Dogwood

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.

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.

In his ambitious adult debut, Fabry, the author of more than 50 novels for children and young adults, offers an unusual and occasionally confusing story with a twist. In Dogwood, W.Va., wise spiritual sage Ruthie Bowles wants to help prison inmate Will Hatfield and his old flame Karin resolve their tragic pasts. Karin, introduced as a pastor’s wife and mother of three, feels she has settled for a “safe” man “faithful as an old dog but better smelling,” rather than Will, who she believes was the passionate love of her life. She struggles to resolve the lingering regrets that have poisoned her soul. From another point of view, we learn that Danny Boyd survived a horrific accident that took the lives of his little sisters. He blames himself and can’t move forward. The novel starts slowly as readers juggle several points of view, flashbacks and characters, but once the story starts cooking, it’s difficult to put down what with Fabry’s surprising plot resolution and themes of forgiveness, sacrificial love and suffering. (Aug.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Christian Retailers+Resources
“Fabry’s first novel for adults builds tension and momentum until you’re compelled to keep reading to learn the secrets that have so greatly impacted the residents of Dogwood. Ultimately a story of love and forgiveness, this book should appeal to a wide audience. Highly recommended.”

Christian Retailing
“Dogwood will especially appeal to readers who are dealing with guilt, those who understand the need to overcome the past, and those with a mentor trying to help them do so.”

Library Journal
“Fabry has written an unusual and emotional tale with a startling twist.”

Publishers Weekly
“Fabry’s ambitious adult debut is difficult to put down once the story starts cooking, what with Fabry’s suprising plot resolution and themes of forgiveness, sacrificial love, and suffering.”

Romantic Times
4-star review
“Fabry’s debut adult novel is filled with twists that will leave readers speechless. The alternating points of view add a unique flavor to this tale.”

"Chris Fabry is one of the most creative minds I know. His fiction always delights and never disappoints."--Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times best-selling author

"Fabry’s plot is intricate and involved with more twists than a backwoods country road. . . . [Dogwood] is a page-turner that keeps the reader guessing until the end."--AnE Vibe

Average Rating:

8 of 12 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)

Reviewed by Michelle (Waco, TX), November 11, 2009

I absolutely LOVED this book! There are so many twists and turns. Once I got started I couldn't put it down. The characters were so compelling and captured my heart and the story kept me glued to the book until the end! I highly recommend this book!

Reviewed by Larry (Conway SC), May 28, 2009

As a West Virginian I can testify to the authencity of the "local color" of this book. It is 100% accurate ... places I've gone, people I could have known. The plot twists and the reader might miss the allegorical significance of this work ... but it is a wonderful picture of ... I don't want to ruin the book for you so I'll stop there. Read to the end. I highly recommend Dogwood!

Reviewed by David Brown (OHIO,U S A), January 21, 2009

"I never read novels, only true, real life stuff". Or so I used to say. I bought it only to help Chris, and put on the book shelf, if any one wanted to read it. Must have been bored one night, and it was the only book in the house I had not read. Started and could not put it down. Keeps you hooked for sure!!

Reviewed by Jan (Mocksville, NC), October 14, 2008

I just finished reading DOGWOOD. This story was somewhat confusing. I was not sure in the end exactly what the last chapter was telling me. DOGWOOD was interesting after getting into the style of the story. The characters were believable and personable. The relationship between Will and Karin and the sacrifice of love was great, but the hate of the town seemed a little bit over the top. I read A LOT of Christian fiction and prefer when the Truths of the Word are less disguised.I read many types of fiction, mostly suspense and mystery. I even like Dekker. This book just fell a bit short.

Reviewed by Rev. Bruce A. Overstreet (Plattsburgh, NY), October 06, 2008

Chris Fabry has written and engaging and uplifting novel. The characters seem real. The situation is captivating from beginning to end. The image created is powerful. He brings home the message of true love wonderfully. I look forward to more from him.

Reviewed by Tara Robertson (Saskatchewan, Canada), October 04, 2008

I truly loved this book. I love that I didn't know the ending until the END! I love how Fabry develops the characters. I love how completely imperfect the characters are. I love how he feeds the reader pieces of the puzzle without giving away the whole picture. I love that there is a thread of redemption throughout the book that leads unmistakably to God's work in our lives. I love that this book makes the reader re-examine the judgements we make about people. I can't wait to read more by this gifted author!

Reviewed by Traci (Pgh, PA), September 02, 2008

I just kept waiting for this book to become less confusing and more interesting. It never did. I struggled through it because I wanted to give it a chance. I really didn't care for the twists at the end either. I read a lot of Christian fiction and this one just didn't rank up there as a good one. Sorry!

Reviewed by Joan K. Landis (Perkiomenville, PA), August 29, 2008

Very creatively put together book. It certainly can't be put in the catagory of the usual christian fiction. The beginning was a little slow as I tried to piece together the characters, but it was worth the trouble as I got into the book. Loved the character of Ruthie Bowles. The plot kept you hanging until the last chapters. Great ending. I am looking forward to Chris Fabry's next book.

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