Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Bellon

Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon

Reviewed by Heather Moore

LDS suspense writer, Julie Bellon, is at it again!

Ribbon of Darkness is a fast-paced multi-dimensional plot where Kennedy Campbell and Ethan Barak each have their own battles to fight. Ethan is determined to avenge his father's death, not matter the danger to himself or others. And Kennedy would do anything to escape her past, including living undercover and wearing a burka. When their paths cross, there is unmistakable chemistry, but Ethan doesn't know if he can open his heart, and Kennedy doesn't know if she can trust Ethan.

Through meeting Kennedy, Ethan decides that the goals he was once determined to achieve no longer seem as important. And Kennedy, used to hiding from her past, now finds that there's someone she doesn't want to hide from.

Ribbon of Darkness is charged with emotion, intense action, and classic "Julie Bellon" intrigue, and readers will enjoy becoming immersed in this international suspense.

You can purchase Ribbon of Darkness on Amazon.

Other suspense novels by Julie Bellon include: All's Fair and Dangerous Connections.

Also, for aspiring writers, Julie hosts "First Page Friday" each week on her blog LDS Writer Mom where a writer will get his/her first page professionally edited for free.

Dangerous Connections by Julie Coulter Bellon

Dangerous Connections
By Julie Coulter Bellon
Covenant Communications, March 2010

Reviewed by Heather Moore

It isn’t often I read a book that reminds me of why I’m a bookworm. Dangerous Connections is exactly that type of book. To be transported into another place and to meet characters who are involved in a life that you can only guess out, is the perfect remedy for an average person like me (about the most daring thing I’ve done is drive from California to Utah with a nursing baby).

Bellon has a way of writing an international thriller that is straight-forward, yet exciting at the same time. Dr. Tyler Winthrop, war veteran from Iraq, goes to Paris on vacation to meet his father. From the moment he arrives, he’s thrown into a web of danger. His father is missing and in his place is a strange note telling him to return immediately to America. Tyler takes a gamble and remains in Paris, trying to contact anyone his father might have known. When he finally tracks down an acquaintance, Tyler discovers that his father’s disappearance is linked to an intricate terrorist plot that threatens to kill thousands of innocent soldiers who are fighting the war on terror.

About half-way through the book, I flipped to the acknowledgments and discovered that Bellon had spent time in France researching the novel. I was impressed with the accuracy of descriptions and the subtle blend of French culture into the characters.

Dangerous Connections is a great escape and will have you guessing the outcome until the final chapters. The characters are well-defined with excellent depth, from the main characters of Tyler and Isabella to even the most minor character. Trés bon Madame Bellon!

Visit the author's website here.

All's Fair by Julie Coulter Bellon

All’s Fair
Covenant Communications, 2008

Review by Heather Moore

Bellon’s writing shines in All’s Fair, her latest political suspense novel. When campaign expert Kristen Shepherd discovers her fiancé is transferring her personal funds to a terrorist organization in Iraq, her world falls apart, literally.

Kristen’s brother, Brandon, is a doctor serving in Iraq and coincidentally he is captured as a prisoner of war the same time Kristen uncovers her fiancé’s fraud. To Kristen’s horror she discovers an underground operation that she never thought she’d be a part of—but now must come to terms with as she risks her life to discover her brother’s whereabouts.

At first when I realized I’d have to follow two story lines, I wondered if I’d become attached to the two different set of characters. But I was quickly caught up in the tale—a tale that mirrors real life both in the political arena and the military life in Iraq.

Bellon’s research was impeccable, and I felt that I was immersed inside the military perils of the servicemen in Iraq. I also loved how she brought sympathy and understanding to both sides of the conflict. She had one American doctor going to great lengths to save a little Iraqi boy’s life, and an insurgent sharing his religious feelings with an American soldier. As with any war, the losses are heavy—emotionally, physically and spiritually. Yet Bellon kept the upperhand and gave dignity to the fragile conflict and the ensuing emotions that consume each side.

All’s Fair is a compelling read—and well worth your time. The book is available online or at any LDS bookstore. Visit the author's website here.