Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Betrayed by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen


Betrayed
Betrayed
by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
Adult Historical Romantic Suspense, LDS
Paperback272 Pages
2015 by Covenant Communications

Summary

1851: Niagara Falls, New York
The evidence has been well hidden—the Thayers were confident that it was safe from the clutches of the ruthless Murphy Gang. But it has all been in vain. The lawless group is closing in on the family homestead, and seven-year-old Penny is given only one instruction: Run.


After two long years eagerly anticipating her fiancé’s return, twenty-year-old Julia Barrett is ready to make a fresh start with Adam Wolcott—even if it means putting her dream of traveling west with the Mormons on hold. But when Adam’s return is overshadowed by the unexpected arrival of a young orphan girl in desperate need of help, Julia is drawn into a dangerous mystery that will threaten all she holds dear.

Charged with the protection of little Penny, Julia quickly finds herself relying on the help of Tom Harrison, an endearing young man who has long admired her from afar. Torn between two suitors, Julia soon uncovers a shocking trail of corruption and deceit—a discovery that pulls her inescapably into the race to locate telling evidence that Penny’s family gave their lives to protect . . .

  

My Review

Betrayed was a story about faith, sacrifice, family, and love. It was also a story full of danger and suspense. From the beginning the story throws the reader into a terrible situation where a family is hunted down, every last one of them, in order to protect a ruthless criminal gang. The suspenseful tension continues as the heroine, Julia, and her family try to protect a dear little girl and as Julia tries to decide what her future should hold.

I really loved Julia's family, especially Julia's Nana O. who she shared some sweet moments with. I liked Julia as well. I felt like she was realistically imperfect and perfect for the historical setting. She loved someone and would always love him, but sometimes things can come between two people that can tear them apart. She had to decide if she could bridge that gap. Dear, dear Adam. Such potential there and so heartbreaking with him trying to deal with the loss of his father and the guidance he would have given him. He loved Julia so much. I also really liked Tom. What a heavy burden he carried. I could see how difficult his, Julia's , and Julia's family's positions were and how they tried to rise above them. I think Tom was actually the character I liked the most. He was steady, straightforward, and sweet. He was willing to do whatever he could to help Julia's family, including risking his life. I thought his profession was interesting as well and I'm kind of curious to know how that was decided on for the story and the research the author did for it. Some of the characters really disappointed me. Their choices directly affected what happened and I saw how if a single choice had been changed how the outcome could have been so different.

There were a few parts that felt slightly stilted or maybe just where I wanted more development. Some of the characters I wanted fleshed out more. But overall the plot was intriguing and held my interest. There were some fabulous twists and a villain that was very well done and that I didn't even guess at. Just some really scary characters. The inspirational element was lightly weaved into the story and I think any Christian would enjoy that aspect. The romance also didn't overshadow the story and created some tension as Julia battled with her heart. There was one scene and several shorter parts thereafter between Julia and Tom that were heart-stopping sweet, such as when Tom has Julia help him write a letter to the girl he loves. I just about melted right there.

If you enjoy inspirational suspense, than I would suggest giving Betrayed a try. I can already see where there could be another story written from this book. I would really like to know what happens to the sweet orphan girl, Penny.

Content: There was some violence, but otherwise I would definitely consider this clean.

Source: I would like to thank Covenant Communications for my complimentary review copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

About the Author

Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen was raised in Rexburg, Idaho. She received her first typewriter—there were no home computers then—when she was ten years old, and she has studied writing since she was twelve. She is the author of two previous suspense novels, Missing and Trapped. The mother of three amazing children, she loves to travel with her husband throughout the world in search of fascinating settings, intriguing characters, and surprising/inspiring stories.


Tour Schedule

January 19: http://www.iamareader.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/
January 20: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/,http://www.charissastastny.com/
January 21: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, and http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/
January 22: http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ 
January 23: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/, and http://www.wishfulendings.com/
January 24: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

Tour-Wide Giveaway

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8 comments

  1. Cali Willette1/23/15, 10:43 AM

    Great blog tour! This book sounds good; thanks for the giveaway. :)

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  2. Sounds like an interesting read. :)

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  3. I haven't had the chance to read this yet, but it definitely sounds like my kind of read! The slower pace does worry me a bit, but your review is so encouraging, I want to check it out. And the covers are so gorgeous!

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  4. Beautiful covers! I agree that the book may have been underpromoted. I'd never heard of it either, but it sounds interesting.

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  5. It was. I hadn't read an historical romantic suspense set during this time by Niagara Falls, so that made it different.

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  6. It definitely was. I'm happy to spread the word. :)

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  7. I hope you like it if you read it.

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  8. Give it a try. It might not be for you, but I definitely think it's worth giving it a try. The author will be stopping by in February for my blogoversary, so I'm excited about that. :)

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