lot of interesting people along the way. This novel is filled with mystery, secrets, and incredible characters. Finding Lady Enderly is a cleverly written novel which I enjoyed immensely.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley, All opinions are my own.

What a fantastic read!!! This story is quite unique and has a slight Cinderella feel to it. It was very difficult to put down. The plot kept getting more intriguing as I read, all the while I was left wondering where the 'real' Lady Enderly was. A sweet story with a bit of a mystery. A must read.