Steampunk, Secrets, and Sacred Threads

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House

Written by Joanna Davidson Politano

Published by Revell

Release Date: 04.15.25

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

5+ Stars!

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 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.