This is a breathtaking look into Victorian country asylums and the origins of music therapy. Sounds dull and dreary, but in the gifted hands of author JDP, this book is a revelation. It’s ugly and heartbreaking, but also beautiful and romantic. I won’t give specific details because reading this book is a whole emotional journey that must be experienced.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

“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 makes 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.

The first part of this book is deeply upsetting, following the path of a woman incarcerated unjustly in a Victorian asylum. What follows is wonderful, that even in places with an oppressive regime, a spark of humanity and kindness can be transformative. The book develops several themes from there. It is almost lyrical with its description of how music is a common language that can lift the soul. It sees all people, no matter how broken as having value and dignity. It is a Christian novel, not that it attempts to preach, but portrays in a great way how God can meet us in our darkest moments and give meaning and purpose to our suffering. It is worth getting beyond the first chapters and staying with the book to the end, as it is warm, appreciative and transformative. An excellent read

This was beautifully written and hard to put down. As always, it is obvious that this author has thoroughly researched the subjects she writes about and is committed to telling a story with both depth and heart. The story begins with a gothic flare as Vivienne finds she has been committed to a remote pauper's asylum for the mentally ill, under a false name and with no recollection of how she got there. As the details of her arrival unravel, the story takes a turn and becomes a more touching tale of a privileged young woman who develops empathy and compassion for the less fortunate and the mentally ill. While caring for, befriending, and even depending on the other patients to help her investigate the cause of her circumstances, she discovers the brutality and neglect that patients endure in the asylum and becomes determined to improve their circumstances. Vivienne's passion for music is woven throughout the story and is a significant part of the finale. I was most pleasantly surprised to see appearances from the characters in her last novel, A Midnight Dance, near the end. I would highly recommend this book.

“Lyrical prose” is a phrase meant for Joanna Davidson Politano’s writing. The Lost Melody drew me in from the first pages with its characters, setting, and story. This one is inevitably a darker story, considering its setting in a Victorian asylum, but it is certainly not without hope and love. I especially enjoyed the connections to my favorite book of Politano’s, A Midnight Dance—it was an absolute delight to see some of those familiar characters! If you enjoy entrancing historical fiction with threads of romance and faith, this is the book for you. 4/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a beautiful historical story that dealt with asylums and music and being the light of the world. This one felt a bit Jaime-Jo-Wright-esque in the setting and some of the characters, and I couldn't help but want to see what would happen next. This book follows Vivienne Mourdant, a concert pianist. When her father dies, she learns he has a ward who's been tucked away at an asylum. With funds running short and concerts drying up for her time of mourning, she takes a job as an aid at the asylum in order to learn more about this ward, but ends up delving so much deeper into the realm of Hurstwell asylum.

While I tend to prefer plot-driven novels over character-driven novels, this character-driven novel still sucked me in fully and had me fully engrossed in the setting. There was still a mystery plot-line that had me anxiously turning pages to see how things would turn out, but I was fully entrenched in Vivienne's world. There was a solid faith thread as God's light was needed to shine in the darkness and that was a prominent theme - and such an important one for that dark place. This book also introduced the history of music therapy. As a person whose degree is in Psychology and who minored in music, this book was right up my alley. Musicians will especially enjoy this one due to the strong focus on music throughout. And of course there was a strong character development as Vivienne learns to go where God is leading and Dr. Turner learns to let go of things past. With all of these elements, this book was one that had something for everyone and it's one I'd definitely recommend!

Special thanks to Revell and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

This novel gripped me from the very first sentence. I couldn't put it down until I got to the end and finally knew what was happening! Politano has a gift for wrapping up the gospel in an intriguing story that you can share with friends who don't profess to have a relationship with Jesus. Plus I loved the cameo from beloved characters from one of her previous novels! Sign me up for anything Joanna Davidson Politano writes!

Joanna Davidson Politano’s The Lost Melody was very nearly a chiller, definitely a mystery, but really an exquisitely disturbing Victorian-age suspense. In many ways it reminded me of Simon Winchester’s The Professor and the Madman.

The plot begins when concert pianist, Vivienne Mourdant's abusive father dies and leaves her with debt and an unknown ward he has financially supported at the Hurstwell Asylum. Vivienne, finally free from her bondage, has a lofty ideal of helping other victims of abuse, but nothing tangible to make this happen other than being convinced music plays a role in their healing.

At the advice of a stranger, she sets out to discover the mystery of the secret ward of Hurstwell Asylum by securing a job there.

The story’s unsettling events caused me to doubt the sanity of nearly every person in the asylum—protagonist, patients, and staff included. With as many twists and turns as the eerie asylum, I was left guessing who was real and what was truly going on at this institution.

The story reminded me of my first visit to the Holocaust Museum. About halfway through the tour I became overwhelmed and turned back. Except the museum was skillfully designed in such a way that one cannot go back—they can only go forward. I became so lost, a staff member had to put me back on the path to move forward.

Like my voyage through the museum, pushing through to read the end of this book was worth every goosebump and tear. And be the better for it.

I recommend this book but recommend not reading at night. (HaHa)

I received an eBook copy of #TheLostMelody from Revell through #NetGalley for my honest review.

The Lost Melody is my new favorite that I have read by Joanna Davidson Politano. I thought it was great and am giving five stars.

Well, I think it's safe to say I'm obsessed with this book! Last year, Joanna Davison Politano's A Midnight Dance was one of my favorite reads of the year—it was a captivating story,,,beautifully written...with poignant, powerful themes. And The Lost Melody is no different! I was enthralled right from the beginning and moved to tears multiple times. Vivienne's character growth and emotional journey were especially soul-stirring and overall, it's just a completely gripping story with moments of humor and a thread of romance, to boot. I absolutely loved it—definitely one for the keeper shelf!

"Things were different than I'd envisioned for my life, but I'd let circumstances paralyze me for too long when before they had always mobilized me. Inspired me to act. My heart still wished to pursue normalcy, freedom, and my idealized set of circumstances, but this was my locked larder now, and merely enduring it would be a waste of life and heart."

If one's soul can burst forth in song, then mine did when I read those words by Joanna Davidson Politano. I never thought how much I would empathize with her character Vivienne Mourdant. My life changed so much last year due to illness. Like Vivienne, I had no control over my own life. I had to let go and trust that God had a plan. The author has renewed my spirit more than she knows.

Joanna has masterfully given life to those who had no voice and has captured the essentials of the human soul. The story and its characters are so perfectly thought out and well developed that you will be hard-pressed to believe you are not a patient of Hurstwell yourself. Her cast of characters is unique and varied, each with a story to tell that will tug at your heartstrings. It is as if the author stepped inside an asylum and lingered there watching while she told this story.

And what a story it was! The conflicts and struggles of patients kept in asylums during the Victorian Age are brought to life in this gripping novel. From the beginning, you will feel the battle Vivienne goes through. You will experience her despair and frustration. The author brilliantly catapults the reader into the maddening darkness of an asylum and leads us to find God's light. You will be inspired, encouraged and moved to remember that God always has a plan, even when you are in the darkest of places.

I cannot recommend this book enough!

I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

After the death of her controlling, tyrannical father, acclaimed concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant is shocked to discover that, in addition to gaining her freedom, she’s also gained financial responsibility for a ward of her father’s. This mysterious woman, whose portrait Vivienne immediately recognizes from vague childhood memories, has been a patient at Hurstwell Asylum for many years. Yet when Vivienne inquires about her, the asylum insists she does not exist and never has.

Undaunted, Vivienne decides to take a position as a nurse’s aid at the asylum to try and discover the truth. She’s immediately drawn into the deplorable conditions of life in a mental health institution in the Victorian era, and things take a turn for the worse when her own situation at the shadowy asylum becomes precarious. Is there anyone she can trust, and will she ever discover the truth about Rose?

All in all, this was too melodramatic and overly gothic for my taste, with characters acting in an irritating manner that had me rolling my eyes and feeling frustrated. And life in an asylum, particularly the mistreatment of those needing to be helped, is not my first choice of subject matter. It was clearly well-researched and Politano is a good, if somewhat overblown, writer, but not really my cup of tea.

Joanna Davidson Poliatano has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her writing is lyrical and deeply layered, the notes of which reverberate through me long after I have finished reading. The Lost Melody is brilliantly written, with a melody all its own, it is the type of story that will softly sink deep down and pierce your soul, leaving you changed and blessed for having read it.

I loved the references to music theory and how each character had a "musical" personality. There were even some characters from a previous novel (I won't spoil which ones) that played a role in The Lost Melody. At times, this story was a little dark, broody and mysterious, like the low notes of a bassoon, and there were some interesting plot twists that I did not see coming. Themes of being who God called us to be, letting go and letting God be in control as well as our wonderful freedom in Jesus ran throughout the book.

I have been battling anxiety for a very long time, almost two decades, and I have to be honest, the first movement of this book were very hard for me to read. I am very glad for my supportive family and the strides we have made in mental health, as I could clearly identify with the struggles of the patients at Hurstwell. This quote spoke to volumes to me..."Perhaps it's time you quit choosing the darkness--quit lingering there. Whatever you believe you're paying penance for, it's costing you--and the people who need you--more than was ever intended." Oft times it is easier to just stay stuck in the darkness, but I appreciated the encouragement to look for, and choose to be the light.

I highly recommend reading anything by Joanna Davidson Politano. I can hardly wait to read what she writes next.

Thank you Revell and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be my last. This book was bloody brilliant. I love books with dark undertones and so a book that is set in an asylum was right up my street, I even found some aylum reading ambiance sounds which I would highly recommend doing when reading this book. It was dark and chilling with creepy undertones. I was gripped right from the start and couldn't stop reading.

4.5 STARS

Goodness, what a ride this book was! As always, Joanna Davidson Politano's writing blew me away. She's a favorite author of mine for a reason--her prose is so enchanting, her spiritual themes front and center.

I'll admit, the beginning of this one had me worried because of the asylum setting. It is, of necessity, creepy and chafing. I'm not one to seek out psychological thrillers in book or movie form, but as I got farther into the story, I was engrossed and could see WHY the darkness had to be described so well--so the LIGHT could be clearly seen.

The author executed the theme of serving God exactly where He has placed you magnificently. Honestly, I'll be thinking about this one for some time. That's what draws me to this author's novels--I can see touches of God's Word throughout the entire story. I LOVED the comparison with Paul the apostle.

If you start this one and think it's a little too heavy for you, I urge you to keep reading. It truly is worth moving through the dark to get to the light. Light will always triumph.

This story was ok but I am glad I finished it.
At times it was a bit confusing but as I read on I began to put the pieces together.
In the end I did enjoy it because it involved music, mystery and mayhem.
The author has done her research well and has given us an inside look at how an asylum might be.
Those poor poor souls! My heart really went out to them. What a depressing place.
At times, I'm not even sure why some of those people were even in there.
This was a hard read and there were places that I definitely wanted to cry because I just couldn't imagine being in a place like that and for no reason. It's like certain families wanted them out of the way because of how they were.
Politano did put God in all the right places however and I was glad for that because I don't think Vivienne would have gotten through her life's journey if she didn't have Him.
Music soothes the soul in most cases I know it does mine. I do t know what I'd do without it.
Im going to be honest though the cover of the book is what drew me to read this book and the author. I like Politano's stories. She's a wonderful writer and I like them because she writes about flawed people and places that seem realistic.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano features another story in an Asylum. Currently,
this has become quite a trend for novels. The plot features a woman that was on a mission to
discover her latest gifted ward, but instead, her life turns upside down when she becomes a
patient herself at Hurstwell Asylum. Using the joy of music, Politano shows how music can
soothe the savage beast and bring “crazy” people out of their madness for a little bit of a dose of
reality. The story was magically crafted, filled with many turns and twists as the heroine tries to
discover what is really going on and adventuring through the entire property of the Asylum. Not
really much about any romance. Shows the horrors of what these asylums and how women are
treated. I enjoyed the story and enjoyed spending time in the pages of this novel. If readers are
interested in this idea, they could pick up Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli and The
Bright Unknown by Elizabeth Byler Younts.

I received a complimentary copy of The Lost Melody by JoAnna Davidson Politano from Revell
Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.