Cast against the legend of a family fortune, Tressa Harlowe , though penniless, must unravel the mystery of the death of her father and attempt to bring to rights the truth of his character and reputation.

Within the atmosphere of a classic gothic tale, Politano wields a story that explores father/daughter relationships and lessons gained from the vineyard and the vine dresser. Politano’s lyrical writing once again captivates this reader.

I enjoyed Sarah Nichols’ narration of this tale. Her depiction of the characters was distinct and the voices fit the characters well. She truly held me spellbound within the storyline. A narrator I will seek out again.

I enjoyed this book so much that I purchased the ebook, print book and audiobook. ( )

This was a really good book! I enjoyed the main character very much. She had strength in times of adversity.
Tressa's father didn't trust banks and when he passes away she is left with the mystery of finding his fortune. The vineyard workers and family members have also heard of this treasure and everyone is determined to find it. Donegan, the new vineyard manager has a secret and he's also determined to find the treasure. Tressa must decide whom she can trust and who is out to destroy her. Much more happens, so read the book! You won't be disappointed! ( )

I reviewed Joanna Davidson Politano's debut novel Lady Jayne Disappears and adored it, so I was quite excited to get my hands on her second work, A Rumored Fortune. Also a historical Christian romance with a strong female character, this one did not disappoint - and it too features a good mystery and more than a few twists to keep you on your toes.

Tressa is kind, thoughtful - and as Donegan reveals to her, naive about and sheltered from the world outside the castle in which she lives. While she lived a life of wealth and one free of material concerns - at least up until shortly after we meet her character on the page - the luster of her privileged life is dulled as we read of her childhood, and what saves her from the "poor little rich girl" stereotype is that her character is genuine, clever, and caring to those she engages with.

A Rumored Fortune is a layered tale. The alleged death of Tressa's father draws out greedy fortune hunters, and it quickly becomes obvious that some people can't be trusted...or can they? With plenty of red herrings to make us second guess who is there for Tressa and who will try to take advantage of her, Politano also shows that people are more complicated than they appear on the surface.

And there are twists! Caught up in the search for the missing fortune her father is said to have hidden, I found myself wondering if the fortune was more philosophical (was it actually Tressa, or the vineyard itself); why had her father pushed her away, and what was the mystery behind the source of his wealth; what had happened to her father; and who could she trust? The author beautifully weaves all these questions together, and as one seems on the verge of revealing itself, the story takes another turn.

The author also weaves in an excellent reflection on women and marriage, and love versus necessity as a driver in this period. From Tressa's mother and her cousin Neville's former actress wife Ellen Langford, to her hapless ladies maid Lucy and the very cheery, generous but poor Mrs. Sullivan, her treatment of the necessity of marriage for stability versus for love is human and perceptive, and her treatment of both her mother and Ellen's situations are insightful and much more layered than I expected - a thoughtful treat.

The Christian element is much more prevalent in this novel than her last, but Tressa's faith is as well woven into the essence of her character as it is into Donegan Vance's, so it doesn't feel gratuitous or preachy. A Christian myself, I'm ever leery of books where the main character prays for rescue and God responds with a billboard and fanfare and flashing lights; I like to think God sends us what we need, but it's up to us to see it the solution in front of us, and this is one of Tressa's strengths. She reveals that as a lonely child she had easy conversations with God, and as an adult she questions the prompts and pushes she receives in response to prayer as wishful thinking - again, something relatable as a rational, overthinking adult. If you are not overtly religious, this may make you uncomfortable, but I would encourage you to view it as part of her innate characteristics (she's kind, she's creative, and she's of deep faith) as it explains much about her character and it's development.

All in all, A Rumored Fortune was a lovely stand alone mystery AND romance. For me, though, its true strength was in the character development. We watched some of the main characters grow and change and even heal; through secondary characters like Tressa's mother and Ellen, the author made me push past the stereotypes of those who married for wealth and status by revealing the weaknesses and fears that drove them, humanizing them to where even if I couldn't like them, I could understand them. If a book can grant you a change in perspective, even if it was unintended, that is a gift. ( )

I was captivated by Tressa Harlowe. From the author's first descriptions of Tressa I was routing for her and she reminded me of Cinderella in the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. Tressa's kindness to all and her amazing resilience are unmatched by most of those that surround her with one exception. Tressa's resiliency bring some creative solutions to the management of her family's estate.

When I read The Bar Harbor Retirement Home for Famous Writers (And Their Muses): A Novel Paperback by Terri-Lynne DeFino, I was captivated by the words written at the beginning of each chapter by the late Cornelius Traegar (one of the writers that had initially conceived of the retirement home for writers). Each of the shared messages was not only a perfect complement to the chapter but at the end of the novel, I wanted to go back and read each of the shared chapter openings again for the profound messages for reflection. I couldn't imagine another writer that would have a character share a chapter opening in such a meaningful way until I began reading A Rumored Fortune.

Joanna Davidson Politano's magical novel is captivating for the story but in particular for the shared words at the beginning of each chapter from the Notebook of a viticulturist as written by Tressa's father, viticulturalist Josiah Harlowe. The notes are reflective not only to the growing of grapes but provide food for thought for life.

I didn't know that this novel was Christian fiction until I looked to view the copyright date and noticed the subject as part of the Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data. I thought it was an exquisite example of Christian fiction as Tressa's faith is tested time and again and even during what seem to be her darkest hours and she is questioning if God is listening she continues to talk to God. It is a quiet example (not preaching) testament of a woman's faith.

I loved the writing by Joanna Davidson Politano and will not hesitate to read more of her novels. ( )

When she needed help the most, a slave, Louis, cared for orphaned Adria Starr. Now, years later, despite the good he has done, Louis is being sold—and Adria is desperate to help him in return.

Ann H. Gabhart’s River to Redemption is heartwrenching, yet heartwarming historical read. Character-driven and faith-filled, the story unfolds at a steady pace, keeping me easily captivated, and I loved it. I highly recommend it to fans of historical, inspirational fiction.

Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a complimentary copy of River to Redemption and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )