May 5, 2008
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.
June 1, 2008
In the small West Virginia town of Dogwood, Karin Ashworth is married to a minister and loves her three children even though her heart and memories are buried in the past. Will Hatfield returns home to Dogwood after spending several years in prison for a car accident that took the lives of two children. An elderly woman named Ruthie Bowles enters Karin's life and tries to help her face her unbearable pain and anger against God. Fabry, the author of the "Left Behind: The Kids" series, has written an unusual and emotional tale with a startling twist that will appeal to readers who enjoy Angela Hunt's suspense thrillers (Doesn't "She Look Natural; The Elevator"). Recommended for CF and women's fiction collections.
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