#beneathhissilence #hannahlinder #netgalley

I loved this gothic romance, it was intriguing, mystery filled and adventurous. I didn't want to stop reading, it was that good. Definitely highly recommend this one!

I thought this book would the perfect read for Halloween, why I’m actually binging any Jane Eyre movie or series I have at home, and in part it was.
There are insanity, secrets, violent deaths, a misunderstood heroic hero, a damsel in need of a rescue, treason and lot of lies.
I liked Henry, he is more than the duties he rallies behind to explain his choices, he is a sweet soul who has made mistakes and had since paid for.
I can not say the same about Ella, her thoughts are clouded and oriented, she has a wretched view of the man from the beginning, never giving him the time of a day to think anything else than the worst of him, interpreting everything to fit her gloomy opinion that everyone of his actions are lacking. She reads malice or abuse where there is none just simply because it is the easiest thing to do instead to seeking forward and getting a real answer.

I understand her journey toward god was a parallel with her mistrust of the events having led to her sister’s demise, the more she unravels, the more she begins to believe. Yet I was unable to warm to her, her every actions only led to hurting Henry, putting Peter in danger and herself too.

After, I do think this book would be a great Minerva Press release, between the hero hiding a traumatic past and a tragedy, the villain lurking in the vicinity, the heroine impersonating someone she is not while digging for mud, then a mad chase, a kidnapping, some scoundrel after the heroine’s virtue and many gun shots, it is quite a ride a young lady would have adored as the supposed villain turned hero rescues more than once the damsel in distress.

After on a note, as a historical romance reader, I wonder why did Henry never ask for a letter of reference?
Even if she was supposed to have been employed at a different job, an employer should asks to know the character of their newly hired, especially around his precious son.
I understand the circumstances were dire, but to put his son’s safety into the hands of someone just they passed by, it is a bit insane.

3 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This book has an interesting concept, and I was intrigued by the plot of the book! It is atmospheric with suspenseful parts, and I liked the descriptions in it.

I liked that this book has several perspectives, but they changed very quickly, often with only a few pages spent in one perspective before changing to a new one. I’m sure it was written this way to build suspense, and that it will work that way for many readers. I had a hard time connecting with the characters though because of the sudden shifts.

3.5/5 stars

Content:
Clean romance
Side character wants to end his life
Side character attempts assault

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hannah Linder for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Beneath His Silence coming out November 1, 2022. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Ella Pemberton is a mischievous second daughter of a baron. She decides to moonlight as a governess to gain entrance inside Wyckhorn Manor. She must find out the truth behind her sister’s murder and expose the man who killed her.
 
Lord Sedgewick has blood on his hands. He’s lived in his lies and now only has hatred. He only lives for his son Peter. When Ella becomes governess to his son, some of his bitterness starts to melt away. Can two radically different people find solace in each other? Or is Ella in as much danger as her sister? 
 
I loved this book! I love regency era murder mystery romances. I loved it was heavy on the dialogue. I always think a lot of dialogue is more fun to read for me. I think it really helped the pacing of the book. It is a clean, religious based book. I love the reluctance Ella and Henry had toward each other, but they fell into a friendship.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys regency romances with a side of murder and intrigue!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The cover of this book was what pulled me to request it, but when I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It's an absolutely wonderful read that you don't want to miss. It has romance, suspense, mystery and drama and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I loved it!
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Devonshire, England 1814

Gothic feel to this debut! The author does a wonderful job of penning a dark mood.

Ella Pemberton is out to seek justice for her sister Lucy. Lucy was murdered by her husband Lord Sedgewick and Ella is willing to risk herself to learn the truth of what happened.

Ella gains access to Lord Sedgewick's home by pretending to be a governess under a false name. Over time, the details revealed don't fully align to Ella's preconceived perceptions.

The atmosphere in particular was beautifully brought to life. The sharp retorts between Miss Pemberton and Lord Sedgewick were fun and lightened the heavy mood. Quite a bit of action toward the end.

Well done debut. I look forward to reading more by the author.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing of Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder in exchange for my honest opinion.

Genre: Gothic romance, Mystery (sort of)
Heat Level: Sweet and cozy
Topic Level: I feel like it's on the adult side for interest, but older teen readers will be fine too.

Do you love gothic romances? Kisses, brooding men, sweet women?
I read tons of this style as a kid—and this one scratches that itch perfectly.

There are multiple POVs and short chapters so you're never kept waiting to find out what is going to happen. In this story, Ella is a strong-willed woman and doesn't quibble about putting someone in their place. Henry is a brooding (Byronic hero) man with a treacherous past. Ella wants to learn the truth about her sister. Henry wants to for get Ella's sister—but is plagued by her memory. If I were to change one thing, it would be to have Henry drill into his guilt a tiny bit less because I understood his angst without the reminder—but this is a very minor point.

This book also has a Christian message, including Bible verses and explores what it requires to have faith in God. I see this as a plus because it fits the time period and is the characters' personal journey.

The end of the book delves into the characters' emotions so well! Both Ella and Henry are so distraught—and I absolutely loved it because I could feel their emotions pouring off the page. I think it's rare to find a debut author who nails emotions like Linder did in this one.

Yes! I recommend this book!

Beneath His Silence
by Hannah Linder
Pub Date: 01 Nov 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Will Seeking Justice Lead to Her Own Demise?

A Gothic-Style Regency Romance from a Promising Young Author

Second daughter of a baron—and a little on the mischievous side—Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretense is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wyckhorn Manor and attain the truth. Exposing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.

Lord Sedgewick knows there’s blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more lies, but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son—and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.

Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him—just as her dead sister?

For this being debut novel, Ms. Linder wrote a masterfully crafted Christian Regency Gothic Romance. The remote setting, the brooding mood, the ever present suspicion and silence, and the palatable danger were all present in this story, making it a difficult book to put down.

Secrets lie within Wyckhorn Manor and Ella Pemberton is bound to discover what happened there to cause the death of her sister, Lucy. She discovers the truth when she finds Lucy’s hidden diary. I have to say I was shocked when Ella discovered what was really going on at the manor.

I loved so many things about the book, but in particular the complex characters who included a guilt-ridden man, creepy townsman, a tortured soul, a sweet, caring boy, and a Scottish housekeeper. Each had a part to play in creating an engaging story.

I loved the faith that Henry shared with Ella when she was doubtful that there was even a God who cared for her. The story was deeply satisfying when Lord Sedgewick accepts forgiveness and has a second chance at finding peace and love.

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy Gothic stories. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book. i was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The spooky season comes with its spooky reads. Christian Regency Gothic Romance. Ella is determined to expose her sister's murderer. Lord Sedgewick is a single father that is hiding secrets.

A stunning piece of Regency fiction! Filled with mystery, intrigue, danger, betrayal, romance, and Faith.

"Flowers are not meant to last forever...Yet for everyone that dies, God supplies a new one."

''He was weary of failing. He was weary of awakening sick and lying down with a thousand regrets."

I am impressed with Hannah Linder's writing, she captures the reader's attention.... an interesting unique plot... turns every page doesn't know what it's going to happen next, fast-paced....she is capable to draw us the soul and the frenzied thoughts of her characters, from multiple POV, without impeding the flow of the storyline...

You’ll want to pick this up! If you are looking for a gothic-era read. that is full of delicious-smart -witty dialogue laced with intrigue, beautiful descriptions, heart-pounding suspense, slow-burning romance, and off-the-chart chemistry this is for you. Highly Recommend it! I'm definitely looking forward to Hannan Linder's future releases.

I received a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Excellent Gothic Regency Romantic Suspense

Is too much ever said or done that can not be forgiven?

It was almost too much for Lord Sedgewick to live in a place that cast shadows on so many dreadful memories and brought no hope of light toward a happier future. At what point did hatred and unforgiveness take over his life? And, is he the cold hearted killer the villagers speak of? That is what Ella Pemberton must discover in order to put her sister’s death to rest.

I am most impressed with this debut from Hannah Linder. She captured the regency era so well; including period terms, customs and an accent or two without impeding the flow of the storyline. The pacing of this story drove past the expected outcome into unexpected twists and turns that kept me reading. Written from multiple POVs, the author capably draws us in to the soulful, questioning and frenzied thoughts of her characters. With all of the angst of a good gothic suspense, this story still includes a lovely romance and a beautiful spiritual arc. I look forward to reading more of her writing in the future.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

This was a great Gothic Regency Romance. It definitely gave me Jane Eyre feels. I constantly didnt know what was going to happen next which made it a great mystery book. The characters, the secrets, the drama, the love just made it an over all fantastic book. You'll definitely want this on your TBR list.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC!

If you have not seen proof of Him, Miss Woodhart, I dare say you have never really looked. - Henry Sedgewick

Perhaps Ella Pemberton (Woodhart) had never really looked for God, even though she was regular in her church attendance. This wonderful story of loss and second chances also brings forgiveness and spiritual awakening to both of these well developed characters. Plenty of danger, fear and distrust will keep you wondering if this twisted tale will once again end in death.

This debut novel kept me on the edge of my seat, requiring me to read right through to that last page before considering any thought of other things. An early copy was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

If you are looking for a gothic era with jane austen vibes book, look no further this is a book for you. . Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Beneath His Silence follows Ella who is out to avenge her sister’s murder. While I love the idea of a sharp, curious, Regency-Era woman on an adventure/sleuthing about, the story was not for me. Our heroine enters her late sister’s home as a new governess for her nephew. How in the world has her brother in law never met her?! Maybe, but an unlikely little thing that irked me throughout. I think I could have gotten over it if their chemistry and love development was stronger, but the book shifted quickly into thriller-mode and became so over-the-top that I struggled to push through and not dnf it. 2.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my unbiased review!

Ella Pemberton wants to find out exactly what happened to her sister. She knows he killed her! Her sister’s husband Lord Sedgewick, that is. She decides to go to his house as Miss Woodhart and apply for the governess position to his and her sister’s son. She will investigate and find the proof she needs. While she is there she observes how kind Lord Sedgewick is with his son Peter. And how kind he is to her and others. Could he really have killed his wife?

Wow! This book definitely keeps your interest.
Once I got to the halfway point I couldn’t put it down until I finished it! I had to know what was going to happen. I really like the characters Ella, Henry(Lord Sedgewick), and Peter. Each main character had flaws that they had to deal with. There are some creepy/scary moments in this book so be warned of that but they aren’t too scary. Trust me I don’t like scary things. This is such a great story, lots of drama. Loved this book! Definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5 stars. This is a great debut! I loved the gothic style in this historical romance. It had the right amount of mystery, drama, and romance to keep me reading. It reminded me of Jane Eyre but was a fresh twist on the story. I felt like there were a few holes in the plot and the religious aspects felt out of place for me. I really enjoyed the writing and look forward to more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

Ella Pemberton is determined to make her sister’s murderer pay. Lord Sedgewick is haunted by the past and trapped in secrets. When those past secrets begin to unravel, will it destroy them both . . . or lead them to the life they never dared to dream was possible?
With echoes of Jane Eyre, Linders’ debut novel is Gothic Regency at its finest. I’m adding this author to my must-read list!

*Thank you to @netgalley and @barbourbooks for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I think I just found a new favourite author! Hannah Linder's Regency Gothic Romance has everything you look for in this genre.

With a definite Jane Eyre vibe, the reader is immediately drawn in by Ella Pemberton. She is determined to discover why Lord Sedgewick of Wyckhorn Manor killed her sister Lucy. Posing as a governess, she finds a way in, but what she finds, once inside, proves more sinister than she expected.

Henry (Lord Sedgewick) doesn't know what to think of Ella. She is impertinent and seems not to know her place. He has no idea she is his dead wife's sister. While both have secrets to keep, one thing is clear - their growing attraction to one another.

With themes of forgiveness and redemption, this book has, as I said, a definite Jane Eyre vibe. So much so that the author has taken the Jane Eyre story and given it a little twist that is shocking and unforgettable. I look forward to the author's next book!

​I received a review copy courtesy of Barbour Fiction through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

3.5 stars

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Characters: Both Henry and Ella were well-developed characters. I'm not a fan of brooding characters, so I found Henry frustrating at times. I enjoyed Ella's spiritual arc.

Language: Clean.

Moral/theme: This novel featured themes of salvation, guilt, and trust.

Plot: Plenty of drama, moments of suspense, and an air of mystery kept the plot moving right along. From the other reviews I've read, I believe Beneath His Silence drew inspiration from some of the classics. I'm not a big reader of the classics, but those who are will enjoy finding the similarities.

Random comments: I love the cover!

Romance: Clean. Just kissing.

Writing: Hannah Linder's writing worked well for this novel. The characters' dialogue seemed quite historical and reminded me of the British shows my mom and sister are fond of.

Overall: Beneath His Silence was an interesting read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction and Regency romances with a touch of suspense.