About The Lost Encore: A Novel
This historical romance embodies family memoirs and chronicles the journeys of the Konrad family through the life of Angele. Her love for singing classical numbers makes the novel a delightful find for any reader who recognizes the arias named or is curious about what a professional singing career entails. In addition, the detailed portrayals of various cultural markers or religious denominations—such as the Mennonites with their languages, customary habits and tastes, and common personality traits—are intriguing. Lastly, the novel also endeavors to capture the reality of grief over the death of a loved one, causing the reader to meditate on how one mourns over time and how one rises from life altering challenges.
Introducing Doreen Mierau
Born in Saskatchewan, Doreen Mierau grew up on a farm west of Saskatoon. She has spent twenty-five years writing newspaper columns, news, song lyrics, poetry, historical articles, and scripts for western Canadian publications. A mother of three and grandmother of seven, she lives in Gretna, Manitoba with her husband Ray. This is her first work of fiction.
What Readers are Saying
“As I was pulled deeper and deeper into the life of Angele I realized there was much more to this life story than I could have imagined. Bravo!! What an impressive & thought provoking story.”
“I really enjoyed this first novel. I was immediately drawn into this story of loss, love and the intricacies of a close knit family. It was easy to visualize the characters as they moved from childhood through adulthood – this is truly a portrait of a life well lived with the mountain top moments and the very real struggles that make characters really come alive. This is a story of faith, family, and music that many readers will enjoy and relate to. I was sad to turn the last page.”
“For a really good reading experience I recommend this book … The author has put much research into this book … It is a wonderful work of fiction … If music plays an important part in your life you will become totally engaged.”
“It’s so enjoyable – will be reading it a 2nd time!”
“I will be up all night finishing it! It’s a wonderful story and I’m enjoying it so much!”
“Sounds amazingly wonderful. Can’t wait to read it.”
“I really enjoyed this book. It’s a well-written love story that takes you through the life and challenges of a professional singer. Really worth reading!!”
“When I’m reading it’s like you’re telling the story to me in my home. The character of Angele is so overwhelming for me, because of the deep feelings about music and all the things she is coming through are almost the same as I’m thinking and feeling – very emotional for Angele and also very emotional now for me.”
“ … I finished reading your novel. I am so glad that you wrote it, such a worthwhile and well-written book. I found it compelling, and especially beautiful in the way you treated the subject of grief.”
“What a wonderful read – I look forward to your next novel.”
“Just finished reading ‘The Lost Encore’ by Doreen Mierau. Don’t want to give anything away, so all I can say is ‘Oh, my goodness!!!!’”
“Just started it today and can’t put it down … am really enjoying it!”
“I am enjoying your book. I’m blown away by your talent!”
From Local Media
“The Lost Encore by Doreen Mierau tells the story of a young girl and how she handles a tragic loss in her life. Spanning over her childhood and into her adulthood the story follows her and her family through the many challenges they face. The one constant in her life is her music and the joy and solace it brings her.
This historical romance also deals with concepts of faith and healing from grief, and shows how the main character grows over time. The reviewer enjoyed the book immensely and recommends it to others. ”
“At the core of the book is the Konrad family’s struggle with faith and forgiveness as they deal with grief. It’s also a story about how music can cause one to rise above incredible pain.”