From bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn comes a story about a mother struggling to get back on her feet after a loss leaves her family living on the street. Amy Dowell had always considered herself a very good mother. But when she loses her husband to illness and her home to debt, she finds herself and her young daughter, Kimberly, living on the streets as she struggles to find a job that will get them back on their feet again. When Amy meets Lucy Watts, the pastor in charge of the church program that fed Amy and Kimberly their latest meal, Lucy sets them up in temporary housing and gives her a lead on a job painting signs for a local auto dealership—but Amy is hesitant to let go and trust. Is this finally a legitimate break? Can Amy subject herself to the possibility of disappointment and hurt by hoping again? Inspired by the true story, The Sign Painter is a tale of desperation, taking chances, and ultimately redemption. This heartwarming novel blends mystery, romance, and characters you’ll root for, will leave you wondering— Is home really where the heart is? "In The Sign Painter , Bunn brings readers into the heart of humanity—helping those who cannot help themselves. . . . This novel moves quickly with twists and turns along the way that keep readers excited and engaged." ― Romantic Times (four stars) “I received a pre-publication copy of The Sign Painter last Friday afternoon, and by 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning I had read it in its entirety. I loved it! I was crying by page 16. Davis Bunn has written a fascinating and engaging book, helping us understand the struggles millions of men, women, and children experience when they find themselves without the resources to survive. A wonderfully crafted story that is profoundly captivating.” -- Patrick Robertson, President, Cityteam “Once again Davis delivers a work that is hard to put down. The Sign Painter provides an inside view of the plight of homelessness. You will never look at the homeless the same way again. In addition, the book loudly proclaims the silent and committed work of those who care for the poor. Rooting for a sequel!” -- Phil Schultz, Executive Director, Jefferson Street Baptist Center “Davis Bunn is a master craftsman. He blends the perfect amount of compassion, intrigue, complexity, and then overdoses with six parts of excitement. He leaves me with tears in my eyes and thinking I've had three or four heart attacks. The Sign Painter is a really good story, recommend highly.” -- Ray Hall, Founder of Prison Book Project “In these difficult economic times many thousandsof lives have been upended. The SignPainter chronicles a mother and daughter who are at the end of theirrope after being rendered homeless. Their path back to a semblance of stabilitycomes through the grace of an outreach ministry which touches lives andhearts with the love of Christ. Their tumultuous journey is one of faith inaction.” -- Noel Mountain, Board of Directors, His PlaceMinistries “ The Sign Painter is an amazing story of the sustaining, redemptive power of faith and a vibrant biblical community—all rolled into a high-stakes, pulse-pounding police drama. Davis Bunn proves once again why he is truly a master storyteller.” -- Mark Mynheir, former homicide detective and author of The Corruptible Davis Bunn is the author of numerous national bestsellers in genres spanning historical sagas, contemporary thrillers, and inspirational gift books. He has received widespread critical acclaim, including three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction, and his books have sold more than six million copies in sixteen languages. He and his wife, Isabella, are affiliated with Oxford University, where Davis serves as writer in residence at Regent’s Park College. He lectures internationally on the craft of writing. The Sign Painter CHAPTER 1 Amy Dowell considered herself a very good mother. She did not allow her circumstances to dictate how much love she had to give. She did not permit the presence of worries to color the way she greeted her daughter. “Good morning, darling.” “I don’t want to get up.” “I know, sweetheart.” “It got loud last night.” “But we were safe here inside our little home, weren’t we?” “In our love cave.” “That’s right. Here, let me slip this over your head.” “Can’t I sleep a little while more, Mommy?” “No, Kimmie, we have to get a move on.” “But why? I’m so sleepy.” “Because I have a new job this morning. I told you last night, remember? Kimmie, let go of your pillow, honey. Give me your foot. Now the other one. Okay, here we go, ready to face the world?” A delivery truck chose that very moment to start up. Amy’s daughter had hated the sound of truck engines ever since the two of them had been forced onto the road. It was why they seldom stayed in truck stops. The rumbling motors gave her terrible nightmares. Kimmie scrunched herself into the crook of her mother’s neck and squealed. Amy raise