Welcome to First Line Friday!
Today I’m featuring

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano.

When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant’s father dies, he leaves to her the care of an adult ward she knew nothing about. The woman is supposedly a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. The woman’s portrait is shockingly familiar to Vivienne, so 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?

Fan-favorite 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.

From Goodreads

Author Information

Discover more information about Joanna Davidson Politano at: jdpstories.com.

First Line

[Graphic Text]: Hurstwell Asylum ~ One day in late May of the year 1886, I found myself imprisoned in the Hurstwell Pauper Lunatic Asylum.

My Review

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

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The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano is a hauntingly emotional story that allows the light of hope to filter through.

I loved this story. It’s beautiful and touching and … I don’t have quite the words to describe it. This is a dark story, but there is a sweetness wrapped in the words. Although it had a slightly slow beginning, once it gripped me, it wouldn’t let go.

This story explores mental health issues, especially those facing women, as well as the dark side of asylums of the past. It also explores the healing power of music and the origins of music therapy. I loved seeing these two topics woven together. One of my passions is bettering women’s mental health and seeing the struggles of some of the characters brought tears to my eyes. I would add a trigger warning that this topic could be difficult for some.

If you’re looking for a haunting historical romance that will pull you into its depths, then definitely read The Lost Melody. It’s one of my favorite books of the year.

Retail Links

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Now it’s your turn.
Pull out the book beside you and leave a comment with the first line.

First Line Friday is hosted by Reading is my Super Power.

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