A Rumored Fortune

Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
​Genre: Historical Romance

Welcome to Trevelyan Castle, home of the poorest heiress in Victorian England

Tressa Harlowe's father 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. Now 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. 

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Reviewer: Becky Hrivnak

A Rumored Fortune, written by Joanna Davidson Politano, is the first book I've read by this author.

I really enjoyed this read. It's a treasure hunt on steroids. Not only did the characters need to figure out where the lost fortune was hidden, but it was a treasure hunt of character for Tressa. She needed to find out who she could truly trust. 

I really enjoyed the style of the writing. I was pleased with how it opened and drew me in immediately. About three-quarters of the way into the story, I did find it to not pull so much, but it picked up and drew me to the end.

I look forward to seeing what else Politano has written/will write! Definitely, recommend A Rumored Fortune! 

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

This is the first book by  Joanna Davidson Politan o 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)!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Susan Poll

​Oh goodness, I was just as anxious as all the characters to find that treasure! This author knows how to weave a mystery with sprinkles of chemistry and romance! So many twists and turns that I just didn’t want to put it down. Forget feeding the family – Tressa and Vance needed me to keep reading to discover what was going on. I adore the secondary characters – even the ones that make you want to punch them. It all creates the story! A satisfying and fulfilling ending that tugs the heart strings. Bookshelf keeper!
 
Definitely a five star!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

What an absolute delight it was to read A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano. Ripe with analogies and a handsome hero, this is a book you will not be able to put down.

Did you notice my use of the word "ripe"? This wonderful book, while a great read that will get you lost in the main mystery, uses 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," as it's central theme.

​Tressa Harlowe is an heiress without a fortune and is not sure who to trust when old beaus, family and strangers appear on her doorstep after the death of her father. All of them are looking for her father's lost treasure, and Tressa is finding it hard to decide who to trust. But with the help of Donegan Vance her, her vineyard manager, she learns who to believe in the most.

​I loved the mystery, the romance and the lessons learned. I highly recommend this book!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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