"Garden of the Midnights" // Book Review

Hello everyone! Yes, I am still alive and doing well! I began my sophomore year of college on August 23 and life has been crazy, crazy busy ever since. But it's been great. Recently I had the privilege of getting to participate in a launch team for an awesome new book by author Hannah Linder, which I am sharing about with you guys today!

This past year I was introduced to some of Linder's work. Thus far I have read her three novels published by Barbour Publishing: Beneath His Silence, When Tomorrow Came, and Garden of the Midnights. (When Tomorrow Came is one of my top favorite reads for 2023 - highly recommend for other young adult readers!) Several of Linder's other books (not published by Barbour) are on my TBR (to-be-read) list 😊

Today, I am reviewing Garden of the Midnights, which released earlier this month! 

BACK COVER 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 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.  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars

I had high expectations for Linder's newest release, and she did not disappoint.

I started reading Garden of the Midnights just after completing a literary analysis essay assignment for a class (it was kind of my reward for a job well done, lol), not anticipating that I would soon want to write another essay analyzing this book, too. There were so many hidden treasures and messages of truth interwoven throughout just waiting to be sleuthed out and grasped! Linder’s writing style is beautiful, and I loved how at times, I could sense some Jane Austen-influence (particularly with Isabella’s character arc – she reminded me of Austen’s Emma). And all the mystery and unexpected plot twists and surprises kept me guessing!

From the start, I felt and rooted for William, and while Isabella’s character needed a bit more time to grow on me, I was rooting equally as hard for her by the book’s end. (But William... he's still my favorite. His story brought a physical ache to my chest and tears may even have stung my eyes.)

I appreciated the bits and pieces of raw dialogue the characters shared with God. However, I did not prefer the way one character overcame a spiritual struggle through “forgiving” God. Our God is infinitely perfect and capable of no wrong – all that He does in our lives is above reproach and always for our good and His glory. I think if the character had realized this, it would have made their spiritual victory all the righter and more inspiring.

With that aside, this book was an excellent read. I would 100% recommend to those who enjoy reading Christian, regency, romance, or suspense, and definitely get this one if you enjoy a mix of all four genres. I am so glad that besides receiving an e-ARC to review, I also preordered a physical copy to keep on my shelf. 

Now, please excuse me while I go do some rereading.

**I received a free advance e-copy from the author and NetGalley. No positive review was required. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.**

FIND GARDEN OF THE MIDNIGHTS ON

Amazon.com || Goodreads || Hannah's Website

Have you read anything by Hannah Linder? Does Garden of the Midnights sound like a book you would enjoy? What are you currently reading? Drop a comment below - I would love to hear!

Not just surviving,

Ellen