Davis Bunn's Blog, page 28

Tune in: Davis Bunn Radio Tour for ‘Hidden in Dreams’ July 12 and 19

I’m taking my new book, Hidden in Dreams, on tour Thursday, July 12. Radio tour, that is. Here are some of the stations where you’ll be able to tune in, live. All airtimes are listed in Eastern time.

KCMN-AM Colorado Springs CO

8:30 a.m. Eastern time

Host: Tron Simpson

KPQ-AM Seattle WA

11:20 a.m. Eastern time

Host: Ken Johannessen

WNEW-FM Washington DC

2 p.m. Eastern time

Host: Judlyne Lilly

Taped Shows

I’ll also be taping several shows. Please visit each station’s website to learn when they will be airing the interview.

KCTA-AM Corpus Christi TX

Host: David Freymiller

KSKK-FM Minneapolis MN

Host: Jacob Meyer

WSAT-AM Charlotte NC

Host: Buddy Poole

WISR-AM/Pittsburgh PA

Host: Dave Malarkey

Lite FM.com/Wild 95.com/98.7TheBeach.com (Nationally syndicated)

Host: Mike Fitzgerald

I’ll also be doing two live shows Thursday, July 19. Mark your calendar so you can listen in.

Lifestyle Talk Radio (Nationally syndicated)

11:17am Eastern time

Host: Frankie Boyer

WMKT-AM, Michigan

1:30am Eastern tim

Host: Vic McCarty

‘Hidden in Dreams’ Reviewers Call the Story ‘Intense, Disturbing, Intriguing’

Since the publication of Hidden in Dreams one week ago, reader reviews have been pouring in. I’d like to share several of them. Excerpts of reviews posted by bloggers include a link to the full review — I hope you’ll visit their blogs and leave them a comment.

Let’s start with a review that gives a good overview of the plot:

Mary Kay Moody

Dr. Elena Burroughs, an accomplished psychotherapist, finds her credibility and career threatened by her public stance on dream interpretation. But that expertise is precisely what makes her the linchpin in finding the meaning of a series of nightmares troubling people from far corners of the earth. If the global financial catastrophe foretold in the dreams is true, time to prepare is short.

With no choice, her role goes from investigator to participant in a mystifying, harrowing journey trying to discern truth and manage terror. Countless lives hang in the balance.

Mid-book I wondered if occasionally Elena did not take the threats she faced seriously enough. I also wished for a few sections to ramble a bit more. (Can you tell I was enjoying this read?) But when I finished, I realized that every word, nuance, detail works in service to the story–the totality of the craftsmanship not realized until the end.

Bunn has woven an intriguing story where stakes relentlessly mushroom until it reaches a perfect ending–finally allowing you to catch your breath. And he’s done what many authors don’t–written a tale both rich in its characters and riveting in its plot. Hidden in Dreams is a sequel to Book of Dreams. Bunn deftly weaves any required information from the first into the second, and each can be read independently.

I’ve been an avid reader of Davis Bunn’s books for over 15 years and read most of his 40+ books. Hidden in Dreams ranks near the top of the list of my favorites. He is, in my mind, a master craftsman in the contemporary fiction world.

My husband, Ed, also read Hidden in Dreams. It was a page-turner that he felt he lived rather than just read. While he had one unanswered question at the end, he thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Library Journal

Three-time Christy winner Bunn’s terrific follow-up to his series debut is a suspenseful page-turner with a touch of the paranormal and plenty of memorable characters and exciting action.

Gary Gilmore

http://victoryground.com/wordpress/2012/07/hidden-in-dreams/

Once again, Davis Bunn has outdone himself. For readers of his first book in this series (Book of Dreams), be aware that Hidden in Dreams is doubly intense. Bunn is a master of “waste not, want not” mentality. Every page, every paragraph, every word is filled with meaning and tension.

Anitra Parmele

Hidden In Dreams surprised me. I have long been a fan of Davis Bunn’s books so I wasn’t startled by characters so real you expect to see them on the nightly newscast or teaching a course at the local community college. Same can be said of the strong plot, believable relationships, and the deft inclusion of spiritual elements–readers of Davis’ books have come to expect no less.

Fact is that this book scared me more than I expected and certainly more than some of the darker and more macabre books I enjoy so much. Perhaps it was the realism of the housing crisis or the very real specter of unrestrained greed that kept my heart pounding long after the final page. As a Floridian, the underlying theme of rebuilding after the loss of your house, your job, your identity quite literally hit close to home.

They say that you need to really understand a subject before you can explain it easily and with a minimum of words. It’s obvious that Davis truly understands not only the corporate and financial backdrop to this book but also the emotional setting so well that the action never drags and the reader’s connection to the story never breached.

If you’ve read Book of Dreams, the first in this series, you will recognize several of the characters within Hidden In Dreams although quite a few of the twists and turns are related to people you assumed you knew well. If you haven’t read Book of Dreams, I have to admit to more than a little jealousy that you will have the chance to circle back and read it as well. It’s not necessary but then again, when is eating two desserts ever really necessary?

So Simply Sara

http://sosimplesara.blogspot.com/2012/07/hidden-in-dreams-by-davis-bunn.html

AMAZING!  This book is soooooo good.  I honestly got more than I had hoped for with this one!

I loved how Bunn intertwined the characters’ Christian faith with the scientific facts, economic issues, and notion of foretelling.  These elements combined to create a very compelling, almost frightening, thought-provoking tale.

If I would not read another book this summer, I know that Hidden Dreams has provided me with far more than I ever get out of most summer reads.  I am going to be telling everyone about his one.

Geni White

This book will keep you immersed in the suspense, the unusual events and a dangerous but satisfying ending, including some romance.

Tammy’s Book Parlor

I liked Book of Dreams but Oh!My! Hidden in Dreams is an incredible read. So real! So true to life! And so pertinent to today’s headlines.

Christian Bookmobile, Sidney W. Frost

http://christianbookmobile.blogspot.com/2012/07/book-review-hidden-in-dreams-novel-by.html

In Davis Bunn’s sequel to The Book of Dreams, Dr. Elena Burroughs has taken a teaching position with the Atlantic Christian University in Melbourne, Florida.

Rachel, the sister of Elena’s best friend Miriam who had died the previous summer asks for Elena’s help. Rachel’s company, SuenaMed in Orlando, is about to release a new ADHD medication for children and adults, and they are experiencing problems related to dreams. A number of those testing the medication are having the same dream about a disastrous worldwide economic downturn.

Elena talks to Reed Thompson, the president of the Atlantic Christian University, a former economic expert with connections in federal government. She also talks to Jacob Rawlings, an ardent critic of her dream theories, who has a patient who is having the dream, and who now believes Elena is correct about what she has said about foretelling dreams.

Elena has the dream. The same one the others had. Included is a strong urge to warn everyone about the pending economic downfall. Since the urge to warn people is so strong, they wonder if telling the public may stop the dreams. At the insistence of Rachel, and the support of Reed and Jacob, Elena becomes the spokesperson for the dreamers. Soon there are more dreams in which the situation worsens. Some banks begin to fail. There is a debate over whether or not the dreams could be messages from God, since, it is argued, only God can see into the future.

You will need to read the book to find out whether or not the dreams are spiritual. Luckily, that won’t take you long. This fast-paced book is designed to be read in one sitting.

Though this is a sequel with references to The Book of Dreams, it stands alone and is quite enjoyable without knowledge of the information in the first book.

In Search of a Hero (‘Rare Earth’ Review)

Today two bloggers are hosting new book giveaway contests for Rare Earth.

Tina Hunt is offering three ways to enter her book giveaway contest. Hurry over to her Pot of Manna  blog and leave a comment before her contest closes!

Our second reviewer, Tammy Griffin of Tammy’s Book Parlor, is also providing you three ways to enter her book giveaway contest. Enter both contests! Last day to enter Tammy’s contest is Friday the 13th (could be your lucky day).

By Tina Hunt

Guest Reviewer

Look in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no! It’s a helicopter and it’s carrying Mark Royce!

Whether it’s Spiderman, Ironman, Larry the Cucumber, or the Avatar, it seems that we are in search of a hero. Life is oppressive and we feel weak and defeated. Who you going to call?

Enter Mark Royce. Now the interesting thing is you will not be able to call him, but he can be your hero just the same. His calling comes from one much higher, and mysterious…and farther up the food chain.

He doesn’t have super powers, or a suit of armor, but he gets the job done. And he’s so real. You can’t help but like him—he has a charisma…at least that’s how the story goes. This man’s man does a pretty good job with the ladies, too!

But what I like best is that no matter where he’s at or who he’s saving or protecting you know that his true mission is immersed in God’s heart. Don’t get me wrong, Davis knows how put the Word in his words. The reader can’t help but walk away with a deeper sense of God, but never feels beat up in the process.

This is Book 2 in the Marc Royce series (Lion of Babylon is Book 1). The really nice thing is that Rare Earth is a stand-alone novel – the main character is the same as in Lion, but nearly all the other characters are new to this book. Readers will have no trouble understanding Rare Earth if they have not read Lion yet. But trust me, you’ll want to read it too.

Tina Hunt is a writer, caregiver, and doting grandmother. She is a writer of devotions and inspirational articles. Tina is also a speaker at retreats and women’s events. An avid reader, Tina enjoys now sharing her thoughts about the books she reads on her blog. This review is reprinted from Tina’s blog, Pot of Manna, with her permission.

………………………………

By Tammy Griffin

In Lion of Babylon Marc Royce makes his grand appearance. I say grand because, I just can’t help myself, but as I read Lion of Babylon and Rare Earth by Davis Bunn, Marc reminds me of Indiana Jones.  Marc is a man’s man!  He seems unafraid of, well, anything.

Marc Royce is a “past” accountant.  Now, an accountant drums of images of a pale, meek man who pushes numbers all day.  Not so of Marc Royce!

In Rare Earth at the very  beginning of this read Marc makes his presence known and he is unafraid of what others think!

By pushing ahead and taking charge he not only makes his presence known but he establishes his leadership {now this part of Marc reminded of David in the Bible}. As the reader reads on, Marc has many facets to his personality.  He not only takes charge but he insists that the women/girls are safe in the refugee compound.

Marc has loved and lost his love to death but he still has that gentle, sweet caring side.  However,  when the evil ones come against him, Marc is ready with a swift kick, a punch and he takes care of the matter. Unafraid, done!

One thing about Davis Bunn’s books is that the reader will always learn something out of the ordinary.  A person once said that fiction is based on fact.  In Rare Earth the reader not only learns about the tribes of Africa and how they survive but the reader learns about rare earth.  Rare earth is actually once obscure minerals that the high-tech industries seek….strategic elements are called rare earths.

This is one of those reads that is hard to put into a few paragraphs because it is SO good!  The mystery, the action, the tribal views, the people, the smells, the romance all make this book SO real and lifelike that I actually felt that I was part of the story!  A WOW read that brings Africa to your front door!

This review is reprinted from Tammy’s blog, Tammy’s Book Parlor, with her permission.

‘Not Everything is As it Seems’ Writes ‘Hidden in Dreams’ Reviewer

To celebrate the release of my novel, Hidden in Dreams (released July 3, 2012), I’m featuring reviews from readers. Today, our guest is Joyce Elferdink.

By Joyce Elferdink

Guest Reviewer

Joyce is a semi-retired communications instructor who completed her first book this year. She loves to read novels that not only entertain, but beckon readers to think more deeply about issues. She blogs at A Novel Site.

Story Synopsis

Foretelling the future through dreams is—for nearly everyone—a compelling frame for storytelling. And we all know that not everything is as it seems, but I did not for a moment foresee the surprising twist to the prophesy of these dreamers. As Davis Bunn stated in his author note, he had to use his expertise from several careers to explain the aftermath realistically.

Davis uses the still-desperate economic conditions in the world as a backdrop to send a warning of the lengths to which greedy corporate types will go to gain more wealth and more power. Unlike so much  of what has occurred during the last four years, though, the bad guys in the novel are caught and will likely be convicted, but the first priority is to stabilize global financial markets.

Less significant, but effective for a good read, is a romance with two very eligible men vying for one woman, the protagonist. It’s pretty clear early on which one she will choose; and almost too sweet that her Christian values are mirrored in the perfect guy, a widower and her mentor, whose daughter takes to her immediately as a mother-replacement.

My Evaluation

Command of language:  5 stars

Varied sentence structure; word choices that paint vivid pictures; realistic dialogue.


Characterization: 4 stars

All the main characters were fairly well developed, although not terribly unique. The bad guys were…all bad; and the good guys rarely stepped out of character, either.


Creativity:  5 stars

The plot displayed an extremely creative mind. (I expected that—it’s what has made Davis Bunn one of my favorite authors—and I was not disappointed.)


Content suitable to diverse audience(s):  4 stars

This one seems to be written almost exclusively for Christian readers. The protagonist and all those who work closely with her often pray together. The one who chooses not to is somewhat ostracized. As great as the power of prayer is and as needed in our chaotic world, I think a more subtle approach—or maybe a stronger approach showing God at work—would reach audiences who might be turned off by all the spotlight on pray-ers.


Connection (and application) to current issues: 4.5 stars

The timing for this story is excellent; economic conditions are still fragile and exposing too many people to painful choices and harsh living conditions. My only concern is the realism of the ending.

Average – 4.5 stars

‘A wild and exciting ride… no roller coaster needed’ (Reviews of ‘Hidden in Dreams’)

Reviews of Hidden in Dreams (published July 3, 2012) are rolling in. Thought I’d share excerpts from a few of them with you. I hope you’ll click the links attached to several of the excerpts so you can read their full review.

“A wild and exciting ride, no roller coaster needed.”



-Paul Rasmussen

 ………………………………………………….

“The story drew me in just like an adrenaline-filled episode of 24! I loved trying to decipher Davis’ foreshadowing clues, but could never quite figure out what would happen next. Predictable, he is not…

…I think there’s something extra sweet about Summer reading, and savored this book at the lake, before bed and at the creek.

No matter what your favorite summer reading genre is, I’d place my money on this book being a perfect match for your list too!”

-Liberty Bain, 16 Balls In the Air

 ………………………………………………….

“Hidden in Dreams is a ridiculously good read, one that was every bit as good as I had hoped for from Davis Bunn. Whenever I sit down to a book by Bunn, I know I am in for a treat, and this book was no exception. The writing was so vivid and intense, the author so successful at submerging me into the plot, that I had to consciously stop reading, force myself to relax, and remind myself I was reading fiction and that this was not reality – I hope!

The plot is intricate, filled with unexpected twists, and a completely fascinating blend of science and spirituality… I absolutely loved this book, and award it a full 5 out of 5 stars.”

-Christian Fiction Addiction 

 ………………………………………………….

“Be sure when you start you have time to finish it because you won’t want to put it down. I enjoyed the story but I love how all Davis’s books leave me with a lot to think about.”

-Wilma Metcalf

An Explosive Novel for 4th of July Reading

I’m delighted to feature excerpts from reader reflections about my new novel, Rare Earth. Note that the second reviewer, Missy Shay, is running a giveaway contest of Rare Earth on her blog through July 9. Click the link at the end of Missy’s review to zip over to her blog and enter for your chance to win!

By Kim Martinez

Guest Reviewer

Fourth of July is my second favorite holiday. And not because of the fireworks. Most of the time, the weather is great. We take the family to a local celebration, and I sit…in one place…for HOURS! Just in case you get the joy of sitting and reading for hours while your family enjoys the festivities, I have a fantastic fiction read for you.

Marc Royce is a relief worker, intelligence officer. Royce is a fixer. Kenya’s tribes have been abused and pushed around by people with power and greed. Royce’s presence begins to complicate things as he utilizes his skills to thwart the power brokers.

You will love this book. Along with the great plot, there are moments of perfect inspiration. Here are a few quotes:

Do not look at these people with pity. It puts you up and puts them down.

Marc decided the best way to handle his situation was to stop trying to define what normal was.

Marc followed to Kamal’s footsteps, ducking under the occasional limb, and thought how much his own life resembled this landscape. Blanketed by ashes of regret and loss, waiting for that faint blessing of rain. Waiting.

We are saved from sin, yes. But to what end? Do we choose rightly and grow to God’s purpose?

This review was originally published on Kim’s blog, Deep Imprints. Reprinted with permission from the author.

___________________________

By Missy Shay

Guest Reviewer

Rare Earth is set in Kenya, Africa. Marc Royce has worked for the state department in clandestine assignments, most recently in Iraq.  He is a Christian man who lost his wife four years ago and he uses his faith in his work, depending on God’s guidance to survive.

He needs to find out what happened to the brother of Kitra, an Israeli medical administrator who has secrets of her own.  There are sparks between Kitra and Marc, but can they act on their feelings? Can they trust each other? Can their faith bring them together? This part of the novel is just in the background.

The main subject is why are African tribes being pushed off their land? Who killed Serge, Kitra’s brother? Is Lodestone, a company for hire for humanitarian resources, corrupt and behind all the killings and thievery? It is Marc’s job to find out.

I highly recommend reading this book, it is perfect for a man or a woman.

This review was originally published on Missy’s blog, Missy’s Homemaking Adventures. This excerpt was reprinted with permission from the author.

‘Marc Royce is the Kind of Man I’d Like to Be’

Friends,

Here’s a fantastic review of Rare Earth, my novel that released July 1, 2012. Rick Estep, the reviewer, is giving away a copy of Rare Earth on his blog – to enter, just click this link and leave a comment about Rick’s review.

  

By Rick Estep

Guest Reviewer

Marc Royce has worked for the State Department on a variety of clandestine assignments, most recently in Iraq. Now he is called on to investigate suspicious activities in the Horn of Africa, a region already in turmoil from decades of violence, corruption, and poverty.

Dropped into the squalor of the refugee camps, Marc confronts a stranglehold of deceit and oppression. Women and children are ravaged by hunger. Aid workers are overstretched. Government officials prevaricate. The presence of armed military contractors adds to the menace. Can anyone be trusted?

Marc’s true assignment focuses on the area’s reserves of scarce metals now vital to high-tech industries. Who is secretly attempting to secure a monopoly on land and mineral rights?

A tenacious Israeli medical administrator named Kitra, suffering losses of her own, reluctantly seeks Marc’s help with her humanitarian efforts. Their shared faith overcomes mutual suspicions. Together, they try to forge a groundbreaking partnership between impoverished African villages and an innovative research compound near Tel Aviv.

But a shadowy group of adversaries–with agendas fueled by greed and revenge–conspires to stop them at any cost.

This is the second book in the “Lion of Babylon” series that is featuring Marc Royce as the main character. Having just saved the world in Iraq, Marc has now been asked to head over to Africa where a long dormant volcano has now erupted causing chaos in all of the surrounding lands. Marc flies into the area that is suffering from a food and supply shortage, not only because there aren’t any, but because there aren’t enough guards to keep it from being a riot.

Marc’s real reason for being there, though, is to find the missing brother of one of the aid workers. This leads to uncovering a widespread conspiracy by different national groups, as well as the very mercenaries that were contracted to keep this from happening. Can Marc come in a help out a nation that has suffered so much?  Can he find Kitra’s brother in time?  HA!  Read the book!

I have enjoyed reading several of Davis Bunn’s books, (especially “Elixir” as it is partially set in North Florida, where I live) and knew right away this would be another home run winner for me. Mr. Bunn has written a character in Marc Royce that embodies the kind of man that I would like to be, the kind that I would like my son to be.

Marc is not only a special forces guru, but he is a thinker as well. When I first “met” Marc in Lion of Babylon, he not only was a physical force to reckon with, but he was also one who was well versed in other cultures. These two books have introduced us to the Christian version of Indiana Jones, and I hope that we get to see more of this fine role model.

Is this a “man’s book”?

You’d better believe it!  This has volcanoes exploding, beating up bullies, mercenaries and more. This book and the first in the series are books that as I was reading them both I could just imagine a movie being made about them. I sure hope they do, we need some great Christian role-models in the movies!

This review was originally published at Rick’s Readings. Reprinted with permission from the author.

 

More Reviews from Men

Davis Bunn has done it again!!  In the world of Christian fiction where many of the lead characters spend a lot of time searching for God’s purpose in their lives, Marc Royce of Lion of Babylon and now Rare Earth stands out as a real warrior-hero, like Joshua: one upon whom God has definitely set His seal of approval.

Hopefully those who read Rare Earth will realize Davis is also providing his audience with a deeper, richer experience, when reading of the “miracle” of sworn enemies becoming brothers and sisters in Christ.

-Don Courliss

 

“…So incredible and a-page-turner shocker..! EVIL moving clandestinely in this world, behind the scenes, hidden, Africa revelation, Holy Spirit activity in the EVIL midst…..! It’s a WOW book by Davis Bunn”

-Larry Taylor

Marc Royce: A Cross Between Indiana Jones, James Bond, and Errol Flynn

By Sarah Gunning Moser

Guest Reviewer

Marc Royce, former State Department operative, is a cross between Indiana Jones, James Bond, and a skosh of Errol Flynn. He reluctantly finds himself back in the intelligence game after a friend’s disappearance.

When Alex Baird suddenly drops out of circulation in Baghdad under suspicious circumstances, Royce heads for Iraq, clear about the dangers required to find his friend.  Royce has to unravel the mess. Thus begins a difficult mission and the taut discovery of kidnappings and deep political intrigue create surprise twists both for Royce and for Bunn’s readers.

Lion of Babylon is part thriller, mystery, and romance, all from a considered Christian perspective. The book’s fast pace, however, does not belie its message of forgiveness and redemption written against the backdrop of modern warfare, terrorism, and savagery.

The pace enhances the vibrant imagery throughout, as on page 183:

“The restaurant included a shaded veranda on the mall’s top floor. They looked down on rooftops and minarets and the green fronds of palm trees. A faint scent of eucalyptus wafted upward through the traffic fumes. A wall fountain played the music of water.”

Written with tight prose, the reader is drawn deep into the story. Bunn keeps you moving along with Royce as his opponents up the ante of danger.  From page 305:

“The room went silent. There was a faint electric hum, whether from the overhead lights or the speakers, Sameh could not tell. Or perhaps it was merely the sound of his own adrenaline-stoked nerves.”

A lifelong, avid reader, I delight in the discovery of “new” authors… or rather, authors new to me. How I missed best-selling author Davis Bunn, I do not know, but I know of him now!  After reading Lion of Babylon, I see why Mr. Bunn’s work is often on the New York Times Bestseller list.

Even while he keeps the reader guessing, Bunn brings the story to a gratifying conclusion. Moving descriptions of the story’s multi-faceted relationships are drawn subtly but well. Lion of Babylon left me wanting more. Happily, I am privileged to be one of the bloggers about to review the sequel, Rare Earth. Stay tuned.

This review was originally published on the Family Education Services website. Reprinted with permission from the author.

‘Hidden in Dreams’ Reader Jumps for Joy… Literally!

In June, the publisher of my new novel, Hidden in Dreams, sent review copies to bloggers and other “influencers” who volunteered to spread the word about the book.

I received the following email from a very enthusiastic reader, and wanted to share it with you because it made my day:

I received Hidden in Dreams today. I was SOOOO excited I actually jumped up & down outside at the mailbox, before I thought maybe I shouldn’t so my neighbors wouldn’t think I was weird..LOL.

I’m SO going to enjoy this! Please do not hesitate to use me as a guinea pig for the rest of your books for the rest of your career… I’m serious!

 

Hidden in Dreams released July 3, 2012, from Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. Stay tuned to my blog for reader reviews, coming throughout July and August.

Readers Share How ‘Book of Dreams’ Brings Healing to Their Lives

  

Denise writes: 

I loved Book of Dreams! It’s so cool how you showed what happens when we “fully” put our trust in God and humble ourselves…

Elizabeth writes:

My book club read Book of Dreams. Each time I read about the doctor meditating on the first page where it says, “Abba,” I would cry. I had no idea why.

About a week ago, I was hurt and angry but knowing I needed to forgive. I called out to God using that name, Abba. I prayed for Him to take away my hurt and anger and help me to forgive from my heart.

Then I would pick up Book of Dreams and read a little bit. I went back and forth in this way for 20-30 minutes. And then He came. Like an invisible cloud. His presence was sweet and my heart was filled with peace and joy. Like a muscle that releases during a stretch, my pain and anger dissipated. Glory!

This is not the norm of my Christian experience, by the way. (Last October I went to a workshop called HeartChange and believe that God removed a wall between my head and heart and have been able to experience His presence to a much greater extent than I have for most of my 30+ years as a believer. This has included visions.)

I cannot wait to hear what others will have to report from having read this book.

Dear Readers,

I am touched that Book of Dreams is making such a huge impact on your lives. I hope the same will happen when you read book two in the series, Hidden in Dreams, which releases today from Howard Books.