Ribbons of Guilt

Bite of Betrayal #3

by Laura Thomas

Genres: Suspense, Christian Fiction

296 pages, Paperback

Published June 19, 2026

About the author

A published, award-winning Christian author, Laura writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul… with the ultimate desire to inspire fiction readers in their real lives with her stories of hope.

Laura’s award-winning Christian romantic suspense novel is Captured in Frame, the first in her “Bite of Betrayal” series, published by Mountain Brook Ink in 2024. Book 2, The Final Word, was released in June 2025, with book 3, Ribbons of Guilt, coming in July 2026.

Her Christian romantic suspense books in the “Flight to Freedom” series, originally published by Anaiah Press, have been republished by Mountain Brook Ink: The Glass Bottom Boat, The Lighthouse Baby, The Orphan Beach, and award-winning Christmas novellas The Christmas Cabin, and Snow Globe Secrets.

Laura also has a Christian teen fiction trilogy, marriage book, and middle-grade short novel published by Dancing With Bear Publishing, as well as several anthology books, devotionals, articles, Sunday school lessons, and stories published in magazines and online.

Laura is a hope*writers certified writing coach, a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they now live the empty nest life in Kelowna, British Columbia, with their French bulldog!

Find all her books, blog, bio, and writing coaching, and sign up for her free monthly newsletter at: www.laurathomasauthor.com

Reviews

[Megan Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ribbons of Guilt is the third book in the Bite of Betrayal series. I was curious how the author would treat this third sister’s story, as she is already married. Would her husband turn out to be a betrayer? But this story captured my attention right away when I realized the love story was a reconciliation. As with the others in the series, the story begins with a slow burn suspense, then ramps up mightily toward the stunning climax. I struggled a little with Harriet’s behavior toward her husband at first, but came to realize that God may be using the story to convict some readers who are facing a similar situation in their marriage, and encourage them to repentance and reconciliation too. As for the suspense, just when I thought things were getting a bit predictable, WHAM! Non-stop, nail biting thrills. With the satisfying HEA I’ve come to expect from this series. If you enjoy romantic suspense stories with small English villages, ballet, and complicated relationships with faith themes, you will love this book.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. All views expressed are my own.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Laura Thomas book. I enjoyed it very much. We have a sweet family who’s going through some marriage troubles but they have a little girl whom they love very much. As the couple drifts further away from each other troubles in their lives find them. Harriet is a former ballet dancer before marriage and having a child, she misses and ends up seeing a dancer partner from years ago, what starts as an innocent reconnection soon turns her heart confused. Leo, Harriet’s husband has his own secrets he’s keeping. I love what the author did with this married couple romantic suspense. I was on edge of my seat a few times. Pleasantly surprised how things turned out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense, intruging, and emotional from the beginning, this romantic suspense has twists, faith applications, and realistic situations.
This is my favorite in the Bite of Betrayal Series thus far. I've felt for Harriet since book one and man has she been put through the wringer as the saying goes. Vivid writing allows the reader to feel the emotions of both Leo and Harriet.
Looking forward to Book 4 already.

[Kayla]

I have really enjoyed Laura's Bite of Betrayal series. Being introduced to Georgia and Sophie in her other two books, I was excited to read Harriet's story.
A marriage in crisis, Leo is keeping secrets and Harriet is feeling alone in their marriage, and is missing the life she once had as a ballerina. Harriet also feels like she has lost her purpose and that her only role is mother to their daughter Lucy. A betrayer in the wings, who can Harriet trust. Her life is spiraling out of control, will God still help her since she's turned away from the faith she once had?
A life at stake, or maybe a marriage.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Heidi Trotman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This page turner did not disappoint and the character development got me really invested for this story that follows Harriet, one of the sisters. Having given up her career to start a family her world comes tumbling down around her when all the things she loves and values are threatened to the point where she could lose it all! The suspense is palpable and you won’t want to out this book down!
I received an advanced readers copy but in no way does this affect my review. I highly recommend Ribbons of guilt whether you’ve read the previous 2 books or not. But I can guarantee you’ll want to read them all. I just hope there is more to come from this author!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura’s done it again! I have loved reading about Harriet and her family as they heal and reconnect with God and each other. This book is both thrilling, and enjoyable to read! From the way Laura’s words flowed on each page, it left me captivated. I found myself thinking about Harriet and her story until I reached the end of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean suspenseful romance novel.

Thanks Laura for writing, and creating such beautiful art with your words! Looking forward to reading book 4 when it’s released!

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher, all options expressed are my own.

[Jeanloves2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ribbons of Guilt by Laura Thomas begins as a story of a former ballerina, Harriet Duval, who is in a struggling marriage. A chance meet up with a former dance partner brings a new spark to her life.

Harriet’s husband, Leo, splits his time between work and zipping off to Paris to help his controlling and manipulative mother keep family secrets buried.

For approximately the first half of the book the reader sees Harriet growing increasingly frustrated with Leo’s travels and turning, emotionally, to her former dance partner. At the same time, Leo is dutifully trying to help his mother while also trying to hold his family together.

Whereas I was having a hard time with Harriet’s emotional betrayal of her husband, it becomes key to the rest of the story. At about the half way point the action and suspense in this book hit full throttle. The answers to the twists are there of you’re paying attention.

This book will have you rooting for Harriet and Leo while wondering if anyone will make it through alive.

I received an arc of this book from the author. My opinions are my own.

[Diane Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! The author makes you feel like you are engaged and part of the story. This book had a few different twists that were unpredictable. This is a clean mystery (which I love)! I highly recommend this book!

I received this book from the author for my honest opinion.

[Erin Dydek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced Romantic Suspense with Heart

I love Laura Thomas’s Bite of Betrayal series! If you enjoy emotional fast-paced romantic suspense with Christian themes, you’ll want to start with Captured in Frame, continue with The Final Word, and finish with Ribbons of Guilt to get the full story for each sister.

I loved uncovering the truth behind Harriet’s stalker situation and the resolution in her marriage. The conclusion is action-packed and will keep you on the edge of your seat! A beautiful blend of ballet, suspense, and thought-provoking themes. Highly recommend!!!

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A renewed friendship brings happiness. But then it turns to guilt and then so much more. Ribbon of Guilt was filled with twists I’ve come to look for in a good book and this author delivered.

[Jodi Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this wonderful novel, Ribbons of Guilt! Harriet gets the stage in this third book in the series, Bite of Betrayal (series), not as a dancer, but as a mother who has set aside her ballet shoes in honor of raising Lucy. Will an obsession with Swan Lake weave its way into her marriage with Leo and tatter their marriage beyond repair, or will they recapture their love for one another and for God?

Read this captivating story to find out!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, these opinions expressed here are my own!

[Dawn Klinge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved *Ribbons of Guilt* by Laura Thomas. The English countryside setting drew me in right away, and I loved the way its beauty contrasted with the danger unfolding.

Harriet Duval and her sweet daughter, Lucy, had me pulling for them the whole time. 

This book had the things I enjoy most: atmosphere, suspense, family secrets, faith, and a marriage under real pressure. It was a page-turner, but it also had emotional weight. I really enjoyed it.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ribbons of Guilt is the third book in the series Bite of Betrayal by Laura Thomas. Though it could be read as a standalone without missing too much, to get the whole dynamic of the sister, it is better enjoyed as a whole.

This story had me from the very beginning, and I could not put the story down. Harriet was a great ballet dancer, but she put up her ballet slippers to start her family. Everything seemed like perfection- her French husband, Leo, a perfect daughter, sisters living close by, but her husband, Leo, seems to be hiding secrets. When Harriet reconnects with a past dancing colleague, she starts to feel seen for who she is. When presents start showing up with ties to swans and ballet, things start to feel off. As things begin to come unwound and secrets get told, Leo and Harriet become close again. This mystery suspense had me on my toes, guessing who it was and what would happen next.

Laura Thomas did a great job intertwining faith elements throughout.         

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. 

[Blossom Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Thomas has done it again! Ribbons of Guilt is everything I look for in a summer read—captivating, suspenseful, emotionally rich, and impossible to put down.
Although this is the third book in the Bite of Betrayal series and can be enjoyed as a standalone, I think readers will appreciate it even more if they've read the earlier books and understand the family dynamics between the sisters.
From the opening pages, I was completely drawn into the beautiful English countryside, where the peaceful setting provides the perfect contrast to the danger and mystery unfolding beneath the surface. Harriet Duval is a heroine I immediately connected with. Having set aside her successful ballet career to devote herself to her family, she believes she has the perfect life with her husband, Leo, and their sweet daughter, Lucy. But as unsettling gifts tied to ballet and swans begin appearing and long-buried secrets emerge, Harriet is forced to question everything she thought she knew.
I found myself cheering for Harriet and Lucy throughout the story while trying to unravel the mystery alongside them. The suspense kept me guessing until the very end, and I loved how the tension was balanced with heartfelt emotion. The marriage struggles felt authentic, the family secrets added depth, and the characters were wonderfully developed.
One of my favorite aspects of the novel was the way Laura Thomas seamlessly wove faith throughout the story. The message of redemption shines brightly, reminding readers that even in life's darkest moments, God is present and hope is never beyond reach.
With its blend of romance, mystery, ballet, faith, unforgettable characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, Ribbons of Guilt is a page-turner with real emotional weight. If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense filled with twists, heartfelt relationships, and a satisfying message of hope, I highly recommend this book.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope you have read the first two books in this series because some of the earlier groundwork is laid leading up to the finale. Harriet and Leo have been involved from the beginning, but this story is about them and their precious daughter Lucy. I enjoyed Georgia and Sophie being included and the close connection the three sisters had. Sophie and Harriet are twins. To be honest, at times, I wanted to give Harriet a tongue-lashing for some of her decisions. However, that was also true with Leo. If ever a couple was seemingly making all the wrong choices, these two were going for the prize. I suppose Lucy added a certain freshness to the story that helped to distract the reader from some of the wrong moves her parents made. No, a child does not redeem the parents, but I enjoyed seeing things through her eyes. Two other characters caused my hackles to rise. I will let you make your own decision about them. Harriet and Leo were in a dark place where neither of them knew how to get out. They both were experiencing a lot of guilt. Could they get past the guilt and move forward with grace? The author shares some valuable life lessons, both through bad decisions and good decisions. Many of us learn more from our bad decisions than from our good ones. That does not justify making bad decisions, but it can add a redeeming quality to them. This story reminds me of the words from a Gospel song of years gone by that said sin will take you farther than you want to go. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Suspense Romance is a favorite genre of mine to read. Ribbons of Guilt by Laura Thomas is Book 3 in the Bites of Betrayal series. I have been anxiously awaiting this release as I have read the first 2 in this series.

WOW, I was immediately engrossed in the storyline. The main characters of this book are Harriet Duval and Leo Duval. Harriet gave up a career as a Ballerina to tend to the affairs of her home, marriage and daughter Lucy. Her husband, Leo, is a French Businessman, who has been able to provide a wonderful Home for the family in the English Countryside. The Duval family seems happy and a "perfect family life", although Harriet and Leo are struggling in their marriage. Harriet's sister are not even aware that her marriage isn't as happy as it should be. Leo is in Paris and he is going through the emotions of knowing his marriage is failing and wondering what he can do to revive it. Harriet is devastated when she learns of the murder of a Ballerina friend of hers. The trials and struggles for Harriet and Leo are revealed and changes begin. I really LOVE that Harriet and Leo realize that God has not been the center of their marriage and that has led to secrets and other decisions that were tearing them apart. I was happy to see the couple begin to work on their marriage and the exciting changes that happened. The book is filled with Mystery, Suspense, Reconciliation and Faith. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Mystery Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!

[Lisa Ehrman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a Christian gets far away from God it isn't a sudden occurrence. Many small decisions can lead one to a place they never intended to be. In this story, Leo and Harriet have drifted apart and their marriage is in trouble. Because each of them have made poor decisions, they have both allowed themselves to be far from God and each other.

A former ballerina is married to a man that is not putting his marriage before his manipulative mother. Their darling daughter becomes easy prey for a mentally deranged kidnapper. This horrible result of the sin and guilt has become terrifying.

Harriet has missed her lifestyle of being a performer and even carries a piece of pink ribbon with her. She misses the way it felt to lace up her ankle as she put on her toe shoes. As the author describes how each of them feels guilt, she also focuses on each of them hoping that it's not too late for their marriage. But, will they even be alive and have a chance at a beautiful family?

This book was enjoyable and had just enough suspense to keep me glued to every page. The book is easy to read and the characters were described vividly. I hope that I can also read the other books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ribbons of Guilt is a wonderful, slight suspense novel with a lot of family dynamics, as well as being part of a series. I do recommend reading them in order as a series. But you could read this as a stand-alone if you choose.

Our two main characters are married. And they’re having some marriage issues. But they also have a daughter together, and she is their glue; she is fully loved and cherished by both of them.

Before getting married, Harriet was a professional ballerina, and now there is a pull for her to get back to it. But when a star ballerina gets murdered, and Harriet happens to become reacquainted with a former dance partner, is everything as innocent as it seems?

Her husband also has secrets he’s hiding. He spends a lot of time in France, which doesn’t help their marriage.

This is a wonderful romantic suspense novel. Spoiler, or maybe not spoiler, but it is a reconciliation novel. There’s just a lot to unpack and escape before we get there.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ribbons of Guilt is book three in the Bite of Betrayal series that is written by Laura Thomas. I have not read the whole series, but I did not have any issues following along. This is a new to me author, and I will be looking for her other books.

Laura Thomas does a wonderful job balancing mystery, suspense, and emotional depth, creating a story that feels both engaging and character-driven. I loved watching the characters grow and evolve throughout the book.

Harriet was a professional ballerina before she got married. Now she has a child and her life looks completely different. Her husband Leo has been keeping secrets and while they love their child, their marriage is starting to fall apart. Harriet questions everything when a Swan Lake Ballerina is murdered.

Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, another revelation sent me in a different direction.The pacing was steady, making it easy to stay invested without feeling rushed. The author's vivid descriptions and attention to detail made each scene come alive, while the suspense kept me turning pages late into the night.
Thank You to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

[DONNA MILLER · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book, Ribbons of Guilt, by Laura Thomas. I was so looking forward to reading this as I have read and loved the Author's first two books in her Christian romance and suspense "Bite of Betrayal" series. The author's writing is very easy and enjoyable to read and flows so well from one page to the next. The author does well with character development and helping you to imagine 'being there' as you read. I can just imagine the characters as friends in the beautiful English Countryside.

I have loved Francine River's books for many years but I think I found my new favorite Christian Fiction Romance Writer! Thank you to the author, Laura Thomas. I highly recommend her lovely "Bite of Betrayal" suspense series to anyone looking for a beautiful, summer read!!

Thank you, Laura ... 🙏🤗💕

[Heidi McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ribbons of Guilt is everything I like in a summer read—captivating, suspenseful and impossible to put down. Laura Thomas in her brilliant, award-winning style, has woven together romance, mystery, Paris, ballet, faith and unforgettable characters into a story that keeps you guessing until the very end. Laura has a remarkable gift for creating beauty and tension in her stories, while creating people and relationships that surprisingly invite you to fall in love with them. Through her resilient faith Laura reminds us, that even in our darkest and hopeless futures, God is present and redemption is possible. Ribbons of Guilt deserves a place on your deck, beach bag or travel backpack. If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense with plenty surprises, this book is for you.

[Nancy Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first 2 books in this series by Laura Thomas, and I knew this third would be a winner as well. Each book follows one of the three sisters and the drama in each of their lives. We get a glimpse into the life of each woman in every book, but each story focuses on one sister as the main character. What I love about these books is that they have a Christian theme without being preachy. These books also deal with several real life issues. In Ribbons of Guilt, the married couple, Leo and Harriet, face struggles in their marriage as well as struggles in their faith walk. Although the bad guy in the story is readily apparent, the drama takes some unexpected twists. Laura’s books provide easy reads, great entertainment, and good suspense, without bad language or graphic sex.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #3 in the Bite of Betrayal series but can be read as a standalone book.

This is a new to me author and she didn't disappoint and I will have to read some of her other books now.

Harriet gives up her ballet career to raise her daughter Lucy and she has to find a new purpose to life other then a mother. She and her husband have marriage problems that they have to deal with.

A murder mystery and suspense to keep you wanting to read on on to find out what happens next.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

With more twists and turns than a pirouette, Laura Thomas sets the stage for a heart racing story that begins in beauty and builds to a crescendo you pray won't come. In her signature style, Laura layers secrets and sinister situations into one impossible-to-put-down novel. Romantic suspense rises to the next level as Leo and Harriet wrestle not only with the strange events taking their lives hostage but also the possible death of a marriage neither is ready to give up on. Or are they? Stock up on snacks and drinks before you sit down to read, because once you pick up this book, you'll be the next hostage--to the next page!

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the beginning. Harriet, a former ballerina, is now the mother of Lucy and married to Leo. Some interesting things are going on in their lives. Is Leo having an affair or what's up with him? All his trips to Paris seem strange. And, all the money being missing. What's going on? The author takes you on a tale that you find hard to put down. I know I had a hard time. I did get an ARC from the author, but this review is all mine. Read the first two books in the series and then jump on this third one. I assure you that you won't be disappointed.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing could have prepared me for the roller coaster of emotions I felt as I read this gripping story! Dark secrets, menacing state of affairs, looming financial ruin, blackmail threatening any and all chance at happiness……when would it all end? Where was God in the midst of the surrounding danger? Had He forsaken the inhabitants of Bramble Downs or had they turned their backs on Him? An author I so admire, a work stored in the memory banks of my mind! I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ruthie Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a riveting book! I usually read slowly, but I read this one in record time because it moved so fast. The perfect accompaniment to the first two books in the series, which I also enjoyed. Well-written mystery/romance without the gushy stuff but with lots of suspense. I appreciate the author's faith-based approach while tackling real-life marriage issues. The enemy is out to destroy marriage, and his techniques can seem so simple and harmless that we don't consider the consequences. This book addresses this problem in a very relatable way. Wonderful. Highly recommend!

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not only a fantastic mystery, but an emotional landmine. The author explores deep, authentic issues that many people go through, while also intertwining the story with faith, love and hope.

This was a heart wrenching story at times, and so incredibly tense. This author always provides a multi-layer mystery that is a slow burn, but watch out for the ending. This faith infused story will take you on a wild ride of ups and downs, but satisfaction is always penned as well.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terri Steffes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the publisher.

I enjoyed reading this intriguing novel about a woman with a troubled marriage, and a husband who had secrets of his own. The author takes time to develop the characters thoroughly and by the end, I was cheering for Leo and Harriet. What was particularly engaging to me was the love they shared for their daughter.

This is the third book of the Bite of Betrayal series, and even though I didn't read the first two books, I was able to follow along quite well. Don't let that stop you from reading this book!

[DianFlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This exhilarating suspense story drew me in immediately and was my favorite of all the Bite of Betrayal books! Featuring a lovely former ballerina, her distant husband, darling little girl, betrayal, and redemption—this cleverly written novel is one I could barely put down! Highly recommend!