"Betrayal" Review and Giveaway!

Betrayal

 

Second in the "Where the Heart Lives" series by Robin Lee Hatcher

 

Can two wounded hearts find a way to trust again?

Julia Grace has no desire to enter into another marriage. But with her dead husband’s half brother threatening to take away her Wyoming ranch, Julia realizes that she must fight for what is hers.

A man well acquainted with betrayal, drifter Hugh Brennan finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia Grace, who gave him a place to stay and work as he makes his journey to find his long-lost sisters. And when he looks into Julia’s eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him.

A thoughtful romance from the turn of the twentieth century, Betrayal will take you to the high desert of western Wyoming and into the souls of two seekers learning to trust God’s love no matter the circumstances.

For more information on this title, please click here.
 

(Summary taken mostly from the back of the book with a few additions/changes from me.)
 

About the Author:

Robin Lee Hatcher is the bestselling author of over sixty books. Her well-drawn characters and heartwarming stories of faith, courage, and love have earned her both critical acclaim and the devotion of readers. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, two RITA Awards for Best Inspirational Romance, Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards for Americana Romance and for Inspirational Fiction, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin currently resides in Idaho. For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.


My Take:

Last year about this time I reviewed the first book in this series, Belonging. I liked the novel, especially the way the author wove the characters’ commitment to God and the Bible so well into their everyday lives. I liked the story in Belonging, but I liked the story in this next one in the series, Betrayal, even better.

Once again, the author did a great job making the characters’ faith real and relatable. While I might not have experienced exactly what Julia and Hugh had experienced, I was still able to relate to their thoughts and feelings, especially as it related to their faith in God. I really, really appreciated how the Bible was woven into the characters’ lives. Julia and Hugh were not perfect, but when they lacked faith or went through trials, they did their best to focus on what is true from the Word of God. They did not long neglect praying to their Father and reading His Word, especially when they faced difficult times.

Some might think that this book is preachy – that it didn’t have enough balance between Christian themes and real life. But I think that is what was so great about this book. Our lives aren’t compartmentalized – God and His Word should permeate our entire beings – and I think the author did really well with that in this novel. It truly is Christian historical fiction.

As far as the story, I really enjoyed this one. The things Hugh and Julia had been through at times were heart-wrenching to read and to think about, but there always seemed to be a sense of hope through it all. Even though the storylines were deep emotionally, I didn’t feel depressed as I was reading. I also thought their romance progressed in a realistic manner and was really sweet.

As is often true in historical fiction, I could mostly see where things were going, but there actually was a bit of a surprise for me at the end. I liked that this book didn’t have as many characters to keep straight as the last book in the series did. I also enjoyed the point of view of Julia’s neighbors, although I’m not sure if it was completely necessary. I guess it did seem to keep the flow going when the novel seemed to slow down a bit towards the middle. (The names of the neighbors’ ten kids were interesting, if a bit quirky – starting with an ‘A’ name and going through a ‘J’ name. I’m not sure I would ever name my baby girl Gomer, though, even if it is in the Bible…!)

I thought Betrayal was a great second offering in the “Where the Heart Lives” series.

I will give it … 4 BookWorms.

 

 

The Giveaway:

Zondervan Publishing has graciously offered me a copy of each of the books in the “Where the Heart Lives” series by Robin Lee Hatcher! Enter below to win a print copy of both Belonging AND Betrayal!

The contest starts now and will run through Wednesday, December 19^th. I will randomly select a winner and announce it here on my blog on Thursday, December 20^th. Good luck!

(Contest open to U.S. residents only, please)


Congratulations to the winner of the two books, Belonging and Betrayal...

Christine B.!

I will be contacting the winner by email.
Thanks to all who entered!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this is accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."