Davis Bunn's Blog, page 35

Bloggers Review 'Lion of Babylon'

I'm so grateful for the many readers who review my books on their blogs. Here are short excerpts from several reviews of Lion of Babylon that have been published recently. I hope you'll click the links to read the entire reviews.

Tammy's Book Parlor, by Tammy Griffin

http://tammybookparlor.blogspot.com/2011/08/lion-of-babylon-by-davis-bunn.html

"The history of Muslims in this fiction read is phenomenal… Reading this novel gave me a better picture of the Muslim world and of the Christians who live amongst the Muslims. Courage to face the impossible, prayer to see the mission through."

Our Homeschooling Pilgrimage, by Tammi, a homeschooling mom of five from Maine

http://ourhomeschoolingpilgrimage.blogspot.com/2011/09/lion-of-babylon-by-davis-bunna-bethany.html

"I would recommend this book to readers from teen to adult. My 15 year-old cannot wait to start reading it."

The Funner Life by Libbi H., a young reader

http://lifeisfunner.blogspot.com/2011/09/book-review-lion-of-babylon-by-davis.html

"With an intriguing beginning, and intensely suspenseful end, this book is hard to put down."

Stray Thoughts, by Barbara H.

http://barbarah.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/book-review-the-lion-of-babylon/

Lion of Babylon "isn't the type of book I usually go for: action, adventure, intrigue, espionage, etc. But I picked it up as a possible present for someone whom I thought might like it. Wow. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat…"

Faith, Friends, and Frappuccinnos, by Melissa K. Norris

http://faithchats.blogspot.com/2011/09/contest-to-win-lion-of-babylon-by-davis.html

"…if you enjoy spy and military novels, this one is up your alley."

Along the Way, by Janet Ruth, Alberta, Canada

http://a-long-the-way.blogspot.com/2011/07/lion-of-babylon-by-davis-bunn.html

"This novel is full of history, action, human emotion, and human determination and is well worth the time to read as you learn perspectives from a culture so much different than ours."

A Mom After God's Own Heart, by Shirley from Canada

http://therempels4.blogspot.com/2011/07/lion-of-babylon-book-review.html

"If you are looking for a riveting, and intriguing book to read, I highly recommend this one, and give it a huge thumbs up!"

It's OK to be Weird, by Raylene

http://itsoktobeweird.com/2011/07/lion-of-babylon-book-review/

"…Ancient and modern cultures clash in nearly every imaginable way. Shia, Sunni, Kurd, Christian, Jew, Iraqi, Iranian, American…politics, history, religion, military force, military presence… kidnappings, bombings, assassination attempts, recovery efforts…everything is going on at once it seems. But Davis keeps the reins on the story and moves it forward at a fantastic pace, barely giving the reader time to figure out what just happened before moving on to the next event."

Glass Still Half Full, by Megan Clanton from Tennessee

http://glass-still-half-full.blogspot.com/2011/10/book-review-lion-of-babylon.html

"Mr. Bunn uses Marc Royce to show how Americans need to change their thinking if they really want to make a positive impact in the [Iraq] region."

BlogCritics

http://208.66.67.31/books/article/book-review-lion-of-babylon-by/

"The story is a cat-and-mouse match that involves abductions, bombings, a clandestine church gathering, and a nighttime trip across the desert, all played out against the hot, dusty, colorful and lively streets and environs of Baghdad.

Bunn's writing is wonderful as usual — taut, yet picturesque…"

Three New Giveaways of 'Book of Dreams'

Reviews of my new novel, Book of Dreams, are coming in fast and furious, as are contests in which bloggers are giving away Book of Dreams. Enter all three of this week's contests and triple your chances of winning!

First, excerpts from two wonderful reviews — Please mouse over and click each blog's title to read the entire review.

Life in Review by Michelle Vasquez

Dr. Elena Burroughs is a psychologist and author who has a reputation for being able to interpret people's dreams. When she gets a new patient plagued by nightmares, her long time family friend, Miriam, gives her an ancient book. This Book of Dreams is supposed to speak to the person who studies it, but Miriam had the book for years and never saw a thing. Elena almost immediately feels the power of the book and has a life changing experience. The experience strengthens her faith and begins to show her God's purpose and direction. With the help of a group of new friends, Elena is going to have to confront some powerful enemies who are behind the scenes working to create a global crisis.

"A thrilling and suspenseful story that seems all too realistic… It's a story full of mystery, intrigue, action, intense suspense, and romance. I remain a huge fan of Davis Bunn's writing and look forward to seeing what he has for us in the future!"

Christian Bookmobile by Sidney W. Frost

"This is much more than a book about an ancient document and the interpretation of dreams…The author mixes riveting characters with important news events. In this case, he uses the economic disaster brought on by the subprime mortgages. And, to make things more challenging for our heroes, the opposition is quite willing to resort to murder to achieve their goals."

Book of Dreams Giveaway Contests:
By the Book by Beckie Burnham

In Davis Bunn's newest book, God's people are dreaming, but what they are experiencing is nightmarish — terrifying images that accost them night after night.  What can it all mean?  World acclaimed dream expert, Dr, Elena Burroughs is called to interpret the dreams and discovers what it means to follow God's will.

"Davis Bunn has written a suspenseful novel filled with illusory villains, dangerous political fixers and greedy bankers.  A good read on this level becomes a great read when set amidst the framework of what it means to seek God's will and to actually live it."

Click here to enter Beckie's giveaway contest. Submissions must be received by October 25, 2011.

One Desert Rose by Linda Wagner

"If you like to devour the 'other-worldly' genre of books, Book of Dreams by Davis Bunn will definitely fit the bill… The scenarios described could easily fit into today's headlines.  Davis did excellent work of involving various twists to keep the novel captivating to the very end. I will be reading more of his collections."

Click here to enter Linda's giveaway contest. Submissions must be received by October 28, 2011.

Blogging Bistro by Laura Christianson

"When a wealthy and powerful patient describes a recurring dream that defies normal analysis, Elena's comfortable existence is instantly shattered. Forced to confront personal loss and pain, Elena embarks on a journey — emotional, spiritual, and physical — through which she learns the true meaning of the words from the Lord's Prayer: 'Thy Kingdom come.'"

Click here to enter Laura's giveaway contest. Submissions must be received by October 28, 2011

Reader Questions About the Acts of Faith Series

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Book 1: The Centurion's Wife

Book 2: The Hidden Flame

Book 3: The Damascus Way

Sharon writes:

I have read all your novels through my local library. I am asking if you will be continuing the Acts of Faith series. I believe I am a more knowledgeable Christian reading your books.

Dear Sharon,

Thank you so much for the lovely note. This morning I was studying The Damascus Way cover, one of the loveliest I think Janette and I have ever had for our books. I do so wish I could write and say there will be more. But right now Janette just does not feel up to writing. It is a hard thing to face, but we are dear enough friends that I must agree with her. So long as her health and energy levels are as now, she is doing the right thing. As for the future, who can say?

In the meantime, there are two of my books that other fans of the Faith series have written to say they really connected with: The Book of Hours (Thomas Nelson), and All Through The Night (Bethany House).

Betsy writes:

I recently read the Acts of Faith series and really enjoyed them. I had just completed a Bible study on the book of Acts at my church, which made the reading of the novels even that much more satisfying.

My question to you, and to Ms. Oke:  Are you planning another joint venture that will take up where The Damascus Way left off—following Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy?  Consider this my personal plea for you to do just that.

Dear Betsy,

We actually began this series with a similar experience to back us up, where we felt as though the last chapters of the Gospels were treated as a sort of afterthought in our Bible studies. Jesus is crucified, mankind is saved, and then…To our mind, the answer was, and then there is our call to bring Glory to earth.

The transition in those final verses is more than confirmation that he rose from the dead. It is the first time his followers truly understood their own destiny as disciples of the Risen One. This was a story we felt really needed telling.

As for more books, I would love to continue on. But Janette feels that given her age and health, this was it. Who knows, though. She has come out of retirement before, in order to do these three.

Linda writes:

The Damascus Way was so exciting. I could not put it down. I got out my Bible Atlas so I could follow the characters' travels. The details of their lives and where they lived and how they made their living was so good. I am hoping for the next on to be about Paul. Just wonderful keep up the good work.

Dear Linda,

The Damascus Way will long remain a treasured story, as it marks the last book Janette and I may do together, and perhaps the last she pens. It is hard to say for certain, as she has come out of retirement once before, in order to write this series with me. But for the moment…

In any case, I am so glad to hear the stories resonated with you, both on the level of simple entertainment, as well as spiritually.

Pam Nelson Reviews 'The Damascus Way'

[image error]By Pam Nelson

Guest Reviewer

The Damascus Way is the third book in the Acts of Faith series.  The main characters are Julia, who is new to the series, and Jacob, who we have met before.

Julia lives a privileged lifestyle but she has always been treated as less than her station should require. Her father, who is a very successful merchant, is frequently gone on business. She soon finds out that her family has kept a secret from her which not only explains her life (both past and present), but also changes her life dramatically.

Jacob, who has always yearned for adventure, finds himself suddenly thrust into an incredibly dangerous job. It opens up a whole new life for him, not only of danger, but also of great responsibility. In this new capacity, his path soon crosses with Julia's, with very interesting results.

The climate in Jerusalem has grown increasingly dangerous for followers of the way. Abigail and the other believers are threatened by a very zealous Christian named Saul of Tarsus. With their lives in constant danger, they must decide what God would have them do, and where He would have them go.

One of the reasons I enjoyed this series so much, and especially this final book, is that it really brought to life the characters of the Bible that I am already so familiar with. It also gave me a real sense of the time and of what it was like to live out your faith in the first century.

The characters are well-developed and very interesting. The story-line grabs your attention right from the start and continues to hold your attention all the way to the end. I would highly recommend this book!

Read Pam's reviews of the first two books in the Acts of Faith series:

The Centurion's Wife
The Hidden Flame

Elaine Dalton Reviews 'The Hidden Flame'

[image error]By Elaine Dalton

Guest Reviewer

The Hidden Flame

Authors: Davis Bunn and Janette Oke

Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Biblical, Romance, Sequel

Plot:

In this second installment of the Acts of Faith trilogy, the center of attention shifts to Abigail, the merry-hearted but crippled beautiful young woman. Recently reunited with her brother Jacob whom she'd long thought dead, Abigail finds a new chapter in her life opening, beginning with the hurried departure of her dear friends Leah and Alban.

An important new task is given Abigail within the growing community of believers that serves to occupy her hands and heart but not her increasing worries over Jacob and the rumors whispered on the streets of Jerusalem. Unbeknown to Abigail, she is about to face a loss so great it will shake her world and cause her to lean even more on the loving arms of God.

Two years after the events of The Centurion's Wife take place two men enter the scene and both desire Abigail for themselves. One is a wealthy merchant named Ezra who wants a mother for his two young children and someone to take the place of his departed beloved wife. The other is Alban's friend Linux, who soon finds himself in a battle he never anticipated. Carrying new orders from Rome and hatred in his heart for his pompous older brother Castor, Linux will do anything to get back at Castor.

But with threats against the growing community of believers increasing, from the Sanhedrin as well as the new governor, and Abigail's worries over Jacob beginning to hit home, the Roman officer finds his world being torn in half. And when tragedy unexpected strikes, will the believers' faith be enough to see them through the times of peril and persecution ahead or will they break?

Likes/Dislikes:

This was a very well written novel. It flowed well from all three main characters' viewpoints and had just enough description to give you the setting without bogging down the whole book.

The conversations between the characters were all very interesting as well. And it was a real treat to see Biblical figures I've long been familiar with, such as Stephan, Saul, Gamaliel, Sapphira and her husband, introduced and fleshed out.

It was also nice to have Peter in several more scenes than in the prequel. I think Linux was my favorite character as he struggled with all his burdens. The tragedy is so sad but I admit I was too excited to see how all the characters reacted to cry with them.

Rating:

PG-12 and up for reading level and a violent death though not graphic at all, thankfully.

Disclosure:

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

Elaine Dalton is the firstborn of five children, all homechooled by loving Christian parents. Books are what she knows and does best; she's been devouring them since she was ten and writing them since she was thirteen. Classics, historical fictions, action/adventures, and epics are her favorite genres, and if they're Christian, she's in book heaven!

Elaine writes, "After my graduation I shall go to work for my parents tutoring my siblings and will continue to read and review great books as well as write them. My goal is to provide families with good wholesome reads that point them to our Savior without any unnecessary or inappropriate surprises."

Enter Today for a Chance to Win 'Book of Dreams'

Bloggers have been giving away copies of Book of Dreams since the novel was released two weeks ago. Today, you have another opportunity to win Book of Dreams. Just visit the Bodacious Bookworms blog by Missy Shay. Missy is offering two ways to enter:

Read the first chapter  of Book of Dreams (link on her blog) and tell Missy what you think of the book.

AND/OR

Like my Facebook page and leave Missy another comment letting her know you "liked" it.

Here's an excerpt from Missy's review:

"I always knew the banking system was corrupt, but I never understood how until Davis explained it in his book… Even though I usually only read historical fiction, this book is great and will keep you focused to the end!"

And here's an excerpt from another review at a blog called Carly Bird's Home:

"To say Book of Dreams was interesting would be an understatement.  This story had depth, not just with the story but also with the Christian message, that most Christian novels do not have.  I was truly impressed by Davis's storytelling and creative writing."

Disastrous Implosion of the Global Economy a Key Theme in 'Book of Dreams'

By Diana Wallis Taylor

Guest Reviewer

Dr. Elena Burroughs, a psychologist, is still grieving the death of her husband after five years. The insolated world she has built up for herself shatters when a new patient, Sandra, recounts a frightening series of recurrent nightmares.

Using an ancient book filled with prayers that invoke the powers of the Holy Spirit, Elena reviews the dreams. Her interpretations confirm Sandra's fears—her husband, the Ambassador to the Court of St. James, will confront a powerful, global network of dangerous and deadly forces.

In the coming days, Elena experiences a succession of insights and warnings that portend danger for Sandra, her husband, Elena and those who have joined them. At stake is a looming disastrous implosion of the global economy.

Comments:

With his obvious research into global finances, Davis Bunn brings his expertise to create another page turner that keeps you involved right up to the end. The interpretation of the dreams was intriguing, as was the unusual book of the Lord's Prayer, written in Aramaic.

As he weaves the various characters into the story we are there with them as they race to avert an economic disaster. My only negative comment would be chapter one. Teddy Wainwright is not the main character and it was a little confusing to read that chapter and not hear any more of him for thirty-one chapters.

I would have liked the book to begin with Elena, since she is the primary character, and place the present first chapter farther into the book. Even so, it was a great read.

Another quality book by a master storyteller, Davis Bunn.

This review was originally published on Diana Wallis Taylor's blog. Reprinted with permission from the author.

Recently named "Writer of the Year" by the San Diego Christian Writer's Guild, Diana Wallis Taylor has been writing since the age of 12 when she sold her first poem to a church newspaper. She presently is working on her fourth novel of Biblical Fiction for Revell, has won first place in the San Diego Book Awards for her short story, "Phipps and the Jay"; First place in Fiction for her book Smoke Before the Wind. And second place this year for Martha in the Reader's Favorite Book Review and Award Contest.

Her collection of poetry, Wings of the Wind came out in 2006. Her writing contributions appear in various compilation books and magazines. Diana wrote the words and melodies to an Easter cantata called "Glorious" recently completed with her fellow collaborator, Carolyn Prentice, who did the orchestration.

Diana lives with her husband Frank in San Diego, California. Between them they have six grown children and ten grandchildren. She enjoys speaking and sharing her heart with women of all ages. In addition to her speaking and writing, she serves on the Board of the San Diego Christian Writer's Guild, the Board of her church, sings on the worship team, and is active in Professional Women's Fellowship.

Her third book for Revell, Mary Magdalene, will release in June of 2012. Visit Diana at dianawallistaylor.com.

A Complete List of Books by Davis Bunn

I love it when my readers help out!

Several years ago I stopped keeping track of the books I've had published. But apparently, one of my readers hasn't. I'd like to thank Gary Gilmore for preparing and sharing this list of my books.

Gary writes:  "I know some of the books are "out of print", but they are still in local libraries – where I found all of mine."

Davis Bunn Book List (PDF)

Please visit the Books page on my website for detailed information about my books in print.

'Intense From the First Page,' Says 'Book of Dreams' Reviewer

By Gary Gilmore

Guest Reviewer

Book of Dreams is not just a novel, but a parable with hidden meanings.

Davis Bunn is a prescient storyteller. Most novels and their authors need the first three or four chapters to set the tone, introduce the characters and provide location and timing. Book of Dreams, however, is intense from the very first page and grows in intensity with each page propelling the reader toward the end with a breathless anticipation of the goal.

Being a pastor-teacher, I admit I held this book in my hands with a different view than most readers. But I found a prophetic parable giving a very real scenario of not only possibility, but very definite probability. Davis combines his business acumen with his spiritual understanding. He has produced a book which, although its non-fiction nature is a 'what if', chills the reader with the realization that its scenario is actually happening as we read.

The cast of characters is quite diverse: clinical psychologist, politician, priest, banker, and officer of the law. But they have two things in common: their orthodox belief in Jesus as the Son of God and their unorthodox obedience to His guidance. The two uniting factors that make these characters a cohesive group are their dreams and an ancient Book of Dreams.

As they learn to push past their human inadequacies and grasp the spiritual reality that is happening around them, they are able to be used of God to stop those whose financial greed would destroy the world.

A little murder, a little romance, a little camaraderie, a diabolical plot and a heroine daring-do-right make this a pleasant and chilling read.

Warning! As you begin to read, be ready for a double-read – the lines of the page and the between-lines. You'll find yourself turning backward in the pages to pick up important things you missed as you go forward.

So read carefully. Even though Davis Bunn does his typical thing of pushing the reader forward at a fast pace, slow down just a little to collect the seemingly unimportant things that you might otherwise miss.  This is not your typical novel.

Gary Gilmore is pastor of Bethesda Worship Center in Tahlequah, OK. A pastor for more than 40 years, Gary is an avid reader. Davis Bunn is his favorite author. He is the author of the Victory Ground blog.

Three Ways to Win 'Book of Dreams' This Week

Three bloggers are giving away copies of my new novel, Book of Dreams, this week (and more giveaways will be coming soon).

To enter their contests, leave a comment on their reviews of Book of Dreams. Why not increase your chances of winning and enter all three contests? Please tell your friends, so they can enter, too.

Giveaway Contest #1

"Book of Dreams is a thrilling page-turner that kept me reading (rather than dreaming) until late into the night."

-Karen Barnett, Writer, Blogger, Speaker

"Cannot Be Shaken"

For a chance to win Book of Dreams, enter Karen's giveaway contest, which closes Thursday, Oct 13, 2011 at noon Pacific Time. To enter, leave a comment which includes your name, e-mail address, and a description of a silly (or scary) dream that you've experienced. 

Giveaway Contest #2

Davis Bunn's "pace keeps readers turning pages for hours. In the story, a small group learns to pray, trust and follow God into adventures dictated by visions that come through the Books of Dreams. The plot involves romance, mystery, arson, thievery –and murder by a ghost-like assailant."

-Geni White, Independent Book Reviewer

"Books, Books, Books: Pits or Pearls?"

Click here to enter Geni's giveaway contest for a chance to win Book of Dreams.

Giveaway Contest #3

"A Christian Writer's World," written by award-winning novelist, Lena Nelson Dooley, is also giving away a copy of Book of Dreams this week. Click here to enter.

To ensure that you get the notifications for all the book giveaway contests that will be happening during October and November, click this link to subscribe to my blog via your feed reader, or to receive my latest posts in your Inbox: http://feeds.feedburner.com/DavisBunn