BENEATH HIS SILENCE, by Hannah Linder, Barbour Fiction, Oct. 31, 2022, Paperback, $15.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)
A young woman sets out to solve her sister’s murder in Hannah Linder’s new Regency romance, Beneath His Silence.
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? —Synopsis provided by Barbour Fiction
Beneath His Silence is a Regency romance wrapped up in a mystery.
At the center of the story are Ella and Lord Sedgewick (Henry). The two characters are an interesting contrast in that they are both strong and assured and are both hiding something. By telling Ella and Henry’s stories through alternating viewpoints, author Hannah Linder gives readers greater insights into both characters and the pasts that inform their decisions.
Though completely different, Beneath His Silence gives off some Jane Eyre Gothic vibes. Linder does a fine job setting the scene and, at times, eerie atmosphere. It’s this attention to detail that pushes the story forward.
There are some rather heavy Christian undertones that come into play in Beneath His Silence. The book’s publisher — Barbour Books — is “a leading Christian publisher of popular books.” And while these Christian elements stay fairly true to the characters, there are a few instances that may feel heavy handed to those who came purely for the Regency romance.
Beneath His Silence is a fairly fast and engaging read. It’s a slow-burn romance that features themes of forgiveness and spiritual awakening against the backdrop of Regency England.
*Cracking the Cover occasionally features books that are technically adult fiction but are appropriate for young adult readers. Though there are a few moments of violence and descriptions of death, Beneath His Silence is still suitable for fans of young adult, new adult, and adult fiction.
Copyright © 2022 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
