Meet Hannah Linder, Author of Regency Romantic Suspense
Hannah Linder is a new author to me, and I had the privilege of reading her upcoming release, The Girl from the Hidden Forest, early. I’ve reached the age, where she feels like a youngling, but she is already a successful cover designer AND author. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to her. And she’s generously offered to giveaway a signed copy of The Girl from the Hidden Forest, just be sure to visit the bottom to enter.
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. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.
You can connect with her through: Website | Facebook | Newsletter | Instagram | BookBub | GoodReads
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Hannah with rapid-fire.
CC: Pineapple pizza or candy corn?
HL: Hands down, pineapple pizza! Literally my favorite—especially with hand-tossed crust and onions. Yum!
CC: Test the waters or dive in the deep end?
HL: Test the waters!
CC: Guacamole or salsa?
HL: Salsa!
CC: Silly hats or silly socks?
HL: Silly hats! I actually collect antique hats, and I have to admit, as cool as some of them are with their flowers and nets and feathers, they are rather silly. I wish they were still in style!
CC: Passwords or secret handshakes?
HL: Passwords!
That is so fun about the hats! I LOVE old hats, too, but you’re right. There really aren’t many occasions to wear them anymore. Lets find out a bit more about you and your writing life.
What fiction book has most impacted you?
HL: The Stonewycke series (book one and two) by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella had me sobbing and unable to get the story out of my mind, even weeks after it was over. I think it really showed me the power of fiction.
CC: Fiction really does have the power to transform and impact people. That is probably why I read so much of it. LOL
Aside from the Bible, what is one book you think everyone should read?
HL: I want to say “Pride and Prejudice” because, let’s be real, everyone needs Mr. Darcy at least once in their life. But in all seriousness, I love that you pose this question because I was just pondering this yesterday. I think it would benefit every Christian to read “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs”. It’s mind-blowing and heart-altering to read real stories about real people who died for the Savior they believe in. It truly sheds a new light on everything, makes you appreciate the religious freedoms we enjoy today, and challenges you to stand stronger and firmer for Christ.
CC: Oh, I’ve not read that one. I will have to check it out. We could all use a little bit of light and appreciation for the religious freedoms we have here in the United States, as well as a challenge to stand stronger and firmer for Christ.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
HL: I first discovered my passion for writing when I was twelve years old. My mom had received a Christmas letter from family, and we were standing in the kitchen when she said, “Your second cousin is writing a novel.” I shrugged, thought about it for a minute, and said, “I think I’ll do that.” The first chapter in, I was hooked. I’ve never wanted to stop telling stories since.
CC: Oh that’s funny. Your cousin inadvertently got you started on this path. That is pretty cool.
Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?
HL: I always feel like the strongest advice to anyone dipping their toes into the world of writing is to simply READ and WRITE. Those actions are the best teachers you can get. But going a step further, something I wish I had done earlier on in my writing journey is seek critique. After I began going to conferences, taking writing classes, working with an editor, and listening to critique partners, my craft developed so much faster. So while you’re hunkering down with books and scribbling stories onto paper, don’t forget to find your tribe of well-established authors or editors who can help fine-tune your work. And above all, have fun!
That is fantastic advice.
Now I’m excited to talk about your newest release, The Girl from the Hidden Forest.
The nightmares may free her…but destroy the man she loves.
Eliza Ellis has stayed hidden in Balfour Forest for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her only friends are the trees, or her little dog, or her story-telling father called Captain. But at least she is safe from the cruel world outside, a world Captain has warned her against and protected her from.
That is, until a handsome stranger named Felton Northwood invades her quiet forest and steals her away. Why does he tell such lies? Why does he insist that her name is Miss Eliza Gillingham, daughter of a viscount, who disappeared fourteen years ago after the murder of her own mother? A murder Eliza is said to have witnessed.
When Felton returns Eliza to Monbury Hall and reunites her with a man who is told to be her father, all she remembers are the strange nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Why have they suddenly grown worse? Are the answers hidden inside her own mind?
As danger mounts and lethal attempts are made on her life, Eliza and Felton must work together to uncover the identity of a killer who has stayed silent for fourteen years. When she finally uncovers the horrendous memories trapped in her mind, will divulging the truth cost her the man she loves—and both of their lives?
Purchase your copy at Amazon
CC: Where did you get the idea for The Girl from the Hidden Forest?
HL: This is always a hard question, because it’s usually difficult for me to pin-point exact moments or ideas that inspired a novel. I think the main thought that stirred this story was, “How romantic would it be if a girl fell in love with her noble kidnapper?” Thus, we have our first scene. I hope you enjoy being carried off into the adventure as swiftly as frightened Eliza is carried off from her woods.
CC: I’m like you. I struggle to generally pin-point where the ideas come from, other than maybe research for another book. LOL
Who do you think will most love this book?
HL: I think readers who enjoy a strong “enemies-to-lovers” story will enjoy The Girl from the Hidden Forest!
What animal is most like you?
HL: I think a bird—because they always seem so happy, fluttering about in their own little world, playfully building their nests, singing away their cares, enjoying little things like blue skies and spring-budded branches. If I were anything but a person, I would want to be a bird.
CC: I can see that!
Readers, I hope you’ll check out The Girl from the Hidden Forest and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, what do you think about the concept of living life outside the pages?
Giveaway
Hannah has generously offered to give a signed copy away to one reader who enters the Rafflecopter below. Open to U.S. Residents, 18 and over. Giveaway runs from April 9th until 11:59: p.m on April 16th.