I had been wondering what we were doing in the desert, why we were living in the land of cactus and rattlesnakes. Standing in the kitchen doing dishes, the hot water running, the heat of the evening descending, I had a thought.

What would happen if a cowboy in Tucson came upon an illegal in the desert. And instead of turning her over to the authorities, he helped her. And what if he fell in love with her.

I had the basis for Borders of the Heart before I dried the silverware. Not bad for an evening of work. My wife suggested I could get a new idea every night that way. She's funny like that.

The book comes out of our move to Tucson a few years ago. We were transplanted here in the midst of a Cowboy Church and farmers' markets open year round. Organic farms that use WWOOFers. So I tweaked the story to use a transplant, not a real cowboy, but someone who had come here to learn. Someone in pain.

Then I added a few current events, like a presidential campaign that swings through Tucson. And the border battle between those who want to control the drug trade. And the failed Fast and Furious program.

But the real story here is J. D. and Maria. What happens to them in the middle of Tucson and on the outskirts (they make it as far as Benson) will hopefully keep you turning pages to discover what happens.

I think it's my most thrilling story to date and will hopefully satisfy those who like romance, adventure, and intrigue.

What Readers Are Saying . . .

  • "An involving novel with enough plot twists and dramatic tension to keep readers turning the pages."

    BOOKLIST on June Bug

  • "[Every Waking Moment] has authentic characters, a compelling narrative, and a complex exploration of the brokenness and hope of human life."

    Susannah Clements, department chair of literature, Regent University

  • "I haven't read anything so riveting and unforgettable since Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Fabry has penned a remarkable love story, one that's filled with sacrifice, hope, and forgiveness!"

    NOVEL REVIEWS on June Bug

  • "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

  • "Once the story starts cooking, [Dogwood] is difficult to put down, what with Fabry's surprising plot resolution and themes of forgiveness, sacrificial love, and suffering."

    PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

  • "A captivating story. . . ."

    CHRISTIANBOOKPREVIEWS.COM on June Bug

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

    PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

  • "[In this] soul-searching novel of faith, friendship, and promises, Chris Fabry invigorates the small-town lives of three teens in 1970s West Virginia with his exquisite, lyrical writing. . . . A literary delight . . . this novel is worthy of a standing ovation."

    SHELF AWARENESS on The Promise of Jesse Woods

  • "Engrossing and entertaining . . . [an] unforgettable tale."

    ROMANTIC TIMES on June Bug

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

    CROSSWALK.COM on Almost Heaven