BOOK NOOK REVIEW

RIBBON OF DARKNESS

by

Julie Bellon

Clean, action-intense mysteries are hard to come by in today’s market, but veteran suspense author Julie Bellon’s recent release, “Ribbon of Darkness,” puts your attention on notice in the first paragraph and holds it to the end.

When Al Qaeda terrorists overrun an Afghan refugee camp, International reporter, Kennedy Campbell, becomes embroiled in the story she’s covering. Shots ring out as Kennedy and her three friends attempt a final escape plan. All four are separated, each facing their own danger. But Kennedy has a secret—a secret that makes her a valuable hostage and an imposing opponent. This lady will not be waiting idly for someone to rescue her.

British covert operative, Ethan Barak, believes he is cursed—everyone he gets close to dies. Revenge is on his mind as he goes rogue from MI-6 to infiltrate a swarm of arms dealers who’ve ordered a hit on his father. Confused, angry, riddled with guilt, his life has hit a turning point, and he doesn’t much care what happens to himself anymore.

Like a spider web, paths cross and purposes get entangled in this every-man-for-himself community of ne’er-do-wells. Ethan lays eyes on Kennedy at a moment when her captor’s patience has been exhausted, and her fate is about to be decided. Faced with the choice to avenge his father’s murder, or blow his cover and attempt to rescue the girl, Ethan makes his choice, affecting Kennedy’s fate, and launching an internal struggle that haunts every oncoming decision he makes.

Bellon tantalizes her readers by allowing her characters to momentarily cross paths, and then denies them a full convergence of Kennedy’s and Ethan’s separate plot lines until half way through the book. And when that longed for meeting between between Kennedy and Ethan finally occurs, the full richness of these battered good guys emerges.

Julie Bellon develops her characters slowly and subtly. Case in point was a beautifully-crafted moment where Ethan secretly cuts the cuff from his sleeve to provide a cloth to clean Kennedy’s wounds. It was understated, but it spoke volumes about Ethan’s character. Character-driven readers will embrace Ethan and Kennedy, and action-driven readers will delight in how the plot moves from threat to threat, from challenge to challenge, keeping pages turning.

And just when you think things are finally resolved, Ethan and Kennedy discover the depth of the international threat they’re caught up in. Iran, secret arms deals, nuclear armament, and threat they pose to the fragile strait from which the world’s oil ships—it’s all in here.

Bellon has done her research, drawing on current events and timely topics while introducing the reader to many details of the region and culture, particularly the Malacca Strait, otherwise known as the Ribbon of Darkness, from which the title comes. That she has succeeded to pace a suspenseful thriller around these topics and keep it clean and moral is laudable, though these efforts occasionally become didactic.

Nevertheless, with topics pulled straight from today’s headlines, “Ribbon of Darkness” is a satisfying read for adults, and a safe read to hand off to their teens, and better yet, it would make a perfect family read. It's available at LDS book stores, and on Amazon.

YORKTOWN, VA: THE VILLAGE THAT CHNAGED THE WORLD

Yes, and here's why. . .

SCORE ONE FOR THE LAWYER

I'm editing "In God Is Our Trust," this week, reviewing 2 great books, and writing a blurb for a friend's upcoming release, so suffice it to say I'm swamped and unable to write another cohesive thought. So I dug into the archives to pull out this great piece I love, love, love. I hope you do too! Thanks! Laurie
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For a history lover, this is nerd heaven as far as humor goes! I'm told this is a true story. If it is, I need to find this attorney because he is now my idol. If it's not, three cheers for the creative genius who came up with this!

*******
A New Orleans lawyer sought an FHA loan for a client. He was told the loan would be granted if he could prove satisfactory title to a parcel of property being offered as collateral. The title to the property dated back to 1803, which took the lawyer three months to track down. After sending the information to the FHA, he received the following reply.

(Actual reply from FHA):
"Upon review of your letter adjoining your client's loan application, we note that the request is supported by an Abstract of Title. While we compliment the able manner in which you have prepared and presented the application, we must point out that you have only cleared title to the proposed collateral property back to1803. Before final approval can be accorded, it will be necessary to clear the title back to its origin."

Annoyed, the lawyer responded as follows:
(Actual response):
"Your letter regarding title in Case No.189156 has been received. I note that you wish to have title extended further than the 206 years covered by the present application. I was unaware that any educated person in this country, particularly those working in the property area, would not know that Louisiana was purchased by the United States from France in 1803, the year of origin identified in our application.

For the edification of uninformed FHA bureaucrats, the title to the land prior to U.S. ownership was obtained from France , which had acquired it by Right of Conquest from Spain. The land came into the possession of Spain by Right of Discovery made in the year 1492 by a sea captain named Christopher Columbus, who had been granted the privilege of seeking a new route to India by the Spanish monarch, Queen Isabella. The good Queen Isabella, being a pious woman and almost as careful about titles as the FHA, took the precaution of securing the blessing of the Pope before she sold her jewels to finance Columbus 's expedition.

Now the Pope, as I'm sure you may know, is the emissary of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and God, it is commonly accepted, created this world. Therefore, I believe it is safe to presume that God also made that part of the world called Louisiana. God, therefore, would be the owner of origin and His origins date back to before the beginning of time, the world as we know it, and the FHA. I hope you find God's original claim to be satisfactory.

Now, may we have our loan?"

The loan was immediately approved.

BLOG CONTEST FOR "RIBBON OF DARKNESS"

Good friend and veteran suspense author, Julie Bellon, has a new edge-of-your-seat novel hitting store shelves this week, "Ribbon of Darkness," and to kick off the launch she is hosting a blog contest today, 8/8 with a special offer.

This novel is packed with romantic suspense and international intrigue that Meridian reviewer Jennie Hansen called, "gripping."

In order to help spread the word about its availability in stores and on Kindle, Ribbon of Darkness Kindle Edition is being offered at a special launch price of . . . you guessed it . . . $8.88!

Click here for the link:

But that’s not all! As a special bonus to her Ribbon of Darkness launch, Time Will Tell Kindle edition will also be on sale for $4.88.

Click here for that link.

So what’s the contest? All you have to do is help Julie get the word out about Ribbon of Darkness and the special launch price by doing one or more of these things. Each one gets you an entry into the contest.

1. Become a follower of her blog and like me on Facebook. (Links are on Julie's blog's sidebar)

2. You could tweet about Ribbon of Darkness and the Kindle special launch price and link back to my blog.

3. You could mention Ribbon of Darkness and the Kindle special launch price on Facebook and link back to my blog.

4. You could mention Ribbon of Darkness and the Kindle special launch price on your blog and link back to my blog.

5. You could mention Ribbon of Darkness and the Kindle special launch price on your Google + and link back to my blog.

If you do any one of the five things posted above, leave a comment and tell Julie what you did and she will enter you in the first drawing.

(Don't know what to say? You could say something like this if you want or change it to suit your needs: "New novel Ribbon of Darkness is a gripping romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages all night long. Kindle edition on sale this week for $8.88 Read more at http://bit.ly/nQUGIU)

The prize for the first drawing is the choice of any one of my book titles listed below.

Through Love’s Trials
On the Edge
Dangerous Connections


If you do three or more of the things listed above, you can leave a comment and tell me what three things you did and I will enter you in the drawing for the grand prize---a full chapter edit from Ms. Shreditor herself! (Limit ten double-spaced pages) OR you can choose to have a secondary character named after you in my next book. (It's your chance to be immortalized!)

That's right. YOU can have a full chapter edit from a national editor for free or see your name in print. Your choice.

So, help Julie spread the word and truly make this her lucky day (and yours)!

MARYLAND PREMIER OF "JOSEPH"

The film, "Joseph Smith: Volume one, Plates of Gold," was screened in Frederick, Maryland, Wednesday, August 3, at 7:00 p.m. at

It was a lovely, unique film about the Momon Prophet curently on it's debut preview tour. It's scheduled to arrive in Utah in September.

Follow the link to view the trailer and then read the comments below.

http://josephmovie.com/usa/trailer.php

And if you miss this screening, click the photo above and follow the links to other upcoming locations.

"The best film I have seen about Joseph Smith. Thank you!"

"I love this film. Even though I am a member of the Church and familiar with the story, I was overwhelmed and grateful that the director handled the subject matter so beautifully. I felt as if the film was made for me and the strengthening of my testimony. Thank you!"

"An impressive piece, that gives an almost intimate look into Joseph's life, his challenges and his great work."

"I am newly 'converted,' and I now have a stronger testimony. Thank you. Great missionary work!"

"I felt as if I was there. It was just as I imagined it, when reading the scriptures. I didn't notice the time pass."

"No film has touched my life as much as Plates of Gold."

"I learned a lot of new things about Joseph Smith and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. My gratitude for Joseph Smith has grown."

"It's hard to take the Book of Mormon for granted after watching this film."

"Wonderful- my husband is not a member and he was very impressed. The film was very well acted, touching and full of suspense. Everything I expect of a good film!"

"I was so touched that I went home and emailed all my friends about this film."

"Joseph Smith was very well portrayed and had the right balance of earnestness and humor."

"The film was perfect. I have nothing more to say."

"Very well made! To experience this chapter of Joseph's life from a different perspective was inspiring and gives me strength not to give up. Thank you for this uplifting experience."

"I really enjoyed watching such an inspiring film in a movie theatre. I loved getting to know the young Joseph and his life better."

"It was very touching to watch how Joseph Smith became a prophet. When I read the Doctrine & Covenants and the Book of Mormon, it now has a whole new meaning."

"My children (15 and 11) loved the film and that says a lot!"

"One of the best films I have ever seen."

Author Tristi Pinkston gets ready to "HANG 'EM HIGH!!!"

Author Tristi Pinkston is excited to announce the release of the third novel in her Secret Sisters Mysteries series.

Titled Hang ‘em High, this novel takes place on a dude ranch in Montana. When Ida Mae’s son invites her to come for a visit, of course she brings Arlette and Tansy along with her. They are expecting to spend the week looking at horses, avoiding the cows, and making amends in Ida Mae’s relationship with her son. What they don’t expect is to be stuck on the ranch in the middle of a blizzard and to be thrust headlong into the middle of a mystery.

***

Help Tristi celebrate her new novel in two ways. First, come participate in the two-week-long blog contest, where you can win a book nearly every single day! All the details are up on Tristi’s blog.

Second, come to the book launch!

You are invited to an

August Authorama!

Saturday, August 13th

Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem

12 – 4 pm

Games, prizes, balloons, face painting,

and Dutch oven cobbler

prepared by world champion cook

Keith Fisher.

Authors Tristi Pinkston, J. Lloyd Morgan, Cindy Hogan,

Nichole Giles, and Heather Justesen

will all be there to sign books.

This is one book launch event

you will not want to miss!

AS THE SPACE SHUTTLES BECOME HISTORY, THEY LEAVE BEHIND AN INSPIRED GENERATION

It’s fitting that as soon as people cross into the National Air and Space Museum they look up—at planes and rockets hanging above their heads, drawing visitors’ attention to the skies and to flight. And that is exactly where the young people I spoke with are still focused, despite the end of the Space Shuttle era with the landing of Atlantis, whose final flight touched down in the pre-dawn hours, Thursday, July 21, 2011.

The Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s two display facilities boast the largest collection of aeronautical vehicles and spacecraft in the world. From balloons to the Space Shuttle Discovery, the history of man’s reach for the heavens comes alive here.

July 21st was a fascinating day to tour the museum’s National Mall building. Some visitors came specifically because they knew that date would forever become a part of the museum’s history as it marked the end of the Shuttle program. Others simply were there because this museum, perhaps more than any other, awes them time and again.

Victor Arrieta and his wife first visited during their honeymoon trip, and today, on their 17th anniversary, they wanted to return with their daughters. “It’s quite an amazing journey that comes to an end today. I’m not even aware of [America’s] plan for the next one.” What he did know was that the Soviets’ Soyuz program was ready to fill the void. He discussed a conversation he had with his daughter as they admired the Apollo capsules. “I told [her] that it’s quite an amazing thing to look inside that piece of technology that sent man to the moon. It’s like watching Columbus’s ship.”

This archive of America’s triumphs in air and space will soon add another treasure to its inventory when the Space Shuttle “Discovery” comes to rest permanently at the museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Its current tenant, the Enterprise, will be moved to New York.

Sam Sepulveda, a volunteer at the information desk expressed his feelings about the end of the shuttle era. “Like everyone at NASA expressed this morning, it’s the end of an era for the space program, and the beginning of another one. The space shuttle has been a very successful program . . . that contributed a lot to the history of NASA and the space program for this country.”

And when will the Discovery arrive? Said Sepulveda, “It’s presently being prepared by NASA for transfer to the Smithsonian, and that will happen probably in the early part of next year.”

When Ohioans, and first-time museum visitors, Mike Stretch and his ten-year-old son Christopher, were asked about the end of the shuttle program, Christopher’s reaction was, “It kinda stinks to hear that.” Mike Stretch admits he followed the space program as a kid. “I saw the first landing on the moon with everyone else. What was exciting for me was pushing beyond our known boundaries. Once we did that it just opened new frontiers. It’s kind of like exploring the west. We thought that was the frontier at one point in time, and now look at it. Every time we take a step forward into something we don’t understand, it just opens up another door. That’s what so exciting about this place, because it’s all about steps people made to make us better, push us farther, faster.”

The Mahan family from California is a science and technology-oriented family, enjoying their first trip to the museum. Rachel loved seeing the spacecraft, while her sister Morgan was fascinated by the innovators and the milestones they reached. “I like learning about people who went in there and were the first ones, and were the best and the fastest.” Garrett enjoyed the progression of the technology. “I like seeing all the rockets, how different they are, what time period they were launched in, and how they were made.”

The Mahan children’s father, Mike, has no concerns about the end of the shuttle program. “My guys here are starting to imagine stuff that I could never even dream of. They’re picturing teleportation ideas where we were picturing just going into space. So [the shuttle program] may be a milestone at one point, but it causes their imaginations to move on to another point and to start working towards that next level.”

The Gardner family, from Ohio were glad they just happened to come to the museum on this historic day. Sally Gardner looked at her teen-aged sons and said, “We had Apollo missions, and we saw it all progress, and you guys have been around since it’s been happening and we’ve been going to the moon, so I hope they have an appreciation for how far we’ve come.” Her son Evan said, “I think we could potentially start moving on to exploring farther planets.”

As the Space Shuttle program passes into history, it leaves behind a new, inspired generation of minds and hearts who are ready to extend their reach “into infinity and beyond.”