An enjoyable tale, which is almost gothic in its setting, about an unusual and talented young woman who sets off to claim her mysterious inheritance. Pirates, shipwrecks, automata, what's not to like! I'd like to read more from this author.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House
by Joanna Davidson Politano
Pub Date: Apr 15 2025

It is 1901 when clockmaker and tinker Sydney Forrester receives a most unusual inheritance. Blakely House, the island estate of an estranged uncle she's never met, seems almost alive, revealing and hiding its secrets at will. It is filled with remarkable inventions, including an intriguing unfinished automaton Sydney is itching to get her skilled hands on.

The estate is also home to a number of peculiar people--including two men intent on removing this interloper from the island. Convinced that Sydney has something to do with their uncle's death, the late master's nephews contest the will and work against their cousin at every turn.

Sydney finds a sometimes-ally in the estate's butler, an ex-adventurer who ran aground on the island years ago. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise that upsets everything, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master's brilliance as well as his property--or someone else will.

i really wanted to enjoy this more, the premise seemed super good and i was intrigued by the spookiness of the synopsis and cover, overall though, it was just an okay read for me, i didnt love it, but didnt hate it either. the fmc was a great character though, she was strong and wanted to prove herself, which i enjoyed, however the suspense behind it all fell flat, i never felt like i knew what was going on and in turn it never pulled me in bc i just felt confused more than i felt like i could grasp onto anything unfortunately. the premise definitely was intriguing and the ending did wrap up nicely, so i appreciated that. i just wish the suspense and mystery kept me interested a little more.

the authors writing style though i thought was very good and would be interested in reading more books based off that alone.

Curiously complex. Maddeningly mysterious. Clever contraptions. Sinister secrets. This is Blakely House.
"Face that fear and wrestle it to the ground!" "You'll never know what you'll get if you don't try." Sydney Forrester steps into a puzzle at Blakely House, not safe like her books, but one that promises great reward if only she can embrace the adventure and uncover the truth.
With a dash of allegory and a slew of automatons, Joanna Politano weaves the threads of hurting people, redemption, dark, light, love, and adventure into a story that touches the reader's heart.

I absolutely loved this book! I loved the characters (well, not so much the villains), and I loved that God used Joanna's writing and Sydney's story to remind me that I am not broken. I am not forgotten. And when I can't feel Him, and even though I can't physically see Him, all I need to do is look up. "And though fear shadowed me, I'd keep looking, keep stepping out of the boat, letting him catch me again and again just so I knew what his arms felt like. "

1901 England

Brilliant! What a fascinating tale created by the author.

Mechanically inclined Sydney Forrester was abandoned by her mother and lovingly taken in by her aunt. Sydney thrives in the world of watch repair, however, she is driven to seek out a possible inheritance to help her aunt financially.

At Blakely House Sydney discovers that her role as misfit in normal society has her fitting right in among all the industry left behind by the deceased owner of the mysterious home.

Sydney loves adventure...in books, but has no desire for adventure outside of them. She no longer trusts God after he didn't bring her mother back. When Sidney finds one of her biggest allies at Blakely House is a "pirate", she contemplates making a real life adventure.

The faith message about trusting God is strong and beautifully shared in the pages. A creatively crafted tale that has a dash of romance between two very strong main characters and some lovely secondary characters as well.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano

My Thoughts:
This was my first time reading anything by Joanna! She absolutely took me into a world I have never been in before! I loved the gothic setting, the interesting inventions and the main characters. I was so excited to see what would unfold between Sydney and Andre. They helped each other overcome personal struggles and even helped each other see from the others perspective. I couldn't wait to solve the mysteries lurking around every corner. With all that being said, I was left feeling like I needed just a little bit more in the climax! I look forward to reading more from this author.

I won’t pass up a chance to read a Joanna Davidson Politano book, so I was thrilled to get my hands on an ARC through NetGalley.

Sydney Forrester has a mechanical mind. She loves to create, repair, and restore. But while she’s happy fixing intricate machines, her world is broken. Abandoned by her mother, destitute, and out of options, Sydney is shocked to find she had a wealthy uncle who has named her in his will. Furthermore, her reclusive uncle had been an inventor, and his island castle is filled with hydro-electrics, flying machines, an automaton… and secrets.
With two long-lost cousins contesting the will and blaming her for their uncle’s death, Sydney must join forces with Blakely House’s mysterious butler to find the answers about her uncle’s inventions, his death, and Sydney’s parentage. But the more she learns about her uncle’s genius, the more Sydney is forced to reckon with her own brokenness. But will she be able to give up the pieces and trust someone other than herself to do the fixing?

Pros: As I got closer to the end of the story and the layers began to peel away, I was in awe of the rich depth and meaning the author had woven throughout. It’s really a parable about the Creator and His creation. The whole story-within-the-story was beautifully and tastefully done.
Sydney was a hilarious character to follow along with. It was interesting reading from the POV of a character who most likely would have been diagnosed with ADHD, and possibly on the autism spectrum. She was definitely the unconventional heroine - a heroine who is terrified of adventure!
Overall, just a beautifully written book!

Cons: The book is set in the early 1900s and is based on a real location and inventor. However, the steampunk vibe, though somewhat realistic for the story, is not something I would gravitate towards. It felt a touch more like a fantasy or Sci-Fi story than historical.
But my biggest con was a violin playing sequence which was impossible. I’m a violinist, so I would know. Had the character in question lost his right arm, theoretically it would work, but not his left arm.

Bottom Line: A fantastical historical adventure and mystery that explores the world of inventions and flawed creators.

I received an advance copy on NetGally in exchange for an honest review.

I was interested in this story for its gothic nature and mystery appeal. I really wanted to like it, but I could not get invested. The heroine wasn’t easy to connect with and I feel like there were too many questions for the readers to digest and no answers to keep me turning the pages.

"For it wasn't about how, and it never had been. It was always who."

Joanna Davidson Politano only creates wonderfully unique masterpieces and this newest is no exception. I loved the setting of England during its industrial era and the brilliant inventions inhabiting the Blakely House. The mysterious and slightly eerie lore surrounding Farneham Heald island and Blakely House lent a Gothic tone, which merged superbly with the intrigue surrounding the death of the great inventor and owner of the said island and home. The race amongst the cousins to uncover the true heir to all that the inventor left showcased the height of grace and mercy and depth of human depravity. I loved Sydney's raw, honest, brilliant, and oftentimes scatter-brained first person voice. Multiple characters had third person voices in the storyline, including Dane and Tom the cousins, Andre the butler, and Angel the cook. The numerous third person voices threw me off at the beginning but I realized that multiple sets of eyes and voices were needed to pull off this complex plot with plenty of delicious twists and turns. The adventures Sydney and Andre had were pretty incredible, as were their romance and faith journeys.

If you enjoy Gothic historical intrigue, you will absolutely love this book. One of my favorite reads this year! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via LibraryThing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

I'm a fan of Politano's books and this one held true to her ability to build interesting characters and maintain that interest throughout the story. In the beginning I was instantly drawn to Sydney and her predicament along with the lure of something new and unexpected. I was all in to follow her down the path. I thought the curiousness of Blakely House was intriguing as well as the people who lived there. It's hard to write a review without spoiling the creativity of the story so I will stop here. I DO recommend this book wholeheartedly.

There is a reason Joanna Davidson Politano is one of my top five all time favorite Christian authors. And this story is just another example of how brilliant of a writer she is. Every single story she has written, I have read and loved. Each one is the perfect combination of history, romance, and faith. But not only are those elements exceptionally done, she creates this fantastically unique and utterly mesmerizing tales that leave me stunned and breathless and completely satisfied, yet always craving more. More of her brilliance. More of her wisdom. More of her immersive atmosphere. Her imagination is unrivaled.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House is classic Politano: mysterious, magical, and magnificent. From the very first moment the world she creates is a wonder to become lost in. Gothic, steampunk, industrial, beautiful, curious. Her stories I liken to a snow globe. Idyllic and serene, you are slowly introduced to this fantastical world and getting comfortable with what is visible and present, then she shakes it up and everything changes. All the things hidden just below the surface alter what you previously knew or understood. It becomes even more riveting and spellbinding.

Her characters are always multilayered, plot continuously progressing, and the romance is always slow and tender and palpable. Sydney and André are as magical as the story itself.

Sydney’s mathematical, logical mind is refreshing in a literary world filled with damsels in distress. Her quick thinking, eagerness to help, and ability to empathize with others makes her a true hero.

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I don’t know how to write this review—because I don’t have words big enough for what this story just did to me.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House doesn’t read like a book. It feels like walking into another world that tilts time and space, where every shadow might be a clue and every invention might whisper something eternal.

I was captivated—by the fog-covered island, by the strange and clever clockwork, by the heroine who’s as brilliant as she is quietly wounded. Sydney Forrester doesn’t flinch at puzzles or gears, yet the deeper mysteries of belonging and purpose? Those take a different kind of courage. I’m still feeling that in my bones.

There’s a certain ache to reading something this imaginative and meaningful. You can’t fly through it. Every sentence begs to be savored. There were moments I just sat there, blinking, because the writing was so striking I didn’t want to breathe it away too fast. And then there were moments I had to keep turning pages because the mystery and the movement simply wouldn’t let me rest.

This story has the elegance of a musical box, the tension of a secret door creaking open, the heartbeat of a love that chooses you even when it shouldn’t. And in the middle of it all, a Gospel truth that unfolds slowly and subtly—never demanding attention, but impossible to ignore.

André was unexpected. Which is to say, perfect. Not because he’s flawless, but because he’s layered—scarred, patient, and unexpectedly kind. A pirate turned butler? Only in Blakely House. Only in the hands of an author like Joanna Davidson Politano … and in the hands of our Mighty God in real life.

But the one who truly stopped me in my tracks? Sophie. Her voice through those letters undid me. Wisdom, gentleness, and the kind of truth that doesn’t come from observation alone—it comes from having deep experiences.

Of the many quotes I could have chosen, the following are not just pretty words, they are kingdom truths disguised in Steampunk paper and tucked between romance and riddles.

“They call you odd, and perhaps you are. Or perhaps … perhaps the scope of normal is wider than any of us believed.” ~ Sophie’s letters to Emmit Grafton

“Your brilliant mind enriches the world, dear Emmett – but also keeps you from being part of it.” ~ Sophie’s letters to Emmit

“I knew from the moment I first met you that I wasn’t supposed to love you, but I rarely do what I’m supposed to.” ~ Emmet’s letters to Sophie

“Perhaps, dear one, instead of shaping yourself to fit the world, you should search for a little corner of it where your strengths flourish, like exotic wildflowers that would wither anywhere but the rainforest.”
~ Sophie’s letters to Emmett

I didn’t expect this story to feel like an allegory. And yet, as Blakely House revealed its secrets, I felt my own walls shift. There were mirrors in those pages. And mystery. And mercy. And grace.

And then came the Author’s Note—and just when I thought I’d finished the journey, it broke me wide open. Again.

I’ve never read anything like this. It’s part adventure, part allegory, part romance, part mystery, part deep yet simple faith. Somehow both whimsical and deeply grounded. Somehow gentle and wild. Somehow now mine.

I’ll be rereading this one. I’ll be listening, if there’s ever an audiobook. I’ll be thinking about these characters—for a long time.

I didn’t walk away from this story the same. I walked away steadier. Seen. Stirred. Changed.

This book didn’t just speak to me—it ministered to me. In places I didn’t know were waiting.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher, Revell, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the amazing writing and story’s excellent content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

This was a magical story set in an interesting location.
It has a mystery to solve and some surprises along the way. While I enjoyed the story it just seemed to take forever to get where it was going.

Oh my. This is historical. And gothic. And steampunk. It has a spiritual theme. Is full of intrigue and mystery. Author Joanna Politano wraps everything up in one delicious read.

Strong, well developed characters will pull you in and keep you reading. Sydney is not the usual Victorian maiden. She loves working with mechanical gadgets and her new inheritance is full of them. There are so many quirky characters I don’t even know where to go next. You’ll just have to read it yourself.

I can’t forget that this has a clean romance that is enemies to…..more. There really is something for everyone in The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I absolutely loved The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House and I am not at all surprised! Joanna Davidson Politano is one of my top favorite authors and this book is just another example as to why she is such a favorite of mine. She has a way of writing stories that wrap around your heart and leave you with beautiful hope.💗

Every single one of her books has their own unique feeling and atmosphere and this one was no different!
It was so original and piqued my interest instantly! The characters came alive for me and I was walking the grounds of Blakely House with them. One of the best feelings ever is when you’re reading a book and you actually forget you’re reading a book… and this book made me forget I was reading.

I adored the characters! Sydney was so relatable. There were so many times I felt like she and I were the same!
As for the hero, Joanna never fails to write a hero who jumps off the page. I LOVED André. When I found out he was not only a butler but also a pirate, I was so in! He was so compelling and lovable. He’s definitely up there with my favorites of her heroes!🥰

The romance was so beautifully written! Joanna writes some of the best romances I’ve ever read and this one was no exception. I loved it!

The faith was also such a highlight for me. It was so beautifully woven in. It felt so natural. I was left so inspired.

As I mentioned before, this book was so atmospheric and unique. I’ve never read a book quite like it! Blakely House was so mysterious and interesting.

In conclusion, I loved this book so much! It was one of those books I literally could not put down. When I wasn’t reading the book, I was thinking about the characters. There were plot twists at every turn and I enjoyed every minute of it. I highly recommend this book is you love books with:
- bookish, engineer-minded heroine
- a pirate/adventurous hero
- “competing for the inheritance” plot
- mysterious old house
- inspiring faith content
- beautiful, lyrical writing
- a slow burn love story

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary e-copy! All opinions are my own.

4.5⭐️s. Mysterious and intriguing - at first I couldn’t tell if it was a fantasy with magic and history mixed together but you soon find out the magic is just a lot of brilliance and invention on the part of the house owner, Emmett Sinclair. It was a beautifully blended landscape of technical and mechanical, adventure, mystery and romance.

I loved how Sydney has to struggle with the balance of her strengths in seeing how things work or might work, but her fears in getting out of her head and her comfortable places or struggling with being different or odd, lacking a filter or being overlooked as a woman. I related to her so often with many similarities of my own that it sort of felt like she was in my head. The relationship and growth between her and Andre was well done and I loved his patience and grace for her, as they both became better because of each other.

The story also had a really great, almost allegorical presentation of God and his relationship with us that was presented excellently. It made so much sense and I loved the subtlety of it that made you think and imagine.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

What an interesting book. The inventions, the mystery, the suspense and a bit of romance, it has it all.

Sydney Forester is a bit different, she is happiest working with clocks and reading books. But when a stranger entices her with a possible inheritance that would help her and her aunt, she leaves all she knows and tries to secure it. What she walks into is something from a dream or a nightmare, but she perseveres. Her journey is difficult, but her mind leads her where she needs to go

This is filled with so much, it is hard to summarize. It is so worth your time!

Most book titles give you a hint of what’s in store, but it’s rare that a title so perfectly sums up the essence of the story like this one. And yet, to merely read the title and look at the cover will deprive a person of a tale both whimsical and poignant.

The story sweeps readers in from the first page, just like Blakely House house sweeps Sydney in, carrying them along on an intriguing adventure full of mystery and mechanics with a gentle, slow-burn romance. Set against a riveting backdrop of a turn-of-the century mansion of wonders on an island off the coast of England, the cast of characters shares truths, reveals dangers, and learns about what makes life worth living in this unique and charming story.

Although I was a bit frustrated by the off-balance feeling through the first about a hundred pages of the story, it was completely appropriate for the POV character and served to deepen my identification with her struggles. Overall, this is a heart-warming story that captivates the imagination and invites you into a deeper understanding of the world.

This book surprised me so much. It was a absolutely utterly unique read. With our orphan heroine being contacted about an inheritance and taking her last pennies to travel to a secluded island to our disabled hero being both a pirate type and a butler in a magnificent manor full of clocks, machinery, and inventions. This read had mystery and a bit of a spooky feel at times. This is a Christian gothic historical romance set in England in 1901. It was a fascinating read. It held a lot of clocks and inventions and the inner workings of machines and that was fascinating. This manor on a secluded island, where there have been many shipwrecks, is powered by water pressure. It was so interesting to read of this house - taking inspiration from a real house that was powered by hydroelectricity and was owned by an inventor. There’s a bit of a murdery mystery in this book and the story of a long lost love that is woven in (not that of our MCs). There is a battle over inheritance and a conspiracy among some of those “contestants” - though this is unlike anything you could’ve guessed for that type of trope. With forced proximity, our MCs draw closer - one awake with curiosity and the other with grief and unsettledness. There are riddles, a cat, family, family, and adventures at home and abroad. This was my first by this author and I’d definitely consider reading another. This is a just kisses romance. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House was throughly enjoyable! It is a mixture of mystery, romance and whimsy that anyone will enjoy. You’ll go on an adventure in a curious house filled with pirates, automation and quirky characters. Don’t miss this book!!

I was given a copy by the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.