True Betrayals [Paperback]

Nora Roberts (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 5, 2005

Kelsey Byden is still reeling from her husband's affair-and going through a divorce-when a letter arrives that shakes her to the core. It is from her mother, Naomi, whom Kelsey thought long dead. When she discovers the truth-that her mother is alive and has just been released from prison-Kelsey journeys to Naomi's horse farm, and the two start the fragile process of getting to know each other. It is there that she meets Gabe Slater, a handsome gambler who sets off a powerful reaction in her. But their newfound relationship will set in motion a shocking series of events that puts Naomi's future--and Kelsey and Gabe's very lives--at risk.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The world of championship thoroughbred racing is the milieu for Roberts' (Born in Fire) latest, a fast-paced, engaging tale of envy, greed and romance. Kelsey Byden, 26, is in the throes of divorcing her unfaithful husband when she suffers a second shock. It is a letter from her mother, whom she has long presumed dead. Her father, it turns out, has been lying to her-at her mother's request, since Naomi Chadwick was in prison for murder during many of those years. Kelsey travels to Virginia to meet her long-lost parent at her horse farm. As mother and daughter get to know each other, Kelsey falls in love with horses, racing and the gambler next door. Gabe Slater is handsome, virile and unlike anyone the spoiled young woman has ever met. Their attraction is instant and explosive, but their romance triggers a chain of events that includes murder and sabotage, prompting the lovers to risk their lives as they race to clear Naomi's name and to deal with old enemies and betrayals that threaten their future. Roberts paints her story with a broad brush, but its colorful canvas, easily identifiable heroes and villains and swirling action add up to another winner for this popular author.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Although mystery writer Dick Francis probably won't fret over Roberts's invasion of his turf?that of big-time horse racing?this romantic thriller about shady goings-on at a Virginia horse farm comes on the heels of a string of best sellers (e.g., Hidden Riches, LJ 6/1/94).
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (July 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425204685
• ISBN-13: 978-0425204689
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #748,175 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Valid Reason for Betrayal?, April 5, 2005

By 

Susie Morris "Book Junkie" (Southern California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: True Betrayals (Mass Market Paperback)

I think Nora Roberts has a fantasy with horses and horse farms, as we've seen in her books Irish Thoroughbred, Irish Rebel and now True Betrayals which was written in 1996. Unlike the other two, True Betrayals is not pure romantic fiction but a blend of several genres. To me, it was very interesting and kept me amused and entertained for several hours.

Kelsey Byden was led to believe that her mother, Naomi Chadwick, had been dead for quite a few years and when she received a letter from her mother asking if she'd come visit her, she was an emotional wreck. It seems the real reason her mother wasn't a part of her life as she grew up was the fact that she had been in prison for killing her lover. Talk about shock value! Kelsey decides to visit her mother to try to come to terms with her emotions - Kelsey had recently divorced and just finding out her dead mother was very much alive was enough to make anyone emotionally unstable and made Kelsey question everything in her life.

Naomi has a working horse farm in Virginia and Kelsey goes to try to make sense out of her life. Sounds like a typical plot line, right? Well, sort of, but if Nora Roberts is writing it, you can bet there are a few twists and turns along the way. Like Kelsey being thrown into a situation that could result in another murder.

Can the trainer who works for her mother be the answer to Kelsey's broken heart? Can Kelsey ever trust her mother again after being deceived by her for so many years? Will Kelsey ever believe in herself again? I won't give away any of the plot, you'll have to read and enjoy this one for yourself!

I do have to say that the plot is not the part of the book that I enjoyed the most - sure there's a little mystery thrown in just to keep things interesting. Sure there is lots of romance and sorting of feelings toward the mother-daughter relationship. But what I enjoyed the most were the descriptions of the horse ranch, the surrounding areas, actual workings of the ranch, etc. Nora Roberts is first rate at painting a very vivid mental image and I found myself slipping off to Virginia and owning a ranch of my own in my imagination while reading this book. The lush green landscape, the openness of the working ranch, the racetrack - ah, it sounded like pure heaven.

The plot is very predictable: everyone lives happily-ever-after, mother and daughter are reunited, true love waits for Kelsey, etc., etc. What makes the story enjoyable is the mix that Roberts has perfected - not just pure romance, but a little mystery and intrigue also.

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars True Betrayals, March 2, 2008

By 

Kelly "Reviewer for The Sinfully Sensuous" (Littleton, Colorado) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: True Betrayals (Paperback)

Kelsey Byden thought she knew her life, but was devastated when she received a letter from the mother that she thought was dead. Naomi thought it best since she was in jail for murder, but now that she is out and found a life of her own, she wants to see her daughter. When Kelsey visits her mother at her horse farm, her life changes forever. It is there that she has to come to terms with Naomi, and meets her future in Gabe.

This was a well-written book with a lot of information about horses and horse racing. The interaction between Naomi and Kelsey was very intense, but I found the character Gabe lacking.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read, October 29, 2001

By 

Sophie (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: True Betrayals (Mass Market Paperback)

"True Betrayals" is a fabulous book that will definitely keep you reading. Kelsey & Gabe are great main characters, both well-developed and likeable.
Kelsey has been told for her entire life that her mother died when she was a child, but she finds out differently one day when a letter shows up from her supposedly deceased mother! After getting over the initial shock, Kelsey decides to travel to her mother's thoroughbred farm in Nothern Virginia. Kelsey has to deal with her family's strong disapproval, especially from her grandmother, but decides that she really must meet the woman who gave her life. Kelsey arrives on the farm and slowly begins to bond with her mother and the handsome man who owns the neighbouring farm, Gabe. This story is full of betrayal, sabotage, romance, and excitement. Overall, a highly enjoyable read.