Selected reviews of my books
Hostage Negotiation Series (National): All Fall Down | Ashes Ashes | Pocket Full of Posies | Ring Around the Rosie
Hostage Negotiation Series (National): All Fall Down | Ashes Ashes | Pocket Full of Posies | Ring Around the Rosie
Hostage Negotiation Series (National)
All Fall Down
Read the Meridian Magazine Review here
Read LDSWBR Review here
Read Debra Erfert’s review here
I Love to Read and Review Books review here
Getting Your Read On Review here
Literary Time Out review here
LDSWBR by Shanda and Mindy review here
Geo Librarian review here
Jinky is Reading review here
Inksplasher review here
Brooklyn Berry review here
Books Are Sanity review here
Debbie’s Inkspectations review here
Gamila’s Book Review review here
Reviews for Ashes Ashes
Meridian Magazine
I Love To Read and Review Books
Readalot
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Why Not? Because I Said So!
Sarah Aisling
Literary Time Out
Hershey Wishes and Kisses
Min Reads and Reviews
Love. Read. Pray
Pocket Full of Posies
"A thrilling adventure . . ." for Debra Erfert's full review click here
"I'm quickly getting addicted to this series . . ." for Cindy Whitney's full review click here
"Be sure to block out enough time to read this one from cover to cover because there aren't any good places to stop." Jennie Hansen, Meridian Magazine. For the entire review click here
"A whole lot of amazing reading." For Shauna Wheelwright's (from I Love To Read and Review Books) full review click here
"A quick read full of action . . ." Literary Time Out. For the full review click here
Ring Around the Rosie
Tamera's Review "I thoroughly enjoyed the ride!"
Meridian Magazine Julie Coulter Bellon in Ring Around the Rosie proves once again she is a master at capturing her audience from the very first page . . . The characters in this book are easy to like and there is strong growth in both Ron and Sarah as they are forced to look at their failures, come face to face with death, and discover what really matters to them . . . Suspense readers as well as anyone who just enjoys an absorbing story will enjoy this one.
Military Suspense Series (LDS & National)
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
Meridian Magazine Review by Jennie Hansen
All's Fair by Julie Coulter Bellon has one
of the most exciting covers I've seen on an LDS novel and the story is
pretty exciting too. Though the story begins with an almost cliché
romance scene featuring a bride, Kristen Shepherd, fleeing the church
and leaving her would-be groom waiting at the altar then being rescued
by her childhood crush, I wouldn't classify this novel as a Romance.
It's romantic suspense, true, but with the emphasis on suspense. Male
readers are going to love it as much or more than female readers.
Brother and sister, Brandon and Kristen, are the leading characters. Their stories run concurrently with Brandon an Army doctor in war-torn Iraq and Kristen a political campaign expert in Massachusetts and Washington D. C. Kristen has serious doubts about her former fiance's integrity and suspects he and his ex-wife are not only still involved with each other, but may also have terrorist links. The only person she trusts is the campaign manager of her candidate's opponent. Brandon is also dealing with trust issues and a terrorist plot as is the woman doctor he works closely with and to whom he finds himself attracted. They soon find themselves in a situation where they must trust each other without the slightest reservation.
Terrorists, a kidnapping, international intrigue, and family dynamics all play strong roles in keeping the suspense high. Kristin's bank account and her reputation, along with her heart are at stake, while Brandon faces even higher stakes. His life and that of the woman he is falling in love with are on the line and he must walk a narrow line between conscience and duty.
This is one of those "can't put it down" kind of books that will appeal to many readers both male and female, young and older. I predict it is going to cost many people a lot of sleep because it's so compelling a reader will want to finish it in one sitting. The parts of the story that take place in Iraq are accurately descriptive, complete with realistic details of everyday military life in a war zone. Bellon worked closely with a recently returned Marine to give this part authenticity. Kristin's political campaign tactics didn't endear her to me, and she and her father's arm-twisting, insider pushiness may be more indicative of political maneuvering than I care to admit. Some actions in this area brought results that seemed a little too convenient to me. However their bully behavior did expedite moving the story from one location to another and was a useful indicator of their strong emotions. Kristen's love interest didn't seem sufficiently involved at critical points, but was merely along for the ride. Even so, I liked the characters, especially Brandon and Rachel.
There are about a half dozen copy errors or left out words that are mildly distracting, an unusually high number for a Covenant release, but overall All's Fair is a satisfying read and one I don't hesitate to recommend.
Brother and sister, Brandon and Kristen, are the leading characters. Their stories run concurrently with Brandon an Army doctor in war-torn Iraq and Kristen a political campaign expert in Massachusetts and Washington D. C. Kristen has serious doubts about her former fiance's integrity and suspects he and his ex-wife are not only still involved with each other, but may also have terrorist links. The only person she trusts is the campaign manager of her candidate's opponent. Brandon is also dealing with trust issues and a terrorist plot as is the woman doctor he works closely with and to whom he finds himself attracted. They soon find themselves in a situation where they must trust each other without the slightest reservation.
Terrorists, a kidnapping, international intrigue, and family dynamics all play strong roles in keeping the suspense high. Kristin's bank account and her reputation, along with her heart are at stake, while Brandon faces even higher stakes. His life and that of the woman he is falling in love with are on the line and he must walk a narrow line between conscience and duty.
This is one of those "can't put it down" kind of books that will appeal to many readers both male and female, young and older. I predict it is going to cost many people a lot of sleep because it's so compelling a reader will want to finish it in one sitting. The parts of the story that take place in Iraq are accurately descriptive, complete with realistic details of everyday military life in a war zone. Bellon worked closely with a recently returned Marine to give this part authenticity. Kristin's political campaign tactics didn't endear her to me, and she and her father's arm-twisting, insider pushiness may be more indicative of political maneuvering than I care to admit. Some actions in this area brought results that seemed a little too convenient to me. However their bully behavior did expedite moving the story from one location to another and was a useful indicator of their strong emotions. Kristen's love interest didn't seem sufficiently involved at critical points, but was merely along for the ride. Even so, I liked the characters, especially Brandon and Rachel.
There are about a half dozen copy errors or left out words that are mildly distracting, an unusually high number for a Covenant release, but overall All's Fair is a satisfying read and one I don't hesitate to recommend.
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.
Dangerous Connections
Review by Jennie Hansen at Meridian Magazinehttp://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 of Dangerous Connections by Heather Moore
www.ldsreaders.blogspot.com
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!
Dangerous Connections Review by Keith Fisher
http://knfisher.blogspot.com
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. Thank You, Julie, for letting me read your book.
Ribbon of Darkness
Read the Meridian Magazine review hereRead Debra’s review here
Read Mary’s review here
Read Laurie’s review here
Read my author interview with Linda here
Read Tristi’s review here
Read Rebecca’s review here
Read my author interview with Misty here
Read the LDSWBR book review here
Read Shauna Wheelwright’s review here
Canadian Spy Series
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 --Author Julie Bellon, first introduced her book, “Through Love’s Trials” in the 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.”
“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 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.
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. “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 author Rachel Nunes has endorsed the book, calling it “a great read.”
Meridian Magazine Fiction Christmas List 2004
Bellon is a first time author, and Through Love’s Trials (features) 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)
On the Edge
- 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
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)
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
#1 Deseret Book Best SellerIf you have a boy who is about to join Boy Scouts, or one who is working on his Duty to God award, there are some important things you should know and this book will tell you. It has hints, requirements, a tracking system, and a convenient cross-reference guide for which Duty to God requirements also fulfill Scouting requirements. You can even keep track of your son’s progress on both awards using this book. It is an easy to use training guide for every parent who wants their boy to earn his Eagle Scout Award and Duty to God award. It’s a great way to help you and your son Be Prepared!