‘The Damascus Way’ by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke – Book Review and Giveaway

One of my favorite books of 2010 was ‘The Hidden Flame’ by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke, the second book in the ‘Acts of Faith’ series, which focused on the Early Years of the Church when followers of the Way were interacting with the Disciples, etc... So when the third book in the series, ‘The Damascus Way,’ was released, I knew I wanted to continue following the story line as seen through the creative minds of Davis Bunn and Janette Oke. 

Here is the synopsis of this book:

The fledgling church is being scattered by persecution spearheaded by a fanatical young Pharisee who does not realize he is helping to spread the truth “unto the ends of the earth.”

Young Julia has everything money can buy, yet she and her Hebrew mother are less than second-class citizens. When Julia discovers the secret her Greek father has kept all these years, she is devastated. Her future is clouded with uncertainty.

Jacob, Abigail’s brother, is attempting to find his own place among the believers. Does it mean trading away the exhilaration and adventure of his current profession as a caravan guard? Hired to protect a wealthy merchant’s caravans on the secretive “Frankincense Trail,” Jacob also reluctantly takes on the perilous responsibility of passing messages between communities of believers dispersed across the land. He is alarmed to discover that Julia is also a courier. Can they put their initial mistrust aside to accomplish their mission?

An Earthshaking Encounter on the Way to Damascus Has Repercussion Far Beyond the Lives of Julia and Jacob.

This book was written by a dynamic duo who have had a great deal of success both individually and together. 

Here is the biography for Davis Bunn:

Davis Bunn has been a professional novelist for twenty years.  His books have sold in excess of six million copies in sixteen languages, appearing on numerous national bestseller lists.

Davis is known for the diversity of his writing talent, from gentle gift books like The Quilt to high-powered thrillers like The Great Divide.  He has also enjoyed great success in his collaborations with Janette Oke, with whom he has co-authored a series of groundbreaking historical novels.

In developing his work, Davis draws on a rich background of international experience. Raised in North Carolina, he completed his undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University. He then traveled to London to earn a master’s degree in international economics and finance before embarking ona distinguished career that took him to more than thirty countries in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Davis has received numerous literary accolades, including three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction.  He currently serves as Writer-in-Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University, and is a sought-after lecturer on the craft of writing.

(Photo courtesy of Chris Kidler, Florida Today)

Here is the biography for Janette Oke:

Janette Oke was born in Champion, Alberta, to a Canadian prairie farmer and his wife, and she grew up in a large family full of laughter and love.  She is a graduate of Mountain View Bible College in Alberta, where she met her husband, Edward, and they were married in May of 1957.  After pasturing churches in Indiana and Canada, the Okes spent some years in Calgary, where Edward served in several positions on college faculties. She has written forty-eight novels for adults and another sixteen for children, and her book sales total nearly thirty million copies.

The Okes have three sons and one daughter, all married, and are enjoying their fifteen grandchildren.  Edward and Janette are active in their local church and make their home near Didsbury, Alberta.

As in ‘The Hidden Flame,' the main character in ‘The Damascus Way’ is Abigail; also prominently featured are other early followers of the Way, including Peter, Ananias,  Martha, and the Samaritan woman at the well, whose name in this novel is Helzebah. 

I loved both of the parallel storylines following Julia and Jacob, and Jacob’s sister, Abigail. I was particularly struck by the faithfulness and love for their Lord and others of the followers of Christ. They all were changed by their relationship with Him and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There were major character improvements in all of the new followers; it was inspirational! Here is an example of one character, Linux, a Roman soldier, explaining his transformation:

The drover cackled once more. “And you are as strange a Roman as ever I have had occasion to meet.”

“I am a man remade by Jesus, the risen Christ.”

The elder studied him. “If this Jesus of your can turn two Romans into guardians of poor Judeans, then he is powerful indeed.”

“I stand as testimony to the truth of your words,” Linux said. “And I shall pray to Him tonight for the salvation of your soul, you and all your clan.” (p. 105)

This book is packed with valuable information pertaining to life in that era and area. For instance, I was interested in learning more about frankincense:

Jacob knew that perhaps the most valuable item in the world was frankincense. It formed the core component of virtually every perfume and was used as incense in Greek, Roman, and Judean religious rites. Frankincense was a key ingredient in embalming and burials. And, perhaps most important, for those who could afford it, frankincense was considered to have powerful healing qualities. It was used for the treatment of breathing difficulties, joint ailments, and chest inflammations.

The Hebrew word for frankincense was levonah, also the unofficial name of the ancient Phoenician kingdom to the north of Judea. Phoenician traders had held a virtual monopoly on its trade for over a thousand years. (p. 120)

I also loved the fact that this book was written by two excellent authors. I am not sure how Mr. Bunn and Mrs. Oke split up the writing, but it is seamless and incredible! I am naturally interested in this era of Church history, but I am particularly interested when the writing is so incredibly well done!

Another interesting aspect of this book is the fact that it looked at Paul’s conversion on the Road to Damascus. I am so inspired by the fact that God took this Pharisee that was so damaging to the Church, and converted him to such an extent that he became one of the most important Christ followers who ever lived! That turnaround gives hope to all of us who have made mistakes in life (and none of us are exempt in that category). I was hoping to see more of Saul of Tarsus in ‘The Hidden Flame,’ but am grateful that he was included in this last book in the series.

I really loved this book! As noted, I did read the second book in this ‘Acts of Faith’ series, ‘The Hidden Flame’ (you can read my review here). I have not read the first book, ‘The Centurion’s Wife;’ it is definitely on my Wish List!

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Bethany House and provided by the Blogging Bistro for review purposes.

____________________________________________________

I have one copy of this book to give along; many thanks to Laura at Blogging Bistro for generously providing the copy!  You will WANT to read this excellent book!

There are several ways to gain entry:           

1) Leave a comment here on the blog, telling me what is most intriguing to you about this novel. Please make sure to leave your email address in this format – sample[at]gmail[dot]com. 

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So there are many, many chances to enter and therefore win! Please limit one entry per option (except for the Twitter option), and don’t forget to include your email address, or, sad to say, the Random Number Generator will have to choose a different winner.

This giveaway is for U.S. residents only. The deadline for entry is Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST. One winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator on Thursday, May 12, 2011 and will be contacted via email. The best to all of you!

Interview with Davis Bunn, author of 'The Damascus Way'

Tomorrow, I will be posting my book review (plus a giveaway!) of 'The Damascus Way,' the latest release from the Dynamic Duo of Davis Bunn and Janette Oke. Today, we have some biographical information on Mr. Bunn, as well as a Question and Answer session.

The Damascus Way is the finale to the best-selling Acts of Faith trilogy co-authored by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke.
Book 1 is The Centurion's Wife
Book 2 is The Hidden Flame

About Davis Bunn

“Wise teacher.”

“Gentleman Adventurer.”

“Consummate writer.”

“Renaissance Man.”

Reviewers, 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.

Christy Awards

• The Meeting Place (co-authored with Janette Oke)
  Best North American Historical fiction, 2000
• The Great Divide – Best Suspense Novel, 2001
• Drummer in the Dark – Best Suspense Novel, 2002

Q & A with Davis Bunn

How did you and Janette Oke originally establish your writing relationship?

Janette had read several of my early works and liked my sense of drama. I had read a number of hers, and was just amazed at her ability to weave in the fragile and beautiful emotions of a woman’s heart. We were at the annual gathering of Christian publishers when we first talked about writing together. Six months later, we met in Canada and began work on our first book. That was fourteen years ago.

What inspired you to write Acts of Faith, a series of three books set in the earliest days of the church?

Janette Oke and I have wanted to do a Bible-based series for years. Then health issues forced her to retire, and it looked like we would never have that opportunity. Three years ago, she came out of retirement, specifically so that we might do this final trio of books together. It has been an answer to a prayer for us both. We have so enjoyed this project.

How did you and Janette Oke flesh out people from the Bible and weave them into the Acts of Faith books?

The writing of The Hidden Flame carried a number of challenges, and building a character from the little we know about Stephen was one of them. There were several excellent commentaries that taught me a great deal, and it led to some truly beautiful discussions with Janette. That has been one of the unexpected gifts derived from this trilogy, how much I have learned from her own deep insights into the Scriptures.

As for Stephen’s fate, we started from the passage in Acts where the first martyr was named Stephen and worked back. There are very few such names given to those who sacrifice everything. We felt it happened here both because he was the first, and because he played such a vital role in this transforming moment in our church’s history. Stephen served as mediator between the congregation and the most vulnerable – outsiders who were also either widowed or orphaned. He was entrusted with their care and their provisions. And he sought to share his newfound faith with a group of outcasts – those who worshipped at the Freedman’s Synagogue.

Our biggest concern here was to have Stephen become married. First Corinthians names several of the apostles and church leaders who are wed. So we figured it would be okay, even if Stephen wasn’t – the Scriptures do not say. Thankfully, up to now we have not received any negative reaction to this.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

This is a huge question, and one we go through a lot with. In this series, we started with THREE lists of names – Judean, Roman, and Greek. In The Damascus Way, we added a fourth list, for early Christian names. We go back and forth and back and forth. It is like naming baby. Everybody gets involved. My wife, the editors, sometimes even the marketing people.

How much of yourself do you write into your characters?

The emotions are certainly mine. But the characters are themselves. Some of the things they experience, in the sense of growing through something, are very essential to me and Janette. But the characters are who they are, and the further along we go in the story, the further and further they grow away from us.

Were any of the stories in this series especially poignant for you?

Without question, it would have to be the third and final book in this series. The Damascus Way centers upon one of the most crucial components of the Book of Acts – the persecution of the early church and the miraculous confrontation between Jesus and Saul of Tarsus.

There is the beginning of signs and wonders within the growing church. The church expands at a rate that is astonishing and miraculous to everyone involved. The Judean Temple hierarchy and the Roman government grow hostile to the church. Stephen has become the first martyr.

It was a true growing experience to spend these days and weeks and months so deeply involved with the Followers of the Way.

For me, The Damascus Way is by far the richest book in the series. Other readers, especially women, have come in strong for book one or two, but Damascus for me holds the most powerful elements. Not just for this series, but for everything Janette and I have done together.

I heard a really nice thing yesterday. I happened to bump into a friend at the supermarket, and he told me how someone had stood up in the middle of the formal church service on Sunday – at a church on the other side of the county – and lifted Damascus over his head and said everyone in the church had to go out and read this book, that it was life-changing. What a huge gift.

What is the biggest personal lesson you have learned from writing the Acts of Faith series?

The greatest lesson I personally have gained from this series is how our world is reshaped through the vision of Jesus. This is a truth revealed time and again through the Book of Acts. We hope this same truth will shine within our pages. Our hope is that each of these stories will ignite in the reader a new hunger to enrich themselves through the treasures found in the Book of Acts.

Our first book, The Centurion’s Wife, dealt with the forty days between the resurrection of Jesus and the arrival of Pentecost.

The key component of our second book in the series, The Hidden Flame, was what I called the passing of the torch. Jesus left, and his disciples took over. They moved from the position of followers to leaders. What an enormous challenge that must have been, and yet how similar it is to the challenge any leader faces today.

In The Damascus Way, the third book of our trilogy, we create a story based upon outreach. We look at what it means to engage in evangelism, and seek a clearer understanding of the challenges and mysteries faced by those earliest believers. And we seek to enrich the glorious moment when Saul, the early church’s greatest enemy, was called to faith by our Lord.  

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website, blog, and interactive discussion group are at www.davisbunn.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Davis-Bunn-author/134762129885578

Twitter: @davisbunn - http://twitter.com/davisbunn

The photo of Mr. Bunn is courtesy of Chris Kidler, Florida Today.

‘The Hidden Flame’ by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke – Book Review

One of the most fascinating periods of history, in my opinion, is the time when Jesus was walking the earth and the ensuing years when the Church was getting started.  So ‘The Hidden Flame’ by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke was particularly intriguing to me. 

Here is the description of this book from the back cover:

In First-Century Judea, the followers of the Way have burgeoned into a vibrant, growing community that cannot be ignored.

Jerusalem is in turmoil as its religious leaders on one side, and their Roman rulers on the other, conspire to stamp out their fledgling Church.  And Abigail, who thought she had finally found home and safety, is caught between the opposing forces.

Two suitors desire the lovely Abigail’s hand in marriage.  Ezra, a successful Hebrew merchant and widower with important connections among the Sanhedrin, is looking for a mother for his children.  The Roman soldier Linux is fascinated by her winsome charm and possibly could offer the sanctuary – maybe even the love – for which she yearns.  But her heart has been captured by neither of these.  Will her faith and courage survive a heartbreak beyond comprehension as the followers face a gathering storm of persecution they never could have foreseen?

The authors of this book have enjoyed a great deal of success, both together and separately. 

Here is the biography for Davis Bunn:

Davis Bunn has been a professional novelist for twenty years.  His books have sold in excess of six million copies in sixteen languages, appearing on numerous national bestseller lists.

Davis is known for the diversity of his writing talent, from gentle gift books like The Quilt to high-powered thrillers like The Great Divide.  He has also enjoyed great success in his collaborations with Janette Oke, with whom he has co-authored a series of groundbreaking historical novels.

Davis has received numerous literary accolades, including three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction.  He currently serves as Writer-in-Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University, and is a sought-after lecturer on the craft of writing.

Here is the biography for Janette Oke:

Janette Oke was born in Champion, Alberta, to a Canadian prairie farmer and his wife, and she grew up in a large family full of laughter and love.  She is a graduate of Mountain View Bible College in Alberta, where she met her husband, Edward, and they were married in May of 1957.  She has written novels for both adults and children, and her book sales total nearly thirty million copies.

The Okes have three sons and one daughter, all married, and are enjoying their fifteen grandchildren.  Edward and Janette are active in their local church and make their home near Didsbury, Alberta.

The main character in ‘The Hidden Flame’ is Abigail, who has a close relationship with her risen Lord, Jesus; also prominently featured are other early followers of the Way, including Peter, Stephen, Mary and Martha.  The story opens six weeks after the crucifixion of Jesus.  We are following many of the events recorded in the Book of Acts.  Here is the description of one primary event:

And then Jesus had appeared to them, afterward rising up into the heavens, only to have the Lord’s own Spirit descend among them in a most stunning fashion – in wind and fire. (p. 10)

I was excited to see Gamaliel appear in the story.  With Gamaliel appearing, one of the early persecutors of the church – Saul of Tarsus – could not be far behind.  Here is how Gamaliel is described as he meets up with Ezra, one of Abigail’s potential suitors:

Gamaliel, elder Pharisee and long-time mentor to Ezra, received his childhood friend in the main room overlooking the courtyard. (p. 31)

Gamaliel and Ezra have an exchange about the new threat known as the Way:

Gamaliel strode back to his chair.  “All I can tell you for certain is that these followers of Jesus are growing faster than any sect we have ever faced.  And the stories I hear grow with them.  They still claim the prophet Jesus rose from the dead, walked among them, and then went up to the heavens.  They claim he is the true Messiah.  They claim…”

“Yes?”

“Miracles,” Gamaliel said.  “Signs and wonders.  Things which enflame the passions of everyone within reach.  Either the listeners join, or they become enemies.  Talk of them is everywhere.  If anything sways them – diverts them – I fear a storm of such force that everyone might soon be swept up.  And away…” (p. 36)  

Ezra had another connection with real people in the Bible – Sapphira is his sister.  If you are unfamiliar with the story of Sapphira and her husband, Ananias, you would direct you to read Acts Chapter 5.  Suffice it to say, Ezra was not happy with the followers of the Way after he discovered what had happened to his sister and brother-in-law.

Throughout the book, both Ezra and Linux are pursued by the ‘Hound of Heaven.’  The Lord even used Ezra’s son.  When Ezra asked his son what he liked best about the psalms, which he was learning from Gamaliel’s senior aide, Titus: 

The young voice rang clear and high like chimes.  “Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed…”

Out of the mouths of babes!

Abigail was so blessed to be used for the Lord’s service.  Here is what it looked like for her as she continued to serve others in His name:

It was God’s Holy Spirit ministering through her hands, her feet, her lips.  It was God who had brought her here in this day.  To see the need.  To realize that in his name she could bring them blessing.  To do what he wished her to do for those discarded ones of society.  People that he loved, had died for.  People he had come to serve.

The very thought nearly overcame her.  She had never dreamed the Spirit could use her.  But she saw it in the eyes of those she touched.  Those she prayed for.  And she had never felt more alive. (p. 238)

I was really struck by how obedient and reliant on the Holy Spirit that all of the followers of the Way were in this book.  They are an inspiration for all of us who are farther along the timeline from the earthly life of Jesus.  

They were also very dedicated to the Lord and His plan, and were prepared for what may come.  

Several of them were jubilant over the fact that Peter was released from prison by God’s angels (as related in Acts Chapter 12); Paul showed them the stark reality of what could be:

But Peter raised a hand for silence.  “Brothers and sisters, it matters not.  Perhaps the next time they arrest us we will not be delivered.  Nevertheless, we must do as we are commanded.  Pray that all of us will continue to have boldness to preach the Word.” (p. 247)

 Linux finally comes to the end of himself and, after spending time with the followers of the Way, and seeing miracles and healings, etc… he comes to follow the Lord.  He ultimately comes into the inner circle of the Way, coming under the tutelage of Stephen as he is taught the holy writings.

To learn about the fate of the other characters in this book, you will just have to read it for yourselves!

I really enjoyed this book!  It was awesome to be transported back in time – to a time that is of such interest to me!  Being that many of the events in the book are included in the Book of Acts, I had a pretty good idea what was coming – but Mr. Bunn and Mrs. Oke did use creative license to add some depth and extra elements to the story, which enhanced the story.  There was a time in the middle of the book that seemed to drag, but overall, the story’s pace was fast and interesting.  I really enjoyed being taken ‘behind the scenes’ to see what could have been happening in the hearts and minds of some of the important people in the Bible – and those who could have been there!

‘The Hidden Flame,’ is the second book in the ‘Acts of Faith’ series by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke.  I have not read the first book, ‘The Centurion’s Wife,’ but I may have to double back to catch that one!  And I am not sure what the publisher or the authors have in store for the series, but I certainly hope there are more to come!  I am really hoping to hear more about Saul of Tarsus…

You can order this book here.

This book was provided by Bethany House for review purposes.