Customer Reviews

Roman Holiday

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A sequel to Belle's action-adventure DARKNESS BEFORE THE DAWN, this new story finds Captain Catherine Phillips agreeing to spend a few days in Rome to watch over her recovering flight attendant, Rebecca Hanson. Feeling responsible for the young woman, Kate plans on an ordinary couple of days keeping Becky company but to their mutual surprise, the stay in the Eternal City soon becomes a magical holiday drawing two souls together and pulling down walls that have been in place for much too long. Featuring strong characterizations with two very likeable leads, Belle's latest also offers that air of excitement, magic and romance that was a part of the classic movie which shares its title. A delightful read - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I've just finished up reading the terrific series of novels by Belle Reilly that begins with "Darkness Before The Dawn" and concludes with "Storm Front." "Roman Holiday" is the middle book, a "bridge" of a sort in the overall storytelling. This novel, while not as suspenseful as "Darkness" nor as tightly written as the riveting "Storm Front" (which happens to eerily foreshadow the events surrounding September 11, 2001) gives the two heroines a breather in the Eternal City. Back in college I spent a semester in Rome, and I have to say this book brought it all back: the sights, sounds, and yes - taste (I think I gained 10 lbs that fall!). The falling in love part didn't happen to me, though, and so I was happy to experience it through the storytelling of this author. A light, very romantic story, that makes me want to see the old movie with Audrey Hepburn that inspired its title. I highly recommend this series of novels!

The book is well written. The characters are vivid. They are both very likable and real. The story is set in Rome and the author makes good use of the sights to tell the story. The tension between the characters is tangible and unsettling. I lost sleep because I didn't want to put the book down. I read the 233 pages in 3 nights. Highly recommended.

Roman Holiday is a better book than its prequel Darkness Before the Dawn. In this book the reader gets to see how a relationship really develops. The emotions grow slowly as two women get to know each other better while exploring Rome. Too often books have characters know they are "madly in love" by page 10. This book shows more maturity than that and gives you a feel for the emotional tension developing between Kate and Becky as they begin to realize what they really mean to each other. It's good if you can read Darkness Before the Dawn first, but not necessary to the success of this book.

I was rather disappointed with Darkness Before the Dawn, the first book in this trilogy. My disappointment disappeared when I read this book. The relationship between Kate and Becky is well laid out and developed. The mix of the fast and slow parts made this book much easier to read and enjoy than the first one. I do recommend reading Darkness Before the Dawn before Roman Holiday so you know the background for the plot.

Start of Back Cover Text - Orbis Airline pilot Catherine Phillips grudgingly decides to spend a lay over in Rome with Rebecca Hanson, keeping a protective eye on the recovering flight attendant. The two women are soon caught up in the magical splendor of the eternal city seeing the sights and drawing ever closer to one another in the process. - End of Back Cover Text


The second in Belle Reilly's Orbis Airlines series, `Roman Holiday' is a fair departure from `Darkness Before the Dawn.' This book does not center around any kind of action/adventure or intrigue, it is merely a great PG-level story about two women falling in love.

Rebecca Hanson was shot by terrorists as she, along with pilot Catherine Phillips and the rest of the flight crew, fought to regain control of their plane and save their passengers. After a short stay in the hospital, Becky demanded to be released. The doctor agrees, but only if Phillips agrees to watch over her. The solitary pilot surprises even herself when she agrees to keep an eye on the young flight attendant.

Becky will not allow herself to be sequestered to her hotel room and insists on seeing Rome while they're there. Adding to the pilot's frustration regarding the entire situation, the women find themselves strongly attracted to each other. After a series of mishaps, they finally give in to the pull and their passion ignites.

This installment in the series is a great story with likeable characters and a light plot. The characters aren't very dimensional, but the author's writing style otherwise makes up for that. Recommended to enjoy on a lazy day.