Certain books are felt physically even as they are read. Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights are two of my favorite examples, and I would add The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano to that list. I dare suggest that I would rank it right there with my two favorite Gothic romances of all time. Politano threads music through the atmosphere of a Victorian pauper asylum to express the sheer determination and subtle delicacies of Vivienne Mordant’s character. The great mystery of the lost melody and the beautiful woman who played it carry the reader and our beloved concert pianist into the bowels of darkness, through seething depravity, into the mind of madness. And yet, are we not all just a bit mad? And it is so terribly dreadful to be just a tad mad? And can one be the kind of light in the darkness who uses their God given gifts to reach those lost in the depths of that hopeless existence? Politano explores themes of value with a most deliciously troubling romance in her latest release.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

The year is 1886 and Vivienne's father has died. He left debt and information that he had been making payments to an asylum for years for his ward. A ward Vivienne knew nothing about. Seeking employment at the asylum, she hopes to find out who the ward is. Due to circumstances she never saw coming, she becomes a patient and her every attempt to free herself fails. Someone is responsible for this nightmare, but who?

The author brings to readers a dark tale that is packed with rich and powerful dialogue. Hurstwell Asylum is vividly brought to life. So much so, that readers can picture every sinister dark corner and hallway. It is in this prison of sorts that Vivienne uncovers secrets, both about the staff and the patients. Perhaps most important is what she learns about herself. Also vividly drawn are the people who are patients there. Musical therapy plays an important role in the story.

Beautifully told, the author has crafted a powerful and moving story. Well plotted and engrossing, this book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley.

This book was so well written that I found myself questioning my sanity in this book set in a Victorian Asylum. It felt so much that these were places that people were sent to be out of sight and out of mind. Vivienne finds herself inside of one in order to find someone who had been lost that she discovered after her father's death.

She finds herself in the Asylum as a nurse aid under an assumed aid and eventually is committed. This story is mournful and haunting, much like the music Vivienne hears in the world around her, I found the writing to paint a story that was as painful as it was beautiful. I found myself hoping that the people in the Asylum could find their way out of it. The side characters had stories nearly as complex as the main character and were just as compelling. I found myself wanting to know all of them and save them.

Seeing this through Vivienne's eyes brought layers to the story that were enlightening, This story was a study in dark and light, Seeking hope and finding light in the darkest places. Interwoven in the story was the music that healed and brought truth into the darkest night,

I loved this beautiful and compelling story,

I received an early copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Thanks to Revell for the free book.
I liked the direction this book went right from the beginning. The author wasn't afraid to explore a dark topic, victorian asylums. The setting was eerie and captured my attention right away. Vivienne was a character that had a lot of growth opportunities present, and I thought the journey the author put her through was so wise. It showed the steadfastness of God and what being a light in a dark place truly means. Vivienne is also a pianist, and I enjoyed the music talk throughout the story. The supporting characters also had depth. As I grew to understand them, I felt like the story was so vivid because of the ways she connected so many character's personal stories into this one. The story was cohesive and fulfilling. It left me wanting to turn the pages to figure out if this asylum was going to be able to continue in their ill treatment of some of their patients. It was a beautiful, haunting story, and I can't wait for her next one.

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.

Vivienne Mourdant is finally free—free from her father's tight control over her life. Her desire is to help other women trapped in oppressive home situations. But a more immediate need arises when she learns her father had a secret ward in a pauper's asylum. Who is Rosamund and how is she related to Vivienne?

When Vivienne makes inquiries and Hurstwell says they've never had a patient by that name, Vivienne realizes her first rescue is going to be of a different nature. But things go wrong and Vivienne gets a much closer look at Hurstwell and its inmates than she ever imagined.

There was much to enjoy in this novel. The storytelling is rich, and there's just enough off-balance things thrown in that you're not quite sure what's real and who you can trust. I appreciated the strong faith theme that is woven throughout. I also liked that Vivienne never used her past as an excuse but was always looking to touch the lives of others, whether through her music or the gift of her presence and listening ear.

The Lost Melody was a book I didn't want to put down. If you enjoy Victorian stories with a slight side of spooky, while still shining a bright light, make sure to check out this one and other stories by this author.

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

This book is one that took me a bit to get into. At first it was confusing and I was trying to figure out why Vivienne was looking for a woman at Hurstwell Asylum. When she decides to take a job there I began to understand that she needed to find this person. The author describes the place with eerie and precise words. Voices screaming in the night and darkness surrounding the hopeless.

Vivienne takes a big risk working at the asylum to get answers but suddenly things start to fall apart. She doesn’t know who to trust and she somehow becomes a patient there. Someone doesn’t want her to learn the truth and will do anything to stop her, including making it look like she is unstable. The author goes deep into a place where many never escape and I began to be fully invested in Vivienne. I liked her determination and how she believed that God would save her. Into the depths of despair Vivienne tumbles as she is tortured and I began to wonder if she was really who she says she is. The author cleverly gives readers doubts about our main character as the mystery grows darker.

When the one person Vivienne thinks that she can count on, turns his back on her hopelessness settles in. Richard was suppose to save her and set her free from this place of darkness and abandonment. As Richard walks away the nurse tells Vivianne, “Sometimes people who love us do what we need them to do, not what we want.” That statement made me think of those who have had to make difficult decisions for family members and how that burden weighed them down.

The story has many twists that kept me intrigued and I loved the way the author illustrated how we can come out of darkness to the light to be saved. Within the pages were hope that freedom would come for those who had been prisoners for so long. The music brought happiness and a sense of belonging for those who had been forgotten. Vivienne had long wondered what God wanted her to do with her life and in those moments where she was alone in a place where darkness surrounded her, she found her calling. It is a beautiful story that brings tears, brokenness and God’s light to those who had faith.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogger Program. The review is my own opinion.

A lovely historical fiction title combining music, family secrets, and a few gothic vibes set in an asylum. I thought the faith elements of the story were really well done, effective without being overdone. There were a few plot points and characters that didn't seem very fleshed out or were simply conveniently done away with and the main character, Vivienne, felt occasionally inconsistent. But all in all it was well worth the read and would recommend!

What a dramatic opening! It certainly captures the attention...
As a musician, I thought this book was going to be ‘just my cup of tea’. Instead, I have found it to be most unnerving, & would not have continued with it had I not been committed to a review.
Yes – I did know this sort of thing happened, but I did not want to know in such graphic detail : a warning would have been appreciated.
Having read other books by this author I had high expectations, & while it is well-written it is also most disturbing – in fact the longer I mull over it, the worse I feel.
I cannot explain further without spoiling the plot, suffice to say : do not consider reading this book unless you are feeling very strong mentally, & are looking for the challenge of a heavy, dark subject.
There are some ‘pearls of wisdom’ scattered through the latter part of the book, which are worth remembering.

“The Lost Melody” by Joanna Davidson Politano BOOK REVIEW

This has been my first book by Ms. Politano and it certainly won’t be my last. I absolutely loved how prominent the faith elements in this book were and the story as a whole truly spoke to my soul❤️

The main theme of this book was about following God’s plan for your life even when it doesn’t quite make sense to you. The way Vivienne grappled with her circumstances within the asylum, yet persevered and trusted the Lord’s timing, was so inspiring to me. I also loved how music played a prominent role throughout the story. The narrative as a whole reminded me of a quote by Henry David Thoreau that states: "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."

I have to admit, this book was much deeper and more gruesome than I was expecting, which made it difficult to read at times, but it was very informational about the mistreatment many asylum patients experienced throughout history. Although it was heavy at times, I feel that “The Lost Melody” is a story that anyone who enjoys Christian fiction would benefit from reading as it has a very deep central Christian message.

4.5🌟

The Lost Melody was a book which could have been very dark, like a Thomas Hardy novel. His books always leave me depressed. There were certainly Gothic notes, but this book had enough undertones of hope and courage to leave the reader satisfied. It is about a young woman who is convinced she is mad and committed to an Asylum under a false name. Vivienne doesn’t even realize she has been sent there at first, and in the first chapters she is merely searching for someone who was sent to the asylum until it turns out she is, in fact, a patient.

Vivienne knows she’s not mad, but someone wants to make out she is. The longer she stays, the more she finds out there is something strange going on in the asylum. There are “secret” patients they deny the existence of someone is lying about the background of mysterious female patient, and one of the doctors seems to have a connection with her. A connection which he denies, and which he and others will apparently do anything to keep a secret.

Apart from being about the healing and encouraging impact of music, I think I would suggest the other theme of this book is judging by appearances. Vivienne (and others) dismisses many of those in the Hurstwell Asylum as mad or dangerous when they’re not. Many are just struggling with trauma or disability and don’t know how to express themselves. The author’s note also suggests that Victorian Ayslums were not what we think either: the majority of patients were male, not female. It seems like then, as now, mental illness was more common among men.

As Vivienne uncovers the secrets in Hurstwell, she learns that her light can shine even in the darkest of places, and her gift for music can make a difference to any lives even when she does not see its purpose. It also provides a valuable exploration of attitudes to disability, mental health, neurodiversity, and artistic expression. Some beliefs, especially about the former, still have not changed. There are still people who believe people with certain conditions such as PTSD are just bad and dangerous or are simply lazy and need to put effort in to “cure” themselves. Disabled people are still being judged and subject to discrimination now.
Why the slightly lower rating? A few of the usual issues with some language and details which weren’t quite right for the setting, but nothing that was too serious.

I would recommend this for everyone interested in Historical Fiction and clean Fiction with Inspirational overtones.

Thanks to Revell for approving my request for this title on Netgalley. This did not influence my review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Wow, where do I even start with such a book.
At first I was thrown a bit because nothing seemed to be adding up, but I believe it to have been an intentional confusion as in the last of the chapters all of the characters and mysteries start clicking into place for the grand finale. Dark, of course it was based off of 1800's asylums. But light was found.

Vivienne Mourdant is relieved when her father dies, knowing now she will finally be free of his control. Vivienne is a skilled concert pianist, but her father’s harsh lashes across her fingers and his constant bellowing will be no more. Finally, she can play and practice in peace. Unfortunately, her father has left her an unusual legacy… a mysterious ward who is a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. Vivienne’s curiosity gets the best of her when the officials at Hurstwell deny any knowledge of this ward, particularly since Vivienne has memories of a young woman who used to practice under her father’s tutelage. Can Vivienne uncover the secrets of Hurstwell Asylum or will she fall prey to her darkest fears instead?

I love how Joanna Davidson Politano weaves into the storyline both the harsh conditions of the asylum and the faith of the main character. Vivienne’s faith helps guide her while her musical abilities help bring solace to others in a stunningly good tale! It’s interesting to see how Vivienne’s musical talent is initially used against her to force her incarceration in the asylum and points out just how ridiculous some of the reasons used in the past to declare someone “insane” truly were.

Books that highlight tidbits of history always fascinate me and while most of THE LOST MELODY is fictional, the conditions of the asylum as well as the fact that music therapy was first practiced in asylums is factual. Joanna Davidson Politano has crafted a book that resonates with the reader on multiple levels as the music is as much a part of the story as the characters. Canon Frederick Harford is both a character in THE LOST MELODY and a true historical figure who helped bring music into both asylums and hospitals. Oh, I would love to read more about him and his work, even as I want to see more of the fictional character of Vivienne!

I love everything about THE LOST MELODY! Joanna Davidson Politano perfectly balances faith amongst the very dark backdrop of an asylum to write a beautiful tale full of struggle and triumph. THE LOST MELODY is perhaps my favorite book of 2022 and I’m so thrilled to see that some of the minor characters are featured in other books as I can’t wait to explore their stories!

Review is in the editing queue at Fresh Fiction

An incredibly gripping symphony of music and faith, The Lost Melody held me in thrall from its darkly dramatic beginning to its gentle, hopeful finish.

"Music opens up what we once believed lost.”

This book is unlike anything I usually read with its highly unromantic setting of a lunatic asylum and its emotionally broken characters. But having read and enjoyed a couple of Ms. Politano’s works in the past, I was enticed to give this one a try and I don’t regret immersing myself in this highly original story one bit.

Ms. Politano has an unparalleled talent for interweaving music and scriptures into a story in a way that is authentic and intrinsic. Music and scriptures are the means by which Vivienne proved her identity, survived her ordeal and fulfilled her mission to save many lives. They also brought her true friendship and the unexpected promise of love.

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

The images Ms. Politano painted about the situations of several patients in the asylum were quite stark, woeful, and sometimes downright scary. The abuse Vivienne suffered enraged me at times and ensured that I’d root for her to gain her freedom. I don’t know how anyone who read this book wouldn’t be affected by her, Bridget, Dr. Turner, Violet, Otto, Anna, Philippe, Rose, and many others.

The spotlight on mental health in the distant past is enlightening and at the same time disheartening in the sense that we still don’t have a full understanding of it in the present.

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

If I have any cavil at all, it’s the insignificant presence of romance in the story. It’s there but not central to the plot and there’s a happy-for-now ending. Both combined barely meet the requirements to be considered part of the genre. I’ll say this is Christian Fiction with Romantic Elements rather than straight-up Christian Romance.

"What people say about closed doors is true. If the way is barred to you, simply find an open window to go through instead.”

This book thoroughly engaged me. It made me feel and think. I recommend reading it in one sitting with lights ablaze.

I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. It was absolutely incredible. Ms. Politano has written many novels, but I believe this one is her best yet! This book is a excellently researched, and it is clear that she has a true understanding of the Victorian era, and the social mores that governed women's lives during that time. Wonderful, captivating writing and original plot gives this novel the depth and ability to pull in any reader. I highly recommend this author and all of her other books I have read have been nothing less than fantastic. She is definitely an auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait to own this novel in print.

Concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant wakes up at Hurstwell Asylum. Those around her inform her she is a patient. At first, she does not know why she is there or how she got there. Slowly, the memories come back, and she recalls the chain of events that led her to the asylum in the first place. At least, this is what she thinks happened.

Upon her father’s death, Vivienne is left in charge of her father’s ward. She has vague memories. Of who this person might be, but as with so much up in this novel, things are not at all what they seem to be.

Vivienne seems to hear music that no one else does and sees things that no one else can see. Has she finally succumbed to her surroundings or is there something much bigger at play here? Is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust?

This is my first novel by Joanna Davidson Politano, and it will not be my last. There were so many twists and turns in this novel. Just when I thought I finally had a handle on what was happening in the story and where things were going, the author threw in another twist that had me wondering what was going to happen next.

Although this is a somewhat dark novel given the setting and content, I truly enjoyed everything about it. The main character, the references to classical music, the trials faced by the characters, and how faith in God played such an important part in this story.

I voluntarily received a copy of the is book from Revell. All views are my honest opinion.

Politano creates another fantastic story with an undercurrent of foreboding, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, a forbidden romance, and a heroine who is determined to find her path through it all. Vivienne, a woman besieged by the men in her life, must unravel the circumstances that led her to Hurstwell Asylum and discover the truth regarding a figure from her childhood who may be trapped there. She meets an interesting array of characters along the way who either propel or prevent her from obtaining the answers she desires. Perhaps the most surprising thing to Vivienne is the way she begins to see the patients themselves and how perhaps, the mysterious magic of music can be a balm to us all.

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano was quite the journey. I felt so many emotions as I read as this Christian womens fiction novel. Filled with incredible descriptions of music and light, this book takes place in one of the hardest settings in history: an asylum. As Vivienne digs into the mysteries of Hurstwell Asylum, she unknowingly unearths secrets that will test her faith and strength in unexpected ways. I enjoyed the many well-developed characters that filled this story. From Vivienne with her kind heart to the asylum patients with their varied histories, the cast in this book was perhaps my favorite part of the story. I also appreciated how music was woven into the narrative. It helped lighten the heavy topics that this book grapples with and provided hope. If you enjoy historical fiction novels filled with growth and themes of faith, this book was a great read and worth adding to your TBR.

*Thank you to Joanna Davidson Palitano and Revell Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

What an amazingly powerful book. Joanna’s words are always so beautiful that, even when presented in an asylum, they shine with amazing beauty and grace and love. Simplicity and complexity mingling together. I always go into her books knowing that there will be moments where I am gobsmacked by the messages it contains. “Wash her feet” is something that will stick with me. Not for it’s literal meaning, but for a larger one… to tend to those who need it. And we all need it.

You cannot walk into this book and expect it to be a typical story about an asylum. Nor can you expect to not feel the emotions of Vivienne throughout. I felt as if I was there with her, crying out for someone to know me… and for God to not leave me in the dark. And when I listened close enough to the words Joanna wrote, I could hear the music behind them, like the best musical score of any movie… not the big sweeping musical numbers that define the action or impending trouble… but the soft music that you almost tune out in the quiet scenes.

And I was right… I do want to play my piano again, so it’s time to get that tuned.

After her father's death, Vivienne, a young pianist finally has the ability to choose what comes next in her future. Her heart's desire is to make a difference in the lives of women who've been abused and neglected. She expects a proposal from her best friend from childhood, but a mystery unfolds first. Receipts made to an asylum, indicating the care of a ward there, whom she knows nothing about. Her curiosity will get the better of her.

Enter into the story of a woman who is simply looking for answers, but will find herself in a heap more trouble than she ever imagined. Your toes will curl, you will feel indignant and you'll discover how she finds friendship in the unlikeliest of places. Her story will challenge you to find your purpose and calling exactly where you are.

Another beautiful, mysterious story from Joanna Politano that you will enjoy!

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.