A Rumored Fortune

I recently read Ms. Politano's latest book Finding Lady Enderly. I was so taken in by this book, I had to research her previous books. I was not disappointment in A Rumored Fortune. This was a story that kept me guessing until the end. And left me wanting more. This is a page-turner laced with romance. Tressa Harlowe is a character you will fall in love with. She has tried all of her life just to get her father to acknowledge her. She has always felt lonely and like she doesn't natter. The hero Donegan Vance is one of my recent favorite heroes. Be still my heart. This was a wonderful historical romance. I highly recommend it.

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano is a book you want to read and savor. The book is filled with romance, intrigue, mystery, treasure hunting, and words of wisdom. It is so well written. I love the author’s descriptions of people, places and her wonderful use of language. The book follows our heroine Tressa Harlowe and our heroine Donegan Vance as they both change and grow towards the Lord and fall in love. The book is set at Trevelyn castle. The estate has a vineyard that is being cultivated by our hero. There are many wonderful quotes about raising grapes from the notebook of a viticulturist at the beginning of each chapter. For me the quotes were thought provoking and added greatly to the novel. Ms. Politano weaves in the theme of vineyards throughout the story. My favorite quote from Tressa “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.” A Rumored Fortune is the second book Joanna Davidson Poloitano has written. I consider her an author to watch, and one of my favorites. I highly encourage you to read this fabulous book. I was given this book by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

A Rumored Fortune By Joanna Davidson Politano Tressa Harlowe can hardly contain her excitement she is returning home to her beloved Trevelyan Castle - summoned she is sure by her father. But nothing is how she expected it to be - her father is dead and creditors are demanding their debts be paid. But the Harlowe family fortune is a thing of legend - hidden away years ago and Tressa has no idea where it lies. With time against Tressa needs help but to whom she should turn that is a matter of trust. Donegan Vance has a daunting task before him - hired by Josiah Harlowe as the vineyard manager seems easy enough hard work for a more than generous salary. But the laborers of Trevelyan have been paid sporadically and the estate's funds at present are non-existent. But Donegan needs the money he was promised and it seems that helping Tressa Harlowe find her father's hidden fortune may be his only option. But Tressa isn't the only one interested in finding her father's fortune and those she'd once have welcomed with open arms in this time of grief may very well be those who are working against her. With threats, suspicions, and danger closing in Tressa finds herself learning truths she never knew while relying, somewhat unwillingly, on the estate's new manager. But does Donegan Vance truly have her best interests at heart or is him merely another fortune hunter here to claim his piece? This book is set in 1866, England and while a historical fiction there is a definite but subtle undercurrent of mystery running throughout it. A daughter who has always felt alone. A father she never truly knew. A mother always in need of pampering and care. A cousin and his less than happy wife. An old suitor who had once broken her heart. The kindly doctor. The new estate manager. The staff she's known her whole life. And her father's notebooks. These all combine is a most delightful story that will touch the reader's heart as Tressa works through her emotions at her sudden and unexpected change in circumstance. This is a journey of discovery of who she is and who those around her are. This is a most lovely reading excursion and one not to be missed the characters are both complex and yet identifiable. One wants to be wanted not for possessions but for who one truly is at their heart. The need to be understood is a driving force for the main characters and one most can probably relate to on some level. This would make an excellent book club selection and I highly recommend it. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.