Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London’s east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.… nightmares.
Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within–and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.
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Whimsy. Intrigue. Danger and tenderness. Finding Lady Enderly is an endearing tale.
I enjoyed listening to Finding Lady Enderly! Joanna Politano did a great job creating interesting characters and a page-turning plot. I love the time period and the themes woven into this dramatic story. Very well done and highly recommended.
If you are planning to read Finding Lady Enderly, which I highly recommend you do, know that you are in for an outstanding journey. This story has it all — mystery, intrigue, adventure, romance, and reconciliation. The characters are excellently crafted. The hero and heroine are relatable and endearing, the secondary characters are complicated and charming, and the villains are the perfect balance of very bad and heartbreaking. And, I love, love, love the very timely and thought-provoking inspirational messages. Truly, this story has it all!
Raina, our heroine, has a metaphorical angel and demon on her shoulders. The demon, Mr. Prendergast, offers her an amazing deal that seems too good to be true. For a good 70-75% of this novel, the voice of Prendergast is so dominant that Raina begins to believe that his lowly estimate of her worth is true. She is, and always will be, just Ragna the useless, worthless rag girl. But then Raina’s guardian angel breaks through Raina’s negative loop in her brain and she begins to hear God’s true Voice — the one that tells her she’s worthy, cherished, and valued.
I desperately needed this reminder this week. Man has the devil been giving me an earful! Unfortunately, in my weakness, I was starting to believe him. It’s crazy how sinuous and snakelike the devil is. He can slide into the smallest aperture in our brains and sound SO convincing. It’s a little scary, and it really brings the point home that we need to make sure we are daily wearing God’s full armor. My most favorite moment in Finding Lady Enderly is when I read the following: “No human has the power to take away the inherent dignity given by God, or change the identity He has granted you of belonging to Him.” And, the same can be said about the devil. He has NO power to take away our dignity or our place with God. If we have accepted Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior no one or thing can take this truth away from us. This reminder was a balm to my soul this week, and I feel God immensely blessed me by bringing this book into my life at this time.
Finding Lady Enderly is a masterful novel. I highly recommend this story. I implore you to purchase a copy today. I promise you will not be disappointed that you did!
I received an eBook copy of this book from the publisher, Revell, through NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Finding Lady Enderly is a wonderful book, full of mystery and intrigue. Each chapter begins with an excerpt from the Diary of a Substitute Countess, which are totally fitting to this gothic style novel. Nothing is as it seems, and the ending left me shocked.
Politano is well read and has done thorough research, which is obvious by her masterful use of quotes from well loved books by such authors as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. I really enjoyed these “clues” and the author’s creative use of them.
With well developed characters and settings that are easy to picture, Politano has crafted an incredible book. There is a thread throughout of being who you were created to be, not to try to be someone else. And a heart melting, clean romance that will make you sigh. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Will deception be her undoing?
I’ve had Finding Lady Enderly on my shelf for quite awhile now, probably too long, but I’ve been waiting until I had the time to sit down and properly savor it like this book should be. There is one thing you know for sure when you pick up a Joanna Davidson Politano book, not only will you be entertained by the Gothic romance elements, but you will also be challenged by the truths within the pages.
While I thought the romance was a little lighter/softer than in previous books, and the Gothic overtones were a touch less, the power of the message was at the forefront. And to explain what that message is, I will quote two of my favorite lines from the book; “Many people who go out looking for themselves will become lost, for they look outside of themselves or inward, rather than up to the God we reflect.” and “Never let anyone else name you, child. No one has that right.”
Finding Lady Enderly is another lovely novel filled with period atmosphere from a wonderful author. Joanna Davdison Politano brings her Victorian characters to life in full vivid color. She expertly draws her readers into the era and into the lives of those characters. Characters who each have their own motives and agenda, not always doing or even being what you expect them to.
An amazing story, Finding Lady Enderly is a must read for fans of historical fiction. The depth of storytelling belies the relatively recent debut of the author. Joanna Davidson Politano is a master of her craft. I will close with another of my favorite quotes, “People are often afraid to truly look into the heart of who they are, because those inner rooms echo so loudly with one lonely question: Am I enough?”
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Brimming with surprises and unexpected twists, Finding Lady Enderly, by Joanna Davidson Politano, is a truly entertaining novel. Utterly captivating from beginning to end, this book is a thrill to read. With a pleasing blend of romance, history, and mystery, Finding Lady Enderly is intriguing and enjoyable.
Finding Lady Enderly features a striking plot that is extremely clever and character-driven. This novel creatively and effectively explores the themes of deception, greed, love, redemption, honor, courage, and purpose through a variety of compelling characters who are vividly developed. Throughout the novel, their beliefs, motivations, fears, desires, and choices hold powerful purpose and meaning. Also integral to the story is the timeworn English mansion that serves as the primary setting. Often just as noteworthy and memorable as the characters themselves, this enigmatic mansion and its fully detailed surroundings provide a gripping backdrop for many of the novel’s most crucial scenes.
Finding Lady Enderly is a story of faith, forgiveness, trust, and truth. Enhanced by Ms. Politano’s immersive writing style, this book is truly satisfying and engaging. The romance, intrigue, and mystery within this novel are certainly elements worthy of being savored. Finding Lady Enderly is thoughtful, emotionally stirring, and ultimately uplifting. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
QUOTE: “Won’t you give me but a moment of your time? I only wish to help, and I have a splendid opportunity in mind.”
A handsome stranger tracks Raina down a dark alley to offer here a chance of a lifetime opportunity for the position as Lady Enderly, Countess of Rothburne Abbey. An opportunity Raina declines respectfully at that moment. Raina soon assumes the position as Lady Enderly, Countess of Rothburne Abbey. She soon finds herself questioning, who is the real Lady Enderly? Moreover, where is she?
This story is full of mystery, suspense, and romance that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, the opinions are my own.
An amazing read! I couldn’t put it down.
It was the tiniest bit predictable, but I was also surprised many times at the creativity and wit Politano put in the book. Can’t wait for another great book by her to read:)
I’m so happy to recommend this wonderful author to you.
There are so many layers to this story I don’t even know where to begin. Politano weaves a beautiful story, which might appear to just be another rags to riches story to some, but is so much more than that. It is a wonderful example of how God truly sees us – for what is on the inside, not how we dress up on the outside. That was a hard lesson for Raina to learn. People treated her poorly based on her outward appearances of a rag girl, never taking the time to get to know the beautiful person she really was. Suddenly she’s in a position where people are listening to what she has to say – simply because of how she presented herself. Little by little Politano reminds Raina and the reader, that our true worth is found on the inside.
There were several twists and turns throughout the story – a few of them really surprised me. Just when you think you know the direction of the story, Politano decides it’s time for a little reroute. And I loved the direction she took! Her characters are intriguing, mysterious, and keep you on your toes. The last third of the book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, not able to put the book down until you reach the final words. I’m still thinking about it!
Aside from the mystery is a great love story. Quite often you see the hero swooping in and saving the damsel in distress, at least that’s what Sully thought he was doing when he came to Rothburne. So when he figures out that Raina is the one trying to save him, he’s just not quite sure how to handle that role reversal. I was amazed at how perfectly Politano wrote the scenes between Raina and Sully. They were bold, yet discreet, which is no easy feat in the real world, let alone the writing world. You can’t help but cheer for them, and hope that they somehow find a way to be together in the end.
I could go on and on about all the things I love about this book, but we would be here all day. Just know this – you need to read it, and you won’t regret doing so. Politano has a good mix of mystery, romance, danger, and wonderful life lessons. This is a book for everyone’s top ten list!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have you ever discovered an author that you love so much that you gush over their books again and again? Well, I placed Joanna Davidson Politano in that I-will-fangirl-over-anything-she-writes group after reading her first two novels. I eagerly awaited my copy of her latest release Finding Lady Enderly and devoured—yet savored it—like a sliver of dark chocolate on a hectic Monday. And just like chocolate, it left me satisfied and in a much better mood to take on life.
From page one, this story captured my attention and held it mesmerized until I reached The End. I can’t gush enough about the author’s vivid prose. I felt like I stepped inside the shaky life of Raina Bretton and experienced the grandeur and intrigue of Rothburne Abbey. The mystery kept me guessing while the romance prompted happy sighs.
But what I loved most about this story is Rothburne Abbey. It almost takes on the role of a main character, stealing the show with its layers of wonder. From the magnificence of the outer rooms to the decay of the inner courts, this estate breathed its personality into every scene. I was entranced by the way the author connected the condition of the abbey to that of the human soul. It was both thought-provoking and heart-strengthening.
I completely recommend this five-star story to anyone who loves being swept away to another time and place.
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Joanna Davidson Politano was a new author to me only a year ago. I stepped into her books with a bit of reserve, wondering if she would live up to my expectations. But I was immediately enthralled with her storytelling. And now, with this 3rd book, Finding Lady Enderly, I continue to be entranced by Politano’s outstanding piece of historical fiction.
Politano truly packs it all into this book – a crumbling abbey reminiscent of the Jane Austen era, a mystery that truly captivates until the end, characters that give rise to the strongest of emotions, love that endures the most difficult of circumstances, and a message of our true identity and value as human beings. Each chapter dug itself deeper into my soul as the theme of our personal value resounded. This is not a shallow story, but rather one that takes hold and thoroughly entertains while it changes your perception of our true worth. This is a message not to be forgotten, but to be allowed to transform our lives as it did Politano’s heroine, shaping us with a purpose and hope.
If Politano is a new author for you, do not hesitate. Her books are well worth it!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
“There’s something rare and intensely beautiful in a person who knows you well and loves you anyway. Ordinary men and everyday romances are the sweetest and deepest. There’s a wonderful charm to ordinary, everyday moments, and the people who remain through them.”
Every time I read Joanna Davidson Politano’s book, I am left speechless, breathless, and in awe. The author has this incredible ability to draw you into Victorian England with a Gothic suspense and intrigue wrapped around a beautifully and stunningly crafted plot about poverty, greed, finding one’s identity and core in Whose you are, and, of course, sacrificial love that forgives and extends grace. Her writing is flawless and the characters are memorable and impressive. Spoken through the first person point of view from Raina and third person point of view mostly from Sully, the story moves at a great pace and the puzzle pieces come together nicely as Raina and Sully individually try to find Lady Enderly. Raina’s faith journey is wonderful to behold as is the heart-achingly tender love that Raina and Sully share. If you’re a fan of classic English literature (Bronte, Dickens, Eliot, Austen, Hardy), you will absolutely adore how the author infuses these classics into Raina and Sully’s own love story. And when Sully plays his fiddle and sings for Raina….man, my heart melted into a puddle every time. And the plot twists! These will have you gasping as you try to read faster to figure out what truly has transpired.
Joanna Politano combines fantastic suspense, lovely details from the historical era, sweet and tender romance, and an inspiring spiritual journey to offer a unique and unforgettable tale. An absolute must-read.
I received a copy of the book from Baker Publishing Group and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Finding Lady Enderly is a delightfully creative story. A literal rag to riches story, Raina is a rag woman who is convinced to take part in a charade to become Lady Enderly. Why she is not sure, but when it’s offered to her, she can’t help but grasp this life that once was nothing but a dream for her. Of course, the dream life comes with holes that look suspiciously like nightmares, and she soon realizes that danger is around every corner.
The setting of Rothbourne Abbey provides a backdrop of crumbling decadence, complete with near-ruined walls and a derelict library. It’s the perfect backdrop for the mysteries and intrigue found in this story. There are also a myriad of secondary characters, some beloved and some despised. Rains isn’t sure who to trust, and what’s more, she is not sure if she can even trust herself. The themes of truth and identity are prevalent, and the question of how you can find the truth when you’ve taken part in a lie. The twists and turns of the plot make it a book that reads easily and quickly. I think my favorite part is how the characters used novels and certain passages within them to pass messages to each other – so charming!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; this review is my honest opinion.
This was such a fascinating book! The whole idea of a rag lady being swept of the streets of London to pretend to be a Countess was so interesting! I loved the way this book was written. I enjoyed trying to figure out what was going on with the real Lady Enderly. I would definitely recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
“Here awaits the carriage that will carry you into the grandest adventure of your life.”
Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano takes readers on a journey back to 1871 in London’s East End where poor Raina Bretton peddles rags as her only way to survive the hardships of her life. When Raina is presented with an extraordinary opportunity to leave London’s East End for a new life filled with luxury and splendor, she finds herself on a train with a mysterious stranger headed to Rothburne Abbey where her life will change forever.
Joanna Davidson Politano creates a captivating historical novel filled with deception, mystery, and intrigue. Raina quickly discovers that her Cinderella fairytale may not have a happily ever after ending. The clues from a mystifying painting, the threats Raina faces, and the secrets that Rothburne Abbey hold all bring readers to the following question: Where is Lady Enderly? The author shares the powerful message of God’s grace and mercy and that “our identity is one of the few things in life that truly belongs to us, whether or not we accept what it is.” Readers will be surprised at the stunning conclusion as Raina tries to uncover the mystery of Lady Enderly before it is too late.
Finding Lady Enderly is recommended for readers of inspirational historical fiction, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Jody Hedlund, Carrie Turansky, Elizabeth Camden, and Rachel Fordham. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Additional Quotes:
“Never be ashamed of who you are, your ladyship, for you have something powerful in you.”
“Never judge a man’s identity by the outside. That can all be changed in an instant. One wrong step around a muddy puddle, and –”
Wow, lots of good twists and turns. After reading A midnight dance I had to read more. I think the author can write a story that captivates me very much. I listened to this in audio form and thought the narrartor did wonderful. I enjoyed the story development, suspense and mystery. Excellent flow and dialogue. I had so many questions and in the end I felt all unraveled well with my questions answered. I hurried on to Lady Jayne Disappears and A rumored Fortune.
Every once in awhile a book comes along that completely captures your imagination and keeps you staying up late into the night. This is that book. I rarely give 5 star reviews, but this one deserves it completely! Finding Lady Enderly is a love letter to all those classic well-loved authors: Bronte, Austen, Dickens, etc. The main character Raina is Cinderella, Emma, Eliza Doolittle, Queen Esther, Mrs. De Winter ala Daphne du Maurier, and foremost my beloved Jane Eyre.
The suspense in this book is off the charts. When Raina is plucked from the streets as a rag woman to become Lady Enderly, at first it seems like she is Cinderella, but there is this constant tension of whether or not she can pull it off. Educated by her beloved Sully, she can talk like a lady, she looks like a lady, but she is completely out of her element in society. And the biggest question is, where is the real Lady Enderly?
The setting is a gothic abbey where the heart is literally crumbling. It’s filled with secrets and a staff, some of whom are helpful and others antagonistic. Raina must navigate her way through this new world without a true understanding of the circumstances and use all the skills she can muster.
The characters are so rich and layered. Sully is at times Capt. Wentworth, Mr. Rochester, Mr. Knightley, and Pip. He loves Raina and only wants the best for her, but struggles himself under the twists and turns that are introduced in this story. He communicates with Raina through coded messages found in classic books. (Sigh) The villain is the perfect foil. Like Lucifer himself, he flatters and puffs Raina up one minute only to threaten and pull the rug out from under her the next.
The themes are another reason this book is so good. There’s the age old question of how is a soul’s worth truly measured? One of my favorite quotes is “The weakest version of the real you is stronger than the imitation of someone else.” There is also the quandary of is it moral to lie for the supposed greater good.
This is one of those reads that will stay with you for a long time. The ending! What can I say, after thinking about it for quite some time, I realized it was absolutely perfect. It is the true definition of repentance and redemption. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am quickly adding all of her books to my TBR list. She is amazingly talented.
A beautifully written story of a young woman’s search for herself. Caught in a web of manipulation, Raina eventually summons the courage to ask herself the right questions, finding her answers in a God who doesn’t give up, and a man who doesn’t, either.
This book was simply beautiful. It was everything I anticipated, and so very much more. I loved it wholeheartedly! I really have no words. But I’m going to try to sort through a few of my thoughts!
The characters were incredible. From the very beginning, I loved the two main characters. They intrigued me and I wanted to know more about them.
Raina was an incredible protagonist. I related to her so much in different ways. Through her insecurities and searching for her true identity, she realizes that her identity can only be found in God, and no one can take that away from her. That really spoke to me.
She was just amazing. She’s was human and made mistakes but she ultimately finds her strength in God in the end.
Sully was an AMAZING hero. Goodness gracious, Ms. Politano knows how to write a compelling male lead. I loved him so much! He just melted my heart. His loyalty, his love, his unselfishness. Ah, I loved him. He was the kind of hero that makes you feel ALL the feels.
I found the side characters extremely intriguing and their stories so compelling. The earl, Simone, Lyn, Philip, even nasty Prendergast (his name is even interesting!) I found them all interesting and intriguing. I couldn’t help but feel for the earl, wanting to know the rest of his story and hoping he got his happy ending too. But alas! I guess I’ll never know.
I love the atmosphere and vibe of this book. It’s so intriguing and mysterious. That being said, the mystery in this book really gripped me, begging for answers.
I also really loved that it’s told in first person. It made me feel so much more connected to Raina and her story. I was able to get into her head. It felt as if she was telling me her story. I love that! I also liked that there isn’t a lot of POVs. I don’t often like when a book overwhelms me with more than two or three POVs. So this was perfect, alternating between mostly Raina and occasionally Sully.
I can’t explain how much I LOVED how Sully and Raina sent each other coded messages through books. I loved, loved, loved it! It was so clever and beautiful, I was fangirling to no end. Ahh, it was so perfect.
Speaking of which, the romance was perfection. I adored it. It was amazing. *sighs dramatically*
I love Raina and Sully as separate individuals but together? They’re perfect. I love their story so, so much. I’m a sucker for childhood best friends falling in love and this was definitely no exception. It was beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
Also, the proposal was just about enough to melt my heart. It was beautiful and swoon worthy on so many levels. It was so perfect. (Did I already mention how amazing Sully is?) *insert all the heart eyes*
The writing is just so beautiful! I’m not kidding when I say I highlighted half the book on my kindle. It has a touch of classic-ness to it, reminding me a bit of a Brontë novel while also being entirely unique as this author’s own style.
There’s just a million little things I loved about this novel. It’s truly one of the best books I’ve read in a long time, and it goes straight to my favorites list just like The Love Note did.
Ms. Politano’s writing has a way of gripping me and speaking to my soul in such a special way. The messages she weaves into her books always seemed to be something I need to hear and be reminded of.
I was brought to tears, I smiled, I laughed, I was touched. Moments when my heart was racing and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It made me happy, inspired me, filled me with hope. It delivered a mystery I couldn’t put down, characters I fell in love with, a story that was amazing, and a message that touched me.
Needless to say, I loved this immensely.