I have been on a big historical romance kick lately! There is just something about a good historical romance that I just cannot pass up! Although sometimes the plot is lacking in sustenance and heavy on feelings but I am ok with that—I love getting a guaranteed happily ever after! I have read Hannah Linder before and thought she wrote some solid historical romances that ran more on the clean/sweet type and I was ready to make the switch from historical bodice ripper to historical romance with substance.
Not to mention it’s a GOTHIC ROMANCE! If there is ever a way to get my attention it’s this! I love Gothic romances and the second I saw this book I was all about it. Linder is such a seasoned writer and I have yet to be disappointed in a book from her so I felt even more excited to check this book out this fall. Fall is the perfect time to read a Gothic romance and I couldn’t wait to start this book the second it arrived!
Hannah Linder is pretty well known especially in the Christian romance world. I know that Christian romances aren’t for everyone but for me they read more like clean romances rather than Christian romances to me. There is usually a religious component (a vicar etc) and occasionally prayer referenced etc but overall I feel like they read more like sweet romances. This book I actually enjoyed quite a bite more than some of the others I have read by her—keep reading to find out why!
Summary
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. (Summary from Goodreads)
Review
There was one reason this book stood out a little more than some of Linder’s other books for me—it was bolder when it came to content. This book has a darker tone than some of her other books and while it was surprising, I think it worked really well and set itself apart from some of her other books. That’s the goal right—be distinct and memorable—and I think Linder accomplished that in this book. Linder is known for more ‘safe’ content and romances specifically. This book read more like a suspense novel than romance and that was totally ok with me! Yes there was romance but not in the same way that her other books are known for. For me that wasn’t a deal breaker—in fact I was intrigued by this book more than some of her others because it was a surprising direction for her. It was definitely more ‘moody’ the her other books but I liked it. It was by no means a ‘fluffy’ book—I came away feeling like this book was more than I expected in a good way!
I thought the characters had a lot to offer readers and they felt developed and researched not to mention very angsty which always works well in a Gothic romance. As I mentioned this book was more suspense for me which was fine, but I wouldn’t have minded a bit more romance. I thought Isabella and William had chemistry and a connection that I would have liked to explore a little more in the romance department but overall it was fine even if the suspense of the plot was more front and center than the romance. The atmosphere of the book really brought to life the Gothic feel that I love so much in books like this. I really loved the setting of the book and thought the tone and characters matched the Gothic genre well. It ticked all the boxes for me!
If you are along time Linder fan, you will certainly see this book reads a little different than some of her others but I think that’s totally ok and a welcome change! Sometimes authors get stuck in a particular genre and become ‘known’ for something and I know that can be upsetting to fans when they try a new approach but for me, Linder is a strong seasoned writer and while this might have had a little bit of a different ton than she is known for, I enjoyed the book and found a lot to love in it! This was a very anticipated read for me this fall and I absolutely feel like it lived up to the hype!
PRAISE FOR GARDEN OF THE MIDNIGHTS
- “Hannah Linder’s engrossing new novel is taut with life-and-death danger, twisty turns, and sweet, forbidden romance. Garden of the Midnights is sure to keep you up late turning pages!”— Julie Klassen, bestselling author of The Sisters of Sea View
- “A uniquely atmospheric novel, Garden of the Midnights intrigues from page one and never lets up. Readers will be swept away in the mystery and romance, and find themselves cheering for William and Isabella as they fight for their happily ever after. Hannah Linder’s newest is beautifully written and a wonderful fresh take on the genre. One not to be missed!”— Joanna Barker, author of A Heart Worth Stealing, A Game of Hearts, and Otherwise Engaged
- “Unexpected twists and turns abound in this sweeping Regency suspense! Hannah Linder’s writing is reminiscent of Austen, with fresh storytelling that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”— Kasey Stockton, author of I’m Not Charlotte Lucas and the Bradwell Brothers series
PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS
AUTHOR BIO
Hannah 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. Her next novel, The Girl from the Hidden Forest, is releasing on May 1, 2024.
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Book Info and Rating
Format
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 1, 2023 by Barbour Fiction
ISBN 9781636094397 (ISBN10: 1636094392)
Free review copy provided by publisher Barbour Fiction in partnership with Austen Prose Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way included.
Rating: 4 stars
Genre: historical fiction, Gothic romance, Christian fiction.
The Lit Bitch 