Dogwood

2009 Christy Award Winner

Dogwood

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Description

In the small town of Dogwood, West Virginia, Karin has buried her shattered dreams by settling for a faithful husband whose emotional distance from her deep passions and conflicts leaves her isolated. Loaded with guilt, she tries to raise three small children and "do life" the best she can. Will returns to Dogwood intent on pursuing the only woman he has ever loved—only to find there is far more standing in his way than lost years in prison. The secrets of Will and Karin's past begin to emerge through Danny Boyd, a young boy who wishes he hadn't survived the tragedy that knit those two together as well as tore them apart. The trigger that will lay their pain bare and force them to face it rather than flee is the unlikely figure of Ruthie Bowles, a withered, wiry old woman who leads Karin so deep into her anger against God that it forces unexpected consequences.

Chris Fabry introduces readers to the fictional town of Dogwood, West Virginia, in his first novel for adults, Dogwood. The book released in August 2008 and was awarded the 2009 Christy Award in the Contemporary Standalone category. Visit the Christy Award Archives for a list of the 2009 winners and finalists.

Author Notes

I wrote a story about the small town I'm from in West Virginia, changing the name to Dogwood. There are some really great people in small towns. But small towns have long memories and in this locale, the people have a hard time forgiving Will Hatfield for what he did. Still he returns, intent on pursuing the only woman he has ever loved—only to find there is far more standing in his way than lost years in prison.

Karin has buried her shattered dreams by settling for a faithful husband whose emotional distance leaves her isolated. Loaded with guilt, she tries to raise three children and survive the best she can.

The secrets of Will and Karin's past begin to emerge through Danny Boyd, a young boy who wishes he hadn't survived the tragedy that knit those two together as well as tore them apart. But the trigger that will lay bare their past and force them to face it is the unlikely figure of Ruthie Bowles, a withered, wiry old woman whose prying and persistence forces unexpected consequences.

I really love the story of Dogwood and hope you will as well.

Reviews
"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

"Fabry . . . has written an unusual and emotional tale with a startling twist."
—Library Journal

"Fabry's first novel for adults builds tension and momentum until you're compelled to keep reading to learn the secrets that have so greatly impacted the residents of Dogwood. Ultimately a story of love and forgiveness, [Dogwood] should appeal to a wide audience. Highly recommended."
—CBA Retailer + Resources

"Fabry's debut adult novel is filled with twists that will leave readers speechless."
—Romantic Times, 4-star review

"Fabry's plot is intricate and involved with more twists than a backwoods country road. [Dogwood] is a page-turner that keeps the reader guessing until the end."
—AnE Vibe

"Dogwood turned out to be something I wasn't expecting at all . . . a book about deep secrets, the effort it takes to heal catastrophic hurts, and a thriller with an excellent plot climax."
—1340magbooks.com

"Chris Fabry's debut adult novel, Dogwood, is a mosaic of humanity, God's grace, and the power of love. 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. . . . Fabry is a wordsmith and quite a storyteller."
—Novel Reviews

"Dogwood will captivate you from cover to cover."
—Readerviews.com

Trailer
Excerpt

Download the first chapter of Dogwood here:

PDF Excerpt from Tyndale House Publishers

Discussion Guide

Download the Discussion Guide for Dogwood here:

PDF Discussion Guide from Tyndale House Publishers

What Readers Are Saying . . .

  • "Fabry has included so much meaningful spiritual content that it is difficult to remain unchanged after reading this book. . . . A fantastic story of the meaning and power of prayer."

    — ROMANTIC TIMES, 4½-Star Top Pick Review of War Room

  • "A character-driven tale of dignity and compassion for those who seem to have lost importance to society . . . this thought-provoking read challenges the prevailing cultural calculations of the value of a person's life."

    — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on Every Waking Moment

  • Under a Cloudless Sky is entertaining and a wonderful addition to the inspirational fiction genre . . . a multilayered, engaging story with rich details and interesting characters."

    — ROMANTIC TIMES, 4-Star Review

  • "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

  • "Precise details of places and experiences immediately set you in the story, and the complex, likable characters give June Bug the enduring quality of a classic."

    — TITLETRAKK.COM

  • "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 tender coming-of-age story of first love, innocence lost, and the soul-freeing power of truth."

    — Charles Martin, New York Times bestselling author, on The Promise of Jesse Woods

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

    — CROSSWALK.COM on Almost Heaven

  • "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

  • "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

  • "[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