The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano

 

This book is not one that you can read quickly.  For me, it was a struggle to get through.  That’s not to say I didn’t like it, it just isn’t what I’m usually drawn to.  The subject matter is not happy. This isn’t a “feel good” kind of book.  It took me several chapters to become engaged with the story. 

The author has obviously researched the subject of mental health in the Victorian age.  The sadness and darkness of the setting is occasionally brightened by the relationships of the various characters.  Many of the characters are known by multiple names that made it hard for me to follow.  It was a bit confusing.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant's father dies, he leaves to her the care of a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. Vivienne had no idea the woman existed, and yet her portrait is shockingly familiar. When the asylum claims she was never a patient there, Vivienne is compelled to discover what happened to the figure she remembers from childhood dreams.

The longer she lingers in the deep shadows and forgotten towers at Hurstwell, the fuzzier the line between sanity and madness becomes. She hears music no one else does, receives strange missives with rose petals between the pages, and untangles far more than is safe for her to know.

But can she uncover the truth about the mysterious woman she seeks? And is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust with her suspicions?

Joanna Davidson Politano casts a delightful spell with this lyrical look into the nature of women's independence and artistic expression during the Victorian era--and now.”

The intrigue and suspense of the story and the twists and turns of the plot will keep the readier interested and looking forward to the mystery being solved.

If you’re looking for a “feel good”  warm and cozy story, this is probably not for you. If you like books that are thought provoking and make you concentrate, then you might like this one. 

You can decide for yourself by going HERE to read an excerpt.

Learn more about the author HERE. 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Quilt for Christmas - a Christmas novella by Melody Carlson

 

 Thank you to Revell for sending me this book to review.  This is a story that makes you want to read it every year.  But besides being a wonderfully , heartwarming story, they sent a hardcover!  Double win!

While I can’t say this is strictly a Christian book,  it does touch on faith and Christian attributes like grace, forgiveness, acceptance and humility.  It is decidedly “clean” and uplifting.

The characters are very believable.  While each character has their own flaws and strengths, the one I found most enjoyable was little Fiona.  In an interview, the author called her an old soul.  She displays the wisdom of innocent youth.

This story is about relationships and newly formed friendships, the struggles of personal loss and economic hardships, and overcoming hurt and disappointments. And yes, a budding romance.

The dialog flows well, making it very easy to read and follow. By the end of the story, there will be strong friendships formed, spirits uplifted, and love found.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Cuddle up with this cozy story of giving and forgiving--with a little bit of romance

Christmas should be celebrated with family, but for Vera Swanson, that's not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one--until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help.

With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera's aid, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request--a Christmas quilt for Mama.

Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all. And she may even find herself a new family of friends along the way.”

                This is one of those stories you will want to keep on your bookshelf and read every year.

Read an excerpt HERE 

Learn more about the author, Melody Carlson, and her other books HERE 

 

 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham ~ a book review

 

Another great story by this author. I’ve read several of her novels and she always delivers! 

This one is a story about Hope and faith. Hope lost and then found, and the reliability of a strong faith. 

Norah is on the verge of losing her family farm.  Her only hope is to marry someone with the funds to save it.  Her engagement to Jake seems to be the answer to her problem.  Then she discovers an injured man, Quincy, and gives him shelter while she cares for his injuries.  At first, she doesn’t tell Jake but when she finally does, he calls off the engagement.  Quincy recovers and leaves still believing that Norah is marrying Jake.  His time spent with Norah has taught him much about faith and new beginnings and he promises her that he will make a new life for himself.  The author fast forwards us two years and much has transpired in those years. Quincy has made good on his promise and is now successful, however, Norah has not been as fortunate.  She has lost her farm and suffered in the meantime.

This is a story about betrayal and mistrust but also about hope, faith and second chances.  Norah finds strength when she doesn’t think she can and Quincy discovers that blessing others also blesses you.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“The strongest love is formed in the crucible of hardship

As Norah King surveys her family land in Iowa in 1880, she is acutely aware that it is all she has left, and she will do everything in her power to save it--even if that means marrying a man she hardly knows. Days before her wedding, Norah discovers an injured man on her property. Her sense of duty compels her to take him in and nurse him back to health. Little does she realize just how much this act of kindness will complicate her life and threaten the future she's planned.

Norah's care does more than aid Quincy Barnes's recovery--it awakens his heart to possibilities. Penniless and homeless, he knows the most honorable thing he can do is head on down the road and leave Norah to marry her intended. But walking away from the first person to believe in him proves much harder than he imagined.”

This is a Christian historical romance but it is not at all “preachey”.  There are moments of danger and suspense.  It will keep your interest to the very last page!

Read an excerpt HERE 

Learn more about Rachel Fordham and her other books HERE
 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”