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 . . .

  • "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

  • "This riveting, no-punches-pulled coming-of-age tale is reminiscent of Richard Bachman's (Stephen King) short story 'The Body,' which was made into the movie Stand by Me."

    — BOOKLIST on The Promise of Jesse Woods

  • "Not in the Heart is the best book I have read in a long time. The plot is unique and creative, containing both ethical and moral dilemmas. . . . It challenges not only the readers' emotions but also their minds."

    — READERVIEWS.COM

  • "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

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

    — BOOKLIST on Borders of the Heart

  • "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

  • "A captivating story. . . ."

    — CHRISTIANBOOKPREVIEWS.COM on June Bug

  • "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

  • "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

  • "[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 conflicted, memorable main character. . . . While the mystery at its core is compelling, it's Wiley's inner conflict that's truly engrossing. Down to its final pages, [Not in the Heart] is a gripping read."

    — CROSSWALK.COM