Tag Archives: Davis Bunn

Husband Approved — Outbreak

29 Aug

I have come to the sad realization that I cannot possibly read all the books. 🙁 I never dreamed that day would come. Now that doesn’t mean I won’t try! 😉 But still, so many deserve to be read and read NOW. That’s where friends and family come in. I received a surprise copy of Outbreak by Davis Bunn a month or two ago and was so disappointed that I could not dive into it right then and there. But when my DH said give me a book to read, I handed it to him without a moment’s hesitation. You will find a few of his thoughts below the book blurb and author info.

 

The waters off the West African coast are a menacing red, full of algae thick enough to stand on in places. In nearby villages, mysterious deaths start to occur — and the panic mounts. But before an alarm can be sounded, the sea currents shift, the algae vanishes, and the deaths stop. Everyone is relieved when things return to normal, and local government officials are happy to sweep the publicity nightmare under a rug.

An American biological researcher, Avery Madison, is dispatched by his employer to piece together exactly what happened, having long feared an ecological disaster just like this could occur. He’s had little evidence to go on before now, and what he finds in West Africa is rapidly disappearing. But Avery knows the danger hasn’t disappeared — it has just moved on.

Davis Bunn is a four-time Christy Award-winning, best-selling author who serves as writer-in-residence at Regent’s Park College, the University of Oxford, in the United Kingdom.

Defined by readers and reviewers as a “wise teacher,” “gentleman adventurer,” “consummate writer,” and “Renaissance man,” his work in business took him to over 40 countries around the world, and his books have sold more than seven million copies in sixteen languages.

 

Thoughts on Outbreak from my husband:

A quick and easy read, Outbreak has the right amount of suspense to keep the reader engaged. And there is little romance to get in the way 😉 . Characters are generally likable, but there are plenty of bad guys to keep the story interesting. The subject matter — deadly algae blooms and viruses — was unique and interesting. And the Asheville, North Carolina setting brought back memories of trips to that city. My husband’s verdict — recommended! Although, he did say it wasn’t as good as To Kill A Mockingbird (his favorite book), but definitely better than Moby Dick. LOL!

Husband Approved And Recommended.

Audience: adults

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to Bethany House for complimentary copy, and to my husband for reading it. All opinions are his alone.)

 

 

 

First Line Friday — Outbreak

24 May

Happy Friday! Today’s first line comes from Davis Bunn‘s newest suspense novel, Outbreak. I just got this one in the mail and had to share it. The cover is arresting, and the premise sounds great. I can’t wait to read it.

The waters off the West African coast are a menacing red, full of algae thick enough to stand on in places. In nearby villages, mysterious deaths start to occur — and the panic mounts. But before an alarm can be sounded, the sea currents shift, the algae vanishes, and the deaths stop. Everyone is relieved when things return to normal, and local government officials are happy to sweep the publicity nightmare under a rug.

An American biological researcher, Avery Madison, is dispatched by his employer to piece together exactly what happened, having long feared an ecological disaster just like this could occur. He’s had little evidence to go on before now, and what he finds in West Africa is rapidly disappearing. But Avery knows the danger hasn’t disappeared — it has just moved on.

Davis Bunn (www.davisbunn.com) is the award-winning author of numerous national bestsellers with sales totaling more than seven million copies worldwide. His work has been published in twenty languages, and his critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction. Bunn is a Writer-in-Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University. He and his wife, Isabella, divide their time between England and Florida.

 

 

 

What’s your first line?

Leave the first line of the closest book to hand in the comments, then head over to Hoarding Books for more fabulous first lines!

Top 10 Tuesday — Upcoming Releases I Am Excited About!

5 Feb

It is time to tweak the meme! Top Ten Tuesday‘s theme this week is releases we are on the fence about. But no negativity allowed here, so I am sharing the upcoming releases that I can’t wait to get my hands on! They run the gamut of genres — historical, romance, suspense — all my favorites. Hope you find a book you’ll want to read too.

To find out what other bloggers are sharing, head over to That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Releases I Am Excited About!

 

All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

Driftwood Bay by Irene Hannon

Fire Storm by Nancy Mehl

The Golden Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

Living Lies by Natalie Walters

Outbreak by Davis Bunn

A Reluctant Belle by Beth White

Verity by Lisa T. Bergren

Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason

What are the books you can’t wait to read?

 

If You Liked . . . Chosen People

31 Jan

Chosen People by Robert Whitlow got an almost unanimous thumbs up from my book club. Pretty good considering we are a choosy group. Robert Whitlow has continued to be one of our favorite authors even as some of his books were a miss for all or several of our members. We love his relevant themes, realistic and relatable characters, and of course the legal drama of his novels. So what should we read next? Here are a few recommendations that have a legal, terrorism, and/or Middle East connection.

Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon

As teenagers, Kristin Dane and her two best friends took a vow to make the world a better place. Twenty years later, she’s fulfilling that pledge through her fair trade shop that features products from around the world. All is well until, one by one, people connected to the shop begin dying.

Detective Luke Carter, new to the St. Louis PD, wants to know why. Before he can answer that question, however, the FBI weighs in and Kristin suddenly finds herself in the middle of international intrigue–and in the sights of the ruthless mastermind behind an ingenious and deadly, scheme. Can this cold-blooded killer be stopped before more people die . . . including Kristin?

Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn

Marc Royce works for the State Department on special assignments, most of them rather routine, until two CIA operatives go missing in Iraq–kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region. 

Two others also drop out of sight–a high-placed Iraqi civilian and an American woman providing humanitarian aid. Are the disappearances linked? 

Rumors circulate in a whirl of misinformation. Marc must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy–from both the Americans and the insurgents. But even more secret than the undercover operation is the underground dialogue taking place between sworn enemies. Will the ultimate Reconciler between ancient enemies, current foes, and fanatical religious factions be heard? 

Rule of Law by Randy Singer

What did the president know? And when did she know it?

For the members of SEAL Team Six, it was a rare mission ordered by the president, monitored in real time from the Situation Room. The Houthi rebels in Yemen had captured an American journalist and a member of the Saudi royal family. Their executions were scheduled for Easter Sunday. The SEAL team would break them out.

But when the mission results in spectacular failure, the finger-pointing goes all the way to the top.

Did the president play political games with the lives of U.S. service members?

Paige Chambers, a determined young lawyer, has a very personal reason for wanting to know the answer. The case she files will polarize the nation and test the resiliency of the Constitution. The stakes are huge, the alliances shaky, and she will be left to wonder if the saying on the Supreme Court building still holds true.

Equal justice under law.

It makes a nice motto. But will it work when one of the most powerful people on the planet is also a defendant?

TOP 10 Tuesday — Around The World in Books!

19 Jul

This week the folks at The Broke And The Bookish are focusing on Books Set Outside The United States. To find out all the great books bloggers are recommending, click HERE.

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I’m not much of a traveler, but I have loved the places I visited in books! Because there are so many great books set outside of the US, I have included many more than 10, 25 in fact. Divided by geographic location, my list includes books set within the last 100 years so that you can easily see where you are visiting! Have fun exploring the world!

Around The World in Books

The Americas

CanadaThe Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan.

MexicoMore Than Conquerors by Kathi Macias 

NicaraguaWater from My Heart by Charles Martin

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Europe

EnglandThe Inheritance by Michael Phillips

Maggie Bright by Tracy Groot

Secrets of A Charmed Life by Susan Meissner

FranceDefy The Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

Flame of Resistance by Tracy Groot

GreeceThe Patmos Deception by Davis Bunn

Netherlands Snow on The Tulips by Liz Tolsma

Ukraine Beyond The Rapids by Evelyn Puerto

Like A River from Its Course by Kelli Stuart

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Africa

AlgeriaTwo Destinies by Elizabeth Musser

South AfricaThe Girl from The Train by Irma Joubert

No Greater Love by Kathi Macias

SudanSide by Side by Jana Kelley

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The Middle East 

AfghanistanFarewell, Four Waters by Kate McCord

Saudia Arabia People of The Book by Kathi Macias

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Asia

ChinaCity of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell

Red Ink by Kathi Macias 

Indonesia (Dutch East Indies)Thief of Glory by Sigmund Brouwer

North KoreaBeloved Daughter by Alana Terry

The PhilippinesRemember The Lilies by Liz Tolsma

VietnamYesterday’s Tomorrow by Catherine West

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Australia 

Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman

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Where do you want to travel?

 

Top 10 Tuesday — Five-Star Reads

29 Mar

Thanks to the folks over at The Broke And The Bookish for hosting Top 10 Tuesday every week. There are lots of book bloggers that participate, so make sure to click HERE to find out what they are up to.

toptentuesday

This week’s theme is 10 of My Most Recent 5-Star Reads. I have been inundated with reading blessings this year and have enjoyed lots and lots of great books. The following are the last 5-star books I have read. Make sure to check out the reviews I have linked.

Top 10 5-Star Reads

(In Alphabetical Order)

Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa (suspense)

The Body under The Bridge by Paul McCusker (mystery)

The Fragment by Davis Bunn (historical suspense)

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Guarded by Angela Correll (women’s fiction)

The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer (contemporary romance)

A House Divided by Robert Whitlow (legal drama)

If I Run by Terri Blackstock (suspense)

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The Memoir of Johnny Devine by Camille Eide (historical romance)

The Prophetess by Jill Eileen Smith (biblical fiction)

Thin Ice by Irene Hannon (romantic suspense)

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Book Review: The Fragment

2 Mar

UnknownIt’s 1923, and a resilient Paris is starting to recover from the ravages of World War I and the Spanish Flu Epidemic. Enter young Muriel Ross, an amateur American photographer tasked with documenting the antiques that her employer, U.S. Senator Tom Bryan, has traveled to France in order to acquire. Although she’s exhilarated to have escaped her parents and the confines of their stifling Virginia home, Muriel has lingering questions about why the senator has chosen her for this grand adventure. Nevertheless, she blossoms in her new surroundings, soaking up Parisian culture and capturing the sights and sounds of Paris on her camera.

But events take a dangerous turn when she discovers that the senator is on a mission far more momentous—and potentially deadly—than a mere shopping trip. At the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Senator Bryan asks Muriel to photograph an astonishing artifact: a piece of the True Cross, discovered by Empress Helena—a historical figure familiar to readers of The Pilgrim. When rumors surface that another fragment has been unearthed, Muriel becomes enmeshed in a covert international alliance dedicated to authenticating the fragment—and protecting it from those who will stop at nothing to steal and discredit it.

davis-bunn-2015Davis Bunn is an award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies.

His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and his 2014 induction into the Christy Hall of Fame.

Davis divides his time between Florida and England, where he serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College at The University of Oxford. Visit Davis at http://www.davisbunn.com.

 

My Impressions:

The Fragment is an international suspense novel that clearly expresses the wonder of God while keep its readers on the edge of their seats. Centuries after Constantine’s mother, Helena, embarked on a quest to find the cross of Jesus (you can read my review of The Pilgrim HERE), a small group endures danger to retrieve one fragment of that cross. The culture and politics of the world in 1923 serves as a backdrop to this novel. The Fragment is Bunn at his best, and I highly recommend it.

Muriel Ross, aged 23, feels her dreams have come true as she wanders the streets of Paris photographing the people she encounters. She is traveling with a US Senator intent of retrieving ancient artifacts. Muriel is an expert employed with the Smithsonian and is crucial to his quest. But Muriel is unaware of the stakes involved — intrigue, danger and betrayal.

The Fragment is written with short chapters keeping the story fresh and fast-paced. The action is only interrupted by the sacred moments Muriel encounters. I loved the suspense, but the moments that Muriel is swept up in the her encounters with God were truly special. Plot takes center stage, but the few main characters are developed enough to get a sense of their thoughts, dreams, struggles and doubts. Muriel is an interesting heroine, at once daring and reflective. Her faith is challenged, but remains firm. For fans of history, The Fragment has it all — a great sense of place and time and well-researched details of the political atmosphere of Europe and the Middle East of the 1920s. Throughout The Fragment, Bunn weaves a faith message that never wavers. Not all the characters are believers, but those that are rely heavily on God’s promises in the midst of trials and tests.

Although the action is concluded in The Fragment, I sense that Bunn is not done with Muriel Ross. I hope that I am right. I would love more books like The Fragment.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Book Review: The Pilgrim

16 Jul

UnknownIn his latest historical epic, worldwide bestselling author Davis Bunn takes readers on a journey through an ancient landscape. Travel with Empress Helena from Caesarea to Judea. Abandoned by her husband, in danger because of her faith, but with an implacable will to do what God calls her to, she takes a perilous pilgrimage. Along the way she meets those who would help her (the wizened and wise bishop Macarius; the rough-edged but kind-hearted sergeant Cratus; the young soldier Anthony, a man who has lost everything, including his faith) and those who would harm her (the menacing and murderous Roman assassin Severus). Miracles seem to follow this humble but determined woman as she wins many over to the faith, and changes lives forever—including her own.

This unforgettable story of the discovery of the True Cross will thrill readers with its adventure, and with its vivid portrait of one of Christian history’s most important women.

Preview

 

Davis-Bunn-2015Davis Bunn is an award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies.

His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and his 2014 induction into the Christy Hall of Fame.

Davis divides his time between Florida and England, where he serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College at The University of Oxford. Visit Davis at http://www.davisbunn.com.

My Impressions:

Prolific writer Davis Bunn has turned his talent to write an historical novel featuring Helena, the mother of Constantine. Armed with little fact and a lot of myth, Bunn manages to create a story that is believable and touching in its message of a dedicated faith. If you like historical fiction, especially that from the early years of the church, then be sure to check out The Pilgrim.

Helena, a character shrouded in legend, was certainly a devout Christian who influenced her famous son Constantine in discovering his own faith in Christ. In The Pilgrim she is an unflinching follower of Christ who seeks only to obey in the face of danger and deprivation. Characters in the book include “soldiers without posts, a priest without a church and an Empress without a throne”. Miracles, signs and wonders abound, but most often they take the form of changed hearts and lives. Bunn’s impeccable research brings the Middle East of 300 AD to life with its political intrigue, its untamed and dangerous landscape and its small, but faithful Christian remnant. A faith message is explored throughout — forgiveness, humility and service are strong themes. A story that brings to light ancient events, The Pilgrim challenges the reader to examine her faith in light of modern struggles.

Recommended.

Audience: older teens to adults.

To purchase this book, click HERE

(Thanks to the author for an ebook for review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

Book Review: The Patmos Deception

25 Feb

211393An Ancient Island Holds an Ancient Secret . . .

Nick Hennessy, a young Texas journalist yearning for his big break, finds himself in Europe–his assignment, to investigate the alarming disappearance of invaluable Grecian antiquities. Nick has the credentials–and cover ID–to unearth the truth. And he knows just the researcher to help him…

Carey Mathers, fresh from her studies in forensic archeology, has accepted a job with the prestigious Athens Institute for Antiquities–a dream come true, really, particularly when the Greek isle of Patmos, where the Apostle John received his vision of the Apocalypse, was a particular focus of her research.

Dimitri Rubinos, for whom the Greek islands represent his life, holds on by his fingernails to the family charter boat business. But his country’s economic chaos isn’t the only thing that has turned his world on its head.

 

Photo2Born and raised in North Carolina, Davis Bunn left for Europe at age twenty. There he first completed graduate studies in economics and finance, then began a business career that took him to over forty countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Davis came to faith at age 28, while living in Germany and running an international business advisory group. He started writing two weeks later. Since that moment, writing has remained both a passion and a calling.

Davis wrote for nine years and completed seven books before his first was accepted for publication. During that time, he continued to work full-time in his business career, travelling to two and sometimes three countries every week. His first published book, The Presence, was released in 1990 and became a national bestseller.

Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Warning, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt.

A sought-after speaker in the art of writing, Davis serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University.

 

My Impressions:

Davis Bunn is a master in taking the reader to exotic locales and putting them right in the middle of intrigue, danger and romance. In his latest romantic suspense novel, The Patmos Deception, he introduces the reader to three great characters, a puzzling mystery surrounding ancient Christian artifacts and international political and economic conspiracies. His deft handling of the subject matter and the romantic possibilities of his characters are added bonuses. This book is a great choice for those who want a page-turning and plot-twisting read.

Forensic archeologist Carey Mathers is pursuing her dream job, but when she arrives in Greece it seems that her dreams have turned to nightmares. Out of a job, she is soon contacted by childhood friend and journalist Nick Hennessy who is on the trail of a BIG story. Nick makes Carey an offer she cannot refuse — assist him in investigating the thefts of religious artifacts. Their inquiries lead them across the Greek islands, to the Turkish coast and back again, centering on the legendary island of Patmos. They soon meet tourist boat captain Dimitri Rubinos, but can they trust him with their lives. And can Carey trust either man with her heart?

I loved the setting of The Patmos Deception. I knew next to nothing about Greece before reading this book. Bunn not only provides beautiful descriptions, but also insight into the political and economic struggles of the country. The characters are easy to like, and I never could decide which man I wanted Carey to end up with. The plot is fast-paced and keeps the reader on his toes. The action and the pages flew by. There are a couple of loose threads left to tie up and this bodes well for more adventures with Carey, Nick and Dimitri.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this book, click HERE.

Book Review: Strait of Hormuz

4 Nov

211386_w185The threat of an Iranian blockade of the narrow Strait of Hormuz is escalating global tensions. Sanctions against Tehran have begun to bite, and it seeks to retaliate by cutting off vital shipping routes for crude oil. The specter of a preemptive Israeli strike has US officials on edge as they struggle to keep the world from plunging into the abyss.

Stymied in its efforts to uncover the sources of funding that bolster the Iranian nuclear program, the State Department calls on Marc Royce to investigate. With little to go on, he’ll have to rely on an old ally. Kitra Korban has ties to people with the means to get things done, so long as no questions are asked.

But Iran is on the brink of nuclear capability, and time is running out.

Excerpt

Audio Clip

Davis_Isabella_BunnReviewers, readers and friends use those phrases to describe Davis Bunn. An internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than six million books in sixteen languages, Davis is equal parts writer, scholar, teacher, and sportsman.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Davis left for Europe at age twenty. There he first completed graduate studies in economics and finance, then began a business career that took him to over forty countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Davis came to faith at age 28, while living in Germany and running an international business advisory group. He started writing two weeks later. Since that moment, writing has remained both a passion and a calling.

Davis wrote for nine years and completed seven books before his first was accepted for publication. During that time, he continued to work full-time in his business career, travelling to two and sometimes three countries every week. His first published book, The Presence, was released in 1990 and became a national bestseller.

Honored with three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Warning, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt.

A sought-after speaker in the art of writing, Davis serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University.

To find out more about Davis Bunn, check out the following links:

My Impressions:

Strait of Hormuz is the third and final installment in the Marc Royce series by Davis Bunn. A great book for suspense lovers, this novel has it all — terrorists, multinational spies, a threat to Israel and the US, and a group of patriots with the desire and hope of freedom for their countries. There is also a very satisfying romantic element to sweeten the plot. A great conclusion for a great series.

Intelligence agent Marc Royce has left Kitra Korban behind. His first loyalty is to the US and there seems to be no room for a relationship with the woman dedicated to her kibbutz in the wilds of Galilee. But a new assignment puts them back together in a race to stop an Iranian physicist from unleashing havoc in the Middle East. Their attraction is undeniable, and their commitment to each other is second only to their commitment to stop the race towards war.

Filled with car chases, gun fights, bombings, underground churches and dedicated, freedom-loving men and women, Strait of Hormuz is a book for anyone who likes international intrigue, pulse-raising action and a story that is oh so real. Bunn continues to combine great storytelling with a faith element that is natural and convicting.  Characters are complex and the plot well-researched. And although it could be read as a standalone novel, Strait of Hormuz is best enjoyed after first reading Lion of Babylon and Rare Earth.

Highly Recommended.

(Thanks to Bethany House for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase the books in this series, click on the images below.

 

Be sure to check out the great giveaway on Davis Bunn’s FB page. Just click on the image below.

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