Book Review: A Tale of Justice and Love
“All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart” weaves an enchanting story of love, loss, and redemption that captivates from the very first page. The narrative follows Georgina Whitmore, a woman whose charm has always captivated those around her. However, she finds herself haunted by the memory of Simon Fancourt, a man who has remained indifferent to her allure.
Fast forward twelve years, and Simon returns to British society, not just as a man seeking justice for his wife's tragic murder, but as a devoted father to two children. His journey unfolds with urgency as he seeks to uncover the truth, protect his family, and fulfill his father's unexpected will by marrying Georgina—a proposition he is reluctant to accept.
The emotional depth in Georgina's character is remarkable. Though her heart aches to accept Simon's proposal, she values love over mere titles, making her decision one that resonates with many readers. The tension builds as both characters face external threats and internal struggles, leading to a gripping exploration of sacrifice and loyalty.
The story beautifully captures the essence of love that can withstand trials, as Georgina risks everything to protect Simon and his children. The stakes are high, and the question remains—will the peril they face ignite a spark in Simon's heart, or will it pull them further apart?
This book is a compelling read, offering a rich blend of romance and suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With beautifully crafted characters and a plot that intertwines justice and love, it’s a story that leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a riveting tale filled with emotional depth and resilience! #netgalley

Outstanding! I have loved all her books and if possible they keep getting better and better. I am drawn by her unique voice and poetic prose with a bit of dark overtones reminiscent of the gothic romances of the past. Never Forgotten is a multi-layered story, full of mystery and intrigue. It is also a second chance romance that is filled with the angst that comes with unrequited love.

After his wife is murdered, Simon Fancourt returns home with his two children after having fled England years ago to follow a dream. He quickly discovers all is not as he left it. With the mysterious death of his father, he discovers there are secrets from the past that are putting his family in danger.

Georgina, the young woman he was affianced to in a pre-arranged marriage, still carries the pain from his abandonment years earlier. As they join forces to uncover the secrets haunting both families, Ms. Linder skillfully weaves a slow burn romance that is realistic and does not overshadow the plot.

Filled with a rollercoaster of emotions and suspense, readers will be sitting on the edge of their seats, eager to discover the happy ending. I loved, loved, loved one of the final scenes. One of my favorites in recent memory. It is reminiscent of a famous literary scene that I will not name. I don't want to spoil the ending.

Content warning: implied rape, child out of wedlock, violence

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

I really enjoyed this book. Hannah Linder did an excellent job with writing a historical fiction with romance and a mystery intertwined. The characters and the storyline were both well done. I enjoyed it from the first page, and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend this to the historical fiction/romance/mystery readers.

Thank you Net Galley, Barbour Publishing, and Hannah Linder

This is a gripping story that hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. If you are a fan of Gothic Regency Romance, you will love this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a beautiful story of heartache and resolution! I truly enjoyed the writing and the way the author took you on a journey of finding your way back to where you should have been. But that sometimes you have to find out the hard way! Such a wonderful historical novel!

Thank you to NetGalley for this copy, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!

Another great story, and great characters (who I loved)! You can never g wrong with a Hannah Linder book!

A sweet historical romance with a bit of a mystery twist. Georgina is unused to men not being affected by her charms and is very surprised when Simon rejects her and disappears. Twelve years later Simon comes back with two small children, his wife having been murdered, and seeking revenge. He is forced to marry due to his father's will which states he cannot inherit without being married. He decides he will marry Geoginia even though he doesn't want to get married and has vowed to never fall in love again. Georgina refuses as she wants to marry for love. This begins a winding road of mystery and danger that threatens both their lives and the lives of the children that Georgina comes to love and vows to protect.

Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The intrigue and suspense in Never Forgotten spirals deeper and stronger as the story explodes through the pages. The powerful drama contains so many threads being pulled together to form an intense and cohesive story that it made my head spin. It amazed me how the author could conceive and weave the elements together. But it is also a sad tale filled with longing and pain and danger and more violence than I care to read. I appreciate the descriptions weren’t too graphic. Yet it includes touching scenes too, such as when the main character tries to rescue his former betrothed and a realization awakens within him. I felt sympathy for the main characters but didn’t feel a real connection with them, however the compelling story kept me reading this plot-driven novel. I think the title could refer to multiple things in this book. It would be a great selection for a book club to dissect and discuss. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Hannah Linder has a gift with writing these regency romances with a touch of suspense and a hint of darkness, but the light and love of Christ shines as well. The latest is no exception. I'll admit I found Simon almost insufferable in the beginning, his only redeeming qualities being how he cared for Mercy and John. When tragedy strikes his own little family, and after receiving a letter he assumes is from his father, he returns home after 10 years. Even after so many years away, his father's demand is that he marries Georgina-which Simon is vehemently opposed to. Simon is trying to get to the reason behind his wife's murder, making this a very tense and charged story, full of secrets and intense emotions. It's everything I love in a novel-intrigue, suspense, and romance!

I loved this book. It was such a sweet journey for both the main characters, Georgina and Simon. There is not necessarily a very strong Christian theme/ message, but the story is clean and there were small mentions of prayer and faith. Both main characters go through major life events and losses followed by adventures, threats, and attacks. There is lots of intrigue and mystery. I wasn't sure about all the details until they were revealed in the book, which kept me turning the pages quickly. With a happy ending, both characters leanr more about who they are and who the other is and find what they needed/wanted in the end. I would highly recommend this book, for anyone looking for a quick, sweet, hostorical romance.

I am honestly still not sure what to write in my review. There were aspects of Never Forgotten that I loved and others that left me completely perplexed (and i still haven't sorted those out). I had never read a Gothic regency before, so this was new to me. Portions of the story were creepy & others not nearly so. I will say I didn't figure out who the culprit was, so well done there. But the book did drag on longer than necessary.

Never Forgotten follows the story of Simon and Georgina, whose paths were intertwined in their youth. Simon returns to London thirteen years after abandoning his engagement to Georgina. Following his wife’s tragic murder in America, Simon seeks vengeance while confronting his father’s will, which stipulates he must marry Georgina to claim his inheritance⁠⁠​.

Georgina has never forgotten Simon—or the pain of his betrayal. When he returns, the love and hurt she had long suppressed resurface. Determined to avoid a loveless marriage, she refuses his proposal. Yet, their frequent encounters pull her into Simon’s quest for justice. As Simon digs deeper into the mystery of his wife’s death, he faces escalating danger, with death following close behind. Meanwhile, Georgina harbors secrets of her own that begin to unravel alongside Simon’s.

It’s fascinating to watch how their encounters transform Simon’s perceptions, bringing them closer together and reigniting love amidst danger and uncertainty.

The writing took some time to adjust to, possibly due to the shift in genre, but the plot is richly layered, weaving themes of corruption, crime, familial discord, betrayal, and second-chance romance. The story successfully balances suspense with an emotional exploration of characters.

Initially, Simon’s strong, negative opinions about Georgina were off-putting. While his frustration with his controlling father and his desire for independence were understandable, his decision to leave behind the love and support of Georgina and his family felt naive. Even upon returning, Simon’s initial outlook hadn’t changed much, which was frustrating. However, through many conversations and experiences, Simon gradually comes to appreciate Georgina’s kindness, compassion, and inner strength.

Though his reluctance to fully pursue her after the brutal loss of his wife was understandable, his hesitation often felt drawn out. Despite these frustrations, his development was compelling—Simon grows to acknowledge his mistakes, understand his father’s intentions, and embrace love once again. His devotion to his children and his determination to find justice for his wife, despite societal disdain, were particularly admirable.

Georgina, on the other hand, was likable from the beginning. Shy yet compassionate, she loves deeply but harbors a fear of loss. After Simon’s departure and her father’s death, she guards her heart, knowing Simon’s stay in London is temporary. The threats to her own secret surrounding her father’s death add further tension to her character’s arc. Amidst all the tension and dealing with old wound she still tries to help Simon, even after the scandal and accusation against Simon.

Watching her transformation—from a gentle, delicate woman to a fiercely protective figure willing to go to great lengths for Simon’s children—was inspiring. Her eventual willingness to give Simon a second chance and let go of her fears was a heartwarming resolution to her journey.

The secondary characters were flawed, morally ambiguous, and deeply impacted by life’s misfortunes, adding depth and intrigue to the story. The suspense was expertly crafted—I had no idea how Simon would uncover the truth with so little to go on, and each clue he unearthed built the tension further. The author did a remarkable job keeping the mystery intact until the climax, with near-death encounters and red herrings maintaining the suspense throughout.

The romance between Simon and Georgina was intense and added a layer of tension to the already gripping plot. Their inability to acknowledge or confess their feelings was frustrating at times, particularly after the danger had passed. However, the resolution, where they finally let go of their fears and found happiness together, was well worth the wait.

Overall, Never Forgotten is a compelling historical romantic suspense about love, loss, and second chances. While the characters’ flaws and struggles can be frustrating, their growth and the gripping suspense make for a memorable and satisfying read.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. It seemed to lack a moral compass, the characters felt underdeveloped (specifically their motivation and resulting relationship), nor were they particularly likeable.

It wasn’t what I was expecting, though I do like the author’s writing. The story kept me engaged until the end despite my complaints.

Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder is a wonderful inspirational historical romance that you don't want to miss.
When Simon Fancourt returns to British society after the horrific murder of his wife, he will do everything possible to find the men who are responsible and to protect his children even if that means marrying Georgina Whitmore, but she rather lose him again than marry him in name only. Soon however with enemies getting closer and setting their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life in order to protect him and his children.
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.

Twelve years earlier, Simon Fancourt fled England for North Carolina, leaving behind both his family and a jilted fiancee. After all, they didn't choose the match, and he thought her shallow. Then Simon loses the wife he married in America and is summoned home by his mother. He finds his family much changed. His father's will dictates that he must marry Georgina, his then-fiancee, if he wants the family home any any financial inheritance. Though he has two children to consider, he does not wish to marry Georgina -- even though she has loved him the whole time. Meanwhile, Simon tries to find out who is responsible for his wife's death, and someone is threatening him and his children to stop the search. Georgina is haunted by her father's suicide and stalked by a man at the cemetery who leaves dead roses on his grave.
This is a new favorite! As with her other books, this one is emotionally charged and intense. Georgia's selfless love for Simon is so sweet and powerful and beautiful. There are multiple mysteries and subplots, all of which I felt invested in. Characters are very unique and colorful with complex relationships. I believe it does mention that Georgina worshiped Simon, which is idolatry. His daughter Mercy speaks like a child much younger, and I'm not even sure a younger child speaks as she does. I also think there was a missed opportunity for Simon to renounce revenge and put it all in God's hands. But I definitely recommend this book!

I have enjoyed the books by Hannah Linder that I have read. I like how well her stories are told and how well she blends romance and mystery together. I love how her books keep you engaged and wanting to know what happens next from the very first page. I like how in this book her characters had to look beyond what facades people put on to discover the true person beneath. I liked how as they did that a romance was able to develop between Georgina and Simon. I liked seeing how their opinions of each other changed as they got to know the true them. I also liked the mystery and seeing them work together to figure things out while protecting Simon’s children. I really enjoyed the story and would recommend.

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.

Never Forgotten is a sweet historical fiction romance novel that you’re going to love this holiday season. It also has a bit of mystery too.

This is an author that I’ve been following. She writes amazing historical fiction. It’s romance to be sure, but there is normally some suspense or a mystery to solve as well. I’ve found that she’s amazing with the Regency reads. Before her novels, I was not a huge fan of them. Oh, yes, I would read them but they weren’t something I would seek out. She’s definitely helped me develop an appreciation for them.

In this novel, there is a line that states, “We all have secrets”, and it’s stated by our heroine Georgiana. I can’t help but think about how very accurate that statement is. She seems like a pampered socialite. But really she has some deep emotions and fears of her own. And she can’t deal with another person leaving her.

She’s in love with our hero Simon and has been for a very long time. He chose another woman over her and came home with kids but no wife as she was murdered. Yeap. Murdered. And yes, she still loves him.

But for him, he doesn’t think he can love again. And he really doesn’t think that she’s anything special. That is until he is forced to get to know her because of his father’s will that he has to marry her in order to inherit. Who even does that? He surely does not approve. But if he must he must.

Except!!
Georgiana only wants to marry if he loves her, not just because he’s obligated to.

I loved the characters. They’re great. They come to life within the pages. I love how Georgiana rose to loving the children and wanting to protect them while also trying to protect her heart.

This is one of those books that will be staying on my shelf. And I highly recommend you go read it as well. It’s amazing.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Never Forgotten is yet another fabulous read from the talented Hannah Linder. I loved going back in time and meeting Georgina and Simon. The heartache that Georgina had experienced in the past made me understand and relate. The plot included danger that made want to continue reading to find out what will happen next. I did not want to put the book down until I was finished. I thought it was a great read and now my new favorite written by this author.


I am going to give Never Forgotten a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for lover of clean historical romance, particularly the Regency era. I am looking forward to the next release from Hannah Linder.


I received a paperback copy of Hannah Linder's Never Forgotten from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

1850 England - years ago two wealthy upper society friends were pledged by their parents to each other. He fought his family and moved to America, but his former life found him there. Murder, lies and deception form a great mystery for both, engulfing them. He's come back to England and is determined to uncover it all and find justice and revenge, but it doesn't go smoothly. They have a lot to uncover - at great personal risk - including their feelings for one another. Tense, engulfing read that gets harder to put down the more you learn. Excellent read!

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#NeverForgotten #HannahLinder #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #BarbourFiction

What a hauntingly beautiful book!
What I always say about Ms. Linder's books is that the atmosphere she creates is impeccable. You feel like you're in the middle of the action. That is what I love most about her books. With Never Forgotten, I felt the same. While it's definitely not for the faint of heart (you should check the trigger warnings for this book), it has such a powerful message.
I didn't necessarily love the characters or the romance. But I was there for all the action and plot twists. Those were the greatest part.
A must-read for gothic romance lovers!



Content that could be heavy for some readers: kidnapping, stabbings, suicide, murders (one in particular is pretty gruesome).



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