Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...
Garden of the Midnights
By Hannah Linder
Christian Historical Romance, Gothic
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 320 Pages
September 30, 2023 by Barbour Pub Inc
Summary
Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.
The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh, he pleads for truth 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 love of Isabella Gresham, but even that has been threatened. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, will William be the only one willing to rescue her? And even if he saves Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?
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My Review
GARDEN OF THE MIDNIGHTS is a story about a man in danger who is seeking the truth of his birth and a girl who doesn't believe in love and the two men who try to change her mind. There's definitely a Gothic feel throughout as well as an underlying tone of suspense and danger. There is also a bit of an inspirational element with the focus becoming fully on the romance the second half of the book to the climatic end. Readers who enjoyed this author's previous works and inspirational Gothic stories strong on the romance and violence may enjoy this one.
This is the second book I've read from this author, and the writing and development has vastly improved since Linder's debut. I felt like everything was better presented, with very likable characters who had their own arcs to develop as the story progressed. I enjoyed seeing them come into their own even though I liked them from the beginning. I also really liked the overall feel of the plot with the Gothic elements and consistent suspense. There were a few twists and turns, although predictable ones. The inspirational elements were light and felt mostly woven through the story well. The romance intensified the last half of the book along with the danger to a very climatic ending and then to a sweet epilogue.
I did have a few issues with this book. There is a plot point involving the main characters that honestly rubbed me wrong. I got what the author was trying to do, but it just made aspects of the romance feel off to me. The romance was also sickly sweet and too intense for my taste in the second half of the book. I honestly enjoyed the first half of the story quite a lot, but the second half not nearly as much. I felt like there were several things that occurred that were unrealistic, some of which from the beginning of the story. Then the climatic ending felt over-the-top and a lot more repulsively violent than I was expecting and would expect from a book in this genre. It pretty much turned me off the book, especially as it didn't seem plausible and felt like it was included for shock value. It honestly made for a very unpleasant read.
In the end, was it what I wished for? There definitely is potential here and the author is improving with each new release. The characters were likable and the Gothic setting was enjoyable. This book for me was half great and half terrible. The writing was good, but there were a lot of aspects that didn't work for me. However, I think for others, it may be more their cup of tea.
Content & Trigger Warnings: Some innuendo and suggestive references, some fairly disturbing abusive violence.
Source: I received a complimentary NetGalley copy from the publisher through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
Tour Schedule
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28
Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 28
Texas Book-aholic, October 29
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 29
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 30
An Author’s Take, October 30
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 31
Mary Hake, October 31
Book Looks by Lisa, November 1
Alena Mentink, November 1
Connie’s History Classroom, November 2
Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 3
Sylvan Musings, November 3
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 4 (Author Interview)
To Everything There Is A Season, November 4
Blogging With Carol, November 5
For Him and My Family, November 5
Betti Mace, November 6
Live.Love.Read., November 6
Wishful Endings, November 7
Cover Lover Book Review, November 7
Where Faith and Books Meet, November 8
Holly’s Book Corner, November 8
Splashes of Joy, November 9
Labor Not in Vain, November 9
Pause for Tales, November 10
Tour-Wide Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
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