I just absolutely love the books Joanna Davidson Politano writes. She is truly the only first person POV author I can count on to pull me in and never let me go. Her latest release is no different for me in that regard. Though life was busy and I had to rely on taking sips of the story in the car rides in between picking up and dropping kids off, I thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, the audio was so great, when hubby and I finally had a couple hours alone with nothing to do, I read the print copy as I listened to the audio while cuddled up against my hubby. TV shows just have no appeal when you can be reading one of Joanna’s books. Her lovely complexity of writing and keeping the reader guessing is well displayed and I loved following the mystery of it all. It’s definitely one I recommend and will be giving copies away at Christmas.
Genre: Historical Romance, Victorian England
Plot Overview:
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.
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.
What I loved: Finding Lady Enderly is a multilayered story. I love the mystery behind the story, the twists revealed, and the spiritual parallels which can be drawn. And who of course doesn’t love Sully? The poor man just wants to love and keep this stubborn woman safe. I’m sure my husband can relate to Sully. I’m always getting into trouble.
Favorite Character and Why: I really love Raina. You understand her struggle and fears, as well as get to grow with her. She really as a beautiful growth arc. And I can’t not mention Sully. The man is the sweetest thing, and hearing his voice on the audio? I still hear his swoony accent in my head.
Who would like this? If you love mystery, subtle romance, and literary connections, you’ll love this book. The way Sully and Raina communicate is absolutely amazing. It makes me want to sneak one of my husband’s books away, mark a page, and underline something to say him.
Of course, he reads ebooks, and the print books aren’t exactly romance, so sigh. I guess I probably shouldn’t underline the threats of death. Not unless, he forgets to pick up the dirty laundry again. 😉
Rating and Why: Five stars. I really love the way you just get swept into the story into another time and place. It doesn’t even feel like you are reading first person, which is an amazing accomplishment in my opinion.
Just like every Bibliophile, I have a TBR pile that can fill a library… and quite literally it does. My basement has no less than 10 bookcases packed tight. Of course I’ve read about a fourth… maybe more like a fifth of them. So there are plenty waiting to be read. These are the books currently at the top of my pile, (and some of them aren’t Historical Fiction –Eep! In fact, you’ll notice a lot of suspense. Partly due to the fact on road trips we read books aloud, and with three males in the car, suspense catches their interest.):
Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano – What seems like a Pygmalion dream come true turns into a nightmare for rag woman Raina Bretton. Ever since a handsome stranger brought her to Rothburne Abbey, she’s been uneasy. Amid the ruin and decay of the old mansion, one man stands between her and her true identity. Will he reveal her mysterious secret—or keep it hidden?
Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate – Natalie Groves is convinced that she was meant for great things. But after her fiance, Jeremy, leaves her, her grand dreams evaporate. Back in town seven years later with his infant son and troubled teenage niece, Jeremy asks Natalie for help. When they join forces, sparks fly—but will they get burned again along the way?
More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer – People consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Born with mismatched eyes and orphaned at a young age, she’s been rejected repeatedly. Logan Fowler arrives in Pecan Gap, Texas, seeking revenge against the gambler who stole his birthright—Evie’s “brother,” Zacharias. But as they fall in love, will Logan choose to avenge Zach’s past—or embrace the future with Evie?
Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson – Top FBI cop Paul Falcon knows Ann Silver is one of the most respected homicide investigators in the Midwest. So when a supsicious death causes their worlds to collide, he hopes she’ll be a useful colleague. He never expects to be smitten! Still, he wonders . . . Why does everybody trust her? What secrets is she keeping?
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell – When her father leaves the Church in a crisis of conscience, Margaret Hale is uprooted from her comfortable home in Hampshire to move with her family to the North of England. Initially repulsed by the ugliness of her new surroundings in the industrial town of Milton, Margaret becomes aware of the poverty and suffering of local mill workers and develops a passionate sense of social justice. This is intensified by her tempestuous relationship with the mill-owner and self-made man John Thornton, as their fierce opposition over his treatment of his employees masks a deeper attraction.
Under a Turquoise Sky by Lisa Carter – When federal agent Aaron Yazzie is assigned to protect the only witness to a drug cartel execution, he hides Kailyn in the safest place he knows . . . the vast, untamed wilderness of the Navajo Reservation.
Kailyn is a high-maintenance Southern belle who is determined to assert her independence at every step. Although Aaron’s job is to protect her from the dangers that could get them both killed, Kailyn is getting to him. As an undercover agent, Aaron has grown adept at playing many roles. But will he be able to embrace his true identity and God’s plan for his life in order to keep Kailyn alive?
A young woman working at the Dead Letter Office in 1883 opens a series of heartbreaking love letters. She’s determined to find their rightful owner and make things right. But a trip to Azure Springs, Iowa, may provide love and healing for more than just the letter writer.
The Cost of Betrayal – Three Romantic Suspense Novellas. Dee Henderson’s “Betrayed,” Dani Pettrey’s “Deadly Isle,” and Lynette Eason’s “Code of Ethics.”
Sins of the Past – Three blockbuster authors team up for a “triple threat” page-turner! In Missing, a Wyoming sheriff must travel to Chicago to rescue his elderly mother. In Shadowed, the McKennas come face-to-face with a possible Russian defector. And in Blackout, a woman falsely accused of theft must find the loot before the true criminal discovers her!
Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett – Nate Webber takes a chance to help his family by signing up for the new Civilian Conservation Corps, skirting the truth about certain “requirements.” Â Â Â Â Elsie Brookes was proud to grow up as a ranger’s daughter, but she longs for a future of her own. When Elsie discovers Nate’s secret, it puts his job as camp foreman in jeopardy. Tutoring leads to friendship and romance, until a string of suspicious fires casts a dark shadow over their relationship.
