I had no idea what to expect going into this book since it was my first Hannah Linder book. But I was impressed by Linder’s skill at weaving a gripping mystery with wholesome romance. She kept me guessing and the resolution took me by surprise.

I can’t say I’ve ever read a regency romance like this one. It has a unique atmosphere which is somewhat gothic. The character’s love of the forest gives it a fairy-tale quality as well. It even has shades of the tale of Rapunzel which is a favorite of mine. Blend that with a mystery, a gothic regency setting and a swoony hero and you’ve got The Girl From the Hidden Forest.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was very well-written and it kept me turning pages late into the night. I definitely recommend it to lovers of historical romance and mystery.

**Solid 3.5 stars rounding up to 4***
This is my first Hannah Linder book. I love historical romance and was excited to come across her on instagram as a Christian author of both these genres. Finding good solid Christian fiction is not easy - it sometimes comes across cliche, cheesy or just plain fluff. This book was none of those things. The Christian element was not a central part of the story. The characters "prayed" for safety or protection but it was never clear that it was Jesus they were praying to - that aspect was more obscure and what I would describe as more spirituality in nature. This book took me a while to get into but I can't say that was the story or just my own frame of mind going into the book. I was about 20% into the book when I can say I was finally invested in the FMC. I truly was curious to find out her story and loved meeting different side characters who helped her along. The story with Merrylad, her trusty pup, was so sweet and every time trouble came about, I was so worried our furry companion would sacrifice himself fully. The romance with the MMC was a bit odd for me to believe in. It had a slightly cringy feel to me as she falls in love with the man who kidnapped her from the forest quite roughly in the beginning. I do see the soft side of the MMC being revealed as he begins to fall for her but still, the way she kept saying she needed or wanted him to command her felt slightly off putting but in light of the trauma she endured as a young child, I suppose it just fits. In the end, I thought it was a sweet love story and the twist had me gasping as I truly didn't see it coming at all. I would recommend this book to those who love regency type historical fiction without any spice.

*I was given a digital ARC by the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

The girl from the Hidden Forest

Eliza witnessed her mother’s death as a young girl. She loved in the forest after that. She was brought back by Felton who wants to clear the person accused of her mother’s death. This was a great mystery. I never suspected at all who actually did it. This was a historical set in 1812.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley. This book review is my own opinion.

Hannah Linder, my absolute favourite Gothic Regency romance author, delivers a new and absolutely brilliant novel, "The Girl from the Hidden Forest".
The story follows Eliza Ellis, who has been hidden away in Balfour Forest by her father, Captain, to protect her from a cruel world. Her secluded life is disrupted when Felton Northwood finds her and insists she is Eliza Gillingham, a viscount's daughter who vanished fourteen years ago after witnessing her mother's murder. As Eliza grapples with returning to a life she doesn't remember and dangerous attempts on her life, she and Felton work to uncover a long-silent killer's identity.
I read all of Miss Linder's published works and I can honestly say that this one has the most suspenseful plot and surprising twists. I can say the author gets better and better at this with every book she publishes.
There is that one thing I love in all of her books and that is the atmosphere she creates. Something that reminds me of Charlotte Bronte's writing, but more romance and faith elements. I deeply enjoyed Eliza's character development, seeing how she embraced her new life and identity. As for Felton, I just love how determined he was to find the truth and protect his family at all costs. The romance between them was so sweet *heart eyes* and well developed, adding the perfect emotional depth to the story.
Until the next Linder masterpiece, enjoy "The Girl from the Hidden Forest"!

* I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.*

Such a beautiful story!
A girl living in the woods is suddenly thrown into a world she has never known!

Hannah writes another great story. Like her other books, this is gothic in nature and does have some dark scenes. Additionally there are so many twists and turns, readers will grab the edge of their seats!
Felton and Eliza are lovely together, and I love how they each grow in such unexpected ways. Eliza who dreams only of the recent past and the safety it seemed to be, and Felton who thinks family name and position is most important. Yet God’s plans for them are bigger still. Great story!

I truly adore Hannah Linder’s novels, but I think this one might be my favorite. Eliza has lived in a cottage in the forest for years, secluded away with Captain, the man who raised her, and her beagle Merrylad. One night a strange young man steals her away from the forest and thrusts her into a world she is supposed to know and remember. This story is one full of lies, mystery and suspense, and romance.

I just loved how the author portrayed the characters (even the less desirable ones,) the setting, and the development of various relationships and friendships. The plot is intriguing, and like the author’s previous books, the characters cling to their faith in God in all circumstances, which I value.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for my copy. All thoughts are my own.

This book tells a beautiful story. This book was so so good! The characters were amazing and the writing excellent as all of Hannah Linder's books are..... A girl raised in the woods all of her life, with only her dog as her comfort and friend. Reared by an old man who always told her he was not her father but to her, he was her father... Then along comes a man who snatches her from her idyllic life and takes her to a mansion to prove to the world that his father is not a murderer She is cast into a life completely different from anything that she has ever known and a man that they say is her true father.
Full of secrets, danger, and plot twists the story is captivating to the last page!

ARC BOOK REVIEW
🌲 The Girl From the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder 🌲
4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
375 pages

🌲 Thank you Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the ARC!

🌲 I can add regency romance thrillers to my favorite genres list! I mean how can you not love an 1800s thriller/mystery PLUS a slow burn romance?

🌲 The only life Eliza can remember is with Captain and Merrylad (her dog) in their cottage deep in the forest, except for the flashes of nightmare that haunt her dreams. She is comfortable and content with little life they have made together. Until one day, a strange man named Felton, kidnaps Eliza and returns her to Manbury Manor. He claims it is where she was originally from, daughter to viscount Gilingam, until she disappeared 14 years ago after her mother’s murder. Felton believes Eliza is the answer to clearing his family’s name after accusations of his father’s involvement with the murder. Naturally, Eliza is completely overwhelmed and full of doubt regarding Felton’s claims. But, as she settles into her new life (or former life) she begins to realize she isn’t safe and someone wants to hurt her.

Hannah Linder weaves a tale of fairies, faith and mystery. This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Linder, but won’t be my last.
Follow Eliza on an adventure of finding herself and where she came from. You’ll enjoy The Girl from the Hidden Forrest if you like adventure, suspense, romance and a twist you won’t see coming!

I’m not sure how I first picked up a Hannah Linder book but I’m so glad I did. She has fast become a favorite so I was anticipating The Girl From the Hidden Forest. It most certainly did not disappoint. The engaging, complex characters had me fully immersed into the story from the very start. Ms. Linder’s writing is beautifully descriptive without being wordy and is full of emotional depth. The story is foreboding and mysterious, twisty and very satisfying. Eliza is a wonderful, strong, innocent, somewhat fanciful, fully captivating character. For me she made the suspenseful and sometimes difficult tale both heartwarming and beautiful. It is a great read I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

🌿The Girl From the Hidden Forest🌿

An unsolved murder mystery, answers hidden in nightmares, a girl hidden away from society most of her life...

@hannahlinderbooks brings us another gothic regency novel with twists and suspense at every turn. Eliza Gillingham has been sequestered in a hidden forest for most of her life with a man she has known as her father. After a sudden kidnapping by a stranger, Eliza finds herself thrust back into society, into a family she has never known. Felton Northwood feels guilty for forcing Eliza from her forest home, but he will do anything to save his family's reputation and solve a mystery that only Eliza knows the answers to.

I love a good gothic mystery and this one was very unique! Eliza is genuine and lovely. Both Felton and Eliza go through heavy trauma in this one, and they have each other to get through it all. As with all mysteries, I loved that I couldn't predict the outcome!

Brief thoughts:
- struggled a bit with the romance in this one. The MMC was extremely forward and demanding, though I ended up loving him in the end. I felt some of the assaults could have been less-felt repetitive. I would have also liked more of her "forest" and her outside as this was part of her personality.

Excited to see what this author comes up with next! And also look at this gorgeous cover! It's perfection!

Thank you @barbourbooks and @austenprose for my #gifted copy! All thoughts are my own!

@beckys_bookshelves is currently hosting a giveaway for this book! Check out her page for a chance to win!

*Romance- kisses
*TW- near death experiences, kidnapping, assault, murder

Imagine being carried away into a world where regency romance meets a stunning fairy tale and you’ll have some idea of what reading this story is like.

Eliza has lived the majority of her life tucked away in a forest with a man who goes by the name of ‘Captain’ and her small beagle. She knows nothing of the world outside of this existence, but she’s plagued by terrifying nightmares. Until one day a young man captures her from her sanctuary and brings her back to the manor and surround village that was once her home.

Felton meant no harm by bringing her back, other than to try and clear his only family name from crimes they’ve been accused of. Eliza seems to be the key to unlocking the events that unfolded 14 years ago, but remembering that night puts everyone at risk. Those that tries to kill her as a child are looking for her again.

The mystery, the intrigue, the depth of romance between Felton and Eliza – this book was enthralling to say the least! I read it nearly in one day because I didn’t want to leave Eliza on her own, much like Felton didn’t, and I was determined to find out what was going to happen to everyone involved.

Eliza’s character creates a fairy tale feel to everything because of her experience growing up in the forest and her honest way of interacting with people. She cares deeply for those around her and wants to help, even when she knows others don’t want her to. I especially loved her camaraderie with the maid name Minney. Minney was considered special needs and Eliza took to her like a mother hen, wanting to look out for her and care for her when the rest of the household said terrible things about her.

Then you have the romance between Felton and Eliza that slowly blossoms through the entire story. They are deeply attached to one another because of the similar ways they see the world and Felton really struggles with his attraction to her. As he’s trying to regain his family honor, he fears that by allowing himself to love Eliza, would ruin everything he’s worked so hard for. This is a struggle for both of them throughout the entirety of the book.

Not to mention the evil men lurking in the background trying to capture and kill Eliza again. These are the men that haunt her nightmares from childhood and they are ruthless and dangerous. As the mystery element unfolded and the characters were exposed, I was actually taken by surprise with how that all went about. Did not see some of those pieces coming at all!

A beautifully written love story about searching for oneself and facing the demons that hold us back from the light.

Another thrilling gothic romance from Hannah Linder! I absolutely love her books & end up devouring them. The Girl From the Hidden Forest is no exception. This suspenseful mystery & swoon worthy romance pulled me in & didn’t let go.

Eliza Ellis has been living like a Sleeping Beauty princess in the Balfour forest with her dog Merrylad & beloved father Captain Jasper Ellis. For years, she’s lived a solitary existence with only his fairytales to capture her imagination. But, Eliza has nightmares she can’t explain & when she reaches the age of 19 she suddenly finds herself kidnapped by a handsome stranger & taken back to the place of her nightmares to a different father she vaguely remembers.

Felton Northword has lived the past 14 years under a cloud ever since his father was accused of murdering Lady Gillingham. When he discovers that the only possible eye witness to her mother’s death is still alive hiding in the forest, he determines to find her & clear his father’s name.

This story had me on pins & needles! Eliza has repressed memories of that fateful night that someone doesn’t want her to remember. There are several attempts on her life & it seems everyone is a suspect including her own father. As she tries to piece together her memory, she finds herself falling for Felton, but Felton doesn’t want anything to do with the backward heiress. He wants a woman like the squire’s daughter who will elevate his social standing. I loved watching this reluctant to fall hero, fall in love with Eliza. She’s such an honest, refreshingly open, beautiful young woman he can’t resist.

I loved the gorgeous descriptions of the forest, seashore, & Monbury manor. The side characters were also intriguing & added to the frightening world Eliza’s thrust back into. The mystery was full of twists & turns & I loved discovering each piece of the puzzle. Just when you think Eliza’s safe, there’s another attempt on her life. It all leads up to a heart palpitating, thrilling conclusion.

This is definitely one Regency gothic romance you don’t want to miss! Highest of recommendations. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

“Heaven knew that she had been given the choice of air or his lips, she would have suffocated in such a kiss. She would have lived and died in that moment and regretted nothing.”

My first gothic-style Regency and my first book by Hannah Linder will be memorable!

I picked it up while I was waiting on the deck after dinner for the northern lights to appear last night and, apart from putting it down to try and capture the magical sky around 11pm, I binge-read it in one sitting! I’m still living and breathing this captivating tale the next morning…

Interested readers deserve to go into this one blind, so I’ll try to keep as general as I can while still trying to convince them to read this amazing tale.

Linder’s setting of the Balfour Forest in Northumberland isn’t just a backdrop; it’s as if it’s a character. It evokes feelings of isolation, mystery, and foreboding. The shadowy, hidden forest may have once been a place of solitude for Eliza Ellis, but it doesn’t take Linder long to weave a fantastic sense of foreboding and I was soon aware of Eliza’s intuitive sense that something wasn’t quite right. At this point, the mystery took the reins and I knew I was in for the long haul.

Linder crafted complex characters with complex backstories full of mystery. Her story is driven by dark secrets, haunting memories, and internal struggles. Fear and suspense are center stage and showcase the themes of isolation and loneliness until the key driving theme of redemption steals the show. Linder has embraced melancholy and tragedy and woven it together with a mysterious antagonist and a haunted protagonist…and a courageous beagle named Merrylad.

The faith and romance elements were light and sweet and blended well with the mystery. I think it was (1) the unique retelling of a familiar plot that captured my attention (a lonely girl who meets a stranger who upends everything she believed to be true about her past and present) and (2) the message that experiences are the best teachers. Eliza thought she was lonely in her beautiful forest, but realized that she didn’t really understand that she could be lonely surrounded by people.

I was gifted this copy by Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I was captivated by this haunting and atmospheric story from beginning to end! The author does an excellent job of weaving together romance, suspense, danger, and mystery. Her writing is beautifully lyrical and engaging, vividly descriptive, and with a Gothic feel to it that I really loved.

This is my first book by Hannah Linder, and I enjoyed it immensely. I’m looking forward to reading more by this talented author!

Thanks to the author, Barbour Books, and Austenprose for a digital review copy received via NetGalley, All opinions expressed are completely my own.

What a lovely book!

This gothic novel has it all... romance, mystery, adventure, danger... and just when you think you have figured it out... surprise!

Eliza Gillingham has grown up in the woods, haunted by nightmares and cared for by Captain and her sweet companion, a puppy named Merrylad. When Felton Northwood comes across Eliza one day and "rescues" her from the woods, she finds out that her life has not been what it seemed. She isn't an orphan, but she has no trust in her father, whom she is reunited with. Staying with the Northwoods for her safety, Eliza attempts to puzzle out the mystery of her mother's murder and who seems to be after her to keep her quiet.

This tracks well as a novel for young or mature adults who enjoy some sweet romance. Eliza is young and sheltered, and her friendship with Felton gives her some long neglected experiences. Her naivety is what makes her endearing, but she also has an opportunity to show her mettle. Where so many would break, she is incredibly strong.

There is a lot of heartbreak of various kinds in this novel, making it a heavy read, but the characters are written with enough lightness to balance the heavy situations and themes in the book.

Thank you to the author for including me on her launch team and for a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.

This was such an enchanting peculiar historical fiction read. I didn’t really know what to expect. Though I will admit, the jumping around at the beginning made things hard to follow at first, as we bounced between the characters. I struggled slightly to understand what was happening. But within a few short pages, I was entranced needing to know what was happening and how things would play out. And this gave me so many fairytale vibes!

The premise of a girl hidden away in a cottage deep within a forest, who didn’t even realize she had been fed lies her entire life, stolen away when she was young. The man she always believed to be her father thought she was protecting her. But a handsome man finds her and steals her away from her forest and all she’s ever known, and now she’s thrust into a world of nobility, the daughter of a lord. And now her life is in danger because of a memory she can’t even truly remember.

Just from a quick snapshot of this story, I get vibes of Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. Mostly from the idea of our main character living in a forest the majority of their lives not knowing who they truly were. But as we see the story continue, I get vibes of several other fairytales as well. Our main character, Eliza has a very imaginative mind, she spent her whole life creating these stories within her mind to make her feel less lonely and when we follow her perspective we get to see these details come out which just adds to the fairytale feels we see throughout. I loved following Eliza, she was so adorable how innocent she was.

And the handsome stranger we met was just as charming! Definitely giving off those Flynn Rider vibes, “Here comes the smolder.” We follow a slow-burn romance between Felton and Eliza and it couldn’t be cuter! I loved how tender Felton was with Eliza, wanted to protect her. A truly magical romance.

And not only does this story feel magical, but we also get a cozy mystery to follow. The mystery around the murder of Eliza’s mother, and the memory that Eliza can’t seem to remember. The mixture of the fairytale vibes with the mystery made this such a fascinating read. One I didn’t want to put down. I really didn’t know what to expect with the mystery aspect, I kind of just went with the flow and loved every minute of it! It definitely kept me on edge.

If you love regency historical fiction with fairytale vibes you might love this one too! This is a magical read with a captivating mystery alongside it. One that will surely keep you on your toes!

With a heart-stopping opening scene, this story kept me in its grip until the final page. Do not start reading this book at night if you want to get a good night’s rest. I wasn’t able to put it down once I started it.

With rumors of murder attached to his family’s name, Felton Northwood will do whatever it takes to clear his name. As Eliza Gillingham enters his life, he hopes nothing will be the same. The build up of the relationship between Eliza and Felton was orchestrated so well and the pacing for their romance was just right. It wasn’t too fast to make it unbelievable, but not too slow either.

I could write much more about this book. But, I will give some highlights instead. :)

Things to love:
Suspense and mystery
Complex characters
Merrylad the protector
Dance lessons
Enemies to more
Plot twists, spins, and dives
Vile villain
God’s grace

I highly recommend this story if you enjoy well developed characters and romantic suspense. I would love to see this story made into a movie. I can’t wait to read the next book that Hannah Linder writes.

I received an advanced complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

The reader is in for an adventure in the latest Gothic Regency story by Hannah Linder. Eliza has lived all her life hidden deep in the Balfour Forest with Captain. During the day she spends her time dancing in the woods and streams with her dog Merrylad. However, when the sun goes down, she is haunted by dreams of the Monster. One day while Eliza is playing in the forest Felton Northwood kidnaps her. Felton has lived a different nightmare. His father was accused of murdering their neighbor’s wife fourteen years ago and their lives have never been the same. Felton is convinced that Eliza can set them all free by remembering who the true killer was. Eliza had witnessed the crime as an incredibly young girl. Unfortunately, the killer is still in their midst and watching Eliza’s every move now that she has been returned to her real father.