In “Finding Lady Enderly,” Joanna Davidson Politano offers another delightful Victorian tale — one filled with romance and mystery as it deals with identity and restoration.
While trying to overcome the loss of her beloved Sully at sea, rag girl Raina Bretton is swept off the streets to secretly play the role of a supposedly convalescing countess. While there she finds herself in a world she has only dreamed of — one of beautiful gowns and lovely embellishments and an ability to help the less fortunate.
But as strange and unsettling situations occur, Raina begins to wonder about the true fate of Lady Enderly — and whom she can trust at Rothburne Abbey — as she draws on her own strengths, of being an adventurer and rescuer.
“Finding Lady Enderly” is a novel full of intrigue, mystery, secret identities, hidden crimes and romances that are kept apart. The author does a great job of developing characters, from the delightful Raina with very real insecurities, to the creepily plotting and evil solicitor Victor Prendergast.
Politano also does an amazing job of not only creating an incredible story, but developing amazing lessons and themes throughout. This story encourages us all to find the courage to recognize the strength and beauty inside us all; our lives can have a far-reaching impact and deep meaning; “the weakest version of the real you is stronger than the best imitation of someone else”; it’s what’s on the inside of a person that counts; dealing with calling out to God but wondering if He will listen and if we deserve to be listened to; let go and let God; we are all a reflection of the Creator; and sacrificial love.
As a neighbor tells Raina about inner beauty: “There’s something rare and intensely beautiful in a person who knows you well and loves you anyway. Ordinary men and everyday romances are the sweetest and deepest. … There’s a wonderful charm to ordinary, everyday moments, and the people who remain through them.”
Major themes running throughout this story are restoration, renewal and identity.
Filled with quotes from classic literature, as well as inspirational quotes written by the “substitute countess” herself, “Finding Lady Enderly” is kind of a Jane Austen meets Terri Blackstock tale. So fans of classic authors like Austen, the Bronte sisters and Charles Dickens will love this book, as well as fans of modern authors with strong female characters overcoming travesties in life.
Five stars out of five.
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.