The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson

 

1940. Via Belle’s sweet romance novels made readers believe in happily ever after. But Via’s reality was much more complicated. While her first husband was alive, her creativity thrived in a beautiful stone estate situated above a pristine lake and moonflower garden. After his tragic death and a whirlwind second marriage shrouded in secrets, Via vanished from public life, leaving behind a shadow of scandal . . . and her final story.

2006. Screenwriter Harper Rayne is desperate for a breakthrough, if only she can find the right story to tell. But when she digs into the life of her late mother’s favorite novelist, she never expects it to become personal. Drawn to the quaint Pennsylvania town where both her mother and Via once lived, Harper discovers more than a mystery to solve—she finds echoes of her own longing for love, healing, and home. As long-buried secrets come to light, Harper must decide if she’ll protect the past or rewrite this particular ending.

Described as a “powerhouse in dual-timeline Christian fiction” (Library Journal), Melanie Dobson delivers another rich, atmospheric novel about the legacy of sacrificial love and the redemptive power of truth.

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About The Author

 

Writing fiction is Melanie Dobson's excuse to explore abandoned houses, travel to unique places, and spend hours reading old books and journals. The award-winning author of almost thirty books, Melanie enjoys stitching together both time-slip and historical stories including The Wings of Poppy Pendleton, The Winter Rose, Catching the Wind, Memories of Glass, and the Legacy of Love series. Five of her novels have received a Carol Award, Catching the Wind's audiobook won the 2018 Audie for Inspirational Novel, and The Black Cloister was ForeWord's Book of the Year for Religious Fiction.

Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon's work, the Dobson family has finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing, she enjoys exploring dusty back roads, dancing, and reading stories with her girls.

More information about Melanie and her books is available on her author website.

 

My Review

 A dual time read, 1940 and 2006, that the author has messed together perfectly!
There is a lot going on here, with crime that is hidden, but hurting so many. There is some sweet romance, and some very deep caring characters given to us.
This quickly became a page turner, I needed answers, and we get them, along with a great epilogue!
Yes, I recommend this historical Christian read to get lost in! I will warn you, you will be holding your breath as danger approaches, and with people you quickly care about making the wrong decisions!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.