The Girl from the Hidden Forest (Regency) in Clearly Christian Readathon

Jul 22, 2024 Lovely Day rated it liked it · review of another edition

3⭐️

Christian historical

This was alright. Not bad, but not great…🤷🏼‍♀️

The father-figure of young, woman who lives in the woods has gone missing. Then, she herself is kidnapped by someone who claims to be bringing her to her ‘real’ father. Secrets are revealed, plots are uncovered and there is a lot of typical medieval-type adventure.

I was not engaged at any point in the story, I just wanted to finish so I could add it to my read count… 🫣

For those sensitive to sexual assault or drug use, there is ...more

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Apr 11, 2024 DevotedToHope rated it liked it

Shelves: potentials_clearlychristianreadatho, april2024

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

However, as the narrative progresses, the lack of genuine, sincere Christian content becomes apparent. The characters, though diverse and plentiful, miss the mark when it comes to portraying faith in a meaningful way. To me, the sparse mentions of The Girl from the Hidden Forest grips you from the very beginning with its page-turning, adrenaline-pumping excitement that lasts throughout the entire story. The plot twist keeps you hooked, urging you to flip through the pages to uncover its secrets.

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

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

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

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

I received a digital copy of The Girl from the Hidden Forest from Barbour Publishing and Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
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Jul 05, 2024 Brandi (Brandis.Bookish.Escape) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4 STARS

This was my first book by Hannah Linder and I will definitely be reading more of her stuff in the future. Hannah’s writing style is absolutely beautiful. In particular, I loved the way she described the character’s emotions, as well as the way she described scenery. I also enjoyed the mystery at the center of this novel, which was surprising to me due to the fact that I tend not to be a fan of mysteries or thrillers that are set in the past. I also didn’t predict the plot twist, which is ...more

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Jun 11, 2024 Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) rated it liked it

I got to be honest I was confused for a good portion of the first 25% of this one. I’m thinking it was just my personal issue but I could be wrong. Anyway once I figured out what was happening it got better. There is a great gothic romance feel to this story as with other books by this author. And the mystery surrounding what happened to Eliza’s mother was really interesting. I liked both Eliza and Felton but didn’t really feel connected to them that well. I liked the dog Merrylad. There was a l ...more

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Jun 09, 2024 Tawni Suchy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I’ve heard nothing but great things about Hannah Linder and I have to say…she lives up to and past the hype.

The Girl from the Hidden Forest is a twisty tale of murder, betrayals, found family, lost family, and the finality of a storybook happily ever after.

If you like gothic suspense, imperfect main characters including a strong hero and a naive heroine…The Girl from the Hidden Forest is definitely the book for you.

In my personal opinion, this is a gothic romantic suspense with Christian charac ...more

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Apr 29, 2024 Becky of Becky's Bookshelves rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Girl from the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder is an enchanting regency mystery and romance. Eliza Ellis Gillingham is the daughter of a viscount who has been hidden in the forest for many years. She disappeared after her mother’s death. Felton Northwood is trying to clear his family name and brings Eliza back from the forest to her father. But that is when things begin to get so much more complicated.

This was such an intriguing story filled with romance, mystery, and beautiful themes of rede ...more

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Mar 22, 2024 Jodi rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction

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

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

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

I have to say the ...more

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Dec 19, 2024 Lisa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Oh I was dying over this book! From the beginning I was sucked into the story! I absolutely adored the hero and how he treated the heroine! I couldn’t put it down! Thoroughly drawn in to the end! Great storytelling!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Mar 15, 2024 Daniellehullreads rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction

The Girl from the Hidden Forest is a story full of adventure, mystery and romance. The wide cast of characters was easy to follow. The whodunnit was shocking, yet it made perfect sense!

I disliked that the "hero" was selfish, prideful, angry, and didn't show personal growth. I most enjoyed that the heroine was kind to those deemed to be beneath her.

I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley. This is my honest review.l ...more

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Sep 15, 2024 Karla Cook rated it liked it · review of another edition

The Girl from the Hidden Forest is an interesting gothic-style Regency romance. Eliza, the titular character, is confused about her past and tries to work out answers based on murky memories and contradictory stories she's been told. I had a hard time following some of the twists and turns, so I didn't end up enjoying it as much as I had hoped. I admired the hero, Felton, and I trusted him even when Eliza didn't. Bonus: I loved the little dog, Merrylad. (What a fun name for a dog!) Recommended f ...more

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Jun 18, 2024 Jessica—New Life Editing rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I so enjoyed this book—my first by Hannah Linder.

It hooked me almost immediately, and even though I don’t typically enjoy an enemies to lovers story, this romance felt so well developed, I couldn’t help but to be swept along in it. It was perfect balance of chemistry and building connection, accompanied by the tension of their preconceived notions and personal weaknesses getting in the way of accepting their feelings. As unlikable as Felton was in his early treatment of Eliza, he was also prett ...more

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May 29, 2024 Melmo2610 rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: may-2024-reads

A compelling and intriguing read. The story is completely immersive and one that’s hard to put it down. It’s a bit dark and sad in parts but overall the story is really good. Liked this one.

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