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Threads of Betrayal
Reagan Burnsfield has no interest in finding himself a wife. But that's exactly what he must do when a lumber contract falls through and threatens the family business. Marrying the beautiful debutante Amanda Bruester for her dowry will solve his short term need as well as give him the wife of his dreams.
His courtship is hindered until they are arrested after stumbling upon bounty hunters hotly pursuing runaway slaves. In the ensuing scandal, Amanda chooses marriage over betraying her Aunt Gabriella's illegal activities in the Underground Railroad. Expecting resentment for the forced marriage, Amanda's fears of a loveless union are laid to rest when Reagan's passions seem tempered with apparent affection and tender regard. Yet, despite being properly wed, another suitor, Derrick Banning, is determined to break apart their hasty marriage. He fancies it is he, not "that arrogant lumberman," who should be enjoying Amanda's wealth. While snowed in at his lumber camp, Amanda discovers papers that imply Reagan's offer of marriage wasn't the sacrifice she thought it to be. Despite his assurances that he acted to protect her, Amanda begins to doubt everything about him. To complicate matters, mysterious scratches on Reagan's back seem to point to infidelity, further proving he's the untrustworthy knave Derrick claims him to be. When a prostitute's body is found in his office and Reagan is arrested for murder, Amanda flees to her aunt's house until the mystery can be solved. Reviews..."You can flat out write!"
Les Edgerton Author of Hooked, Just Like That, The Bitch and many others. * * * "Threads of Betrayal takes the reader on a wonderful journey that's entertaining as well as informative. A real page turner! Bobbi Ray Madry Author and senior editor for three major New York Publishers. * * * Threads of Betrayal is a novel reminiscent of "Gone with the Wind." With a painstakingly researched historical backdrop, various storylines and assortment of memorable characters, the reader hopes for a sequel to this romantic adventure. Bart Carpenter H.S. English Teacher, Los Angeles & Palm Springs, CA Former News Producer, ABC-TV Writer/Editor for Educational Programming at Infinity Apps * * * "A book so intriguing you can't put it down. A page turner to be sure. This author is going places! " Yvette Merrick, Cromwell, Indiana * * * Monica Koldyke Miller spins a multifaceted tale in “Threads of Betrayal,” so emotionally volatile that bickering and lust volley as fast as Civil War cannon fire. Historical depiction of period political life, romance of characters, and the lumber industry needed for the Civil War effort is equally distributed. That makes this read-worthy for men and women alike. A really fine first novel. Alan Daugherty “The News-Banner,” & author of “THE flood: A Bluffton History Novel.” * * * 5.0 out of 5 stars Addictive-Couldn't put it down, July 10, 2012 By Katstraw - This review is from: Threads of Betrayal (Kindle Edition) I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's not often I come across a book that captivates me the way this one did.I couldn't put it down. Kudos to the author for bringing the characters alive and including history with the romance. Hoping Monica continues to write more novels. * * * William Axtell rated it 5 out of 5 Stars This was a terrific read! Set against a backdrop of the American Civil War, this is a really good novel about love and politics. The characters are very varied and believable and the plot is a treat, very carefully put together and full of twists and turns. It's a good length too, so the characters can really bed in and develop. I can't really say much more without giving the plot away but suffice it to say that if you like historical fiction or romance, this is a book for you as it manages both extremely well, both in terms of delivering a romance and in the attention and understanding of the period the author shows. * * * 5.0 out of 5 stars All the threads to make a story highly readable and even captivating are in this book!, January 8, 2014 By Bill - This review is from: Threads of Betrayal (Kindle Edition) I would hesitate to narrow the scope of this book by calling it simply a romance novel even though romance is one of the key threads and has been woven into the fabric of a story that is about so many other things. All told in a believable and articulate way. Romance, intrique, skullduggery, deceit, manipulation, history, conniving, and even murder are all here to keep the reader engrossed. If you like characters that are so believable and so well developed that you will become emotionally invested in them and a plot that builds to a conclusion that will not disappoint then you owe it to yourself to read this book. It is long and at first I was a bit worried that I would not be entertained enough to finish it. As I continued reading it finishing it was not the issue not wanting it to end and have to say goodbye to the characters I wanted to read more about became the issue. Can't wait for the sequel! Read this book. You will not be disappointed and likely will be like I am. Wishing the sequel were already out so I did not have to wait to read it. Oh and .... KEEP Hogan and more of him ... hint hint!!! * * * Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews(5 star). 5.0 out of 5 starsCivil War home front society, intrigue, romance, as murder a side; a full meal book deal ByHarold WolfTOP 50 REVIEWERon November 3, 2015 Format: Kindle Edition I read Monica Koldyke Miller’s debut “Threads of Betrayal” and liked it 5 stars worth. Now the sequel, or 2nd of the series is even better. Gripping historical fiction. The period is 1862 Civil War, but it takes place north of the Ohio River. Amanda and wild lover/hubby Reagan return as socialites. But a “situation” looms to spoil their home tranquility. From that beginning, the story builds like a snowball rolling down a steep hill. The town's characters, every one with flaws, come alive and life entanglements merge toward a climax that is satisfying. Miller sure knows how to take readers back into the period trials of living during a war and small town living. Historic fun. Believable. No shade of grey, but certainly moments of blushing rose from exhaustive intimacy in more than one relationship. You get your money’s worth with 478 pages of plotting, adultery, & mayhem surrounding a village housing a makeshift wounded soldier hospital. Plenty of threads for female and male readers. It comes available in eBook and softcover. Certainly one for all historic fiction lovers, and could serve as a stand-alone, even though it is definitely a continuation of the 2 protagonists from Monica Koldyke Miller’s first book. I recommend them both, and in the correct order if possible. Eagerly anticipating the next installment; and while waiting, I think I’ll return to book one and read it again. Miller’s Amanda/Reagan romance has caught my Yankee fancy. Threads of Betrayal: Historical Romance (The Betrayal Series Book 1) |
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