About the Book
Book: Girl from the Hidden Forest
Author: Hannah Linder
Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Regency Romance
Release date: May, 2024
The nightmares may free her…but destroy the man she loves.
Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.
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 story-telling 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. Why does he tell such lies? Why does he insist that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother? A murder Eliza is said to have witnessed.
When Felton returns Eliza to Monbury Manor and reunites her with a man who is told to be her father, all she remembers are the strange nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Why have they suddenly grown worse? Are the answers hidden inside her own mind?
As danger mounts 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. When she finally uncovers the horrendous memories trapped in her mind, will divulging the truth cost her the man she loves—and both of their lives?
Click here to get your copy!
Book Review
The Girl from the Hidden Forest is another example why Hannah Linder is one of my favorite authors. I love how she does not shy away from the dark and gruesome, but is also able to interweave hope and love in perfect contrast. Her characters have depth and the mystery kept me turning the pages, trying my best to guess who the villain was and why. And let me tell you, I was not able to figure it out.
It did take me a while to get into the book. I’m going to be honest, I did not like Felton at first. He kidnapped Eliza–taking her away from everything she knew–for somewhat selfish reasons and just expect her to do what he asks of her, as if she is supposed to trust the man who stole her from the man she believed to be her father. But as the story unraveled, the more I warmed up to him. And the more I read, the more I could not put it down.
As more things regarding Eliza’s mother’s death is revealed, the more questions there are. Overall if you are looking for suspense with light romance, I would highly suggest this novel.
I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
About the Author
Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2023 Carol Award semi-finalist, a 2023 Angel Book Award third place winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Also, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.
More from Hannah
Everyone has been asking me for years: “Can you see yourself in any of your characters?” I guess I’m in everything, interwoven in all of the sentences. Pieces of me are scattered in the settings. Traits and quirks and secret thoughts are dispersed into the minds and souls of my characters.But I always felt the need to say no. I don’t see myself in my characters.
Perhaps because, in the past, so many of my heroines have been so different than me. Ella Pemberton (Beneath His Silence)—outlandish and stubborn and daring, apt to speak her mind, bold in her manner and flawless in her dance. Nan Duncan (When Tomorrow Came)—injured and worrisome, voice like an angel, childishly sweet, yet too eager to please. Isabella Gresham (Garden of the Midnights)—spoiled and excitable, with raven black hair and an art for entering social circles with impeccable grace and exquisiteness.
I love them, sweet characters of mine.
But I don’t understand them. We’re too different. Like sand and sea, we meet, we touch, we sweep back and forth together but we’re of different substance.
But Eliza Ellis—rather, Eliza Gillingham—is the first character I truly resonate with. Not on purpose. In no wise did I pen her with conscious hints back to myself. But as the story progressed, I found my heart reaching out to her, settling into her.
Because she was the same.
The way she thought, the things she imagined, her forest and her pet and her stories. I comprehended what made her hurt. I understood the dream world she lived in, because I live in a dream world too.
So, if anyone asks me, “Do you see yourself in any of your characters?”, I’ll pull The Girl from the Hidden Forest from the bookshelf and hand it to them. I’ll tell them Eliza and I are like kindred spirits, that we’ve bridged a friendship between reality and fiction.
Whether you’re a reader or a writer, I hope you stumble upon a character one day that feels like you. It’s a strange and special feeling indeed.
Blog Stops
Devoted To Hope, May 30
Inspired by Fiction, May 30
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 31
Sylvan Musings, May 31
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1
Texas Book-aholic, June 2
Mornings at Character Cafe, June 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 3
Blogging With Carol, June 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 4
Betti Mace, June 5
For Him and My Family, June 5
Alena Mentink, June 6
Splashes of Joy, June 6
Stories By Gina, June 7 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 7
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 8
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 8
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 9
Cover Lover Book Review, June 9
Book Looks by Lisa, June 10
The Lofty Pages, June 10
Holly’s Book Corner, June 11
Pause for Tales, June 11
Lily’s Corner, June 12
To Everything There Is A Season, June 12
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.