This is an interesting and difficult book to read. The intrigue and mystery of a patient left to Vivienne's care- it takes a deep plunge. Vivienne is thrust into the dark underworld of an assylm. Be forewarned, some things are very difficult to read. The biggest thing I took away from this book is hope. Vivienne became a light to those in dark places. May we do the same.
A definite must read! ( )

I enjoy historical fiction with a mystery twist. When this book came up on LibraryThing Early Reviewers, I asked to read and review this. I was so pleased to win this book. The book is an historical Christian Fiction. It is very well written and kept my interest from the beginning. The main character was very well written. The story itself hauntingly beautiful. I enjoyed the book and give it a solid 4 out of 5 star review. I would recommend this book to any who like historical fiction, especially a clean, Christian-no preachy, story. I was given this book to read and review. This review is fully my own and freely given.

Joanna Davidson Politano is truly an exceptional story teller. I have never been disappointed by anything she's written. The Lost Melody is testament to her exceptional talent. This is a very moody text. It's both dark and creepy, sending readers to a Victorian era insane asylum. You will be able to vividly picture those dark, dreary hallways and hear the mysterious music that plays unexpectedly. The characters in this story are unique, well developed and relatable. This novel is not fast paced, but I was engrossed in the plotline through to the end. I highly recommend this to historical fiction fans, especially if you crave something a little more moody.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own. ( )

I was happy to receive a copy of The Lost Melody from NetGalley. I have come to rely on Joanna Davidson Politano to deliver a delicious combination of likable characters, mystery, and Christianity with a gothic feel. The Lost Melody exceeded my expectations. I actually stopped reading it at night, and finished the next day because it was scary. Yeah, I can be a big baby.

Vivienne Mourdant lives and breathes music. It moves through her and she hears tunes in her head. She thinks in music and describes people using music. After a very unhappy childhood due to her very mean father, Vivienne isn't sure how to live after he dies. Upon his death, she learns that she has inherited a ward who lives in an asylum. But no one can seem to find who it is. The asylum denies any knowledge of any person connected to Vinienne's family. Vivienne must search for the mysterious ward without becoming an asylum inmate herself.

I enjoyed reading this novel very much. I loved Vivienne's character. Despite her upbringing, she is a strong woman who is dependent on God. The author takes us to a very dark area of the world, but reminds the reader that God's light shines in the darkest of places. I can't say much more without giving away key plot twists, but I recommend anyone who likes Christian fiction to read this book. ( )

Music has always been intertwined in Vivienne's life for as long as she can remember. Music is what has helped her survive her father's abuse and her mother's death. However, Vivienne never expected music to save her sanity or the sanity of others. When Vivienne is mistakenly admitted to an asylum as a patient, she will need to rely on her music more than ever to not only keep her sanity, but to survive. Something is amiss in the Hurstwell Asylum, if only Vivienne can let her music, faith, and love guide her to safety...Vivienne may discover that she has other talents beyond music to share with the world.

This was a very interesting book that had many turns I was not expecting! Thank you LibraryThing for the Early Reviewers copy!
It was a very interesting story and I loved the history of the asylums & the plight of its' inhabitants that was threaded into the narrative. ( )