A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano is a standalone historical fiction mystery.  The story starts out with hints of intrigue and then slowly meanders around the Trevelyan estate, dropping more hints to the characters and giving away the mystery to the reader.  This format is interesting, because the reader is not always sure of the motivation of the participants.  As the story progresses there are times when a person really wants the female protagonist, Tressa, to find out things the reader already knows.

One of the disappointing aspects of this story is how emotionally weak Tressa is.  The author drops hints about how Tressa has cared for her mother for many years, but any time there is a hint of difficulty she seems indecisive and naive.  This appears to be an attempt to show how emotionally neglected Tressa has been, but it does not come across as a positive trait.  The growth of Tressa is a focal point of the story, but it doesn’t convince this reader that the romance that develops is believable.  It just makes for frustration as Tressa repeatedly places her trust in men who have proven themselves greedy and selfish.

Donegan is the leading male, and he is one that the author swarths in uncertainty and mystery.  It is difficult for readers to tell exactly what he is trying to do.  Just when things appear a certain way, Donegan’s character does or says something that make readers keep guessing.

There are some emotionally charged moments that succeed in producing lots of sympathy and compassion.  Tressa’s tenacity at clinging to every remembrance of her father is both heart-wrenching and sweet.  There are some surprises in the mix, but most are pretty apparent.  Romantics who can develop a like for Tressa will want to shake the girl in one moment and hug her in the next. 
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Revell

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None 

Violence/Gore:  Several reports that someone attempted to kill another; a person attacks someone with the intent to kill them, but it is unsuccessful. 

Sex/Nudity:  Non-married characters embrace and kiss; report of a child being illegitimate.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of a parent, greed.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

A mention that a person goes to a tavern and presumably consumes alcohol.