This book could be classified as many things: a mystery, a romance, an allegory, steampunk (though more steam than punk), a parable. But all of them are wonderful. The story is complex, and it's not something that can be skimmed or rushed through, as it takes attention to keep all the characters and plot threads in order. There is the story of Emmett, the reclusive and mysterious inventor who owned Blakely House, his true love Sophie, Andre the Pirate/Butler, Micah the cat, the various potential inheritors of Blakely House and our heroine, Sydney Forrester, a brilliant but timid inventor/mechanic who prefers her adventures firmly between the pages of a novel, but yet is inexorably drawn into the secrets of Blakely House. Complex this novel may be, but it is mesmerizing and a joy to read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

When Sydney inherits Blakely House dhe has no idea how her life will change and jus how much drama she would find herself.

This book has everything, romance, drama, mystery and it is also a fun and jolly read.

I loved the characters, Sydney is amazing, Lottie is just so adorable and Andre well I fell in love instantly..

This is a pacy read, it jumps about and is brilliant to read. O really enjoyed the writing style and I am on the look for more from ths author to add to my shelves.
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More than 5 stars!! This book is captivating! It's full of suspense, intrigue, and mysteries! I found myself holding my breath in anticipation of what would happen next.

The characters are written brilliantly! Sydney is AMAZING! She's strong, brilliant, compassionate, and caring. Andre the pirate 😍! He's mysterious, a protector, and loyal. Aunt Lottie is my favorite! She's caring and loving. She poured her love and support into Sydney, nurturing her into a beautiful woman.

I absolutely love how the author tucked God and faith in God throughout the book! It was inspiring how Sydney grew in her faith despite being skeptical at first. The author's note is worth reading. It actually brought tears to my eyes. (Good ones!) I have read other books by Joanna Davidson Politano, and I look forward to reading more!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author/publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Excellent!
This one was a little hard for me to get into in the beginning (probably because I am older)... but once I did, I was really pinned to the story!
As with some of the other books by this author that I have read, it's a somewhat complex story.
There are several characters to keep track of - which is why I think I had a hard time at first getting into it. It takes me a while to process people and events. But that is just me. This book has so many amazing facets to it!
I enjoyed the new to me subject matter - the historical tidbits of automaton gadgets. I learned some new words and processes.
There was a LOT of mystery. Quite a bit of suspense. Some very tender, sweet, clean romance.
And I very much enjoyed, and appreciated the gentle inclusion of faith in God - and seeing Him as so big and wonderful.
And the ending was great!!
I highly recommend this book!

This enchanting historical mystery is filled with intrigue, clever twists, and a richly atmospheric setting. The isolated estate of Blakely House feels almost like a character itself, brimming with hidden inventions, long-buried secrets, and an ever-present sense of mystery. Sydney is a sharp and determined heroine, making her journey through the contested inheritance both engaging and suspenseful. The blend of mechanical ingenuity, family tension, and unexpected alliances keeps the plot moving at a steady, immersive pace.
The novel’s gothic undertones add to its charm, creating an air of suspense and discovery with every turn of the page. The richly drawn characters—some allies, some adversaries—keep the tension high, while the hints of romance and adventure add depth without overshadowing the central mystery. With its clever storytelling and fascinating historical details, this is a captivating read for anyone who loves intelligent, atmospheric fiction with a touch of the unexpected.

A quirky, fun read. The writing style fits the main character… a little chaotic, jumping around a bit. The gentle faith elements gather steam towards the end. The romance is light and sweet, enhancing the story, rather than other taking it. There were a few time a that the story jumped around and I felt a bit lost. But would definitely try another novel by this author.

Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC. All opinions are mine.

Historical mystery+gothic setting+clean romance= a fantastic reading experience, in my humble opinion. This is the first book I’ve read by the author, but I’ve seen others share about her books on bookstagram and now I want to read more! I was immediately drawn in by the family mystery that opens the novel- main character Sydney received word that she’s inherited an estate from an uncle she’s never met and the plot just takes off from that point. Secrets unravel and discoveries abound. I highly recommend this for readers interested in something unique, mysterious, and encouraging.

Many thanks to Revell for a complimentary e-ARC of this intriguing book! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Fantastic! Five stars! Absolutely loved!

If you are a fan of riddles, puzzles or escape rooms and you enjoy a clean novel free of smut you would love this book. I’d previously read the inheritance game series, and this reminded me so much of it but much better in my opinion. Right away you’re drawn to Sydney and her love of machines and mechanisms and how things work and trying to put all the pieces together. She came from a broken life and wanted to make it whole again. And then she finds that she was selected to inherit a mansion full of unfinished inventions and projects with mystery and magic throughout the entire house, and of course, a love story that no one seems to have known about. I absolutely loved this book and did not want to put it down!!!

⭐️4
This is a story for those that live on the outskirts, those that feel, at times, like an out of step clock and maybe a bit broken. Though, haven’t we all felt that way at some point in our lives? Like Sydney, we build ourselves little fortresses and never dare to leave the comfort of our supposed control. But, always in the deepest parts of us, there’s a voice pinging off the walls of our self made prison. A voice calling us to “grab on.” Grab on to adventure. To new wonder. To people. To love. To the One who pursues you despite your every broken piece.
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This was a THOROUGHLY enjoyable read! Gospel themes were threaded through the story with a deft hand, adding a rich depth to it. The writing flowed in such a unique way and was a delightful mix of tender moments, witty humor, and puzzling mystery. Definite steampunk vibes, which I always find fascinating! Though the romance wasn’t front and center, Andre and Sydney were just too precious🥹 The tender feelings they awoke in another. The sweetness of their friendship. How he wanted her to really experience life. How she was his new adventure😭

💋A few of the sweetest kisses🫠


*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House. All opinions are my own.

I was happy to receive a copy of The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House from NetGalley. I have never read a book quite like it! It is a dark, gothic novel that becomes hopeful toward the end.

Sydney Forrester doesn't know her parents, but has the dearest of friends in her Aunt Lottie. A mysterious woman invites Sydney to Blakely House to collect her rightful inheritance. With much difficulty, Sydney arrives at the house of a distant uncle on an island to find she is one of three possible heirs. Right away, Sydney concluded this house is not normal. The lights flicker, the doors open and close by themselves. and passages are locked and unlocked without warning. As Sydney tries to make sense of the secrets of Blakely House, she realizes her uncle left an important mission unsolved before he passed away. With the help of the butler, they set out to finish what he started and solve the greatest secret of Blakely House!

I enjoyed reading this book! I stayed up way too late to finish it! The author is a wonderful storyteller and I loved the characters. I thought it interesting that about 3/4 of the book makes very little reference to God. Then the last 1/4 is full of Scriptures and Sydney accepts God's sovereignty.

My only critique would be that I have about 5 unanswered questions that I wish I could ask the author. I can't list them because it would spoil the ending. She never writes series books so this should be a stand alone novel. I feel a few things are left open-ended and felt incomplete. Otherwise, it was a fun novel and I highly recommend it!

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano is a magical historical novel perfect for readers who like puzzles, mystery, danger and romance.

Sydney Forrester, an orphan raised by her Aunt Lottie, discovers that she had a great-uncle who has left his house to her. However, when she gets to the house, she realizes she was not the only one the house was left to.

In addition, there is a concerted effort by her late uncle’s nephews to keep her from inheriting. They will do anything to make that happen, even claiming she killed the uncle she had never met.

Along the way, Sydney discovers allies in the house cook, Mrs. Holligan and Mr. Montagne, who she believes to be a former pirate her uncle saved when he washed up on the shores of Blakely House.

There is much to capture the imagination in this book. From the remarkable inventions that Sydney is adept at fixing to the house itself that seems to point Sydney to clues she desperately needs to claim her innocence.

This book was a delightful mystery that made me feel like I was in an escape room because of all the puzzles to solve. The remarkable inventions that made the house come alive added to the magic of this story.

And of course, we can’t forget the pirate! Mr. Montagne was a mystery at first. He seemed dangerous, yet also charming. I absolutely loved his part in this story and the surprise at the end had me reading until the wee hours.

If you enjoy mysteries, romance, a bit of magic and puzzles, you will love the Curious Inheritance of Blakely House.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley for my honest review.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakey House is a beautiful glimpse into the wonderful, inventive, and loving heart of God. This book drew me in from the very beginning and pulled me gently through a story of longing, searching for belonging, and the God Who is searching and drawing and has already made a place for the weary heart to rest. I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it! I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher and the opinions stated are my own.

COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN
I started this book midday and read it to the end around 11pm. WOW.
It is such a different kind of book. It gave some H.G. Wells/Nicholas Tesla/Steampunk vibes. It is always told from 1st person, but the POV does shift around.
There are unexpected mysteries I was not able to guess at. Additionally, I loved the heroine (introverted tinkerer) and hero (compassionate French Pirate).
The faith build is slow, and the author addresses that after the story.
QUOTEABLE: "I had done more than glimpse God out here. I had experienced him. Been driven to the edge until I tasted and felt him. And it left me starving for more."
This book is an incredibly well-written historical fiction novel.
I highly recommend it, especially if you are ready for a change of pace!
I received this eBook from the Publisher via NetGalley.
All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Sydney Forrester had worked in her Aunt Lottie's Curiosity Shop for 10 years and she enjoyed repairing clocks in Grafton England in the year 1901.

She had received letters from her absent, flighty mother from Australia and the U.S., but today she saw a veiled woman who looked like her in the shop.
The woman asked her if she repaired clocks and asked her what her name was - as Sydney opened the clock it had hundreds of tiny gears, a bird etched on the surface of the clock and a beam of light that mirrored the clocks' face shot out in space accompanied by a voice saying "Fifty-three degrees two. The woman touched a trigger and the light went out and the clock appeared to be a normal clock.
She said her name was Mrs. Holligan and she wanted Sydney to see what she was giving up, then Sydney remembered receiving letters about an inheritance. Mrs. Holligan then gave her a large key with birds encircling the stem and that the master said she would know what to do with it when he had gone.

Sydney decided to go to Blakely House with her cat Micah without telling her Aunt Lottie. But the house was on an island so Shelby rented a boat and rowed out to the island when a wave threw her out of the boat and she washed ashore. As Sydney tried to rescue Micah from a tree, an enormous man reached out and rescued her and the cat.
Sydney informs him that she is the Master of Blakely House, then she holds up her key and she tells him she is Syney Forrester - he charges over a bridge into a stone cliff and vanishes.

Sydney bolts inside and sees a cacophony of birds calling out and flapping and hears a voice distant and muffled, “ the projection of air must be equal to . . . and the velocity of displaced air . . .” It was the same crackling sound she'd heard from the clock.
Sydney sees lights glowing, machines whirring, a barking mechanical dog, and then she hears footsteps - men appear in front of her and she learns that she is not the only heir there are three more of them, and that they must win a contest...

I tried several times to like this book and although I finally finished it, my opinion didn’t change. I think it was the writing and the plot felt confusing.

Thankyou to NetGalley, the publishers and the author, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.

Sydney has inherited Blakely House. It is when she arrives at the property, she learns that her inheritance will not be as straight forward as it initially seemed.
The storyline was intriguing and the characters well drawn. This book provides a good read that will keep you entertained.
Well worth a read.

Joanna Davidson Politano is truly an absolute master at weaving unique stories that feel timeless and will keep readers captivated right through to the end. This one was certainly no exception. Right away, I was drawn into Sydney's story as she learns of the inheritance of Blakely House. But once she arrives, she learns things are a little more complicated than they seem. When I was a kid, it was those stories with the houses full of secrets (be it hidden passageways, uncovered treasures, unique features, etc.) that truly made me fall in love with reading to begin with. The Blakely House with all its oddities and unique inventions put me in mind of those stories I loved--- in the absolute best way possible. I couldn't help but find myself intrigued. I found the story to be the perfect blend of mystery and romance to create one beautiful story! If you love Christian historical romance, this is certainly one to add to your TBR.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

This gothic masterpiece is created with three intriguing threads: an unusual heiress, a contested will, and a mysterious house.

Joanna Davidson Politano whisks readers back to the Victorian/Edwardian era and away to an island in the North Sea off the coast of Northumberland in Northern England. It’s here that she introduces us to Blakely House, an estate full of inventions and secrets. Her neurodivergent protagonist, an unusual heiress and a clockmaker, has inherited her late industrialist uncle’s cliff-top mansion. Sydney Forrester is definitely a “clock put together differently—a clock specially designed” and Politano peels back her layers to show us the extraordinary in the ordinary.

I loved the spotlight on how we react to unforeseen challenges, how we dig deep to find the courage to fight for what’s ours, and how we escape from things (perceived or real) that are holding us back.

I think you’ll agree that this should be optioned for the silver screen!

Twisty, perfectly paced, and featuring a unique setting and protagonist, this story is not one to be overlooked.

What happened to Sydney's uncle? You'll never guess.

I was gifted this copy by Revell and was under no obligation to provide a review.

A strange novel if I've ever read one but I soon found myself immersed in it. And happily so because I can definitely relate to Sydney when it comes to her books.
I soon found her a wonderful character though.
Lots of mystery that's definitely worth the read. Politano does an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing on the where a bouts of Sydney's uncle.
I finished this book in the wee hours of morning because I couldn't put this adventure down! Wow!
5 stars for a job well done. I really loved this title. I think it's her best yet.
I highly recommend.
My thanks to Interviews and Reviews for a copy of this book via Netgalley