Betrayal

Where the Heart Lives #2

by Robin Lee Hatcher

It's the turn of the twentieth century and drifter Hugh Brennan is a man well acquainted with betrayal. Hugh finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia, yet when he looks into her eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him. Julia Grace has little reason to trust men, but she's going to have to trust someone if she's to keep her ranch from the clutches of her dead husband's half-brother. Is it possible God had a hand in bringing Hugh to her door? The latest historical romance from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher and the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series, Betrayal will take you to the high desert of western Wyoming, through the crags of the Rocky Mountains, and into the hearts of two seekers learning to trust God's love no matter the circumstances.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical, Westerns, Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 13, 2012

About the author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.

Be sure to follow Robin on BookBub so you'll receive new book and special deal alerts:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/robin...

Reviews

[Madisyn Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet and lovely book. Probably my favorite thus far.

Hugh was such a gentle character. Tortured by his checkered past, by the injustice wrought to him, by the abandonment and betrayal of a family member. His faith was so earnest despite this, and his desire to do right and grow in his faith really added depth to his character arc.

Julia was great too. So hurt by her past and that absolutely atrocious, horrendous, mean, wretched husband of hers. I'm more than happy he died. What a nasty soul. The walls Julia has built hide a tender, hurting heart, and I enjoyed watching her grow through the book. She and Hugh are a perfect pair.

Peter and Rose were delightful as well. Peter's attempts to grasp the fact that his daughter was in love definitely added a measure of humor, and he and Rose were the perfect compliment to this story.

The faith elements are beautiful. So smoothly woven in and natural to the plot. And the tie-in with A Heart of Gold wasn't something I noticed the first three times reading this book.

Betrayal is a captivating and splendid story about two broken hearts learning to trust again. I highly recommend it.

[Cayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5. I was in the mood for a cowboy story and this fit the bill! Great characters and message; my only major complaint was the abrupt switch in pov's without any indication. I'm not sure if it was only in the ebook version, but it kept throwing me off. Other than that, great story.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three siblings were part of an orphan train headed west. Only one of them, Hugh, was later reunited with their father. But was the reunion a good thing? Hugh has been through a lot since his father found him, but he’s now on the road from Chicago to Boise, Idaho, where he hopes to locate his sister, Felicia. When his horse pulls up lame in Wyoming, he finds himself at the ranch belonging to widow Julia Grace.

It turns out that Hugh and Julia have plenty in common. They had parents who disappointed them, been inside a saloon more times than they ever wanted to, and have now learned to guard their emotions. Somehow, they are drawn together by the shared bond of their Christian faith.

At times, this is a somber book as the reader gets a look at their previous lives. There are moments of levity, however, such as when Hugh ponders creation and the Trinity. The message at the end of the novel is something we all need to remember, especially during the hard times. “Life was sometimes hard. God was always good.”

Betrayal is the middle book in Robin Lee Hatcher’s Where the Heart Lives trilogy. The first book, Belonging, is Felicia’s story. The final title is called Beloved and will be about the other sibling, Diana. An excerpt is included in this publication.

Thank you to Booksneeze and Zondervan for my free copy of Belonging, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betrayal is another fabulous story by Robin Lee Hatcher. This one is worth your time. Not only does it have a hot cowboy on the cover, but the romance is tender and sweet. The pull between them is sigh-worthy. I love stories where wounded people are healed by love. Julia needed a man like Hugh to teach her that all mean aren't beasts. There were many good lessons for the heart in the story as well as some scriptural truths. You can read this without reading the first book in the series, but I liked knowing about Hugh's family background prior to opening this book. For lovers of inspirational romance containing hot cowboys and ranching, this novel is sure to be enjoyable. The heroine is independent and strong, yet fragile and sweet at the same time. Fans of Robin's writing will find another book to love if they crack this one open.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wounded hearts" is an apt description for this hero and heroine. Both have tasted the bitterness of betrayal and, as a result, have become wary loners. But they need each other now -- maybe Julia more than Hugh at first. Because a woman trying to run a ranch -- even a small one -- on her own is asking for trouble! And Hatcher happily supplies that in abundance. Like any good Western, Betrayal has a nefarious villain who causes no end of problems and I found myself gritting my teeth as I anticipated what would happen next. Oh -- and there's a spectacular dog -- appropriately named Bandit and he made this read all the sweeter. :-)

Another captivating love story with lots of grit and faith from an incredible author.

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve had this book for seven years, so in order to finish reading the Robin Lee Hatcher books I own, I finally read this.

The story was sweet about a man looking for his siblings who were separated from him when they became orphans. On the way he takes a job as a ranch hand for a young widow. Once he got paid after the trip to sell the cattle he would be on his way.

However his carefully avoided prison past came back to haunt him, and an evil rancher nearby wanted her land (Hm...seems I’ve read this in about every ranch or farm related book left to a widow.)

I tracked fairly well, enjoying the nice story, but toward the end things seemed too contrived and wrapped way too quickly and easily. Plus the additions of nondetailed issues of fences cut, secured paddocks or barn opening on their own, taxes being raised, and an accident, never amounted to enough to create a satisfying conflict.

I appreciated the characters reliance on the Lord, so that was a plus in the plot line. But for the most part it only merited a 3.5 for me.

[Luna_Roja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin Lee Hatcher doesn't let go of you easily when you're reading one of her books...
Characters captivate you from the very beginning, even the dog! And you find yourself sneaking minutes here and there to keep reading!

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the series, intersting background on the siblings and how the books interwine.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need a bookshelf for this genre. So, so good, heartwarming and with all the best of Christian fiction.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2IL7YQR...

3.5 stars

Betrayal was an interesting read. Like book one, Belonging, the story didn't completely grab my attention and I could have easily set it aside for a while. I did still enjoy it and thought the location where this book took place was great!

After finishing Belonging, I was curious to know more about Hugh and what had happened in his life.To me, Betrayal wasn't as predictable as Belonging - which I really liked. I also liked both of the main characters, Hugh and Julia, and Peter and Rose (Julia's neighbors).

Overall, Betrayal was another enjoyable read in the "Where The Heart Lives" series. I'm really excited to read Beloved, book three, which (from the description) sounds like it might be my favorite of the series. =)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

[Tori (Book Chick) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feb. 2014: I read this book out of order for the series... But it didn't matter at all. In fact, I'll be reading the "first" book next. I loved the story of how 2 people who had been really hurt in the past were able to heal and love again. <3 Not to mention there's a hot cowboy on the front!!

March 2018: I'm glad to decided to read this series again. :)

[Sierra Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!! I really enjoyed it even though it was pretty predictable!

[ضحى الحداد · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh I feel so blessed after some time of reading bad books now it seems that I am at ease with these good and hopeful books .. I certainly need to explore this genre more :D

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series of three books follows the lives of three siblings who went west on the orphan trains. The first book, Belonging, follows the story of Felicia. This book is Hugh's story. And the third book will be Diana's story.

Hugh went west on the orphan train, but he didn't stay in Nebraska where he landed; instead his ne'er-do-well alcoholic father turned up a few years later and took him back to Chicago and proceeded to make a criminal out of him. Now that he is finally out of that situation, he sets off for the west to find his sisters. His progress halted by a lame horse, he finds temporary shelter and a job with a young widow who is trying to hold her dead husband's ranch together and keep it out of the hands of his unscrupulous brother. As Hugh gets to know Julia, he feels drawn to aid her; however both of them have felt the sting of betrayal and find it difficult to trust another.

I really appreciated the author's use of scripture and prayer in this novel. These characters struggle with past hurts and present trials by turning to God in prayer and reminding themselves and each other of favorite scriptures. So, it's not just a great story, it's a way of strengthening your own faith as you follow Hugh and Julia's journey.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin definitely did a great job with this novel. I did not read the first one and I am assuming that it did not require it to read this book. Julia is working on the homestead that was left to her by her dead husband. She has had a hard life up to the start of the novel. Raised by a prostitute, married to a man her mom doesn't even know and not being able to birth children, because they are stillborn, or miscarrying. Her deceased husband was quite the abuser and she is actually happy that he is no longer alive. She stays to herself for the most part and enjoys the solitude. One day a stranger comes t0 her land, Hugh, he is looking to help out for a place to stay and some food. Julia doesn't know but her gut tells her he may be ok, but she doesn't want to trust a man-rightly so. Hugh is anything but nice, but God got ahold of him and changed him for the better. Can Julia raise enough to take care of her land, supplies etc? So much more to this read, but I don't want to give it away.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

PG: Ugh!! I understand full well that I am listening to these types of novels because I want a brief, easy, clean read rather than a saga. However, there are ways to write a novel that is sweet and clean without a female protagonist who is as brilliant as a fence post. Come on!!!! Julia is such a fool that I’m rooting against her!
Julia doesn’t listen to Rose, she doesn’t listen to Hugh, she doesn’t listen to Peter, she doesn’t listen to anyone she trusts but she totally believes the evil step brother of her evil ex-husband…brilliant!

Julia also doesn’t try to investigate in anyway in the fact that she is receiving no letters from her mother. To the point that she doesn’t even try to go visit her mother, deliver the mail herself to the post office, etc. I understand she was abused and that causes isolation but again, come on! Glad this book was short.

[Linda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugh Brennan was thirteen when his mother died, and he boarded an orphan train. His dad found him living with a family in Nebraska and took him back to Chicago, where he involved him in a life of crime. Julia Grace is a widow living alone on a small ranch in Wyoming after the death of her abusive husband. It has been eighteen years since Hugh promised to find his sisters. He has finally found a lead on Felicity and is on his way to Idaho when his horse pulls up lame. He comes upon Julia's home and asks if he can hire on temporarily while his horse heals.

Betrayal is the second book in Where The Heart Lives by Robin Lee Hatcher. This historical romance contains one of my favorite settings - western ranch life. I liked Hugh and Julia's story a lot. The series continues to get better.

I purchased a paperback copy of this book.

[Christie Lovvorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in Hatcher's "Where the Heart Lives," Betrayal tells the story of Hugh Brennan and tackles hard subject matter such as the injustice of a man imrpisoned for a crime he did not commit. Both Hugh and widow Julia Grace are hiding things from their past which still affect their present circumstances and perspectives. Hatcher treats their stories with sensitivity and grace and creates another touching novel. I like both main characters as well Julia's friends and neighbors Peter and Rose who act as spiritaul mentors to them. The novel is a good representation of the true healing and delivering power of forgiveness and God's redemption and the fact that no one is beyond the reach of His grace.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a nice easy going quick read. I enjoy inspirational christian fiction, but this one was a bit heavy handed with the scripture. It seems as though every other sentence was about God and faith. It didn't need to be pounded in so heavy. I haven't read Robin Lee Hatcher before, so maybe that's just the style of her books? Either way, it was a lot to bare sometimes.
As for the storyline. It was cute and lovey dovey. Of course, man and woman fall in love and everything turns out happy in the end. A bit predictable. I don't think I'll read the other two books in the series. But at least I made it through this one without having to give up. Not bad, but definitely not great. 🤷‍♀️

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugh Brennan is on his way from Chicago to Montana in search of his sisters. They were separated on an orphan train going west. After a terrible reunion with his father, he's trying to find his sisters. Going through Wyoming his horse pulls up lame in Julia Grace's ranch.

Their backgrounds are more similar than what they want to divulge. A bonding cord of faith and resilience helps them lean on each other. A series of unfortunate events has Grace wondering if she can hold onto the ranch and has Hugh's past haunting him.

Not the way I would have thought it would end based on a small hints of a storyline were introduced but also makes how it did.

[Diana C. Kobylak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series and looking forward to the third book. Hugh is on his way to find his long lost sister, Felicia, when he happens upon a ranch owned by recently widowed, Julia. His horse needs a rest and Julia hires him to help with ranch tasks and to take cattle to market. They both have secrets they hold close to their hearts. Hugh has been wrongly imprisoned in the past and it comes back to haunt him. Despite obstacles, Julia has difficulty letting go of the ranch and her aloneness. They must learn and grow as they trust in the Lord.

[Susan Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read from Robin

I read the first book in this series several years ago. It was wonderful. Finally got the second and am not disappointed. Robin's character development is realistic and believable, her story thought-provoking and moves along well. Doesn't lag anywhere. I also love how she weaves scripture into the story but it doesn't feel preachy or overbearing...it's just right. Time to read another book by this outstanding author!

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was pretty boring. i was excited when hugh kept referring to his past in prison bc i was thinking "fINALLY, an outlaw romance!" but alas... tbh i'm confused why hatcher chose this part of the timeline. hugh and julia were both sure of themselves and their faith so there was truly no conflict. i don't feel v strongly about anything in this book bc nothing really happened. julia was never in danger, hugh was never in danger, the ranch was never in danger.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book which I read out of order appealed to me because it fed my Christian faith and also, it's an example of how love between a man and woman should be according to God's word.
That said, I'll mention that I do read all kinds of books and often they are graphic WWII stories, both fiction and non-fiction.
Robin Lee Hatcher's stories have a sweetness of God's love for us woven throughout and they are a respite from some of the harsher books I read.
Nicely done Robin!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Robin Lee Hatcher. I did not read the first book in the series but obviously it wasn't necessary because the two were not build on one another. You certainly did get the idea however. I really loved reading about how Hugh overcame his past and issues and came to God. It was also interesting to read about all of the various events that happened in the book to everyone else. It sounds rather vague but I don't want to give away too much. I did like meeting rollers and her husband as well. The story was very well written and the writing was very good. There were times I think she overdid the preaching in the storyline but she did pick good verses. I'm looking forward to reading more of the series.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about an abused widowed woman who lived on a large cattle ranch in Wyoming, needing help. A young man recently released from prison showed up wanting work. Both with hurting but seeking God's love no matter what circumstances. It was interesting the way they helped each other and themselves over difficult times.

[Ruth Jessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

...and redemption

I really enjoyed this book. Though it's part of a series, you wouldn't known it until the epilogue. They can be read as stand alone books. Cowboys, great horses/dogs, land bandits, and flawed good guys...you can't beat the combination.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This takes place in Wyoming in 1899. This is a Christian literature romance. Western historical chtristian romance is a tough genre to make believable, and this one does an OK job of it. Read in one rainy and cold day.

[Gadgetgayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content: Christian, clean, reference to the mother working in a saloon without details.

Just OK. I was disappointed by the ending. There was potential to be soooo much better. Missed opportunity.

[Jerry M Morello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book of betrayal and Goes Love and forgivness

The characters have had betrayal, abuse, hardships and disappointments that life through at them. But the found God and got through it with a happy ending and trusting in God. Inspirational