Quite unlike anything I have ever read before, but that is why I love Netgalley. I love stumbling upon unique tales like this one. This is not my last Hannah Linder novel.

This was a dnf for me--too slow to get to the point and I'm just feeling confused for too long into the book. The writing itself is fine, and perhaps I'm missing the point, but...

Hannah Linder's 4th novel is another Gothic Regency full of danger, intrigue twists and turns. It is about a young woman who was raised in a remote part of a forest in Northern England but a retired Sea Captain. Until one day: a Lord comes and finds her, telling her she was in fact the long-lost daughter of a Viscount who went missing 14 years earlier.
The day her mother was murdered. Eliza has repressed memories of this event which manifest as dreams and pictures of a mysterious man known as “the beast”.

Lord Felton, who found and “rescued” her lost his brother in tragic circumstances years earlier and is struggling to keep his family together. As soon as Eliza is returned to her “rightful” place in her family and ancestral home the danger ramps up with a killer on the loose who is a danger to both.
The Girl from the Hidden Forest is an exciting and atmospheric story. The mystery is also well-written and unexpected.
You cannot be sure which character to trust, even the protagonists at times.

I am a sucker for traumatized heroes, so Felton was almost perfect for me. Almost: though I think that Carolyn Miller might have done a slightly better job of writing a male character with what would not be recognized as PTSD in a Regency setting.
Eliza was great: she’s a very well-drawn character – but I really think she could have been written better, especially in terms of the repressed memories and the potential impact of what happened to her. I think someone else mentioned that she and Felton should have been left with serious trauma and mental health issues after everything, but it seemed to kind of disappear towards the end.
Also, they seemed to heal from injuries absurdly quickly. They’re not superhumans.

I understand things needed to be wrapped up what they had been through was going to have an impact.

Don’t let that put you off though: its still a great book for fans of Regency and Gothic Romance/Thrillers.
Thanks to Barbour for approving me for this title on Netgalley. I was not required to write a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

4 STARS

This was my first book by Hannah Linder and I will definitely be reading more of her stuff in the future. Hannah’s writing style is absolutely beautiful. In particular, I loved the way she described the character’s emotions, as well as the way she described scenery. I also enjoyed the mystery at the center of this novel, which was surprising to me due to the fact that I tend not to be a fan of mysteries or thrillers that are set in the past. I also didn’t predict the plot twist, which is always a plus. I did struggle with connecting to certain characters at times, particularly Felton. I’m not 100% sure what it was about him that got on my nerves, but there were multiple occasions, throughout the entirety of the novel, where I REALLY disliked him. With that being said, he did begin to grow on me by the end and I’m ultimately really happy with the story as a whole.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I so enjoyed this book—my first by Hannah Linder.
It hooked me almost immediately, and even though I don’t typically enjoy an enemies to lovers story, this romance felt so well developed, I couldn’t help but to be swept along in it. It was perfect balance of chemistry and building connection, accompanied by the tension of their preconceived notions and personal weaknesses getting in the way of accepting their feelings. As unlikable as Felton was in his early treatment of Eliza, he was also pretty easy to sympathize with, and the mystery of his family’s disgrace (and later the mystery behind the reasons for their disgrace) kept me invested enough in his character to get me through those early chapters.
I highly recommend this regency romance to anyone who enjoys romance, mystery, and strong faith elements.

In this complicated gothic romance novel, readers appear in the depths of Balfour Forest with Eliza Ellis, who disappeared from her birth parents, the Viscount and Viscountess Gillingham, fourteen years ago after her mother’s murder. Finally found by Felton Northwood, whose family story is also complicated and dark, Eliza is forced to rejoin the world as Miss Gillingham of Monbury Manor with the man they tell her is her father. However, leaving the forest has brought new dangers and nightmares into Eliza’s life, and when several threats to her life appear, it seems that Felton is the only person she can trust to help her find her mother’s killer. In this gothic style historical fiction novel, readers will enjoy the complicated moralities, slow romance, and mysterious characters that Hannah Linder brings to the forefront of this novel. Eliza is a complicated heroine and an unreliable narrator, and the difficulties of reading from her perspective add to the tone and atmosphere of the novel. The setting of the novel and the many minor characters help create the gothic atmosphere of this book, while their ambiguity and complicated personalities lend further confusion to Eliza’s perception of her new life in this twisted and complicated historical fiction novel.

The cover and premise of this book captured my imagination. The author hooks you right into the story and takes you back in time for a breathless adventure. This is an author to watch in the future.

This is a great read! It's well written and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. If you are a fan of inspirational historical romance, this is a book you don't want to miss. It's full of twists and turns and will keep you guessing until the end.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Grabbed my attention from the very beginning and did not let go. It starts off with a bang, as Felton kidnaps a young woman with the intent to clear his family name and right the wrongs that have plagued his family for fourteen years. The young lady, Eliza, has no memory of the horrific events that sent her into the hidden forest. Her appearance at Monbury Manor start an unexpected chain of events that threatens her life. The nightmares that have plagued her return with a vengeance and she does not know who she can trust.

I love the way Ms. Linder switches the POV between Felton, Eliza and the villain. It is a brilliant way to have the reader experience the range of reactions, motivations and fears by the different characters. With many twists and turns, and a plot that quickly picks up its pace, readers will be enthralled until the satisfying conclusion. The perfect Regency with gothic vibes, filled with suspense and romance.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher thorough Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I got to be honest I was confused for a good portion of the first 25% of this one. I’m thinking it was just my personal issue but I could be wrong. Anyway once I figured out what was happening it got better. There is a great gothic romance feel to this story as with other books by this author. And the mystery surrounding what happened to Eliza’s mother was really interesting. I liked both Eliza and Felton but didn’t really feel connected to them that well. I liked the dog Merrylad. There was a light Christian message as well! Overall I thought it was good, but wished it was better. Again, could be my own confusion coming into play.
⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Can she trust anyone around her...

I've been reading a lot of fantasy and romantic suspense lately so I decided it was time for me to switch up genres a little and try a new-to-me author at the same time. The Girl From The Hidden Forest is a historical Regency romance with some real Gothic vibes to it and Hannah Linder sure keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The Girl From The Hidden Forest is quite a tale from start to finish. It has everything in it from decades old secrets to contemporary kidnapping. Nothing and no one are as they first appear or have appeared for a long time. Readers get plenty of chances to guess and then second guess their earlier suppositions as new clues and revelations come to light.

I found Hannah Linder's book to be a good read. It was interesting in both storyline and characters and I really liked the English setting that really brought out those Gothic overtones. While The Girl From The Hidden Forest was my first Hannah Linder book I somehow doubt it will be me last...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

After reading Hannah’s debut, Beneath His Silence, and absolutely loving it, I knew I’d have to read more. Unfortunately, I didn’t love this one as much as her first.

What didn’t work for me:

~ I just didn’t connect with our main characters. Eliza is what I’d call a mid heroine. I don’t dislike her, but I also don’t love her either. She’s just fine. Also, I felt that she warmed entirely too quickly to a man who had literally kidnapped her for his own selfish purposes.

~ Speaking of Felton. He was very annoying for like 70% of the book. Selfish and entitled. He does get better toward the end, but I want to swoon over my heros, not shake them.

~ The faith elements were sorely lacking. I guess we’re supposed to assume characters are believers because they mutter two sentence prayers when they’re in trouble. I’m not exaggerating that’s literally all the Christian faith content we get in this book. Unless you count them going to one church service and a character having a Bible. I am just really disappointed that books are being marketed as Christian for doing the absolute bare minimum. Sometimes it seems like authors are afraid to go deep, or even put the name of Jesus in their writing. And I know from reading Hannah's first book that she has done better in this department, so it was just really disappointing to see the lack here.

~ Compared to how her debut had me in a chokehold from the very beginning and did not let go until the last page, this was slow. I didn’t really get invested until probably the halfway point.

What I loved:

~ Despite not loving the MCs, I did, however, quite like their domineering+docile dynamic. Felton was quite the commanding lover, but Eliza just followed her man because she trusted him and felt secure in his leadership. It kind of reminded me of January and Dillon from Love and a Little White Lie. I don’t know, I just like when a loving man can tell his woman to do something without her turning into a whining, fifth wave feminist.

~ The Who of the who done it had my jaw on the floor do you hear me!!?! Maybe I’m just not bright, but I was shooketh to my very core when it got revealed.

~ The bad guy is pure evil you guys. I appreciate a totally depraved villain you love to hate. He was definitely, for lack of a better word, the most interesting character.

While this isn’t Hannah’s best, I am still eager to continue devouring her stories because they are the good kind of addicting.

Thanks so much to Barbour Publishing for providing a e-copy to read and honestly review ^_^ All thoughts are my own.

I could not put this story down! The Girl from the Hidden Forest is a captivating story that kept me glued to the pages. I am impressed with the author's imagination, and her skilled storytelling. This gothic mystery is filled with unexpected twists and turns, dastardly villains, family dynamics, friendship, and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it!

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read this wonderful story, all opinions are my own.

The Girl from the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder is a definite must read if you love inspirational historical romances with gothic undertones.
Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden while living in the Balfour Forest with all of her forest friends, dog and Captain.
The forest is the one place that she will always be safe from the outside world until one day she meets a handsome stranger, Felton Northwood who takes her away from her home in the forest. He continually insists that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham and that she is the daughter of a viscount who went missing years ago after witnessing the murder of her mother.
After returning to Monbury Manor Eliza remembers nightmares that have haunted her for years and danger mounts when she finally unlocks the truth about what happened all those years ago.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

(4.5 stars rounded up)

Wow! This was my first Hannah Linder novel, and it will not be my last. Hannah is a gifted writer whose words are brilliantly captivating and moving.

From the beginning, I discovered myself completely enraptured and whisked away into a world of regency, romance, mystery, and suspense. Into a world where love and hope grow amidst deep fear and betrayal. Where walls of pride crumble, ambitions rise, and friendships withstand the most painful accusations. Where truth is both pursued and protected, all-consuming and unraveling. And where evil lurks in the shadows and rains down terror but does not shatter the resolve of those who call upon the Lord.

This was a hauntingly beautiful tale that I did not want to put down.

Thank you, NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A mystery puzzle with some dark characters. Mystery pointers pointed you to one person, but then, pointed you between and in the end elsewhere so that it kept you guessing who did it. Picturesque descriptions of the forest made me long to go live in the woods, and I would if I could. Eliza, has lost her memory after a tragic event early in her years and is kidnapped. Her mother’s murder is a mystery with many suspects and the ending will surprise you. I received this e-book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.

Their lives were so tangled together even if Eliza did not remember. This was an engrossing gothic read that pulled me into the drama that surrounded the past of Eliza and Felton. Strange comings and goings and murder are all tied up to memories that Eliza experienced as a child and now only live in her nightmares.

This story started off like a rollercoaster and did not really let up on its speeding to the truth of what happened all those years ago when Eliza's mother was murdered, and she may have witnessed it all. All Eliza knows is that she lives in the forest with her father, whom she calls Captain, and she had an idyllic world. Safe from all the rest of the world who the Captain said might do her harm. Until one day a man comes and steals her away from all that.

Felton Northwood is tired of the stain of murder that is attributed to his family name. Especially when all believe his father is a murderer. No, Felton will not accept that, and he was most determined to do all he could to clear their name, no matter what.

So, their lives are tangled together in the past, present, and all their futures depend on the truth. I enjoyed this twisty tale that kept surprising me at every corner. Our characters were trying so hard to fumble there way as in the dark, just to get to the truth that had enslaved them all. What happened that fateful night and why? Can they survive the truth and move on, or will they forever be tainted? From Felton's doggedness to clear his name and pursue the life he wants to Eliza's palpable loneliness and fear that ever chased her; I was glued to the pages.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I like Hannah Linder’s stories because I love how she draws us into the characters and makes us care about the characters. I loved the romance and the suspense. I loved that how it took time for Felton to let go of what he thought he wanted and to find what he really wanted and needed in Eliza. I also liked the twist and turns in this story especially who was actually behind everything. I liked how I didn’t want to put the book down and to keep reading. I thought this was a wonderful story and would recommend it.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

I’ve heard nothing but great things about Hannah Linder and I have to say…she lives up to and past the hype.

The Girl from the Hidden Forest is a twisty tale of murder, betrayals, found family, lost family, and the finality of a storybook happily ever after.

If you like gothic suspense, imperfect main characters including a strong hero and a naive heroine…The Girl from the Hidden Forest is definitely the book for you.

In my personal opinion, this is a gothic romantic suspense with Christian characters and I wouldn’t consider it an outright Christian fiction book. There were a lot of references to calling out to God and asking Him what to do. But not a faith arc for either character. However the book and story was absolutely amazing and the romance was enemies to friends to lovers and I adored how it was done.

My ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✝️✝️
💋
16+

I can’t begin this review without first mentioning the gorgeous cover! “The Girl from the Hidden Forest” cover art doesn’t necessarily embody the Gothic Regency style (to me, anyway) but it certainly casts a suspenseful atmosphere.

The story is just as enthralling and stunning. It is effortless to connect with Eliza. I was instantly pulled into her world and felt her terror and confusion. I felt the emotions, saw the scenes clearly, and was fully captivated by the plot. The mystery, suspense, and romance are so believable and well-written.

This book is difficult to put down, played like a movie in my head, and is incredibly satisfying. It would certainly translate well on screen!

First Line: Something was wrong.
Genre: Christian Mystery and Suspense
Author: Hannah Linder
Page Count: 320

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.