BOOK REVIEW: My Favorite Davis Bunn Novel (So Far)

When Global Communications kicked off an elaborate marketing scheme called "Hope is dead" aimed at Generation Xers and Millennials, an unlikely group of individuals came together in a way that could only be described as a work of God.

From Cleveland, John Jacobs, a trucking manager with a past he was ashamed of. From Baltimore, Alisha Seames, a single woman who helped an ungrateful sister through college. From Orlando, Jenny Linn, a young woman unsure what to do with her life. From Westchester County, New York, Ruth Barrett, the window of a well-known evangelist. Yussuf Alwan, formerly a surgeon in Syria, now working toward getting licensed to practice in the U.S.

They were all led by God to a place at the same time and they felt compelled to respond to the marketing scheme, even though doing so brought hardships including job loss. Ruth invited them all to go with her to Barrett Ministries, including John's wife, Jenny's parents and Yussuf's friend. Each person brought a special talent to the group.

It wasn't a simple good versus evil story, though. Trent Cooper, the project manager for the marketing scheme initially came across as someone the reader should care about. He had lived a tough life, including being born with a cleft palate and having nine surgeries over the years. Still, he worked his way up the corporate ladder. At first I found myself rejecting the idea that he was the villain, and then when I knew he was, I wanted him to change, to find the love of God.

This is the sixth Davis Bunn novel I have read and I've loved them all for various reasons. However, this is my favorite one.

I received a complimentary copy of The Turning from River North Fiction in exchange for my honest review.