Davis Bunn's Blog, page 48

Historical Characters in 'The Hidden Flame' Complex and Thoroughly Explored, Says Reviewer

By Violet Nesdoly, Guest Reviewer

The year is 35 A.D.

The beautiful Jewess Abigail lives in Jerusalem within the despised community of Christ-followers known as the Way. In her role as helper of the poor, Abigail tries to keep a low profile.

But it is only a matter of time before she becomes the sought-after prize of both a Roman soldier and a Jewish merchant. With her guardian not heard from for two years, will she be able to hold them at bay? Or will she be forced to marry someone who opposes all she believes in and holds dear?

In The Hidden Flame, Davis Bunn and Janette Oke have written a story based on events from the early chapters of the Bible book of Acts. Though the book's main characters are fictional, this story has us rubbing shoulders with Martha, Peter, Stephen, Saul and other New Testament characters in a risk-riddled and action-packed story about the early church.

As a work of Bible fiction I enjoyed it as much as any I've read. Familiarity with the Bible story did make me privy to certain upcoming events, but instead of spoiling the story, the knowledge ramped up tension (much like when you've seen a character commit a murder and you know who did it but none of the other characters do).

The book of Acts is full of miracles, signs and wonders. I felt the authors handled the tricky presence of the supernatural well – managing to keep the integrity of the biblical account while making the events seem plausible…

…I enjoyed the way Bunn and Oke expanded and fleshed-out Bible characters like Stephen, Ananias and Sapphira. The authors brought the fictional main characters – Abigail, Ezra and Lunix – to life by presenting each one's part of the story from her or his point of view. I found the historical and fictional characters alike interesting, complex and thoroughly explored.

You'll want to continue reading Violet's complete and thorough review of The Hidden Flame at BlogCritics.org.

Violet Nesdoly freelances in several genres and has been published in a variety of print and online publications. She has also published two books of poetry and is an avid blogger. She lives near Vancouver, B.C. with her husband, is the mother of two adult children, and a grandmother. In her spare time she enjoys reading, going for walks, and photography. Visit her at http://violetnesdoly.com

**Note: Would you like to review one (or all) of the books in the Acts of Faith series — on your own blog and/or on my blog? If so, please notify my blog manager, Laura Christianson at Blogging Bistro, and she'll explain how to submit your review.

'The Centurion's Wife' Gets 5-Star Review

By Zijlia Kitshoff, guest reviewer

I just finished reading The Centurion's Wife, and was truly touched by the beautiful story in a fantastic setting. Sometimes it felt as if I could read the characters' minds.

The rich language paints a clear picture of the unfolding events and I could "see" the beauty and elegance through the authors' eyes.

I was swept up in Leah's story and enjoyed traveling with the characters.

Loved the romance that took me back in time. Loved the Bible history.

What a great read this book was. Set after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

* * * * * 5 stars!!!

Zijlia Kitshoff is an avid Christian fiction and non-fiction reader from Orlando, Florida. She simply enjoys reading, and believes fiction can be used for more than just leisure. It can inspire and thrill us for the right reasons. Davis Bunn is one of her favorite authors.

**Note: Would you like to review one (or all) of the books in the Acts of Faith series — on your own blog and/or on my blog? If so, please notify my blog manager, Laura Christianson at Blogging Bistro, and she'll explain how to submit your review.

Will the Storm Syrrell Adventures Continue?

Eve writes:

Is there a book three coming in the Storm Syrrell Adventures, as I enjoyed The Black Madonna but it left Storm up in the air regarding Raphael – and does he live?

My Response:

I am so very pleased that you have connected with the story and the characters. At present, I am planning to write a third and final book, but it must wait for at least another year, as the publishers have become extremely excited about a new story concept, and they are making this my release for next September. The title of that work is Book of Dreams.

And so, because you are going to have to wait so long, I will share one tiny secret with you.

Yes, Raphael lives.

Lyndi writes:

Just an FYI to your publisher (not just for your books), it would be really nice if on the cover or inside it would say if a book is in a series and what # it is in such.

I read Black Madonna and Gold of Kings in the wrong order, not a bad thing, as you did provide the background info for me to follow. But I didn't feel like Black Madonna ended. it left so many things hanging and I LONG for more.

PLEASE PLEASE continue to write this series, my husband and I both loved them and are eagerly awaiting more. Thanks for all your hard work in your books, it really shows and you by far are one of our favorite authors in the book club I run at our church.

My Response:

I agree, it's something they should do. I think they figured that since it said 'by the author of Gold of Kings' the order would be set. But when the third book comes out, I will make sure this happens.

The most important thing, however, is that you enjoyed both books. I'm so pleased to hear this. Thank you again for writing and letting me know.

Lyndi writes a second time:

Wow!  I really never expected you to write back!  And since my original email, we went to Jamaica and my husband read both books on the beach. He is a non-Christian and really enjoyed them as well.

Thanks again for being such an awesome writer that our book club at church really enjoys, every single one we have read.

My Response:

The nicest part of this email, Lyndi, is that you shared this with your husband. I'm thrilled to know that I've connected with you both, and on such different levels. I wish you both every good thing in the coming year.

One thing did occur to me just as I sent this out:  I often do phone-in interviews with reading groups. If your group decides to do another of my books, such as Lion of Babylon this summer, perhaps we can arrange for me to give a little talk.

Wishing for an Epilogue to 'The Black Madonna'

Laura writes:

I have to say that I certainly found myself wishing desperately for an epilogue after I read the last page of The Black Madonna.

I have never felt quite so much like I was left standing with one foot out over the precipice at the end of any of your other books as I did with this one. If powerful is what you were after, you definitely succeeded. I have since recovered and see it as another opportunity to let reflection on the story and imagination carry out what the ending did not. I am looking so forward to your new books that are on the way.

My Response:

It was so good to see you connect with the ending in this way, because this was precisely the reaction that I have hoped for—that people would complete the book and find themselves catapulted into carrying the message forward into their own minds and hearts.

Florida Today Newspaper Says Davis Bunn has 'Dual Appeal'

Friends,

I feel so honored that Florida's largest regional newspaper, Florida Today, chose to feature me on the front page of Sunday's "Life" section.

Titled "Melbourne Beach author Davis Bunn has dual appeal," the feature story by Chris Kridler opens as follows:

Davis Bunn is that rare novelist who travels two paths — writing inspirational fiction and mainstream thrillers — but walks both with a moral compass in hand.

"It's a question of degree," said Bunn, who has a home in Melbourne Beach and will lead a workshop at the Space Coast Writers' Guild conference Friday. "If I'm writing for the inspirational publisher, there's a clear statement of the faith issue. If I'm writing for the mainstream, I take what nowadays is called the 'Blind Side' approach," appealing to the audience that made the movie "The Blind Side" such an unexpected hit.

Here are some additional excerpts from the story that I thought you'd find interesting:

On writing my first novel:

"I'd had this idea for a story rattling around in my head, and I just started writing," he said. "I can still remember how the room smelled. . . . As soon as I started writing, I knew this was what I was going to do with the rest of my life. In that first moment, I could not believe how it felt."

Bunn learned to write without teachers, penning seven novels in nine years before he got "The Presence," an inspirational political thriller, published by Bethany House in 1990.

On being branded "the gentleman adventurer":

"I often think of Davis in terms of gentleman," [Carol] Johnson [former VP of editorial at Bethany House Publishers] said, "but it's such an old-fashioned word, I'm kind of reluctant to use it. It seems to suggest someone a lot more distant than he is. He's a very warm, caring person, and he's just helping people all the time."

On my life and travels:

At the house he shares with his wife, agent and sometime co-author, Isabella, on the ocean in south Melbourne Beach, the sound of the crashing surf seeps through the walls. This is their home and often their workplace, though Isabella, an international corporate attorney, also teaches ethics at Florida Tech.

For half the year, they live in England, where Bunn, 58, teaches writing at Oxford University. He's an engaging teacher, whether at workshops or through his blog.

On finding your flame as a writer:

Bunn teaches more at mainstream conferences than at Christian ones (he suggests major writing conferences are an aspiring writer's best door into the business).

"It is crucial that they come to understand what the flame is in them," he said of students, "why are they driven to write, what is the burning issue in them that creates this need to get it down on the page. Because over time, I may feel when I see some of these things that it has a self-destructive edge to it, but some of the greatest work I know has come from this, and it's not my position to judge."

On co-authoring novels with Janette Oke

Bunn has written or co-written more than 40 published novels, and he's written books under pen names, too.

He's been enormously successful with Oke, selling more than 2 million copies of their 12 books…

Now that Oke is retiring, Bunn isn't sure what his next inspirational book in that vein will be. "Lion of Babylon," an inspirational thriller, will come out in June, and Johnson said Bethany House is sending out its largest number of advanced reading copies ever of the book, because of editors' confidence in Bunn and in its crossover appeal.

I hope you'll read the entire article, "Melbourne Beach author Davis Bunn has dual appeal," and let me know what you think of it.

Romantic Times Gives 'The Damascus Way' 3 Stars

THE DAMASCUS WAY

by Davis Bunn, Janette Oke

Genre: Historical Romance, Inspirational

RT Rating 3 stars

Two of the biggest names in Christian literature team up to write the third Acts of Faith book. While detailed and filled with strong biblical ties, the numerous characters and various settings cause the tale's momentum to lag at times.

Julia has desired acceptance. When she learns of a rabbi who brings salvation, Julia becomes a follower of the Way. She is shocked to learn that her father has another wife and family, and to discover the truth about her parents' relationship.

Jacob works as a caravan guard for Julia's father, where he protects the most valuable treasure: frankincense. He is given the opportunity to deliver messages between believers, a dangerous task that could cost him his life. Jacob is shocked to discover that Julia is also a messenger. Did their paths cross for a divine purpose? (BETHANY HOUSE, Jan., 400 pp., $14.99)

Reviewed By: Leslie L. McKee

Treasure Dog Illuminates My View of History

In my novel, Gold of Kings, treasure hunter, Harry Bennett is modeled after real-life treasure dog, Bob Marks.

Bob got me fired up about treasure hunting, and I learned that for treasure dogs like him, it's not just about the find; Bob knows the fascinating stories behind each piece.

I hope you'll enjoy this video glimpse into the life of Bob Marks, treasure hunter. (You'll learn a bit about my writing life, too.)

Teaming with Janette Oke on 'The Damascus Way' is like "A Family Bonding"

Olivia writes:

I am so looking forward to reading The Damascus Way – you and Janette Oke do a wonderful job of "co-authoring." Would be very interesting to know how you do that.

I really loved the Acadia Series as well. I understand that this is the final book in the series? I get so involved in the characters in the books and the history that goes along with it, and so there is always a sense of loss when a series ends.

My Response:

Yes, this was always intended as a trilogy. I too am sorry to see this end, but Janette and I both feel that we are finishing this up on a strong note. Thankfully, the initial responses from the wider audience seems to confirm our impressions.

Janette and I have now co-authored a dozen books. Our partnership has evolved over the years, but several things have been mainstays since the very beginning. We begin each project with a time of prayer. We talk about the act of service as a component of our work together. And we hold fast to our focus upon God.

This has allowed us to look beyond the petty differences that inevitably arise during the creative process. It is much like a family bonding, as we share the creative process. So long as we maintain that vital perspective, that we work in service to the family of God, there is a remarkable ability to hold our vision upon the eternal.

Lal writes:

I will pray for you and Janette for strength and God's wisdom for the work you'll do to glorify Him.

My Response:

Thanks so much, Lal. That means the world.

Nicole writes:

I got The Damascus Way for Christmas. I loved it and enjoyed reading it as much as I did the first two!  It was so neat to read it after praying for you and Miss Janette during the writing/publishing process. God answers prayer. Thank you for an enjoyable and wholesome read!

My Response:

Thank you so much, both for the lovely wishes and for the news that you enjoyed our latest story. Janette and I are particularly pleased with this one, and it is wonderful to hear that it resonates with our readers.

Booklist Publishes Starred Review of 'The Damascus Way'

Bookist, a major publishing-industry journal, featured The Damascus Way in a "Starred Review":

Before Paul has his epiphany on the road to Damascus, he obsessively leads a seek-and-destroy mission against the early Christians as Saul of Tarsus, and his name alone instills fear in the hearts of even the most stalwart believers.

No one knows this better than Julia and Jacob. Julia is the indulged daughter of a wealthy merchant. She wishes for more time with her traveling father, until she makes a life-changing discovery: she and her mother are his second family, not his "real" one, and her parents aren't even married.

Shattered, she finds hope, as well as a new faith. Jacob, a Christian, has been hired by Julia's father to guard his caravan. Jacob and Julia are both secret messengers between scattered believers, though neither knows the other is. It's a dangerous life. Jacob and Julia are attracted to one another, but trust is a major issue.

A new underground religion, killer sandstorms, bandits, murderers, and zealous vigilantes make for exciting reading.

This book completes the Acts of Faith trilogy begun in The Centurion's Wife (2008) and continued in The Hidden Flame (2009)—an excellent set for every inspirational fiction reader.

Santa and Grandma (Guest Column by Bob Arnold)

This is just too good not to share. It comes via Bob Arnold of Atlanta, Georgia, a longtime fan and devourer of good books:

Santa & Grandma

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted. "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad. Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun.

"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days.

"Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.

I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.

Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he had no coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!

I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa's helpers. Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk.

Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his doorbell and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open.

Finally it did, and there stood Bobby. Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.

I still have the Bible, with the tag tucked inside: $19.95.