Chris Fabry: Mystery, Drama

CHRIS FABRY
Mystery, Drama, Supernatural, Inspirational



This fall and winter, I have been blessed to read many good books and some of them I would even put in the “great” category. In the previous months, I had slogged through quite a few books with predictable plots and lackluster characters so coming across these engaging books has renewed and refreshed my love of reading.

Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry would definitely be in the “great” category. I had never read any of Mr. Fabry’s work before but after reading Almost Heaven, I quickly downloaded his books June Bug and Dogwood too.

Almost Heaven is about Billy Allman, a man with deep roots in Dogwood, West Virginia. The story starts by highlighting some very formative events in his boyhood and teen years. Interspersed throughout the story is a narrative from his guardian angel, Malachi. He begins by explaining his role in serving God and the joy and contentment he feels when engaged in a mighty battle for Him. Upon being assigned to Billy’s case, he says, “However, spotting this young boy sleeping and looking into his face, I am ashamed to say that I felt such disappointment. Letdown. I expected to see a cherubic lad, the tousled hair of aristocracy, a diamond in the rough. Instead, I found an unattractive hill child sleeping soundly, his covers askew, an old mandolin next to his head. I couldn’t help but stare at him and wonder. A bulbous nose, his eyes deep set, and an almost-Neanderthal forehead. For his age, his hands seemed large and his arms gangly. I know the humans grow in fits and spurts throughout their youth, but I couldn’t help but wonder, why this child? Why this plain and ordinary dwelling?”

As he matures, Billy discovers he has a great gift for playing the mandolin and even travels with a bluegrass, gospel group. The books then quickly moves ahead to his adulthood which leaves the reader with many unanswered questions that are answered later.

As an adult, Billy grows into a loving and faithful son, friend and servant of the Lord. Through many trials, his faith is tested but he remains faithful to Jesus. Most Christian books have characters that have lost their faith because of one trial or another and are working through bitterness toward God. One of the most endearing and refreshing aspects of this story and of Billy’s character is the horrible trials he endured only made him more humble and tender before the Lord.

Eventually, Billy decides to start his own bluegrass, gospel radio station. He uses this opportunity to encourage and minister to people in his region and many are deeply touched. One person he befriends is his mail carrier, Callie. It is soon apparent that she loves Billy but he seems strangely detached and afraid of intimacy. This storyline is intriguing and exciting.

He also meets a young listener, Natalie, affectionately called June Bug. He gives June Bug the opportunity to have her own radio show and you see how their relationship ministers to the needs of both of them.

There are many exciting twists and turns, and some heavy issues, such as suicide, sexual abuse and dementia, are explored with discretion and sensitivity. This was one of those reading experiences where I could not wait until I could sit down with my book to read more.

When Billy’s angel is assigned somewhere else, he says, “What I have witnessed in the life of Billy Allman is a humility unmatched. With all of the pushing and shoving to get to the place of honor at life’s table, to see a man so connected to his work and to the Almighty is a wondrous thing. And yet the man has flaws. He is not a saint. Some believe God chooses the best people to follow Him, ones with fewest flaws, who can do wondrous things for Him. But I have seen the truth of the words written long ago fulfilled. In this case, God did not choose the most wise or powerful or wealthy. Instead, He chose a person the world considered foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And He chose the powerless and despised, a person counted as nothing, and used him again and again.”


Reviewer: Lisa Norsworthy



Chris Fabry Books at AMAZON