Moondust Lake

Miramar Bay #3

by Davis Bunn

What to do with a life where everything he’s worked for is shattered?
 
A top executive in the family business, Buddy Helms lives and works under the thumb of his powerful father. He’s proved himself time and again to the manipulative patriarch—even saving the company from financial ruin. Yet for six years Buddy’s waited to hear that he’s worthy of his father’s love and respect. Now, after another cold dismissal, Buddy’s slamming the door on everything he’s strived for. When his church counselor recommends a soothing tonic for his disillusionment, frustration, and rage, he goes for the solitude of Moondust Lake, a retreat just outside Miramar Bay, is just what he needs.

Believing in others comes easily—it’s believing in herself that’s a risk . . .

Kimberly Sturgiss is a professional psychotherapist whose tragic past has granted her a rare ability to gently release her patients from their self-made prisons. She’s well acquainted with the Helms family and the dark burdens that come with them. But the most intriguing challenge of all is Buddy. He and Kimberly share more than she’s prepared to admit—the same emotional cage, the guarded heart, and the broken trusts that come with being alive. Maybe it’s finally time that Kimberly finds herself, too—by reaching out to the man who’s reaching out to her.

“Fans of Nicholas Sparks and inspirational fiction will enjoy Bunn’s latest novel.”
 — Booklist
 
“Bunn brings family and friendships to the forefront of this gracefully and skillfully written story. . . . Full of strong female characters and an excellent plotline. Fans of Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury will be drawn to this feel-good story.”
— Library Journal

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Audiobook, Christian

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2020

About the author

Davis 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).

Reviews

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this book as much as the first two in the series. I found the entire thing quite disjointed and never connected with any of the characters.
I appreciated the themes of forgiveness and needing to come to terms with what happens in the past in order to move forward to a positive future. Each of the characters completes this journey and it is meaningful. However, Jack is the antagonist and is portrayed as a villain, and most of his scenes don't even appear on the page, and those that are are just him blustering around trying to bully everyone. I just never got a true sense of him and why people would be bowing to his will, because his character was just not fleshed out at all. And his redemption again occurred off the page and didn't feel real or convincing.
The therapy sessions that many of the characters were experiencing were again, never incorporated into the story so we could see growth or change. It just all seemed to happen instantaneously. There were also a lot of privacy and ethical violations that seemed like they would never happen in real life, they were just put in as part of the drama.
And the conclusion--we were told that things were happening behind the scenes, Buddy was drawing everyone together and working out deals--yet this drama happened off the page and was never really revealed to the reader.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy Helms has finally decided to seek help in dealing with his demons- most of which relate to his difficult relationship with his father. Jack Helms is more than a difficult man and his actions and words have laid waste to his relationships not only with Buddy but also with his wife Beth and daughter Carey. Kimberly Sturgis is the therapist who helps Buddy and his mom to unwrap their issues and move into the light. It's not really the third in a series but rather the third in a group of books which are loosely connected by setting (although here the setting is Moondust Lake, which is adjacent to Miramar Bay, famed for second chances.) Thanks to Netgalley for the arc. This is a thoughtful novel.

[Ian Mcnamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. The stories are nice and easy to read specially while working from home. I have read better series in the past but this one is still very enjoyable. The characters in this book are very well developed and had a lot of challenges to overcome. The one negative thing i would say about this book is as someone who has had therapy myself in the past the issues were solved very quickly and the romance was very rushed.

[Christine Barth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't nearly as good as the other 2. I felt like there were a few chapters missing...character development and the part that actually happened at Moondust lake.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moondust Lake by Davis Bunn is an engaging novel of healing and love. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Miramar Bay series, it can be read as a standalone.

Buddy Helms has finally worked up the courage to leave his family owned company. Patriarch Jack Helms runs the company yet he refuses to acknowledge his son's accomplishments. At the same time that Buddy is moving on, his mother Beth makes the shocking decision to leave his father.  Beth is hoping her departure will convince Jack to take her seriously when she asks him to go to therapy with her. Beth also implores Jack and his sister Carey to get counseling to help them work through the damage Jack has done to them.  Buddy complies with her request since he is already taking steps to regain control of his life. His sessions with Preston Sturgiss force him to reflect on what he wants for the future. Buddy also encourages Carey to discuss her problems with counselor Kimberly.  Will Buddy finally disentangle himself from his dysfunctional relationship with his father? Can Beth convince Jack to confront the demons from his past? And will Buddy and Kimberly act on their unexpected attraction?

Buddy is a caring and compassionate man who finally realizes it is futile to continue his attempts to receive validation and appreciation for his hard work.  With a couple of serious job options on the table, he is uncertain which he will chose and he remains concerned about what will happen to his team who worked with him at his father's company. Buddy is also in the midst of an identity crisis since he has always lived under his father's shadow. He is completely open and honest in his therapy sessions and his exercises with Preston provide him with valuable insight about himself. A quick retreat to Moondust Lake  provides him the opportunity for reflection but will the peace he finds continue once Buddy returns home?

The characters are interesting and well-drawn with relatable strengths and flaws. Jack is a particularly nasty man and since he is portrayed at his worst, it is difficult to understand why Beth has stayed with him for so long. Although Kimberly is a counselor, she has yet to recover from her divorce a few years prior. The romance between Kimberly and Buddy is rushed and has an insta-love feel since they are only together for about a week.  It is also notable that Buddy and Carey are receptive to therapy but the speed in which they resolve their issues is unrealistic.

Moondust Lake is a lovely story of reconciliation, family and love. The storyline is interesting and it is easy to relate to the issues the various characters are working to overcome. Old and new fans are sure to enjoy this heartwarming addition to Davis Bunn's Miramar Bay series.

[Jenn O'Brien · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ironic that the main character in this story works for an marketing/media company when the cover art of this book has NOTHING to do with the story. And the title is a location mentioned BRIEFLY in the story. Talk about false advertising.

The overarching theme of redemption is a good one for discussion, but 95% of the book is anger and revenge. If there was supposed to be a love story, I did not see the connection. I saw you, you saw me, we had dinner, it is a match made in heaven.

There were too many loose ends and too much of a quick resultion for me to like this book.

[Sarah Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I got through a few chapters but it just didn't hold my interest.

[Susie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I found most relevant and worthwhile about Davis Bunn's little novel, "Moondust Lake", was his depiction of the mother's faithfulness, true love, spirituality -- how the author depicts her fight to save the soul of her husband, Jack....

[Nadine Keels · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been reading fiction from this prolific and versatile author for decades, from his historical suspense to his legal thrillers and speculative fiction and more.

Now I've come to this third book in the Miramar Bay series of standalones. Notwithstanding this one's gentle title and cover art, the novel is actually a corporate workplace and family drama with dashes of danger and a side of romance. While I didn't wind up really connecting with the characters, the overall situation kept me interested.

As for the romance, it wasn't my favorite aspect of the story. That's largely because the two involved characters' hearts are in such downbeat or critically broken places. Sure, no person is ever in a 100% perfect state with no need for any learning, growing, healing, or anything. But in this instance, one downbeat party is reluctant about the insta-love kind of experience happening, and the broken party is so lost that they admit they don't even know who they are. I don't see a secure or compelling basis there for striking up a new romantic relationship already.

On a different note, the older I get as a Black American woman, the more that I feel it's important to mention matters like the following one, since not everyone is used to noticing or considering them.

I appreciate stories having characters of different ethnicities, which is the case in this and other books I've read by this author. However, the reading here got a little weird to me because the narrator refers to a supporting Black character as "the old black man" multiple times, and once as "an old dark man." After all, no one in the story is called "the white man" or "the light woman" again and again as if their race or skin color were anything but perfectly normal.

I'm not mentioning this on account of this author specifically but more for other writers, especially aspiring ones, who may read this or other book reviews of mine. If you're wondering about normalizing ethnic diversity in fiction, you're welcome to ask for more of my take on the subject.

Even so (despite a crucial character's total one-eighty that takes place off-page too quickly and easily toward the end), I remained intrigued by the story's general events and wanted to see how everything would wrap up.

I do plan on continuing this series sometime.

Note:
• some violent scenes and discussions of past violence
• no profanity
• no explicit sexual content

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moondust Lake is the third installment from Davis Bunn's Miramar Bay series. I enjoyed the book and give it three and a half stars.

[Marti Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up from the new releases shelf at the library. Decent blend of action and reflection... good weekend read.

Some promo materials compare the author to Nicholas Sparks, almost enough to keep me from reading it (since I consider The Notebook one of the worst things ever written). But they also compare him to Jan Karon, so I thought I’d give it a try!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed MOONDUST LAKE, the third book in the Miramar Bay series, though the connection to the series is tenuous at best (readers get a brief scene at Castaways in Miramar Bay). Also tenuous at best is the title of the book, a location where a couple scenes in the book took place, but those scenes could have taken place anywhere.

And then there's the speed that events happened. The Helms family, minus father and oldest daughter, enter therapy and a week later the source of the need for therapy is resolved for the most part?

So, if I found so many things to "complain" about, why am I giving this book 5 stars?

1. The story itself, ignoring the speed of the events taking place, is excellent. The story features Buddy Helms and Kimberly Sturgiss as the main protagonists, but it is just as much the story of Buddy's parents, Jack and Beth, and his sister Carey. Readers will care about the characters and want to continue reading to find out what happens next.

2. The book has a cinematic quality to it. I had no problem visualizing the action or getting caught up in the drama. With a little tweaking to make Jack's story more of the focus, I could see MOONDUST LAKE as a movie and would definitely watch it.

3. It's by Davis Bunn, one of my favorite authors. While he's just now entering the mainstream contemporary fiction market, Bunn is a master of creating characters the reader will care about, regardless of the genre. The fact that the majority of his output has been for the Christian market also means he knows how to write without the need for profanity while still dealing with current issues or topics of interest.

Highly recommended!

(Readers should be aware that there is another Kindle edition of MOONDUST LAKE on Goodreads that has a different book description.)

I received a copy of the book from Kensington through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd in the Miramar Bay series. I loved the first one, felt the second was was a little too "out there" for me (a person dies and lives again through another person), and this one, while a good story, seemed too rushed and as though too much of it takes place outside the story.

I did like the character of Buddy - how he tries so hard to please his father, who manipulates his entire family with his anger and refusal to recognize their efforts. Having lived with a person who was like this, I felt for Buddy's struggle to break free from his father's abuse. I also appreciated how Beth, his mother, dealt with the whole situation, desiring to see her husband redeemed, even if it meant leaving him in order to force him to face what he had become.

The whole job description stuff was way outside my experience; and so was most of the story development. I did like the two questions Buddy's counselor asked him to reflect on as he searched for his identity apart from his father. "What do you want the people you love to say about you in five years?" And "Who is on your team?" (Who supports and trusts you; whom do you trust?)

It had a good ending, although it felt a bit rushed. And I would have liked to have more than just references to the characters' faith - I thought there were some great lead-ins to some powerful prayers, and places where showing God's guidance and intervention in these situations would have improved the book.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

We probably all know families like the Helms family. One parent is a tyrant and the other tries in every way possible to keep things on an even keel. One child rebels and takes off to make their own way, whether or not that way is good or bad. Another child tries to work within the framework of the family, hoping to eventually be fully accepted and appreciated. And then one child is the turtle, basically trying to hide in their shell from all that is going on in the household. Maybe you grew up in that kind of family. Your family may not have had the wealth and power of the Helms family, and maybe the tyrant only affected those within the household, but the tyrant wreaked enough havoc on the children to have a life-changing impact on their lives. What causes a parent to become impossible to live with? Is the other parent ever justified to walk out on a situation like that? Did Beth leave Jack and move into an old run-down apartment because she no longer loved him? Did Buddy walk away from his father’s company because he hated the man? Why did Sylvie leave? The family situation was disturbing, but seeing how a man like Jack can practically rip a ministry apart is heart-rending. No person should ever have the control over a church or ministry that he held. Although much of the story evolved around the relationship between Jack and Buddy, Beth was the real hero. The closing words of the book sum it up better than anything else.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy Helms lives and works under the thumb of his powerful father. He's proved himself time and again to the manipulative patriarch, even saving the company from financial ruin. Yet for six years Buddy's waited to hear he's worthy of his father's love and respect. Now, after another cold dismissal, Buddy's slamming the door on everything he's strived for. When his church counselor recommends a soothing tonic for his disillusionment, frustration, and rage, he grabs at it: the solitude of Moondust Lake, a retreat just outside Miramar Bay.
Kimberly Sturgiss is a professional psychotherpist, whose tragic past has granted her a rare ability to gently release her patients from their self-made prisons. She's well acquainted with the Helms family and the dark burdens that come with them. But the most intriguing challenge of all is Buddy. He and Kimberley share more than she's prepared to admit. Maybe it's finally time Kimberly finds herself too, by reaching out to the man who's reaching out to her.
This is an uplifting novel about searching for all the things in life that matter, embracing them, and never letting go.

[Kandi A. Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Story of a Family in Crisis

David Bunn's books are always well written, intense in emotions, and thought provoking. This book is no different. I have it 3 stars because of the fact that will it is well written, it was also to me somewhat of a depressing book. Maybe it hits home too much regarding a domineering father who makes his children's lives unhappy. This story is about hidden past sins, power, manipulation, and domination. It is also about coming to terms with past evil deeds as well as the effects that the sins of the father have on the family and children. Eventually, there is redemption but while I think the author meant for an atoning and maybe even a "blessed" ending, it just seemed sad to me. I cannot say more or give a spoiler in my review. While others may have a totally different take on this story, this is mine. While it kept my interest, I was eventually left not satisfied or unsatisfied with the read.

[Lisa Malmquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy Helms works under his father in the family business. It has been 6 years of sweating it out, no acknowledgement from dear old Dad.
Buddy finally manages to cut a huge deal that will save the business from financial ruin.
Again zero acknowledgment from Dad. No atta boy for himself or his team. So Buddy decides to walk out.
Now Buddy has to fight for a future without being under the thumb of his father.
He has two interviews with other firms. Meanwhile his Dad goes onto the attack.
The bright ideas and chess type moves required keep the story rolling along quickly.
The rest of the family leaves as well and Buddy is now the one who has to come up with a solution for everyone. He gets help from the new company he wants to work for. Secrets come out about his father.
Everyone involved is trying to create a better plan for their lives.
The road to redemption or a better life requires facing the demons that chase you and winning.
Great story!

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Miramar Bay series. Buddy Helms leaves a job he loves and his family after trying for years to please his father. The family business would have collapsed if not for him but Buddy's dad doesn't see it that way and constantly criticizes him. Buddy meets Kimblerly and the two becomes friends as he starts counseling with his church pastor. This is a story of redemption and learning there is more to life than business and money. Not preachy or overbearing but a nice solid Christian background. Can be read as a stand alone. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Davis Bunn. His storytelling is impeccable. His characters, clearly developed. His conflict, intense. His resolution, not a moment before it should be. This family drama that began as a “read a few minutes before bed” book, ended in a marathon read. Jack Helms was quite the villain. Buddy and Carey (his children), the brave ones you will cheer for. And Beth, the loving wife, who is honestly the only unbelievable character— she exhibited such Christ-like love and the deepest of tough-love in action O don’t know if anyone could do what she did (or even should.) Being from CA, the setting of central and coastal CA was enjoyable.

[Linda Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy Helms has finally decided to seek help in dealing with his demons- most of which relate to his difficult relationship with his father. Jack Helms is more than a difficult man and his actions and words have laid waste to his relationships not only with Buddy but also with his wife Beth and daughter Carey. Kimberly Sturgis is the therapist who helps Buddy and his mom to unwrap their issues and move into the light. It's not really the third in a series but rather the third in a group of books which are loosely connected by setting (although here the setting is Moondust Lake, which is adjacent to Miramar Bay, famed for second chances.)

[Doug Yonce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to read this book because I have been a fan of the author for years. But I forgot that the author is so versatile, and this book wasn’t as interesting to me. I prefer his thrillers and adventures which teach spiritual values more than the stories like this. That said, it was very well written with excellent character development, and I was able to follow easily despite the fact that I hadn’t read earlier books in the series. I received an advanced digital copy through #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in a series but each book can stand alone and it seems only the CA
geography is the shared component (learned via written reviews).
Stumbled on this as a new book in our local library.. having read this author before and liked him ..I borrowed it.
Very interesting and different from the other books of his that I have read..this is about a prodigal father and his family.
Topics: Dysfunctional family, family counselors, hospice care.
Buddy and Kimberly romance.
Book discussion questions at end.
Only 225 pages and that definitely appealed to me.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moondust lake

This was my first book to read by Davis Bunn. Sadly, I probably won't read others. It was not my cup of tea. Every character had horrible blackness from years before. Beth & Preston seemed less scathed than the others. And of course good old Josiah. The world in which they existed--high finance & lottsa money--is something so foreign to me I just couldnt buy into it. It is not the worst book I've ever read, in fact it was well written. Just too much angst for my liking. Sorry.

[Jacqueline Seewald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Buddy Helms who is tired of working under the thumb of his tyrant of a father. When he tries to leave the company, his father unleashes his fury. Essentially, this is the story of a dysfunctional family. Buddy's mother, Beth, realizing that she is dying, tries to set matters right for Buddy and his two sisters. She hopes to bring her husband Jack to his senses. That is easier said than done. Buddy has the help and support of Kimberly Sturgiss, a professional psychotherapist, who is strongly attracted to him. This is an absorbing novel.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow. Nothing at all what was expected. What a powerful story. Not sure all the characters were all going to survive. This isn’t a thriller, but a heartfelt, compelling glimpse into one messed up family system. And, I do mean compelling. Did not want to put this down, once I finally was able to begin it. Had started and only read a couple of paragraphs when I had to stop- not enough to get any sense of the story or even one character. Then, last evening, finally had time and wanted tor read all night, but couldn’t. This is a great read.

[Walter Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding book but so!e of the stories needed to be developed a !little more the growth of the love affair

Between Buddy and Kimberly. Buddy's nearly instant rehab at Moondust lake. The closing scenes were a little cluttered.
Really love the morality of the main actors. Scenes described well and kept me in the story. The overall
Story was good and I. Hope my critique is not viewed as harsh.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice enough entry into this series based on the coast in California. This one took place mostly in San Luis Obispo with only a rare appearance of Miramar Bay, the town from which the series name comes from. I did not care for the negative treatment of Christianity that was found in the book. The story is about a mother trying to get her husband to return to being the man she married and to reconcile with his children. A quite abrupt and unsatisfying ending, though. No sex or profanity.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This is some novel filled with great writing and a tense storyline. It has a family teetering toward total and utter destruction. There is a son intent on capturing his demons and put things right. There is the wife and mother trying desperately to find what remains of the love her husband once held for his family. It is a rugged journey for every character to find peace.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written novel showing the impact positive and negative relationships have on an individual

Bunn's writing is always excellent.
This novel shows the reader many choices an individual has in response to the many relationships in his life...positive and negative.
Great story and truths!

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read this author for years and like him a lot. I enjoyed this very much, but kept going back to re-read because I kept feeling I had missed something here and there...there were some leaps taken! Maybe it was sub par editing- I know that’s a tough job.

I liked the story, the characters and I want to go there and be taken care of these people!