Joanna Davidson Politano

Some books take you on a roller-coaster; this book takes you to an entire fairground. Poetic and lyrical, Joanna Davidson Politano weaves readers into a story that extends beyond the page. The twists and turns leave you guessing as to what's next until the tapestry is turned over and the picture is finally revealed. Though it is a multi-faceted trek to get there, the way everything comes together is wholly satisfying. The style of writing is definitely more whimsical, fantastical, and fairy show more tale-like, which adds an air of mystery to the events taking place. For those whose gateway into reading is through prose, The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple nicely fits the bill.

In reading this story, I was struck by how well Lily Temple, elusive and enigmatic, represents the ways we try to find Eden outside of God. Over time, it's delightful to see all of the parallels between the Gospel and what restoration truly looks like. The faith element is what brings this book home for me. Without God, Lily's story would be purposeless and incomplete. Although I was confused by Gypsy Lee's character in a Christian book, the way the story points toward creation and its Creator is a much more overarching theme. Readers who enjoy literary references, especially Dickens, will adore the epigraphs and the allegories sprinkled throughout. This book is certainly a celebration of the power of storytelling by pointing to the greatest Author of all. show less

In 1913 Merryn has lost her memory but not her tenacity. She is slowly regaining snippets of events but they haunt her because they promise something that is just out of her reach.
This is a superb, emotional journey as Merryn searches the coast of Cornwall with her new husband Ansel. But is he her only husband? Her memories hint at another wedding. A.J. (Ansel) is a complex character who seems clearly in love with his wife. So much mystery and a present threat when Merryn is given custody of show more Cecil and his inheritance when Lady St. Laurent dies. Her daughter has other ideas.
I highlighted so many relevant, haunting passages: “We think of memories as a log book, but they are more than that. They give us a framework through which to view our present.”
In the 1947 era of this dual time story, William Thatcher has returned from war a broken man who feels unworthy. A painting he finds puts him on a quest to find the artist and subject of the artwork. This connects the two timelines in a unique way,
It was enchanting to discover the connections between the characters and mesmerizing to read about their journeys.
There were several great allusions to Biblical passages, the foremost being: “Love is invaluable because of what it has cost someone.”
“Never build your house on sand when rock is available to you. Never build it on anything that can move. Because eventually, it will.”
This author never ceases to amaze me with her heartfelt voice, beautiful words and meaningful messages.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* show less

A character who has lost memories and one who cannot get away from his…

This multifaceted, emotion-evoking story explores what love is, that love requires sacrifice, and that we must leave the past but also be present in it…for the past teaches us much about ourselves.

This is truly an amazing book, classically written with beautiful passages, complex characters and a plot that had me from the beginning. Now, one of my favorite JDP books, this brilliant love story speaks strongly of show more God’s providence in creating someone, for each of us, that we can love for a lifetime.

So, yes, this book has an underlying spiritual arc. One cannot love like these characters without knowing the love of God. He is there in this story, amongst the pages and pouring out onto every word.

A few favorite quotes without spoilers-

“No one tells you how lost and foolish you feel without the library of accumulated experiences everyone takes for granted. They are the lens that clarifies everything, including ourselves. They are accumulated knowledge, distilled down into wisdom.”

“Memories are an anchor, keeping us rooted to our little piece of the earth when all else changes around us.”

“Memories are involuntary. And the ones a person most wishes to remove…those hold faster than anything.”

“My past self is a curious mystery whose pages I am turning almost by accident.”

The audiobook narrated by Amy Scanlon is as exceptional as the story itself. She has become one of my favorite narrators. Her accent, inflections and portrayal of different characters proves to capture the story and bring it to life.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased a print copy of this book. show less

I don’t know how to write this review—because I don’t have words big enough for what this story just did to me.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House doesn’t read like a book. It feels like walking into another world that tilts time and space, where every shadow might be a clue and every invention might whisper something eternal.

I was captivated—by the fog-covered island, by the strange and clever clockwork, by the heroine who’s as brilliant as she is quietly wounded. Sydney show more Forrester doesn’t flinch at puzzles or gears, yet the deeper mysteries of belonging and purpose? Those take a different kind of courage. I’m still feeling that in my bones.

There’s a certain ache to reading something this imaginative and meaningful. You can’t fly through it. Every sentence begs to be savored. There were moments I just sat there, blinking, because the writing was so striking I didn’t want to breathe it away too fast. And then there were moments I had to keep turning pages because the mystery and the movement simply wouldn’t let me rest.

This story has the elegance of a musical box, the tension of a secret door creaking open, the heartbeat of a love that chooses you even when it shouldn’t. And in the middle of it all, a Gospel truth that unfolds slowly and subtly—never demanding attention, but impossible to ignore.

André was unexpected. Which is to say, perfect. Not because he’s flawless, but because he’s layered—scarred, patient, and unexpectedly kind. A pirate turned butler? Only in Blakely House. Only in the hands of an author like Joanna Davidson Politano … and in the hands of our Mighty God in real life.

But the one who truly stopped me in my tracks? Sophie. Her voice through those letters undid me. Wisdom, gentleness, and the kind of truth that doesn’t come from observation alone—it comes from having deep experiences.

Of the many quotes I could have chosen, the following are not just pretty words, they are kingdom truths disguised in Steampunk paper and tucked between romance and riddles.

“They call you odd, and perhaps you are. Or perhaps … perhaps the scope of normal is wider than any of us believed.” ~ Sophie’s letters to Emmit Grafton

“Your brilliant mind enriches the world, dear Emmett – but also keeps you from being part of it.” ~ Sophie’s letters to Emmit

“I knew from the moment I first met you that I wasn’t supposed to love you, but I rarely do what I’m supposed to.” ~ Emmet’s letters to Sophie

“Perhaps, dear one, instead of shaping yourself to fit the world, you should search for a little corner of it where your strengths flourish, like exotic wildflowers that would wither anywhere but the rainforest.”
~ Sophie’s letters to Emmett

I didn’t expect this story to feel like an allegory. And yet, as Blakely House revealed its secrets, I felt my own walls shift. There were mirrors in those pages. And mystery. And mercy. And grace.

And then came the Author’s Note—and just when I thought I’d finished the journey, it broke me wide open. Again.

I’ve never read anything like this. It’s part adventure, part allegory, part romance, part mystery, part deep yet simple faith. Somehow both whimsical and deeply grounded. Somehow gentle and wild. Somehow now mine.

I’ll be rereading this one. I’ll be listening, if there’s ever an audiobook. I’ll be thinking about these characters—for a long time.

I didn’t walk away from this story the same. I walked away steadier. Seen. Stirred. Changed.

This book didn’t just speak to me—it ministered to me. In places I didn’t know were waiting.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher, Revell, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the amazing writing and story’s excellent content, ensuring transparency and reliability. show less