Penniless clockmaker Sydney Forrester finds the world against her, for although she is brilliant she is young and female, and therefore customers aren't likely to trust her. She longs for connection with the parents she does not know and cannot remember, and when a mysterious woman informs her that she has inherited a remote manor house from an uncle she's never met, Sydney takes a leap and sets off to claim her new home.

It turns out, however, that she is not the only heir. The will is in dispute. Blakely House is also not at all what Sydney expected, full of gadgets and half-finished inventions that give her a glimpse into her uncle's mind. There is also a full company of mismatched pirate servants who seem to have it out for her. With the odds against her, Sydney must prove who she is and that she is the rightful heir through many ups and downs and adventures.

As with every Joanna Davidson Politano book, there are beautiful themes woven throughout the story. Threads about identity, being chosen, and reckoning that "When you run away from your problems, you take yourself with you" (page 134). The themes were my favorite part of this book.

I liked Sydney as a character, and though I found the plot a little hard to follow, I appreciated her journey. It was a great reminder of how God knows what we need and who we need in our lives and is able to provide even in uncanny ways.

I would recommend this book for readers who like historicals with hints of mystery and suspense.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Do you remember your first amusement park trip? The anxious crawl in a winding line of bodies, a labyrinth of chains or ropes impeding your progress. Waiting. Your vantage point of belts and pant pockets hems you in, yet all you feel is anticipation. Giddy and light-headed you hop, spin, are told once again to be patient. Finally another belt comes into view, the people-moving variety that delivers you to a boat in murky water. Turning to grin at your parents, you hop in and sit on a molded plastic bench, narrowly avoiding a puddle. Wiggling, head swiveling. What will happen now? A bit scared but rubbernecking to see what passed and straining for what lies ahead; you don’t want to miss a thing. The jolt and fear of the drop, pirates chasing ladies in circles, cannon blasts, the smell of rotten eggs as water splashes a little too near, then a warm settling as the Yo Ho Yo Ho tune guides you through a satisfying conclusion. Yes. Yes. Live those feelings again in this tale.

At the risk of sounding utterly corny, I dare say after a few pages joy floats. Sometimes like the feather at the end of Forrest Gump and more often flitting, erratic as the Golden Snitch’s flight in Harry Potter. The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House reminds me of Narnia – the allegory and the movie, Hugo – the possibilities; scenes unfolding through the eyes of a child sneaking behind the clock. Wonder, adventure, and quite frankly - fun.

This is why we read.

For the sheer enjoyment of the journey. Like listening to music as awe floods for musicians who can produce a piece chalk full of notes that evoke emotions we didn’t know we held. Similarly, planting ourselves in front of a painting or sculpture as we gape at a creation that causes us to not only glance, but gaze – each view absorbing something else.

What is art? Has anyone asked you that question? For me art requires a second (or third, or fourth) look, listen, or in this case – read. Impossible to appreciate all at once, each subsequent visit adds a sharper facet. Every step thereafter drawing us nearer to a conclusion and yet we never quite settle on the answer. Art pervades thoughts and causes retrospection. After the end, change.

As I type this review, the instrumental version of What Was I Made For resounds in the background. Coincidence? I think not. What or who was this book made for? You. Me. The seekers. The mood readers. The inquisitive minds. Those longing for escape. The others who want to learn. The individuals who don’t even know they need this message. Do you fit into one of these categories? Or are you also odd, like Sydney, the main character? Own it. The book and the identity.

Whimsical, mysterious, & utterly engaging! I adored The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House. Joanna Politano delivers a beautiful, lyrical gothic romance which explores embracing our uniqueness, being selfless, & a lovely illusion to the Master Engineer Himself. I loved the steampunk feel, sweet romance, messages of faith woven throughout, & the mystery surrounding each character.

In 1901, talented watchmaker Sydney Forester receives an unusual visitor at her aunt’s Curiosity Shop telling her of an inheritance from an unknown distant uncle. The curious clock & mysterious key she shows Sydney ignite her imagination. Knowing her aunt’s shop is facing bankruptcy, she steals away to visit the house she’s supposedly inherited. After risking her life, she & her trusty cat Micah are rescued by a handsome “pirate” & soon she embarks on a fantastic adventure as she discovers her uncle’s genius inventions. But, there are other cousins present when she arrives & she learns she must compete against them for Blakely House & all its treasures.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Sydney is such a sympathetic character. I loved her journey from unbelieving to faith & seeing her transformation as she learns to embrace herself & her talents. I don’t want to say too much, but the romance in this story is a wonderful antagonists to friends to more. The characters were all so interesting & complex. I loved how the competition brought out the best & worst in others. I loved the letters from Emmett to Sophie that grace each chapter, & unraveling what happened to them.

As with all Joanna Davidson Politano books, the prose is rich & lyrical. I loved savoring each moment as each clue builds to an amazing conclusion. This book is definitely a new favorite & I can’t wait to reread it to pick up on all the breadcrumbs I might have missed.

Highest of recommendations! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a review. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano was a whimsical tale with pirates and gadgetry and mystery. I was hooked quickly with the odd, yet suspenseful happenings and quirky characters that after a time warmed my heart with their genuineness. The story was uplifting, showing God’s grace in every life if we let Him be our guide through it. You won’t want to miss this grand book!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

Classic Joanne Davidson Politano - which, if you don't know, means WOW! Lovely descriptions; engaging, flawed, relatable characters; lots of mystery, and a hint of a steampunk vibe kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. Fascinating, compelling premise and lots of surprises that kept me turning pages. Highly recommended!

Where do I start to tell you about what I love about this book?

"Do I talk about the quirky lead heroine who clearly is a genius with a brain that never stops going? Who clearly has what we'd call ADHD now?
She was teh sort that had one train of thought, and it drove through like a steam engine, parting chaos and accomplishing goals. Me, I had several trains all zigzagging madly about at once. I'm not certain any of them actually reached a destination, and often they collided. Or sailed off the tracks entirely."

Or the male lead who is a swarthy pirate like character with a romantic musical soul?
"a bighearted, strong-willed, passionate man..."

Maybe I should start with the amazing faith elements woven so beautifully throughout this novel?

"Because everyone deserves to see God." Surprise bloomed on her face. "You cannot expect to see his greatness if you give him no cause to demonstrate it. That requires leaving the safety of the shore a time or two. Or ten."

Maybe it was the persistent message that God didn't make anyone broken--just endowing them something unique?

"One is never given enormous flaws without also having some equally enormous strength to counterbalance it. You, for example are terribly sensitive."

Or maybe the continuous focus and praise to the amazing Creator of all?

"How excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who has set they glory above the heavens." Her face was like Moses's after he'd been up the mountain, in the presence of the Lord.

Or maybe just the intriguing story that I couldn't put down? The great characters and the little mystery tucked in.

Or maybe...just maybe...it's all of the above. It was so nice to have a SOLID 5 star read again. This is a simply marvelous story. The characters have real flaws that I know so many will identify with. And the passionate message of God's goodness and greatness just is the cherry on top.

Highly recommend!

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own!

What a fun story about pirates and lost treasure (though it's not the kind of treasure you think)!

This latest story from Joanna Davidson Politano starts off with bizarre circumstances and then it gets stranger, until it doesn't. I was worried when I started the novel that it wasn't the kind of story I'm used to reading - giving me shivers in the first few chapters is not my idea of a fun read. BUT it was worth turning the pages.

This is a delightful tale of mistaken identities, pirates, and a house that seems to have a life of its own. A tale of lost love and a nail-biting rescue that will prove there was more to the deceased master than everyone believed. Prospective heirs fighting for an inheritance to save themselves from ruin (because of course, there is more than one will and the most recent will has yet to be found), a motley crew of servants who keep a watchful eye, and a house full of inventions that no one understands.

Except, the heroine of course.

Sydney Forrester is different, just like Elliott Sinclair - the man who has left everything to her. She understands machines and clocks, but has difficulty relating to people. Elliott's faithful butler is more than what he appears to be, knowing how everything operates in the house, and how the island where Blakely House sits heals people. Their romance is a slow-burn, and he rescues her several times throughout the story in pirate-like fashion.

A fun twist at the end resolves the will issue, but it's not one that will be easily guessed.

A fun read, just in time for summer!

What a wild and fun adventure!

Sydney Forrester is more surprised than anyone to learn she has inherited Blakely House from an eccentric uncle she has never met. But when she arrives at the house and sees all of her uncle's oddities and peculiar inventions, she knows she has finally found a place where she belongs. But mysterious passageways and seemingly random clues, relatives who are determined to contest the will, and a butler who seems to be part pirate mean Sydney is in for more of an adventure than she bargained for.

What you'll love:
early 1900s gothic romance
multiple pov
set in wilds of Northumberland
contest between heirs
the pirate/butler MMC
quirky, intelligent inventor FMC
sailing the ship
mystery and suspense
a house full of secrets
swooony romance
beautiful faith thread
perfect ending!

Oh my word, this story was such a wild and unpredictable ride! Just like a rollercoaster, the story starts at a slower pace but that is just in preparation for the moment when you reach the top and then race forward, encountering all sorts of unexpected twists that take your breath away but you can't help but love every moment!

This story is full of creativity and imagination and I felt like I had stepped in another world! There was the perfect blend of mystery, suspense and romance and who doesn't love a house full of secrets? I was drawn to Sydney, a curious and creative inventor and a romantic at heart and someone who never fully felt like she fit in until she found Blakely House and Andre, a man who loves her and accepts her just the way she is. And oh my, what a beautiful and swoony romance between them! Their friendship, their banter, their adventures together...I loved it all!

A whirlwind adventure with inspiring characters and a beautiful faith thread. This intriguing story was my first read by this author but will most certainly not be my last!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

“. . .perhaps the scope of ‘normal’ is simply much wider than any of us ever imagined.”

I’m a fan of Joanna Davidson Politano’s books, as she is a very talented writer. This one has a very different feeling and vibe to it. It’s very imaginative and creative, as are all her books. The setting is quite gothic, the characters are varied and eclectic, and for a while I felt a little like Alice in Wonderland when she went down the rabbit hole. The main character, Sydney Forrester, steps out of her comfort zone to investigate a house she has inherited. Blakely House is populated with a cast of unusual people including a pirate/butler and a couple of nephews who are contesting the will. It’s also a very unusual house.

“I breathed and looked around the shadows for an explanation. But this was Blakely House. There wasn’t one.”

“I feel as though I’ve entered a match and I’m the only one who hasn’t seen the rule book.”

Although it’s a little unusual, I enjoyed the mystery of the inheritance and the many messages of the tale, including the individuality of people, the beauty and wonder of God’s creations, and learning to trust God’s hand in our lives.

“One is never given enormous flaws without also having some equally enormous strength to counterbalance it.”

This is a different type of story than I’m used to from this author, but she is so talented that it totally drew me in, and I enjoyed it immensely.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through LibraryThing and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Full disclosure - I did not realize this book was Christian fiction when I requested the ARC. With that being said, I did find it enjoyable. I thought the writing style was really good, and majority of the elements I want in a gothic-y mystery novel was there. I do know some library patrons who will definitely enjoy this even more than I did.

With the allure of a gothic mystery and the charm of steampunk whimsy, this imaginative historical novel invites readers into the world of Sydney Forrester—a resourceful young clockmaker thrust into a maze of invention, intrigue, and inheritance. Set in 1901 on a remote island estate, the story begins when Sydney unexpectedly inherits Blakely House from an uncle she never knew. But the inheritance comes with more than creaking corridors and curious gadgets—it brings with it suspicion, secrets, and a fight for legitimacy.

The brilliance of the novel lies in its richly atmospheric setting and its heroine’s spirited determination. Blakely House is practically a character in its own right, with mysterious rooms, clever contraptions, and a sense of sentience that adds a wonderfully eerie undercurrent. Sydney’s mechanical talents and quick wit serve her well as she navigates hostile relatives, cryptic clues, and a cast of eccentric island residents. The arrival of a stranger from the sea—bearing revelations that could upend everything—injects a thrilling jolt of suspense and emotional complexity.

This is a story of intelligence over inheritance, of forging one’s place where none is willingly given, and of finding connection in the most unlikely of places. Readers who love clever heroines, crumbling mansions filled with secrets, and plots that unfold like a well-wound clock will find themselves utterly enchanted. With its blend of mystery, invention, and a hint of romance, this book is both a page-turner and a celebration of ingenuity and resilience.

This is a fabulous book!! I LOVED it!! I found it to be captivating and intriguing from the very first page! The mysteries and intrigues kept me pondering, guessing and second guessing throughout the whole book! I liked the characters, the storyline and the wonderful setting! It sparked my imagination and it kept on sparking throughout the entire book! I even laughed out loud a few times! I LOVE Joanna Davidson Politano's books sooo much!! I am thankful and appreciative that she writes them! :)

Ooh this was a fun read for me! I loved the uniqueness of the plot and Sydney’s struggles were real and natural. I was a big fan of the pirate/butler and all of the mysterious elements of Everett and Sophie. I pretty much devoured this read and that is saying something because Joanna’s stories are not short reads but this one absolutely flew for me. A truly delightful read and quite possibly my favorite of all her books so far!

I enjoyed the overall story and the character of Sydney was very relatable. I must admit, it did feel a little slow to me at first as the author laid the foundation for the story. However, once Sydney arrived at Blakely House, the mystery and characters kept me reading and guessing. I LOVED the pirate/butler - and that’s all I can say without giving any spoilers. Joanna Davidson Politano crafted a perfect and totally unexpected twist at the end. If you enjoy historical mysteries with a steampunk vibe, read this book!

I received an early copy for review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I so enjoy Joanna Davidson Politano. Her books always draw me in, and I can count on twists and turns that leave me guessing until the very end. I found The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House to be part Beauty and the Beast and part Alice in Wonderland - a true delight in every sense of the word. Romantic, intriguing, mysterious, and suspenseful, Politano has created a story that I could not get enough of. With characters that raised a bevy of emotions to a message that touched my heart, I was held spellbound from start to finish.

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano
4.5 Stars

Wow, I really just need to read all of Joanna's books at this point - this was SO good!
Blog Post with Review Graphic: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

Read if you enjoy:
🛠️✨Steampunk Elements
🛠️✨Christian Fiction
🛠️✨Gothic Settings
🛠️✨Invention and Mystery
🛠️✨Pirate Elements
🛠️✨Bookish Engineer FMC
🛠️✨Mysterious House
🛠️✨1901 Historical Fiction
🛠️✨Inheritance Plot
🛠️✨Light Romance Thread
🛠️✨Faith Elements
🛠️✨Hidden Family Secrets
🛠️✨Strong Female Protagonist

This was a very good blend of class mystery meets whimsical invention!

We follow Sydney Forrester in 1901 who is a clockmaker that inherits Blakely House, an estate of an estranged uncle she has never met. He left behind lots of inventions and many of his family members and workers on the estate do not want Sydney there. They are all convinced she had something to do with his death, turning this into a mystery of who killed him....Sydney finds an ally in the estate's butler, who is an ex-adventurer from the island. A mysterious man shows up and puts a "cog in the wheel" so to say.....Sydney has to prove so much in these high stakes moments.

I really enjoyed this atmospheric setting! Blakely House becomes its own character - creaky halls, strange contraptions, automatons, inventions, and haunting beauty in its own way. It's very gothic in nature.

Also loved Sydney, she was a very unique character. She's innovative, inventive, independent, sharp - a real refreshing thing to see. She had a faith thread I think we was really well done too. It was a natural point in the story, she was skeptical and finds the Lord through this journey.

The mystery was so interesting to me, we really got to follow her throughout the house and island and try to figure out what happened.

My favorite part is the ending - loved how it was wrapped up and everything was revealed. The only thing keeping it from full 5 stars was some of the steampunk elements were hard for me to understand, as I am not normally a steampunk girly, but I really enjoyed it overall.

Highly recommend!! Thank you to Revell for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

“Blakely House has taught me one thing – that nothing is truly broken. It’s just … not finished.”

Come with me, dear readers, and enter a house of curiosities and misfits. Where the servants are pirates, lights switch on and off on their own, gadgets and gizmos whir to life at every turn, and a distant voice crackles on at various intervals about things like propulsion and velocity and gravity. This inventor’s paradise gives the story an almost magical feel (without any magic), as though you’ve stepped right into the pages of a steampunk fairy tale come to life, and I loved everything about it! I adore stories with seemingly-sentient houses – even if there’s a perfectly logical explanation – and this unique island estate is now among my favorites. (And did you see what I said about pirates?!? More on a particularly swoony one in a moment!)

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House introduces us to Sydney Forrester, a quasi-orphaned clockmaker and tinker (and book lover) who has long felt as though she’s a bit of a misfit herself. Even her beloved cat Micah is a bit ‘misfitted’ too, so you would think the pair will fit right in at Blakely House when she arrives to claim her surprise inheritance. Except that’s not exactly how it goes… and that inheritance isn’t exactly hers yet. I had such fun getting to know Sydney – she’s super easy to love and to cheer for, and her bookish/story-loving side is so endearing and, of course, very relatable! This quote from the first time Sydney sees that swoony pirate I was talking about earlier left me chuckling in solidarity –

“The first time I saw him, it was clear that I, Sydney Forrester, a logical and practical human being, had ruined my brain with literature.”

Don’t worry, she doesn’t really mean it. Literature is her safety zone, much like it is for many of us, and she’s heretofore been content to leave the adventures to the characters she reads about. That may not be what God has in store for her anymore, though, and it both touched & delighted me to watch her come into a greater understanding of who God is as she steps out of that comfort zone of books to ‘grab on’ to the real-life opportunities for courage in front of her. I also found it very moving as Sydney spends much of her time at Blakely House getting to know Emmett Sinclair (the recently-deceased relative who named her in his will) and, more importantly, seeing his true heart on a level that perhaps only one other person ever has. In doing so, she also comes to know herself better and God’s kind of love more fully – with the help of that swoony pirate again whom I also adored.

“You cannot expect to see his greatness if you give him no cause to demonstrate it. That requires leaving the safety of the shore a time or two. Or ten.”

Bottom Line: Mysteries and adventure abound in The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano, and I was thoroughly entertained from the beginning to the end of this atmospheric story. The author’s rich use of vocabulary and imagination made the reading experience itself truly a pleasure, not to mention the captivating story and compellingly-layered characters. This is the kind of novel you really sink into, immersing yourself in the setting and the plot as well as the cadence of the writing, loath to come up for air until you’ve reached the very last word. I can’t wait for you to meet all the quirky personalities who grace these pages, including Sydney, Andre, Emmett, and … of course … Blakely House.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

A little bit Gothic, a little bit Steampunk, a little bit fairytale, and just the right touch of sweet romance . . . that’s The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House.

Sydney Forrester loves the secure little world of her clocks, her books, and her own making. So when a mysterious inheritance from an even more mysterious uncle calls her to the island estate of Blakely House, it takes more than a bit of desperation for Sydney to actually go.

Washed up upon the island’s shores, she finds a contested will, the oddest assortment of servants, a house filled with wonderous inventions, and a murder. Oh, and a pirate who might or might not be after her heart or perhaps her inheritance. Can Sydney—who’s always questioned her worth—prove herself worthy of being Blakely House’s heir?

Politano’s writing is deliciously detailed and her characters vivid. Readers are in for an imaginative—and inspiring—adventure!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was an awe inspiring book that had a mysterious mansion as a setting. With vibrant words, the author weaves a spellbinding story that packs a spiritual punch. The steampunk vibes draw you into its fantasy-like atmosphere but it is completely believable. The characters are diverse, from a pirate/butler, to grasping relatives after an inheritance, to a girl who just wants to connect with the inventor of Blakely house.
The whole mystery of inventor Emmet Sinclair, speaks to the mystery of the Creator of the Universe and all that it holds. “It is not about how, it is about Who!” Sydney reconnects with God as she comes to see His presence in the beauty of the natural world. She realizes He has had His hand on her throughout her life, even bringing Andre into it.
I loved every minute of reading this exquisite story and the evidence of God within its pages. This was beyond 5 stars for me.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell on behalf of the author via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

Have you ever struggled to belong? Felt that all your little idiosyncrasies don't mesh with what this world considers normal? That's exactly where we find our heroine, Sydney Forrester, at the beginning of our story, and let me tell you, I loved this girl from the get go.
Sydney struggles with ADHD or maybe, is even on the Autism spectrum. I'm not sure which the author was going for, but it came through in Sydney's personality in spades. The point of view is written so well that we can see and hear other things changing in a room, while Sydney is so focused inside her thoughts that she misses them at first. Unfortunately, Sydney believes she is broken and "not normal." She struggles to reconcile her logical mind with the concept of faith and belief in a being that she can't see. She arrives at Blakely House after the promise of an inheritance that she hopes will save the clock shop of her beloved "aunt." Unbeknownst to Sydney, she's not the only cousin hoping to get their hands on the stately manor and the treasures it holds.
The story was a little slow in the beginning but rich in narrative and description, allowing the reader to fully grasp Sydney's personal struggles as well as capture the mystery and wonder that is Blakely House. Filled with secrets, strange inventions, and a bit of a steampunk vibe, Blakely House will pull you in and make you want to explore every nook and cranny with our heroine as she roams the house unable to sleep at night due to her active mind.
This story had several twists that I did not see coming, and some that I began to suspect and anticipate as our tale progressed, which made me read all the more quickly to see if I was right! Each cousin learns something about themselves and a piece of truth is exposed that changes the way they think about their uncle and view the world.
Our hero is a mysterious Frenchman with the aura of a pirate, a heart of gold, and the patience of Job. You're going to love him as he overcomes his flaws to love Sydney and brings her to a knowledge and awareness of the great Creator of all.
The most beautiful part of this story is the theme. As sinners. As flawed human beings, we are not broken. Only unfinished. If we allow the great Creator to work on us, to tinker and tighten, we can become all that He desires us to be.
The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House is marketed as a historical romance, but it explodes with enough mystery and intrigue to keep even the most avid romantic suspense reader on the edge of their seat. I highly recommend this book. You'll want to move it to the top of your TBR.