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Book of Dreams #1
Book of Dreams
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 worldwide 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?
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?
328 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2011
39 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Davis Bunn
109 books1,034 followersDavis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than eight million books in twenty languages.
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 17, 2012
I somehow had no idea this was a Christian fiction novel when I picked it up. The story was actually very interesting to me. But by the halfway point, I simply couldn't continue.
There was just SO much 'lets pray together' and 'word of God' and 'God's will' and reading farrrrr more between the lines of situations for God's hand in everything than I could stand. As compelling as the plot was, the religious overtones were unbearably distracting for me.
There was just SO much 'lets pray together' and 'word of God' and 'God's will' and reading farrrrr more between the lines of situations for God's hand in everything than I could stand. As compelling as the plot was, the religious overtones were unbearably distracting for me.
February 19, 2020
Let me preface myself by telling you how much I completely have loved Davis Bunn's adventures in the past including Gold of Kings and The Black Madonna. They were fun and easy to picture and page turning. Now, coming to the Book of Dreams, let me start by saying how awesome and intriguing I find this gorgeous cover to be. Normally, novels by this gentleman adventurer pull me in and captivate me to the last page. Usually I cannot turn the pages fast enough to keep with suspense. In this book, which I was told to expect it to be different, at more than two hundred pages in I was still waiting more for something to happen, anything to happen. I had a really hard time getting into this one. This is the first time where I felt that his writing is meant for an audience older than myself (mid-late twenties as I can say that today as my birthday...). At a little less than three hundred pages, for me it picked up a little, but then went into another lull. Finishing out I wasn't really impressed.
The overall thought behind it was very unique and fascinating and extremely thought provoking. Perhaps it is just because that is not the kind of read that I was wanting and expecting from a favorite author of mine, I'm not sure. It was full of finance and politics and topics that I just do not care for, and perhaps that turned me away. I cannot say for sure. However I just didn't like it. But don't just go on me. Others loved it, see below.
*Thanks to Blogging Bistro and Howard Books for providing a copy for review.*
Originally posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
The overall thought behind it was very unique and fascinating and extremely thought provoking. Perhaps it is just because that is not the kind of read that I was wanting and expecting from a favorite author of mine, I'm not sure. It was full of finance and politics and topics that I just do not care for, and perhaps that turned me away. I cannot say for sure. However I just didn't like it. But don't just go on me. Others loved it, see below.
*Thanks to Blogging Bistro and Howard Books for providing a copy for review.*
Originally posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
June 13, 2025
Wow, this book started off so good. I loved the faith in the main characters and their desire for God's will and direction from the Holy Spirit, good and evil with a demonic force the characters were fighting against.
Then it bogged down with lengthy descriptions of financial institutions, collusion, derivative trading, industrial complex, world insurance companies, sophisticated debt traders, global meltdowns, overtaking America’s banks and conspiracies. If this is not your forte you’d have little clue what the characters were talking about. And this was most of the book.
There's a fascinating issue about grief and a sweet romance brewing. Then there's an abrupt ending with a cliff hanger.
Well done narration, but the plot fizzled into boredom.
This one wasn’t for me
Then it bogged down with lengthy descriptions of financial institutions, collusion, derivative trading, industrial complex, world insurance companies, sophisticated debt traders, global meltdowns, overtaking America’s banks and conspiracies. If this is not your forte you’d have little clue what the characters were talking about. And this was most of the book.
There's a fascinating issue about grief and a sweet romance brewing. Then there's an abrupt ending with a cliff hanger.
Well done narration, but the plot fizzled into boredom.
This one wasn’t for me
November 19, 2011
My Thoughts on “Book of Dreams”
While Elena is helping her patient Sandra deal with her dreams, she finds the help she needs to deal with her husband’s death. An old friend gives her a copy of an old ancient book that no one has deciphered down through the years. But it just so happens that when Elena starts reading and checking out this ancient book, interesting things start to happen in her life. And this book is so detailed, so much stuff here there is no way to explain it all. So to find out about these things, you really need to read the book.
Well, Davis Bunn has done it again! I will have to say this is one of the most fascinating and intriguing books I have every read. The first pages captured my heart and I was hooked until the very last page. These characters were just real! Well they seemed real to me, that is. After getting to know these characters through this story, I felt like I had a new set of friends!
What can I say except that this is just an awesome, professionally written book by one of Christian fictions greatest authors. I am always in awe of the detailed and complex stories written by Davis Bunn. I appreciate the way he teaches readers in Book of Dreams how we can trust God and have the confidence that He will direct our paths, even when He calls us to do those things beyond our confidence level. And he helps us understand the question, ‘How can we understand and fulfill the will of God?’
This book is mixed with a little of everything, romance, thriller, historical things of the Bible, and an exciting mystery with a little lesson on the international front as well.
I think this book could be for just about anyone. So grab a copy, read and enjoy it. You just can’t go wrong reading Davis Bunn!
This book was provided by Howard Books, a Division of Simon & Schuster for me to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
While Elena is helping her patient Sandra deal with her dreams, she finds the help she needs to deal with her husband’s death. An old friend gives her a copy of an old ancient book that no one has deciphered down through the years. But it just so happens that when Elena starts reading and checking out this ancient book, interesting things start to happen in her life. And this book is so detailed, so much stuff here there is no way to explain it all. So to find out about these things, you really need to read the book.
Well, Davis Bunn has done it again! I will have to say this is one of the most fascinating and intriguing books I have every read. The first pages captured my heart and I was hooked until the very last page. These characters were just real! Well they seemed real to me, that is. After getting to know these characters through this story, I felt like I had a new set of friends!
What can I say except that this is just an awesome, professionally written book by one of Christian fictions greatest authors. I am always in awe of the detailed and complex stories written by Davis Bunn. I appreciate the way he teaches readers in Book of Dreams how we can trust God and have the confidence that He will direct our paths, even when He calls us to do those things beyond our confidence level. And he helps us understand the question, ‘How can we understand and fulfill the will of God?’
This book is mixed with a little of everything, romance, thriller, historical things of the Bible, and an exciting mystery with a little lesson on the international front as well.
I think this book could be for just about anyone. So grab a copy, read and enjoy it. You just can’t go wrong reading Davis Bunn!
This book was provided by Howard Books, a Division of Simon & Schuster for me to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
November 27, 2011
Book of Dreams was an intense read. I know it was a work of fiction, but it could have been the headline story in our newspapers today. Mr. Bunn is very adept at using current events and historical Biblical facts to weave a riveting tale.
The blurb on the back of the book focuses on Dr. Burroughs and her interpretation of dreams. While that is an important element of the story, I thought a more important element was the way she learned to lean on the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all circumstances. Dr. Burroughs is taken on an excursion that she definitely did not plan to take. In the end she comes to realize that trusting God is the only way to live the journey that is her life.
The plot twists and the well-defined characters made this a classic Bunn novel. When I turned the last page I was left feeling as if I had gained knowledge, both in the political and spiritual realm. For me this was not a quick and easy read. It was more of a slow yet absorbing read. I came away from it feeling that it had been time well spent.
*I was sent a copy of this book from Howard Books to assist in this review. No other compensation was received. All thoughts are my own and may differ from others.
The blurb on the back of the book focuses on Dr. Burroughs and her interpretation of dreams. While that is an important element of the story, I thought a more important element was the way she learned to lean on the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all circumstances. Dr. Burroughs is taken on an excursion that she definitely did not plan to take. In the end she comes to realize that trusting God is the only way to live the journey that is her life.
The plot twists and the well-defined characters made this a classic Bunn novel. When I turned the last page I was left feeling as if I had gained knowledge, both in the political and spiritual realm. For me this was not a quick and easy read. It was more of a slow yet absorbing read. I came away from it feeling that it had been time well spent.
*I was sent a copy of this book from Howard Books to assist in this review. No other compensation was received. All thoughts are my own and may differ from others.
June 23, 2012
Although Dr. Elena Burroughs is one of the world’s preeminent authorities on dream interpretation, she finds herself in uncharted waters when, after being consulted by a client whose identity must be protected, her own experiences of dreams and their meanings take a significantly different direction from what she has known before. Her study of an ancient treasure passed on by her dearest friend seems to deepen both her insights and the intrigue surrounding the people being drawn to her. She realizes, reluctantly at first, that she is called to be an integral part of a small group fighting corruption in high places.
Book of Dreams achieves a balance between fast-paced action and calm assurance that the battle belongs to the Lord. The characters find that their strength and guidance flow directly from the Spirit of God as they pray and work in community. The unfolding of events moves one to keep reading to find out what happens; yet there are moments that invite the reader to pause and reflect as well.
Book of Dreams achieves a balance between fast-paced action and calm assurance that the battle belongs to the Lord. The characters find that their strength and guidance flow directly from the Spirit of God as they pray and work in community. The unfolding of events moves one to keep reading to find out what happens; yet there are moments that invite the reader to pause and reflect as well.
February 6, 2013
Really hard to get into, and about halfway through it got really preachy and heavy handed. I love Christian fiction, don't get me wrong. I just don't like when the action comes to a complete halt because it's time for a "come to Jesus meeting." In a thriller-type story, you need to keep the pace going or you're going to lose people's interest. Weave Christian values in it by all means, except stopping the story cold.
March 4, 2012
I hate to say it, but this book was awful. I couldn't get into it at all. Poorly written. Didn't hold my interest in any way.
April 19, 2012
Enjoyed it immensely. Highly recommend reading it.
October 31, 2013
Excellent, excellent, excellent! Real life today, God in our world helping those who love Him in our struggle with evil. Read it and weep for joy at God's victory in our lives. He is in charge.
October 13, 2017
This was an interesting read, overall. The only hangup that I really had was that I'm not knowledgeable about the financials market to a great degree, and while the author certainly did attempt to make clear how things worked while moving the plot along, I found myself glazing over at times, wishing that the financials subject matter wasn't so complex and difficult to follow. This coming from someone who has a genius I.Q.
What I did appreciate was how the characters in this book, especially those who had normally shied away from matters of faith, were made to face the reality that God does work directly in the affairs of mankind. The whispers of God are so greatly needed that we all need to take time to listen.
What I did appreciate was how the characters in this book, especially those who had normally shied away from matters of faith, were made to face the reality that God does work directly in the affairs of mankind. The whispers of God are so greatly needed that we all need to take time to listen.
September 10, 2021
I've never read a book by Davis Bunn that I didn't enjoy, although I don't care for his more modern fiction as much as his historical fiction. As with many of his books set in the modern era, much of it is almost over my head. If you are a critical thinker and interested in economics and finance, you will like this book much more than I did. I confess to skimming over the deeper parts and just trying to follow the storyline without getting "bogged down" and having to do too much thinking. A good book, but not what I would call "light" reading.
August 3, 2018
I loved this book. Intriguing, full of suspense, and filled with characters I liked. It also spoke to me in a way that most fiction does not. I appreciated Elena's journey as I felt that I was walking and learning with her. I can't wait to start the sequel!
**The book had at least 4 errors, which I found really odd considering how many books the author has written. Hoping the errors were due to converting to Kindle.**
**The book had at least 4 errors, which I found really odd considering how many books the author has written. Hoping the errors were due to converting to Kindle.**
September 17, 2017
3.5 Not sure really what to write for this review. Could have done without the romance, and the main character could have used a little more dimension. Her emotions seemed too flat, too steady for all she was going through. The other characters were a bit more relatable. The story, however, was interesting and drew me in.
October 15, 2017
Eye opening
I wonder how much of this book is fiction and how much is reality. It mirrors some of what is happening in the world today. I enjoyed the biblical insight and the spiritual touch of God. I was quite frankly moved by this book. Thank you for writing this book.
I wonder how much of this book is fiction and how much is reality. It mirrors some of what is happening in the world today. I enjoyed the biblical insight and the spiritual touch of God. I was quite frankly moved by this book. Thank you for writing this book.
August 4, 2018
Dreams and adventure
This book draws you in quickly, it starts with someone being able to interpret dreams. But, it quickly becomes a thrilling adventure that demonstrates the importance and power of faith and prayer, especially prayer groups.
This book draws you in quickly, it starts with someone being able to interpret dreams. But, it quickly becomes a thrilling adventure that demonstrates the importance and power of faith and prayer, especially prayer groups.
July 3, 2019
So relevant in our financial climate
A stunning look at what may lie behind politics and financial markets and institutions. As well as an adventure story and a lesson in relying on God to act.
A stunning look at what may lie behind politics and financial markets and institutions. As well as an adventure story and a lesson in relying on God to act.
October 3, 2024
Really good book! Reminded me of when King Nebucadnezzer asked to have his dreams interpreted, and Daniel revealed the meaning of the dreams. In this book, Elena reveals what dreams mean, and this leads her and many others down a dangerous path. God is everywhere. Listen.
March 3, 2025
Oddly fascinating
I enjoyed whole premise of this book. God told us in Acts that in the last days there would be dreams and visions. We know who the real enemy is and this novel gave an interesting idea about exposing him.
I enjoyed whole premise of this book. God told us in Acts that in the last days there would be dreams and visions. We know who the real enemy is and this novel gave an interesting idea about exposing him.
September 9, 2017
Really liked it!
November 11, 2017
This is a recorded, inspirational book that combines the spiritual with psychology, intrigue, and crime.
December 11, 2017
This book was awesome. Very suspenseful, and had some cool possibilities of what could happen in the future with spiritual warfare.
September 17, 2019
Catholic mysticism disguised as Christian Fiction.
December 11, 2019
It was a good book. I wonder though, it's so much easier to be devoted in a piece of fiction, but what would our lives look like if we were that devoted?
February 23, 2020
A great read. I love reading books that show how God works in my life. After finishing this book last night, I prayed to have a deeper relationship with my Lord and Savior.
May 26, 2022
I am just confused. Like I can't even decide if the theology behind this book disagrees with my theology, I am just that lost...
July 6, 2023
not my favorite.
November 30, 2023
The book was on the boring side for me…I don’t like financial drama and it has mystical elements sometimes it was interesting but over all just not something I like reading about
March 15, 2025
I gave this my best effort, but halfway through, I had to call it.
March 1, 2018
Frustratingly the good ideas never seem to gel and spark. It becomes much talk about nothing. One does not get to see the antagonist forces are doing. Many sections end in the same way, with the same phrasing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews