The Girl From the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder

To say I couldn't put this mystery, romance fiction work down would be an understatement. I found this book so intriguing. Eliza Ellis was raised in the forest by her beloved "father" the Captain. Eliza knew no different than her world in the forest and the world she read about in so many books. One day in intruder comes to her safe space and takes her away. Eliza has no idea what is going on or even how to adapt to her new world. Now she is being told her "father", the Captain, is not her father but rather Lord Ellis is her father. And what has happened to her mother? What are the reoccurring nightmares she has? Will she ever fully understand why she has had nightmares for so many years. So much is being revealed to Eliza and she is not sure she wants to confront any of it. 

This book is romance, historical and mystery all wrapped into one. I found myself completely intrigued by the story line, but also mystified. Some of it was unbelievable, but it was also believable in a way. So very intriguing. Hannah writes in a way the will have the reader coming back for more in an otherwise unbelievable story. I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl From the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder.

The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels

The Lady with the Dark Hair by Erin Bartels is a dual timeline fiction story set in 1879 and present day. It shares the tale of two believed to be family members, one discovering art, and one preserving art from the past. Viviana has lived a difficult life in the late 1800s. She desperately wants to know how to survive as a female in a male dominated world. She wants to express herself despite the difficult past she has been through. Esther, who lives in present day, has struggled through preserving the heritage of art in her family. She also must take care of her mother, who has a mental illness. When their worlds collide and the truth is revealed, Esther realizes her life is not all she thought it was.

This dual timeline story was a bit difficult to follow, but I did enjoy it for the most part. Erin Bartels is in a accomplished author who does share excellent stories. Her style is intriguing and I did enjoy the story. This is a great read, especially for those who enjoy art history.