"One day in late May of the year 1886, I found myself imprisoned in the Hurstwell Pauper Lunatic Asylum. This was unconscionable - I had never been a pauper."
From line one, I needed to know more about Vivienne Mourdant.
The Lost Melody, by Joanna Davidson Politano, is a mystery, a romance, and a musical suite, all set in a tale of friendship, artistry, and healing in unexpected places.
Vivienne is a concert pianist with music in her soul. She interprets the world and those in it through melodies and harmonies. After the death of her father, she's given care of a mysterious ward - a woman locked in the Hurstwell Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Vivienne has never hard of this ward, but her picture looks like a woman she remembers from her childhood dreams. The asylum claim they've never heard of the unknown woman, which launches Vivienne on a search, which leads to our captivating opening line.
I was hooked on The Lost Melody! Even before reading more about Joanna, I knew she had to be a musician. The way she writes about music, the way Vivienne sonically interprets the world, could only be written by a musician. The plot keep me turning the pages. The historical setting was visceral and uncomfortable, in all the best ways. And I loved every character - their backstories gave depth and humanity to both the heroes and the villains.
I won't give any spoilers but make sure you read the Author's Note at the end of the book. Like all great historical fiction, The Lost Melody features a fascinating piece of real life history woven into its pages.
I highly recommend The Lost Melody!
Please enjoy this captivating novel,
and then enjoy some of the fun bonuses Joanna has created online...
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH3jiAa-UU9h6NKEcx2UaadEcJaYaCglY
Her website has an interesting blog and a free book if you sign up for her newsletter. You can find it all here:
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
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