The Lost Story of Via Belle

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 her own life was far more complicated. While her first husband was alive, her creativity thrived in a beautiful stone estate overlooking 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. When she begins researching her late mother’s favorite novelist, she never expects the project to become personal. Drawn to the quaint Pennsylvania town where both her mother and Via once lived, Harper discovers more than just 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 whether to 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.

Standalone dual-timeline historical mystery filled with drama, faith, and intrigue Clean, suspenseful historical fiction, perfect for fans of Susan Meissner, Lisa Wingate, and Patti Callahan Henry Includes discussion questions for book groups

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Chapter 1
4. Chapter 2
5. Chapter 3
6. Chapter 4
7. Chapter 5
8. Chapter 6
9. Chapter 7
10. Chapter 8
11. Chapter 9
12. Chapter 10
13. Chapter 11
14. Chapter 12
15. Chapter 13
16. Chapter 14
17. Chapter 15
18. Chapter 16
19. Chapter 17
20. Chapter 18
21. Chapter 19
22. Chapter 20
23. Chapter 21
24. Chapter 22
25. Chapter 23
26. Chapter 24
27. Chapter 25
28. Chapter 26
29. Chapter 27
30. Chapter 28
31. Chapter 29
32. Chapter 30
33. Chapter 31
34. Chapter 32
35. Chapter 33
36. Chapter 34
37. Chapter 35
38. Chapter 36
39. Chapter 37
40. Chapter 38
41. Chapter 39
42. Chapter 40
43. Chapter 41
44. Epilogue
45. Closing Credits