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Garden of the Midnights
The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered.
As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?
He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?
Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights.
As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?
He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?
Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2023
66 people are currently reading
2159 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Linder
11 books827 followersHANNAH 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, 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, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.
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, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.
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October 6, 2023
About this book:
“The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered.
As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?
He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?
Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights.”
Series: No, a stand-alone novel.
Spiritual Content- Prayers; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Towards the end, William wonders if God is laughing at him and does not care about him *Spoiler* ; Mentions of God, Christ, & forgiveness; Mentions of churches & clergymen; A few mentions of praying & prayers; A few mentions of a man’s “saintly wife” & her making him confess and repent to a clergyman; A few mentions of sins; A couple mentions of a Bible (including swearing on one); A couple mentions of Godspeed; A mention of someone looking like an angel; A mention of an Anglican liturgy at a funeral;
*Note: When discussing the poor and rich and how they are viewed, William says that “there are too many people who would offer the honorary seat to the rich and the stool in the corner to the poor.” and Isabella responds “I have heard the vicar at church read as much.”; William’s aunt tells him that he was a “sinful child” and was “wicked” also; A man says that “we are here and there, caught in a realm between heaven and hell. I sometimes wonder if we are in the latter already”; The phrases “for mercy’s sake”, “mercy”, “by all that was holy”, “would/wish to heaven”, “good heavens”, and “what in the name of heaven?” are said and exclaimed up to multiple times each; A few mentions of some men and women being called devils; A couple mentions of a terrible event being the work of demons and devilish; A couple mentions of ghosts & haunting a place; A mention of a place being as “black as sin”.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘dumb’, a ‘give a devil’, a ‘stupid’, a ‘thunder and turf’, a ‘what the devil’, three ‘bloody-well’s, three ‘the devil’s (replacing ‘heck’ or stronger), four forms of ‘dash/dashed’, and six ‘bloody’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Wishing to die (when things look deadly or hopeless, both William and Isabella have these thoughts up to a few times total); A Swordfights/Duel, Fighting/Punching, Being slapped and hit, Being strangled, Being kidnapped, Being shot, Being shot at, Being held at gunpoint/knifepoint, Being robbed, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, Passing out, Nightmares, & Thinking they are dying/will die (up to semi-detailed to detailed); Seeing deaths, seeing someone shot and killed, injuries, & blood/bleeding (semi-detailed); Someone has ordered for William to be killed & we see attempts (semi-detailed); Marauders attack, shoot at others, and try to set a young woman on fire (someone believes another is dead after their attack, up to semi-detailed); *Spoiler*; William goes to drink and wants to lose himself in the alcohol to forget someone (but doesn’t drink more than the foam); William recalls his aunts verbal and physical abuse & her locking him in dark rooms as a child (up to semi-detailed, including comments of it being good that his mother died because she wouldn’t have loved a “sinful child” like him and he believes her, having bitterness in his heart towards his mother and father; She claims his parents are to blame for him being wicked and therefore deserving of her punishments); Isabella eavesdrops on conversations; Mentions of a murder, murder attempts, deaths, bodies, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of raiders/marauders, fires, stealing, & thieves (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a husband who abandoned his family & his family ill and dying after he left (including his starving children, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of murder attempts disguised as accidents; Mentions of verbal and physical abuse by an adult figure to a child (William’s aunt towards him growing up); Mentions of grief (for a lover, a wife, mothers, sibling, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of blackmail & threats; Mentions of nightmares (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of hatred; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, social drinking at parties, & drunks; Mentions of smoking, tobacco, cigars, & pipes; Mentions of having to shoot an injured horse & bury it (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of manure & human waste; Mentions of a butcher shop, the smells, throwing up, & blood (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); A few mentions of hangings (including a man saying that if something was revealed to others, he would hang himself); A few mentions of workhouses & children dying there; A few mentions of torture; A few mentions of vomiting; A few mentions of hunting; A couple mentions of a man beating his son to where he couldn’t walk (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of a baby being bruised & mistreated; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of eavesdropping; A mention of gambling;
*Note: William’s aunt and cousin have been mean to him for years, but he always hoped that they would love him; William’s cousin always craved his mother’s attention, but never received it (because of this he is jealous of William being punished by her because that means he at least got her attention); William feels upset at his aunt for her cruelness and wishes for her to die, but stops that train of thought; *Spoiler* ; Mentions of prejudices towards the poor; A few mentions of a man loving one child but treating his other child terribly; A couple mentions of a book (‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’); A mention of a man calling other cowardly men women (“men who are not women, too afraid to fight”).
Sexual Content- Staring at another’s lips, finger kisses, a forehead kiss, two cheek kisses (one being semi-detailed), a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, six semi-detailed kisses (two unwanted/forced), and a detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Hand holding, Electricity, Warmth, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed, some are unwanted/forced); Remembering touches, embraces, & warmth (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (including imagining undoing a girl’s hair pins, up to semi-detailed); Noticing (including muscles, up to semi-detailed); Blushes; *Spoiler* ; Isabella doesn’t believe in love *Spoiler* ; Isabella is intrigued and scared by a mysterious man (not William); There is a man somewhat obsessed with Isabella & touches and kisses her without her permission *Spoiler* ; Isabella wishes to runaway with William *Spoiler* ; Mentions of illegitimate children, men doing their duty when a woman is pregnant, affairs, secret love trysts; Mentions of women running away with servants; Mentions of reputations, scandals, & young women being compromised; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of blushes & flirting; A few mentions of a man being a rogue & stealing kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of trollops; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a man losing control of himself and loving a woman in “every forbidden way” (and thus her becoming pregnant); A mention of a man’s “uncontrollable passions”; A mention of a man’s sensual lust after Isabella; A mention of a man running off with a married woman; A mention of prostitutes; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: William thinks that being near Isabella is healing him and his wounds; Mentions of mothers and a baby who died in childbirth; A few mentions of scantily clad trollops & a woman’s dress not fully covering her bosom; A couple mentions of a young woman who only finds gentlemen and wine delightful; A mention of a man saying obscenities towards fair-faced maids; A mention of a man saying that he’s yoked to a plain woman, but knows he could never be happy without her; A mention of a shirtless man.
-Isabella Gresham, age 20
-William Kensley, age 21
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1809-1810 (Prologue in 1787 & Epilogue in 1814)
322 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Let’s first admire that gorgeous cover, yes? It’s beautiful.
I was very hesitant about reading this book, because the author’s first book wasn’t my favorite writing style with it being very poetic and flowy, but I found this one more enjoyable and easy to read. Like the prior book I read by this author, this one was also very dramatic most of the time, though some of the beginning parts were entertaining. I don’t read many books with the Forbidden Lovers trope and this book reminded me why—the angst nearly does me in! And that was especially the case with this book and all the dramatic parts and scenes. I’ll admit that I wasn’t a fan of the last part nor thrilled with the ending angst. (The epilogue was good though and was a nice calm after the crazy storms these characters went through.)
I really enjoyed the first third of this book because of the cute sibling moments. I love the sibling content. I’m disappointed that ended up being a romance book, even though I knew it was going to be, hahaha! They quickly went to possibly-siblings to not to forbidden lovers a bit too fast in my opinion, but it was over the course of sometime in the actual book, which I tried to keep in mind. That said, they were really cute together with both angles.
The villain of the story was…well, a villain and I hated him, quite honestly. His parts and events towards the end made me drop the ratings for this book personally and for BFCG’s age groups.
I think it’s important to note two things: 1.) There’s a few times the main characters wish to die or to end it all when things look terribly hopeless that could be hard for some readers. 2.) There’s a lot about forgiveness but it doesn’t come across as the Christian thing to do or what God requires of us until the very end when a character chooses to forgive God because of different past events and feeling bitter towards Him. Most of the faith content prior was begging prayers or asking God why something happened.
It was an interesting read to be sure, but one that I liked some parts and disliked others.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Barbour) for this honest review.
“The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered.
As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?
He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?
Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights.”
Series: No, a stand-alone novel.
Spiritual Content- Prayers; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Towards the end, William wonders if God is laughing at him and does not care about him *Spoiler* ; Mentions of God, Christ, & forgiveness; Mentions of churches & clergymen; A few mentions of praying & prayers; A few mentions of a man’s “saintly wife” & her making him confess and repent to a clergyman; A few mentions of sins; A couple mentions of a Bible (including swearing on one); A couple mentions of Godspeed; A mention of someone looking like an angel; A mention of an Anglican liturgy at a funeral;
*Note: When discussing the poor and rich and how they are viewed, William says that “there are too many people who would offer the honorary seat to the rich and the stool in the corner to the poor.” and Isabella responds “I have heard the vicar at church read as much.”; William’s aunt tells him that he was a “sinful child” and was “wicked” also; A man says that “we are here and there, caught in a realm between heaven and hell. I sometimes wonder if we are in the latter already”; The phrases “for mercy’s sake”, “mercy”, “by all that was holy”, “would/wish to heaven”, “good heavens”, and “what in the name of heaven?” are said and exclaimed up to multiple times each; A few mentions of some men and women being called devils; A couple mentions of a terrible event being the work of demons and devilish; A couple mentions of ghosts & haunting a place; A mention of a place being as “black as sin”.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘dumb’, a ‘give a devil’, a ‘stupid’, a ‘thunder and turf’, a ‘what the devil’, three ‘bloody-well’s, three ‘the devil’s (replacing ‘heck’ or stronger), four forms of ‘dash/dashed’, and six ‘bloody’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Wishing to die (when things look deadly or hopeless, both William and Isabella have these thoughts up to a few times total); A Swordfights/Duel, Fighting/Punching, Being slapped and hit, Being strangled, Being kidnapped, Being shot, Being shot at, Being held at gunpoint/knifepoint, Being robbed, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, Passing out, Nightmares, & Thinking they are dying/will die (up to semi-detailed to detailed); Seeing deaths, seeing someone shot and killed, injuries, & blood/bleeding (semi-detailed); Someone has ordered for William to be killed & we see attempts (semi-detailed); Marauders attack, shoot at others, and try to set a young woman on fire (someone believes another is dead after their attack, up to semi-detailed); *Spoiler*; William goes to drink and wants to lose himself in the alcohol to forget someone (but doesn’t drink more than the foam); William recalls his aunts verbal and physical abuse & her locking him in dark rooms as a child (up to semi-detailed, including comments of it being good that his mother died because she wouldn’t have loved a “sinful child” like him and he believes her, having bitterness in his heart towards his mother and father; She claims his parents are to blame for him being wicked and therefore deserving of her punishments); Isabella eavesdrops on conversations; Mentions of a murder, murder attempts, deaths, bodies, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of raiders/marauders, fires, stealing, & thieves (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a husband who abandoned his family & his family ill and dying after he left (including his starving children, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of murder attempts disguised as accidents; Mentions of verbal and physical abuse by an adult figure to a child (William’s aunt towards him growing up); Mentions of grief (for a lover, a wife, mothers, sibling, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of blackmail & threats; Mentions of nightmares (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of hatred; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, social drinking at parties, & drunks; Mentions of smoking, tobacco, cigars, & pipes; Mentions of having to shoot an injured horse & bury it (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of manure & human waste; Mentions of a butcher shop, the smells, throwing up, & blood (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); A few mentions of hangings (including a man saying that if something was revealed to others, he would hang himself); A few mentions of workhouses & children dying there; A few mentions of torture; A few mentions of vomiting; A few mentions of hunting; A couple mentions of a man beating his son to where he couldn’t walk (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of a baby being bruised & mistreated; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of eavesdropping; A mention of gambling;
*Note: William’s aunt and cousin have been mean to him for years, but he always hoped that they would love him; William’s cousin always craved his mother’s attention, but never received it (because of this he is jealous of William being punished by her because that means he at least got her attention); William feels upset at his aunt for her cruelness and wishes for her to die, but stops that train of thought; *Spoiler* ; Mentions of prejudices towards the poor; A few mentions of a man loving one child but treating his other child terribly; A couple mentions of a book (‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’); A mention of a man calling other cowardly men women (“men who are not women, too afraid to fight”).
Sexual Content- Staring at another’s lips, finger kisses, a forehead kiss, two cheek kisses (one being semi-detailed), a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, six semi-detailed kisses (two unwanted/forced), and a detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Hand holding, Electricity, Warmth, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed, some are unwanted/forced); Remembering touches, embraces, & warmth (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (including imagining undoing a girl’s hair pins, up to semi-detailed); Noticing (including muscles, up to semi-detailed); Blushes; *Spoiler* ; Isabella doesn’t believe in love *Spoiler* ; Isabella is intrigued and scared by a mysterious man (not William); There is a man somewhat obsessed with Isabella & touches and kisses her without her permission *Spoiler* ; Isabella wishes to runaway with William *Spoiler* ; Mentions of illegitimate children, men doing their duty when a woman is pregnant, affairs, secret love trysts; Mentions of women running away with servants; Mentions of reputations, scandals, & young women being compromised; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of blushes & flirting; A few mentions of a man being a rogue & stealing kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of trollops; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a man losing control of himself and loving a woman in “every forbidden way” (and thus her becoming pregnant); A mention of a man’s “uncontrollable passions”; A mention of a man’s sensual lust after Isabella; A mention of a man running off with a married woman; A mention of prostitutes; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: William thinks that being near Isabella is healing him and his wounds; Mentions of mothers and a baby who died in childbirth; A few mentions of scantily clad trollops & a woman’s dress not fully covering her bosom; A couple mentions of a young woman who only finds gentlemen and wine delightful; A mention of a man saying obscenities towards fair-faced maids; A mention of a man saying that he’s yoked to a plain woman, but knows he could never be happy without her; A mention of a shirtless man.
-Isabella Gresham, age 20
-William Kensley, age 21
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1809-1810 (Prologue in 1787 & Epilogue in 1814)
322 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Let’s first admire that gorgeous cover, yes? It’s beautiful.
I was very hesitant about reading this book, because the author’s first book wasn’t my favorite writing style with it being very poetic and flowy, but I found this one more enjoyable and easy to read. Like the prior book I read by this author, this one was also very dramatic most of the time, though some of the beginning parts were entertaining. I don’t read many books with the Forbidden Lovers trope and this book reminded me why—the angst nearly does me in! And that was especially the case with this book and all the dramatic parts and scenes. I’ll admit that I wasn’t a fan of the last part nor thrilled with the ending angst. (The epilogue was good though and was a nice calm after the crazy storms these characters went through.)
I really enjoyed the first third of this book because of the cute sibling moments. I love the sibling content. I’m disappointed that ended up being a romance book, even though I knew it was going to be, hahaha! They quickly went to possibly-siblings to not to forbidden lovers a bit too fast in my opinion, but it was over the course of sometime in the actual book, which I tried to keep in mind. That said, they were really cute together with both angles.
The villain of the story was…well, a villain and I hated him, quite honestly. His parts and events towards the end made me drop the ratings for this book personally and for BFCG’s age groups.
I think it’s important to note two things: 1.) There’s a few times the main characters wish to die or to end it all when things look terribly hopeless that could be hard for some readers. 2.) There’s a lot about forgiveness but it doesn’t come across as the Christian thing to do or what God requires of us until the very end when a character chooses to forgive God because of different past events and feeling bitter towards Him. Most of the faith content prior was begging prayers or asking God why something happened.
It was an interesting read to be sure, but one that I liked some parts and disliked others.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Barbour) for this honest review.
April 21, 2025
I’m not sure what to say about this book. I know what to expect from Hannah Linder. 17/1800s England Gothic vibes, romance, mystery… This book was a little less Gothic and more sunny, which I liked. It even had Jane Austen feels for me sometimes.
I liked William & Isabella. I liked them best when they thought they were siblings, to be honest, but their romance was cute. The dark lord whose name escapes me was intriguing—till he was revolting—and I felt sorry for H. Isabella’s father was a complicated fellow as well… I didn’t like him, but I couldn’t help but understand his situation a little… Also, the Earl was splendid.
The plot fell a bit flat for me. It felt somewhat like a mashup of Beneath His Silence & When Tomorrow Came , what with the formerly-believed-brother+sister-romance and the dark lord love triangle, and the kidnapping, and a couple other bits. But it reminded me of several of my favourite Brontë novels (specifically, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall … go figure) and I really liked the aesthetic and the messages, even if they aren’t too deep. While I wish that the theme of forgiving God had been deepened to a realization that He doesn’t NEED to be forgiven, I liked the thought of letting go of bitterness against Him and understanding He does everything well. And the message about forgiving people in general and about social classes was well done.
However, while the author’s first two books also included almost-r*pe scenes, this one was a lot more intense and triggering. I enjoy everything else about the books but the s*xual scenes are getting to be troubling for me. A girl is kidnapped and under hourly danger of being assaulted. (A side character was kidnapped and used by the same man—off-screen). Nothing happens to the first girl but there’s some intense scenes, especially one where she’s stripped to her underclothes before a group of robbers, which was perturbing and removed a star for me. I don’t object to necessary discussion of sin but this felt a lot more sensational than anything else. I liked the whole rest of the book—but that part just really had me uncomfortable and disappointed.
I’d like to read more by Hannah Linder, because like I said I enjoy everything else about the books, but… well, we’ll see. Maybe I’ll skip those parts and just enjoy the rest. Anyways, for this one personally, I’d give it 4 stars for everything else I liked but I have to remove a star for the s*xual content. I’d reread it, but I’ll definitely skip those parts. But I do reiterate the rest of the book I did like. ;P
Content: several uses of “bl**dy.” A MC is believed to be illegitimate and a SC is considered to be the father. Probably a semi-detailed kiss or two. Better content list found in Lindsey’s review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Favourite Quote: How long did William think he could go on like this, tangled in his own bitterness, suffocating in pity as if he were the only person in the world to suffer injustice?
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “I think I speak in truth when I say you were the best hostess I ever had.” The only one too, but he would spare her that detail.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
I liked William & Isabella. I liked them best when they thought they were siblings, to be honest, but their romance was cute. The dark lord whose name escapes me was intriguing—till he was revolting—and I felt sorry for H. Isabella’s father was a complicated fellow as well… I didn’t like him, but I couldn’t help but understand his situation a little… Also, the Earl was splendid.
The plot fell a bit flat for me. It felt somewhat like a mashup of Beneath His Silence & When Tomorrow Came , what with the formerly-believed-brother+sister-romance and the dark lord love triangle, and the kidnapping, and a couple other bits. But it reminded me of several of my favourite Brontë novels (specifically, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall … go figure) and I really liked the aesthetic and the messages, even if they aren’t too deep. While I wish that the theme of forgiving God had been deepened to a realization that He doesn’t NEED to be forgiven, I liked the thought of letting go of bitterness against Him and understanding He does everything well. And the message about forgiving people in general and about social classes was well done.
However, while the author’s first two books also included almost-r*pe scenes, this one was a lot more intense and triggering. I enjoy everything else about the books but the s*xual scenes are getting to be troubling for me. A girl is kidnapped and under hourly danger of being assaulted. (A side character was kidnapped and used by the same man—off-screen). Nothing happens to the first girl but there’s some intense scenes, especially one where she’s stripped to her underclothes before a group of robbers, which was perturbing and removed a star for me. I don’t object to necessary discussion of sin but this felt a lot more sensational than anything else. I liked the whole rest of the book—but that part just really had me uncomfortable and disappointed.
I’d like to read more by Hannah Linder, because like I said I enjoy everything else about the books, but… well, we’ll see. Maybe I’ll skip those parts and just enjoy the rest. Anyways, for this one personally, I’d give it 4 stars for everything else I liked but I have to remove a star for the s*xual content. I’d reread it, but I’ll definitely skip those parts. But I do reiterate the rest of the book I did like. ;P
Content: several uses of “bl**dy.” A MC is believed to be illegitimate and a SC is considered to be the father. Probably a semi-detailed kiss or two. Better content list found in Lindsey’s review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Favourite Quote: How long did William think he could go on like this, tangled in his own bitterness, suffocating in pity as if he were the only person in the world to suffer injustice?
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “I think I speak in truth when I say you were the best hostess I ever had.” The only one too, but he would spare her that detail.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
October 1, 2023
Happy Release Day!
The ambiance of Garden of the Midnights was flawless, featuring characters that evolved and elicited emotions such as anger, jealousy, pride, hatred, love, and satisfaction. The plot had a natural flow, gradually intensifying until you become completely engrossed in the story, causing you to turn pages faster than usual to fully appreciate the writing and discover what would happen next.
William has fallen into poverty, with no money and no one to turn to. The only solace he finds is in the unwavering love of Isabella Gresham, but their relationship is at risk. A dangerous enemy from their social circle emerges and puts Isabella's life in danger. Will William be the only one brave enough to save her? And if he does rescue Isabella, will he have to give up on their love?
This book reinstates one's belief in people and exceptional writing. Reading it was a privilege.
Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the eARC, All opinions are my own.
The ambiance of Garden of the Midnights was flawless, featuring characters that evolved and elicited emotions such as anger, jealousy, pride, hatred, love, and satisfaction. The plot had a natural flow, gradually intensifying until you become completely engrossed in the story, causing you to turn pages faster than usual to fully appreciate the writing and discover what would happen next.
William has fallen into poverty, with no money and no one to turn to. The only solace he finds is in the unwavering love of Isabella Gresham, but their relationship is at risk. A dangerous enemy from their social circle emerges and puts Isabella's life in danger. Will William be the only one brave enough to save her? And if he does rescue Isabella, will he have to give up on their love?
This book reinstates one's belief in people and exceptional writing. Reading it was a privilege.
Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the eARC, All opinions are my own.
October 9, 2023
Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder is a delightful regency romance with some mystery. Isabella Gresham has lived a delightful life with a doting family. William Kensley has had privilege as a Gentleman, but has not had a loving family. Now he is trying to find out who wants him dead, his identity, and is running to find out.
This story gripped me from the beginning and I stayed up way to late trying to see how it would end. Isabella and William are interesting characters who I enjoyed watching change and grow in the story. The regency era details were amazing and I loved the varied settings. There were many twists and turns which made this story so interesting and unique compared to others in the genre.
The themes of identify, redemption, forgiveness, and family were wonderful and made this a thoughtful and beautiful story. The faith elements were so well done and not preachy or like an afterthought.
This is a lovely redemptive story that drew me in and held my attention to the very end. This is a page turner that will touch your heart deeply. I highly recommend!
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.
This story gripped me from the beginning and I stayed up way to late trying to see how it would end. Isabella and William are interesting characters who I enjoyed watching change and grow in the story. The regency era details were amazing and I loved the varied settings. There were many twists and turns which made this story so interesting and unique compared to others in the genre.
The themes of identify, redemption, forgiveness, and family were wonderful and made this a thoughtful and beautiful story. The faith elements were so well done and not preachy or like an afterthought.
This is a lovely redemptive story that drew me in and held my attention to the very end. This is a page turner that will touch your heart deeply. I highly recommend!
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.
November 2, 2023
For fans of historical fiction, romance, suspense and an organic faith vein, you simply need to pick up Garden of the Midnights! I highly recommend going in blind although I do feel like the synopsis is fairly vague.
I was so impressed when I read Hannah's debut book so I was anxious to pick this one up too. I love Hannah's writing and the way she tackles so many elements with ease. Her books always feel like something I haven't read before, which is becoming increasingly more difficult in this genre. There were so many sweet and beautiful moments I adored.
I loved how the mystery played out that made this one a page turner but I was HOOKED. On the friendship and romantic elements. I felt the passion and emotional turmoil between these characters. I'm always here for a forbidden romance and this was done quite nicely.
I was entertained from start to finish and loved how the story contained elements of forgiveness even when it seems like God has forsaken us. Whatever Hannah writes next, I will read it.
PS: also can we talk about how beautiful to cover is and that Hannah also designed it. So talented!
I was so impressed when I read Hannah's debut book so I was anxious to pick this one up too. I love Hannah's writing and the way she tackles so many elements with ease. Her books always feel like something I haven't read before, which is becoming increasingly more difficult in this genre. There were so many sweet and beautiful moments I adored.
I loved how the mystery played out that made this one a page turner but I was HOOKED. On the friendship and romantic elements. I felt the passion and emotional turmoil between these characters. I'm always here for a forbidden romance and this was done quite nicely.
I was entertained from start to finish and loved how the story contained elements of forgiveness even when it seems like God has forsaken us. Whatever Hannah writes next, I will read it.
PS: also can we talk about how beautiful to cover is and that Hannah also designed it. So talented!
July 22, 2023
Kept me guessing!
I definitely did not have this story figured out as I went.
William is quite simply wonderful. Dedicated. Fervent. Strong.
*swoon*
Isabella and William strengthen and help each other to grow as they each see the world in ways they never anticipated.
I have a bit of soft spot for Edward Gresham in the end as well.
Hannah is on point, as always. Such a great read!!!
Highly recommend. :) Thanks for letting me advance read, Net Galley!
I definitely did not have this story figured out as I went.
William is quite simply wonderful. Dedicated. Fervent. Strong.
*swoon*
Isabella and William strengthen and help each other to grow as they each see the world in ways they never anticipated.
I have a bit of soft spot for Edward Gresham in the end as well.
Hannah is on point, as always. Such a great read!!!
Highly recommend. :) Thanks for letting me advance read, Net Galley!
October 22, 2023
Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder broke my heart several times before it knit me back together, but I couldn’t put it down. Even as I ached for William, whose story had shades of the Biblical book of Job. Even as I ached for Isabella, who found herself in more than one untenable situation. Even as their star-crossed friendship seemed destined to stay just that. Don’t get me wrong – it’s not all heartbreak and hopelessness. There’s a good deal of delightful wit and warmth, too, as well as a timeless (and swoony!) story of true love. But I would be remiss if I did not dwell for at least this paragraph on the tender way in which Linder weaves a beautiful tapestry from the torn fabric of their lives.
William Kensley is running for his life, chased by questions for which he hopes to find answers, secrets which he hopes to uncover once and for all. It takes nearly dying to bring him to life, only for death to pale in comparison to his new reality. Isabella Gresham may be part of the secrets he’s trying to piece together, but she also quickly becomes a dear friend. I really loved their camaraderie, watching them laugh together and lighten each other’s hearts, getting a front row seat to their ever-increasing affection and trust for one another. I also found myself becoming quite protective of Isabella and wanting to purse whomp her frustrating father, though he does eventually end up assuaging some of my wrath. (I’d still side eye him like nobody’s business, though, if we ever met in person haha!) And while Isabella’s father is not in fact the villain of this story, there are some truly despicable ones who would be difficult to forgive.
Forgiveness is one of the gentle themes of this story, however, and the author deftly avoids being either preachy or trite while pointing William, Isabella, and readers to its importance. From a human perspective, these characters would be well within their rights to never forgive those who hurt them – so grievous were their wounds. But the redemptive truth in this story flips the script and turns the heart inward to heal our own souls when we dare to embrace this paradox of forgiveness.
Bottom Line: William and Isabella took me on a roller coaster of emotions as their story crashed against the rocks of their beloved seashore more than once in Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder. I rooted for them from the beginning, before I knew for a certainty who they were – who they would become – to each other. And while the author puts these characters through the wringer, she also tenderly provides restoration and redemption, leaving readers uplifted for the time spent on these pages. I felt their hopelessness, yes, but I also swooned and laughed and smiled. This Regency gothic romance thoroughly entertained me from beginning to end, and Hannah Linder is quickly earning a spot on my list of must-read authors!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed (with full disclosure) at Reading Is My SuperPower
William Kensley is running for his life, chased by questions for which he hopes to find answers, secrets which he hopes to uncover once and for all. It takes nearly dying to bring him to life, only for death to pale in comparison to his new reality. Isabella Gresham may be part of the secrets he’s trying to piece together, but she also quickly becomes a dear friend. I really loved their camaraderie, watching them laugh together and lighten each other’s hearts, getting a front row seat to their ever-increasing affection and trust for one another. I also found myself becoming quite protective of Isabella and wanting to purse whomp her frustrating father, though he does eventually end up assuaging some of my wrath. (I’d still side eye him like nobody’s business, though, if we ever met in person haha!) And while Isabella’s father is not in fact the villain of this story, there are some truly despicable ones who would be difficult to forgive.
Forgiveness is one of the gentle themes of this story, however, and the author deftly avoids being either preachy or trite while pointing William, Isabella, and readers to its importance. From a human perspective, these characters would be well within their rights to never forgive those who hurt them – so grievous were their wounds. But the redemptive truth in this story flips the script and turns the heart inward to heal our own souls when we dare to embrace this paradox of forgiveness.
Bottom Line: William and Isabella took me on a roller coaster of emotions as their story crashed against the rocks of their beloved seashore more than once in Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder. I rooted for them from the beginning, before I knew for a certainty who they were – who they would become – to each other. And while the author puts these characters through the wringer, she also tenderly provides restoration and redemption, leaving readers uplifted for the time spent on these pages. I felt their hopelessness, yes, but I also swooned and laughed and smiled. This Regency gothic romance thoroughly entertained me from beginning to end, and Hannah Linder is quickly earning a spot on my list of must-read authors!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed (with full disclosure) at Reading Is My SuperPower
October 5, 2023
Garden of the Midnights was a captivating tale! And very unique, with its gothic undertones. William Kenley had so many unfortunate situations to struggle through in this novel and I wondered how the author would ever make things right!
William and Isabella seemed doomed to remain apart, even as feelings grew between them. The strict rules of society in their time, along with Isabella’s father’s determination to wed her to another man, made for quite a bit of tension.
The author set up many obstacles to be overcome in this novel and created quite a few thrilling twists and turns, keeping me guessing about certain truths throughout a good bit of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from start to finish and loved the epilogue!
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This review will post on my blog on 10/7/23.
William and Isabella seemed doomed to remain apart, even as feelings grew between them. The strict rules of society in their time, along with Isabella’s father’s determination to wed her to another man, made for quite a bit of tension.
The author set up many obstacles to be overcome in this novel and created quite a few thrilling twists and turns, keeping me guessing about certain truths throughout a good bit of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from start to finish and loved the epilogue!
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This review will post on my blog on 10/7/23.
September 9, 2023
Once again, Hannah has delivered a beautifully haunting Gothic mystery!
The atmosphere is tangible. The writing stellar and poetic. The themes of worth, forgiveness, and treating others well regardless of status were poignant and stirring.
The romance was very sweet, and you can’t help rooting for William and Isabella. While forbidden love and allll the angst aren’t exactly my cup of tea, it was still a delightful tale!
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
The atmosphere is tangible. The writing stellar and poetic. The themes of worth, forgiveness, and treating others well regardless of status were poignant and stirring.
The romance was very sweet, and you can’t help rooting for William and Isabella. While forbidden love and allll the angst aren’t exactly my cup of tea, it was still a delightful tale!
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 29, 2023
Wow what a great story! William Kensley has just discovered that his Aunt has been lying to him his whole life. He is told that his father is alive and given his name and where to go. When he arrives he meets Isabella Gresham, who is the daughter of his father. Though her father wants nothing to do with William, Isabella can’t abandon him and they develop a friendship. There are also some villains going around too. And as to not give away any spoilers, I will stop right there.
This story is wonderfully written. We get the point of views of both William and Isabella. With that we also get some backstory memories. This book has some mysterious and suspenseful moments and yes even some surprising plot twists. I really loved both main characters. There are great Christian elements throughout. I also loved the romance part of the story. The author is a great story teller. Overall I really enjoy it and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: murder, shooting, blood (lightly graphic), non sexual abuse of women, unwanted kisses, abuse of man (alluded to)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This story is wonderfully written. We get the point of views of both William and Isabella. With that we also get some backstory memories. This book has some mysterious and suspenseful moments and yes even some surprising plot twists. I really loved both main characters. There are great Christian elements throughout. I also loved the romance part of the story. The author is a great story teller. Overall I really enjoy it and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: murder, shooting, blood (lightly graphic), non sexual abuse of women, unwanted kisses, abuse of man (alluded to)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
July 7, 2023
Secrets, longing, and mysterious happenings—readers of Julie Klassen will love the beautifully written Garden of the Midnights, a gripping gothic tale that will keep you up to the late hours wondering how it will conclude.
September 15, 2023
Once again, Hannah Linder’s writing transported me back to England in the 1800s. This was soo good! I really could not put it down.
I was invested from the very beginning of the story. Hannah Linder’s writing is just beautiful and makes me want to keep reading! There were so many beautiful lines!
I loved Isabella and William so much, both together and separately. Hannah Linder truly writes compelling characters so well!
Even the side characters I found interesting which honestly, most of the time side characters don’t capture my attention very much. But in this book, each of the side characters came alive for me. Not one of the characters were one-dimensional. Even the bad guys had depth.
The romance was so good! Isabella and William were wonderful.
“Make certain you do sunshine and feel the seashore, hmm?”
That line *sighs* ❤️
I loved the faith content as well. I teared up quite a few times.
In conclusion, Garden of Midnights confirmed that Hannah Linder is a favorite author of mine! This book was so well-written. I felt all the emotions along with the characters as they came alive for me. It’s one that made me smile and tear up. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
If you love regency books with plenty of action, beautiful writing, compelling characters, faith, and a sweet romance, I definitely recommend this one!
*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I was invested from the very beginning of the story. Hannah Linder’s writing is just beautiful and makes me want to keep reading! There were so many beautiful lines!
I loved Isabella and William so much, both together and separately. Hannah Linder truly writes compelling characters so well!
Even the side characters I found interesting which honestly, most of the time side characters don’t capture my attention very much. But in this book, each of the side characters came alive for me. Not one of the characters were one-dimensional. Even the bad guys had depth.
The romance was so good! Isabella and William were wonderful.
“Make certain you do sunshine and feel the seashore, hmm?”
That line *sighs* ❤️
I loved the faith content as well. I teared up quite a few times.
In conclusion, Garden of Midnights confirmed that Hannah Linder is a favorite author of mine! This book was so well-written. I felt all the emotions along with the characters as they came alive for me. It’s one that made me smile and tear up. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
If you love regency books with plenty of action, beautiful writing, compelling characters, faith, and a sweet romance, I definitely recommend this one!
*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
September 28, 2023
There is so much to love about this Regency Gothic story: midnight garden trysts, a hidden heir who is in danger, a wealthy heiress, an arrogant cousin lusting after an inheritance, intrigue, romance and a beautiful setting. The characters come alive under the pen of Ms. Linder. With an intricate plot, I could not turn pages fast enough. The twists and turns were unpredictable. The romance was complicated and an underlying faith thread kept this story interesting.
An absorbing tale for fans of Abigail Wilson, Erica Vetsch and Michelle Griep. This one you will not want to miss.
*I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
An absorbing tale for fans of Abigail Wilson, Erica Vetsch and Michelle Griep. This one you will not want to miss.
*I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
October 16, 2023
This book is quite the page turner. There are ballrooms and beaches, gothic and Regency vibes, dastardly villains, action and sweet romance, soul searching and forgiveness. I couldn’t put it down.
I received an ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received an ebook copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
paused
August 27, 2025Pre-Read:
Omg guys it arrives tmr!!!!!! Can’t wait to read it!
Pre-Read Again:
It’s here!!!! The cover is gorgeous!!! Also the dedication for this book is amazing!
Omg guys it arrives tmr!!!!!! Can’t wait to read it!
Pre-Read Again:
It’s here!!!! The cover is gorgeous!!! Also the dedication for this book is amazing!
September 24, 2023
'Whoever wanted him eliminated was finished playing games. It no longer mattered if his death was deemed an accident. They simply wanted him dead.'
Wowee! This book is an experience...as are all of Hannah Linder's books.
I loved the gothic vibe she writes in her books. It adds something new and exciting to a historical fiction. I love the Christian elements. I love the innate goodness of characters. I love the character arcs and enlightenment of characters as they are exposed to things outside of their control. I love the fortitude and strength these characters possess.
This book had a fair amount of violence in it. There are murders in various forms that take place throughout this book as well as physical and emotional abuse that I want to make sure any reader that may have a trigger from those things goes into it knowing what to expect.
This book is a book of struggle and overcoming all odds. To stand up because of character and not because of wealth or possessions. I loved the theme and am always wow'd by the beautiful way this author writes!
If you're looking for a fall gothic read, this would be a good one to look into!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Content: murder by guns and swords, physical/emotional abuse, lies/secrecy, several mentions of children born out of wedlock, suspense, loss of everything, character growth, forbidden romance, kisses.
Wowee! This book is an experience...as are all of Hannah Linder's books.
I loved the gothic vibe she writes in her books. It adds something new and exciting to a historical fiction. I love the Christian elements. I love the innate goodness of characters. I love the character arcs and enlightenment of characters as they are exposed to things outside of their control. I love the fortitude and strength these characters possess.
This book had a fair amount of violence in it. There are murders in various forms that take place throughout this book as well as physical and emotional abuse that I want to make sure any reader that may have a trigger from those things goes into it knowing what to expect.
This book is a book of struggle and overcoming all odds. To stand up because of character and not because of wealth or possessions. I loved the theme and am always wow'd by the beautiful way this author writes!
If you're looking for a fall gothic read, this would be a good one to look into!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Content: murder by guns and swords, physical/emotional abuse, lies/secrecy, several mentions of children born out of wedlock, suspense, loss of everything, character growth, forbidden romance, kisses.
February 12, 2025
(thank you netgalley and barbour publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review)
I think it’s safe to say that I am a Hannah Linder fangirl at this point. I loved Beneath His Silence, I enjoyed When Tomorrow Came and I enjoyed “Garden of the Midnight” as well.
William Kensley has known all his life that he is to inherit Rosenleigh Manor. It has been his home despite the death of his mother, the indifference of his cousin and the abuse of his aunt. When he finds himself in numerous ‘near accidents’, he’s starting to believe that someone is out to kill him. But when he seeks out the one person who can finally tell him what exactly is happening, William finds him near death. His last words, the name of his father he thought long dead.
Isabella Gresham is now at the age where she should seek to marry but none of the gentlemen are able to keep her attention. Except the newly arrived William Kensley but he comes bearing secrets of his own.
I loved this. “Beneath His Silence” still remains my favourite but I really enjoyed this. The atmosphere was mesmerising and the writing was beautiful. The theme of forgiveness was heavily explored in this book and it was very well written.
I can’t wait for Hannah Linder’s next book!
“A man is not what he possesses but what he does with himself.”
I think it’s safe to say that I am a Hannah Linder fangirl at this point. I loved Beneath His Silence, I enjoyed When Tomorrow Came and I enjoyed “Garden of the Midnight” as well.
William Kensley has known all his life that he is to inherit Rosenleigh Manor. It has been his home despite the death of his mother, the indifference of his cousin and the abuse of his aunt. When he finds himself in numerous ‘near accidents’, he’s starting to believe that someone is out to kill him. But when he seeks out the one person who can finally tell him what exactly is happening, William finds him near death. His last words, the name of his father he thought long dead.
Isabella Gresham is now at the age where she should seek to marry but none of the gentlemen are able to keep her attention. Except the newly arrived William Kensley but he comes bearing secrets of his own.
I loved this. “Beneath His Silence” still remains my favourite but I really enjoyed this. The atmosphere was mesmerising and the writing was beautiful. The theme of forgiveness was heavily explored in this book and it was very well written.
I can’t wait for Hannah Linder’s next book!
November 26, 2023
Secrets, scandal, forbidden romance, and all the Gothic vibes!
This story really reminded me a lot of Jane Eyre and other classics, and I really loved that!!
The plot twists had me on the edge of my seat 99% of the time, and the angst just about killed me 😭
This is why I stay away from forbidden romance 😂 But Miss Linder is definitely a very talented writer who knows just how to torture her readers!
This story was everything I could have hoped it would be. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
This story really reminded me a lot of Jane Eyre and other classics, and I really loved that!!
The plot twists had me on the edge of my seat 99% of the time, and the angst just about killed me 😭
This is why I stay away from forbidden romance 😂 But Miss Linder is definitely a very talented writer who knows just how to torture her readers!
This story was everything I could have hoped it would be. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
September 27, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! Which I knew I would because Hannah Linder wrote it😊 But somehow she still surprised me with how good it actually was!
I loved Isabella and William from the beginning. I loved them individually and as a couple. Their relationship at first starts out as just friends and I found that utterly adorable and sweet. 🥹 They each had their own trials and troubles that they had to work through, and we see character development from them both.
I also really enjoyed the mystery aspect of it; who wanted William dead and why? At times I wondered if he would even survive the book😅 She really ran him through the wringer!
I can’t really say much else because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but just know that this book was amazing and I highly recommend it, and Hannah Linder’s other books as well!😊
I loved Isabella and William from the beginning. I loved them individually and as a couple. Their relationship at first starts out as just friends and I found that utterly adorable and sweet. 🥹 They each had their own trials and troubles that they had to work through, and we see character development from them both.
I also really enjoyed the mystery aspect of it; who wanted William dead and why? At times I wondered if he would even survive the book😅 She really ran him through the wringer!
I can’t really say much else because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but just know that this book was amazing and I highly recommend it, and Hannah Linder’s other books as well!😊
May 23, 2024
4.5 stars**
This was my first Hannah Linder book and I didn't realize she wrote Gothic style romance, so this book ended up being way darker than I thought it would be. It was definitely not a bad thing though. I really enjoyed this story.
Forbidden lovers is definitely not one of my favorite tropes, but if it is done well I do enjoy it. I did not expect all the twists and turns in this book. First you think they are brother and sister and then **SPOILERS** they aren't!
I will definitely be reading this author again.
This was my first Hannah Linder book and I didn't realize she wrote Gothic style romance, so this book ended up being way darker than I thought it would be. It was definitely not a bad thing though. I really enjoyed this story.
Forbidden lovers is definitely not one of my favorite tropes, but if it is done well I do enjoy it. I did not expect all the twists and turns in this book. First you think they are brother and sister and then **SPOILERS** they aren't!
I will definitely be reading this author again.
October 5, 2023
This book...just downright beautiful!! Total *chef kiss*
I honestly don't have words to describe how much I loved this novel! Everything about it was stunningly gorgeous. From the characters to the plot to the twists I didn't see coming, it all had me on the edge of my seat and not wanting to close my Kindle.
It's definitely a story that will stick with me for quite a while!!
I've loved all of Hannah's books so far, but I think this is her best work yet!
Thank you, Hannah, for the ARC!
I honestly don't have words to describe how much I loved this novel! Everything about it was stunningly gorgeous. From the characters to the plot to the twists I didn't see coming, it all had me on the edge of my seat and not wanting to close my Kindle.
It's definitely a story that will stick with me for quite a while!!
I've loved all of Hannah's books so far, but I think this is her best work yet!
Thank you, Hannah, for the ARC!
October 11, 2023
So lovely! 🤍 Thank you @barbourbooks for the gifted copy of this fantastic book 🤍
This was my first book by Hannah Linder, and it certainly won’t be my last!
It is the perfect fall read. With gothic elements that felt reminiscent of Northanger Abbey, while still being completely unique.
The story came together beautifully and I loved how all the pieces fit together.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing
.
TW: heavy elements, dm for details
This was my first book by Hannah Linder, and it certainly won’t be my last!
It is the perfect fall read. With gothic elements that felt reminiscent of Northanger Abbey, while still being completely unique.
The story came together beautifully and I loved how all the pieces fit together.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing
.
TW: heavy elements, dm for details
October 6, 2023
Thank you to AustenProse PR, the pub and Netgalley for an eARC.
GENUINE ENJOYMENT.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
This one took me by surprise. And as it’s Hannah Linder’s third novel I can see how much her writing and story telling has grown. Not for one minute was I ready to speed read and move on. I loved this story and the truths it held throughout.
The romance had this forbidden layer to start out that was worked out really well. I loved the slow progression between William and Isabella and how fate pulled them together. William was an incredible MMC and his ability to constantly have to turn and make a new move was inspiring. I felt a lot of his anger and disappointment towards his fortune and I loved the honest way the subtle faith elements played into his character.
This is definitely a darker book and I was surprised at the layers of mystery that unfolded as truths were revealed. There were continual things to unpack and the pace of the plot remained steady as I was grasping to know what happened next. I enjoyed the drama. I loved this story and I look forward to Linder’s next book.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Suspense + Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, gun violence, physical & weapons violence, loss of life, loss of loved ones, kidnapping, torture, harassment, blood/gore depiction
GENUINE ENJOYMENT.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
This one took me by surprise. And as it’s Hannah Linder’s third novel I can see how much her writing and story telling has grown. Not for one minute was I ready to speed read and move on. I loved this story and the truths it held throughout.
The romance had this forbidden layer to start out that was worked out really well. I loved the slow progression between William and Isabella and how fate pulled them together. William was an incredible MMC and his ability to constantly have to turn and make a new move was inspiring. I felt a lot of his anger and disappointment towards his fortune and I loved the honest way the subtle faith elements played into his character.
This is definitely a darker book and I was surprised at the layers of mystery that unfolded as truths were revealed. There were continual things to unpack and the pace of the plot remained steady as I was grasping to know what happened next. I enjoyed the drama. I loved this story and I look forward to Linder’s next book.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Suspense + Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, gun violence, physical & weapons violence, loss of life, loss of loved ones, kidnapping, torture, harassment, blood/gore depiction
August 15, 2024
1809 England
Lovely! This novel grabbed me from the first chapter and didn't let go. I found the story line to be unique and wasn't exactly sure how it would end.
My gratitude to author Crystal Caudill for a copy of the novel which was won through her Unlocking the Past reading challenge.
Lovely! This novel grabbed me from the first chapter and didn't let go. I found the story line to be unique and wasn't exactly sure how it would end.
My gratitude to author Crystal Caudill for a copy of the novel which was won through her Unlocking the Past reading challenge.
June 6, 2024
Step back to early nineteenth-century England and intrigue and drama among British society. This compelling book contains numerous surprising twists and a strong undercurrent of suspense. The stories of the two main characters stand strongly on their own, but their lives collide, and this leads to drama and forbidden love. The Gothic tale weaves its way into your heart and mind. It also brings to the surface the pride and arrogancy of many wealthy and the ways they navigate the world. This stands in great contrast to the lower class, whom they often treat poorly. And how does a man deal with losing the riches and life he thought he was born to and being thrust into poverty and becoming a lowly servant? You can’t help but root for things to work out for our protagonists, but so much threatens that outcome. I also appreciate the spiritual element included, subtle yet significant. This novel would make a great read for a book club to discuss. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #GardenoftheMidnights #NetGalley
August 30, 2024
4 Stars ✨
Historical Fiction
“You just have to forgive them, even if you have to do it over and over again, you’ve just got to forgive them.”
1809 England
I had no idea where this book was going in the beginning, I went into it totally blind. It started a bit slow at first but the pace kept growing and growing until I didn’t want to put it down. The story itself was about abandonment and rejection but overall focused on the power of forgiveness. The writing was so cozy. I just loved William and his moral character, with everything he had been through, it still didn’t make him any less of a man and he stayed true to who he was. Isabella grew so much as well over the course of the book. The romance was a forbidden one, who doesn’t love that trope? Such a beautiful story and epilogue so glad I read it! Would recommend.
**Clean Read
Historical Fiction
“You just have to forgive them, even if you have to do it over and over again, you’ve just got to forgive them.”
1809 England
I had no idea where this book was going in the beginning, I went into it totally blind. It started a bit slow at first but the pace kept growing and growing until I didn’t want to put it down. The story itself was about abandonment and rejection but overall focused on the power of forgiveness. The writing was so cozy. I just loved William and his moral character, with everything he had been through, it still didn’t make him any less of a man and he stayed true to who he was. Isabella grew so much as well over the course of the book. The romance was a forbidden one, who doesn’t love that trope? Such a beautiful story and epilogue so glad I read it! Would recommend.
**Clean Read
October 7, 2023
This was a comfort read if I’ve ever had one! Historical fiction will always be my first love, and this book reminded me why.
Cozy, sweet, wholesome, while still having twists and turns, and of course no story is complete without our bad guy!
William & Isabella were the SWEETEST little things, and I loved watching them learn and grow with each other.
First as strangers, then friends, then more. Across station and titles.
There was something so sweet about this story, from beginning to end! Even with the mystery included.
The cast of characters felt like coming home! This book felt like coming home! And it got me back into my historical romance fiction mood!
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
Cozy, sweet, wholesome, while still having twists and turns, and of course no story is complete without our bad guy!
William & Isabella were the SWEETEST little things, and I loved watching them learn and grow with each other.
First as strangers, then friends, then more. Across station and titles.
There was something so sweet about this story, from beginning to end! Even with the mystery included.
The cast of characters felt like coming home! This book felt like coming home! And it got me back into my historical romance fiction mood!
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
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November 20, 2025Sweetly written, suspenseful, but I didn’t quite connect (and the short scenes rather than chapter-long forays into the characters’ perspectives probably contributed).
September 21, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 (4.5)
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: murder, brief mentions of death during childbirth, and one other that is a spoiler (message me for details)
William Kensley's life is in danger. When he's forced to run from the only home he's known in order to stay safe, he seeks out the father he thought had died years ago. As William gets the answers he desperately needs, he also makes the acquaintance of Isabella Gresham. Isabella doesn't believe in love but she does strike up a friendship with William and finds herself drawn to him. Little does she know that her own life is at risk. Can these two open their hearts and protect each other from those who threaten their futures?
This was another delightful historical romance mixed with suspense from Hannah Linder! I was immediately drawn in by William's story and invested in the mystery surrounding the threats against his life. When he met Isabella, I was very curious as to how their lives would be connected. Things slowed down just a bit in the middle, but then the action and suspense ramped up in the last 30%. I loved how I wasn't able to predict what would happen and only had slight suspicions along the way. There were so many twists and turns keeping me guessing! The romance was also done so well, and I adored the chemistry between our two main characters. They go on quite the journey to get their happily ever after. And the Christian elements scattered throughout portrayed the characters' faith and struggles so well. I can't wait for what Hannah Linder writes next!
Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: murder, brief mentions of death during childbirth, and one other that is a spoiler (message me for details)
William Kensley's life is in danger. When he's forced to run from the only home he's known in order to stay safe, he seeks out the father he thought had died years ago. As William gets the answers he desperately needs, he also makes the acquaintance of Isabella Gresham. Isabella doesn't believe in love but she does strike up a friendship with William and finds herself drawn to him. Little does she know that her own life is at risk. Can these two open their hearts and protect each other from those who threaten their futures?
This was another delightful historical romance mixed with suspense from Hannah Linder! I was immediately drawn in by William's story and invested in the mystery surrounding the threats against his life. When he met Isabella, I was very curious as to how their lives would be connected. Things slowed down just a bit in the middle, but then the action and suspense ramped up in the last 30%. I loved how I wasn't able to predict what would happen and only had slight suspicions along the way. There were so many twists and turns keeping me guessing! The romance was also done so well, and I adored the chemistry between our two main characters. They go on quite the journey to get their happily ever after. And the Christian elements scattered throughout portrayed the characters' faith and struggles so well. I can't wait for what Hannah Linder writes next!
Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 6, 2023
Although new to the Regency scene this author has quickly proven her worth in grasping my attention for must reads. Let’s step back in time to 1787 England and become immersed in the lives of William Kensley and Isabella Gresham. It is a sweeping tale of poignant moments that capture your heart. William although raised as a gentleman finds himself serving others and sees what a difference social class makes when it comes to matters of the heart. There are mysteries to be unraveled and lies that threaten to destroy but faith prevails and a light sparks in the darkness to bring hope and forgiveness in the midst of the storm. This story has many curves to navigate that can be life or death and romance that makes you tear up and cheering for love to overcome evil. Beautifully written with pacing that keeps you turning pages as quickly as possible but also savoring the story for days afterwards. I highly recommend putting on your must read pile.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
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