Sunday, August 25, 2019

FINDING LADY ENDERLY by Joanna Davidson Politano, Reviewed by Nicole Cook and Trixi Oberembt


NICOLE'S REVIEW
“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.

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 –"



*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
 

TRIXI'S REVIEW:
“Many people who go out looking for themselves will become lost, for they look outside themselves or inward, rather than up the the God we reflect. ~Diary of a Substitute Countess”

Politano draws the reader in with her achingly beautiful, poignant prose in “Finding Lady Enderly”. I found myself quickly involved in the life of Raina Bretton, seller of rags. When given the opportunity to trade rags for fine silks and want for nothing, I followed her to Rothburne Abbey. There she discovers the secrets within its walls and must untangle the mystery hidden within.

I loved this rags to riches story, and it goes deeper than just surface. Raina must face herself and know she is much more than a destitute woman. She is highly regarded by God who has loved her and calls her worthy. Her Cinderella fairy tale isn't always what it seems, just as the Abbey isn't always what it seems for it hides a truth that must eventually come to light. Definite Gothic undertones to this one and I loved it! It had a depth that surpassed my expectations and the spiritual truths overpowered like waves once they took hold in my heart, as well as Rainas.

“That's what we all were, wasn't it? Created beings who bore traces of their Creator, each with a different piece of his nature augmented in order to show the world who he was.”

A powerful story of restoration in all manner, a love story that spans the most difficult circumstances and an overall theme of knowing who we are in Christ! 



Additional Quotes:
“Being created in God's image means we bear traces of him. He is our truest identity.”

*I received a complimentary copy from Revell publishers and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

Back Cover Blurb:
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.


Author Bio:
Joanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears and A Rumored Fortune. She freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.



Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy Finding Lady Enderly at Amazon
Buy Finding Lady Enderly at Christianbook.com

2 comments:

  1. Such a wonderful and powerful book filled with God's truth about our nature and who we are in Him! It should be on everyone's must-read list :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I know I 'll be reading it. Thanks Trixi and Nicole! And a woohoo to Joanna Politano!

    ReplyDelete

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