Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano

MY REVIEW

Ok, so I could not put this one down, who needs sleep anyway? Although this is a Historical Fiction book, it is remarkable fast-paced, which I love. The main character, Aurelie Harcourt is one of a kind and she has a strong and rich imagination. A storyteller by nature learned from her father, it’s fun to see how her mind works. Her insecurities and fears are somewhat familiar, if you know any authors, you will hear them talk about a lot of the same things. One of the strong themes in this book was belonging, fitting in, and I strongly related to this.  Then, of course, there is Mr. Rotherham who is a calming influence on her, a rescuer of sorts, but he is also in search of answers to some secrets.

The other characters play their part to bring in adventure, intrigue, and drama, but Aurelie remains the strong focus, and her struggle with the elusive Nathaniel Droll. I can’t say too much because it will give it away, but through the plot twists and turns, you will find yourself rooting for Aurelie and praying her dreams come true, especially when things are not looking good. Well done to Joanna Davidson Politano.

I am looking forward to her next book, A Rumored Fortune (you get the first chapter at the end of  Lady Jayne Disappears! I am hooked)

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Aurelie Harcourt’s father dies in debtor’s prison, he leaves her just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. Her new family greets her with apathy and even resentment. Only the quiet houseguest, Silas Rotherham, welcomes her company.

When Aurelie decides to complete her father’s unfinished serial novel, writing the family into the story as unflattering characters, she must keep her identity as Nathaniel Droll hidden while searching for the truth about her mother’s disappearance–and perhaps even her father’s death.

Author Joanna Davidson Politano’s stunning debut set in Victorian England will delight readers with its highly original plot, lush setting, vibrant characters, and reluctant romance.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears. 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.

Melony Teague is a freelance writer who believes everyone has a story to tell and each story is unique and sometimes wilder than fiction. She loves to uncover the good news in society and writes human interest and community pieces. As co-author of As the Ink Flows, she loves to inspire and motivate others through her written words. In her spare time, she reviews books and interviews authors. These reviews can be found right here on her website. She also teaches seniors in her local community to write their own personal story. Melony Teague was born in South Africa and immigrated to Canada. She now lives in Toronto with her husband and their two children and two cats.