Beneath His Silence

What a gobsmacking debut by an author here in my home state. Ms Linder has undertaken a tough storyline blending a gothic feel regency with faith and enemies to romance characters. It has many twists and turns like a spiral staircase in a mansion located in Devonshire set in 1814. This story deals with loss and forgiveness not just of others but oneself by carrying a burden that only God can carry for us. I love the faith that Lord Sedgewick has and how he shares it with Ella but gives her space to find her own way. I love the addition of the child Peter and my heart was totally involved. Grab a cozy blanket, a hot cup of tea and settle in for a page turning evening of must read Christian Historical Romance. I look forward to more by show more this author.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. show less

4 1/2 stars!

Wow, this was an amazing debut novel and I can’t wait to see what this author does next. Jane Eyre is one of my all time favorites, and this book had all the nods and gothic atmosphere of the beloved Charlotte Brontë classic while providing a unique original twist. Secrets, mystery, murder, romance, and hidden identity made this book a definite page turner.

What happened to Lucy? As the impetuous, somewhat mischievous sister, Ella can find no reason why anyone would want to hurt her good, kind older sister. Determined to avenge Lucy’s death and wreak havoc on the man she blames, Ella formulates a plan to expose the truth when an opportunity presents itself for her to become her nephew’s governess. Having never met her show more brother-in-law, she easily disguises her name and begins teaching her sweet nephew Peter. What she doesn’t expect is Lord Henry Sedgwick. He’s far from the monster she imagined. He’s a kind, doting father, who’s generous to his tenants and servants, and possess a growing faith in God. It’s hard to believe he killed her sister. But, there are secrets in the house which threaten all that Ella holds dear. Will she discover the truth before it’s too late?

Lord Henry Sedgwick can’t help but be bitter. Every woman in his life has betrayed him including his own mother. His guilt and hatred threaten to destroy every chance for future happiness until a beautiful governess enters his life. Her aloofness and forthright manner draw her to him. He’s intrigued by the one woman who doesn’t seem enamored with his title or judgmental of his past. The more he tries to push her away, the harder it is for him to deny his feelings. But secrets from the past threaten their growing love and when the truth comes crashing down, will she still love him?

This story had so many twists and turns! I don’t want to say anything more because it’s better not knowing too much going in. The characters are complex and intriguing and I loved those moments as Ella and Henry are falling in love. I loved when they practice dancing and go horseback riding. Because of all the secrets, you feel like you’re holding your breath the whole time just waiting for that other shoe to drop. There’re definitely some suspenseful moments that had me hurriedly turning the pages. I also loved the way the author weaves faith into the story.

This is a must read for gothic Regency romance fans! If you enjoy Abigail Wilson or Michelle Griep, you’ll enjoy this story. I received an advanced complimentary copy from CelebrateLit through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. show less

Ella Pemberton is determined to find out what happened to her precious, beautiful sister, Lucy. Their father went to his grave trying to find out who was responsible for his eldest daughter’s death. Now Ella is following in his footsteps, and her first stop is Wyckhorn Manor, home to Lord Henry Sedgewick, Lucy’s husband. She can’t expect him to confess outright, so she’ll have to resort to cunning to achieve her goal. She’ll do whatever it takes, even if it means spending time in the home where Lucy took her last breath, working for the despicable man who took her sister’s life away.

Ella expresses herself openly without constraint. She’s been repeatedly admonished to hold her tongue, but she can’t seem to tame it. Her show more impertinence would shock and infuriate any proper gentleman, and yet as many times as Lord Sedgewick is astonished by the words that escape Ella’s mouth, he somehow feels a hint of admiration for the Lady’s uncharacteristic behavior and assertive spirit. The deft way in which she handles his young son hasn’t escaped his notice; neither has her beauty. Who is this woman who seems familiar to him, and why is he concerned about her welfare and comfort when he’s determined not to attach himself to another woman?

Ella has come to Wyckhorn manor with preconceived ideas of disdain and contempt for Lord Sedgewick. But why does he speak to her so tenderly? And why does she feel the need to come to his defense so readily? Is he praying with his little son? Why would a murderer waste time praying?

Things are not always as they seem. Ella’s made a discovery that sheds greater light on her sister—who she really was. But there’s a dark presence in Wyckhorn manner that may be after Ella. Can she find out the whole truth of what happened before something sinister gets to her first?

While reading Beneath his Silence I envisioned a gothic manor house full of secrets. There were secrets, but also lies, deceit, peril, adventure, redemption and finally, forgiveness. I enjoyed learning of what really happened to Ella’s sister and how tenacious Ella was in her attempts to unveil the truth. Lord Sedgewick was a brooding enigma of a man. On a few occasions I felt pity for him and wanted him to find the peace he so desperately needed and deserved. His subtle attempts to help Ella to establish faith in God was touching.

Beneath His Silence was a concoction of various elements that kept me intrigued to the final page, with a satisfying, heartwarming ending. show less

Beneath His Silence, a Christian work of historical fiction, by Hannah Linder, features the second daughter of a baron, Ella, who comes seeking answers about her sister’s death. Assuming the position of governess for Lord Sedgwick’s son provides her with the opportunity to finds the answers she desires. Moreover, she finds herself seeking God and a relationship with Him.

Lord Sedgwick realizes he has blood and his hands, but he also recognizes the truth would hurt more. His love for his son is all that keeps him going.

With conniving women trying to secure a place as Lord Sedgwick’s next wife, secrets that are discovered, and a vicar that interferes, this book kept me reading to find out how it would end. I’m glad I did because show more the author created a story I loved reading.

So if you enjoy reading Christian works of historical fiction, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. show less

Mystery, intrigue, and a lust for revenge fuel this fascinating story but the themes of forgiveness and redemption make it so worthwhile! Beneath His Silence is the debut novel of Hannah Linder and she's completely satisfied my love for Regency and Gothic fiction. A young woman intent on proving that her sister was murdered sets out to trap the man she believes is responsible but ultimately discovers that appearances aren't what they seem. Yes, Lord Sedgewick carries a load of guilt but is it because he actually murdered her sister? What are the secrets and burdens that he's been forced to carry?

This book is fantastic! Ella Pemberton, Henry Sedgewick, and an adorable Peter Sedgewick are characters that I long to know better, and the show more Regency setting is perfect! Wychhorn Manor is often shrouded in fog and darkness, appearing to be a place where secrets are kept, memories are painful, and danger is lurking. Slowly, as this tale continues, it becomes a place where second chances seem likely, and forgiveness may offer redemption. If you enjoy Michelle Griep's Regency novels and you remember the gothic novels of Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt, do yourself a favor. Treat yourself to this must-read debut novel!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. show less

As a debut novel I enjoyed watching the author begin to spread her wings and take on a complex storyline. There are a few slow spots and repetition of dislike between two people, but is a great adventure with suspense, secrets and a bit of romance.

I liked how Ella decided to find out once and for all how her sister died. Somehow she manages to become governess to her nephew without her late sister’s husband not knowing her identity. There are a few snags in the story that I did question. How is it that Henry does not recognize his sister in law? There is much deception in the book which seems to be the focal point of the story. I understood that Ella felt the need to get answers about her sister but I was quite surprised at how show more quickly feelings started to develop between her and Henry.

Poor Henry has lived with guilt for years over his wife’s death. With Ella taking care of his son Peter, maybe he can concentrate on having a better relationship with God. He does know that God is with him, but he has moments that his grief was too much to bare. I would like to have seen more interaction between father and son but Henry seemed distracted with other things.

When a dark secret is revealed, this is where I thought the author excels. Another character is introduced that shines a light on what happened the night Ella’s sister died. This person is not stable and becomes a danger to everyone near him. I think his loss was too just for him, and he seeks revenge. As all this unfolds one part of the story really brought me to tears. Ella has questioned if God existed for so long that she has almost given up on Him. The moment that I will remember in their book is how Ella found her faith and felt God’s presence. For me this was the greatest message in the book. No matter how dark it must seem, God is there to restore, redeem and reunite you with Him.

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

Beneath His Silence has such a gorgeous cover! And I was just as absorbed by the story.

I connected with Ella and rooted for her in her quest to find the truth behind her sister’s death. And I walked alongside her as she sorted through the lies. For whatever reason I’ve always enjoyed stories involving a governess, or in this case, one posing as one. (Perhaps it’s my love of Julie Andrews’ character in The Sound of Music.)

The pacing was pretty good, but there are places where it felt a bit slow. And I felt there was a bit too much judginess (I know that’s not a word) for my taste, and some characters didn’t transform as much as I would’ve liked. But overall, I enjoyed the themes of forgiveness and redemption in this story. show more

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine. show less