The Red Cottage by Hannah Linder

 

This story begins in 1818 in Cornwall England. Maggie lives with her uncle and helps him run the local apothecary shop. Her uncle is very protective of her so when Tom and Maggie fall in love, he refuses to allow them to spend time together. She sneaks out to meet with Tom, often at night, taking walks by the Cornwall coast. One night, upon returning home she interrupts a break-in at her uncles shop. She is badly injured and loses her memory. She is rescued and is given refuge in the household of Lord Cunnigham.

Fearing that her life might be in danger, Lord Cunningham keeps a very close eye on her offers her protection.

There are several mysteries that may be connected. Why does he take her in and let her stay there while she recovers? Why is someone trying to kill her? Who can she trust? Will she ever remember her past life and the love she had for Tom? And why, if her life is in danger, is she frequently venturing out on her own so much? That was confusing to me.

This is a clean, suspenseful mystery with an interesting plot. It is not a fast read and has very little faith element.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“She forgot she loved him.
He would die to make her remember.

Meg Foxcroft has never minded the tattling village gossip or her uncle’s ill-tempered rebukes. After all, she has Tom McGwen—and one day, they will build their own cottage, paint it red, and live a wonderful life.

But then the unthinkable happens. Meg is attacked, her uncle’s apothecary shop goes up in flames, and when she wakes up in the arms of an eloquent lord, she remembers nothing. Not even her own name.

In a frantic race against time, Tom plunges into dangerous water, bent on sheltering Meg from harm and discovering who wants her dead. Even if she despises him. Even if it’s now the handsome lord she casts her smile upon.

As danger swells and truth comes crashing around them, Meg must confront the past and decide who she trusts—and loves—before the enemy makes the final strike.”

The author does a great job taking the reader into Regency England. You can almost smell the spray blowing off the Cornwall coast. If you love mystery and suspense, this book has it. If you prefer more of an element of faith, this might not be your cup of tea, but you wont find anything offensive or inappropriate either.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder ~ a book review

 

This is a story of mystery, lost love, heartache and resolution.  While this story deals with topics like murder and abuse, it is approached in a way that is not offensive. It also is not overly “religious”.  While I don’t call this a strictly Christian novel, it is definitely clean.

The dialog between the characters is great, easy to follow and very engaging.  The story switches back and forth from England to America. The story line moves along and keeps your interest.

The story revolves around Simon, the second son of a wealthy Englishman and Georgina, the beautiful young English girl he is expected to marry.

Simon’s father expects Simon, as the second son, to enter the church clergy and to marry Georgina. Simon isn’t interested in the ministry and would rather pursue his art and painting, he leaves and ends up in America where he marries and has children.  His wife, Ruth, is brutally murdered by someone from England. Simon makes it his mission to discover who is behind it.

Georgina has always loved Simon and was saddened when he left.  When Simon returns to England to track down his wife’s killers, he discovers his father has died and his mother has become blind.  His father’s will stipulates that he must marry Georgina in order to inherit and his mother threatens to sell the estate if he doesn’t.

Georgina is being stalked by someone who is leaving her dead roses in places that no one should have access to.

Will Simon marry Georgina?  Who is the mystery person leaving dead roses for Georgina? Who can they trust?  Will Simon discover who murdered his wife?

This is from the publishers website:

“All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.
 
Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.
 
Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife’s horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father’s unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.
 
Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?”

Go HERE to read an excerpt

I give this a 5 star rating, not something I give out very often!

 

I received a complimentary ARC * of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

 (* Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) are a preview copy and are not a finished product. They may differ from the final published work and may include additional editing.)