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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Not quite a rags to riches story, Raina Bretton is a rag women in London’s east end when a handsome stranger appears in an alley and offer’s her a chance for an adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from a hard life and give her a chance to be a Lady. This was the first book that I read from the author and will be adding her books to my to be read pile.
If you enjoy reading historical books with a twist, you will enjoy reading this one.
I received a copy from Revell/Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Finding Lady Enderly
By: Joanna Davidson Politano
*REVIEW*
Dear reader, you, of course, should aptly know wherein one might locate this classic line. Finding Lady Enderly has a Jane Eyre vibe about it. It’s a mysterious old house/abby, a strange and intriguing man, a clever young woman at the center, and it’s all shrouded in secrecy. Who is Lady Enderly? Our heroine is pretending to be this woman, so where is she? Raina is a poor rag woman in a bad part of London when a handsome stranger offers her a significantly better life, as long as she pretends to be someone else. Who wouldn’t grab at this life changing chance? In her new role, Raina finds mystery and intrigue. She questions her own identity as well as her new life. Is all as good as it seems, or is something more sinister around the corner? I found this story compelling and unique. It’s a great read for classic literature fans as well as anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Mystery clouds this gothic tale. It started off so mysterious and intriguing. The opening chapter quotes were so amazing thought-provoking, I love when books have something like that! It did get a bit slow for a while but picked up the pace again about half way through. There were a lot of characters but I was able to keep them straight in my mind, for the most part. But the real beauty with the character was the vast array of such interesting characters that touched my heart. I found this book to be one that I needed to really reflect on and digest slowly, it was not a quick read for me, but it was wonderful with all the things it made me think about. The part if loved the absolute best though is they Raina and Sully found to communicate their love for each other! I won’t give it away though, you need to read it to find out!
I received a copy of this book, this is my honest review.
Once Again Joanna Davidson Politano has written an intriguing and mysterious historical romance that kept me guessing with every turn of the page. This book did not disappoint in providing danger, twists and turns, and a truly unique plot. This story is beautifully written and combines flawed characters and a unique plot to immerse the reader into a mystery that will keep you hooked until the final pages!
Wow! I have started and edited this review several times since finishing the book because I do not think that words can adequately express how much I loved this book! Joanna Davidson Politano has a rare talent and a true gift for writing. She crafts plots that contain unexpected twists and turns, creating a complex storyline that draws you, as the reader, into its mystery and will not let you go (even when are reading well into the wee hours of the morning and are terribly tired the next day!). She also incorporates such intricately deep themes that resonate with you and cause you to reflect and apply them to your own life (how does she do that??). I particularly loved the theme of identity in this book and finding the core of who God made you to be. This story has additional themes of mercy and grace and renewing what was once broken into something beautiful. I loved the characters and Joanna’s ability to develop them so deeply in just a few hundred pages. I found myself crying with Raina more than once. I was completely absorbed in the book from the beginning to the end, oblivious to the laundry and chores awaiting me at home. I adored the romance in the book and it made my romantic heart go pitter-patter with their aching affection and absolutely adorable way of communicating their love through classic book quotes. The scenes are vividly painted with rich descriptions that make it easy to visualize the scenes. The ending wraps up beautifully without every detail working out perfectly, which makes it believable. (Is it possible to actually miss the characters when you finish a book? Because I did). If I could describe this book in one word, it would be… captivating! I could go on and on about how much I loved this book, but I instead of wasting your time by rambling, instead I encourage you to just go and buy a copy of this book! I know you will fall in love with it, like I did! There are not enough stars to rate this book, in my opinion. It is one of my favorite reads of all time and I cannot wait to see what Joanna writes next!
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! I have not been intrigued by a book and read it almost nonstop like this one in quite some time.
Where is the option for 100 stars, surely this one deserves it!
Who could ever imagine the rags to riches story awaiting inside these pages?
Dank,dark and dangerous that’s London’s East End where Raina Bretton lives in poverty and works as a rag woman.
Seemingly chosen by random in a dark alley by a handsome stranger she is whisked off to a new life of glamour and servants. There is a catch though, she is now Lady Enderly who is said to be taking a break from the public’s eye.
Who really is Lady Enderly though and where is she?
A very real gothic feel will accompany you as you read the pages of this book with the abbey in it’s decay and ruin. A foreboding feeling will linger with you as secrets are rampant and what about those who threaten to reveal her secret identity?
I could not read this book quickly enough danger,mystery,romance a haunting prose. This is one not to miss!
Published August 20th 2019 by Fleming H. Revell Company
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I have read all of Joanna Davidson Politano’s books and Finding Lady Enderly is by far my favorite by her to date. I was captivated with Raina right from the start. I loved the inspiration and faith with the story. There was some mystery and suspense that kept me intrigued and not to put the book down.
Finding Lady Enderly is getting a well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy clean historical fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Finding Lady Enderly has all the essential elements required for the perfect gothic novel. Its naive heroine finds herself recipient of everything she ever dreamed only to realize she is caught up in a plot she doesn’t understand that has turned her dream into a nightmare. At least one truly diabolical character threatens both Raina and the man she loves if she refuses to cooperate with his scheme. Various twists and turns take the reader on a breath holding trip into the mysterious Rothburne Abbey which holds its share of secrets.
I can now understand why other readers have raved about this book. Its dark and brooding atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for the story that shines a revealing light on what makes us who we are. Scattered throughout the story are numerous quotations that build layer upon layer an emphasis on the difference between outward appearance and inner strength. Chapter headings are thoughts from the heroine’s journal. I also loved how Raina and Sully communicated secretly with passages from favorite books.
Beautifully written, Finding Lady Enderly is filled with surprises around every corner and a deep spiritual message that each of us can take to heart. I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author through Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I love it when I discover a new author to add to my go to list! I have seen many reader recommendations for Ms. Politano books, but am embarrassed to say, this is the first book of hers that I have read. I was not disappointed. She is now on my must read list!! Fans of Jessica Dotta will enjoy this book.
In Finding Lady Enderly, Ms. Politano gives the reader a brilliant Gothic romance, filled with mystery and romance. With the skill of a masterful storyteller, the underlying theme of finding one’s identity and purpose in God is woven seamlessly into the story adding depth to an already brilliant novel.
I love the fact that Politano switches from first person to third person when she is telling the story from Raina or Sully’s points of view. In Raina, we have an endearing heroine, flawed but full of heart. And to have a hero that never fails to come to the rescue, continuously demonstrating his unfailing love through the avenues of music and books…”Be still my heart”- and the message passing system, need I say more. The secondary characters are also fleshed out in the most marvelous way. I adored Bradford. Most of all, I loved the pearls of wisdom in the quotes from the Diary of a Substitute Countess at the beginning of each chapter.
A couple of my favorite quotes:
“The weakest version of the real you is stronger than the best imitation of someone else.”
“One can only ignore rotting insides for so long before the ruin seeps out.”
“I never needed a new identity-just a better understanding of the one who gave it to me.”
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Another amazing book by author Joanna Politano! This book drew me in from the first words: ” I do not truly wish for all my dreams to come true. After all, nightmares are one type of dream. Diary of a Substitute Countess”
Follow this intriguing story of a rag girl turned countess who is trying desperately to right wrongs, solve the mystery, save the man who has always been her rescuer, and in the process find her place in this world!
A beautiful story of redemption and struggle to find one’s true worth in the One who created us.
What are you waiting for?!? Go Find Lady Enderly
**I recieved a complimentary copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, and have recieved no compensation. All opinions are my own**
“There’s a wonderful charm to ordinary, everyday moments, and the people who remain through them. “ from Finding Lady Enderly.
Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano is an incredible book filled with mystery, love, adventure and the truth of who you are in Christ. The descriptive language and well written story makes it a joy to read. I found my myself underlining and highlighting amazing quotes throughout the story. Joanna is a gifted storyteller who will draw you into the story and make you not want to leave.
Rarely do you find a well written book filled with descriptive language, romance, characters you love, and spiritual depth. Finding Lady Enderly is all of that . I highly recommend it.
“I’ve learned that a true hero is not an extraordinary man. He may not impress the world, but he so greatly changes hers. That makes him utterly heroic indeed.”
I was given this book by the publisher and not required to write a review
Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano is a mixture of My Fair Lady and Jane Eyre. With a hint of mystery and a transformation, Politano takes a character completely out of her element and allows her good qualities to shine on the page. Politano knows how to capture a setting and a use of language to tell a wonderful story. The plot definitely kept me flipping the pages. I couldn’t wait to see when the real Lady Enderly would grace the pages and what she had to say for herself. I really wanted to know why she was missing and why they had to hire Raina to fulfill her duties. The heroine, Raina doesn’t really change. Even though the outward appearance changes with her trying to become a countess, her good natured character of taking care of the downtrodden didn’t really change. It was there in the beginning of the story and stayed there to the very end. Overall, Finding Lady Enderly was a wonderful way to spend a couple of days. I believe fans of the women literary classics might enjoy this novel. If you enjoyed Politano’s other two novels than you might enjoy this one too.
I received a complimentary copy of Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own
This is a story I could’ve read cover to cover in one shot, if I’d had the time. What a page turner! Unpredictable, entertaining, inspirational, romantic, haunting, and gripping, this is a novel I’ll be recommending to my fellow romantic suspense readers. At times I felt like I was in the story, which meant the author was brilliant at capturing my attention. Of the three novels I’ve read by Joanna Davidson Politano, this one is my favorite – although all of them are highly recommended! I can’t wait to see what’s next from Joanna!
4.5 stars
“I never needed a new identity -just a better understanding of the one who gave it to me.” – Diary of a Substitute Countess
Out of the shadows lurking through-out London’s dark and smelly East End, appears a man with a promise; he would create a new person out of the lowly, but quite lovely rag woman with the name Ragna, who ironically was playing dress up in another woman’s clothing at the very time Victor Prendergast delivered his proposition. What other choice did she have, surround herself with the cast-offs of others or become a substitute countess?
Arriving at the vast Rothburne Abbey estate Raina Bretton slowly slips into her role as the enigmatic Lady Enderly, never realizing that what seemed like an innocent opportunity might well become a death sentence, but for whom? Especially when the love of her life stands between her and the truth. The only solution seems to be . . . . . . locating the true Lady Enderly, for the alternative is unthinkable and the stakes just keep getting higher and higher.
“I know the shape of her, no matter how long we’re apart, The curve of her cheek and the swell of her heart;”
Ever lovely, ever daring, ever longing . . . . . . the author has brought to life a young woman who lives not only one life, but two before discovering her true identity, which “living out . . . may repel plenty of people, but the ones it attracts are yours (hers) forever”.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
You know that saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is?”. Well, someone should have given Raina that advice. But Raina is oh-so relatable.
This original and engrossing story kept my attention from the first page to the last as Raina embarks on what, at first sight, seems like a My Fair Lady story . One that goes more horribly wrong as truths are uncovered.
At least Raina has a champion in her corner. Sully takes on a position at Rothburne Abbey and (swoon) leaves her messages via the text in books. Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, the Brontes, and more classic authors get mentions through Sully and Raina’s secret communications.
Add to that the dark mysteries surrounding the Abbey, the manipulations of one man, an earl in need of a wife, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and Finding Lady Enderly pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
At its core, this is the story of a woman discovering she doesn’t need wealth, possessions, or titles to become beautiful. Because, the people who matter most, who love her the deepest, see the beauty in her no matter her circumstances.
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.
Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Politano is truly a work of art, a gift to the historical Christian fiction fan.
Captivating from the start, the first chapter was full of romance, intrigue and beautiful words. What a wonderful way to entice the reader. This book is a gem, my favorite genres of historical and mystery rolled into one extraordinary book. I love the quotes at the beginning of each chapter from The Diary of a Substitute Countess: “Many people who go out looking for themselves will become lost, for they look outside themselves or inward, rather than up to the God who we reflect.” There are many profound truths in each entry.
Raina, the rag girl, is asked by a solicitor to journey to Rothburne Abbey to take a job that will completely change her life of poverty. With next to no information, she takes on the persona of Lady Enderly, harder than Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion.
Raina goes by many names: Ragna, Lady Enderly, Cinderella ; but will she finally find her true identity in God? “It is important to remember who you are. Names have great significance, and we cannot let the world twist them.”
Ms. Politano uses well loved, classical literature in a unique way as a means of communication between two who cannot openly converse. I eagerly read each page for new clues to the mystery of Lady Enderly. A surprise in every chapter. This book has many spiritual truths cloaked in exquisite language waiting to be discovered. It is very reminiscent of The Price Of Privilege series by Jessica Dotta or a Wilkie Collins mystery with many threads to unravel.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
This book has it all: wonderful characters, page-turning mystery, sweet romance, and spiritual truths woven throughout. Must read!
I loved how the writer highlighted to her readers how Godly virtues like prayers can be part of our every day life effortlessly.
I could relate so much to the main character Raina who was nicknamed Ragna because of the trade she was into. I was sad to read how what people thought of her and because of her lowly state she thought her life could not amount to anything good.
Identity and finding our identity in God was the biggest theme of this book. I loved how the writer illustrated that our identity is not found in what people say about us or the kind of jobs we do but it is found in who God is. And when life circumstances and battles happened in Raina’s life from the enemy of her soul, the one who had attempted to reshape her identity, the one who made her forget who she was and Whose she was, with God’s help and the presence of Godly people around her she ragain her identity and gallantly fought through beautiful plot twists that kept me reading until I finished.
I loved how she became the one who renews, the one God chose to renew after she thought her life was never going to amount to anything honorable.
Throught the different paths her life took she was able to finally fall into the place God had for her with a wonderful man by her side Sully.
“You are who God made you to be nothing can change that. Not even you.
We all bear little pieces of God’s nature in us. Been created in God’s image means we bear traces of Him. He is our true identity”.
That’s my favorite quote from the book.
The conclusion of the book was awesome and not the typical kind of conclusion made the book more enjoyable and endearing.
I love the writing style of the author. I love how beautifully she was able to craft a story of identity among other themes of the book into every day life. The settings was superb. The language used was easy to understand.
The characters were awesome, believable and very much easy to relate to. This is the first of her books am reading and am definitely going to read other books of hers.
I recommend this book to readers who love beautiful, honest stories. To those struggling to find their identity and enjoy who God has created them to be.
I received a copy of this book for my honest reply and all opinions expressed here are mine
I got hooked on Joanna’s novels when I read her earlier works, Lady Jane Disappears and A Rumored Fortune. So, when I found out this novel was being released, I excitedly added it to my watchlist. Last weekend I spent the day absorbed in Finding Lady Enderly. I began the day before by reading a couple of chapters then the next day I really couldn’t stop reading! I didn’t want to either!
Here is a novel that the mystery just reaches out and pulls readers in; it made me constantly try and figure out what was happening. Plus, one of the characters appears to be a rescuer at first only to find out that later, well, I better not ruin it for you!
The main female character is Ragna and her name is as defining as what she does, perhaps more so how she views herself. Ragna takes discarded clothing and makes it fit for others. However, she must decide if she is going to be defined by what she does or the meaning of her true name. Intrigued yet?
Ragna experiences heartbreak, joy, fear, and more as well as her faith that is changing the further along one goes in the story. In one sense, this is a Cinderella story, but it turns out to be so much more than that as she becomes a shining beacon of transformation! There is romance in the tale. Sully is his name and what happens to both players will keep your nose in the book until you reach the end! But beware, it also leaves you desiring her next tale! For those who are curious, there is a teaser after you finish Finding Lady Enderly.
If you haven’t spent time in one of Joanna’s novels, grab one of each and then enjoy getting lost in tales of adventure, mystery, intrigue, faith and romance. Perhaps you’ll share your books with other readers family and friends!
(4.5 stars) – This has the flavor of a Gothic fairytale with a thought-provoking, allegorical message about identity & what’s in a name
I initially assumed this was a historical romance because of the setting, & started getting sidetracked by aspects of accuracy, until I went back & checked the description. It’s actually a Christian story that is a reflection on our identity – who we are & how we name ourselves & what makes us who we are.
It employs the Fall in Genesis as a cautionary, yet still encouraging, allegory for discerning & being true to God’s purpose for our lives:
Victor is the snake with his clever use of the truth to lie & who deals out death.
Raina is naive, but to some extent, willingly so. She sees the fruit, knows she probably shouldn’t, but it does look good, & allows herself to be persuaded to partake.
Sully is the voice of reality, truth, reason – but he gives in to Raina by joining her, in a way like Adam gave in to Eve, ostensibly he wants to protect her but, but alas, Sully is vulnerable & mortal, and cannot.
Mr Wells is the God-figure “If only you had trusted me and come to me” – who saves them from their eternal fate, though they are still cast out of paradise, so to speak
What we do is not who we are. Our place in society, circumstances, environment, etc – none of these make up who we are. We can change all those external things, but we will still be ourselves – that is who God made us to be, designed for His purpose. As Uncle Wells tells Raina, “Never judge a man’s identity by the outside. That can all be changed in an instant.”
Raina realizes who she is & the truth sets her free, along with Sully, in an unexpected way.
This was a really well done story, but it’s important to focus on the essence of the tale rather than sidetracking onto material details or you might lose its beautiful message in the tall weeds, so to speak.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
*Religion: generically Christian