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Wagered Heart
When Bethany Silverton left the genteel life of Miss Henderson’s School for Young Ladies back in Philadelphia for the raw frontier town of Sweetwater, Montana, she had no idea how much she would enjoy the freedom and danger of this wild country.
A conservative preacher’s daughter, Bethany can’t resist the challenge of charming the most attractive cowboy in town into attending her father’s new church. She never dreamed that the cowboy would charm the lady.
But Hawk Chandler isn’t the only man vying for Bethany’s affections. Ruthlessly ambitious Vince Richards thinks Bethany is perfect for him: attractive, gracious, just the woman to help him become governor. And he is determined to get what he wants at any cost.
Drawn to one man, an obsession of another, Bethany’s quiet life is thrown into turmoil. She wagered her heart on love. Now she has gotten more than she bargained for—and the stakes are about to become life and death.
A conservative preacher’s daughter, Bethany can’t resist the challenge of charming the most attractive cowboy in town into attending her father’s new church. She never dreamed that the cowboy would charm the lady.
But Hawk Chandler isn’t the only man vying for Bethany’s affections. Ruthlessly ambitious Vince Richards thinks Bethany is perfect for him: attractive, gracious, just the woman to help him become governor. And he is determined to get what he wants at any cost.
Drawn to one man, an obsession of another, Bethany’s quiet life is thrown into turmoil. She wagered her heart on love. Now she has gotten more than she bargained for—and the stakes are about to become life and death.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2008
16 people are currently reading
929 people want to read
About the author
Robin Lee Hatcher
121 books3,254 followersRobin 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 30, 2011
It pains me to say this, but I'm sincerely tired of reading rewritten stories. I wasn't aware that Wagered Heart happened to be one until I reached the author's note at the very end. Had I known that prior to starting the book, I think my expectations might have been a bit different. Instead, all I could think as I read chapter after chapter was that this was not Robin's best work. She has written some seriously good historical fiction over the years (the Coming to America series being some of her best), and I was anxious to read something new and original by her that would be equally as enjoyable.
I'm sorry to say that this book was not it, mostly because the love story was a little over the top. Bethany was "in love" with Hawk almost from the word go, and reading about it over and over again just got on my nerves. Also, the middle of the book got a little too crazy for my taste with too many emotional changes happening in rapid succession--marriages, deaths, moving, etc.
It just wasn't the book for me...I don't think I can put it any plainer than that. Robin has rewritten several of her general market romances over the years with some being very good and others, like this one, falling a bit short. In the future, I may need to stick with her contemporary novels only because I've yet to read one of those that I didn't like.
2.5 Stars
I'm sorry to say that this book was not it, mostly because the love story was a little over the top. Bethany was "in love" with Hawk almost from the word go, and reading about it over and over again just got on my nerves. Also, the middle of the book got a little too crazy for my taste with too many emotional changes happening in rapid succession--marriages, deaths, moving, etc.
It just wasn't the book for me...I don't think I can put it any plainer than that. Robin has rewritten several of her general market romances over the years with some being very good and others, like this one, falling a bit short. In the future, I may need to stick with her contemporary novels only because I've yet to read one of those that I didn't like.
2.5 Stars
May 25, 2025
I enjoyed this story for the most part. When there's a villain who gets away with too much during most of the book, I don't like those parts. Also I get frustrated when characters don't communicate clearly and mess things up that way. Other than that, most of the characters were great. Hatcher is a good writer. I just don't enjoy villains. :-)
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December 19, 2018Reading isn’t a task for me. Typically I settle down into a book and set a pace for myself. Finish a book by the next week. There was something about this book though. I typically exaggerate but in all honesty I could not put this book down. I messed up my sleep schedule just to know what happened on the next page, and the next, and the next, and the page after that.
The way Hatcher put so much emotion into the book was unbelievable. I actually found myself crying when she took things away from the characters. I found myself angry at the stupidity of some characters as well. It was as if I was a part of the book, in the plot. I trailed along the tail of the story hoping it would never end.
I wouldn’t say that all of it was perfect. At times I felt as though I was ahead of the story. I love books that leave me clueless as to what is going to happen next. It was only a few times I felt this though. But in those few times I kept my attention for a point in which I would be wonderfully clueless as to what would be next. I feel as if I will lose complete interest in a book if I know the ending but the second page. But this book, mostly, kept my interest,
Throughout though it was entangling. The actions of a woman in that period of time completely contend to the way Hatcher wrote Bethany, in the best way possible. Bethany sticks to her lady likeness off an eighteenth century woman, but the way her mind works and the risks she take throw you for an impressing spin.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a no sleep and a fast heart at two in the morning. It’s an entwining and endearing book, one I feel will be just as much so in a month when I read it again.
The way Hatcher put so much emotion into the book was unbelievable. I actually found myself crying when she took things away from the characters. I found myself angry at the stupidity of some characters as well. It was as if I was a part of the book, in the plot. I trailed along the tail of the story hoping it would never end.
I wouldn’t say that all of it was perfect. At times I felt as though I was ahead of the story. I love books that leave me clueless as to what is going to happen next. It was only a few times I felt this though. But in those few times I kept my attention for a point in which I would be wonderfully clueless as to what would be next. I feel as if I will lose complete interest in a book if I know the ending but the second page. But this book, mostly, kept my interest,
Throughout though it was entangling. The actions of a woman in that period of time completely contend to the way Hatcher wrote Bethany, in the best way possible. Bethany sticks to her lady likeness off an eighteenth century woman, but the way her mind works and the risks she take throw you for an impressing spin.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a no sleep and a fast heart at two in the morning. It’s an entwining and endearing book, one I feel will be just as much so in a month when I read it again.
June 26, 2021
Bethany is a fun-loving, slightly rebellious preacher’s kid who has her heart set on a certain rancher. I enjoyed the way the author was able to twist and turn this story and bring about unexpected events that helped form and grow Bethany’s character, and that of the man she loves, and deepen their relationship with God. I also liked the themes of growing up, overcoming pride, hypocrisy in the church, and prejudice.
November 2, 2024
Two cowboys find love in a small town in the Montana territory.
Enjoyed being back with this author. Rand and Ingrid story was a love at first sight story. Which ended with a little boy to love. Bethany and Hawk story was a love slowly burning. It took a separation for their true love to come. An evil man tried to destroy Hawk. But God and the law prevailed. In the end they had a sweet little girl. Maybe there will be an update on these two cowboys and their famlies. Will read more by a his author.
Enjoyed being back with this author. Rand and Ingrid story was a love at first sight story. Which ended with a little boy to love. Bethany and Hawk story was a love slowly burning. It took a separation for their true love to come. An evil man tried to destroy Hawk. But God and the law prevailed. In the end they had a sweet little girl. Maybe there will be an update on these two cowboys and their famlies. Will read more by a his author.
February 20, 2024
2 1/2 stars. This is not the authors finest work. The book feels very rushed and thrown together. Haphazard events. The characters could have really been developed but So many things happen with very little explanation given, and just move onto the next unbelievable event….. the level of misunderstanding between the characters is beyond frustrating. This author has SO many wonderful books, I’d skip this one.
December 22, 2020
One of my all time favorites. Honestly, I just wish it was longer and detailed more of the growing Hawk and Bethany had to do together...love their relationship.
August 15, 2023
This wasn’t the best.
I liked it but there was a bit to much suspense. Not the good kind. The kind that just makes you angry at the book.
Also the danger was not fun to read. I like mystery in books but this one just gave me anxiety.
And killing off two sweet and loved characters is a no. They would have made the ending so much better.
This could have been good, the story line was cool. But it just wasn’t written well.
I liked it but there was a bit to much suspense. Not the good kind. The kind that just makes you angry at the book.
Also the danger was not fun to read. I like mystery in books but this one just gave me anxiety.
And killing off two sweet and loved characters is a no. They would have made the ending so much better.
This could have been good, the story line was cool. But it just wasn’t written well.
October 23, 2019
Granted, this book is 11 years old. But the style of writing is dated.
I listened to this on audio and the narrator was not the best I’ve ever heard. Her accents and male voices were very distracting rather than adding to the story. I fear it skewed my feelings about the book itself.
I listened to this on audio and the narrator was not the best I’ve ever heard. Her accents and male voices were very distracting rather than adding to the story. I fear it skewed my feelings about the book itself.
January 26, 2019
Not very good character or relationship development.
May 29, 2019
Probably a great read... But the narrator not so much!
January 20, 2021
Ok read. I didn't like Bethany's character for 3/4's of the book.
January 17, 2022
I truly liked the storyline but the narrator did not do it justice. I do not like to be critical but the male voices needed a bit more change
Overall great!
Overall great!
November 3, 2022
Enjoyed it.
August 27, 2023
don't read to many of hers but enjoyed this one
March 3, 2017
When Bethany Silverton left the genteel life of Miss Henderson’s School for Young Ladies back in Philadelphia for the raw frontier town of Sweetwater, Montana, she had no idea how much she would enjoy the freedom and danger of this wild country.
A conservative preacher’s daughter, Bethany can’t resist the challenge of charming the most attractive cowboy in town into attending her father’s new church. She never dreamed that the cowboy would charm the lady.
But Hawk Chandler isn’t the only man vying for Bethany’s affections. Ruthlessly ambitious Vince Richards thinks Bethany is perfect for him: attractive, gracious, just the woman to help him become governor. And he is determined to get what he wants at any cost.
Drawn to one man, an obsession of another, Bethany’s quiet life is thrown into turmoil. She wagered her heart on love. Nw she has gotten more than she bargained for-and the stakes are about to become life and death.
I recommend this book to young adults.
This is a typical clean romance book. Where the characters can be annoying because they wont say what they are feeling. Which causes drama in the story. In my opinon they could have lived happily ever after sooner if they would just express their feelings. I still enjoyed the story but I felt myself wanting to smack some sense into these characters. This was a quick read and I enjoyed reading it.
I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
A conservative preacher’s daughter, Bethany can’t resist the challenge of charming the most attractive cowboy in town into attending her father’s new church. She never dreamed that the cowboy would charm the lady.
But Hawk Chandler isn’t the only man vying for Bethany’s affections. Ruthlessly ambitious Vince Richards thinks Bethany is perfect for him: attractive, gracious, just the woman to help him become governor. And he is determined to get what he wants at any cost.
Drawn to one man, an obsession of another, Bethany’s quiet life is thrown into turmoil. She wagered her heart on love. Nw she has gotten more than she bargained for-and the stakes are about to become life and death.
I recommend this book to young adults.
This is a typical clean romance book. Where the characters can be annoying because they wont say what they are feeling. Which causes drama in the story. In my opinon they could have lived happily ever after sooner if they would just express their feelings. I still enjoyed the story but I felt myself wanting to smack some sense into these characters. This was a quick read and I enjoyed reading it.
I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
February 13, 2017
I did not enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed A Promise Kept, I did not enjoy this book much at all.
The lead character is equal parts forward and inept for my taste. And some of the character decisions are not in line with the actual character. Maggie deciding to buy the bakery when she can't cook at all, it just makes zero sense. Not only that, but she gets her aunt to help her get the place ready, an aunt who has tons of servants and has never done a lick of work in her life… Not believable. Maggie also hurries back from Philadelphia because she misses her husband so much and yet upon entering town does not go see him for four days. Then follows the horrible advice of her aunt to make him think she does not care about him… Brilliant advice, forget the good old standby telling the truth in open communication.
Hawk also is suspicious of Vince and yet can't put it together when somebody keeps knocking him out, shooting at him, flirting with his wife, & trying to buy him out of circle blue ranch. It's a darn good thing Maggie doesn't tell her husband that Vince has threatened her husband's life or that he wants her as his wife, that's definitely something to keep to yourself when you fear that your husband is going to be knocked out, shot at, etc.
And lastly, I'm all for chivalry but give me a break. Women can walk in the snow and they can even stand up after they've fallen backwards in a river that they are actually standing in already. Contrast that Uber chivalry with Maggie's utter lack of care for Hawk say when he has broken ribs and other injuries, etc. brings her to his home and she makes no effort to care for him, make sure he's OK, or lift a hand to help, it's just ridiculous.
I listened to the audiobook version of this and the poor readers attempt at Hawks voice and her friend Ingrid were ridiculous, I rolled my eyes almost every time those characters spoke.
The lead character is equal parts forward and inept for my taste. And some of the character decisions are not in line with the actual character. Maggie deciding to buy the bakery when she can't cook at all, it just makes zero sense. Not only that, but she gets her aunt to help her get the place ready, an aunt who has tons of servants and has never done a lick of work in her life… Not believable. Maggie also hurries back from Philadelphia because she misses her husband so much and yet upon entering town does not go see him for four days. Then follows the horrible advice of her aunt to make him think she does not care about him… Brilliant advice, forget the good old standby telling the truth in open communication.
Hawk also is suspicious of Vince and yet can't put it together when somebody keeps knocking him out, shooting at him, flirting with his wife, & trying to buy him out of circle blue ranch. It's a darn good thing Maggie doesn't tell her husband that Vince has threatened her husband's life or that he wants her as his wife, that's definitely something to keep to yourself when you fear that your husband is going to be knocked out, shot at, etc.
And lastly, I'm all for chivalry but give me a break. Women can walk in the snow and they can even stand up after they've fallen backwards in a river that they are actually standing in already. Contrast that Uber chivalry with Maggie's utter lack of care for Hawk say when he has broken ribs and other injuries, etc. brings her to his home and she makes no effort to care for him, make sure he's OK, or lift a hand to help, it's just ridiculous.
I listened to the audiobook version of this and the poor readers attempt at Hawks voice and her friend Ingrid were ridiculous, I rolled my eyes almost every time those characters spoke.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2010
good book about seeing a person for who they are not their genetic makeup and family relations. Chiefly Indiam blood. Believing what you deserve in life isn't what others may think. Bethany Silverton was against leaving her home of Philadelphia to set out on her father, Reverend Silverton's dream to go west, settling in Sweetwater, Montana. She complained the whole way, leaving behind prestige, comfort, and her friends, but when her father, mother, and Ingrid, (an adopted along the way daughter) arrive in Montana she is taken to the open plains. She meets Hawk Chandler on her outing to announce her father's presence and Church service. Hawk, is a rancher, a quarter Sioux Indian, and a handsome imposing man, but he has his insecurities too. One being woman...he doesn't think that he is worthy of a genteel lady like Bethany or needing a Church because of past experience with church goers.
She has different plans and proposes a wager of 5 dollars to Ingrid that within the month, she'll get Hawk to church. She gets him there, and finds that she is starting to have feelings for him, but when he finds out of the wager, he responds with revenge putting her in the two faced churchgoing type. He tries to do his own wager, but it backfires when she is the real deal, but they marry out of his obligation to save her good name. Tragedy strikes and Hawk walks away from the marriage only to come to his senses after she has returned to Philadelphia. Love brings her back.
Vince Richards also takes an interest in Bethany and vows to take her for his own, regardless of her married stasis. When Hawk finally says that he loves Bethany she goes back home with him, but vince is every vigelent in his efforts to get Hawk out of the picture and frames him for murder. The good prevail.
She has different plans and proposes a wager of 5 dollars to Ingrid that within the month, she'll get Hawk to church. She gets him there, and finds that she is starting to have feelings for him, but when he finds out of the wager, he responds with revenge putting her in the two faced churchgoing type. He tries to do his own wager, but it backfires when she is the real deal, but they marry out of his obligation to save her good name. Tragedy strikes and Hawk walks away from the marriage only to come to his senses after she has returned to Philadelphia. Love brings her back.
Vince Richards also takes an interest in Bethany and vows to take her for his own, regardless of her married stasis. When Hawk finally says that he loves Bethany she goes back home with him, but vince is every vigelent in his efforts to get Hawk out of the picture and frames him for murder. The good prevail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2012
A girl on here named Kathryn did a great overview of the book.
I remember that Bethany moves with her parents from Philadelphia to Montana and that a girl they traveled with's parents died, and she joins their family, essentially (Ingrid). Bethany didn't want to come west, but once she got there, and laid eyed on rancher Hawk Chandler (tall, dark, and handsome... 1/4 Sioux), she suddenly isn't so sad about the wild west! ;) She bets Ingrid she can get him to come to church (her father's the new preacher) within a month. She doesn't know that he's had some issues with churchgoers in the past judging him based solely on his heritage.
I remember that Bethany moves with her parents from Philadelphia to Montana and that a girl they traveled with's parents died, and she joins their family, essentially (Ingrid). Bethany didn't want to come west, but once she got there, and laid eyed on rancher Hawk Chandler (tall, dark, and handsome... 1/4 Sioux), she suddenly isn't so sad about the wild west! ;) She bets Ingrid she can get him to come to church (her father's the new preacher) within a month. She doesn't know that he's had some issues with churchgoers in the past judging him based solely on his heritage.
May 24, 2013
I won this book as a FirstRead.
After her family settles into Sweetwater, Montana, Bethany Silverton and her friend Ingrid Johnson go around town, posting notices and inviting people to the church service her preacher father is holding. While in town, Bethany feels herself drawn to Hawk Chandler, a rancher who intrigues her but proclaims he has no interest in attending church. Impulsively, Bethany bets Ingrid $5 that she can get him to attend services.
This is pretty much your standard clean romance storyline. People who enjoy reading romances will like it; people who don't like romances won't. It was not my favorite book by Robin Lee Hatcher, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
After her family settles into Sweetwater, Montana, Bethany Silverton and her friend Ingrid Johnson go around town, posting notices and inviting people to the church service her preacher father is holding. While in town, Bethany feels herself drawn to Hawk Chandler, a rancher who intrigues her but proclaims he has no interest in attending church. Impulsively, Bethany bets Ingrid $5 that she can get him to attend services.
This is pretty much your standard clean romance storyline. People who enjoy reading romances will like it; people who don't like romances won't. It was not my favorite book by Robin Lee Hatcher, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
April 24, 2012
Bethany Silverton wagers an imaginative sum with her friend, Ingrid. Bethany bets that she can bring rancher, Hawk Chandler, to church. The wager runs amok and soon is distorted. Hawk overhears and creates a wager of his own - Bethany will be engaged and rejected by the end of the month.
In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. ~ Psalm 56:11
Time: Western, 1800's
Location: Sweetwater, Montana, USA
In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. ~ Psalm 56:11
Time: Western, 1800's
Location: Sweetwater, Montana, USA
June 10, 2012
Well I liked this one ok, it had it's moments but when I skip threw the end of the book just to get it over, not a good sign. Things just drug a little too long and everything was very predictable. And oh man the characters could have ended the book half way threw if they would have just talked to each other and I hate that. A little is ok but not that much. The preachy level was in the middle and made things drag a little for me too. Very clean.
May 31, 2013
I'm so happy to say I won Wagered Heart through Goodreads' First Reads giveaway. Thank you to Robin Lee Hatcher for sending me your book and for the wonderful note inside :)
I read this book on the train to and from work and had such a hard time putting it down. It is a bit predictable but a good and sweet read nonetheless.
This was the first book I read by Robin Lee Hatcher and I cannot wait for Beloved to come out this fall!
I read this book on the train to and from work and had such a hard time putting it down. It is a bit predictable but a good and sweet read nonetheless.
This was the first book I read by Robin Lee Hatcher and I cannot wait for Beloved to come out this fall!
September 17, 2008
I don't know what possessed me to buy this. I like stories with romantic elements, but try to avoid romances, especially ones with pretty people. Yet, bought and read this. I must have had a reason at the time. I did like the secondary romance -- a rancher cowboy who liked to heroine's best friend and promptly courted her, proposed and they got on with life together in a nice little cabin.
October 30, 2009
Robin Lee Hatcher produced a rather clean (GP rated) novel with all the thrills passion and intimacy that I have read in romance novels. She had me captured from the first chapter to the very last of her notes from the author. I would love to read more of her writings from this error of her career. I Hatcher is a great story teller and would recommend anyone to read Wagered Heart.
August 29, 2008
It takes place in the wild country of Montana.
A young preacher's daughter loves the freedom and danger of the cdountry.
It is a love story and also has some suspense.
Robin Lee Hatcher is a wonderful writer. I have never read a book of her's I didn't like.
A young preacher's daughter loves the freedom and danger of the cdountry.
It is a love story and also has some suspense.
Robin Lee Hatcher is a wonderful writer. I have never read a book of her's I didn't like.
July 8, 2009
This book kept me reading. Though some of the twists and turns were predictable, in the long run, I was interested enough in the characters and the resolution of the story to keep reading to the end. I like Hatcher's style of writing alot.
September 5, 2013
This was a fairly good book, almost really good actually. I have to take off at least a 1/2 star and maybe even a whole star because the narrator was sooooo awful! Her female voice was bad enough but, when she did the male voices it was almost unbearable!
September 23, 2014
3.5 Stars
Audio books are great for the days when it hurts too much to keep my eyes open. The reader is not the greatest, but the story is sweet. There is a certain amount of frustration because they don't have open communication early on, but it all ends up ok.
Audio books are great for the days when it hurts too much to keep my eyes open. The reader is not the greatest, but the story is sweet. There is a certain amount of frustration because they don't have open communication early on, but it all ends up ok.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews