Reviews
Reviews of Dangerous Connections
Review by Jennie Hansen at Meridian Magazine
http://ldsmag.com/books/100520surprise.html
Dangerous Connections by Julie Coulter Bellon will keep the reader turning pages as fast as he or she can devour each page. This is a story of international intrigue set in Paris, France, that is as current as tomorrow’s headlines.
Dr. Tyler Winthrop is on his way to meet his father in Paris for some R & R following an intensive tour of duty in Iraq. Instead of a quiet, restful flight, he’s called into action to deliver a baby that decided to arrive prematurely. When he finally arrives at his hotel, there’s no sign of his father and he discovers that for some unknown reason he is being followed. His path soon crosses that of an undercover French female agent and her severely wounded brother. Between rendering aid to the injured man and his search for his father, he becomes drawn into a desperate effort to prevent a horrific terrorist attack and to evade capture by the terrorists.
Bellon’s ability to add realistic foreign settings and backgrounds to her novels gives them an extra allure and adds an edge to the intrigue. Dangerous Connections is no exception and the French details are particularly well done, including the political differences in English, US, and French approaches to intelligence gathering and the war on terror. I wasn’t even aware France had an Intelligence Organization, though it is only logical that they should, given that every other country does, and it was fun to learn a little bit about it.
I liked Dr. Winthrop very much and enjoyed his characterization, but I had a little trouble with Isabel Floret, the French agent, who seemed much too impulsive and reckless for someone in her position. The secondary characters were interesting, especially the English agent, who is a delightfully complex character. The plot moves quickly, is filled with high level action, and like a good suspense novel should, keeps the reader enthralled from start to finish. Action novel fans, men, women, and teens, will enjoy this one.
Review 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!
Review by Keith Fisher
When I saw the cover, I knew I wanted to read this book by Julie Coulter Bellon. The Bio hazard symbol, gives you an idea of the plot, but Bellon weaves a tale of intrigue into the story that literally prods the reader to turn the pages.
As a writer, I read many books, a few of those I can’t put down. This is one of those books. As a critique group member, I’ve learned to read with a critical eye, and I admit, I found a few places that I would put red marks. However, the story carries the reader past those marks, because you need to find out what happens next.
Bellon, wrote an intriguing first chapter. Okay, I’m going to give you a spoiler alert here, because I need to talk about the story a little. A doctor, who’s been serving in Iraq, is on a plane coming into Paris and a woman is about to have a baby. Julie wrote that scenario in a way only a woman who’s had a baby could write it. I felt that I was there coaching her. The intriguing clues and red herrings start then and continually increase throughout the tale.
Of course there is an inevitable love story, and Bellon builds the relationship gradually more like real life. She created a strong female protagonist with a male sidekick/love interest who is subservient to her. Several times, I wanted him to stop asking her what they were going to do next, but it works.
If I were to give stars, bullet points, or whatever, I would give it a good rating. I recommend this book to everyone. It’s a great example of mystery/suspense, and women’s fiction. The story will keep you turning pages, as the plot unfolds.
Reviews for All’s Fair
- Meridian Magazine
- Families.com Review
- Families.com Interview
- Daily Herald Newspaper
- LDS Forever Friends Book Nook
- The Herald Journal 8-1-08
Review by Jaymie Reynolds of the Association for Mormon Letters:
Kristen Shepherd has not had great luck with men. When still quite young, Kristen fell hard for her friend’s older brother. He in turn fell hard for someone else. Now that she has grown up, Kristen has fallen for a man who has it all. He is a member of a prominent family and seems to have it all together. Yet the night before they are to be married, it all falls apart.
Kristen receives a phone call telling her that her fiance is attempting to transfer all of her money to a bank account in Saudi Arabia to fund a terrorist organization whose membership includes his ex-wife. At the same time that Kristen is dealing with her now ex-fiance, the Department of Homeland Security, and intense scrutiny from the press, her brother Brandon, a surgeon serving in the Iraq war, is also feeling the effects of the same terrorist group.
Soon, Kristen, her father, and Ryan Jameson, the previous love of Kristen’s life, are informed that Brandon and a fellow surgeon have been captured and are being held as prisoners of war. Of course, like any good suspense novel, the trio does not choose to sit around and wait for others to free the soldiers. Since all three are coincidentally well connected in Washington, favors are called in, phone calls are made and Mr. Shepherd, his daughter and Mr. Jameson are on their way to Iraq. The chase is on.
All’s Fair by Julie Coulter Bellon is a book that will appeal to a wide target audience. Women will like the fact that the book’s heroines are strong without being over the top feminists. Men will enjoy the action. This book is most suited for adults although some older teens may enjoy it as well. While Brandon Shepherd is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as such is very much defined by his beliefs, All’s Fair is definitely not a book about religion. As such, it is a book that can be enjoyed by the religious and irreligious alike.
This book was easy to read and really does not need any tweaking. It has enough action to flow smoothly but not so much action that the storyline gets weighed down. Mystery and mayhem abound aplenty with a healthy side
of romance. This book is not heavy reading but is an enjoyable way to pass the time.
Reviews of Time Will Tell
“This is a fast, entertaining read that asks questions about choosing between career and family. I readily recommend Time Will Tell to action readers.”
—Jennie Hansen, Meridian Magazine
“Nobody writes romantic intrigue better than Julie Bellon. She has a gift for creating irresistible characters and taking them to the ends of the earth in a series of plot twists that leave her readers breathless. Her writing is so electric you can almost feel the zing!”
—Kerry Blair, author of the Nightshade series
“…intriguing book with lots of page turners and hard to put down. Very exciting and highly recommended.”
Reviews of Be Prepared: A Parent’s Guide to Boy Scouts and the Duty to God Awards–What You Should Know
“Be Prepared astounded me when I first received it and I wish that I’d had it from the beginning of my son’s scouting adventures. Sister Bellon has laid out in sequential fashion, and in a most articulate manner, all that is necessary for your sons to complete these two awards’ requirements.
The Eagle Scout Award.
Chock-full of checklists, the book gives many helpful suggestions — even including what to do before your boy’s 11th birthday. I wish, wish, wish I’d had this book when my family was first starting out. One of the most helpful
ideas was to obtain a two-inch binder so that as the months and years pass, all your son’s accomplishments will stay tidy and in orderly fashion. This is a must, because to apply for the Eagle Scout Award, documentation of all prior activities is required!
Additionally, Sister Bellon fills the reader in on boy scout “lingo.” Maybe some of you more experienced den mothers or scouting moms would not need this, but for those of us new to scouting, the chapter on
“Boy Scout Lingo” is so helpful.
From there, the author takes you step by step to help you guide your son in understanding how to complete the many scouting requirements asked of the boys. For example, Sister Bellon advises six essential parts to create within your binder — things I wouldn’t have thought of.
From there, it gets even better. Each scouting level is clearly articulated, with parent checklists and helpful tips for your son. For example, under “Second Class Requirements”, the author writes:
It is important to keep track of every campout he goes on, every service he performs, and every hike he does if he chooses the Hiking merit badge. Two of the required merit badges are Camping and Hiking (although he may choose Cycling or Swimming instead of Hiking). If you have not kept accurate records, this may really hinder your son from getting these badges (p. 13).
The author finishes off the section on Eagle Scout requirements with an explanation of the court of honor, where the scout actually is presented with his award. Although brief in portion, the ideas are potent.
The Duty to God Award.
This section of the book explains the significance of the Duty to God award and clearly illuminates that this award is a significant step towards your son receiving (and valuing) the Melchizedek Priesthood. The author has
thoughtfully included step by step checklists towards each portion of this award, in addition to cross-referenced tables to aid him in the process.
The author finishes off the book with a helpful Appendix of additional charts so that all steps towards these awards are clearly defined and articulated.
Summary.
In summary, this book, Be Prepared: A Parent’s Guide to Boy Scouts and the Duty to God Award – What You Should Know is an essential guide for every home where there are sons. Although it is slim in nature (merely 110 pages) it
is concise and acts as a calm, steadying hand for those of us who are new to the Eagle Scout and Duty to God process. Setting aside the few editorial typos, this handy volume is definitely something you’ll want to pick up for
easy reading and to aid your sons in obtaining the two awards our church leaders have asked them to work towards.
C.S. Bezas, BellaOnline
Reviews of On the Edge
“I rarely have time to indulge in my love for reading a novel – not for research – just for the pure pleasure of it.
But during the Christmas holidays I was able to read On the Edge and was so impressed. The plot is well thought out, the characters are believable and the information about Uganda was interesting. The pace was fast enough for me (a lot
of good books aren’t quite) and it kept me guessing (as a ‘tricker’ myself I’m hard to fool). The book was beautifully written and edited (I didn’t notice a single typo). I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery.”
- Betsy Brannon Green Romantic Mystery Author
“I am addicted! I finished your book, On the Edge, this morning before getting out of bed! It was sooooo good! You are such a talented writer. I loved the international setting and feel of your book. You captured places I have never been with such detail I felt like I was there. Have a fun week, and please write as much as you can because I am a huge fan now!”
- Sarah Isaacson
“From the first paragraph, I was hooked on a tale of two intelligence officers, one a CIA agent from the United States and the other, a Canadian Security Intelligence Service agent, pursuing the same terrorist leader without either knowing the other’s true reason for being in the third world nation of Uganda . . . On the Edge is a quick but satisfying read. The characters, especially Dylan, are well-developed and the minor native characters are fleshed out enough to allow readers to sympathize with them . . . With this second novel, Julie Coulter Bellon has established herself as an author worth watching for.”
—Jennie Hansen, Meridian Magazine
Read the entire review at
http://www.meridianmagazine.com/books/050615edge.html
“Mystery and suspense adventures are currently the most popular form of LDS fiction. Most include some of the elements of romance, though the focus is on the adventure. The mystery and suspense readers on anyone’s shopping list are going to be pleased with any of this year’s bumper crop. Standoff by Jeff Downs, No Way Out by Christine Kersey, Mirror Image by Clair M. Poulson, On the Edge by Julie Coulter Bellon… “
- Jennie Hansen of Meridian Magazine.
Reader Comments
“Just wanted to let you know I finished On the Edge. All I can say is WOW! Julie is a writer who keeps you on your toes all the time. I really enjoyed this book and look forward the next one coming out!” (C. Nattress, SLC, UT)
Reviews of Through Love’s Trials
“Through Love’s Trials is a great read. The romance is tender, the adventure exciting—I highly recommend this story! I can’t wait to see what Julie writes next!”
—Rachel Ann Nunes, author of the Ariana series
“Local writer’s work sees second printing Pleasant Grove author Julie Bellon, first introduced her book, “Through Love’s Trials” in the LDS fiction market this June. Currently in it’s second printing, its Pleasant Grove setting will take local readers on a familiar journey into several well-known landmarks. Readers may also recognize a few familiar people like the mayor, city administrator and several other city workers.”
Read entire article in the Pleasant Grove Review
“I read Julie Coulter Bellon’s Through Love’s Trials and absolutely loved it. I loved the characters and the story, and I particularly loved her writing. Truly, it has romance, mystery, intrigue, a message, and it’s all couched in lovely prose. What more is there to ask of one small book? I can’t wait for the next to come out.”
—Kerry Blair, author
“If you liked On the Edge, I think you will also like her first novel, Through Love’s Trials. It is also a mystery/romance. It is also fast paced and keeps you thinking. It takes you from Phoenix, to Utah, to Idaho and to Jackson Hole. It also gives you a brief look at Alberta. I think it lets you see how some companies in the US are owned by foreign people. It gave you a look into Drug Lords and their desire to take over the world. Try it when you can.”
- Diane, a Reader
Former Resident Tackles U.S./Canada Relations in New Book
Temple City Star, July 28,2004
One of the LDS fiction world’s newest and brightest lights has come out with a compelling new novel. Julie Coulter Bellon, a Lethbridge native who lived in Cardston in her younger years, has written Through Love’s Trials, published by Spring Creek Books.
The novel relies heavily on her Canadian roots and uses characters that truly reflect Canadian values. She includes a main character who is a Canadian Security Intelligence Service agent trying to stop a terrorist attack on Unites States soil.
“I wanted to show that Canadians are involved, intelligent people who are the United States’ greatest ally,” said Bellon, who presently lives in Pleasant Grove, Utah. “But above all I wanted to show that it doesn’t matter what nationality you are–love transcends everything.”
The novel combines adventure with a tender love story set partly in Alberta. Well-known LDS author Rachel Nunes has endorsed the book, calling it “a great read.”
Bellon is a graduate of Brigham Young University, a resident of Utah and a mother of six. For more information you can go SpringCreekBooks.com. The novel will also be available for purchase at the Cardston Book Shop.
Meridian Magazine Fiction Christmas List 2004
Bellon is a first time author, and Through Love’s Trials is one of two first novels published by Spring Creek,
a new LDS-oriented publishing company. An unexpected request to deliver a computer disk to a co-worker’s ex-wife leads Kenneth King from Arizona to Utah with a quick side trip to Alberta, Canada. Mixed in with a pair of cautious lovers is plenty of unexpected danger. The involvement of the Canadian Secret Service adds a different twist… (Jennie Hansen)