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esmeralda's review
hopeful
inspiring
4.5
I fell in love with JDP's writing all over again. This is a lyrical, powerful and vivid story that I cannot recommend enough.
RTC, perhaps I will type it someday.
RTC, perhaps I will type it someday.
readinglover22's review
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
thriftyloco's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This was such a good book! First, as historical fiction, it shared a lot about life during the 1880's in England, including fashion, family life, and places. As a bonus, the author also included a lot of information about what asylums were like. The main character, Vivienne, finds herself in one, first as a staff member then as a patient. It was interesting to see how her understanding of the place changed when her status did. The author did a lot of research, and I felt like I learned a lot about the topic while also enjoying the story.
The book also lives up to its genre of Christian fiction. Vivienne is a Christian, and her faith guides her through the events of the story. The reader sees how she started her faith as a child, then relied on it as an adult. She is very realistic, and has doubts along the way, but it was good to see her faith play a role throughout the story.
The story was great, and kept my attention throughout. Vivienne is trying to investigate a mysterious disappearance at the asylum and explore a potential romantic attraction, all while trying to survive her circumstances. There is never a dull moment, and I was captivated the entire time I read. There are even a few gentle touches of the gothic to enthrall the reader!
Definitely 5 stars!
The book also lives up to its genre of Christian fiction. Vivienne is a Christian, and her faith guides her through the events of the story. The reader sees how she started her faith as a child, then relied on it as an adult. She is very realistic, and has doubts along the way, but it was good to see her faith play a role throughout the story.
The story was great, and kept my attention throughout. Vivienne is trying to investigate a mysterious disappearance at the asylum and explore a potential romantic attraction, all while trying to survive her circumstances. There is never a dull moment, and I was captivated the entire time I read. There are even a few gentle touches of the gothic to enthrall the reader!
Definitely 5 stars!
chewie_the_mouse's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
"The Lost Melody" is an excellent example of Christian historical fiction. Set in England in the 1880s, this is the story of a young musician who is searching for an inherited ward in an asylum. The asylum claims to have no record of the patient in question, and Vivienne goes to great lengths to figure out what happened to this mystery woman.
Most of the story is set in Hurstwell Asylum, and the author sheds a great deal of light on what conditions were typically like in that type of institution during that time period. I found her descriptions of locations, staff, patients, and practices to be historically accurate and interesting. I appreciate Ms. Politano's efforts to research and write about such a difficult topic, and share her knowledge with the reader without making the story feel depressing. I also liked reading about some of the earliest attempts at music therapy.
I enjoyed just the right amount of suspense as I tried to figure out the answers along with Vivienne. It was interesting to watch her navigate the asylum and see firsthand how it was run. I enjoyed the missing ward storyline, as well as Vivienne's personal growth and development, throughout the novel.
The author has a unique way of bringing characters to life that make them simultaneously fascinating and relatable. There is just something special about the way she writes that draws me in to her work in a very personal way. In addition to Vivienne, other characters added a great deal to the story. Patients and staff, as well as a couple of "outsiders", all add depth to the plot and draw the reader into this world even more deeply.
Vivienne's personal faith journey adds an important element to the story. From her childhood acceptance of God through some doubts as she navigates a difficult situation, I found her faith and thoughts to be realistic. I liked the way her faith was portrayed throughout the novel, and seeing how it guided her in her choices.
The book ends with a satisfactory resolution of the plot, while leaving room for the reader to imagine what comes next in the lives of the characters.
As an added bonus, a quote by a musician starts each chapter. Many are from familiar historical names, but some are from Vivienne herself.
Definitely five out of five slices of perfect Provolone!
Most of the story is set in Hurstwell Asylum, and the author sheds a great deal of light on what conditions were typically like in that type of institution during that time period. I found her descriptions of locations, staff, patients, and practices to be historically accurate and interesting. I appreciate Ms. Politano's efforts to research and write about such a difficult topic, and share her knowledge with the reader without making the story feel depressing. I also liked reading about some of the earliest attempts at music therapy.
I enjoyed just the right amount of suspense as I tried to figure out the answers along with Vivienne. It was interesting to watch her navigate the asylum and see firsthand how it was run. I enjoyed the missing ward storyline, as well as Vivienne's personal growth and development, throughout the novel.
The author has a unique way of bringing characters to life that make them simultaneously fascinating and relatable. There is just something special about the way she writes that draws me in to her work in a very personal way. In addition to Vivienne, other characters added a great deal to the story. Patients and staff, as well as a couple of "outsiders", all add depth to the plot and draw the reader into this world even more deeply.
Vivienne's personal faith journey adds an important element to the story. From her childhood acceptance of God through some doubts as she navigates a difficult situation, I found her faith and thoughts to be realistic. I liked the way her faith was portrayed throughout the novel, and seeing how it guided her in her choices.
The book ends with a satisfactory resolution of the plot, while leaving room for the reader to imagine what comes next in the lives of the characters.
As an added bonus, a quote by a musician starts each chapter. Many are from familiar historical names, but some are from Vivienne herself.
Definitely five out of five slices of perfect Provolone!
bellesmoma2021's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano was a very difficult book for me to read. It made me angry. It made me scared. It made me feel trapped. It made me want to throw it across the room and never, ever pick it up again. It made me feel all these things and I am so grateful it did. The Lost Melody is another exceptional story by Politano — one I highly recommend everyone on this planet read.
This novel is an allegory. It’s a microcosmic illustration of our current world today. I hate our world today. I feel like I have to fight every single second of every single day, and it is utterly exhausting. Every day, it’s meanness, ugliness, sin. It’s illogic and untruth and faithlessness. It’s a world full of me-me-me: only my truth matters, only my thoughts matter, only what I believe matters; others are nothing. It’s a world where it’s 100% OK to bash others, to hurt others, to make others suffer just because they don’t think or act or believe like the majority. It’s been absolutely painful to be on this earth the last few years, and it is only going to get worse. I struggled to read The Lost Melody because I have felt like Vivienne for the last three years — trapped in an asylum run by seriously damaged, evil people. I wanted so badly for justice and mercy to rise up and free Vivienne from her jail. Just when things seemed its worst for Vivienne, something even more awful would rear its ugly head and snap, and I would fight this book even more. Vivienne fights, too, throughout this novel, until she realizes that God puts us where He wants us so we can do the things He has planned for us. And just like that calm fell upon my soul. DUH! When we fight where God puts us, we aren’t fighting a corrupt, evil system, but rather we are fighting God. God knows where we are at all times. He never loses us, even when we are in a very scary place surrounded by very scary people. The Lost Melody was a difficult read for me because it was a mirror held up to me and I didn’t like what I saw. I probably won’t ever get it perfectly, but this book was a great reminder to me that I need to be content no matter where God places me. Like Paul says in Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
The Lost Melody is not an easy story to read. It’s not your typical Historical Romance. It is another example of just how amazing Politano’s storytelling skills are. Her attention to historical detail is outstanding. Her characters are expertly crafted. And her storyline is highly engaging — so much so, the reader can’t help but feel like a participant. But her story is more. It’s a timely reminder for how we who claim to believe in Jesus must behave no matter what path He puts us on. We must trust God because it is by Him we will be strengthened. It is through Him we can overcome anything. I am so, so glad I wrestled with this book and was reminded of these facts.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on October 3, 2022, in order to review. I also received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Revell, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This novel is an allegory. It’s a microcosmic illustration of our current world today. I hate our world today. I feel like I have to fight every single second of every single day, and it is utterly exhausting. Every day, it’s meanness, ugliness, sin. It’s illogic and untruth and faithlessness. It’s a world full of me-me-me: only my truth matters, only my thoughts matter, only what I believe matters; others are nothing. It’s a world where it’s 100% OK to bash others, to hurt others, to make others suffer just because they don’t think or act or believe like the majority. It’s been absolutely painful to be on this earth the last few years, and it is only going to get worse. I struggled to read The Lost Melody because I have felt like Vivienne for the last three years — trapped in an asylum run by seriously damaged, evil people. I wanted so badly for justice and mercy to rise up and free Vivienne from her jail. Just when things seemed its worst for Vivienne, something even more awful would rear its ugly head and snap, and I would fight this book even more. Vivienne fights, too, throughout this novel, until she realizes that God puts us where He wants us so we can do the things He has planned for us. And just like that calm fell upon my soul. DUH! When we fight where God puts us, we aren’t fighting a corrupt, evil system, but rather we are fighting God. God knows where we are at all times. He never loses us, even when we are in a very scary place surrounded by very scary people. The Lost Melody was a difficult read for me because it was a mirror held up to me and I didn’t like what I saw. I probably won’t ever get it perfectly, but this book was a great reminder to me that I need to be content no matter where God places me. Like Paul says in Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
The Lost Melody is not an easy story to read. It’s not your typical Historical Romance. It is another example of just how amazing Politano’s storytelling skills are. Her attention to historical detail is outstanding. Her characters are expertly crafted. And her storyline is highly engaging — so much so, the reader can’t help but feel like a participant. But her story is more. It’s a timely reminder for how we who claim to believe in Jesus must behave no matter what path He puts us on. We must trust God because it is by Him we will be strengthened. It is through Him we can overcome anything. I am so, so glad I wrestled with this book and was reminded of these facts.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on October 3, 2022, in order to review. I also received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Revell, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
chelz286's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I love how lyrically the author wrote this novel! I loved the history, the storyline and the main character. Vivienne's father has died and left her in the care of an adult ward as women during this time could not make decisions for themselves. Being strong minded, Vivienne doesn't always follow what she is told she needs to do and finds herself trying to unravel a mystery found out during her father's estate was being sorted out. A portrait of a women, music only it seems she can hear and an asylum that swears they have no idea what she is inquiring about, there is no such record or patient there. Bound to find out the truth, she does the unthinkable but gets herself in deeper than planned and has really lost all control over the outcome of her life. Still determined to get to the bottom of things, Vivienne agrees to a scheme but little does she know that this was planned long before she agreed to it. Such a well written novel and the author did an amazing job typing music through the storyline. You felt like you were part of a performance through it all and just waiting for that crescendo at the end, to release your breath. Thank you to the author and the Revell blogger program for the free novel, I will be searching out more of her novels!
lilac_cottage_library's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
melissasbookshelf's review
5.0
“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.
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.
sassybookishmama's review
5.0
Wow!! Another amazing story from Joanna! I always look forward to her books. They are always filled with depth and the characters are so believable. This book is no different. I honestly did not know what to expect the summary truly is just a little sampling of what this book entails. There is SO much happening here and it was hauntingly beautiful and I must admit this was one of those books that I tried really hard not to look at the back of the book to see how it ended. Trust me it is hard not to an I'm glad I didn't because I would've ruined all the surprises.
Vivienne Mourdant is the main character in this story. She is a concert pianist who wants to not only play music because it flows through her but she wants to help women in need. Those that come from abusive homes. Her father was not the kindest of men and when he passes she sees her future as it should be but boy do things go awry as she tries to uncover who this ward is that her father has been hiding at Hurstwell Asylum. While she is at the asylum twists and turns begin to happen as she is admitted as a patient rather than an employee. I will not spoil it for you so you will definitely have to find out on your own.
Politano does an excellent job at bringing life at an asylum to life. You can tell that she has done her research especially in that time period that she is writing in. The reasons that people ended up in asylums was unbelievable. The treatable reasons that we may know today such as dementia, post-partum depression, autism are some of the reasons people ended up in these institutions. Sadly even if you were of another race, culture or even if someone wanted to hide you away they could do so if enough payment could be provided.
I absolutely loved how music played a part in this story. I believe that music does play a huge part on our mental health and it resonates with those that their mind may have wondered. It releases endorphins and gets the mind going. The way that music resonated with the patients was beautiful. I think this is the part of the story that stayed with me because despite the circumstances you see how Vivienne has grown. How she has let God truly let her be the light amongst the dark circumstances. She starts seeing who she really is in God and how he wants to use her.
There is romance in this story as well. It is not the grandiose because its not the complete focus of the story but it was there and it was so perfect. Here is another thing that I absolutely loved and probably because I have read a few of Politano's book but the storyline that is in the book that goes along with characters from her book A Midnight Dance was perfect and what an amazing close to those characters. I will admit I stopped in disbelief when I realized who they were. Again I will not spoil it for you but it was amazing!
This book was beautiful, touching, hard, sad and perfect in every way. I cannot talk it up more if I could give it more than 5 stars I would! If you enjoy her stories you will enjoy this book. If you have never read her books add them to your list!
Favorite Musings/Quotes:
"Perhaps God saw fit to to break down who you were becoming and help you build back up the right way. To prepare you for something greater."
"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."
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Vivienne Mourdant is the main character in this story. She is a concert pianist who wants to not only play music because it flows through her but she wants to help women in need. Those that come from abusive homes. Her father was not the kindest of men and when he passes she sees her future as it should be but boy do things go awry as she tries to uncover who this ward is that her father has been hiding at Hurstwell Asylum. While she is at the asylum twists and turns begin to happen as she is admitted as a patient rather than an employee. I will not spoil it for you so you will definitely have to find out on your own.
Politano does an excellent job at bringing life at an asylum to life. You can tell that she has done her research especially in that time period that she is writing in. The reasons that people ended up in asylums was unbelievable. The treatable reasons that we may know today such as dementia, post-partum depression, autism are some of the reasons people ended up in these institutions. Sadly even if you were of another race, culture or even if someone wanted to hide you away they could do so if enough payment could be provided.
I absolutely loved how music played a part in this story. I believe that music does play a huge part on our mental health and it resonates with those that their mind may have wondered. It releases endorphins and gets the mind going. The way that music resonated with the patients was beautiful. I think this is the part of the story that stayed with me because despite the circumstances you see how Vivienne has grown. How she has let God truly let her be the light amongst the dark circumstances. She starts seeing who she really is in God and how he wants to use her.
There is romance in this story as well. It is not the grandiose because its not the complete focus of the story but it was there and it was so perfect. Here is another thing that I absolutely loved and probably because I have read a few of Politano's book but the storyline that is in the book that goes along with characters from her book A Midnight Dance was perfect and what an amazing close to those characters. I will admit I stopped in disbelief when I realized who they were. Again I will not spoil it for you but it was amazing!
This book was beautiful, touching, hard, sad and perfect in every way. I cannot talk it up more if I could give it more than 5 stars I would! If you enjoy her stories you will enjoy this book. If you have never read her books add them to your list!
Favorite Musings/Quotes:
"Perhaps God saw fit to to break down who you were becoming and help you build back up the right way. To prepare you for something greater."
"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."
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
emmasbookdiary's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
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 after finishing one of Joanna’s books. 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 such characters, both the main characters and the side 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. When I first read the names of characters from A Midnight Dance, I was so excited and happy! I was quite the fangirl when some certain characters made an appearance.🥰 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 and love playing instruments 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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Physical abuse
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