The Lost Story of Via Belle

by Melanie Dobson

Searching for a story to adapt for film, an aspiring screenwriter becomes captivated by a bestselling classic novel and the mysterious disappearance of the woman who wrote it.

1940. Via Belle’s sweet romance novels made readers believe in happily ever after. But Via’s reality was much more complicated. While her first husband was alive, her creativity thrived in a beautiful stone estate situated above a pristine lake and moonflower garden. After his tragic death and a whirlwind second marriage shrouded in secrets, Via vanished from public life, leaving behind a shadow of scandal . . . and her final story.

2006. Screenwriter Harper Rayne is desperate for a breakthrough, if only she can find the right story to tell. But when she digs into the life of her late mother’s favorite novelist, she never expects it to become personal. Drawn to the quaint Pennsylvania town where both her mother and Via once lived, Harper discovers more than a mystery to solve—she finds echoes of her own longing for love, healing, and home. As long-buried secrets come to light, Harper must decide if she’ll protect the past or rewrite this particular ending.

Described as a “powerhouse in dual-timeline Christian fiction” (Library Journal), Melanie Dobson delivers another rich, atmospheric novel about the legacy of sacrificial love and the redemptive power of truth.

Standalone dual-timeline historical mystery filled with drama, faith, and intrigueClean, suspenseful historical fiction, perfect for fans of Susan Meissner, Lisa Wingate, or Patti Callahan HenryIncludes discussion questions for book groups

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Mystery, Christian, Historical, Fiction, Dual Timeline

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2026

About the author

Writing fiction is a fun excuse for Melanie to explore ghost towns and old houses, travel to unusual places, and spend hours reading dusty books and journals. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction with threads of romance and suspense.

Melanie is the award-winning author of almost thirty time-slip, historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels including Catching the Wind, The Winter Rose, and The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Five of her novels including Chateau of Secrets have won Carol Awards, Catching the Wind won the Audie 2018 Inspirational Fiction award, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana. Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass were both finalists for Christy Awards in historical fiction.

Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon's work, the Dobsons have finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing or researching, she enjoys line dancing, biking, and making up stories with her kids.

More information about her and her books is available on her website at www.melaniedobson.com. You can also connect with Melanie at www.facebook.com/melaniedobsonfiction.

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars (6/10 hearts). WOW. That was SO unexpected and so intense—and so amazing! I've never read Melanie Dobson before, but I think this must be the best thing she ever wrote, because it is unbelievable. There's everything—suspense and danger, sweet romance, fury over wickedness, bittersweet redemption, and so many twists... I don't even know what to say without giving everything away. I loved Olivia—I related to her writing, of course—and it was nice to see an older widow as a FMC... just something a bit different. Izzy hurt my heart... she made bad choices, of course, but she was so naïve and trusting... but hey, she found one of the Peters I look for. (What is it with amazing MMCs named Peter?) Finally, I related to Harper again over the story-writing and the love of water, and I enjoyed watching her scrabble for the truth. She was such a fun FMC. There was a perfectly hateful villain, a really nice MMC (even if he didn't show up a ton) and a layered storyline with so many connections.

I don't think this review does the book justice—but I'm a little starstruck. This was so unusual—and I read it SO FAST because I don't think I've ever been so desperate to see how a story would turn out before. Nothing went as I expected... but I was perfectly satisfied at the end. 💙

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars "Searching for a story to adapt for film, an aspiring screenwriter becomes captivated by a bestselling classic novel and the mysterious disappearance of the woman who wrote it."

Harper Rayne is a struggling screenwriter looking for her big break. When she gets fired from her job, she flees to the small east coast town where her mother has ties. While she is there, she stumbles upon the story of her mother's favorite author from 1940, Via Belle. Harper discovers secrets about her life and an untold story.

Set in dual timeline on a beautiful rural estate, this novel was much more than I expected. Filled with strong female characters, secrets, faith and romance, I was thoroughly absorbed in the plot and the lush setting. I highly recommend this engaging historical mystery.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Tyndale House, UpLit Reads and Melanie Dobson for the gifted advance reader's copy and finished copy. All opinions are my own.

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing story!
This well-written dual timeline tale expertly weaves together characters in a modern day situation with a backstory from the 1940's, pulling the story threads tighter with a mystery, some romance, and building suspense. It was hard to put down especially towards the end!

I love the nod the author gives to Grace Livingston Hill's books, with their tender romances and hope filled plots. The mentions of prayer and faith are brief but meaningful. It ultimately features an uplifting, redemptive theme that was encouraging and quite touching; also a longing for home, family connections, and finding a purpose in life.

There are some instances of peril and difficult circumstances because of a character's deception, but nothing too graphic. If anything, it kept me reading on, holding my breath as the tension grew, hoping for a good ending. It was definitely worth the angst and the wait. Have the tissues handy!

Highly recommend to readers who enjoy an inspirational story with a nostalgic feel, a good mystery, clean romance and brushstrokes of faith.
5 stars!

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Jenelle Hovde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning! Read for endorsement (full endorsement coming soon). My friends, you must add this book to your Goodreads must-read list immediately! I could not put this book down.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Melanie Dobson, but it definitely won’t be my last. The balance between the dialogue and details was spot on for me, and her writing style in general was the highlight. I found myself rereading passages over and over, just immersing myself in the story.

Two writers, separated by 66 years, a story filled with mystery and romance, perfect for those who love books about books. This story was amazing. From the very beginning, we’re transported into Via Belle’s time, a woman trying to fight off writer’s block and face a future without her late husband. Then we meet Harper, who is writing in hopes of landing a movie deal. But as one door closes, a path back to her hometown opens others in more ways than she ever imagined. As she researches her late mother’s favorite author Via Belle, she finds more dead ends than details, leading her to dig deeper into Via Belle’s past. A woman who wrote romance and happy endings....but did she ever experience the same?

I can’t give much away with this one. There are so many layers to this story that I don’t want to spoil any of it for you. But wow, as the storyline and mystery begin to unravel and the truth about Via Belle is revealed, you’ll never see it all coming! This is one you truly need to experience for yourself.

Excuse me while I rush off to start planning my shopping list for her backlist books now!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness sakes. I read a lot of books each year but this one is one of the best, most compelling I’ve read so far this year. Melanie Dobson writes such beautiful descriptions and does a fantastic job of letting her reader see inside her characters’ emotions without overdoing it. This novel left me on the edge of my seat for hours, wondering how it would all be resolved. This story happens in two different times, the 1940s and the early 2000s. Via Bella is a writer of touching stories, in the 1940s. Her stories are well received by her fans but her personal life has been hard since the loss of her daughter and her husband. She ends up meeting Simon Farrow at an author panel and their relationship takes off, much to the chagrin of her aunt. Simon seems kind and loving but signs start to appear that something is off in their relationship. Izzy, a college student, is also in a relationship with a man whose stories start to feel off. In the early 2000s, Harper is an aspiring screen writer, looking for the story that will land her her big break. After a series of missteps in CA, she finds herself in PA, doggedly researching the life of Via Belle, the favorite author of her late mother, an orphan who never knew anything about her family. Finn, the caretaker of Via’s estate, closely guards Via’s home and secrets from those he perceives to be looking to take advantage of Via’s story. What proceeds is a story of love, heartbreak, redemption, and sacrifice, and much like the stories of Via Belle, wraps up beautifully at the end, in a way that brought tears to my eyes. I could not recommend this book more. I am super grateful to have been given the opportunity to read the ARC and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A good story is strong enough to save a life.”
I am partial to dual-timeline stories and Ms. Dobson is an expert at weaving the two times together.
This is such a great story about a popular author Via Belle of the 1940s who goes missing after her second marriage.
Harper in the 2006 returns to a place she visted as a child and is caught up in the stories of Via Belle as she searches for a topic for a script that she wants to write. What she finds is a little romance and connections that are surprising.
Especially interesting is the historical look at the life of an author from the past and her struggles with her faith and her newfound love. The descriptions of the house, gardens and lake that were an inspiration to Via put you right in the story. I began to care about the heroines in both timelines and cringed at the duplicity of the villain. All the mystery and subterfuge made for an exceptional story.
You will want to put this on your list!
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

[JaneReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5

Wow. I was so hooked and invested in this story. I did not want to put it down. Dual-timeline following characters in 1940 and 2006. Harper from 2006 is discovering the story of her mom's favourite author in hopes to write a screenplay. As she begins to learn more about Olivia's life she is unsure if a screenplay is the right choice. While I like Harper's story and felt like her research was a great way to learn the past story, I definitely was more invested in the characters in the 1940s. There was one in particular that was horrible and I was very concerned that some other characters were going to pay dearly for this person's actions. Ms. Dobson created characters that I had very strong feelings about and was pleasantly surprised with the way it wrapped up. My only negative is that I would have appreciated more faith in the story as it is published by Tyndale. This was my first Melanie Dobson book and I will definitely look for more books by her.

[Lisa M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love dual time novels! They are probably my favorite way to enjoy historical fiction. :) It's like peeling back an onion as things get revealed.

In this novel, we are in the timeline of Via Belle, a famous romance author in 1940 and Harper Rayne, a wannabe screenwriter in 2006. Harper and Via Belle's stories intertwine when she decides to write a screenplay in the style of the stories she loves--those of her mother's favorite author Via Belle and gets lost in the mysterious story of Via Belle herself.

I love the mystery that was woven through the plot--what actually happened to Via Belle? We got layers peeled back slowly. Little tidbits given here and there. But the ending--the actual what happened came from left field. :) Isn't that always fun?

Harper grows so much in this story. And I love that she got her own redemption arc. The book was very good and I didn't want to put it down.

5 stars

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

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. A compelling story although some elements weren’t my favorite. Melanie is a wonderful storyteller!

[readcleancatmomtanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounding up to 5. This story had me so invested!! After about 30ish% in the book, I could not stop reading this! Everything else in life was put on hold for a bit!

Melanie writes dual timelines so well!! The timelines go perfectly with each other. I had a hard time picking my favorite timeline, I liked them both so much. It was set in the 1940s and 2006. The town and house where Via Belle lived sounded so beautiful. That cover is gorgeous, too.

Oh man, the villain in this story is really mean and will make you really mad! I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I can't say too much about the story. I really love that it's a story within a story. There were a couple of times I wanted to shake some sense into a couple of the characters. There is a faith element, but it's very light in this story. There's a little romance, mystery, action, and drama.

Highly recommend this book!!!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two women writers a couple generations apart are connected by coincidences and much more! This novel is a time/slip mystery romance novel. Olivia (pen name Via Belle), seen in the 1940s, has a resume of over 30 popular novels, all romances with happy endings. Harper, in the early 2000s, is a discouraged wannabe screen writer in Hollywood. She and her late mother were fans of Via Belle's books and had happy memories of reading them together. Coincidentally, Harper's mom grew up in Pennsylvania, near the home of Via Belle, who mysteriously disappeared in the early 1940s. When Harper becomes disillusioned with her prospects in Hollywood, she decides to return to her mom's hometown and find comfort with old friends. She also plans to search Via Belle's background, books, and perhaps track down the mystery of her disappearance. Harper also hopes that she will find a story to turn into a screenplay, in hopes of impressing a director who gave her a nod.

As Harper pursues Via Belle's books and backstory, so does the Reader. The pursuit involves romances, some suspicious motivations, a dark mystery, a surprising discovery, and connections beyond stories.

The book begins slowly with a bit too many unnecessary named characters and inconsequential dialog. But before the halfway point, the story catches fire with the introduction of another main character, and from then on, the novel is not easy to put down. The author neatly ties up all complex loose ends in a quite satisfactory bow, as Via Belle would have appreciated.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a Grace Livingston Hill fan for over two decades and knew I had to read this when I learned it was inspired by her life. I have not read anything else by this author and generally don’t care for split time novels, but I could not put this book down - it was pins and needles towards the end of the 1940s storyline!

This is clearly very lightly inspired by Grace Livingston Hill, as her real life marital dramas were very different. But still an enjoyable and compelling read. I don’t know if I’ll read anymore by this author – I’d have to be really intrigued by the plot because I don’t love split time. But I definitely am in the mood to read a GLH!

You don’t need to be a GLH fan or have any background knowledge to enjoy this novel – a very enjoyable historical fiction mystery with threads of romance.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Steffanie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loads of characters, if listening pay close attention!! many times I wished I had the actual book to see the chapter title so I’d know who I was reading about…..loads or rewinding! But still an enjoyable story!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second book by this author. She is a gifted storyteller. A beautiful novel with rich characters. Get swept away in this novel.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A good story is strong enough to save a life.”

Y’all. The Lost Story of Via Belle held me captive from beginning to end. I would have been clamoring to read it anyway – after all, Melanie Dobson wrote it and she’s long been one of my fave dual timeline authors – but learning that it was inspired by the life of Grace Livingston Hill elevated it above ‘must read’ status for me to… well… to whatever is a few levels above ‘must read’ haha. I gobbled up Grace Livingston Hill books when I was a tween and teen, and though it’s been many years since I’ve read one I still have a soft spot in my heart for these sweet stories. I knew absolutely zero about Hill’s life though, and after devouring The Lost Story of Via Belle, I researched her history and found it to be more bittersweet than I realized. A word that could be used for Via Belle’s personal life too, though there are several key differences that made fiction stranger than the truth in this case and kept me glued to the pages.

Two writers, sixty years apart. In the 1940s timeline, Olivia Ashe – whose pen name is Via Belle – is quickly running out of time to meet her publisher’s deadline for her next sweet inspirational romance. But story ideas seem to have died along with her husband… at least until an unlikely friendship with a young professor breathes new life into both Olivia’s dormant muse and her own heart. This timeline is full of scandal and drama and even a little danger but also lots of heart, and I could not tear myself away from any of it. Especially when… well, I won’t give anything away.

In 2006, we meet aspiring screenwriter Harper Rayne just as her life takes an unexpected turn that sends her to her mother’s hometown in Pennsylvania for a fresh start. Harper’s not there long before her curiosity about the town’s most famous resident – author Via Belle – and her mysterious disappearance six decades earlier sends Harper down a compelling rabbit hole that had me completely invested right along with her. It also didn’t hurt my feelings any that Harper’s questions about Via Belle put her in the crosshairs of the grumpy (and swoony) estate caretaker Finn who’s very protective of the enigmatic author and her legacy. And can we just take a moment to appreciate how this novel contains so many things that draw me to a book in the first place? A connected historical & contemporary timeline… a book on books… the 60-year-unsolved disappearance of an author… delicious twists… and a swoony lumberjack-type hero. Yes please, to all of it!

Bottom Line: Melanie Dobson’s talent for storyweaving is on full display in The Lost Story of Via Belle! Mystery, romance, and books form a richly-layered plot that had me devouring this novel as quickly as possible while Dobson’s warm writing voice also had me wanting to stop and savor every word. Both timelines and their shared threads unfold at the perfect pace, and I turned the final page immensely satisfied with how everything ended up. I loved getting to know both Olivia and Harper, as well as the people who were pivotal in their stories (except for a couple of notable exceptions who made those respective journeys more painful). I will be thinking about The Lost Story of Via Belle for a long time, and it’s a great next read for fans of Jaime Jo Wright, Michelle Shocklee, Joanna Davidson Politano… and, of course, Grace Livingston Hill.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[lindsey's_literary_likes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4 stars.
I enjoyed reading this story from start to finish. I felt the first half was slightly slow but it kept enough of my interest to keep me going. At halfway, that's when it starts to get incredibly interesting.
There are faith themes but I wouldn't really say they're overly strong or excessive which personally I wouldn't have liked to see more of.
Olivia "Via" Belle, an author who always wrote about happy endings, was a strong character who suffered the loss of her husband and only child. As a result of this loss, Via struggled to write her next feel good novel. I appreciated the heartache she went through and the determination to keep writing and be independent through it all and even after her circumstances changed she still had resolve to remain self sufficient and had the wisdom to protect what was hers.
My heart broke for the character of Izzy. So young and deceived by someone she loved and trusted. She too, though young and naive, showed great determination and wisdom in her situation and I was rooting for her the whole time.
If you like mystery, historical fiction, Cleveland mafia thugs, love gone wrong but good overcomes evil in the end, then this book is for you.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

No spice and closed door however there is a baby out of wedlock situation.
No language.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular book by Melanie Dobson! It's a Christian historical fiction with a bit of a mystery thrown in.
Our FMC, Via Belle, lives in Pennsylvania. She is an author, and she's invited to speak at this Author panel where she meets this Professor named Simon Farrow. Mr Farrow and her hit it off, she's shocked that he's paying any attention to her at all. She had lost her husband and since that time had pretty much become a recluse. As Simon pursues her even more intentionally, her aunt who lives with her is very put off by his personality and isn't a fan of this relationship at all. As time goes on they do marry, but the marriage is based on secrets and lies unbeknownst to Via. Via eventually disappears leaving an unfinished manuscript, and noone knows where to find her. This takes place in the 1940's. The second POV is early 2000's in California and Harper, who is a conspiring screen writer. As she's looking for inspiration, she finds some Via Belle books in her mother's collection. She decides to take a trip to Pennsylvania to see if she can find out more about Via Belle and her disappearance. Harper is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and this leads her into a deep dive of the secrets and lies that surround Simon Farrow.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale Fiction for this e-arc. This review is my opinion only.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @meldobson @tyndalehouse and @uplitreads for the generous #gifted book!

This was my first time reading a book by Melanie, and it certainly won't be my last. I was completely captivated by the compelling writing, intriguing story, and unforgettable characters.

Set against the backdrop of 1940, Olivia, known as Via Belle, is a prolific author, while Isadore is a curious student. Their lives intertwine as they uncover dark secrets and lies that threaten to change everything. Fast forward to 2006, where Harper embarks on her own quest to unravel Olivia's mysterious past, uncovering revelations that will finally satisfy her long-standing curiosity and surprise her in ways she never expected.

The dual timelines, shifting between 1940 and 2006, added incredible depth and richness to the narrative. I loved how the stories of Olivia, Isadore, and Harper gradually began to weave together, building a tapestry of mystery surrounding Via Belle's true story. The writing is so immersive, I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing their joys, fears, and betrayals.

This book is a perfect blend of romance, intrigue, suspense, and heartfelt emotion. If you enjoy stories that keep you guessing and touch your soul, this is one you won't want to miss.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Story of Via Belle is a dual timeline story which features the captivating story of two very talented women. I have to say as someone who recently took a liking to dual timeline stories I have to say this was a very impressive story. We two different women from different time periods both seatching for a purpose for moving forward in their career. Along the way they will experience all sorts of twists and turns which will keep readers engaged.

In the 1940's we are introduced we are introduced to Via Belle who is a housewife who takes pleasure in reading romance novels. Her first husband is deeply encouraging with her career. However, after his death and her sudden second marriage the spark of writing seems to disappear. Meanwhile in modern times we are introduced to Harper who is just trying to make it as a screenwriter. Will the work of Via Belle manage to pull her out of a slump. Could it possibly uncover a mystery to the past that everyone wants to know?

[Ariana Ochoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BETRAYAL in this book, good heavens!

The Lost Story of Via Belle is a riveting dual timeline book about a famous author in the late 1930s and an up and coming screenwriter in 2006 who stumbles on the story of an old romcom author (Via Belle) and is on the hunt to solve her mysterious disappearance from society.

I had no idea of the wild ride I was in for! This historical fiction novel is deemed Christian fiction, and while there are light sprinkles of Christian faith mentioned in the book, the heavy themes in this book are anything but pure. I thought the story was heading in a completely different direction and was blindsided by the earlier timeline's chain of events. There is so much redemption in this book, and as much as I dislike dual timeline stories, I enjoyed this one.

Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own.

Content warnings: alcoholism, death, assault, murder, harm to a child

[Alice - Books On the Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story across generations and initially I thought this may be leaning toward romance but that is not it. There is a mystery of the past being explored and we see that life journey running through the present as Harper feels intrigued and needs to know what happened to Via. I was hooked and thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is rarity to see faith presented in such thoughtful and respectful ways also - as a Christian woman who loves mystery, this was a great read and if you are not a person of faith, you will love the mystery and the plots also. I think this book could have a wide audience and I loved it!

Kept me up late last night when I was nearing the end. The ending is brought to a close well also, I think Via herself would approve.

Thank you to Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers, for my copy of this book.

[Melinda | bookswithmelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book is packed with twists, and the web of characters keeps expanding as the story unfolds! The beginning felt a bit slow, especially in the 2006 timeline, but after the first 100 pages, it really takes off and becomes incredibly engaging.
I loved that the author, Melanie Dobson, made her main character an author. It allowed her passion for storytelling to shine through in a very personal way. You can truly feel how much she loves creating meaningful, beautiful stories for both herself and her readers.
Highly recommend!

[Josie Siler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and redemptive book. Readers are taken on a twisty adventure through love and hope, heartbreak and betrayal, healing and redemption. There are so many stories within the story and they all come together at the end for a shocking and beautiful conclusion.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy good suspense! I read all 355 pages in one day— couldn’t put this “who dunnit” down. Wonderful writing keeps you guessing until the last chapter. Clean, no swearing, with elements of faith. Highly recommend!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for page turning, sad to put down, can’t wait to pick back up, read, you have found it with this beautiful book!!

From start to finish I was completely captivated. So much so that I read this in a 24 hr span! 🫢

I have loved every one of Melanie’s books I’ve been able to read, all of them 5 ⭐️, but this one is my favorite yet.

I love a dual timeline novel, with a touch of romance, intrigue, suspense, and emotional pull. This has all of it in spades.
I wish I could give it more than 5 ⭐️!!

Melanie has a phenomenal writer.
This book is a must read.

[Andrea Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than I expected! Sweet twist, and kept me hooked the majority of the book.

[SusanReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This story was a pleasant surprise. It was full of heart, suspense, and redemption. I loved the story and character development.

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story with likable characters and - of course - a happy ending.