Hannah Linder’s newest release, The Girl from the Hidden Forest, is a great addition to her list of gothic regency romances. The way she crafts stories with mystery and romance that draw her readers in is amazing. I always find myself on the edge of my seat as the story builds and eventually wraps up. The Girl from the Hidden Forest was exactly that.

I loved Eliza and Felton. Their lives are connected in a hard and tragic way. They both have things to overcome and eventually must learn to trust the other. Their relationship develops as they learn to trust and overcome tragedy. Their relationship and this entire book is heartbreaking, beautiful, and inspiring all at the same time.

Hannah Linder weaved an incredible story of forgiveness, love, suspense, and faith with this one. The Girl from the Hidden Forest is the perfect read for anyone who loves gothic regency romances with suspense and Christian themes.

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📚•Book Blurb: Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her storytelling father called Captain. But at least she is safe from the cruel world outside, a world Captain has warned her against and protected her from. That is, until a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her quiet forest and steals her away. Danger increases and lethal attempts are made on her life, Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years…

📚•What to look forward to:
-the beautiful cover
-great suspense
-a great mystery to be solved
-some swoony moments
-many plot twists and turns
-vivid details and imagery

“Heaven knew that had she 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.”

Dear @hannahlinderbooks you have weaved such a hauntingly, suspenseful, and romantic gothic story, that has my heart still racing! This actually was my first book to read of yours and I don’t think it will be my last. If you like gothic + suspense+ mystery, and trying to figure out, “who did it?,” this book is just right for you! This book is very descriptive and there is much packed within this story! I would suggest reading this story in the the daytime!

“I shall never leave you, and I shall never stop loving you.”

•Content: religious exclamations, violence (mentions of murder, beatings, suicides), opium use, lots of instances where things are not what they seem, kidnapping, anger, loss of loved ones and romance-kisses only.

"What God has given you less of in one place, He has given you more of in others."

#thegirlfromthehiddenforrest
#hannahlinder
#agothicsuspencemystery
#myheartisstillracing

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

Eliza Ellis has only brief but frightening images of her time before she lived in Balfour Forest. Her only friends there have been her dog and her story-telling father called Captain. The forest has been her world until the handsome stranger named Felton Northwood steals her away from the Captain and returns her to the man he insists is her father, Lord Gillingham. Felton insists that she is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother. Whilst Felton insists that if she can remember the events of the murder that took place in Monbury Manor, this will help his family redeem their name. However, her return seems to bring more danger to their doorstep and soon Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years.
This was a captivating read, written so eloquently. The mystery behind the murder kept me enthralled from the very first page and I was completely unprepared for the true identity of the murderer. The characters of Eliza and Felton were so wonderfully crafted, and the progression of their romance was beautifully told. This would have to be my favourite Hannah Linder book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Eliza has lived in the forest for fourteen years with Captain, who has told her the world beyond the forest is not safe. Fenton Northwood comes to the forest and takes Eliza from the forest against her will to a man that Fenton says is her real father. Her heart yearns for the forest and Captain, whom she had thought was her father. Will she be safe? Will she learn what her nightmares mean? Will she find happiness in this new world.

I enjoyed the story. It was one of the best stories I have read this year. I look forward to reading more from this author. I received and advanced copy of this story via Netgalley.

This is my first book by Hannah Linder and I was captivated by the intense gothic regency vibe.

Eliza has happily lived in the forest for as long as she can remember and it’s all she knows, until handsome Felton finds her and “rescues” her from it. A world of danger, intrigue, “who dun it” mysteries and attempts on Eliza’s life result from this deliverance, and a beautiful, dramatic, and heart-aching story unfolds.

I was amazed at the vivid descriptions and while this story felt a little darker, I was completely fascinated and intrigued from start to finish with all the twists and turns. I appreciated the Christian elements and felt they really solidified the nature of these dimensional characters.

There is a lot of drama and trauma, and these times are confusing to Eliza, but Linder does a wonderful job of expressing the villainous aspects, as well as the heroic ones, in ways that felt real and raw.

Content: kidnapping, opium use, mistreating family, Christian elements (prayers/thoughts), mild romance, murder/death/suicide/abuse

Eliza Ellis has lived and dreamed with her father, the Captain, and her beagle, in a tiny cabin far in the woods all of her life. Her imagined fairytale adventures become reality when a genteel farmer, Felton Northwood, invades her quiet forest insisting she is the long-lost daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her mother.

I really enjoyed Hannah Linder’s prior novel, Garden of the Midnights, so I requested this ARC as soon as it became available. This one didn’t thrill me as I’d hoped, but it is well-written. My disappointment largely stems from the way that this book is being marketed as a “Gothic Style Regency” (the subtitle is even “A Regency Novel”) when it’s just not that.

Other than the timestamp of taking place in the years 1812-13, there aren’t any aspects to this story that are specific to the Regency period, and it doesn’t utilize any of the tropes from what is generally understood as Regency genre fiction.

This is a Gothic murder mystery and even rises to the level of a thriller at various points. I believe that this book’s targeted audience is going to be taken aback that the plot is really about the hunt for a serial killer who tortures his victims with knives. The level of violence, gory descriptions, and dark themes are not at all what I was expecting.

Quite frankly, I didn’t like any of the characters in this book. Poor Eliza. Everyone in her life except her dog and a disabled housemaid is completely selfish. She gets kidnapped originally and kept by Captain due to selfish motivations, she gets kidnapped again and dragged back home by Felton due to his selfishness and narcissism, and multiple people try to kill her due to selfish reasons. Even her own father won’t man up and do right by her when he sees that her return to his manor is making her nothing short of miserable, and that her life is in constant danger. And why is the housekeeper such a witch to just everyone in general?

Because it was Felton who couldn’t let his grudges go after 14 years, Eliza’s life was uprooted entirely and she was almost killed. Because of his decision to bring Eliza back to her original home and to expose her identify, many other people actually did get killed, As a result, I had a really hard time rooting for his and Eliza’s romance. I would have kicked that guy to the curb.

I believe that this novel should include trigger warnings/content warnings. This is 2023, and this novel is considered Christian fiction where readers are more likely to be sensitive to disturbing and dark content.

TW/CW include animal abuse, animal injury, blood, child death, death, death of parent, fire, gaslighting, gore, grief, injury, kidnapping, murder, physical abuse, suicide, torture, toxic relationship, violence

Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.

"The Girl from the Hidden Forest" is another 5 star read from author Hannah Linder! It is beautifully-written, original, and is captivating from cover to cover. This author always does such wonderful work creating three-dimensional characters with unique personalities and stories of their own and places them into historical settings that feel real and complete with details that show clearly how well-researched her work is. The Regency-era setting was so much fun to read about! There was never a dull moment in this story. This is a book that I could not stop reading! You will find yourself turning those pages! The mystery, suspense, and romance elements of this story are all carried out so well! The romance is sweet, swoony, and emotionally deep. The author has done great work showing the reader the reasons behind both the male main character and female main character's respective behavior and intentions. The speed of the plot is perfect, the author's writing style is smooth and sparkling with beauty, emotion, and wit, the story is original and enthralling, and the author uses such beautiful and expressive language. I love Merrylad! He is the sweetest. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! This story has it all: mystery, suspense, romance, and the perfect amount of angst! 5 very well deserved stars!

Thank you very much to author Hannah Linder, Austenprose PR, Barbour Publishing, and NetGalley for the wonderful opportunity of being a part of the author's Launch Team and the Book Tour hosted by Austenprose PR and for providing me with both physical and digital copies to read and review honestly.

Eliza lived with whom she thought was her father. She lived a life of deception. She was unaware of how she came to the Hidden Forest. She fought to stay there. It was all she knew and loved. Until one day she was snatched away.

Danger was beyond the forest. She was taught that. It became a reality. Whom could she trust? Where was she safe?

Felton found her and wanted to protect her. But the truth had to be revealed. Even if the truth was unfavable.

I enjoyed the story. It was a page turner. The mystery unfolds and the answers were uncovered. I was surprised by the ending.

I received this book from the author, Hannah Linder.

The Girl From The Hidden Forest is a Regency Era romantic mystery that has a gothic feel to it. I was enraptured from page one. My heart was in my throat many times as I turned the pages. I had no idea who the villain was and was quite surprised when it was revealed. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who loves to read historical fiction during the Regency Era.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.

The Girl From the Hidden Forest
By Hannah Linder

She doesn't remember her life before the forest. But she remembers her nightmares and the beast that haunts them. Eliza Ellis calls the forest home, which is isolated with just her dog Merrylad and Captain, her father. She knows and loves her home. She dreams about the worlds that live within her books, never thinking she would ever see them.

But when Felton Northwood steals her away from all she's known, her world is shattered. He tells her that the life she's known is a lie. For 14 years her life has been a lie. But Eliza knows the truth. Captain is her father, not some unknown viscount. And she never witnessed her mother's murder. And yet there is something familiar that nags.

Felton knows that Eliza is the key to clearing his family's name of the murder of Lady Gillingham. If only she can remember the truth he knows that the true killer will be identified and the cloud hanging over the Northwood name will be destroyed.

But nothing is ever easy and Eliza's return awakens danger - someone seems determined to keep her memories hidden away, even if it means ending her life.

Anyone who loves fiction with a Gothic feel will LOVE this book. This has forbidden romance, a displaced character, unwanted attraction, family secrets, and a beast. This book has emotional swings as Eliza tries to adjust to everything while longing for what she had. The forest and its simple, uncomplicated living calls to her.

This book does an excellent job of concealing the true villain, and there were several likely suspects. The way the story comes together is perfect. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an excuse to stay up all night reading. This is a can't put it down book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

This is an amazing read!
I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but the mystery and suspense is great! I loved the story until the last page.
Follow the main character as she navigates the real, but deadly world outside of her beloved forest. Just who is the killer?
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

I didn't want this book to end though I couldn't read it fast enough. I just had to know how everything tied into one another. This author has a way with words, her writing will make you feel like you are in the middle of one of Jaime Jo Wright's book. With the mystery and intriguing suspense, along with a romance that will have you feeling like you are reading a Pepper Basham book. All Eliza knows is her forest that she has always grew up in and her Captain that has raised her. Then one day a stranger comes and takes her away from everything she knows and tells her that she is the daughter of a murdered woman. He takes her to her Father's house and all matter of chaos breaks loose. Will the real murderer be found, will Eliza lose her life and how many more people will die and get hurt even after fourteen years later? This book was hauntingly good, you won't see the end coming and will not be able to figure out how everything ties together. I will be on the lookout for future books from this author. I am so happy that I was able to read this book through Netgalley and will be buying the book to have on my bookshelf.

Another historical fiction book that I enjoyed. Eliza is kidnapped by Felton from the forest where she had been raised by the Captain. She is dumped at an estate and told this is her real father. This is overwhelming as she is very comfortable running barefoot around the forest and climbing trees. That had been her home. She wants nothing more than to return there and tries to escape.

Her mother was murdered prior to her living in the forest and she tries to remember the details. Someone does not want the truth to be revealed and Eliza's life is at risk.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via Net Galley with no obligation to write a positive review.

3.5 Stars
This latest novel from Hannah Linder is filled with intrigue, mystery, and a bit of suspense. Darker themes are explored than in previous novels, in particular, post-traumatic stress disorder and insight to the mind of a serial killer during Victorian times.
Eliza has nightmares despite the isolation of living in a forest with her guardian, Captain Ellis. Shielded from the outside world, her life is filled with imagination and carefree days. When she’s taken from the little cottage in the middle of the forest, her nightmares reflect her strange new reality.

Felton Northwood is desperate to prove the rumours wrong about his family, but in his attempt to clear the Northwood name, he’s served a heavy dose of reality.

There are twists and turns, surprise connections, and pirates and treasures in this gothic regency romance. Hannah Linder spins a tale of fantastical dreams woven with realistic threads that brings the story to life. Vivid descriptions and depth of emotion immerses the reader in her story world.

The faith thread is light (a secondary character experiences a life-change when he repents of his past deeds – though the main characters attend church, however faith isn’t something they lean on in their difficulties).

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Regency murder mystery. Tense, heartbreaking, keeps you on your toes to the end. At 5 years old, Eliza is taken away as she sees her mother murdered, to a place hidden deep in the Balfour Forest. Fifteen years later, Fenton wants to clear his family's name, finds her and brings her back. She remembers in very small increments as suspicions surround her and more attempts are made on her life. Their relationship is very strained as she tries to fit in with society's demands and please the people around her. False stories overlap truth, muddying the answers as to whom she can trust. A slower read, not wanting to miss a word, thoroughly but comfortably drawn out to the solution.

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

#TheGirlfromtheHiddenForest #NetGalley #HannahLinder #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BarbourPublishing #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hannah Linder for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Girl from the Hidden Forest coming out May 1, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read other books by this author and really enjoy her writing. She always does historical fiction, which I love. I thought the first half of the book was fascinating. I loved that it got into the action quickly and there was gothic mystery surrounding the girl and why she was living in the forest. Felton was also mysterious as to why he was helping Eliza go back to the Viscount. I think the story lost a little steam for me towards the end. The explanations didn’t come in the way I was hoping. Eliza’s character seemed to be a little immature at times. And the romance seemed a little to “give and pull.” I was really into the first half of the book, so the second half felt a little disappointing. But overall, I loved it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gothic mysteries!

Was Eliza Ellis kidnapped from her hidden forest . . . or was she rescued?
With echoes of Rapunzel, along with a hint of Beauty and the Beast, The Girl from the Hidden Forest is a story of forgetting and the danger of remembering, of betrayal and all its tragic consequences, and of daring to keep on hoping for a happily ever after.
Beautifully written and full of keep-you-guessing surprises, Linder’s latest novel is wonderful from the first page to the last!

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

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me a copy of this ARC to enjoy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Set in 1800s England, it was everything I was looking for in a book. It had the back and forth of England society where people relied upon their names and reputations and then it had the not so formal England society with your criminals and smuggling adventures. There was a love story entwined with the suspense of everything- and a dog! (I love dogs in books as much as I do having them in my home.) I had no clue who the suspect was until Linder deemed it so. I thought it three different people before she finally let her readers know "Hey! It's not actually them, but this person!" Let me tell you the shock that mist have appeared on my face when I found I out. If you're looking for a small love story with the suspense and the feeling of man's best friend - pick this book up!

Hannah linder has a way with Regency Thrillers that keeps you on the edge of your seat and when you think you have it all figured out forget about it you don't!
Girl from the Hidden Forest is suspenseful and thrilling you won't want to put it down. I loved Felton what a man of courage, strength and bravery. Eliza is so humble and pure. I just love them but my favorite character was Merrylad!!!
The world they are in hauntingly Beautiful but danger lurks around every corner and beauty shines in the things around Eliza that others would overlook.
I would definitely recommend especially for those who love regency thrillers.

Another wonderful book from Hannah Linder! If you love gothic, you'll love Hannah Linder.

My heart ached for the little girl who'd been taken from her home and had no idea who she was. Amid the mystery, the twists and turns, secrets and betrayals, trust blossoms between Eliza and Felton.
Eliza's mother was murdered, and her memories can clear the name of the man falsely accused - if she can recover them. But someone doesn't want the truth to come out.
Beautifully written, complex characters, a slow burn romance, and a dastardly villain add up to a book you won't want to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of the book. This is my honest review.