
Searching for a story to adapt for film, an aspiring screenwriter becomes captivated by a bestselling classic novel and the mysterious disappearance of the woman who wrote it.
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.
My Review:
What a compelling dual timeline novel! And impossible to review because of the intricate details in both timelines and how they slowly weave together. So many ‘aha’ moments as the story progresses. So many twists and turns and the most infuriating character that kept me seething all the way through!
If you are looking for a complex, atmospheric novel with shades of suspense and rich characterization that makes an emotional impact, then ‘The Story of Via Belle’ is definitely the read for you!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
US – ebook
Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice
International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account
If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Lost Story of Via Belle, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 1 2026.
Wow! This certainly sounds intriguing!
Connie
cps1950ATgmailDOTcom
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It’s soooooo gooooooooddddd!!!! 🙂 Good luck, Connie!
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Sounds like a book that really makes you think. Love it.
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Lots of great story layers. Good luck, Kim!
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I think this is Melanie’s best novel so far. You are so right about the twists and turns. What a grand adventure. No need to put my name in the hat. I just had to give a shout-out. I Loved this book.
Nora finding hope yahoo
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Thants’ for sharing the book love, Nora. You might be right about this being her best novel to date….though I visited her website recently and realize that I’ve missed a number of her books so I guess I have some catch up reading in my future. Happy Reading, Nora!
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I loved this story! This was my first Melanie Dobson book and now I’m looking for more! My copy is on my keeper shelf😊
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Oh wow, what an introduction to her storytelling! I’ll be looking for reads from her backlist too. Happy Reading, Sandy!
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Definitely want to read this one!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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Good luck, Kimmy!
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Melanie’s novels are exquisite!
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
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Yes they are! Good luck, Caryl!
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I love Melanie so much! Her books are the best!
sarahdar0801ATgmailDOTcom
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Good luck, Sarah!
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I’ve been hearing some really great things about this one! I’m really looking forward to reading it. Thanks for sharing your review!
dmandres5 at gmail dot com
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You’re welcome, Melissa. Good luck!
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I’ve been hearing some really great things about this one! Im looking forward to reading it. Thank you for sharing your review.
dmandres5 at gmail dot com
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This certainly sounds like a gripping read! Melanie Dobson is such an awesome writer! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book, Kav!
Alison Boss
nj(dot)bossman(at))gmail(dot)com
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It’s an amazing story. Good luck, Alison!
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Dual time line and Melanie Dobson what’s not to love. On my wish list. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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Good luck, Lucy!
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i love dual timelines this one sounds interesting. Thanks for the chance.
tighefan42atgmaildotcom
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You’re welcome, Tammy. Good luck!
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I’m a big fan of Melanie Dobson’s books. She does the dual timeline so well.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
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She is a dual timeline pro! Good luck, Pam!
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This does sound intriguing. I haven’t actually ran a good read a good dual timeline novel in a while now.
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’read’ not ran!
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🙂 I know what you meant. Here’s a great place to jump back into a dual timeline story. I’ve been reading a lot of them lately. Good luck, Patty!
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This one is already on my most anticipated reading list! The cover is gorgeous to boot! I love dual-timelines ❤
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
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I’ve been enjoying a lot of Dual timelines lately. Good luck, Trixi!
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