Hannah writes: 

What I find in your books that keeps me coming back (and looking forward to the next—write faster, please!) is that beautiful quality in each of your protagonists, that burning desire to hear the Lord, obey the Lord, and please the Lord.

It speaks deeply to my soul. It takes a certain spiritual discernment to write as you do and it’s completely refreshing. Those nine years spent writing seven novels were not for naught. I’ve just finished Hidden in Dreams, and the week before, Rare Earth. I didn’t realize both were sequels, but the continuation was seamless.

Hidden in Dreams touched me on many levels but I’ll only mention a few:

• Elena’s desire to know she was “hearing” the Lord correctly. Although the Spirit’s spoken to me many times, not always is the deepest meaning of his words clear. I could relate to Elena.
• My son, 22, has suffered over five years now with moderate-to-severe headaches brought on by his deep-seated fear of (facing) the future. I found myself wishing I could borrow your Dr. Elena for consultation. I’ve a suspicion she could go places the other counselors have been unable to.
• Showing the pervasive evil in our present world while acknowledging that God is in complete control and has, in fact, already claimed victory over evil.

Thank you for writing from the heart. With so many Christian publishers following the money and so many authors writing with little depth, you are like a glass of crystal cool water to this thirsty reader!  And I thank God for all he does through you so those of us who read your books can dwell on his goodness more and more!

Dear Hannah,

Seldom have I received such a lovely and all-encompassing email. Thank you so much for sharing from the heart, though it was hard to learn of your son’s current issues. I would be happy to share Elena with you, were it only possible.

Gary writes:

After reading two books about Marc Royce, I realize that of all your books and characters, he is the clearest picture of the man you have become. His strengths are those that I have pictured of you: take-charge, confidence under pressure, quick assessments with a plan to bring about the right course, spiritual to the core. Reading Lion of Babylon and Rare Earth has been like watching you in your day to day life. Of course, the adventure and danger are truly Marc’s, but the way he handles situations is truly Davis. Thanks so much for your fantastic writing, please don’t quit. I learn so very much about life.

Dear Gary,

While I am immensely grateful for this comparison to a former secret agent, who is trained in hand-to-hand combat and any number of guns, alas, that is not me.

I studied karate, yes. And I have friends on the force who take me out to the firing range and introduce me to their weapons. But I am a neophyte. I do it like I do all research, so there is this level of authenticity to the tale. But what you have described about Marc’s inner realm, that touched me deeply. I would like to think I have some small vestige of these traits.

Charis writes:

I got a copy of your book, The Presence (TJ Case Series #1), from a friend last Sunday, and it has upset my week.

I am a Christian, have been for nearly 20 years; pastor’s wife right now. Your description of TJ’s relationship with the Lord is almost too true to believe. So easy. Is it really that easy to stay in experience the Presence on a daily basis? I want that.

I think that most of my life has been like Jeremy. And, as Reverend Wilkins said, it takes a strong man to follow the quieter voice of the Lord. I do not possess that kind of strength. But I do know that I want the Presence, quiet or otherwise, every day.

Dear Charis,

There are certain times when I read responses from readers, and feel as though my responsibility as a believer and writer have been met, at least in this person’s heart.

Jeremy does indeed represent for me and many others the disciple’s heart, where things are far from clear, but there is a true conviction that service and support, harmony and strength-giving, are essential elements to coming closer to the divine will.

I personally feel that those who do not hear the divine voice are in fact the stronger, just as the Scriptures tell us, for they follow through faith alone. It can be an arid walk, the path rough, the going sometimes in utter dark save for the heart’s lone candle illuminating just that one next step.

And yet by following His lead, and remaining true in the depths of hardship and yearning, I believe the servant becomes the true recipient of the kingdom. I truly do believe.