2009 Christy Award Winner
In the small town of Dogwood, West Virginia, Karin has buried her shattered dreams by settling for a faithful husband whose emotional distance from her deep passions and conflicts leaves her isolated. Loaded with guilt, she tries to raise three small children and "do life" the best she can. Will returns to Dogwood intent on pursuing the only woman he has ever loved—only to find there is far more standing in his way than lost years in prison. The secrets of Will and Karin's past begin to emerge through Danny Boyd, a young boy who wishes he hadn't survived the tragedy that knit those two together as well as tore them apart. The trigger that will lay their pain bare and force them to face it rather than flee is the unlikely figure of Ruthie Bowles, a withered, wiry old woman who leads Karin so deep into her anger against God that it forces unexpected consequences.
Chris Fabry introduces readers to the fictional town of Dogwood, West Virginia, in his first novel for adults, Dogwood. The book released in August 2008 and was awarded the 2009 Christy Award in the Contemporary Standalone category. Visit the Christy Award Archives for a list of the 2009 winners and finalists.
I wrote a story about the small town I'm from in West Virginia, changing the name to Dogwood. There are some really great people in small towns. But small towns have long memories and in this locale, the people have a hard time forgiving Will Hatfield for what he did. Still he returns, intent on pursuing the only woman he has ever loved—only to find there is far more standing in his way than lost years in prison.
Karin has buried her shattered dreams by settling for a faithful husband whose emotional distance leaves her isolated. Loaded with guilt, she tries to raise three children and survive the best she can.
The secrets of Will and Karin's past begin to emerge through Danny Boyd, a young boy who wishes he hadn't survived the tragedy that knit those two together as well as tore them apart. But the trigger that will lay bare their past and force them to face it is the unlikely figure of Ruthie Bowles, a withered, wiry old woman whose prying and persistence forces unexpected consequences.
I really love the story of Dogwood and hope you will as well.
Download the first chapter of Dogwood here:
Download the Discussion Guide for Dogwood here:
"Once again, Chris Fabry's brilliance in developing full-fleshed characters within a thrilling, yet poignant and sometimes painful story has captivated my heart and mind."
— FICTIONADDICT.COM on Every Waking Moment
"Great Christian novels are more than a story, they leave the reader pondering the state of his or her own heart. Not in the Heart demonstrates God's power to transform the seemingly untransformable."
— TITLETRAKK.COM
"Fabry has included so much meaningful spiritual content that it is difficult to remain unchanged after reading this book. . . . A fantastic story of the meaning and power of prayer."
— ROMANTIC TIMES, 4½-Star Top Pick Review of War Room
"Engrossing and entertaining . . . [an] unforgettable tale."
— ROMANTIC TIMES on June Bug
"I haven't read anything so riveting and unforgettable since Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Fabry has penned a remarkable love story, one that's filled with sacrifice, hope, and forgiveness!"
— NOVEL REVIEWS on June Bug
"Fabry has built a rewarding story; it's hard to imagine inspirational fiction done better than this."
— WORLD MAGAZINE on Not in the Heart
Under a Cloudless Sky is entertaining and a wonderful addition to the inspirational fiction genre . . . a multilayered, engaging story with rich details and interesting characters."
— ROMANTIC TIMES, 4-Star Review
"[June Bug] is a stunning success, and readers will find themselves responding with enthusiastic inner applause."
— PUBLISHERS WEEKLY