I like the idea behind this story, and even all the twists and turns and unseen outcomes that came out along the way. What did bother me was the evil in it--there was something about it that didn’t sit right with me, even made me slightly uncomfortable. I love a good mystery and don't even mind dark overtones to a story, but it needs to have faith and a belief in our God woven into the story. While this is marketed as a Christian book, it didn’t feel like one. God/Jesus was mentioned only fleetingly and seemed to have no connection in the characters’ lives. And with a background these characters had, faith should have played a vital role in getting them through life. As it was, Eliza apparently had faith, and called to it a few times when in trouble, while Felton was angry and overbearing and seemed to have little to no faith at all. I would not call this a Christian story and because that was what I expected, and what I enjoy reading, this story didn’t hit the mark for me.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This author is new to me and such a blessing. I loved the story of Eliza and her dog MerryLad. The supporting characters were all quite memorable. The villains were extra vile in this story. So mean and downright evil. I was surprised by who one of the villains was. High faith content, but not overbearing. I always love that in my books. This is a historical mystery and romance. Eliza has lived in the woods since about age 5 to womanhood. She is brought back into British society against her will and it is definitely a confusing time. This story had me engaged from the start. The author writes so it is easy to picture the story in my mind’s eye. Several misunderstandings which added twists and turns. I was given a free ARC, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily. I loved the ending and it was just perfect. Highly recommend.

Hannah Linder has quickly become a favorite author of mine. The Girl from the Hidden Forest was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint!

This book was very gripping! I had no idea how it was going to end. I seriously did not see the plot twist coming. I love when a book can surprise me like that!

Eliza and Felton were both compelling, interesting main characters. The romance between them was so well-written!

I really love Hannah’s lyrical writing style. There were several lines that felt like poetry. I love that! Just like all of her books, this one was atmospheric and even a bit moody, similar to a Brontë book.

I really enjoyed the faith content woven in as well.

This book does have some violence (the villain was terrible!!) but thankfully those scenes are pretty brief and only semi-descriptive.

In conclusion, this was a really good regency mystery! It was gripping, unpredictable, and romantic. If you’re a fan of the Brontë sister’s books, I think you’ll love The Girl from the Hidden Forest!

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions are my own.

The truth as Eliza knows it, is not at all what it seems.

This story has intrigued me since the cover reveal. This cover!!! Isn't it beautiful!

Grab a cup of tea and a snack as Hannah Linder tells you the dark tale of Eliza and her mother's murder. She alone may hold the key to the truth but her memories have been suppressed for years. After she is abducted she isn't sure who she can trust, or what is true...and then there are the nightmares that have plagued her since childhood.

I have to say the very first book of Hannah Linder's is still my favorite, but this one is a very close second. I really enjoyed the mysterious and gothic flair to this story. I have to admit, I did not figure out the who-dunnit. While I do find joy in figuring things out before the character, I also find it even more enjoyable when I do not. Does that make sense?

Themes of love, courage and forgiveness resound in this beautifully written story.

Read if you like:

mysterious twists and turns
second chances
enemies to love
light faith thread

Thank you, Hannah Linder, Barbour Books and Net Galley for the complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Girl from the Hidden Forest grips you from the very beginning with its page-turning, adrenaline-pumping excitement that lasts throughout the entire story. The plot twist keeps you hooked, urging you to flip through the pages to uncover its secrets.

However, as the narrative progresses, the lack of genuine, sincere Christian content becomes apparent. The characters, though diverse and plentiful, miss the mark when it comes to portraying faith in a meaningful way. To me, the sparse mentions of God feel like fleeting afterthoughts, leaving much to be desired in terms of a deeper exploration of the characters' Christian beliefs and struggles.

The romance between the characters, while undeniably sweet, adds a heartwarming touch to the narrative. Their love story unfolds with genuine tenderness, creating moments that are sure to tug at the heartstrings. The hero, in particular, stands out as a beacon of courage and integrity, embodying the best of Christian values. As the plot twists and turns, the romance remains a steady and heartening element, adding depth to the adventure and mystery.

The story's darker and edgier tone, with its elements of evil, adds a unique twist to the traditional Regency romance. However, this aspect might not appeal to all readers, as it diverges significantly from the usual light-hearted fare of the genre.

The Girl from the Hidden Forest excels in its ability to keep you on the edge of your seat with its thrilling mystery and romance. Yet, for those looking for a more sincere exploration of Christian themes and character development, it may leave something to be desired. The book's darker tone, while intriguing, might not be to everyone's taste.

I received a digital copy of The Girl from the Hidden Forest from Barbour Publishing and Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Eerie and full of chills, The Girl from the Hidden Forest is Gothic Regency writing at its best. There were more twists and turns to the plot than the pathway to Eliza's hidden forest home. One minute you think one individual is the killer, but in the next chapter, someone else looks mighty suspicious...and then soon enough, that first suspect, well, they look guilty all over again! Hannah Linder has done an adept job at keeping the reader guessing until the final few pages. This is an excellent mystery bracketed by a slow-burn romance. Loved every word and will definitely be checking out more books by this author!


Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for a copy of this ARC for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was achingly beautiful and haunting. I was enamored from the very beginning. The mystery had me hooked. The characters had such a great depth. It was romantic and thrilling and atmospheric and just beautiful! Would love to get my hands on a physical copy because I can see myself rereading this one again and again!

This book was areal page turner. I kept trying to figure out the ending before I got there. Of course I got it wrong. No matter, suspenseful and romantic. I loved the romance between Eliza and Felton and wished that part could go on and on. Merrylad was my favorite character. He overcame a lot for Eliza. I also like Minney, she was so well written. Hannah Linder has penned a winner with this one - no way you can put it down before the end.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

MYSTERIOUS.

I really liked the atmosphere of this book. There’s a subtle haunting vibe woven throughout that makes the book feel perfectly eerie. I was intrigued from the first chapter. It hooks you and pulls you in to a mystery that needs solving. A murderer that needs found an absolution that needs given. For awhile the story kept my attention.

The middle lost me a little bit because I felt different scenes dragged out or felt repetitive. And while the snippet POV’s of the antagonist were there I’m not sure how helpful they were to the whole story. I think keeping the POV’s for Felton and Eliza would have smoothed out some plot bumps. There subtle romance was sweet and I’m glad the found each other and were able to learn to trust throughout the extenuating circumstances.

The chapters are longer but I enjoyed the fast pace switching of POV’s. There’s a nice level of heated action, and not knowing who’s going to survive. I thought the reveals were surprising and liked how everything wrapped up in the end.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Mystery
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Violence: moderate
Trigger/Content Warnings: multiple attempted murders, loss of loved ones, near death experiences, kidnapping, brief torture

I feel like you have to take Hannah Linder's writings slowly in, in the beginning. To date, I have read all of her books and have not ever been disappointed. The start of this book gave you anything but a slow beginning however. From a home in a forest to a girl that has only known the trees and streams as our her surroundings, that is all quickly taken away. I feel like I jumped into a story slightly in the middle, then slowly finding out the pieces of the beginning throughout the book. Mystery, intrigue, dark and creepy characters sprinkled throughout, wondering who was going to be a friend or foe. Surprised by who actually became friend and who was enemy to Eliza and who she could trust was a silver vein throughout the story. What was real, and not real and what mattered and what was best forgotten. The love story slowly bloomed and took a firm hold towards the end, and it was a romance worthy of waiting to slowly read. I very much enjoyed this book, like all her others. The settings and storyline and plot were great. The characters were different than you would normally read about, but in a way that gave way to see beyond someone's appearance or flaws and offer kindness and grace and love.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)

Eliza Gillingham has been living in the forest for fourteen years. When she's suddenly taken by Felton Northwood and told she's been living a lie, she refuses to believe him. Felton returns Eliza to the father she barely remembers and tells her she must try to remember what happened the night she witnessed her mother's murder and was taken from her home. Her memories are Felton's only hope of clearing his family name. Eliza soon finds herself in grave danger, and her memories threaten to bring even more pain. Can she finally learn the truth of what happened that fateful night and find happiness outside of the forest she once called home?

If you love suspense and mystery but don't want open door scenes or cussing, then Hannah Linder needs to be on your radar. This is the third book I've read of hers, and it once again delivered on the high stakes drama and tension. From the very beginning, I was captivated by Eliza's story and needed to know who murdered her mother and how Eliza ended up in the forest hidden away for years. I was never able to predict the outcome of this, and I ate up every clue along the way. Eliza went through so much pain and trauma as she dealt with the return of horrible memories and then faced multiple attempts on her life. I was so afraid for her in the end and had to see if she would be okay! Felton had his own trauma that made him want to keep his distance from Eliza while also struggling with his growing feelings for her. I really loved seeing the romance develop between these two. And the friendship between Felton and Lord Gillingham was just precious! I did feel like things dragged on just a bit in the second half, but that ending had me on the edge of my seat until the very last minute- so much suspense! I cannot wait to read more from Hannah Linder!

Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Hannah Linder's The Girl from the Hidden Forest captured my attention from the first page and held it until the end. 

Eliza Ellis has always lived in the deep forest with her beloved Captain Ellis. She believed he was her father. The Captain has filled her head with the dangers of the outside world and that she should never leave the forest. As a result, she has never met anyone else but him in her entire life. Then, one day, a stranger (Felton Northwood) kidnaps her and insists she is not Eliza Ellis but Eliza Gillingham, and he is taking her back to her father. Naturally, she is terrified, and all she wants to do is get back to the Captain, whom she considers to be her real father.

There is a lot to process in this book. The author masterfully captures Eliza's terror upon kidnapping, and as she returns to her true home, she grapples with the nightmares she's harboured since childhood.

There is a spectacular mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. The author brilliantly places the reader in Eliza's mind and leaves us just as confused and doubting about who she can trust as she is.

The only thing I didn't buy was the romance that developed between Felton and Eliza. Despite being her kidnapper, Eliza fell in love with him, and he reciprocated her feelings. His love for her felt a bit creepy to me. As for her, it felt like she had Stockholm syndrome. I just didn't buy it for either one of them. I loved the mystery, but the romance fell flat. 

The story itself is intriguing. If you enjoy mysteries, this one will keep you turning the pages.

For my honest review, I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley.

Linder writes with depth and unparalleled imagery. I definitely feel as though I’m in the experience with the characters. In this story, family is a complicated thing and nothing is quite as it seems. The childhood trauma and incomplete memories that fear and imagination have filled in complicate things even more. Eliza doesn’t want to remember, yet she can’t forget. Between the nightmares and memory flashbacks, she knows she’s the keeper of the truth. Felton desperately needs Eliza to remember. He fights for justice with honor and tenacity. There are a lot of misunderstandings and twists I never saw coming. Redemption is rooted in love and provides a balm to the wounds inflicted by evil. The beginning was a little slow, but the last quarter kept me riveted.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own and freely given.

#TheGirlfromtheHiddenForest #NetGalley

Thank you to Hannah Linder, Barbour Fiction and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this ARC.

Eliza has been raised in the forest by the man she thinks is her father. Suddenly, she is kidnapped by a man who says he is taking her to her father. She is scared and confused. After a couple of days of travel she is dropped at the manor and she finally gets a few answers from her kidnapper. Felton has lived for years under the cloud of his father being a suspected murderer, so when he finds out where Eliza is he goes and retrieves her. He hopes that she will remember something about her mother’s murder that will free his father from these false accusations. Insead, he has brought Eliza into danger. Things are not always as they seem.

This is a great story, very gothic in style. It is very atmospheric and dark. However, the light of Jesus shines through all the darkness. Linder does a wonderful job of showing God’s love, It does not come across as preachy at all. At the beginning of the book, Felton is very unlikable. He does crazy things throughout the book that makes the reader want to choke him down. He has a stupid attachment to a mean girl from the village even though from early on the reader can see that he cares for Eliza.

If you love dark atmospheric stories, this is the book for you. If you like books that show Jesus’ love then I recommend this book for you. If you don’t like strong faith content then this is probably not the book for you.

I think this book is best described as a mystery romance in the Regency era with Christian overtones. It’s fast-paced without a lot of exposition. Eliza has been taken from her isolated forest upbringing and told the truth about her parentage with the hopes that she will solve the mystery of her mother’s murder—after all, she was a witness, but since she was very young she has forgotten/blocked the memories.
It has a lot going, but ultimately the romance and the murder are resolved for a happy ending. It’s darker than most Regency romances, which might be a fresh change for readers. This is my first book by the author. I read that most of her books are focused on Christianity and romance, and that the thriller aspect of this one is not as typical. If it sounds like your kind of book, check it out! Thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

"But I'm Not A Name" - Felton Northwood cannot rest until his family name is cleared. He enters Balfour Forest looking for Eliza Ellis because even though she has been missing for 14 years, he believes she has the answers that he desperately needs. Eliza only has memories of the forest life, her beloved dog & the Captain who is the only father figure she has known. She also has fierce memories that she can't explain. When Felton returns Eliza to her real home & father, her nightmares are increased, or are they memories? When several attempts on her life are made, Eliza doesn't know who to trust or believe or even where she belongs. The Girl from the Hidden Forest, written by Hannah Linder is a true page turner. It even had me guessing wrong several times. It was very well written, the characters were drawing me in to the story as the plot got more intense. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Girl from the Hidden Forest is the latest novel from Hannah Linder. I've had her books on my "want to read" list for a long time, but hadn't had a chance to explore her writing. Needless to say I was very happy to get an early copy of this release.

This is a Regency era novel that has a plot that peels back layers like an onion. You move forward every chapter piecing together a little bit more to what the backstory is. For the story revolves around the girl Eliza who has lived in the forest for as long as she can remember with the Captain who was her father. Until she wasn't. She is kidnapped from the forest and brought into the world of people and society and told that she is really the daughter of a nobleman who had been kidnapped when she was only a very very small girl. And somehow everyone insists she is the secret key to a murder mystery.

Eliza is torn in her devotion to Captain and the man who "kidnapped" her from the forest Mr. Norwood. Things that she hears taunt her memory and make her wonder if her nightmares are actually based on a reality from her past. So the book moves forward and we see different characters somehow connected to the murder mystery and Eliza.

the climax at the end--I NEVER suspected who was actually the murderer and I'm usually good about getting clues!

Very well done and now I am ready to read even more by the author. I also appreciated that there was a vibrant faith element of Trusting God as our Savior and Protector.

4 Stars

*I received a complimentary copy of the ARC from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. i wasn't required to write a positive review and all opinions are obviously my own.

The Girl from the Hidden Forest" is a well-written, easy-to-read book with a predictable, fast-paced plot. Although it didn't feel like the stakes were high, and I didn't feel stressed about the characters or the events they were going through, it was a comforting read. However, I was surprised to learn more about the author's background and desire to "please her Savior & to write in a way that glorifies & uplifts him." This made me realize that the book is a Christian Historical Romance, which explained why it didn't meet my expectations of being a darker story. Overall, the writing was good, and the story was solid. I am not a Christian, but I have a few Christian friends to whom I will recommend this. It may not suit those looking for a more intense read with much drama. While it wasn't my favorite, and I gave it a low rating, it was still enjoyable.

The Girl from the Hidden Forest was my first Hannah Linder novel, but I can tell you it won't be my last! In this gothic regency romance/mystery, Eliza Gillingham is kidnapped from the forest, the place where she lives with her father (Captain), by Felton Northwood. Fourteen years prior, Felton's father was accused of murdering Lady Gillingham, and Felton believes Eliza holds the key to clearing his family name. The only problem... she doesn't think she's a Gillingham and doesn't remember that night. Or so she thinks. As Eliza is coming to grips with this new society, she starts to get flashbacks of that night. With each revelation, danger is moving closer to her. Who can she trust?

This novel captivated me from the action-packed first page. It was face=paced, suspenseful, and full of twists I didn't see coming. As soon as I thought I had things figured out, Linder would reveal something different that would prove me wrong. The romance in The Girl from the Hidden Forest was clean, with a few kisses (nothing more). While some of Felton's choices weren't the brightest, deep down, his decisions stemmed from love. Now to go search for my next Hannah Linder novel.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for sending an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Unpredictable plot. Tragic characters. Secrets, oh so many secrets. Danger, nightmares, murder. I almost stopped reading because this seemed a little darker than other Hannah Linder books I have read. I kept thinking...there has got to be a light in the distance. And, yes, my goodness yes there was. The Girl from the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder releasing May 1. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.