Amanda Brogan is a freelance writer and blogger, a health freak, coffee addict, and all-around Jesus fanatic. Her goal in all her writing is to share Christ with her readers, encouraging the saved and saving the lost. Some of her award-winning short stories and articles can be found by visiting www.FaithWriters.com.

These reviews were originally published on Amanda’s blog, Walking the Narrow Way. Reprinted with permission from the author.

Book of Dreams

What if you had a choice … a choice to hear the voice of God speaking to the deepest crevices of your soul?

What if you were given a book, a centuries-old heirloom that is a meticulous and perfect copy of the original … and what if you were told that God may choose to speak to you through that book?

What if all you had to do … was listen? Listen. And dream.

This is the choice Dr. Elena Burroughs is presented with upon receiving a priceless treasure from a dear family friend who believes that Elena may be “the one” chosen to unlock its secrets.

For seventy-two of her eighty-one years, Miriam, a seasoned and saucy woman with a successful counseling career, has viewed a shining gift as a shadowy burden. Now ready to be free of the enigmatic book, she passes it on to Elena, certain that her goddaughter possesses the gift of interpretation necessary to discern the meaning behind the calligraphic writings. There’s more to the book than jeweled covers and fancy lettering. Could it be that an ancient prayer written in its original language is the key to unearthing a plot against the world’s economy?

Thrust into an unwanted leadership position, Elena must learn to surrender her fear of change and her aversion to letting anyone get close. As her trusted pastor friend so wisely conveys: “God has drawn you out of your comfort zone. Get used to it. I doubt it will be the last time.”

Ranging from the grand and historical brick abodes of London to England’s back hills to Italian mansions, Book of Dreams will steal your breath with its setting and enrapture your mind with its deep theological themes. (Plus, any story with such a copious supply of British accents, rain-drenched backgrounds, and coffee gets mega awesome points in my book.)

A definite five stars! Book of Dreams is a priceless treasure worth reading.

Hidden in Dreams

It looms on the horizon, black and sinister, churning through the atmosphere and masking all that it touches in shadows of doom and deadly uncertainty. Circling the land like a beast stalking its prey, the hurricane surges closer and closer to the Florida coast, threatening to level everything in its wake.

For Dr. Elena Burroughs, the almost sadistic storm system is but a single raindrop in her bucket of worries. A much larger storm is brewing, far more power-hungry … and far more deadly.

“It all came down to the dreams. And her own next step. The prospect of what awaited her was wrenching.”

As we re-enter Elena’s life in this sequel to Book of Dreams, she is steadily attempting to piece her shattered world back to a semblance of normalcy. After a fizzled romance, shelved friendships, a tanked career, along with the loss of her home and nearly all her possessions, the world’s leading authority on dream analysis has only one remaining option – the dreaded spotlight.

With no job and virtually no one to turn to except her ever-persistent editor, Elena reluctantly agrees to a worldwide publicity tour … one that leaves her drained and emotionally raw, not to mention humiliated by a demeaning and obnoxious scientific colleague.

A glimmer of hope shines through the wreckage when Elena is offered a professorship at a Melbourne college campus. But no sooner has she filtered back through the cracks and slipped momentarily underneath the fame radar than a peculiar bit of her past creeps back into her new life.

Elena is dreaming again.

But she’s not the only one experiencing the prophetic dreams … more than a dozen people from around the world with no prior connection to each other are now assaulted by the same dreams. Worst of all, these vivid nightmares are beginning to come true.

Forced once again to serve as reluctant leader of an unlikely group, Elena feels less prepared than ever before. How can she, with a faith gone dry, find the strength and guidance to lead such a group? Especially when that group’s most compelling urge is to warn the world of the encroaching disaster.

“… right now, all I can tell you is, God has never felt more silent.”

The clock is ticking and Elena must seek out the truth harder than ever before if she is to discover why she and the other “dreamers” have been granted the ability to see the future. And more importantly, what they can do to prevent the coming storm from destroying them all.

Personally, I didn’t enjoy this book quite as immensely as its predecessor, but that’s not to say that Hidden in Dreams isn’t amazing in its own right. Still packed with peppy dialogue and timeless Biblical truth (not to mention a few startling plot twists that’ll have your brain doing an about-face), this novel oozes quality and talent.

I’m giving Hidden in Dreams a very unsubtle five stars as well as two thumbs up to Davis Bunn!

By Nona King, Word Obsession

I love strong men of action who are not ashamed of the tender sides of their nature. In Marc Royce, the hero of Rare Earth, I found the best of both worlds. In fact, he reminded me of my husband of six years (fellow writer, 82nd airborne infantry, navy cryptographer, regional safety manager).

Marc Royce is a tantalizing balance of action, courage, tenderness, faith, and honor. While the story of Rare Earth had me by the scruff and dragged me along in its wake, I relished the character development of Marc and being welcomed to watch his growth and healing.

The book was set in Africa, Israel, and Nairobi and never once did I feel confusion about where we were in the story or where we were going. The descriptions were wonderfully crafted, simple, and so delightfully easy to imagine, even though I had never been there (laughs as she hears her husband “la la la-ing” upstairs while grabbing his coffee). That is one thing I love about Davis Bunn’s writing style, his adept handling of descriptions.

His character development is another favorite, as it is my favorite aspect of the writing journey.

My only frown with the story came at the end, but it left me hoping and praying for another episode of the Marc Royce adventure. In fact, it has made me put Lion of Babylon on my Nookcolor wishlist, always a precious instance when you can find a favorite author!

Overall rating: 4.5 stars out of 5, if not for that disappointing ending, I would have given it a 5!

Would I read it again: Yes!

Would I recommend it to others: Definitely!

This review was originally published on Nona’s blog, Word Obsession. Reprinted with permission from the author.

By Nona King, author of the Word Obsession blog

These reviews were originally published on Nona’s blog. Reprinted with permission from the author.

Book of Dreams

It isn’t often I read a book that balances thrills, faith, and romance in an entirely believable package. But that is what Davis Bunn does in Book of Dreams. The main character, Elena, does not come across as pious or unsympathetic. She is real, she has doubts, and she suffers fears and conflicts of faith just as any of us.

Davis Bunn has a compelling voice and style of writing. It draws the reader into the lives of the characters in such a way that you cannot help but continue to turn the pages. You root and rave for the end game, heart palpitating and mouth dry as the thrills and suspense hammer at your imagination.

In addition to his compelling style is the true-to-life conflict his characters are facing. It is a gentle shake to the shoulders and – almost – a call to arms for our own economical plight for this country.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Would I read it again: Definitely

Would I recommend it to others: A resounding ‘yes’!

Hidden in Dreams

While this installment was not as captivating from the first page as the first book, Book of Dreams, I continued reading due to my connection with the main character, Dr. Elena Burroughs. I wanted to see how the possibilities had come to fruition from the first book. To see her happy and healing.

Unfortunately, or fortunately for this book, those happy possibles had not come to pass, throwing me into the immediate area of sympathy and compassion. Then, as the conflicts began to arise, and other possibilities, my interest grew.

I am uncertain what could have been done differently to inspire a stronger interest in the main plot, but I must say that the suspense in the final chapter was much more engaging than that of book 1. Sequels have such a hard act to follow, and while I don’t believe this sequel fully attained its potential, I enjoyed the romantic twist – it certainly felt more fulfilling! – and the curve ball in the latter chapters.

Davis Bunn has an engaging way with characters and descriptions, presenting both in a way that is personal without bogging down the story. As in the first book, Hidden in Dreams is another story that brings the current economic crisis to a different view, stressing the importance of prayer and faith in these trying times.

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. If I hadn’t needed to fight with my interest, this easily could have received 5 stars. But because of the mentioned “curve ball,” the extreme conflict in the final chapter, and satisfying resolve to the romance, I think it deserves the 4.5 rating.

Would I read it again? Definitely

Would I recommend it to others? Yes!

By Beckie Burnham, author of the By the Book blog

Hidden in Dreams is the second book to feature clinical psychologist and expert in dream analysis, Elena Burroughs. (See my review of Book of Dreams HERE.) In this sequel, Davis Bunn again explores the world of dreams, but ratchets up the suspense level even more.

Elena is now a professor at a small college on the east coast of Florida after the loss of her job, home and promising relationship. Bone weary and emotionally spent, Elena wants more than anything to rest and recover from a humiliating public debate and a grueling book tour. But a visit from the sister of an old friend pulls her back into the unwanted spotlight as a series of dreams affecting people worldwide seems to foretell a world-wide economic crisis.

Bunn brings to life a world rattled by a coming economic disaster that is complicated by disturbing visions in dreamers worldwide. What ensues is a nightmare of bank runs, market manipulation and an ominous global countdown to disaster.

The characters are well-developed and exhibit all the emotions — doubt, fear and uncertainty — that accompany the surreal situation. Many of the characters must confront firmly held beliefs and decide just how much they are in charge of their lives. The action is non-stop and full of twists and turns that keep the reader glued to the page and guessing. And like dreams themselves, one never knows just what is real.

If you like suspense that makes you think, pick up Hidden in Dreams.

Recommended.

Friends,

I’d like to share with you excerpts from several reader reviews of Rare Earth that I’ve received recently. One of the reviewers is hosting a contest you can enter to win a copy of Rare Earth (scroll through the excerpts to find the contest link).

Several of these excerpts include links to blogs at which an extensive review has been published. I urge you to visit those blogs to read their complete reviews.

Davis

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“Mr. Bunn does a great job in detailing the life of a refugee camp in the Kenyan bush. You can feel the poverty, the misery and the hopelessness reigning in these camps. The story develops slowly, and is mostly character-driven, unlike many thrillers who focus only on the plot. The language and the action flows well, and there are plenty of surprises for the reader.”

-Ethan Jones, Ethan Jones Books

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“I felt like I was right there in Africa with Marc Royce as I read Davis Bunn’s intricate details, the rich sensory imagery. I give Davis Bunn five stars for a fast-paced story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.”

-Julie L. Cannon

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“…The believers in Rare Earth share the fundamental conviction that God is definitely in control of all things and people. To me, this was the strongest element of the story.”

-Beckie Burnham, By The Book

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“…Full of mysterious adventure that throws the characters into dangerous situations, and with a little romance added to boot, the author keeps your interest in his usual unique way.”

-Joy Hannabass, Splashes of Joy (click “Splashes of Joy” to enter Joy’s contest by September 15, 2012).

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“…A novel rich in the sights, sounds and smells of Africa. The reader feels as if he is fighting alongside the characters experiencing all that they are experiencing.  You feel and see the poverty, the hunger, the hopelessness of the people and the strength and the faith of the believers who work together to overcome the strife and corruption…”

-Cindy Suite, Cyndecat’s Reading

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“The novel contains a hint of romance with a surprise ending. Throughout the book there is a strong contrast between those who honor God and those who seek their own ends… If you like mysteries, you’ll like Rare Earth.

-Gene Mamau

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“I enjoy a good “adventure” novel featuring a main character who seems to love taking on the world. Usually those characters have a well-defined sense of their own prowess. But Marc Royce, the main character in Rare Earth by Davis Bunn, does not fit that picture. He’s a man looking for purpose after the death of his wife. He started to see some of what God had planned for him in Lion of Babylon. But in Rare Earth, he is face-to-face with much more than he expected. And he learns that with God he is able to face impossible odds . . . and come out on top.”

-Marjorie Vawter, The Writer’s Tool

Friends,

Here are several new reader reviews of Hidden in Dreams.

A Rare Coupling of Science and the Divine

By Diana Williams, To Plant A Seed

Prior to reading Davis Bunn’s Hidden in Dreams I was convinced the only way unrelated people around the globe could experience the same terrifying dream on the same night was through divine intervention. After reading Bunn’s new book I am not so sure of that. Though I believe foretelling the future through dreams is possible, Bunn draws from his rich past in international finance and pharmaceuticals to present another possibility.

Hidden in Dreams follows Dr. Elena Burroughs, a clinical psychologist, as she and her collaborators race to find the source of these dreams that seem to be foretelling worldwide financial collapse, a timely topic in today’s economic atmosphere. Bunn is not afraid to use Burroughs’s spiritual connection to God in the quest. I especially liked this since I have a scientific background, and the stereotype is that scientists are not believers.

Bunn also weaves a subplot in which Dr Burroughs is overcoming personal, emotional, and financial hardship. This gives the story gravity, as real life rarely waits for one to overcome personal challenges before dishing out more through world events or one’s career.

Overall I give Hidden in Dreams 4 stars.

Why 4 stars:

Characterization: 4 stars
Overall the characters seemed realistic in that they were well-developed though I would like to have seen more conflict within some of the characters, i.e. flaws in the good guys and good traits in the bad guys

Creativity:  5 stars
Though God has called Bunn to be a writer, he has had to develop that gift. Having a past career in international finance and running an international business advisory group gives him an understanding that makes this story realistic.

Content suitable to a diverse audience:  3 stars
Because of the strong Christian content I think the target readership is narrow but seekers may be drawn to this book.

Command of language:  3 stars
This was the one area in which I was disappointed. I felt Bunn did more “telling” than “showing” the story, and because of it I was not as pulled into the story as I was hoping to have been. In my opinion, and keep in mind it is just my opinion, this is not one of his best renderings.

Connection to current issues: 5 stars
Since present economic conditions are strained worldwide, this story is timely. Bunn said in an interview, “My dream is that long after the book is set down… there are still images that surface, lessons that can be drawn…” He achieved that with this reader as I know economies can, and usually are, manipulated, but now I wonder just how far some people/governments will go.

Diana Williams took an early retirement in March 2012 from her vocation as an Environmental Scientist to pursue the thing she cannot NOT do—tell stories. By God’s grace she is a past winner of Writer’s Digest Magazine’s annual writing competition.

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Yes, I will re-read it!

By Karen Linton

Yes, I will re-read it!

That’s how I really measure a book. Will I re-read it? Is it worth buying a copy (as opposed to reading the library’s only) and keeping it at home? For Hidden in Dreams, the answer is yes.

I finished the book on Monday or Tuesday, but have spent the days since digesting it. And the conclusion is, this is a must-read book. I went into this book a Davis fan and that gave it a bit of an advantage, but it didn’t matter. The storyline that so obviously touches on the things happening in our economy now and the possibilities of dreams.

Yes, you may borrow it from me, but you’ll have to return it. And don’t bend the corners!

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Totally Unlike Any Other Novel

By Pamela J. Nelson

Hidden Dreams is a sequel to Book of Dreams. It is totally unlike any other novel I have read, and although it’s a sequel, it’s a very enjoyable stand-alone novel as well.  As usual with Davis Bunn, this story is full of action, adventure and drama with a good dose of romance thrown in.  This drama could have been taken right out of the daily newspaper.  The twists and turns kept me turning page after page, hoping to find out what was going to happen!  I found it riveting!

Even though this can be a stand-alone book, you will definitely want to read book 1 in the series, just because it’s so good.  It was as hard to put down as this one.  I’m very happy to recommend Hidden in Dreams.

During August, Amazon.com is offering the Kindle editions of Lion of Babylon and Rare Earth at a huge discount.

Lion of Babylon (book 1 in the Marc Royce adventures) is $5.38.

Rare Earth (book 2 in the series) is $2.99.

Here’s what readers are saying about Rare Earth this week on their blogs:
(Please click the link below each excerpt to read their full reviews)

“It played out like a summer blockbuster movie and I could practically hear the inspiring soundtrack rolling in the background.”
-Karen Barnett, Cannot Be Shaken

“Full of mystery, intense suspense, espionage, corruption, and even romance, this book hooked me right from the very start… If you’re a fan of his books like I am, then I have no doubt that you will want to read this one. There’s action, adventure, exotic settings, and he weaves in a wonderful message of faith.”
-Michelle Vasquez, Life in Review