A Rumored Fortune

     BOOK REVIEW:   Tressa Harlowe's father kept his vast fortune hidden somewhere on his estate in the south of England and died suddenly, without telling anyone where he had concealed it. Now Tressa and her ailing mother are left with a mansion and an immense vineyard and no money to run it.
     It doesn't take long for a bevy of opportunists to flock to the estate under the guise of offering condolences. Tressa knows what they're really up to. She'll have to work with the rough and rusticated vineyard manager to keep the laborers content without pay and discover the key to finding her father's fortune---before someone else finds it first.

     MY REVIEW:   As the first book I have had read from Joanna Davidson Politano, I have to say my interest was decidedly piqued. I have a deep and abiding love of Historical Fiction, most especially that of the Victorian era. And one can hardly go wrong with a treasure hunt. Add a few suspicious "mourning" guests and a valiant hero and what more could you ask for?
     A few points against the book: 1) I was a little disappointed that Tressa didn't seem to be genuinely searching for this rumored fortune, especially as they so desperately needed it to quell the relentless demands for payment made both by town shops and laborers. Her time was spent mourning the loss of her father, painting exquisite designs upon her ceiling, and trying to decide whom to trust. Her search was one more of the analytical than physical, which I didn't mind, I just wish there had been a bit more physical searching. 2) I had the true villain picked out by the middle pages, though I did not predict the depths of his villainry. However, these are only mild downfalls, not enough to spoil the book.
     I would not say that this book is one of deep reflection and profound insight. However, the relationship Tressa had with God was very realistic. She struggled to feel Him near as she lost one precious anchor after another. But finally, when she has lost her final security, she is able to see how God will withstand though all else fall. Being a book set in a vineyard, there are several practical applications made in comparison to the pruning of a grapevine. While it seemingly kills or stunts the plant, it instead brings forth greater yield than ever imagined.
     And whatever you think you know about the fortune....... think long and hard. It is quite the opposite of what I expected. :)

   I received a copy of this book from REVELL PUBLISHERS and was not required to write a positive review.