Tressa Harlowe’s father did not trust banks, but neither did he trust his greedy extended family. He 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. 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 … 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.
Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano welcomes readers to Trevelyan Castle, home of the poorest heiress in Victorian England, for a treasure hunt they’ll not soon forget.
more
“A Rumored Fortune” by Joanna Davidson Politano completes the trio of books I have read by this gifted author. Every book is just as good as the one before it. Quality does not slip with the quantity she has written. This one is so full of everything which makes a good book: well-written, world-building, inspiring, intriguing, original, captivating, thought-provoking, and surprising. I cannot wait until her next one. I am sure it will be every bit as captivating and enthralling as her other three!
I loved this book that Joanna Davidson Politano wove like a fine tapestry with a deft hand. The characters, the setting, the mystery all came to life and I couldn’t put it down. I loved Tressa- a unique and strong heroine who is beautifully awkward and relatable.
Joanna Davidson Politano truly has a gift and I couldn’t be more excited to read another book of hers!
How’d you define wealth? A fortune?
Tressa Harlowe can be deemed to have both, living in a castle in a big estate where income comes from the wits of her father who has grown a vineyard in a place people claimed to be impossible.
Still, her life seems to be defined by what she doesn’t have: a title, a sensible mother, honest friendships… and the love of a father.
It’s heartbreaking to see this lovely girl hope beyond all hope to redeem her father; a hope that not even death can tear her from. Determined to fight for her family’s legacy, Tressa is willing to all she can to outsmart treasure hunters and find the fortune first, even if it means paring up with the mysterious new vine master who seems to have come out of the midst that started bringing doom into her life.
However, old expectations don’t dry up fast and can be misplaced. Will Tressa find wisdom and strength in time to discern the truth? And the truth is more than seeing people beyond their masks, but Tressa’s own heart and judgment. I adore a good character-driven story, and this book did not disappoint. All lessons learned by Tressa are encouraging and applicable, though I confess at moments I just wanted to shake her. That ending though <3
Overall, very well plotted mystery, engaging characters who are more than you judge them at first, and beautiful writing - nothing short from what I've come to expect from Joanna.
Another stellar book by one of my favorite historical romance writers! Joanna Politano did not disappoint with her latest novel. This one is ripe with nuances and meaning from the vintner’s notebook. Intrigue, romance and a fortune winds together in an unforgettable read. Things are not what they seem. . . better not judge a book by it’s cover. Or a character by his words and actions. One never knows. Can’t wait for her next work of art!
A story of loss, love, and redemption. Ms. Politano weaves the care and growth of a vineyard into the characters growth. She twines the characters interactions and relationships into their relationship with God in a most lovely way.
Wonderful book! Loved the vineyard references. Can’t wait to read the next one!
I loved Lady Jayne Disappears, Joanna Davidson Politano’s debut novel, so I was excited to read her second book, A Rumored Fortune. Politano’s writing is exquisite, and it’s so full of deep meaning if you dig into it, pull it apart, and analyze it. The surface story is fantastic, but I thought the analogies between vineyards and people really enriched it. It’s obvious that the author did much research into this subject. The richly painted setting and characters drew me in and kept me intrigued to the end. I loved the added touch of the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter. They were filled with wisdom that pertains both to vines and people.
“Pruning involves difficult decisions. It’s about removing growth, even what is good and beautiful, to attain something far better.” –Notebook of a viticulturist
Politano is an expert at creating multi-layered, interesting, endearing characters. Tressa and Donegan both drew me to them, although Tressa was less than enthusiastic about Donegan through much of the story. I loved his loyalty and honor and the care he took of Tressa. The growth and development of the two individually and in their relationship was well-paced and captivating. With realistic and creative secondary characters, including the vineyard and the castle, the story came alive and held my interest throughout.
I enjoyed the main thread of intrigue as to the rumored fortune, which was the basis for the book, but the added romance, suspense, and inspiration were a plus for me. The scripture from John 15:5 quoted at the end of the book is a perfect one to go with it: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” I’m eagerly awaiting the next book from this excellent author. She is definitely a favorite of mine.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book are:
“I’ve just asked God for help in providing for my family, and I’m not about to go wasting his solution.”
“I can only take so much pruning,” she whispered. “Why is God doing this to me? He’s . . he’s pruning the very life out of me.” “No, he’s bringing you to life. It takes a harsh summer to yield abundance in the vineyards. Perhaps this is your summer.”
“When you feel you’re dying in the heat of summer, all a branch needs to do is to hold on. . . . Cling with all its might to the vine. That’s all, simply hold on.”
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I read and thoroughly enjoyed Politano’s debut novel so looked forward to this second book from her. My expectations were to read a good story with an interesting plot and three-dimensional characters. But this book, this book went far beyond that and absolutely shattered those expectations, blowing me away.
From the opening pages, I loved these characters. Tressa has wit and spunk while still maintaining femininity and class. Though not technically alone, she bears the burden of caring for those around her when they should be providing for her needs instead. She feels terribly alone but continues to walk forward as best she knows how. Donegan is a brooding hero, hiding secrets of his own. But from the first rescue, I couldn’t help but cheer him on through the rest of the novel.
The prose is beautiful and descriptive, allowing me to see the setting and people come alive in vibrant color. There are many quotables in this book that caused me to ponder the story in a different way and even to consider how they were true in my own life.
The romance is intense, though it perks below the surface for much of the novel. But when the hero begins to pursue, it is an incredible journey that swept me along with Tressa. Without giving anything away, the intensity and loveliness increase until the end, when an exquisite twist almost made me cry. True love shines brightest when compared to the counterfeits by whom Tressa has long been surrounded.
The beauty of this book is that it imparts truth in the form of fantastic entertainment. The vine analogy for life is really quite profound; I know Jesus compares us to the branches and He the vine, but the selected quotes beginning each chapter highlight it even further. I will never look at that illustration in quite the same way as it has taken on more depth and even richer meaning than I understood before.
This book is stunning in many ways, intense, and hands-down the best book I have read this year. That is not intended to diminish any other authors or the books I have enjoyed, merely to communicate the power and depth of this particular novel. This will be one of those stories I read and reread many times, and will mention to anyone who will listen. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy historical fiction or suspense, and while romance readers have to wait a bit, once that really kicks in, it’ll leave them breathless, too.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed are both honest and my own.
Care to go on a treasure hunt? How about a treasure hunt with fair maiden and a handsome, mysterious and gallant gentlemen on a beautiful dark steed? Intrigued yet?
A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano is the second of this marvelous storyteller’s novels that I have had the pleasure to read.
Tressa Harlowe and her mother return to the estate after being notified the master was ill and they must return immediately. Upon their arrival, the two learn that it was too late, he had already passed.
Rumors abound about the hidden treasure at Trevelyan and have for years. Yet, why are the bill collectors descending upon Tressa and her mother for payment? There’s also family that have come to express their condolences and to stay, sneaking about looking for the treasure. It’s bad enough that the treasure hunters have been invading the estate under the cover of darkness, looking for the supposed treasure, must she be subjected to family and her former fiancé greedy impulses too?
Someone must attend to her father’s vast and beloved vineyards. Donegan Vance, the handsome and mysterious stranger seems to have taken on the enormous task. Tressa has more important concerns; like how she will pay the workers. Besides, there’s something about him. Something about him that attracts Tressa, but his nature is to tell the truth, leaving her sputtering in anger and sending him away from her.
When Tressa discovers her father’s journals, she must seek Donegan’s assistance in translating them because they are written in Welsh. As Donegan delivers translated pieces of her father’s journal, Tressa begins to remember visiting her father’s gardening room as a girl and the big black trunk that used to have a lot of coins enclosed.
She must find the treasure in order to pay off the bill collectors and to pay her staff; a staff threatening to leave, and losing the estate. She begins to wonder if the treasure is real or if the treasure lies within herself.
I enjoyed reading A Rumored Fortune and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and am under no obligation to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions, thereof, are solely my own.
Joanna Davidson Politano’s second novel A Rumored Fortune is a wonderfully Gothic tale filled with all the requisite components such as a huge, isolated castle with dark and mysterious rooms and a presumed death with no body to show. Against this perfect backdrop the lone heiress is forced to deal with her mother and her late father’s creditors as well as all the people who show up eager to find his famous treasure. Then there is the perplexing man hired by Tressa’s father to take care of his beloved vineyard. Somehow in the midst of all the turmoil and even threats, Tressa is able to maintain her dignity and somehow show compassion on those who would take advantage of her.
I devoured this wonderful book with strong characterizations and vivid imagery. Even somewhat insignificant characters served a purpose as true human motives were revealed. Donegan was a perfect hero with secrets of his own and internal conflict as he struggled with his own motives. Unexpected plot twists held my attention and kept me wondering how everything would transpire by the final page.
This author has earned a permanent position on my keeper shelf with her first two novels. I eagerly anticipate her next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano is full of mystery and intrigue. From the opening pages of the book, Tressa Harlowe came to life for me starting when she is summoned home from abroad only to learn her father had died and she was left to care for a mother who was needy and self indulgent. Under normal circumstances it wouldn’t be too bad for a family with their wealth. However, her father’s fortune was shrouded by mystery and uncertainty and well hidden, leaving Tressa no money to run the large estate. She found new problems at every turn.
These things provided an interesting backdrop for a fine mystery complete with long lost relatives, a former suitor and a tall, dark, handsome stranger who seemingly was hired by her father to manage the vineyard. He is not all that he seems…or maybe he is more…
I liked this book for the strong female character who overcame difficult situations that would leave many a Victorian lady to swoon after the first offer marriage simply for protection. In the end I found her to be a resilient, faithful young woman. Love and fortune are not always found in the usual places and this author provides profound lessons among the pages of viticulturist’s journal!
I am happy that I was introduced to this author’s works by Revell Books who provided me with a copy for an honest review. I recommend it for those who love a good mystery set in Victorian times.
With shades of the Bronte sisters, Joanna Davidson Politano’s A Rumored Fortune keeps you guessing. The death of Josiah Harlowe draws people from the woodwork in search of the fortune he left behind. The only problem? No one has ever seen it.
Politano excels at making the reader question the motives behind each character who arrives at Trevelyan Castle (and some will surprise you). And speaking of surprises, there were a couple I didn’t see coming at all.
The use of first person narrative for Tressa Harlowe—the heroine who is most affected by her father’s death and the subsequent treasure hunters—and third person voice for Dugan Vance—the outsider who has come to the vineyard but just might have ulterior motives of his own—works well.
The dichotomy of relationships is smartly highlighted throughout the book in the form of metaphor with the vineyard—vines, soil, care, and grafting all mirror the happenings in the lives of Tressa and Dugan.
A story that has dark undertones but also illuminates the hearts of its characters, A Rumored Fortune is a strong sophomore release that showcases Politano’s writing chops.
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.
A Rumored Fortune was a tale shrouded in mystery. The main character, Tressa, was forced to navigate the turbulent rumors and dangers that surrounded her family estate and vineyard.
I really felt for Tressa. At times she was a good judge of character, and at other times she fell short and made the wrong decisions regarding people’s true motives. It was truly understandable, though, given that she was working with such limited information. I also felt sorry for the lack of love this very caring young woman had received growing up. There were many interesting side characters to sort through and two love interests who were vying for Tressa’s attention.
The overall story slowly revealed the details of the past, clues about the rumored fortune, and hints regarding the true nature of all of the major players. This author did a good job at hinting at the truth through vivid word imagery. I enjoyed this mysterious tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Lyrical, intimate, haunting, and romantic. I was drawn to the heroine’s struggle to trust God and love when she lacked in affection from those closest to her. True love made its way to her and I rejoiced when she found it. This story was unusual in that the heroine’s point of view (Tressa) is in first person, but the hero’s point of view (Donegan), is in third person. It took me some time to get used to that and it served to make me feel closer to Tressa. is at my website.
I received this book complimentary as a participant of the Revell Blog Tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed her are my own.
It is a whole lot of fun to visit this, Trevelyan Castle, and meet the woman who is truly the poorest heiress in all of Victorian England.
The woman sitting on this fortune is Tressa Harlow. The reason she is, in fact, poor, is because she was sired by a man who simply did not trust banks or financial institutions in any way, shape or form. Of course, he also had no trust for members of his family that were beyond greedy. It is said that Tressa’s father hid his wealth somewhere on his estate. However, before he could pass along the secret location, he up and died, leaving Tressa and her ailing mother with a large house, an enormous vineyard, and no ability whatsoever to pay the employees or the debts owed.
Rumors and gossip grow, causing the wolves to appear who wish to search for the buried treasure using their condolences and fake grief as a mask. Tressa, thankfully, is one tough cookie, but these fortune hunters simply won’t stop. Luckily, she meets up with a man by the name of Donegan Vance. He worked for her father and wishes to make a deal with Tressa. He will help her locate the money if she will help him work in the vineyards.
Tressa’s mother has her own ideas. She believes that for her daughter to have a wealthy future, Tressa must marry a suitor with money to burn by the name of Andrew James Carrington, III. Tressa is pulled in all directions. She finds herself falling for Donegan, dealing with her mother’s choice, working the vineyards, and trying her best to not anger the other employees and cause them to riot. All the while, she must try and discover her father’s fortune before someone beats her to it.
The author has done a great job, offering up a plot filled with wit, charm, action, and a whole lot of female strength
Joanna Davidson Politano’s second novel is excellent. A Rumored Fortune takes the reader to England, to visit a castle with failing vineyards. A wonderful romance is woven together with an engrossing suspense as the characters search for hidden treasure. The thing that I like most about this book is the subtle way that the heroine learns lessons about herself, the people surrounding her and about her faith. Using beautiful illustrations of tending the vineyard, Politano communicates truth for our world today. I am already looking forward to Politano’s next book! I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Love the story, the characters, and the beautifully woven tale of time. I think most of all I enjoyed the faith theme and the allegory of the vine! What a tremendous way to weave a story and tie it together with a vine…The Vine. This is a thought provoking book with so much contained in its pages I had to give it one of my rare five stars.
Tressa had my heart. She was alone, so alone…with a heart full of love ready to share. The things she learns about life, herself, and her Heavenly Father are wonderful and add a great “coming of age”feel to the book.
The plot of looking for a treasure is not new, but this author makes it into something totally different. The mystery behind it drives the reader to continue into the night, and the learning of real treasure gives this book a depth I truly loved.
I also loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. It was a lovely touch to a wonderful read that will have a spot on my forever shelves. Do yourself a favor, and make sure to read this one!! This book is truly well done.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Quotes from A Rumored Fortune:
…He’s bringing you to life. It takes a harsh summer to yield abundance in the vineyards. Perhaps this is your summer.”
What’s left, God? To what am I even still connected that I might draw life? Who-…the eternal Vine from Scripture. I clung to that vine as a band released from around my heart, exploding with understanding and exaltation.
I’m not required to impress my enemies. Only to love them.
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!
A Rumored Fortune is a wonderful Victorian Mystery full of suspense, tragedy, adventure, life lessons and love. Tressa Harlowe suffers the loss of her dear father and goes through many trials. Her father left a large fortune whereabouts unknown and many who seek their own gain wish to claim it. Tressa trusts God and looks to his leading in all things. I loved reading a book that had so many Biblical truths, insights and applications for life. This story of abiding in Christ, is an excellent illustration of the vine and the branches. I will be following this author and look forward to reading more books by Joanna Davidson Politano. My thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for making this book available to read and review.
A Rumored Fortune is a mysterious story can you imagine sitting there minding your own business and overhearing about yourself and your family? Now that was not all good stuff – was not all good at all.. You hear how they believe a fortune is hidden in your home somewhere and one of them wants to ——I can’t go and ruin it for you but it is an unreal thing to hear – what also you hear is that you are dead – can you believe that? You are sitting close to them and they say you are dead. So what happens? Something amazing – something I just loved – it was incredible – phenomenal – you need to find out for yourself what happens – believe you me you will not be disappointed. I received a copy of the book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com