The Lost Melody

A Midnight Dance #2

by Joanna Davidson Politano

When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant's father dies, he leaves to her the care of an adult ward she knew nothing about. The woman is supposedly a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. The woman's portrait is shockingly familiar to Vivienne, so when the asylum claims she was never a patient there, Vivienne is compelled to discover what happened to the figure she remembers from childhood dreams.

The longer she lingers in the deep shadows and forgotten towers at Hurstwell, the fuzzier the line between sanity and madness becomes. She hears music no one else does, receives strange missives with rose petals between the pages, and untangles far more than is safe for her to know. But can she uncover the truth about the mysterious woman she seeks? And is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust with her suspicions?

Fan-favorite Joanna Davidson Politano casts a delightful spell with this lyrical look into the nature of women's independence and artistic expression during the Victorian era--and now.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Mystery, Historical

376 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2022

About the author

Joanna Davidson Politano 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 babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.

Reviews

[Milena Bookish❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Pierce the darkness with light". Enchanting, gothic, and creepy, pushing through to read the end of this book was worth every goosebumps, heart-pounding, and tear, definitely a mystery. Every scene caused me to doubt the sanity of nearly every character, I question even my own. Each character is unique and their stories will tug at your heartstrings. And the interesting plot twists that I didn't see coming.

After Vivienne's Father's passing, she is shocked to discover that she is responsible for her father's ward, a patient at Hurstwell Asylum, when Vivienne inquires about her, the asylum insists she doesn't exist. Vivienne decides to take a position as an aid at the Asylum to find out who is this woman. You will experience every pain, sadness, frustration, and despair, that Vivienne goes through.

I highly recommend reading this book! Her writing is just beautiful as Vivienne's Lost Melody. It will sink deep down and pierce your soul. you will feel encouraged and blessed, and remember that God always has a plan, even in your darkest moments.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. A positive review was not required but happily given.

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW. The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano is a book that is going to stick with me for a long time. Such a unique, suspenseful, informative and faith filled story that reminds you there is light in the darkness, no matter what situation you are going through. 4 stars!

Set in 1886 England, this story is all about Vivienne Mourdant, a well-known concert pianist. Her father passed away and left her with several debts, including mysterious payments being made to Hurstwell Asylum for a ward she never knew existed. Vivienne goes to the asylum looking for answers but is met with barriers to all of her questions. The asylum claims the woman she is looking for, Rosemond Swansea, is not a patient there. Vivienne takes investigating things into her own hands when she goes undercover to work as an aid at the asylum under an assumed name, Cora Fletcher. But what Vivienne finds is more than she bargained for. We know from the prologue that things take a scary turn for Vivenne soon after she gets there. Things get crazy really fast, leaving the reader wondering who to trust, what’s going to happen next, and will we get the answers to our burning questions?

This story was very suspenseful, intriguing, captivating and full of plot twists! The back of the book labels this as Historical Romance, but this is so much more than that. It’s a beautiful story of how when we are lost in darkness and feel so alone – the Lord is always with us through every moment. This books sheds light on what men and women placed in asylums went through in the 1800s and how music therapy could help those locked away. I appreciated this story greatly in that regard.

The faith content in this story was my favorite part. She related the story of Paul so beautifully into what Vivienne was going through. Vivienne is a character that lived off the page – you could emotionally feel everything she was dealing with, and I loved her so much. God was truly present at all the right points in this story. God’s sovereignty and peace over our main character was beautiful. And one scene – repeating over and over, “Wash her feet”, just as Jesus would have done. The mercy and beauty shown. My heart. If you know, you know.

It was also nice to see characters from A Midnight Dance, however, I wish we would have known this book technically spoils the end of that book for those who haven’t read it. I am thankful a good friend let me know before I picked this up, so I could read A Midnight Dance first. Apologies if that is mentioned somewhere and I just missed it.

The side characters also deserve so much love. They really make the story too. Lew, Clara, Bridget, Anna, Dr. Turner – they were amazing characters. Dr. Turner really turned out to be a hero of the story and I appreciated that so much.

I appreciated learning the stories of those in the asylum. It really brought to life what they were going through. So many people were locked away in asylums for no real reason and they become victims of abuse and unlawful imprisonment. Which leads me to the trigger warnings – if you are sensitive to medical trauma, mistreatment, asylums etc., I would steer clear of this one because most of this book takes place within the actual asylum and there are many chapters dealing with what the patients went through.

This truly is a 5-star level book ya’ll, but the only reason I am giving it 4 stars is the level of anxiety I personally had in this reading experience was difficult and I did have to re-read several parts to fully understand what was going on, but that is a personal experience for myself.

Overall, this story gripped me, I was fully engaged, and I could NOT put the book down. I look forward to reading more of Joanna’s books in the future. Thank you to Baker Publishing for providing a copy for me to honestly read and review.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, personally.

About this book:

“When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant's father dies, he leaves to her the care of an adult ward she knew nothing about. The woman is supposedly a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. The woman's portrait is shockingly familiar to Vivienne, so when the asylum claims she was never a patient there, Vivienne is compelled to discover what happened to the figure she remembers from childhood dreams.
The longer she lingers in the deep shadows and forgotten towers at Hurstwell, the fuzzier the line between sanity and madness becomes. She hears music no one else does, receives strange missives with rose petals between the pages, and untangles far more than is safe for her to know. But can she uncover the truth about the mysterious woman she seeks? And is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust with her suspicions?
Fan-favorite Joanna Davidson Politano casts a delightful spell with this lyrical look into the nature of women's independence and artistic expression during the Victorian era--and now.”


Series: Mentions and features characters from “A Midnight Dance”, review Here!


Spiritual Content- John 1:5 at the beginning; Isaiah 60:1 at the end; A couple Scriptures are remembered & quoted; Many Prayers & Talking to God; Hymns are sung & played; Talks about God, being a light for Him, God fixing us, & apostle Paul; 'H's are not capital when referring to God; Vivienne found comfort in talking to God when she was younger, not thinking of Him as a Father but as an imaginary friend who was with her when she was locked in the larder; Vivienne wonders at one point why would God create these people (patients) and weave madness into their lives (her firm thought of God as being ultimately good slips and wonders if she imagined Him in her childhood, but shakes the thought as she can’t bear the possibility of God not being real); God tells Vivienne to wash someone’s feet; Mentions of God; Mentions of those & events in the Bible (quite a bit about Paul); Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of churches, church going, & having a relationship with God; Mentions of hymns; Mentions of a priest’s hole; A few mentions of the Creator & His creation; A few mentions of Bible reading; A couple mentions of clergymen/parishes; A couple mentions of blessings & curses; A mention of a psalmist; A mention of an outspoken vicar’s wife being committed to the asylum because her ideas didn’t align with his; A mention of a funeral mass;
*Note: Many, many mentions of ghosts/specters (including rumors of a ghost at the asylum and things being ghostly); A few mentions of evil; A couple mentions of magic and a magician; A couple mentions of bad luck; A mention of someone describing melancholia as a wave and it “doesn’t matter what you believe about the Almighty or anything else. You can’t climb out.”; A mention of a man seeming otherworldly as if he has one foot on earth and one in Heaven; A mention of a patient having a fit of panic as if “someone tried to pull her soul right out of her body”; A mention of a patient clutching Vivienne’s gown like a demon; A mention of Thornhill thinking that God is blessing his (evil) plan.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘hush up’, a ‘shut up’, a ‘thank the stars’, two ‘leave off’s (used as a replacement for shut up/hush up); Set at an asylum and being around patients there (they can be admitted there for a number of reasons like: having delusions, hearing music or voices in their head, a great-grandmother not remembering the names of her children, post-partum depression, stroke victims, people born with epilepsy or mental illnesses, children born deaf or mute, etc.) & the some of the people in charge believing that they can’t be fixed and should be locked up so they don’t harm others; Pain, Being shoved, Being drugged, Being locked up/chained, Being pulled by her hair, Fighting back, Being held underwater, & Having a “spell” (similarly described as a panic attack or seizure, all up to semi-detailed); Seeing patients having seizure-like events, fighting the aids, being yanked and slapped by the aids, their screaming and crying, & overall mistreatment (semi-detailed to detailed); Hearing melancholia described (semi-detailed); Throwing up (barely-above-not-detailed); Possible social drinking (Vivienne has a glass of something at an event—the first glass is not said what is it, the second glass is said to be water); At the beginning, Vivienne has the opinion that those who are mad (insane) is a disease without a cure and are broken in a way no one can fix; Vivienne feels anger towards the laws that say that men own their wives; Vivienne lies to cooperate with the aids; Vivienne is told to write “I’m not a concert pianist” multiple times which starts messing with her sense of reality; Vivienne says that she grieves her father’s death, but is not unhappy about it; Mitchell is grieving the death of a loved one & recalls seeing their body (semi-detailed); Many mentions of patients being yanked and slapped by aids & their screaming, crying, and distress (semi-detailed); Many mentions of Vivienne’s father physical punishments of lashings and her being locked in a larder (and her being scared of the dark now because of this); Mentions of fires, a “mad” man killing people then setting a fire, & deaths (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Mentions of barbaric ways people punish others with (referring to an isolation ward where a patient is locked up and/or held underwater for long amounts of time); Mentions of patients that are deemed a “lost cause” and are locked up; Mentions of patients who are said to be violent & near savagery; Mentions of prisons & prisoners; Mentions of wounds, injuries, & pain (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of the deaths of infants/children & a patient being uncontrollable when she learns of her child’s death (including a couple that lost five of their six children, semi-detailed); Mentions of adults smacking children (boxing their ears) & one becoming deaf because of it; Mentions of drugs, being drugged, injections, & a death because of a “bad injection” (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of throwing up, vomit, chamber pots, & emptying them (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of a possible plan to drown those deemed “lost causes” (borderline barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); A few mentions of a possible murder or suicide; A few mentions of a rumor of a skeleton being found at a place; A few mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of kidnappings; A couple mentions of fights & gunshots; A couple mentions of a man hitting another man; A couple mentions of thieves; A couple mentions of drinking & social drinking; A mention of a missing girl; A mention of a possible scam.


Sexual Content- A fingers-to-lips touch, an almost cheek kiss (barely-above-not-detailed), two semi-detailed kisses, a border-line semi-detailed //detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss (told in both point of views); Wanting to be kissed & kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Nearness, & Flutters (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of married couples kissing; Mentions of the moral dilemma of a doctor being attracted to one of his patients & a teacher attracted to one of his students (ages or age gaps are not brought up expect for the teacher being much older, a man tells the doctor that he’s putting others in boxes and that a woman should be more important to him than rules); A few mentions of an out-of-wedlock pregnancy & the couple getting married; A few mentions of a man leaving his betrothed for another woman; A few mentions of woman being committed into the asylum for either being caught kissing the master’s son or kissed by him (the person sharing this story isn’t sure which); A couple mentions of a couple mothers who were not married and having a baby; A couple mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a bawdy house; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of a woman at the asylum having post-partum depression (never exactly said, but described in the same way with also details about the woman’s melancholia); A few mentions of a doctor ordering for a woman to have a surgery that means “she won’t be having no more babies” & an aid not seeing how the woman deserved that; A few mentions of a story (rumors) about a woman who went mad after her baby died; A mention of a baby that didn’t open it’s eyes; A mention of a dress hugging a woman’s curves (in her point of view); A mention of women entering menopause could be committed to an asylum; A mention of a man not wanting to raise another man’s child.

-Vivienne Mourdant
P.O.V. switches between Vivienne (1st), Mitchell (3rd, x7),
Someone else (1st, x1), & Thornhill (3rd, x1)
Set in 1886-1887
384 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)

{Minus a full star for those sensitive to asylums, people being treated differently, & mistreatment}

I have very mixed feelings on this novel.

I enjoyed all the faith content (it was well done and I liked the correlations to Paul) and the musical therapy sections were interesting, but it did take about half of the book for me to not feel stressed about things that were happening or were to come.
Like other books by this author, there’s a lot of twists which keeps you on your toes when reading, and there’s also a lot of hints, but those hints are worded in a way that teases you and probably won’t make sense until the reveal of whatever happens. I like that, but at the same time, I feel left out. Because of that, I ended up rereading many different parts to make sure I was understanding what was going on.

I think the hardest part of this story for me was the asylum, it was good to see some kind workers to the patients, but, goodness, I had the hardest time trusting anyone. It’s still a really hard topic to read about, though, and I don’t feel like the back-cover blurb doesn’t give the heads up that Vivienne is in the asylum herself for the large major of the story, which I think should be an important thing to note. In that way, this book was heavier than I was expecting, but thankfully the faith content helped balance it out some.

It was interesting to see characters from “A Midnight Dance”, I wasn’t expecting that at all with this novel due to the gap in time, but even with those parts, it wasn’t necessarily a happy element or even being-happy-to-see-those-characters-again element to me.

All of that said? Hmm, I’m just not sure. Mixed feelings fits well and the biggest factor into my personal rating is that I did not feel happy when I finished this story—yes, it’s a good ending, but I think I was mentally exhausted by the time I got there.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review.

[Caitlin Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ✨

What sold this book for me was its themes. This book is a heavy and difficult read at times, due to its subject matter—asylums.

However the themes—they were like a ray of light in such a dark place. It’s a story of a woman who God allows to be forcefully admitted in an asylum and how He uses her to be His hands and feet in the hardest place of all—her own Gethsemane, where she finds herself praying for this cup to pass from her but ultimately surrenders her will for His.

The faith elements and the themes were some of the most powerfully written I’ve read in any Christian genre. So, so incredibly well done.

One thing that fell flat for me a bit was the romance. I was able to connect with the individuals themselves, but not necessarily them as a couple due to their lack of scenes together leading up to the moment they both realize they love each other. A minor thing, but still one that fell a bit flat for me.

This book is heavy, so proceed with caution, but just know that the themes and faith elements are so very well done.

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever been stirred by a piece of music until you felt wrung out and incapable of escape, The Lost Melody will put into words what has before now, only been a feeling.

Joanna Davidson Politano has a remarkable way of arranging thoughts and feelings, settings and characters, into a story concerto with herself as the maestro. In this novel, you feel Vivienne's despair, her uncertainty, and even her fear that she, too, will descend into madness.

The multi-layered story leaves you with no doubt of who the primary villain is, but her skillful writing does make you trust and doubt all the wrong people as well.

While a romantic subplot may be logical, Politano doesn't overshadow the primary story with more than is reasonable or necessary. Bravo!

And as a bonus, Lovers of A Midnight Dance won't want to miss this one!

[Grace Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warnings: #1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.

Someone please explain to me...HOW DOES THIS WOMAN DO IT? No matter the story, the characters, or my reservations, Politano has me savoring every word of every one of her books and suffering from severe book hangover when I’ve finished reading.

I just...I can’t wrap my mind around this woman’s immense talent. I can only say it’s truly divine, and that I aspire to leave readers just as amazed and in love with my work as I am with hers.

Now, let’s face it. The Lost Melody wasn’t A Midnight Dance. I honestly don’t think Politano could ever top AMD (y’all, that book has a piece of my s o u l), BUT it came pretty darn close. Plus, y’know, it did help that Jack (omgosh, I love that man), Ella, and Philippe made surprise appearances.

Before I dive into why I absolutely adored this book, let me address a few things. This book is marketed as dealing with mental health and women’s rights/independence. Heck, that may have been why you’re even interested in it in the first place. But I beg to differ just a wee bit.

I don’t see feminism and women’s rights in this book. I don’t even see your typical mental health rep.

I see the humanity and the beauty of that humanity in all of us. I see the sanctity of life, no matter how burdened or broken that life may seem. I see the divine touch and power of God, His love, and His Spirit at work in those lives.

And that’s how this book should be marketed. Not with trendy words, labels, and -isms. But by boldly declaring the deep, authentic themes in this novel. Because, through every page, that is what you read, what you feel, what speaks to you, what leaves an impression on your heart. Not an urge to march or sound off on social media...but an urge to see what God sees—what He created—and to love like He loves. To bring light into the dark places and joy into the sad hollows and peace into the chaotic storms.

(As long as we’re talking women and mental health, I gotta say...Politano does it right. First of all, she’s authentic and real instead of cliché or conformed. Second, she’s biblical and Christ-centered and so full of hope. Third, her heroines are strong and can handle themselves, yes, but not despite their dependence. Because of it. Because they rely on God for strength when they’re too weak. Because they seek His will instead of their own selfish desires. Because they run to Him instead of retreating into themselves or running to another person. Because they have support systems and friends they love. Because they learn to trust and walk alongside strong, Godly men. My only question is: why don’t other authors take a page out of Politano’s book and start writing heroines who are strong because God is with and within her rather than heroines who only seem weak because they rely on themselves and a collection of inauthentic clichés?)

End rant.

Begin review.

The characters in this were, for the most part, so very vibrant. I did get confused with some of the nurses a time or two, but the characters who counted were indeed very well-written and intriguing. Everyone, inmate or outsider, hero or villain, had a story and depth to them—something I appreciated!

I loved how Politano blurred the lines sometimes, though. You never really knew who to trust, who was “mad” or, well, not mad, who was with Vivienne and who was against her. It never seemed forced or contrived; it was always a natural blur that felt genuine.

Speaking of Vivienne...no, she wasn’t Ella, and she wasn’t a favorite heroine, BUT I LIKED HER. A LOT. AND THAT COUNTS. A whole lot. I’ll say it again, Politano is ah-may-zing at writing heroines, and I simply don’t think she could write one I don’t like.

And it really all boils down to their arcs. Their growth. Their faith. Every time, especially with Viv, she weaves in these intrinsic, powerful truths and deep, relatable struggles to create arcs and themes that are authentic, poignant, and inspiring.

My man Mitchell was definitely lacking in that department, though. *sighs * FIRST OF ALL, HE WASN’T JACK. I mean, no one is Jack Dorian, obviously, so how could I love him as I do my sweet, darling Jack? But on a less fangirly note, he was on the underdeveloped side. Even though he had a few third-person POV scenes (certainly more than Jack did, I think, which I was glad for), they never really seemed to make any headway with his character. They just provided a wee glimpse of insight but no firm resolution, which only served to muddle the man.

BUT he was an absolute doll, so I can’t complain. I just…wanted more. So much more. Y’all know how I love my boys.

His romance with Viv (no, I don’t guess that’s a spoiler) was kinda rushed (I agree with my girl Sophia, although I can’t say I was surprised by their burst of affection *winks*) and it certainly took the back burner...but was that a bad thing? I don’t think so. I think it fit the story and the characters, and that was that. I’m just glad there was romance (of course) and that it wasn’t butchered (which I don’t think Politano could do). HOWEVER, the only way it seemed truly rushed to me was that Mitchell seemed to be mourning Dahlia the whole novel. It wasn’t so bad it seemed creepy or weird or unnatural for him to fall for Viv; I just think he needed a wee bit more time.

Speaking of, the ending was definitely rushed too. Like, we finally made it to the place we’d been waiting the whole novel for...and that was it. I NEEDED RESOLUTION. And I mean more than one page’s worth. BUT I am a fine one to talk (Southern sarcasm here), because I legit did the same thing in most recent novel. So...is it really an issue? Nope. I’m not too tore up about it, although it did seem inconsistent with the pacing of the rest of the novel. Really, one extra chapter could’ve fixed that for me. I don’t think it’s necessarily the length of the ending that makes it seem rushed; it’s just what all occurs during that length. If everything happens in your one ending chapter, Houston, we’ve got a problem. But as soon as we disperse it evenly over two or three chapters, we’re go for launch.

*coughs* Pardon my writerly musings. I do ramble so.

Case in point, there were some pacing particulars, but not a make-it-or-break-it. (I really just have to say something negative so I’m not being super gushy all the time.) There were also some times where I felt like there was so much going on—from Anna and Otto to Bridget and Thornhill to Mitchell and Rose. So many people and situations that I couldn’t keep track, and that resulted in some aspects (like what happened with Bridget in the end) seeming rushed and undeveloped. Had there been fewer subplots (or more pages; that works too), it would’ve been perfect in the plot department!

(Oh, who am I kidding? I just wanted the book to be longer! Y’all know I’m all about those 800+ page epics.)

Otherwise, the suspense, the mystery, the is-she-insane-or-not, the intrigue, the plot twists...they were all so well-done. And, y’all, I tried once, but I soon learned my lesson: don’t bother guessing or assuming while reading a Politano novel. You ain’t never gonna figure it out!

(Was it just me, though, or was there one loose end? No one ever confirmed or denied that Marcel was probably Rose’s father, which is absolutely my hypothesis. I guess that means there are opportunities for a s e q u e l!!!)

Oh, and I really appreciated the author’s note! Fiction often errs to one side—either super dark or super light—so kudos to authors like Joanna who take the time to note where not everything was black-and-white, like with Victorian asylums that weren’t all bad, cruel, and abusive like Hurstwell.

And can I just give her a standing ovation too for yet again entrancing me in a story so intricate, so exquisite, so BLASTED WELL-WRITTEN that I could cry? Like, y’all. Explain to me how she does it. I simply don’t understand.

Before I close, I must speak on the prose. This woman, I swanny, she writes so gorgeously. Her descriptions, the way she immerses you into what the character sees and feels, the way everything comes to life in the most beautiful language...*heart melts* I adore it. I love when authors take the time to tailor the narrative to their character, to let their thoughts and voice shine through, but y’all. She went above and beyond. The musical references and the melody throughout wove seamlessly together in a glorious symphony.

There is truly nothing like a novel by Joanna Davidson Politano. They’re riveting, haunting, mysterious, and full of suspense. They’re deep and introspective, immersive and personal. They’re full of profound truth, hope, and Holy Spirit. They’re delightful, romantic, and tender. No one else I’ve ever read writes quite like this lady. May God bless her.

And may God bless you for reading this entire review. *chuckles* Now go on and read the book!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Victoria Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you seen a more gorgeous cover? I swear, cover designers are upping the game and I am SO HERE FOR IT.

But the stunning cover hid an even more stunning story within it's pages.

With some Jane Eyre gothic Victorian vibes, this beautiful book wove madness, mental illness, music and individual gifts into a story that impacted me deeply.

The plot is far too complex to even try to explain in a short period of time, but Joanna's writing style is something that brings me so much joy and life.

I grew up reading classics and books written in the Victorian era, their descriptions and wordy approach to writing always lit my soul up. And Politano's books fill that niche. Her prose is some of the most beautiful I have ever read and several of her books sit on my favorite's shelf.

With a beautiful description and pacing, the story doesn't lose any of it's suspense as I was on the EDGE of my seat nearly the whole time. With some Alice in Wonderland vibes that make you wonder if the character is going mad after all, this book explores some of the harsh, but human filled mental asylums that dotted the English Countryside in the Victorian era.

And while some might say the story is a little on the more troubling and darker side, that made the light and hope shine all the brighter. Which was in fact, the entire theme of the book. This story touched me in so many ways and filled my spirit with hope for the future, as well as gave me a beautiful perspective of what it truly means to serve where you are placed, to love deeply, to use the gifts God has given you to glorify Him and bless those around you, and to look for the humanity and the heart beating behind every mask of pain and suffering.

This book may just change your life and perspective. I know it did mine.

Content: An insane asylum where people are often held against their will. Some frightening elements as a result. Mention of ghosts (no real ones included)

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at Chapter 10. I only was reading this because it said it was part of the series with A Midnight Dance. But this book just wasn’t for me. The whole thing surrounding the asylum was dark and weird. I tried to keep reading it, but I just couldn’t get into it. It just felt too weird for me. I didn’t want to waste my time reading something I wasn’t enjoying. It’s a shame cause the cover is gorgeous! I’m not giving up on her books though. I’m still going to check out her others.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this beautiful novel more than 5 stars, I would. I don’t know how she manages it but I am left speechless every time I finish a book by Joanna Davidson Politano. She is one of my very favorite authors and for good reason.

Everything about this book was captivating. The story, the characters, the writing… all of it! I knew from the first few pages that I was going to love this book.

Vivienne Mourdant is one of those characters that is so vibrant, she feels real. She leaps off the page and in that moment, her story feels real. Dr. Mitchell Turner was a wonderful hero. His kindness, gentleness, even his brokenness or perhaps especially his brokenness, made him a hero worth remembering. I loved both of these characters, both individually and together.

There was the perfect amount of suspense and plot twists that kept me intrigued the entire time. Not once was I bored. How could I be with these characters? I never quite knew who to trust and I loved the suspense that added to the story. I never knew what was going to happen next and that made it a wonderful experience to read.
Also, I must mention that I absolutely loved the connection to A Midnight Dance! It’s one of my top favorite books and I had no idea that a connection to it would be in this story. That was so much fun!

I loved all of the historical details in this story as well. It was fascinating learning about what asylums were like in that time period and how music therapy could help a person. I deeply love music so this story meant that much more to me because of my love for the topic.

Joanna brought such light and hope into a story about such a dark and seemingly hopeless place, and I applaud her for that. I’m not one for dark stories but never did the darkness of the story feel too much to me. It was just enough to show the darkness that can exist in such a place and made the entrance of light that much brighter.
There were a few times I was close to tears because the faith in this book was woven into this story so beautifully. The faith did not feel like an afterthought in this story. The faith felt essential to the story, woven in so seamlessly. This story of broken people in a dark place finding light and hope in God, and shining that light on those around them inspired me so much. I won’t be forgetting this story anytime soon.

In conclusion, I loved this book! I love Joanna Davidson Politano’s writing style so much. She writes her stories in such a way that they come alive for me. Her stories are filled with such feeling and purpose. If you love a good historical mystery set during the Victorian Era that will not only entertain you but touch and inspire you as well, I highly recommend The Lost Melody!

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.


2025 reread-
This book is something special, just like all of Joanna Davidson Politano’s books. I was left feeling so inspired after finishing this book! I loved it just as much the second time around, maybe even more.🥰 Such an amazing story!

[Anne (In Search of Wonder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read recently where the heroine is unnecessarily incarcerated in a Victorian insane asylum. This is also the second book I've read in a row with strong themes of imprisonment.... What is God trying to tell me....???

Anyway, what I liked about this one:

🎵The recurring music theme and the exploration of the beginnings of music therapy. God has directed me in other ways, but music therapy has always been an interest of mine. I loved how it played a part in this story.

🎵The heroine of this story associated everyone with different musical pieces, and specific classical pieces of music play key parts in the plot development, as well as one recurring original theme (which we don't ever hear, sadly, because it's a book and not a movie...). I love that the hero is a cello, but I wish he had been the prelude from the cello suite and not the air on the G string, because I like it better and I think it suited him better.

🎵I am glad for the MC's development because she was initially quite the reforming woman in the first half, and that's a character type I cannot abide. They are the most infernally interfering know-it-all types of characters and they annoy me no end. But that was actually an important part of her development, so I applaud. Boo on reforming, managing women who try to run other people's lives. (That is NOT a character strength, authors!)

What I didn't love as much:

🎵One thing I struggle with in Politano's books is the intersection between the mysterious, atmospheric, metaphorical prose she sets up and the confusion surrounding the actual storyline. Also, sometimes the plot loses its realism, which gets sacrificed to the altar of the mood and overall style of the writing. It's not attempting to be magical realism or fantasy or anything, so the plot needs to be believable and trackable even when it's not really the point. It's those two aspects being a little out of balance that keeps it from being a knock-out 5-star for me.

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Lost Melody, Joanna Davidson Politano weaves a story of darkness to light and despair to hope. The novel started off slow and a bit confusing due to timeline jumps (which stopped after a few chapters). I read the book in small sittings at the beginning, but the story grew on me until it was hard to put down.

The Lost Melody inhabits the dark atmosphere of Hurstwell Asylum, a Victorian-era facility in the isolated English countryside. The heaviness of hope lost weighs on the asylum patients, Vivienne Mourdant (our protagonista), and the reader. Vivienne learns first-hand about the mistreatment of the asylum patients. Seeing how the lack of compassionate care adversely affects mental health reminded me of today’s nursing home abuse.

Beyond the abuse and darkness, The Lost Melody offers polished prose, curated character development, and outstanding themes. Vivenne’s mindset changes quietly against the backdrop of this dark asylum, but she blooms with stunning light as she embraces God’s will and steps into her giftings. Politano does not allow her characters an easy out or rush the story’s climax. I delighted in how plot events culminated and spiritual themes bore fruit to create a beautiful ending.

I recommend The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano to Christian fiction readers who enjoy a story with powerful themes set in a Gothic atmosphere. For readers who enjoyed Politano’s prior novel, A Midnight Dance, Jack and Ella cameo in The Lost Melody and I loved glimpsing their later life. Five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Kaitlyn Krispense · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Um. Where do I even start?

"No such thing as a hopeless case."

I...uh...okay, y'all, I'm not sure what to say, to be honest. This book, it...wow. I'm honestly left speechless.

(But not for long, because when am I ever speechless for any measurable amount of time?)

The prose was beautiful but not overdone (more like woven throughout instead of distracting from the plot), the suspense was spooky and kept me on the edge of my seat, the romance was...honestly some of the best I've read. The attraction between the couple was sparked not by their physical appearance, but the kindness and compassion they saw in each other's hearts amidst the darkness and chaos of their circumstances, and it was the sweetest thing ever.

Vivienne herself was an amazing character. Her qualities, her struggles, and her flaws all made for an unforgettably realistic character that I honestly adored.

Same with Mitchell.

They both felt so...so real and genuine that while the setting of the book basically placed me in a book-induced coma, I could. Not. Stop. Reading. Because of those two.

The Lost Melody is heavy. So heavy. I'm usually able to emotionally distance myself from such heaviness; call it a coping mechanism, call it insensitivity, whatever, but I can normally read things without being affected too much.

I was affected.

The first half of the book had me both longing to put it down and never pick it up again, and glued to the pages to see what would happen. Because, in the first half, there was no light. Just darkness and utter hopelessness, and yet, I found myself attached to Vivienne, and even though we had nothing in common physically or mentally (except our love for music), I was hopelessly attached and couldn't quit the book while she was still trapped in a home with barred windows.

*deep breath* okay. Let's try to get the rest of my thoughts sorted and expressed coherently.

There were spooky parts, obviously - hello, insane asylum with a rumored ghost - and I couldn't decide whether I loved the book or hated it.

And then I reached the second half.

Y'all...no words.

"We're all of us told to walk in the light, but we don't. We simply wish to drag the light over to where we're already standing, so we may better see the path we've set out for ourselves."

This isn't a bloom-where-you're-planted book; it's so much more. It's about bringing light to the darkness, because your light isn't needed in broad daylight. It's about reaching past the outward eccentricities of a person and seeing them for who they really are - a human being created in the image of God. It's about saying "yes, Lord" when the thing you want to say the most is "please, choose someone else." It's about surrendering your plans and dreams to God and watching them unfold in a way you'd never imagined possible. It's about clinging to hope when there seems to be none.

It's honestly one of the most inspiring books I've ever read.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for promotional purposes. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Crystal Caudill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly, y’all. I know I’m behind, and I’ve always enjoyed Joanna Politano’s books, but this one just absolutely blew me away. It ended on such a sweet and reverant note that I wavered between running to tell y’all, or just sitting in absolute silent reverence. What a masterpiece. Due to life and limited audiobook listening time, it took me a month to listen to, but oh my. Every minute was worth it. If you haven’t read it, you should. Incredibly rich, deep, and a melody that sings in your soul. (Book is The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano.)

[Celestria · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite Politano book!!!! I loved the musical theme. I loved Vivianne and Dr. Turner. I loved the eerie asylum setting. I loved the faith. I can see how this book might be too heavy for some people, but it's about bringing hope and the light of God's love to people in dark places and I thought it was fantastic.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

1886 England

I listened to this via Audible. I loved the epigraphs that started each chapter and the use of music and light throughout. Nice job by the narrator.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There have been so many positive reviews written for The Lost Melody up to this point that to add my voice to the mix seems redundant. However, add it I shall because this story is nothing if not exquisitely told, and may be the first time I've ever read one that was set in a Victorian asylum. The cover will draw you in and then the pages inside will not let you go. The themes of light shining through the darkness are present on every page, and display how we as Christians should live with those around us.

While I certainly would love to gush over the prose, the plot, and the characters, I do not want to give even a hint of a spoiler because there are so many facets of this book that are twined together. However, I will say that if you are fan of classical music or Victorian history, this book deserves a place on your shelf. You will savor every single page with a heart of compassion for the lost souls that live in this asylum and for those who blindly believe their actions are worthy.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions within this review are my own.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is no such thing as hopeless cases. Only those who have lost hope.”

This book completely touched my soul. It’s a tragically beautiful journey into the darkest places yet offers a hopeful, positive message. The writing is absolutely breathtaking with its own musical prose. There were many scenes which caused me to weep and others where I anxiously anticipated a first kiss. It’s a Victorian mystery, inspirational drama, and romance all rolled into one, with characters who will completely capture your heart.

Set in 1886 England, famed concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant learns on her father’s death of a mysterious ward she vaguely remembers from childhood who’s kept at the Hurstwell Pauper Lunatic Asylum. When the asylum denies Rose’s existence, Vivienne goes undercover in search of her. But when she begins hearing music no one else can hear and receives mysterious notes, she begins to question her own sanity. As Vivienne navigates the asylum, she befriends the patients and a handsome yet troubled physician who struggles with his own grief and pain.

At first, I was unsure of the actual mental state of the heroine. Was she “mad” or the victim of a horrible misunderstanding? The author brilliantly illustrates the fine line between sanity and madness and gives the reader a jarring glimpse into the trapped feeling of Victorian age asylums where men and women were put away for convenience, greed, or medical conditions easily understood today.

Woven throughout is the power of music and its ability to lift and inspire, offering hope and a healing balm to the suffering. Each chapter begins with quotes ranging from Mozart to Wagner highlighting the struggle between “normalcy” and madness.

The characters are amazing and I grew to adore the inmates of the asylum, especially Bridget, Clara, and Anna. Their stories were heart wrenching. One of my favorite moments was when Vivienne was prompted to “wash her feet.” It was a powerful metaphor which brought me to tears and profoundly impacted me in remembering the need to listen to those promptings to help others. Though Vivienne is a prisoner herself, her light touches those around her. Her unique experiences bring understanding and healing for those who have been previously misunderstood or misdiagnosed.

The romance is inspiring and heart-achingly lovely. There are some definite villains in the story, yet the author manages to humanize them somewhat. While the setting and subject matter is at times dark, the power of light, hope, and faith, with a touch of romance make this book unforgettable with a little something for everyone. I was especially happy to see characters from Midnight Dance make an appearance in this book.

Highly recommend this must read favorite. Music lovers will especially enjoy this book. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well now, what to say without saying too much?! Such a quandary for a reviewer, because I'd actually like to say quite a lot. Revel in the story, dissect the plot elements, ponder the character arcs, bask in the spiritual aspects --but I can't do that without spoilers so, I'll curb my desire to exclaim over details...though, really, this would make a fantastic book club selection for so many reasons! What I can say is this:

Politano has created an incredibly atmospheric read. There's such a sense of desperation that enhances the eerie ambiance. This isn't a light read -- it's about a Victorian-era insane asylum, after all, and especially highlights the plight of women who are at the mercy of men. Though it also addresses the poor and downtrodden as well. And anyone deemed different from the 'norm.' I'll let your imagination reign over that for a minute, and admit that I found the setting all the more disturbing because it's based on fact.

And yet, the author shines light into that darkness, in particular, through Vivienne's walk with God. Her prayers, her anguish as she fiercely seeks to understand where He is in the midst of such depravity. And through her searching, she comes to understand that she can be the light. So many simple yet eloquent faith statements within these pages!

There are mysteries at Hurstwell -- yes, more than one but they are all tangled up in a knot pulled so tight it seems impossible to unravel. I actually woke up in the middle of the night trying to figure out what on earth was going on! Like I was subconsciously trying to work things out in my sleep! Talk about becoming enmeshed in a story world!

And, for romance lovers like me, there is the hint of a love story here. I wouldn't categorize 'The Lost Melody' as a Romance, though. Definitely Historical Fiction and Mystery.

Though I received a paperback copy from the publisher, I also purchased the audible edition and really enjoyed Amy Scanlon's narration.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/20...

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was absolutely breathtaking! I had NO idea what to expect because I didn't know what the story was about. All I cared about was that Joanna had written a new book and I was reading it.

The story is deep and heart achingly wonderful. This is one you don't want to rush or miss a single word. At the start it took me a few chapters to absorb the setting for the story and who Vivienne is. Once we get a grasp on Vivi and the work she has planned now that her father has died, everything unravels.

The author brings to life an asylum that feels like it completely would've existed in that time. With the hindsight we have, as we get to know some of the characters we can see the labels we would give them today: autism, postpartum depression, Alzheimers, etc. And reasons people were admitted to asylums never fails to blow my mind.

How we get to know Vivienne at the start, watching her grow and learn more, not just about herself, but of God, His possible plan for her, and challenging who she thought she was is exquisite. We get to see each scale fall from her eyes one by one. While it's exciting, it had me holding my breath at the same time waiting for the next shoe to drop.

The relationships Vivienne forms while at Hurstwell really shows her that God is truly a God who sees. The author helps us, the reader, see the beauty of individuals, ne the music inside of them through their interactions.

This story is a work of art and I think should one day be considered a classic on par with Austen, Brontë, and Alcott. It's a story to be experienced and I don't want to give even a bit away!

*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

Wow! The first thing that sold me was the cover—it is beyond stunning! 😍

The second thing was the themes. My heart broke for Vivienne & I was upset by what she suffered. And yet, it is into darkness that God shines His greatest light. Like Paul, our “prisons” don’t get wasted—there is purpose in our suffering, even when we cannot see it. We are candles in the darkness, shining His light. “‘What God has set ablaze, no man can extinguish.’”

The story is predominantly set in an asylum which is both creepy & more than a little heavy. (A comparable title is Jaime Jo Wright’s The Curse of Misty Wayfair.) However, the musical angle was enchanting!

As mentioned, I liked Vivienne, but it was Mitchell who stole the show for me—the man was simply lovely. He was a breath of fresh air in a dark place, seeing the asylum patients as human beings made in God’s image & to be treated with dignity and respect—not just as problems.

I knew there would be a nod to Jack and Ella from A Midnight Dance in the story, though it was less prominent than I expected. Regardless, I loved seeing the overlap!
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“No hopeless cases. None. Not even here. Only those who have lost hope—and need to be brought back to life.”

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Sometimes when you live among storms, you become a rock to endure the waves.”

This mystery and writing are good – halfway through as reader I was confused, and convinced Vivienne is having delusions and are in fact Cora Fletcher.

As with this author’s other novels, there was twists and turns not expected revealed at the right time to keep the reader invested and intrigued.

I enjoyed how Ella Blythe was connected to this book. We met Ella in A Midnight Dance.

The pace of the story was a bit slow for me. Other readers might enjoy the slower pace, but for me it had the affect that I lost a bit of interest and just wanted to get to the end. The mystery was interesting, but not as captivating as I was with some of the author’s previous books.

No hopeless cases. None. Not even here. Only those who have lost hope—and need to be brought back to life.

The fact that this story played off within an Asylum made for a heavier read. The patients were treated with no compassion and humanity, which made for a difficult to read, especially those patients who the reader could see was not insane.

“What I’m beginning to realize is that this place is filled with people who need help . . . but the point is that they are people, broken or not.”

Vivienne/Cora was a character with so much depth and heart. The way she reached out to the patients and saw them should be a lesson for all.

“It’s a rare and beautiful thing to see potential in these people, but you see more—you see value.”

The author’s way with words and bringing light and truth to the darkness was as beautiful as I have come to expect, which is evident in the number of quotes I have highlighted.

We’re all of us told to walk in the light, but we don’t. We simply wish to drag the light over to where we’re already standing, so we may better see the path we’ve set out for ourselves. I dearly wished to set my own path. To take control for once in my life. But perhaps I wasn’t meant to—not in the way I’d tried it, anyway. Let go.

Rating 3.5

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Other Quotes:

The light. Of course, in the darkest moments one must always look for the light.

“Perhaps God saw fit to break down who you were becoming and help you build back up the right way. To prepare you for something even greater.”

Music and silence. Light and dark. When it came to darkness, you could succumb and let it consume you . . . or you could invade it with light of your own.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God sends you somewhere that makes no sense, because he alone knows what you will find." - Vivienne Mourdant

Following the death of her overbearing father, concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant learns that she is responsible for an unbeknownst ward, a patient whom Hurstwell Asylum insists was never there. Eager to follow her own path forward for the first time, Vivienne is severely tempted to ignore the nudge of a virtual stranger to use her gift of music as a "light. . . taken into the utmost darkness . .". Coupled with a suspicion that an unknown melody from her childhood, played late at night by a mysterious memory of a woman, might be the person she is now responsible for, Vivienne dips her toes into a world beyond normalcy, falling head first into an abyss, a prison from which she fears that she will never return. Where is the music now?

"Mitchell (Dr. Mitchell Turner) saw traces of their Creator wrapped up in each intricately designed patient, and he had the intense feeling that locking them up deprived this asylum - the world at large - of the blessing of them."

What was it about the beautiful woman with an abundance of auburn hair that made Mitchell feel as if light could penetrate the darkness of his soul, his guilt, this place? She heard music, she felt music, she could even play music without any instrument, and she was trying to convince him that she didn't belong behind walls. He was tempted to believe her, until she was sorely provoked and demonstrated a remarkable semblance to madness. Still . . .. she gave him hope.

Have you ever considered how much darkness it takes to extinguish the light? Total. Interestingly, how much light does it take to dispel the darkness? A remarkably small amount. This extraordinary story demonstrates the power that light welds over darkness through a means by which few would expect, proving that "made in the image of God" applies to everyone, and the gift of music grants us a melodious lens through which the "light of the world" shines eternal. Listen carefully, my friends.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of mystery. It had a great gothic feel, a haunting melody and many unknowns that kept me reading!

Vivienne was a wonderful character. She's put through the ringer in this book, yet I loved watching her character strength as she is even being broken and told she's everything that she is not, she finds a way to fight that darkness and bring joy and light to all the areas surrounding her.

I loved the musical aspects of this book. Beautiful! I loved seeing how the author incorporated musical therapy into the story and her afterword discusses it a little bit more in depth. Wonderful!

The other characters ran the whole gambit of personalities and had me guessing who was loyal and trustworthy and who was not. But I really loved watching Vivienne's character interact with them. Treating them as equals and as real people, not just seeing them for the label given them.

There is a sweet love story written throughout the book. These two characters had some healing they needed to do individually but they also helped each other together as well in their healing process.

Content: Clean. Set in an asylum in 1886, so the book talks about many aspects pertaining to that but all of it was written very well and is clean.

I received a copy from the publisher, Revell, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would've enjoyed this book a lot more if it weren't for the Christian undertones that kept popping up throughout the story, which essentially said that Vivienne couldn't possibly have been strong enough on her own, but that "God" is the only real reason for her strength and gifts... He's never the reason people do bad things, but he's apparently the only reason they're capable of good things...
At least I enjoyed the gifts from this month's Once Upon a Book Club box, especially the blanket...

[Liz Tolsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, lyrical novel

I adored every minute of this book. Joanna again masterfully weaves a brilliant storyline with rich, deep, and even broken characters and infuses what might have been a dark, depressing tale with light and hope. So we’ll crafted. I highly recommend it! We’ll done, Joanna!

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.

This was the most atmospheric, immersive book I’ve read all year. It held a Gothic overtone throughout, which lent a creepy harmony to compliment the Victorian melody of the tale set in Hurstwell Pauper Lunatic Asylum. The musical aspects of the story played well against the madness within. It was a beautifully intricate tale that was exquisitely discordant in all the right places. I was mesmerized from the early pages and even felt myself going a bit mad right alongside Vivienne in certain moments.

There were plenty of shocking twists that kept me guessing and flipping pages quickly. Even the one thing I thought I foresaw from early on was flipped on its head eventually, which delighted me to no end. This was one of those books that had me wishing I had no other obligations than to read, for I was easily lost to its charms and dramatics and the trap that was Hurstwell. If not for work and some post-Wuhan-Virus symptoms I’m still dealing with, I would have easily swallowed this story whole in a single day rather than having it dragged out over a month’s time. I suspect my first reread of it will be one large, satisfying gulp.

The leading lady, Vivienne, was one of the best unreliable narrators I’ve ever read. I cherished her point of view for that very reason. This very much felt like a psychological thriller in certain respects, Vivienne’s unreliability being the key one and the setting of Hurstwell Pauper Lunatic Asylum being another. I would love many, many more books like this one—ones that keep me off-kilter, on the edge of my seat, and deliciously unsettled until the final page.

Bridget was quite the conundrum for me. I truly wanted to love her. In some ways, I absolutely did. She was thoughtful, kind, encouraging… many traits I try to apply to my own persona. Yet, in a couple of other respects, she felt estranged from her own upbeat, inspirational personality.

In the first, she stated, about melancholia (depression) that it “doesn’t matter what you believe about the Almighty or anything else. You can’t climb out. No one can pull you out. [The wave of it] just has to roll over you till it passes, then you stand up and keep going. Until the next one.”

I disagreed with this outlook, because my personal experience has shown me that God does still perform miracles where depression and melancholia are concerned (as well as in other areas of life). I have lived in the midst of debilitating depression that was as dark as a moonless night. If not for God Almighty, I would have drowned in it. Yet, He held my face above the waves and eventually drew me up out of the stormy waters entirely, setting my feet back on the Rock of Salvation (Jesus Christ) and showing me that even in those dire circumstances I faced, I could be content and joyful and happy rather than depressed and sinking in melancholia. Jesus once said that we should “be of good cheer,” because He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33 NKJ). Overcoming the world includes beating depression—Jesus beat it! There is hope that God can help a person overcome their melancholia and depression, because our God is still a God of miracles; He is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NKJ), which means if He did miracles in Bible times, He’ll still do miracles today. I stand as a witness to many already in my life and am always on the lookout for more, because where God is, His miracles tend to follow; one just has to look for them. God can and does help people beat depression. I know; I’ve lived that experience; He beat my depression—without aid of any medication—and it has not returned in over a decade. I am living proof of Jesus’s words in John 16:33 and of Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11-12, in which he states that contentment may be found no matter how much or little we have or which situation we find ourselves in. My depression has been replaced by true contentment, thanks in full to God Almighty and His compassionate, healing touch, and that keeps joy in my heart—and the darkness of depression out.

The second of the outlooks that contradicted Bridget’s core personality was that she implied at least twice that Apostle Paul was her husband with wording such as “me dearest Paul” and by speaking of him with the fondness of a beloved spouse rather than with the brotherly respect due an apostle of Jesus Christ. It felt awkward and disrespectful that Bridget had spoken of Apostle Paul in such a way that Vivienne mistook him for Bridget’s personal friend—and I, as a reader, mistook him for her husband. And rightly so, as she referred to her actual husband as “my Michael”—not so dissimilarly as to how she referenced Paul.

I rather enjoyed Bridget’s positivity in such a depraved setting as the asylum, so there were definitely perks about this character. I feel like she would have been my favorite if she were more consistent in her belief in these lines: “… nothing happens without the Almighty’s say-so” and “Alls I know is the dark has lasted far too long here.”

Her backstory did lend itself perfectly to melancholia, but I was unable to follow the logic that she’d find sudden optimism in an asylum with absolutely zero healing taking place at that point. I would have liked to see either more consistency in her perspective or a more clarified explanation for her healing from melancholia in such a dreary, darkness-laden place.

Another small oddity of the book was that among the famous musicians quoted to begin each chapter, there were seven quotes included by the leading lady of the book. Now, she was entirely fictional, so this felt like the leading lady quoting herself rather than using another classic quote from a real historical person, such as Beethoven or Rossini.

The final thing I didn’t like was that the only noted historical figure in the book had his name altered simply because the author didn’t want to use his true middle name of “Kill,” as noted in the Author’s Note. One cannot help the name one is saddled with, but to accurately represent history, it’s crucial that one’s name is recorded correctly. This was very disappointing.

Those few negatives about this book were mere hiccups in the midst of an excellent symphony of heartache and loss, broken people and healing souls, and music and hope all strung together into the beautiful tapestry of a journey well traveled for the sake of following wherever God led, however unusual the destination.

The switches upon switches upon switches in this book was one of my favorite things, and they made this quite the memorable story. The romance in the latter chapters that especially had to do with those switches won back the fifth star in my rating. I also adored how exquisitely the music and faith threads were so naturally woven into the story and characters, creating such beautiful life to this story.

I would love another book in this series (this book is the sequel to A Midnight Dance, even though they were marketed as stand-alones, as they have three or four characters in common). I would love to find out what happens to Bridget and Rosamond and how they continue to blossom in the light of God’s movement in their lives.

Content: nudity

[Darcy Schock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book review: The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano

Topic or themes I saw: Mental health, light and darkness, music. The desire to do something good, but being restrained by circumstances, the frustration and questioning of God why? The value in everyone, hope even in the darkest of places.

Who it may interest: Anyone who loves historical fiction that with a gothic and mysterious feel but also is very hope filled.

Story: Stories of mental health are near my heart. I am also very drawn to stories with asylums. This story was both. It was haunting, mysterious, and dark in the beginning, but then breaks into light and incredible hope. The plot was mysterious, suspenseful, and kept me turning the pages. But even deeper than a good plot, there is this deep beautiful story of the value of human life, and the truth that we all have something to offer no matter how dark it looks, or how dark we feel. This was a brilliant story with deep, heart riveting meaning. It’s a story I will hold close to my own heart and flip open the pages again in the future.

Main takeaway: This quote sums it up: “There is no such thing as a hopeless case… only those who have lost hope.”

I also adored the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. They were so encouraging!

I also loved this quote: “It’s a rare and beautiful thing to see potential in these people, but you see more—you see value.”

Thank you Revell for gifting me a copy, all opinions are my own.

How I rate books:

I largely rate books on how they make me feel which is incredibly subjective 🥰.

5⭐️–Absolutely adored and loved the book, a favorite.
4⭐️-Really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
3⭐️-Liked the book, it was engaging and interesting and I am glad I read it, but I wasn’t drawn in emotionally as much as others.
2⭐️- There was a strong theme that I did not agree with or overall the book just left me with a bad feeling.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Make today count.” Words that Vivienne Mourdant wanted to live by. In this magnificent, soul stirring novel, Vivienne finds what it means to truly make a difference no matter in what circumstances she finds herself. A lost melody haunts her as she strives to piece together the memories and bring them to light. The search leads her to Hurstwell Assylum where she hires on as an aid. But what she finds is unsettling and sees the patients sometimes more sane than the caretakers. One inmate reminds Vivienne that the Apostle Paul ministered from prison.
Music was a language that resonated throughout the story. “Music was at the core of all humans. A rhythm. A steady beat. And there was a song to match every beat.” This was a glimpse into the very beginnings of music therapy.
Dr. Turner intrigues Vivienne with his compassion and caring, yet he, too, is shrouded in regret. He encourages her to use her talent as a pianist and her love of music to help those who seem beyond help. To shine as a light in the darkest of places. “What God has set ablaze, no man can extinguish.”
There is so much symbolism and wisdom to be gleaned from this haunting tale. “Music and silence.Light and dark. When it came to darkness, you could succumb and let it consume you...or you could invade it with a light of your own.” The depiction of the asylum was so vivid you could feel the despair and gloom. But then light and hope burst forth and a sense that God was with Vivienne in spite of what seemed to be.
Definitely a story to ponder long after it is read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author.i was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[Katie (kt_readz) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Book Blurb: When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant's father dies, he leaves to her the care of an adult ward she knew nothing about. The woman is supposedly a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. The woman's portrait is shockingly familiar to Vivienne, so when the asylum claims she was never a patient there, Vivienne is compelled to discover what happened to the figure she remembers from childhood dreams. The longer she lingers in the deep shadows and forgotten towers at Hurstwell, the fuzzier the line between sanity and madness becomes. She hears music no one else does, receives strange missives with rose petals between the pages, and untangles far more than is safe for her to know. But can she uncover the truth about the mysterious woman she seeks? And is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust with her suspicions?*

One of my most anticipated releases of 2022!

This book is slightly “darker” than her previous books but it never goes too far. The themes of light in the darkness, hope for those that have lost hope, and being willing for God to redirect your life and allow him to lead you in the way he wants you to go makes this book encouraging in the end. If you like Jaime Jo Wright’s books, I’ll think you’ll like this one. As usual the setting is so atmospheric. She always is able to write in such a way that the history comes alive and the gothic vibes are so thrilling. Since main character Vivienne is a talented pianist, with a passion for music, she has this special thing where when she sees certain people she can hear music. Certain instruments or a certain classical piece. I found that really interesting and looked up some of the mentioned pieces to get more of an idea of what she heard when she saw them. Characters from her last book “A Midnight Dance” make an appearance which made me smile; though you don’t have to have read that book to understand what’s happening.

This is a novel about an asylum so trigger warnings for those that are sensitive to that kind of thing and to topics of harsh treatment.

I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review. 

[Katrina Lybbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Amazing, beautiful, brilliant. I loved this book so much. The cover is incredible, I am so glad I had a paper copy from the library rather than e-book, as the cover needs to be felt (raised textures) as well as seen.

The quotes at the beginning of every chapter were such a nice addition.
Here are a few of my favourites:

The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between. - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Ah, it seemed impossible to leave the world until I had brought forth all that I felt was within me. - Ludwig van Beethoven

Sometimes all it takes is one person, no matter how insignificant, to look at the world differently. Then invite others to do the same. - Vivienne Mourdant

There was so much in this book - suspense, heartbreak, joy, pain, light in the darkness, music and so much more. I will be thinking about this book for a while. Set in a Victorian Asylum, with many twists and turns.

Loved the glimpse and tie-in with the characters from A Midnight Dance, be sure to read that one first.

Here is a favourite quote from the book:

That light shining out of you is not some sort of magical glow of your own, you know. It's him. It's God in you, and what candle God lights... What God has set ablaze, no man can extinguish.