A Touch of Betrayal

Treasures of the Heart #3

by Catherine Palmer

2001 Christy Award winner!
Fashion designer Alexandra Prescott fully expects her latest business trip to be an adventure. After all, she is looking for inspiration for a line of exotic fabrics. But her well-ordered plans are shattered by news of financial disaster—and an attempt on her life! Reluctantly admitting her vulnerability, she is forced to turn for help to Grant Thornton, an infuriatingly independent anthropologist whom she has met under suspicious circumstances. Inexplicably drawn together, neither is prepared for the challenges ahead.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Africa, Suspense, Contemporary, Kenya

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2000

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Catherine Palmer lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tim, where they serve as missionaries in a refugee community. They have two grown sons. Cathy is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and holds a master's degree in English from Baylor University. Her first book was published in 1988. Since then she has published over 50 novels, many of them national best sellers. Catherine has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Christy Award, the highest honor in Christian fiction. In 2004, she was given the Career Achievement Award for Inspirational Romance by "Romantic Times" magazine. More than 2 million copies of Catherine's novels are currently in print. The Author's Work With her compelling characters and strong message of Christian faith, Catherine is known for writing fiction that "touches the hearts and souls of readers." Her many collections include A Town Called Hope, Treasures of the Heart, Finders Keepers, English Ivy, and the Miss Pickworth series. Catherine also recently coauthored the Four Seasons fiction series with Gary Chapman, the "New York Times" best-selling author of "The Five Love Languages."

Reviews

[Caity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!! Quite possibly my favorite in the series yet (with #1 coming in at a close second. ;)). This book was intense- full of intrigue and suspense. The cultural aspects all throughout the book were interesting and gave the plot historical charm. I really enjoyed learning about the different tribes and clans of Kenya and their customs; the Maasai in particular. Grant and Alexandra were an awesome couple and their journey of faith in surrendering to Christ and finding Truth in their difficult surroundings was touching and inspiring. Everything came together nicely, and this was a very happy ending indeed. :)
Beyond that, I really can't convey the depth and awesomeness of this book justly.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been an awesome series. Every time I think the author can't do better, she wows me again with the next book. The first two books centered around 2 different Thonton sisters. This one centers on the only Thornton brother, Grant. There was more suspense in this book, with a hit man after the other main character, and it was cool to have some of the characters from the other books make an appearance.

I found myself envying Grant for his lifestyle out away from modern conveniences. I really enjoyed his journey from unbelief to becoming a Christian, and thought it was done very well .I loved the book, and was sorry to see it and the series end.

[Ordure · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's not really accurate to say I read this book. 7% of the way through, I abandoned it. Boy, am I glad it was a library book! To be fair, it might be well-written, maybe even interesting. I'm just not into books that mention religion in nearly every paragraph, and whose protagonist appears to think of little else. Someone who wishes fiction were not so secular, or who enjoys deeply religious protagonists might really enjoy this. To me, tho, it was preachy & the constant religiousness intrusive.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Prescott arrives in Kenya for a business trip hoping for inspiration from the landscape and wildlife for patterns for a new fashion line. When no one is there to meet the delayed flight, she is forced to accept a ride from Dr. Grant Thornton, an anthropologist at the airport to pick up Mama Hannah. Later, there is an attempt on her life when American Nick Jones lures her away from the hotel. She manages to get away and find Grant and Mama Hannah, but can they help her?
Although this is the third of four, it's the last one for me to read. It's a bit formulaic but I enjoyed it for the Africa location and as a light read to trade off with other books.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did this series end? There were four siblings and only three have been given a voice for their stories. I know the series is almost 20 years old, but I wish there would be a Book #4 - Fiona's story. This was an excellent, meaningful series that would entertain and edify Christians who enjoy clean, Christ-centered stories with romance and a touch of adventure.

[⋆˚°✩*˖ Gohnar23 (•˕ •マ.ᐟ ˚⟡˖ ࣪ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This maybe a christian fiction book but this is like one of the most emotionally an emotional roller coaster because my emotions are rollering and coastering all around and coaster on the whole roller coaster place which rollers and coasters the sheer rollers and coasters of the roller coaster.

5*,. gunna put this in my one step below the pedestal shelf

[Arnetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all. The wilds of Africa, a killer, a tribe of Masai warriors, Mt Kilimanjaro, and of course a romance. I have loved every book in this series - each set in Africa. It's almost like taking a trip there!

[Brett Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read centered in the jungles of Africa. There was a great balance of action and romance, though I did find myself skimming some of the romance at times. This is an older book from 2011, I think, but it didn't feel like a terribly dated read. I recommend it.

[Karen Reece · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this book so many times and each time I have found something different I did not notice the first time through. This is such a wonderful piece of work which keeps you turning the page.

[Tanja Ehlers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Great adventure trough Africa with beautiful descriptions and plot twists.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally got to read the book I missed in this series. Very enjoyable story with action and adventure. The setting is also different being set in Africa from an author that grew up there.

[Nikki H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one not as much as I second book but I enjoyed it overall

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to see what a romantic Christian story was like ------ I gave up after 100 pages .... not sure if it was because I'm a non-romantic elderly man or just that the story was unbelievable ....

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read. I flew through this. I've read book 1 and 2 countless time, but this one not as much. It was even better than I remembered.

[Linda Aldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series. This one is my favourite in the series i think but i enjoyed them all. Loved the way Catherine Palmer weaves Scripture into her stories.

[Debbie Campfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Catherine Palmer books

As a Christian I really enjoy reading books that carry the message of Jesus Christ to all!! I have read all of Catherine's books! I look forward to each new book and can't put it down until I'm done! I've read most of her books more than once and seem to get more out of them each time! God has blessed her with a gift for writing.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was my favorite of the three in this series. This is told from the point of view of Grant (Tillie and Jessica's brother) who lives in tents with no modern conveniences in Africa near a tribe that he is studying. The heroine is Alexandra Prescott who is a fabric designer from New York looking for design inspiration from the wilds of Africa. They meet at the airport and she mistakes him for a derelict. He's there to pick up Mama Hannah who is the African woman who raised him and his sisters. He helps her get to her hotel and goes on his way. Alexandra find more is wild in Africa than she could have imagined when she gets a cable that her bank account is empty and then another guest tries to strangle her. She escapes and in the heat of the desert can only think of getting to Mama Hannah and Grant. But the killer guest is more than just a random occurrence and Alexandra finds herself hunted by a professional. Grant after finding her in near heat stroke finds himself in the midst of things as her protector.

The dynamic between the two is really interesting. Grant as the scientist who doesn't believe in religion of any kind, and Alexandra, who is Christian to the bones. This being a Christian romance, you already know you're going to have some major turn around in opinion on Grant's case, but the journey is fun. The adventure is face paced and I enjoyed reading it. The end was great. The reveal and the who-dunnit was pretty easily guessed and I kinda wished it had been addressed more, but that's okay. I think this was my favorite of the series because I generally like both main characters and the story was fun to read.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in the Heartquest trilogy, but complete in itself. Alexandra, an American fashion designer, goes on a business trip in Kenya, expecting to have a holiday as well as produce some exotic new sketches with ideas for designs. She is wealthy and enjoys all the conveniences of Western life. Then she meets Grant, who lives in a tent and cares nothing for material possessions. They are thrown together, and then meet again after Alexandra has a terrifying ordeal.

Quite a tense book, wihch makes a good light read. Enjoyable. There's a Christian theme, but it's not over-pushy.

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

#3 in the Treasures of the Heart Series.

A hired killer, betrayal, money, & surviving in the wilds of Kenya - Alexandra's trip to Africa is turning into a nightmare. But the country captures her heart too - not to mention the Maasai tribe, Mama Hannah, & a certain nomadic anthropologist by the name of Grant Thornton.

#1 #2 #4

I love how Africa is brought to life in this series!

[Esra Çil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neither I am a Christian nor I've ever read the two first books of the triology.Nevertheless,it was considerably touching for me in aspect of the romance in the book..also,it was moving how Alexandra's point of view of love and life itself changed meeting with Grant.Two distinguishing characters finding a mutual understanding to get along..One more thing,I learned a great deal of life in Africa,the rituals and so on..

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I like some of her topics on faith and she challenges me to clarify my beliefs I am not connecting to this adventure series. One area I liked especially was ( not an exact quote) you have to go beyond belief and truly surrender. How to surrender. What to surrender. Things like pride, self reliance, intellect. A second example when the scientist wonders how can you make faith your foundation when you cannot even touch it

[Etinosa Omoigiade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this novel. It was captivating in many ways. I loved learning about Kenya and the different tribes. The characters were endearing and very real. The love that grows between Grant and Alexandra s beautiful because it crosses many boundaries and overcomes a great deal. A great read :)

[Aerykah]

I remember that I really like this book, but it's been so long since I read it... I really need to read it again.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this series. The characters were fun to get to know and the suspense was good, although somewhat predictable. I thought this was a good quick read.

[Monica Emtman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in this series, however stands on its own. There were a couple parts I rolled my eyes at, but overall enjoyed this fast paced read.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of 3

[Ann Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment in the Treasures of the Heart series, A Touch of Betrayal delivers delicious romantic tension, adventure, and faith. A great series to read in any order. 4.6 Stars

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the kind of book I usually read. It was an interesting story although predictable and contrived in places. I did enjoy the descriptions of life in Africa.

[Manuel Eduardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A intense plot from beginning to end. Also a real spiritual book.

[Karolyn Bowman]

When I first read this is didn't know it was part of a series. I read this one first even though it's #3. Love the adventure of this book . Like the rest it was hard to put down. Loved it!