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My Soul to Keep
An entrepreneur with nothing more than a dream teams up with an actor just out of prison and a has-been scriptwriter. Is their effort truly inspired or doomed from the start? A true star, Brent had arrived, but a downward spiral ended in a terrible accident and six long years behind bars. Then God finds Brent in prison, and on release he sets himself up with a small business and volunteers with a local theatre group. Celia had thought the inner and outer scars left by the accident were far beyond forgiveness. How could she ever find it in her to absolve Brent simply because he asks? A Christian businessman is challenged with a new venture, but how can he make a film when he doesn't even know where to begin? Thus begins an odyssey bringing some very unlikely people together to do something bigger than any of them could have imagined on their own.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2007
136 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Davis Bunn
112 books1,039 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 63 reviews
July 22, 2024
Pretty good...but definitely not the best from this author.
February 10, 2017
"I learned to be happy with the small triumph of a good day."
Hollywood star Brent Stark has found peace running a lawn care company, taking roles at local theaters, pursuing his faith, and faithfully attending AA meetings. The scars of his old life--the one that landed him an Oscar and a stint inside prison bars--are still tender, but he's learned to live with them. He's avoided the spotlight. Brent's life starts to change when a Christian business prayer group feels led to get into the movie business and ask for his help.
My Soul to Keep reminded me of Karen Kingsbury's Firstborn series--but with less romance and more movie making. Davis Bunn writes with enough of a love story to appeal to readers who typically read books like Kingsbury's without making that the focus of the story. While the story didn't leave me trapped in an aura of wonder, it had solid bones and a good message.
Hollywood star Brent Stark has found peace running a lawn care company, taking roles at local theaters, pursuing his faith, and faithfully attending AA meetings. The scars of his old life--the one that landed him an Oscar and a stint inside prison bars--are still tender, but he's learned to live with them. He's avoided the spotlight. Brent's life starts to change when a Christian business prayer group feels led to get into the movie business and ask for his help.
My Soul to Keep reminded me of Karen Kingsbury's Firstborn series--but with less romance and more movie making. Davis Bunn writes with enough of a love story to appeal to readers who typically read books like Kingsbury's without making that the focus of the story. While the story didn't leave me trapped in an aura of wonder, it had solid bones and a good message.
September 14, 2021
Wonderful feel good book
Some books the bad guys get beat by good guys and good guys win big. This isn't case. The good guys win but within God centered or Christ centered outcome. Too many of us want to banish evil and triumph over them rather than understand we win by doing Gods plan . Sometimes the plan has only small wins but the small wins are what builds us into his image.
Some books the bad guys get beat by good guys and good guys win big. This isn't case. The good guys win but within God centered or Christ centered outcome. Too many of us want to banish evil and triumph over them rather than understand we win by doing Gods plan . Sometimes the plan has only small wins but the small wins are what builds us into his image.
October 13, 2020
This was my first book by this author and I was very engaged in it throughout. The story is around a group of people who wanted to make a film with real meaning - apart from the Hollywood environment. This faith-based group recruited an actor-director who had become addicted and ruined his life, resulting in years of imprisonment. He was blacklisted in Hollywood and a reformed person with real integrity. This book is the story of how the film was chosen, casted and filmed against huge odds. Inspiring and compelling.
December 31, 2024
Author Davis Bunn has written an extraordinary work in "My Soul to Keep". It covers material that I know little to nothing about and have not previously cared to learn more about, but it was so well written, and the plot so well developed that I could not put it down. It includes an underlying Christian Perspective with a sympathetic view and does a good job of balancing the viewpoint nuances of the blend of good and evil that exist in society.
Highly recommended, and I will be reading more by this author.
Highly recommended, and I will be reading more by this author.
January 6, 2024
A contemporary adventure with the God of the miraculous
This is the work of someone who truly a understands and is able to symbolize the spiritual warfare of current issues of our human struggle. I didn't want to put the book down, but was gripped by the suspense of waiting for the miracle to break through. Exciting characters, both the deliciously evil and the battling and finally overcoming heroes, make this my favorite read in a long time.
This is the work of someone who truly a understands and is able to symbolize the spiritual warfare of current issues of our human struggle. I didn't want to put the book down, but was gripped by the suspense of waiting for the miracle to break through. Exciting characters, both the deliciously evil and the battling and finally overcoming heroes, make this my favorite read in a long time.
August 30, 2024
Good vs Evil
Good. Former prisoner, former alcoholic, former drug addict Brent Stark is an actor, running a lawn service. He went to prison as a multiple offender and almost killing his girlfriend, Celia, in a car accident.
Evil. Hollywood and Shari Kahn.
A fascinating double story featuring the power of our God and the miracle of prayer. You will love this exciting and amazing story.
Good. Former prisoner, former alcoholic, former drug addict Brent Stark is an actor, running a lawn service. He went to prison as a multiple offender and almost killing his girlfriend, Celia, in a car accident.
Evil. Hollywood and Shari Kahn.
A fascinating double story featuring the power of our God and the miracle of prayer. You will love this exciting and amazing story.
September 27, 2019
I'm sure I've mentioned before that my wife and I found Davis Bunn's first series not long after they were printed and have followed him ever since. This one takes place in America's entertainment industry and was really enjoyable. I like the living faith aspect of his main characters and how he frequently has very applicable life lessons woven into the story line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2021
Mediocre and cringey at times. The love story arc completely ruined the strong premise that was set up. Everything ended too neatly, and too quickly. The subject matter was very promising but on paper not everything came together. I think I'll read some other works from this author, as it's clear he can write, but I'd give this book a hard pass for a re-read.
May 7, 2022
God is still at work, even when you can't see it!
What a deeply encouraging novel. Completely faithful to the Word of God, the author weaves the story off the body of Christ coming together to support a film made to lift up the righteous heroes of early America, trusting God for the results.
What a deeply encouraging novel. Completely faithful to the Word of God, the author weaves the story off the body of Christ coming together to support a film made to lift up the righteous heroes of early America, trusting God for the results.
June 9, 2023
This one is a keeper, in so many ways
When I began this book it felt as if I was reading a book from another author - though Bunny has been a favorite for more than a cores years, now. Exactly, this reads like a Charles Martin book - another favorite and Southern author. Hope you enjoy this as much as I have!
When I began this book it felt as if I was reading a book from another author - though Bunny has been a favorite for more than a cores years, now. Exactly, this reads like a Charles Martin book - another favorite and Southern author. Hope you enjoy this as much as I have!
May 13, 2025
A story line that is more accurate today than ever.
The first time I read this I thought of Mel Gibson’s The Passion. Then came the break out movie Facing the Giants. How Davis Bunn mange’s to predict and capture future events is a tribute to the range of his experience and wisdom. This is an excellent read and page turner.
The first time I read this I thought of Mel Gibson’s The Passion. Then came the break out movie Facing the Giants. How Davis Bunn mange’s to predict and capture future events is a tribute to the range of his experience and wisdom. This is an excellent read and page turner.
September 28, 2018
This is my the first book I've read from this author and it definitely won't be the last. This is about recovery from addiction, Hollywood, the lengths people do to get what they want and pursue their ambition, to the detriment of others, and love.
November 23, 2018
This was very good. I found it highly interesting because it followed the main antagonist's story line all the way to the end as well. I wondered why Mr Bunn was telling it this way until I got to the end.
Spoiler: it turns out to be a strong warning against the choices the antagonist makes.
Spoiler: it turns out to be a strong warning against the choices the antagonist makes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2020
Good wins out over evil
The message in this book is one of the power of God over evil. The evil side of Hollywood trying to stop the competition of an independent film showing the truth. It’s a powerful read, one I had trouble putting down.
The message in this book is one of the power of God over evil. The evil side of Hollywood trying to stop the competition of an independent film showing the truth. It’s a powerful read, one I had trouble putting down.
December 14, 2020
A very inspiring read
Just finished my second Bunn book In two days. Brought tears to my eyes and ministers to my heart. Great plot and characters. I've read a few other novels using Hollywood as a back drop, wasn't sure if I'd like it, but I loved it!
Just finished my second Bunn book In two days. Brought tears to my eyes and ministers to my heart. Great plot and characters. I've read a few other novels using Hollywood as a back drop, wasn't sure if I'd like it, but I loved it!
December 31, 2020
Great read
I was not sure what to expect when I started reading this book. It quickly pulled me in and I began to feel like the characters were person friends. Strongly recommend for anyone looking for a book that leaves you feeling as satisfied as a gourmet meal.
I was not sure what to expect when I started reading this book. It quickly pulled me in and I began to feel like the characters were person friends. Strongly recommend for anyone looking for a book that leaves you feeling as satisfied as a gourmet meal.
February 8, 2021
David vs Goliath Grace, Redemption - in today’s entertainment environment
Explore the world of Hollywood contrasted with an upstart production company and see true redemption and grace played out in lives.
Explore the world of Hollywood contrasted with an upstart production company and see true redemption and grace played out in lives.
May 6, 2023
blockbuster
Well scripted blockbuster of a book. Chiding God’s side is always the winning side and this book portrays that so well. It echoes a Christian movie I saw a couple of weeks ago where attendance amazed everybody.
Well scripted blockbuster of a book. Chiding God’s side is always the winning side and this book portrays that so well. It echoes a Christian movie I saw a couple of weeks ago where attendance amazed everybody.
June 8, 2023
A finely crafted story
The characters had struggles, fears, breakthroughs, and momentous experiences while trusting God. It was exhilarating to read about so many people in so many walks of life trusting God and helping others!
The characters had struggles, fears, breakthroughs, and momentous experiences while trusting God. It was exhilarating to read about so many people in so many walks of life trusting God and helping others!
February 27, 2018
A story about the Christian movie scene - Strong characters with a lot of drama - From prison, to AA meetings, to film making, to romance, to family - the is ending is somewhat to be determined -
March 1, 2018
It is hard to comprehend that this is the same author who wrote “Florian’s Gate”, this story just fell flat. Maybe even the best writers under contract can’t always deliver.
October 18, 2018
Brilliant!
September 23, 2019
LOVED this book. Probably my most favorite books of all of his I’ve read (ALL of them). Will be buying it to add to my permanent collection. Some books are just like that. This is one of them.
June 15, 2020
Awesome!
Great reminder that redemption is available for all ! No matter the past a person comes from ! God is good !!
Great reminder that redemption is available for all ! No matter the past a person comes from ! God is good !!
September 26, 2020
My Soul to Keep
A very good story about forgiveness and love A woman left with scars and the man she blames fall in love a story about money trying to win over faith in God
A very good story about forgiveness and love A woman left with scars and the man she blames fall in love a story about money trying to win over faith in God
November 13, 2020
Great
One of my favorite authors. This book was extra good! It has such an important message of Grace, Forgiveness, and Redemption. Highly recommend.
One of my favorite authors. This book was extra good! It has such an important message of Grace, Forgiveness, and Redemption. Highly recommend.
January 14, 2021
Loved this book! Fascinating!
February 18, 2021
Great book
April 30, 2021
Not a bad story but fairly predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews