MY REVIEW:
I am often a bit apprehensive when agreeing to read a new author’s first book but have added quite a few of them to my must read list. I am delighted to say that after reading “Lady Jayne Disappears” I have added Joanna Davidson Politano to that growing list.
“Lady Jayne Disappears” is the perfect book for lovers of Gothic mysteries like myself. I loved the atmosphere of the old mansion filled with secrets as well as that of the debtors’ prison. It was the perfect backdrop for the haunting tale of a young woman searching for information about the mother she never knew.
This story within a story features Aurelie Harcourt who spent her life in debtor’s prison with her father until his death. Sent to live with wealthy relatives, Aurelie hoped that by completing her father’s serial novel she might discover the truth about her mysterious mother. Numerous surprises are in store for the reader as they begin to love Aurelie and her unassuming and compassionate nature. Dare we hope she finds the truth and perhaps love too?
I liked “Lady Jayne Disappears” quite a lot and eagerly look forward to this author’s next offering to her readers. I would suggest that everyone who enjoys this genre make haste to pick up their own copy.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lynhurst Manor is a house built on secrets . . . and the arrival of Aurelie Harcourt might reveal them all.
When Aurelie Harcourt’s father dies suddenly, he leaves her just two things: his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll, and his wealthy family–who want very little to do with her.
As Aurelie struggles to find a home with her father’s family and learn the rules of society, she relishes in his parting gift–the beginning of his last story. The story she always wanted to hear, about her mother’s mysterious disappearance from the home where she now lives. To complete the novel, she’ll have to extract clues from relatives–and one enigmatic houseguest–who often seem reluctant to give them up.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her manuscript for Lady Jayne Disappears was a finalist for several contests, including the 2016 Genesis Award from ACFW, and won the OCW Cascade Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. 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.
