The Sign Painter

Looking around almost everywhere, you see homeless people. While some may chose this sort of life as a scam and a way to earn money, there are others that find their way into this situation through a series of unforeseen circumstances. I am so glad that Davis Bunn decided to utilize this as the backdrop of his latest novel, The Sign Painter. It does more than highlight the homeless, it shows us that hope is possible and most simply want the opportunity to get out of it as fast as possible and often times, children and families are impacted the most. Their stories are worth getting to know.

In The Sign Painter, Amy Dowell is struggling to find a way just to keep her head above water. After the death of her husband two years ago, she has watched her world as she knew it slowly slide into an oblivion. First the loss of income her husband provided, then the loss of health benefits, then she had to declare bankruptcy and finally had to watch her home go into foreclosure forcing herself to where she is today, living with her young daughter Kimmie in her husband's old truck with a camper shell.

Now with the prospect of a job on the horizon, she hopes she can convince the local Methodist church to consider her position and let her daughter into their day care program, long enough to make some money. But what Amy gets in return is far more than expected and puts her back on the grace of God. Just in time, the church offers her and Kimmie a small apartment that she can stay in for 9 months, as long as she remains drug free and finds employment. In return, they will take care of Kimmie during the hours she has to work. Now if she can begin to find trust in the people she finds herself surrounded by again, she might find more than she is hoping for. Her job as a sign painter for Denton Chevrolet will allow her a small cushion to live on until she can find another free lance assignment, but there is more going on at the car dealership than the owner is even aware of, or is he? You'll have to pick this one up to find out how it all ends for Amy and her daughter Kimmie.

I received The Sign Painter by Davis Bunn compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I've been a fan of Davis Bunn since my first encounter with his book, The Black Madonna and continue to be amazed out how diversified his novels are. This one offers readers insight into the lives of a single mother who finds herself in the direst of circumstances while the neighborhood she is working and living in, is being plagued by drug dealers and criminals moving into the houses nearby. It shows how difficult it can be living in the midst of crime while trying to find a way out. Once again Davis Bunn engages his readers through capturing their heart without them realizing it and taking them along for the ride of their life. An unforgettable novel that will have you rethinking the homeless people you see on the street the very next time. I would rate this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars and there is a great discussion guide and author Q and A at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about The Sign Painter, Davis Bunn or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Sign Painter by Davis Bunn

You can also find Davis Bunn on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Sign Painter, please visit Howard Book's website.

The Turning

What happens when a random collection of five ordinary people respond to God's calling from all over the United States? You gain the premise to the latest novel from best selling author Davis Bunn in The Turning. John Jacobs was simply an assistant manager for the Midwest depot of the nation's largest shipper of fresh produce but during a church service, he answered God's call to "Take the turning, and walk the unlikely road." For Alisha Seames, she lead one of the world's largest gospel choirs who were called back every single year to share in a gospel choir concert and she knew God has spoken to her, and that was a fact. After a lifetime of praying, it had actually happened, and she dreaded what was coming next. Because as soon as God had said, "Take the unlikely road," Alisha had known just exactly what that turn was. She didn't want to do it. She hated the very idea of what was coming next. But God had said He would meet her there. And that left her with no choice. None at all.

Jenny Linn had to make restitution with her parents before she could answer the calling. Not something easily done when both her and her father Richard Linn had iron wills and strong Chinese traditions of honor to your parents. Neither one wanting to bend to make things right between them, but this time, Jenny knew what God had called her to do. She was to restore the relationship with her parents because she would need them as allies in her walk of faith with Christ. Now drawn to New York, they will meet with John and Alisha in a coffee shop where they will connect with Ruth Barrett, wife of one of the great evangelists of the twentieth century. Since her husband's death, she had become well known in her own right, speaking and writing about Christians maintaining a strong prayer life. An olive skinned manYussuf Alwan from Damascus, introduced himself to the group as he told them he was drawn here by reasons that he didn't understand. And that he can only hope that it is my Savior's voice I've been hearing.

Now that God has called them together, He will begin to put a plan in place to work against the rising tide of corruption to stem from the media giant Mundrose Global Communications. It is a collection of businesses including its own television studio, movie studio, magazine company, advertising and marketing division, music recording company, book publishers and electronic gaming division. Now working with an idea that Trent Cooper has that will utilize all the divisions working together to create a new trend that will literally make them millions. It appeals to the generation Xers and Millennials who often lose interest in new trends after a short time, but this idea is guaranteed to last longer than anyone would ever dream possible. It is to simply instill a simple idea in their minds that Hope is Dead. Now is the time to take care of yourself at all costs and there is nothing anyone can do to stop this rising trend!

I received The Turning by Davis Bunn compliments of Edify Media Inc and River North Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. This is a chilling look at what may in fact be our very near future if a mega corporation decides to take on Christianity and religion and garner the world's attention that we don't need God any longer. That bad things happen and God doesn't seem to care about anyone. Now working as one under the leadership of Trent Cooper, they gain momentum to take over the world by claiming our younger generation first and in doing so hope to crush the spirit of God's hope once and for all. I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars and a Bible study will be available soon online at TheTurningBook.com.

For more information about The Turning, Davis Bunn or where you can preorder up a copy of this book today that is due for release on April 1, 2014, please click on the links below:

The Turning by Davis Bunn

You can also find Davis Bunn on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: River North; New Edition edition (April 1, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802411681
• ISBN-13: 978-0802411686
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches

Unlimited

Think of the possibilities of wasted energy being able to be collected and harnessed in such a way that it would provide unlimited energy with minimal costs. In fact such wasted energy does exist in the world of quantum physics as Simon Orwell has discovered while attending college at MIT and working with a colleague and fellow Professor Vasquez to uncover how to tap into that with an electronic device that would generate unlimited power. When Simon receives an urgent email from Professor Vasquez from Mexico, he only agrees to go in hopes of apologizing in person for something he has carried with him for years. Something that can only be done in person and Simon won't be set free from his internal prison until he comes face to face with Professor Vasquez.

Only once Simon crosses the Mexican border, things are about to take an unexpected turn for the worse. He is soon hunted by what he believes are drug cartels who are looking for the device that Simon has with him. While attempting to flee, he runs over a spike strip in the middle of an isolated road, that cripples his car and leaves Simon on foot to make a run for it. Now if he can only hide the black canvas bag with all his critical data in it along with a now damaged device somewhere in the middle of nowhere before he is found.

In the latest science fiction suspense novel from best selling author Davis Bunn, he takes the reader on an unexpected journey like never before. Soon to be released on the big screen, the novel sets the stage for a new war in Mexico, one that will not only involve gangs and drugs but a new source of revenue, power in the form of electricity. The cost per kilowatt in Mexico is now the highest in the world and new political enemies want their hands on Simon's device. He's not even sure that with the right funding that the device will even work as Professor Vasquez and himself believe it can. If they can only discover how to tap into the frequencies and particles to make them work in harmony.

Simon's only safe haven is an orphanage being funded through private donations and a pension from owner Harold Finch, who walked away from a lucrative career with NASA and consulting Fortune 500 companies to serve a higher cause. He has offered Simon a place to find more than safety here and in doing so many in fact put the children who live there in danger unless Simon can find a way to make the device work as planned. In due time, he will discover secrets to both the world-changing device and his own unlimited potential.

I received Unlimited by Davis Bunn compliments of B and B Media Group and B and H Publishing Group for my honest review. This one honestly took me awhile to get into the story. It takes its time establishing the background before the reader understands just what is being sought after and what the potential is. However like all great books perseverance ultimately pays off. For those that love a good science fiction with a suspenseful twist, then you will definitely want to check this one out. I'd rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my personal opinion.

For more information on Unlimited, Davis Bunn or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Unlimited by Davis Bunn

You can also follow Davis Bunn on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

B&H Publishing

Release Date: September 1, 2013

ISBN-13: 978-1-4336-7940-7

Retail Price: $14.99

BISAC: FIC042060 FICTION/Christian/Suspense

Prayers of A Stranger

I'm starting to sense God's presence in all things, especially in the latest books I've been writing and Prayers of A Stranger by one of my favorite authors, Davis Bunn is certainly no exception. In fact I've highlighted more passages that spoke to me personally than I think I ever had in a book before and to me, that means something.

"It's a shame that life does not give us a time free of other worries when we can heal."

In the novel, Prayers of A Stranger, Davis Bunn accomplishes something more than taking the reader along for a great story. He lets the presence of God speak to your own heart, if you are willing to listen and open yourself up to Him. In fact he does this so well, you feel as if the journey is designed especially with you in mind and I personally feel that is God's anointing on this wonderful novel without being heavy handed on religion that would put most people off when reading a Christian book.

Prayers of A Stranger is a story about healing and seeing the good that often accompanies difficult times we can not understand and may not this side of heaven in our walk on Earth. Amanda Vance works at the local hospital as the administrative assistant under a harsh director, Moira Campbell, who makes work a living hell for those working with her. In fact her day starts out like the ordinary but soon turns into something quite unexpected. All the hospital staff seem to be in good spirits and being close to Christmas is not the reason. It seems that Moira is about to be reassigned, and thus the need for the rejoicing of all the hospital staff. It even puts Amanda in better spirits.

She learns the new director will be starting in the coming days and she is advised to take a few weeks off to think about what direction she wants to take her career in. Seems some of the staff think she will return to her former job as a critical care nurse since she was seen waiting just outside the nursery of the critical care infants. But she can't go back to that. Not yet. It's still too soon and the pain is as fresh as the day it happened. The day she lost their only child, before it had a chance at life. This is the reason she stayed as far away as possible and taken the position of working as an administrative assistant. How will she ever move forward.

When Amanda is given a gift of a trip to Israel with her neighbor Emily, who can't take her husband Frank since he is waiting a double hip replacement and can't endure the trip. Rather than having the trip wasted, Emily invites Amanda to see the Holy Land with her. Amanda isn't sure she should go since her husband Chris is still trying to find a way to save his company Avery Electronics from going bankrupt in this tough economy. Yet even Chris knows that Amanda hasn't been the same wife he married since the loss of their child and thinks this might be the answer to restoring her faith and helping to heal her from this loss. Yet neither of them could prepare for what happens when Amanda places a simple prayer into the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. It's truly an inspirational story for cold hearts to make them whole again.

I received Prayers of A Stranger compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Net Galley for my honest review. I have read several of Davis Bunn's books and remain amazed at how many different directions his writing has taken him. This is such a great book to share with those that may be questioning their own walk of faith through tough times. I know for me, it has truly been a huge walk up call and has melted my own hardness of heart and restored my prayer life. Thank you to Davis Bunn for sharing God's message to my own soul. For this reason, I personally rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion, and I am sure that there is something for everyone is this one. It comes at the perfect time for those looking for a bit more than just a really good Christmas story. Perhaps one with just the perfect message in store to speak to your own heart. Are you will to listen and open your heart?

For more information about Prayers of A Stranger, Davis Bunn or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Prayers of A Stranger by Davis Bunn

You can also find Davis Bunn on Facebook to stay up with the latest on all his wonderful books.

You can also visit his website by clicking here. 

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Original edition (September 11, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849944880
• ISBN-13: 978-0849944888
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.3 inches

Rare Earth

Marc Royce has been hired as the new supply officer employed by Lodestone, a US company contracted to bring in emergency supplies and do so for a profit in Africa for the UN. A volcano near the border between Kenya and Uganda, that has been dormant for centuries has erupted at the base of Mount Elgon and the destination for aid is in the city of Kitale.

Lodestone had recently become one of the largest suppliers of humanitarian equipment in Africa. Theirs was a specialty service. Their clients included every major aid agency, along with the United Nations. Whenever and wherever a crisis erupted, the agencies turned to firms like Marc's to deliver emergency supplies, and do so fast.

But there was a problem. One so large it had rung alarm bells eight thousand miles away. Which was why Marc had been brought in. An outsider who some thought had no chance of success and even less of survival. Before departing for Nairobi, Marc had been repeatedly warned of unseen foes who would make it there business to assure he never made it back alive. Marc had responded that he would have had it no other way. Marc wondered at his habit of landing in impossible situations.

He learns from Kitra Korban, a nurse rendering aid, that her brother, Serge, a medical technician is believed to have been abducted and believes that Lodestone might be a possible connection in his disappearance. They both begin to believe that whatever Lodestone is hiding, they value it far more than human life. But one of the tribal elders, Phillip believes that Marc Royce is the answer to a long awaited dream he has of saving this land and the people in it.



Davis Bunn once again brings his readers in for a heart-stopping, action-packed suspense novel, Rare Earth, where they are reunited with Marc Royce, who is working undercover from the State Department to discover what it is the Lodestone is hiding and he soon realizes, that this might be a mission he might not make it back from. It appears he is not the only one, who believes this may in fact, be his last mission and some with stop at nothing to make sure that's exactly what happens.

I received Rare Earth compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. Having read a Lion of Babylon, the first book in the series of Davis Bunn's novel's featuring the character of Marc Royce, readers will not be disappointed. You can pick this one up as a stand alone, but once you read this one, you'll want the rest! I rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars and love how well Davis puts his character in the heart of the action and truly makes him believable. He's not invincible, and is flawed and that is one of the reasons this book works so well for me. I can't wait to see more of Davis Bunn's novels in the future.

For more information on Rare Earth, Davis Bunn or where to pick up this book today, please click on the links below:

Rare Earth by Davis Bunn

You can also keep up with the latest on Davis Bunn by becoming a follower on Facebook. To read even more reviews from this book tour, click here.

Hidden in Dreams

Just when the world's foremost expert on dream analysis, Dr. Elena Burroughs, thinks she is getting her life back under control after losing her position at Oxford University and the man she hoped to fall in love with, she is approached by Rachel Lamprey, the product manager of an innovative new ADHD treatment about to hit the market.

Rachel asks for Elena's help with a clinical trial participant who has had a disturbing dream foretelling a cataclysmic global financial collapse. But even more alarming is the fact that fifteen people scattered across the globe - including Elena herself - begin to experience the same repetitive, devastating dreams of economic ruin just as one bank crisis follows another, suggesting that these aren't merely dreams.

As Elena searches for answers in her professional networks, she is forced to form an unlikely alliance with one of her most vehement critics and is drawn back into the spotlight as the public face of the so-called dreamers. Elena and her collaborators must race against the clock to find the connection between the dreams and the very real events threatening a financial meltdown. It's no longer about just dreams, it's about survival.

In the latest science fiction suspense thriller, Davis Bunn takes his readers on an action-packed, tightly twisted tale of the dream world and how simultaneously people all over the world are having the very same dream with prophetic results and dire consequences in the novel, Hidden in Dreams. Having read Davis Bunn's fictional novels in the past, I was immediately drawn to this one based in part by his amazing ability to engage the reader on one path and before you know it, you wind up somewhere completely unexpected with no knowledge of how you got there. Along the journey you encounter heart-stopping, page turning action and suspense that will make you finish this book in one sitting.

I received Hidden in Dreams by Davis Bunn compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster for my honest review and can't wait to pick up another of his books in the future. If you are the type of person who loves, suspense, action, along with a little mystery along the way coupled with a great Christian story line, then this is the perfect novel for you. I have to warn you, once you pick up Davis' book, you'll be a fan and want more. This one rates a 5 out of 5 stars and now the wait begins for his next book, due out soon I hope.

For more information on Hidden in Dreams, Davis Bunn or where to pre-order this book today, please click on the links below:

Hidden in Dreams by Davis Bunn

You can also keep up to date on all the latest from Davis Bunn by becoming a follower of his on Facebook by clicking here or on his website by clicking here.

Book of Dreams - Giveaway and Review

Synopsis:

From bestselling and award‑winning author Davis Bunn comes a relationship-driven narrative about an internationally acclaimed psychologist, still coping with the death of her husband. But Elena Burroughs’ life takes a dramatic turn when a mysterious patient comes to the doctor, asking her to interpret the intense pattern of dreams she’s been having. When Elena inherits an ancient manuscript, she is granted a succession of insights about these dreams with dangerous warnings. As Elena rediscovers her dream-interpreting gifts, she also finds a fresh connection to God and love. The Book of Dreams holds both a strong message of biblically inspired prophesy linked to global financial chaos, as well as a rich interweaving of transplanted lives, lost hopes, and second chances.

For Dr. Elena Burroughs, life is divided into two chapters - before and after the death of her husband. Today marks the point that her span of being a wife is equal to her span of being a widow. Even her success as a psychologist and her world wide acclaim for a book on the interpretation of dreams is dimmed by an unspoken If only.

Then a new patient arrives, one so private only her first name is given. Impeccably dressed and escorted by two bodyguards, Sandra recounts a frightening series of recurrent nightmares. Elena agrees to consider her case more carefully, convinced that something ominous may be at work here. Elena's interpretation of her dreams confirms that, indeed, the new patient and her family confront a powerful global network of dangerous forces. As the story unfolds, they face a key question of the Christian life: How do you understand and fulfill the will of God?

As Elena struggles to help Sandra understand the recurrent nightmares that have been occurring for the past 26 days, she meets with her mentor, Miriam who reveals a secret she has kept hidden since she was nine years old. She passes along an ancient olive wood covered book printed on velum which houses interpretations of what God wants Elena to see. She is instructed to focus on the book a page at a time and wait for divine inspiration to help her understand her patients dreams.

Elena is soon drawn into a series of encounters with various high ranking people who are being troubled with nightmares that are wrecking havoc in their business and personal lives, and only she is the key that God will use to unlock His purpose in their lives.

I received the novel, Book of Dreams by Davis Bunn compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster for my honest review. This is my third book by Davis and once again, he does not disappoint his readers. Building on a readers curiosity, he starts them on a roller coaster ride complete with twists and turns that will leave them guessing until the very end. Another 5 out of 5 star rating and one that I highly recommend.

For more information on this book, the author and where to purchase a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

Book of Dreams by Davis Bunn

Thanks to the generous folks at Simon and Schuster, they are providing a giveaway copy of this amazing book to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's your guidelines:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. "Like" my Facebook page, by clicking here.

3. You must be a resident of the US, or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. I need a way to contact you so please be sure to leave your email address along with your comment, telling me why you'd love to win a copy. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

The giveaway will end on October 31st. I will notify the winner by email at that time.

Lion of Babylon

Marc Royce is a former covert ops employee of State Intel, which is the smallest of the nation's intelligence forces responsible for security in every overseas non military base from embassies, consulates, ambassadorial residences to treaty houses. He was fired because he had the the unforgivable. He put his wife first to care for her after having a stroke for 9 months, the state only offered him 6 weeks. Since then, he has carried around her death like a burden he can't see to put down.

Now that Alex Baird has gone missing in the heart of Baghdad for almost 3 days, Marc is being called back in by those who fired him, to locate and bring back Alex and two other women who went missing with him. An American agent to go missing in Baghdad was very bad news, and Alex was the only friend not to abandon Marc when they let him go.



In the latest suspense thriller, Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn, we are taken into the heat of Baghdad while things are still very hostile for Americans. In the midst of removing Saddam Hussein from power, the country is still struggling to find it's new form of government while religious groups via to maintain power and control over the country. Now it's up to Marc to not only find Alex but to show Baghdad's leaders that not all American's wish them harm.

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifest review and once again, loved it. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting and was completely held captive to his writing style. Feeling like I was a partner along with Marc, we attempted to unlock whatever clues were necessary to find Alex Baird alive and find out just why people wanted to keep his abduction a secret, even those within our own government. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read more by Davis Bunn.

Here's even more great information about the book, the author and even a sneak peek into the opening chapter by visiting his website here.

You can also find Davis Bunn on Facebook by clicking here.

The Black Madonna

Ever wonder if there is a great book out there somewhere that combines all the action of movies like Indiana Jones and The Raiders of the Lost Ark, Lara Croft Tomb Raider, as well as parts of the DaVinci Code? Well I've found it.

The newest novel from Davis Bunn called The Black Madonna is just the book for you adventure fans looking for a little thrill in your reading. I was captivated by the story from page one. The main character is Storm Syrrell whose company lies on the verge of complete bankruptcy. She is in the business of bidding on unique items to sell to her exclusive and very wealthy clientele in Palm Beach, yet due to the latest economic downfall, Storm hasn't had the funds to purchase anything new and exciting.

Yet when the bankers call to remind her of the severe debt in her account, she finds herself at the end of the rope. However, one afternoon, she gets a phone call saying that four hundred thousand dollars has just been wired to her account and the person on the other end of the phone is telling her that he wants her on the next plane to bid for an ancient Russian oil painting.

Is this the lucky break she has been waiting for? When the caller keeps his identity hidden and the cost to acquire the item at the auction has no limit, Storm begins to wonder who is on the other line?

This amazing new novel takes you all around the world, while Storm and her friend, Emma who works for Homeland Security begins to unlock the secrets in the antiquities that are being auctioned off and just what their true motives are in obtaining religious items especially one item that has claims to stop time.

Trust me, this is the best action packed book, I've read in quite a long time. I read it in one sitting, not being able to put it down. It held my interest all the way to the end. I would rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars~!!! This is the second in a series of books where Storm Syrrell returns back on paper. The first is Gold of Kings.

I received this book compliments of Glass Road Public Relations for my honest review.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up your copy today, click on the title below:

The Black Madonna