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 pastors 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 cant move forward. The novel starts slowly as readers juggle several points of view, flashbacks and characters, but once the story starts cooking, its difficult to put down what with Fabrys surprising plot resolution and themes of forgiveness, sacrificial love and suffering. (Aug.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
