2013 Christy Award Finalist
Every life has a turning point, where one choice changes everything. Once that line is crossed, there's no going back.
J. D. Jessup finds his line in the desert near Tucson, as far from his home as the moon. He's traded his guitar and the songs in his head for the daily grind of an organic farm—a mind-numbing existence that dulls the pain of his memories.
His boss has one rule: if J. D. sees an "illegal," call the Border Patrol.
But when an early morning ride along the fence line leads him to Maria, a beautiful young woman near death, J. D.'s heart pushes him toward another choice. Longing to atone for the mistakes that drove him to the desert, J. D. hides her and unleashes a chain of deadly events he could never have imagined. Soon the two are running from a killer and struggling to stay alive. As the secrets that haunt him collide with Maria's past, J. D. realizes that saving her may be the only way to save himself.
Part thrill ride, part love story, Borders of the Heart is a tender yet gripping odyssey of hope.
Borders of the Heart released in October 2012 and was named a finalist for the 2013 Christy Award in the Contemporary Standalone category. For a complete list of 2013 winners and finalists, please visit the Christy Award Archives.
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.
Download the first chapter of Borders of the Heart here:
Download the Discussion Guide for Borders of the Heart here:
"This absorbing novel should further boost Fabry's reputation as one of the most talented authors in Christian fiction."
— CBA RETAILERS + RESOURCES on Not in the Heart
"Few authors can weave such unique stories with such perfect language. . . . Fabry is an artist with words. All I can say is: Read his novels."
— EXAMINER.COM on June Bug
"A fresh voice in Christian fiction . . . [Fabry] brings his trademark rich character development to this story, which delves into weighty issues like judgment, contentment, giftedness, and society's outcasts."
— EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION on Every Waking Moment
"Engrossing and entertaining . . . [an] unforgettable tale."
— ROMANTIC TIMES on June Bug
"[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
"A powerful story of faith and the material things people hold dear. . . . This is Fabry's best yet."
— PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on A Piece of the Moon
"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
"[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
""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
"Fabry has a true gift for prose, and [Almost Heaven] is amazing. You'll most definitely want to move this to the top of your 'to buy' list."
— ROMANTIC TIMES, 4½-Star Top Pick Review