***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
Will Seeking Justice Lead to Her Own Demise?
A Gothic-Style Regency Romance from a Promising Young Author
Second daughter of a baron—and a little on the mischievous side—Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretense is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wyckhorn Manor and attain the truth. Exposing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.
Lord Sedgewick knows there’s blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more lies, but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son—and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.
Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him—just as her dead sister?
Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder is a gothic, and atmospheric historical romance set in Regency England. It’s a beautiful story mostly set in a derelict castle on the Scottish coast.
Story Recap:
Ella Pemberton lives a life of comfort and luxury as the second daughter of a baron. But, when her sister is mysteriously killed, she believes her sister’s husband is the murderer and she wants answers. Lord Sedgewick has blood on his hands and is a pariah in his village. He hears the whispers from the villagers about the strange goings on at Wyckhorn Manor and he knows he’s the cause of them. But, he has to focus on his young son, Peter who he adores.
Ella is determined to get to the bottom of her sister’s death and she knows she has to get to Wyckhorn Manor and find Lord Sedgewick and find out the truth. When she finds out he needs a governess for his young son, she realizes that is the best way to find out what happened to her sister. But what will she find at the remote and neglected Wyckhorn Manor, and can she live in the same home as a murderer?
My Thoughts:
I was surprised at how fast I read this book! Many times when I read historical novels, it takes a while to get into them as authors usually spend some time to set the scene, but not in this case, the action started right away and I was rooting for Ella all the way. I just could not put this book down until I found out all the secrets.
Ella is spirited, courageous, and kindhearted. Her hatred toward Lord Sedgewick is justifiable and I admired the fact that she wanted to get to the bottom of her sister’s death. Although she made the assumption that Lord Sedgewick was behind the murder, it was understandable as she never met him and didn’t know anything about his character.
About Hannah Linder
HANNAH LINDER resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti with Books & Such Literary Management, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Her debut, Beneath His Silence, is releasing with Barbour Publishing this November.
In way of career, Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, National, and International bestsellers (hannahlinderdesigns.com). She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion.
When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. Her greatest desire is to please her Savior and to write in a way that glorifies and uplifts Him.
I was struck by the beautiful cover when I first saw it and was amazed to learn that the author created also. She is a graphic designer with a load of talent. Thanks for the lovely review, Wendy.
I haven’t read but it does sound good, I’m the same with historical fiction as they can start quite slow, so it is good it is fast from the start, great review 😊
Hmmm, as you know I’m not usually much for romances, but the historical part of this interests me – and of course the crumbling castle in Scotland! I’ll look for it –
I was struck by the beautiful cover when I first saw it and was amazed to learn that the author created also. She is a graphic designer with a load of talent. Thanks for the lovely review, Wendy.
You had me at Gothic and Regency …. Going to take a closer look right this minute!
Lovely review Wendy.
Elza Reads
I don’t read a lot of Christian romance really, but I do love the cover of this one and it sounds like it could be a good read. Glad you enjoyed it!
A gothic story set in a crumbling castle in Scotland. Sign me up! Wonderful review!
Thank you, Kimberly.
Thanks for the review! This one is in my tbr, but I’m not sure when I’ll get around to reading it….
I hope you find some time soon to get to it and enjoy it when you do.
This sounds very like a Jane Eyre/Bluebeard-ish sort of story. Glad to hear it was a hit. I’m curious.
It was similar to Jane Eyre, but a bit faster paced.
Wow, great review! I typically take a while to finish historical novels too and I’m glad to hear you got through this so fast!
Yes, it was one of my fastest historical novels.
I haven’t read but it does sound good, I’m the same with historical fiction as they can start quite slow, so it is good it is fast from the start, great review 😊
It doesn’t happen often that these historical books start off quick like this one did.
Hmmm, as you know I’m not usually much for romances, but the historical part of this interests me – and of course the crumbling castle in Scotland! I’ll look for it –
The romance was very secondary, the mystery was the best part!
Sounds like a great read. I don’t read a lot of historicals, however your review has me wanting to pick this one up.
It was a good one, Nadene!
Wonderful review, and wow that cover!
Thank you, Bonnie! It’s a beautiful cover.
It’s great that the book captured your attention s quickly!
Thank you!
This sounds really good and I love the cover
Thank you, Cathy
I am always on the lookout for Gothic type stories. This sounds like a great book!
Thank you, Emily/
I love when an author engages you in the action from the first page. I have little patience for a slow build up unless it’s Fredrik Backman!
I agree, Carol! And yes, I can forgive Fridrik Backman too. 🙂
I’d read this one just for that gorgeous cover alone. Although Ellie does sound like a very fun and likable character. 😀
She really was! Thank you, Lark
Excellent review Wendy. This one sounds really good!📚🤗💜🍁
Thank you, Susan