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The Truth Teller
A five-year-old boy can sense who is telling the truth...and who isn't. It's a gift some will do anything to silence and a mother will do anything to protect.
Lara Godfrey desperately wants to have a child--a living legacy from her late husband. Placing her life in the hands of a doctor she believes she can trust, Lara doesn't relize a web of deception is being woven around her. An unseen voyeur, with dreams of immortality, plans to use the child for a test--an unbelievable experiment that could have genetic consequences not only for Lara's baby, but for the entire human race. In the face of danger, Lara must make impossible choices. That's why she flees the clinic before the baby's birth. It's why she changes her name and hides. She knows she must protect this gifted child who can see through lies and identify truth. Yet how can an innocent truth-telling boy survive in a world that wants to destroy truth at any cost?
Lara Godfrey desperately wants to have a child--a living legacy from her late husband. Placing her life in the hands of a doctor she believes she can trust, Lara doesn't relize a web of deception is being woven around her. An unseen voyeur, with dreams of immortality, plans to use the child for a test--an unbelievable experiment that could have genetic consequences not only for Lara's baby, but for the entire human race. In the face of danger, Lara must make impossible choices. That's why she flees the clinic before the baby's birth. It's why she changes her name and hides. She knows she must protect this gifted child who can see through lies and identify truth. Yet how can an innocent truth-telling boy survive in a world that wants to destroy truth at any cost?
432 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1999
48 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
244 books1,909 followersChristy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 17, 2023
If I would have known ahead of time the religious leanings and bias of this book, I would never have started reading it. There should be a some kind of alert to the reader.
October 6, 2008
I'm not going to write about what this book is about... this is just my feelings on it. It'll probably sound a bit mixed up, because that's how I feel about the story.
Although I read it in one afternoon, this was a very hard book for me to read. Maybe because it was about a mother in imminent danger of losing her child? It was well-written and in the long run I'm glad I read it, but I spent most of the book almost dreading what was coming next while feeling compelled to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. The subject matter was very disturbing, dealing with ethics related to in-vitro fertilization and genetic manipulation. If this had been a secular book instead of Christian, I probably wouldn't have finished it. As I said before, I'm glad I read it after all. I think I'm not done processing it yet.
Although I read it in one afternoon, this was a very hard book for me to read. Maybe because it was about a mother in imminent danger of losing her child? It was well-written and in the long run I'm glad I read it, but I spent most of the book almost dreading what was coming next while feeling compelled to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. The subject matter was very disturbing, dealing with ethics related to in-vitro fertilization and genetic manipulation. If this had been a secular book instead of Christian, I probably wouldn't have finished it. As I said before, I'm glad I read it after all. I think I'm not done processing it yet.
June 24, 2009
Wow - I loved this novel. Angela Hunt weaves a compelling story about love, grief, science, villians, motherhood, and God. Hunt made me think about medical and spiritual ethics. I love that she never forgets God and the power he has in our lives.
She begins the story with a thought provoking quote from the ninth chapter of Paul's letter to the church at Rome:
Should the thing that was created say to the one who made it, "Why have you made me like this?" God has every right to exercise his judgment and his power, bu he also has the right to be very patient with those who are th objects of his judgement and are fit only for destruction. He also has the right to pour out the riches of his glory upon those he prepared to be the objects of his mercy. . .
Hunt's character Lara is someone I'd love to know.
She begins the story with a thought provoking quote from the ninth chapter of Paul's letter to the church at Rome:
Should the thing that was created say to the one who made it, "Why have you made me like this?" God has every right to exercise his judgment and his power, bu he also has the right to be very patient with those who are th objects of his judgement and are fit only for destruction. He also has the right to pour out the riches of his glory upon those he prepared to be the objects of his mercy. . .
Hunt's character Lara is someone I'd love to know.
February 2, 2018
You will Love this!!!
I did not want to stop reading this book!!! The book shows us just how God is truly in control even when we think things are totally out of control. This storyline could easily happen today the way we hear about experiments being done on humans. You will find yourself feeling Lara's loss, her hopes, her fears and even share in her tears. This is the first book I have read by Angela Hunt except for what she has written with Frank Peretti, Bill Myers and Alton Gansky in the Harbinger series. I look forward to reading many more of her books!!!
I did not want to stop reading this book!!! The book shows us just how God is truly in control even when we think things are totally out of control. This storyline could easily happen today the way we hear about experiments being done on humans. You will find yourself feeling Lara's loss, her hopes, her fears and even share in her tears. This is the first book I have read by Angela Hunt except for what she has written with Frank Peretti, Bill Myers and Alton Gansky in the Harbinger series. I look forward to reading many more of her books!!!
June 4, 2017
Such an unusual concept, unbelievable even in the face of science fiction yet Angela Hunt brings us into believing. Gentle and loving and full of faith.
March 10, 2025
this one was AMAZING
March 22, 2023
Riveting
Angela Hunt penned this book twenty years ago, but it’s luster remains fresh. Her premise is unique—a demonic billionaire, a widow’s IVF, murders. A plot twist at the climax left me breathless. As a medical professional, I say Ms Hunt’s books are well-researched. I’d like to point out two concerns for me. When Lara,the primary character, presented herself for work as an LPN instead of a PA, there was no mention of licensure. She allowed herself to be addressed as Dr. A few times. Maybe in jest, but not ethical.
I am fascinated by the story. How did you write so well twenty years ago, Ms. Hunt? This story has more ramifications today than the 90s.
Angela Hunt penned this book twenty years ago, but it’s luster remains fresh. Her premise is unique—a demonic billionaire, a widow’s IVF, murders. A plot twist at the climax left me breathless. As a medical professional, I say Ms Hunt’s books are well-researched. I’d like to point out two concerns for me. When Lara,the primary character, presented herself for work as an LPN instead of a PA, there was no mention of licensure. She allowed herself to be addressed as Dr. A few times. Maybe in jest, but not ethical.
I am fascinated by the story. How did you write so well twenty years ago, Ms. Hunt? This story has more ramifications today than the 90s.
April 23, 2020
I read this book as a teenager and I was conflicted with the ethics around IVF but I was intrigued by the story.
Now that I find myself walking the road of infertility with IVF in my future, I have a newfound respect for this author and how she maneuvered what must have been troubling waters at the time this book was written.
This book showcases many human tendencies & plights: greed, avarice, survival, but maternal love shine through more than anything else.
This is a book I can read and enjoy again and again.
Now that I find myself walking the road of infertility with IVF in my future, I have a newfound respect for this author and how she maneuvered what must have been troubling waters at the time this book was written.
This book showcases many human tendencies & plights: greed, avarice, survival, but maternal love shine through more than anything else.
This is a book I can read and enjoy again and again.
July 20, 2024
Wow…
What an amazing book! Angela is at the top of my favorite authors list, but somehow I’m always surprised each time I read one of her books. No two are alike, but all are rich and show the depth of her imagination.
I’ve even taken to describing the books to my children to see their reactions!
This book has multiple character points of view, and tells a different story each step of the journey, chapter by chapter.
Without writing any spoilers, it is definitely a page-turner!
What an amazing book! Angela is at the top of my favorite authors list, but somehow I’m always surprised each time I read one of her books. No two are alike, but all are rich and show the depth of her imagination.
I’ve even taken to describing the books to my children to see their reactions!
This book has multiple character points of view, and tells a different story each step of the journey, chapter by chapter.
Without writing any spoilers, it is definitely a page-turner!
October 2, 2022
I liked this book for the most part, though I must say that the villain was super creepy, and it made me uncomfortable to read their viewpoint.
That being said, I did like Lara and felt for her situation. Even though I didn't always agree with the choices she made, I could clearly see WHY she thought that those choices would be the best ones to make. I also appreciated that both she and Connor ultimately wanted to honour God in their actions.
3.5 stars
That being said, I did like Lara and felt for her situation. Even though I didn't always agree with the choices she made, I could clearly see WHY she thought that those choices would be the best ones to make. I also appreciated that both she and Connor ultimately wanted to honour God in their actions.
3.5 stars
August 30, 2022
I wanted to like this book, but none of the characters or parts of the storyline grabbed my interest 70 pages into the book. (I use the 100 page rule before setting a book aside.) The writing didn't even hold my interest. Sorry. This book is being put aside.
March 10, 2023
An uplifting story with a twist
Angela writes stories in a way that grabs your attention at the start. I loved how she weaves Christian truths throughout her novels, showing God's love for the characters in this story. There's suspense and drama, a real page turner.
Angela writes stories in a way that grabs your attention at the start. I loved how she weaves Christian truths throughout her novels, showing God's love for the characters in this story. There's suspense and drama, a real page turner.
September 27, 2017
The theory that we are devolving from generation to generation was thought provoking.
January 20, 2018
I liked this book, but I found Lara’s naivety irritating at times, especially since she knew the risks of her situation.
August 19, 2019
Liked it, but not in a couldn’t put it down sort of way.
September 20, 2020
Powerful story of love of a mother for her child, a man for a woman, and God for all His children. Quite suspenseful and a real tear-provoker.
December 23, 2021
This was such an interesting premise and there were some unexpected twists with an unpredictable ending!
August 31, 2023
Excellent book!! Very interesting and well written.
January 10, 2024
A slow start, but I'm glad I pushed through. A great read.
July 3, 2025
unique storyline and great message!
While I struggled to get into the story at first it is a great read and I liked the unique story.
While I struggled to get into the story at first it is a great read and I liked the unique story.
April 27, 2023
WOW! What a powerful story of Truth!
WOW! What a powerful story of Truth! The author captivates the reader with this other-worldly tale of love. Highly recommend!
WOW! What a powerful story of Truth! The author captivates the reader with this other-worldly tale of love. Highly recommend!
December 3, 2017
The Truth Teller
The plot line in this novel had so much potential that was unrealized. There were so many glaring scientific errors that I could not sink my teeth into this narrative. Although I’ve read several of Angela Hunt’s novels and I’m familiar with her plot twists, I was very disappointed with this particular work.
The plot line in this novel had so much potential that was unrealized. There were so many glaring scientific errors that I could not sink my teeth into this narrative. Although I’ve read several of Angela Hunt’s novels and I’m familiar with her plot twists, I was very disappointed with this particular work.
September 22, 2011
I should start this review by saying that this is not my typical read. I'm more of a historical fiction reader, but I'm glad that I did branch out with this one. That said, please take my review for what it is.
I found the subject matter of The Truth Teller to be very compelling-- medical ethics, motherhood, science, spirituality, the question of truth and more. The ideas are woven seamlessly throughout and really added depth to the story.
Like I said, I don't have much experience with this genre. I've literally never read a contemporary suspense novel, and I wasn't sure what to expect. What I did expect was a lot more tension and heart-pound moments, and while there were several (which I loved), the first half of the book kind of dragged for me. I felt like I knew exactly what was going to happen based on the blurb on the back of the book, and I was waiting anxiously for the suspense to start.
However, the second half of the book was awesome. There was a lot of suspense, and I wasn't sure how things were going to unfold. Hunt held the tension really well, and I loved how the book ended with a nail-biting trial. Had the majority of the book been like this, I probably would have given it five stars.
I thought Hunt created a nice twist at the end of the book. It was actually very sad and completely unexpected, but not without hope. The book had a cinematic quality in my opinion. I had a very easy time of picturing everything, the events, the characters, etc.
My one issue was with the main character, Lara's, decision to sign a blank document before beginning the process of becoming pregnant. She is a medical professional, and, in my opinion, a medical professional would never sign a document without knowing exactly what it was. That was just unrealistic for me.
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars with this one, but decided to go with 4 based on the fact that I don't have much experience with this genre. This one is certainly worth the read, and I'll definitely read more of Hunt's novels in the future.
I found the subject matter of The Truth Teller to be very compelling-- medical ethics, motherhood, science, spirituality, the question of truth and more. The ideas are woven seamlessly throughout and really added depth to the story.
Like I said, I don't have much experience with this genre. I've literally never read a contemporary suspense novel, and I wasn't sure what to expect. What I did expect was a lot more tension and heart-pound moments, and while there were several (which I loved), the first half of the book kind of dragged for me. I felt like I knew exactly what was going to happen based on the blurb on the back of the book, and I was waiting anxiously for the suspense to start.
However, the second half of the book was awesome. There was a lot of suspense, and I wasn't sure how things were going to unfold. Hunt held the tension really well, and I loved how the book ended with a nail-biting trial. Had the majority of the book been like this, I probably would have given it five stars.
I thought Hunt created a nice twist at the end of the book. It was actually very sad and completely unexpected, but not without hope. The book had a cinematic quality in my opinion. I had a very easy time of picturing everything, the events, the characters, etc.
My one issue was with the main character, Lara's, decision to sign a blank document before beginning the process of becoming pregnant. She is a medical professional, and, in my opinion, a medical professional would never sign a document without knowing exactly what it was. That was just unrealistic for me.
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars with this one, but decided to go with 4 based on the fact that I don't have much experience with this genre. This one is certainly worth the read, and I'll definitely read more of Hunt's novels in the future.
December 25, 2011
High points: Interesting premise. Solid writing style. Compelling characters. Romance was not overbearing (while expected). Good discussions of ethical considerations in genetic manipulation, et cetera.
Low points: As the book was written 12 years ago, the author assumed that the average reader knows way less about genetics and IVF than today. The entire section leading up to the decision, because so much information had to be downloaded to the reader, felt slow because of this.
"Meh" points: I think the back cover copy/cover art is misleading, because the entire first half of the book is before the child is even born. Also, it's misleading in that it claims to be fairly hard science fiction - it's more of a womens' fiction, medical style.
This next part is subjective. To me, as a scifi/speculative reader, this was a disappointment. It didn't spoil the book for me, as the emotional journey was compelling and drew me along.
Low points: As the book was written 12 years ago, the author assumed that the average reader knows way less about genetics and IVF than today. The entire section leading up to the decision, because so much information had to be downloaded to the reader, felt slow because of this.
"Meh" points: I think the back cover copy/cover art is misleading, because the entire first half of the book is before the child is even born. Also, it's misleading in that it claims to be fairly hard science fiction - it's more of a womens' fiction, medical style.
This next part is subjective. To me, as a scifi/speculative reader, this was a disappointment. It didn't spoil the book for me, as the emotional journey was compelling and drew me along.
December 15, 2011
I really loved this book. It had everything. It was very difficult to walk away from this book and go back to the living. Story of Lara who lost her husband to cancer and wanted to have his baby. The villan Devin who was handsome and wealthy The characters were well developed through out the whole story and the plot was easy to follow. It was an interesting read because it dealt with eithics and genitics and how we can play God in those generes. The book was Christian themed however, I felt it allowed the reader whether a Christian or not to contemplate spiritual issues that the story brought up. Mainly what truth really is and what it is not. I know in today's world, truth is realitive and not obsolute. 1 + 1 always equals 2, live outside truth, and will always suffer consequences. (example, spending more than I make). It was intelligently written and I felt smarter reading it. I loved it.
July 14, 2015
This is Angela Hunt at her best. It was suspenseful and very interesting. She explores all the aspects of gene manipulation and all that involves. Can we create perfect race? Should we? Angela Hunt makes you think deep about this aspect of a life we are getting to know. She makes her characters very believable and you care about them. I love Angel Hunt she is a writer that writes about current issues.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
January 6, 2016
This was almost insulting to read. I don't seek out Christian books but I generally don't mind them, being a Christian myself, but the portrayal of Christianity as the only truth and the arrogance of the characters due to their beliefs was really distasteful. I found it judgmental, at best, and childish at worst. The author had some good concepts, but she didn't develop anything to the level necessary for emotional involvement. I could have gotten on board with the science fiction if there was consistency or any sort of believability with the character development, but as it was written, I didn't feel anything for any of the characters and definitely didn't get on board with the science. In short, I really hated it.
August 13, 2017
As I have reread my personal collection, I have found previously favorite authors a bit disappointing. I did not expect that with Angela Hunt. Unlike other authors, I have not found all of her works disappointing. Some have been abysmal. Others, like this one, soar above the rest and remind me of why I fell in love with her writing to begin with.
Hunt develops all of the characters, save a few minor characters, quite well. I even forgot the twist at the end.
I wish all of her "expect the unexpected" books and those that follow a more traditional narrative could rise to the level of this book.
This book survives round two of the purge of my personal collection.
Hunt develops all of the characters, save a few minor characters, quite well. I even forgot the twist at the end.
I wish all of her "expect the unexpected" books and those that follow a more traditional narrative could rise to the level of this book.
This book survives round two of the purge of my personal collection.
April 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! It starts with Lara mourning the death of her husband, Michael. One of the things he left behind was a deposit in the local cryogenics lab before he was treated for cancer. Eventually, she decides to have his baby, but asks her boss's husband, the head of the cryogenics lab & a researcher, to check the DNA for markers for the cancer & remove them if present. Also involved with the researcher is Devin Sloan, a billionaire, who had managed to get some DNA from a newly found 5000 year old man who had been preserved in a glacier. Devin wanted someone to carry a child that was created from this DNA. He decides to use Lara...
February 19, 2011
I admit to being a huge fan of Angela Hunt. I read one book because I saw the movie, "The Note" and I loved it. Upon learning it was based on an Angela Hunt book, I checked one out of the library to read. Each book is unique and interesting. The truth teller was fascinating. A young womans desire to have a child places her in the hands of people interested in altering the human DNA. She does what she can to protect the child from becoming a lab experiment. The end totally surprised me, and that is not common. I recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews