The story is very haunting at first. A young woman hidden in the forest alone with just her dog seemed strange. I had to wonder why Eliza has been tucked away in a cottage far away from everyone. She is lonely but she does have her dog and thinks about a man named Captain. The nightmares come late at night but what is holding her back from remembering things from her past?

Felton is determined to bring Eliza back with him but I don’t think he thought she would fight him so hard. All she has known is the forest where she feels safe. Felton must bring her with him for a very important reason. Will she regain her memory and prove a man innocent? I liked how Felton would do anything to clear his father’s name. I couldn’t wait for this adventure filled with danger, secrets and perhaps a new relationship between two certain characters.

As we delve into the mystery surrounding Eliza’s mothers death strange things start to happen. Someone doesn’t want Eliza to get her memory back. As Felton tries to protect Eliza they both find themselves threatened by someone who is desperate to keep Eliza silent.

This is a good adventure and mystery story. Get ready to discover secrets and twists in this book. I loved the characters and how they started to work together to solve a mystery that was locked away in Eliza’s memory.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

An original gothic suspense with a touch of regency romance that keeps you turning pages as you will be enthralled from beginning to end. I loved that it kept me guessing and the inspirational faith theme woven within like a beautiful tapestry. The characters are so real they jump off the page and right into your heart. The words flow from the page like a gently flowing stream that picks up speed when it riffles and then ebbs and flows straight into you and leaves you thinking about it for days afterwards as the story feels alive. I highly recommend and then you will want to devour her other books. This is the fourth book by this author but her books read like a seasoned pro.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. ( )

Life had been good to Eliza, living in the forest, taken care of by the Captain and nothing to worry or cause her fear. But that was really the case or why did she have horrible nightmares? Kidnapped from the forest and returned to her childhood home - if this was a good thing, why did someone continue to try to kill her? What was the mystery behind the murder of her mother and who was the monster?

The author has done a fabulous job of keeping you guessing all the way to the end. What really happened all those years ago? You really want to sit down and enjoy this wonderful regency story with plenty of mystery and intrigue.

A copy was received through Barbour Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited. ( )

The Girl from Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder combines Christian Fiction, Historical fiction, and Regency Romance. From the moment I began reading, I found myself unable to put this book down. The author creates an amazing storyline with characters that drew me into the book. Hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember, Eliza Ellis’s only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her story-telling father called Captain. But her world abruptly changes when a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her forest and whisks her away.

Felton Northwood desires to clear his father’s name of a murder charge from the past, The only way he can do that is to bring Eliza back to his community and help her remember what happened the night her mother was killed. This book is filled with secrets, twists, turns, and more that made this book excellent to read. As secrets get revealed, the author takes you through more twists and turns. I felt as though this book simulated being on a rollercoaster with highs and lows.

So, if you are looking for a book that combines Christian Fiction, Historical fiction, and Regency Romance, check out The Girl from Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder. I promise reading this book is quite the ride.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

“Northwood is a bloody name, Miss Gillingham—and you’re the only one who can cleanse it.”

Wow!! Just Wow!! Hannah Linder is really making a name for herself in the world of Christian Gothic Regency Romance! The Girl from the Hidden Forest is one of my newest faves!!

In the year 1812, Eliza Ellis, 19, has been sequestered away in Balfour Forest, Northumberland, with only her father, whom she refers to as “Captain,” and her beagle, Merrylad.
Having enjoyed a wild, carefree life in the woods with only the dog and trees for friends, her father is everything to her, telling her fanciful stories of wondrous worlds that fill her heart. Suddenly, she is kidnapped by young Felton Northwood,
taken to a castle far away, and delivered to an “older” member of the gentry, Lord Gillingham. Told Gillingham is her father, Eliza is thrust into a strange, lonely, and judgmental world. At times she believes Felton is becoming a friend, but other times, it is obvious she is not good enough for him. Talk about relatable characters! So many people can relate to inferiority when compared to others, or seeing a friend who needs help, but being afraid to stand against society for them!

As Eliza is trapped at the estate, she finds her memories from early childhood beginning to match her lifelong nightmares. Will she be able to remember what Felton wants her to, and this clear the taint on the Northwood name, or will the monster of her dreams destroy her first?

Eliza is a great character, who has a tender heart towards others. I love how she befriends Minney, who is physically deformed and possibly has other issues as well. Minney delivers the most frightening message to Eliza. “Ye watch’eeself. Ye watch well. People die. Some people die in this house. And other places. Miss Gillingham?” She clasped her hands to stop the tremble that rushed through her. “Yes?” “I don’t think’ee can trust the ones’ee think’ee can.”

I liked Felton, mostly. His indecision drove me mad. Sometimes he is purely selfish, sometimes he is a true friend and hero, sometimes he can’t seem to make the best choice! But then, he comes from a very dysfunctional family. The Northwood family lives in a world of pretend. His mother pretends war is fanciful thing, that there is no danger. His father pretends his wife is not unhealthy. Both parents pretend that the whispers about Mr. Northwood do not bother them.

One theme that stood out to me is that people aren’t all good or all bad, but rather very complex. Thought that struck me as I was searching with Eliza and Felton for the killer ( yes, I felt that invested!!). We see this ironic juxtaposition in so many different people, but Captain is certainly a prime example. “Captain would have smiled. Or laughed. Or cried when she cried. He would have told her to keep her chin up, and even without telling him of her nightmares, he would have assured her the beast could always be fought.”We all need friends like Captain. To listen well, emote with us, give us sound advice, and make our fears manageable. Yet, Captain is also a very troubled man, for very valid reasons.

For fans of Michelle Griep, Kimberley Woodhouse, and Jaime Jo Wright. Historical, with a Gothic air, this a highly suspenseful mystery with a twist you’ll never see coming! Also with shades of Nancy Mehl and Susan Sleeman danger and psychological insights into the killer.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own ecopy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“He was no enemy, this man, no matter how different their sides and hopes. No, Felton Northwood was her friend. Her first friend.”

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

“You are good and noble and brave, or so I’ve imagined you. Funny thing about me. Once I imagine something for so long, I start to believe it. I guess I’ve believed it of you all along.”

“We seldom deserve what we are or what we are given.”

“They are only fools, Northwood, who continue in their folly.” ( )