By Carol Kelley
Guest Reviewer

I love reading great books, whether reconnecting with an old favorite or discovering something new. Recently I became reacquainted with one of my favorite authors, Davis Bunn. His recent novel, Hidden in Dreams, combines fascinating subject matter and memorable characters with a suspenseful plot. I was hooked from the first chapter!

You can count on Davis Bunn’s books to deliver an action-packed read, and Hidden in Dreams is certainly no exception. The story centers on Dr. Elena Burroughs, professor, psychologist, dream interpretation expert and author. She is hearing alarming reports – numerous individuals scattered across the globe are all experiencing the same disturbing dream.

Then Elena’s own nightmares begin. Could they be legitimate prophetic warnings, or perhaps something more sinister?

Her faith, friendships, and professional principles are all about to be severely tested.

Hidden in Dreams speaks to current economic and political challenges with amazing accuracy, yet without lapsing into a doomsday mentality. As you read, you will find yourself drawn into Elena’s challenge to differentiate between subtle shades of truth and error, and your own powers of discernment will be tested along with hers.

Dream interpretation can be extremely subjective, as Dr. Burroughs knows. She learns to trust her intuition and discern what is true, and also comes to value the prayers and perceptions of trusted friends.

I give Hidden in Dreams a 4 star (out of 5) rating. While I devoured the book eagerly, some of the descriptions and dialogue were a bit clichéd. But I applaud Davis Bunn for writing a well-researched, fast-paced novel about dream interpretation.

This topic is of great personal interest to me. My husband and I both firmly believe that God wishes to communicate with his children; dreams are one way that he can convey truth to us. I appreciate that Bunn outlined some historical and spiritual principles for interpreting dreams, while also emphasizing the importance of exercising sound discernment. In life as in dream interpretation, things are not always as they first appear!

This review was originally published on Carol Kelley’s blog, Global Vision Connection. Reprinted with permission from the author.

By Mary A. Hake
Guest Reviewer

Davis Bunn’s books never disappoint. Intrigue and danger stalk the characters through this suspenseful novel. Marc Royce, whom we met in Bunn’s masterpiece Lion of Babylon, is geared for another wild adventure—this time in Kenya.

Are those dispatched to aid native refugees somehow involved in further disrupting their fragile lives? US and the UN involvement up the perilous stakes, and Royce wonders whom he can truly trust.

Forging ahead amidst chaotic circumstances, Royce works to bring hope and justice to the group he’s sent to assist. Impressed by Charles, the native pastor, and Philip, the wise young head chief, Royce works with them to solve a problem much larger than he expected to uncover. He also falls for the Jewish Christian relief worker, Kitra, whose brother has gone missing.

Bunn, as usual, weaves an involved plot into a fascinating story filled with thought-provoking issues. Philip had dreamed of a hero who would deliver his people, a shujaa. He told Royce that Royce must decide if he was ready for this role. They both knew the true meaning of a real hero—sacrifice. Royce proves his willingness and ability to give his all to the task.

Some violence is involved, of course, but I appreciate the author skipping explicit details.

This book was just announced as a Christy finalist in the Suspense category. Congratulations to one of my favorite authors!

By Debbie Jansen
Guest Reviewer

Davis Bunn is becoming one of my favorite authors.  Not just because I like good fiction, but because his stories can target an important issue in my own life.

In Rare Earth the main character, Marc Royce resembles a lot of Christians.  He wants to make a difference in his world.  He wants to help struggling people.  Unfortunately Marc Royce didn’t have the skills necessary for the job he felt called to do.  When an earthquake and volcano devastated an area between Kenya and Uganda– Marc volunteered to step out of his comfort zone and take emergency supplies to hurting people.

Marc knew his decision to go could mean his life.  Marc knew he would be hated by workers from the U.N.  Marc understood he was untrained and unprepared.  Yet, he went.

In the first chapter I totally identified with Marc.  I’ve experienced times when I stepped out and stood on the volunteer line.  I was nervous, anxious, feeling alone and yet very much alive.  When I’m at my most vulnerable, that’s when God shows up.

In chapter two Marc is faced with a dangerous situation.  It could mean his life as well as the lives of other workers.  He had to become a leader or get ready to die.  I smiled and whispered “YES!” when God showed up in Marc’s actions.  He took control of the situation.  He bellowed orders and was very different from the Marc of the first chapter.  I’ve experienced that kind of “God” calling situation and it’s a Christian high that can’t be replicated.  It is very true that God equips those he calls.

Parents….this book will be a great gift for your teen. While I’ll leave the nail-biting details a mystery, I am impressed with Bunn’s ability to lead the reader to think deeply about their own “mission” from God.  Through the entire book I wondered if I was on track with God’s plan for my life.  I’ve been a Christian for 54 years, yet this exciting book challenged my resolve.

Teens (and some adults) question God on a regular basis.  Should I do this?  Can I be strong?  Will God protect me?  Is this for real?  It’s important that we find answers to those questions based in truth.  Davis Bunn masterfully guides you through those questions building the reader’s desire to follow God’s path.  It’s an exciting story that will lead you to a clear understanding of God’s calling in your own life.

Please…get the book Rare Earth!  Not only will you have a great time but you will close the back cover with a new resolve to be all that God has called you to be.

This review was originally published on Debbie Jansen’s blog, “The Mommy Detective.” Reprinted with permission from the author.

Characters You Can Care About

By Michelle Vasquez, Life in Review

Hidden in Dreams  is a fast-paced, action-packed suspense thriller that seems all too realistic in the times we live in.

Dr. Elena Burroughs is trying to make a fresh start with her life. She accepted a position as a professor at Atlantic Christian University and has settled into her new home in Florida. Then she is approached by Rachel Lamprey, who was her best friend’s sister, but is nothing at all like Miriam was. The woman is demanding and cold, and insists that Elena help her with a top secret issue that has come up with her company’s recent product testing.

In the past Elena has been known for her work with dream interpretation. One of Rachel’s test subjects is experiencing a recurring and realistic dream about economic disaster. When Elena gets involved they discover other people around the globe who are having the exact same dream, and Elena begins to have it too. As she searches for answers, things become more and more grave turning this into a fight for their lives.

I very highly recommend this book and give it 4/5 stars! The writing is outstanding as always from Davis Bunn who never fails to entertain and impress me with his writing talent. I love suspense but I’m also a very character-driven reader. I have to care about the characters in order to really enjoy a story, and this one definitely had characters that I liked, related to, and cared about. I liked Elena right from the beginning. I was drawn into the story emotionally because I felt so connected to her. I felt her emotions, turmoil, and fear.

The story hooked me right from the start, and I could hardly put it down because I had to know what was going to happen. The story line with potential world-wide economic disasters was very relevant considering the state of our world today. That made this book all the more compelling. I have been a long time fan of Davis Bunn’s books. He writes a wide range of Christian fiction from historical/Biblical fiction to suspense thrillers and I enjoy them all. I always look forward to reading anything he writes.

Ripped from the Headlines

By Lena Nelson Dooley, A Christian Writer’s World

When I started reading Hidden in Dreams, I felt it could have been ripped from the headlines. And I wondered where Davis Bunn was taking the story. Very soon, the book moved into the realm of suspense. I don’t want to ruin the suspense or the story by telling you too much. So I’ll just tell you how I feel about the story and the writing.

As usual, Davis Bunn’s writing is superb, with excellent pacing. My own writing limits my reading time, so I am only able to choose few of the books I really want to read. And I can’t waste my time on books without all the elements I like in a story. This book contained them all in a pleasing balance.

Besides a dynamite story, I want strong characters. Most of the main characters must know the Lord and live out their dilemmas with a Christian world view. They have faults and can question God’s presence in their lives. And in this story, they do. These characters grow through the story.

I like a plot line that keeps me turning pages. I loved this one so much, I finished reading it during the lulls of a baseball game, which I really love.

And the story has to have a romance. Mr. Bunn handled this romantic thread masterfully. The romance doesn’t have to overshadow the suspense, and it didn’t, but it was strong anyway.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more about these characters.

Lena Nelson Dooley is the award-winning author of Maggie’s Journey, Mary’s Blessing, and Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico (www.lenanelsondooley.com)

By Diana Williams, To Plant a Seed

Twists. Turns. International intrigue. Adventure. Environmental disaster. Rare Earth has all of them. It has been many years since I have read a story that I could not anticipate what would happen next. Bunn has told a story with well-crafted characters and realistic settings. Though I have never been to Kenya, Bunn put me there.

About Rare Earth

Marc Royce stares out of the helicopter, a sense of foreboding rising with the volcanic cloud. Below, the Rift Valley slashes across Africa like a scar. Decades of conflicts, droughts, and natural disasters have left their mark.

Dispatched to audit a relief organization, Royce is thrust into the squalor and chaos of Kenyan refugee camps. But his true mission focuses on the area’s reserves of once-obscure minerals now indispensable to high-tech industries. These strategic elements—called rare earth—have inflamed tensions on the world’s stage and stoked tribal rivalries. As Royce prepares to report back to Washington, he seizes on a bold and risky venture for restoring justice to this troubled land.

But this time, Royce may have gone too far.

I give Rare Earth 4.6 stars

Why 4.6 stars?

Characterization: 5 stars

I have worked in response to natural disasters and despite the strain of the situation there are human relationships that just naturally form. Bunn masterfully brings out these bonds between soldiers and agents and men and women as they respond to the disaster. He then takes it to another level by adding in a layer of government corruption and international greed.

Creativity: 5 stars

Bunn gives us a rare glimpse into what can happen when multiple cultures come to faith in one Savior—centuries of hatred is broken down and unity arises.

Content suitable to a diverse audience: 4 stars

Though the book underlines the Christian faith it shows us what it looks like when other faiths come to believe in Jesus. We get to see through their culture.

Command of language: 4 stars

Bunn’s command of the language paints and contrasts the darkness of an erupting volcano and the hope arising in Marc Royce as he heals from the loss of his wife. My only reason for not giving him five stars is I thought some of the language of a soldier was not fitting. Otherwise his language takes the reader on a ride through Africa.

Connection to current issues: 5 stars

I believe this book reflects current issues because we are living in a time of multiple natural disasters around the globe and corruption is not as rare as we wished.

Diana K. Williams is a former Environmental Scientist who now pursues writing full-time. By God’s grace she is a past winner of Writer’s Digest Magazine’s annual writing competition. She blogs at www.ToPlantASeed.com

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

Friends,

I have recently received several new reader reviews of Hidden in Dreams. Below, you’ll find excerpts from the reviews. I urge you to click the links at the end of each excerpt to read the full review at the authors’ blogs.  -Davis

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“Dr. Elena Burroughs is presented with a calling to help the world.  She will have to make the choice to come out of the shadows or watch the world suffer.  A financial crisis is looming unless someone takes a stand and discovers the truth about specific dreams happening all around the globe.

It’s a riveting story that will invade your opinions about the plight of America, the elections and your Christian witness.  I could easily see myself in the role of Dr. Burroughs.  When I turned the last page of the book, I immediately prayed that God would keep me strong and help me to be ‘A tough soldier for Him.’”

-Debbie Jansen, The Mommy Detective

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“The spiritual elements aren’t just inserted here and there, but are woven naturally throughout the book. In fact, the book would not be complete without the faith of the characters…If you are enjoy contemporary Christian novels, especially those with a little mystery and inspired by our current economic environment, you’ll love this book.”

-Jocelyn Green

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“Do dreams foretell the future? Can people of faith affect a possible global crisis? Fast-paced and laced with supernatural elements, Hidden in Dreams is a remarkable story.”

-Julie  Cannon

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“The book was fast-paced and the plot well-developed with a few great twists to keep me interested and engaged in the book through to the end.”

Lynn Dove, Word Salt

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Here’s the trailer for Hidden in Dreams

Friends,

I’d like to share with you some reviews of Rare Earth I’ve received recently.

-Davis

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Marc Royce is a troubleshooter, and from the time he lands in the Rift Valley in Kenya, he is in trouble. He was expecting the poverty and wretchedness of the refugee camp he was sent to, purportedly to audit a relief organization, but he was not expecting Kitra Korban nor the adventures they would share.

He meets tribal councils, the “rulers” of Kenya, and the powers behind all action there. He has harrowing escapes, goes on exciting escapades, and escalates U.S. action in the area.

Rare Earth is a thriller and a romance, and rarely predictable – I could not put it down, nor could the other two readers in my household. My husband, after raving about the book, when asked to give it from 1 to 5 stars, gave it 4.5 stars.

When I asked him why, he replied, “Because it ended!”

Run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookstore or click immediately to purchase this book – you won’t want to miss it!

- Deb Haggerty

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I am a fan of Davis Bunn books but I think having not read the precursor to this book, Lion of Babylon, I missed out on how Davis developed his Marc Royce character in the first book. As such I thought the characterization in Rare Earth a little weak. That said, I thought the story-line was good with Royce working for the State Department and sent to Africa to uncover corruption in the squalor of hunger-ravaged and crowded refugee camps.

Davis’ vivid setting descriptions transports the reader to experience the camps, the sights, the sounds, the smells all coming to life in a way the reader feels like they are walking the landscape with the characters.

It was a great plot, and I definitely appreciated the fact that Marc Royce’s faith was strongly evident throughout the book. It wasn’t preachy but it was definitely a factor that had him stand out amongst the people he encountered.

Rare Earth is another fast-paced novel by Davis Bunn and for the most part was a very enjoyable read.

-Lynn Dove, Word Salt

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Video trailer of Rare Earth:

By Sarah Gunning Moser, Family Education Services

It is not often that I find a story “haunting” me, but both of Mr. Bunn’s books in this series do. With disturbing current economic forecasts as a backdrop, Hidden in Dreams is both astonishing and chilling, fiction thought it may be.

I admit I am a “sold out” fan of Bunn’s work. His ability to weave current events into a powerful story is notable, his pacing and characterization compelling. This book is no exception.

PICKS UP AFTER THE BOOK OF DREAMS

Hidden in Dreams picks up where Book of Dreams left off. Bunn reintroduces us to some familiar characters, including protagonist Dr. Elena Burroughs, an internationally known expert on dream interpretation. As with many other people, she has frightening dreams about a coming worldwide economic collapse. As the story progresses, Elena finds these dreams are a plague of recurring nightmares.

EVIDENCE MOUNTS WHERE TERROR BEGINS

Elena has her own personal terrors: a dear friend recently died, she is not sure which key person in her life is trustworthy, and her love life is in limbo. These events intertwine with the growing body of people having the exact same dream as Elena’s, and the evidence mounts that there is a specific and frightening message inherent in these dreams. Elena at first thinks she has it decoded, but through a series of circumstances the reader must discover, she begins doubting even her own thoughts. Elena has been down similar roads before and has survived them, but this is different. Even in the opening chapter, Bunn hooks us in with this stunning image of the protagonist:

“The previous year had basically been a disaster. Elena considered herself an optimist by nature, tempered by a hefty dose of realism. But she had no trouble with the truth, even when it bent and twisted her most recent memories into a torrent as steady as the rainfall beyond the classroom window.” [page 2]

A DEFTLY WOVEN STORY

Bunn leads us a merry chase through an international setting, rife with scientists, university professors, pharmaceutical researchers, Elena’s friends…and treachery. The author’s knack for keeping his readers guessing does not let up in this book and is one of the aspects of his writing I enjoy the most. At times he deftly creates intimacy with his characters, alternately describing the person and allowing us to understand them.

CLARITY

When Elena has dinner with the president of the college where she teaches, we experience a moment of clarity for her:

“What [Elena] heard was a current that ran far deeper than the spoken words. Here were people she could trust, she decided. Either she opened up, or she didn’t. They would not pry. But as she listened to the talk and the quiet laughter, there in the ruddy glow of flickering candles, she saw the faces of friends she had yet to truly know.” [page 92]

THE STAKES INCREASE

Tension mounts and the stakes increase. Elena and her compatriots must decide what to do about the growing phenomenon of frightening, debilitating dreams being reported from around the world. But on whom can she depend? One wrong step will sink her and possibly others. Bunn hauls us through this riveting story to uncover what Elena does. Hidden in Dreams is an exciting read, unusual in its structure and premise. Don’t miss this one.

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

By Lena Nelson Dooley
Guest Reviewer

My friend, Lisa Harris, is a missionary in Africa and writes Christian suspense novels set in Africa. So I’ve really learned to love novels set there.

Rare Earth by Davis Bunn is set in Africa. The story pulled me straight into the heart of the people, who have been displaced and had their land stolen from them. I know that the conditions he created in his book are mirrored in several parts of that continent.

I loved the fast-paced plot line that could have been ripped from the headlines. Exploitation and corrupt government officials are often found in many of the countries in Africa. And international aid workers are active just as they were in the book.

I especially like the way Mr. Bunn revealed the divergent paths trod by the poor as opposed to the wealthier people in the area. He made the setting so real that I could almost taste the dust and smell the volcanic eruptions. He even wove in some of the legends of the natives.

The suspense element kept me guessing for a large part of the story. And the characters leapt from the pages and performed feats of valor right in front of my eyes.

There was just the right balance between the spiritual thread and the character development. And no book would be complete for me without a romantic thread woven through. He did a masterful job of that as well.

I highly recommend Rare Earth to discerning readers.

Lena Nelson Dooley is the award-winning author of Maggie’s Journey, Mary’s Blessing, and Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico (www.lenanelsondooley.com )

By Stacey Shannon, Written Creations, LLC

My entire life I’ve had vivid dreams.  Sometimes I am active in my sleep as well.  There have been some times when I’ve woken my husband up screaming at the top of my lungs or yelling for him to “Watch out!”  When I’m pregnant, my dreams are even more vivid.  Sometimes I wish for a night without dreams just so I can feel more rested when I wake up.

So when I got a chance to read the latest book by Davis Bunn, Hidden in Dreams, I was interested.  I’ve read books by Bunn before.  What I like is that he’s a Christian author without being super preachy.  He uses modern settings.  He writes books that are intriguing and thrilling.  They keep me turning the pages time after time.

This latest book was no different.  In fact, when I was near the end I had an evening I planned to read for 30 minutes before bed.  However, I stayed up an hour later because I just had to finish the book.  That’s the kind of book I like.  I also had moments while reading the book that took me time to get back to reality because I was so into the fictional world Bunn created.  I call that good writing — and I’m sort of picky about writing.  I can’t turn off my inner editor.

Hidden in Dreams is actually a sequel to Book of Dreams.  I was told you don’t have to have read the first book for the second one to make sense.  I haven’t read the first book, and I can say that is true.  I had no trouble understanding this book at all.

The story centers around Dr. Elena Burroughs, the world’s foremost expert on dream analysis.  Bunn uses the current economic crisis and weaves a story of dreamers all around the globe have the same dream foretelling great global financial ruin.  There are many twists and turns and controversies in the book.

Just when I thought it was headed in one direction, it took a turn to another direction.  I like that.  That keeps me reading.  In fact, I don’t want to say much more to ruin the suspense of the book.  (This is coming from someone who doesn’t read book jackets before reading a book because I want to be completely surprised by a book.  Of course, this doesn’t always work out well!)

It was definitely a page-turner and well worth the read.  It’s also a pretty quick read.  With a nearly 3-year-old daughter, I don’t have as much time for reading as I used to and I think I finished this book within about a week.  Pretty remarkable around here these days!  I was left wanting more.

And it has left me continuing to think about my dreams.  I’m not the only one.  Just today in perusing Facebook before getting on task and getting my work done, I read two posts about dreams from others.  Dreams are universal.  I think we all wonder at some point what dreams me.  I’ve kept a dream journal in the past.  Sometimes that helps dreams make sense.  I’ve had dreams over the last few weeks where I was sobbing because something happened to my husband.  I realized this week it’s probably because we’re talking with our insurance agent right now about life insurance.  My subconscious is dealing with those fears that are there whether I sit and dwell on them or not.

If I were to rate Hidden in Dreams, I’d give it a four out of five stars.  I’m knocking one star off just because sometimes the challenges faced by the main character were just too many.  However, I’m hoping there will be a third book in the series.  I’d definitely pick it up!

What’s hidden in your dreams?

Stacey A. Shannon, M.A., is a freelance journalist who has had more than 800 articles in various local, regional, national and international publications.  She blogs bi-weekly about motherhood and life at www.writtencreations.com/blog

*This review was originally published on Stacey’s blog. Reprinted with permission from the author.