Some people say Billy Allman has a heart of gold. Others say he's a bit odd. The truth is, they're all right. He's a hillbilly genius—a collector, a radio whiz—and he can make the mandolin sing. Though he dreams of making an impact on the world beyond the hills and hollers of Dogwood, West Virginia, things just always seem to go wrong.

But however insignificant Billy's life seems, it has not gone unnoticed. Malachi is an angel sent to observe and protect Billy. Though it's not his dream assignment, Malachi always follows orders. And as Billy's story unfolds, Malachi slowly begins to see the bigger picture—that each step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful song that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.

Almost Heaven, Chris Fabry's third visit to the fictional town of Dogwood, West Virginia, is woven through with many characters from his earlier novels, Dogwood and June Bug, but can also be read and enjoyed as a standalone story. The book received the 2011 Christian Book Award for Fiction and was also named the 2011 Christy Award winner in the Contemporary Standalone category. Visit the Christy Award Archives for a list of the 2011 winners and finalists.

What Readers Are Saying . . .

  • "Every Waking Moment has depth and beauty. I really don't think I could say enough good things about this novel. It's thrilling. It's poignant. It's touching. It's deep. It's beautiful. And it should be read."

    — LIFEISSTORY.COM

  • "Fabry is a talented writer with a lilting flow to his words."

    — CROSSWALK.COM on Almost Heaven

  • "[June Bug] is a stunning success, and readers will find themselves responding with enthusiastic inner applause."

    — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

  • "[The Promise of Jesse Woods] is a well-crafted novel with sympathetic characters, gently woven themes, and evocative descriptions."

    — Sharon Garlough Brown, author of the Sensible Shoes series

  • "A tale of secrecy, sacrifice and family . . . This poignant story is worth the heartache: Complex and layered, The Promise of Jesse Woods goes beyond a youthful promise to center on a bond renewed by a desire for truth."

    — BOOKPAGE

  • "A mesmerizing tale . . . [Almost Heaven] will surprise readers in the best possible way; plot twists unfold and unexpected character transformations occur throughout this tender story."

    — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

  • "[Fabry's] poignant story is driven by deeply drawn characters who evoke empathy and frustration, compassion and anger. But in the end, the painful labor of rebirth will bring tears of joy!"

    — Christine, CBD Fiction Editor, on Looking into You

  • "Solidly literary fiction with deep, flawed characters and beautiful prose, Dogwood also contains a mystery within the story that adds tension and a deepening plot."

    — NOVEL REVIEWS

  • ""Writing in his trademark lyrical style, Fabry spins a poignant tale about our society's invisible seniors and the woman and man who see their potential."

    — BOOKLIST on Every Waking Moment

  • "The skillfully woven plot twists, intermingled with humor, angst and questions of faith, make Every Waking Moment a true page-turner."

    — HOMECOMING MAGAZINE

  • "Dogwood will captivate you from cover to cover."

    — READERVIEWS.COM