Title: Betrayed: Gannett Brother’s Saga Three
Author: Tena Louise Atkins
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1-7960-6602-9
Pages: 267
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Christa Hill
Pacific Book Review
Betrayed is a family drama which takes place in a small town surrounding the life of a young woman who returns home to see her sick mother one last time. The story is fleshed out through the main characters memories and reflections of her life. The cohesive narrative is the childhood abuse that Marilyn, our main character, suffered and her desire to forgive her complacent mother. Even as this theme holds the novel together, occasionally the romantic undertones distract from Marilyn’s objective. Her thoughts about the potential love interest being unsuitable seem hammy, as though she is merely thinking it for the benefit of the audience.
The mysterious elements of the novel are exciting and suspenseful; where the author breaks the tension with development in the main characters relationships. There is a constant pace to the story that builds at the right moments and softens at the next keeping the flow. Throughout the small mid-western town and city maintain their authenticity by being described in a natural voice. Atkins has a soothing tone that keeps the novel from being a slog and helps the reader to sink into the experience.
One of the strongest aspects of the writing in Betrayed would be the constant use of dialogue. Having a vast amount of dialogue keeps the attention and provides an easy read. At the beginning of the book the introduction of the major characters is interesting yet genre-wise difficult to place. However, as the novel barrels along it becomes easier to understand how the pieces of the puzzle fit together, and to believe that Drew and Marilyn have know each other for years.
As the reader I would classify this novel as an excellent beach day read. It incorporates intrigue, drama, and a dash of romance that are none too harsh, heavy, or fake. This book would make a great audiobook! I was engaged with the dramatic elements. The drama amps up towards the end of the book at which point the audience is made aware of the reason for the book’s title. Overall, Betrayed: Gannett Brother’s Saga Three is a pleasant afternoon read with small town charm, family shenanigans, and good old-fashioned drama.
