THE LOST STORY OF VIA BELLE by MELANIE DOBSON is a beautifully written historical romance novel spanning two timelines that flow seemlessly into one another, with a strong Christian message of redemption. There is mystery and betrayal, and there are secrets which Harper Rayne, an aspiring young film writer, feels has something to do with her orphaned mother. She is fascinated with the novels of Via Belle which she and her mother used to read together. She goes to the small town of Catawba, where Via Belle lived and where her mother grew up in an orphanage, to house and cat sit for her mother’s best friend Marcia. Here she gets drawn into Via Belle’s story and wants to make a film about her life…….
Finn Sterling is in charge of Haven House and the Via Belle trust, and on his first meeting with Harper, who is trespassing on the property, he threatens to call the police……..
In 1940 we meet Via Belle, the popular author of wholesome Christian romance novels, who seems to have lost her ability to create since losing her beloved husband. She is invited to speak at Winfield College where she autographs one of her books for a young student called Izzy and meets Dr Simon Sparrow, both of whom are to play a part in her future. She regains her creativity and meets her deadline, writing many more novels unril she disappears………
There is drama, suspense, danger and intrigue as well as courage and healing in this beautiful and inspiring novel which I cannot recommend highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
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