This gothic Regency tale was filled with shadows and silence and mystery. Ella had so much hatred in her heart when she first arrived. It had built in her heart over the years from hearing her father state that he was convinced that Ella’s sister was murdered by her husband. It was interesting to see that even the people who lived in the village whispered and wondered what had truly happened to Lady Sedgewick. It was all hushed up and swathed in rumors.
It was clear that Lord Sedgewick was carrying a lot of guilt around and that there were things that he kept hidden from the outside world. It was interesting to watch as Ella began to have her eyes opened to the fact that Lord Sedgewick was not a bad man, even as she still wondered what could possibly have happened with her sister to have him still so wreathed in guilt.
This novel slowly unveiled its secrets in the shadowy way that many of the gothic novels of old did. The difference with this story was the faith journey for Ella. Even Lord Sedgewick grew in his walk with the Lord and eventually gained a peace that he had been without for so long. I enjoyed watching an attraction brew between the main characters as they struggled with truths, forgiveness, and learning what love truly was.
(4 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). 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. 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.
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