The Lost Story of Via Belle
This is an awesome read from award-winning author Melanie Dobson, known for historical fiction. What’s unique about this book is its dual timeline, which slowly weaves two stories together.
Oliva Belle, aka Via Belle, was a successful romance author in the 1940s. While she and her aunt depend on her author income, she’s struggled to find a new story since her beloved husband’s passing. Then, after agreeing to speak at a writing conference and meeting a charming professor, her muse returns. She’s not only back to writing another best-selling novel but falling for the man who sparked the inspiration.
Moving forward in time, Harper Rayne struggles to get her screenplay into the hands of a director. When she’s humiliated in a pitch, she escapes back to her roots, visiting the small Pennsylvania town she remembers fondly from her youth. It was there that her mother introduced her to the novels of Via Belle. It’s also the home where the author lived. That is, until she mysteriously disappeared.
This story effectively weaves together themes of family, inspiration, history, and mystery. It takes the reader on a beautiful journey to the past, as Harper devotes herself to learning everything about the author and why she was so beloved by her mother. It strikes the perfect balance between the past and present, with both protagonists on a mission to right wrongs and follow their God-given purpose in life.
Melanie, the author of this book, excels in her historical execution, bringing Oliva’s world to life with vivid details, imagery, and elegance.
The first third of the book is a sweet telling of the women’s lives and backstories, unfolding at a leisurely pace. Olivia is fulfilling her promise to her aunt and keeping her husband alive as she speaks with him and continues to lean on his memory for guidance. Harper, on the other hand, turns to her departed mother for inspiration and direction, which leads her to forge new friendships with neighbors determined to help find the answers she seeks, and ultimately the family she longs for.
Then a surprise unfolds in the last two-thirds of the book when the tone shifts to include elements of suspense, including one surprise after another. Harper pursues her mission to resolve Olivia’s disappearance, alternating with the historical account of what truly happened that fateful year and the mystery’s impetus.
This book has a little bit of everything, including celebrating women and their artistic abilities—even when the masses didn’t fully embrace it. If you enjoy a good book that will keep you glued to your reading chair, The Lost Story of Via Belle is for you!
Book and Image Courtesy of Tyndale House and NetGalley
