Borders of the Heart

2013 Christy Award Finalist

Borders of the Heart

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Description

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.

Trailer
Author Notes

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.

Reviews
"In this suspense-filled drama, Fabry covers hot topics involving illegal immigration policies, drug running between borders, and the cost of being involved with the mob. Corruption comes in many disguises, and this book has several gray areas. Readers will be immersed in the lives of Maria and J. D."
— Romantic Times, 4-star review

"What do you do when the laws of man are in direct conflict with the laws of God? That's the dilemma former musician J. D. Jessup faces when he finds a half-dead woman just this side of the Arizona-Mexico border. His boss has decreed that all 'illegals' are to be handed over to the Border Patrol. J. D. sees something in 'Maria' he can't explain and hides her instead. Soon it becomes apparent that she's being hunted by the sadistic Muerte, head of a powerful, ruthless Mexican cartel. As Maria and J. D. go on the run, they discover they each have dark, hidden secrets they're reluctant to share. In this edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense, all of the characters ring true, from the inner-city minister to the beleaguered ranchers. Fabry has nailed the attitudes of those in Arizona who deal with undocumented people in both humane and inhumane ways."
— Shelley Mosley for Booklist

Excerpt

Download the first chapter of Borders of the Heart here:

PDF Excerpt from Tyndale House Publishers

Discussion Guide

Download the Discussion Guide for Borders of the Heart here:

PDF Discussion Guide from Tyndale House Publishers

What Readers Are Saying . . .

  • "[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 book about deep secrets, the effort it takes to heal catastrophic hurts, and a thriller with an excellent plot climax."

    — 1340MAGBOOKS.COM on Dogwood

  • "An evocative novel . . . Fabry weaves the events of the past and present into a finely layered story exploring the relationships of faith, forgiveness and family in the midst of healing from pain buried deep in the past."

    — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on Under a Cloudless Sky

  • "[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

  • "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

  • "There is so much to love about The Song . . . Heart-wrenching and emotional scenes abound in this tale of fame, fortune, loss, and redemption."

    — ROMANTIC TIMES, 4½-Star Top Pick Review

  • "Ultimately a story of love and forgiveness, [Dogwood] should appeal to a wide audience."

    — CBA RETAILERS + RESOURCES

  • "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

  • "In this edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense, all of the characters ring true."

    — BOOKLIST on Borders of the Heart

  • "Fabry has written a nail-biter with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers riveted."

    — LIBRARY JOURNAL on Not in the Heart