One of the finer moments of an author’s life is holding a book that previously was only a thought in the head or words typed on a computer, and I’m proud of this one for many reasons. The biggest one is that I think it’s going to help many people who are floundering in life.

The book is about Drew Brees, quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl winner, husband, father. I was asked by Tyndale House Publishers to help tell his story and felt uniquely called to do so. Let me explain.

Drew had a devastating shoulder injury on December 31, 2005. The comeback from that injury and his move from San Diego to New Orleans was an odyssey that seems orchestrated by more than the front office of the Saints. There were so many things at work that caused all of the negatives of his life to be turned to positives. It’s a gritty, real-life drama that encompasses excruciating physical and emotional pain, divorce, suicide, and the ups and downs of the NFL.

The book is titled Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity. When I first heard his story, I was struck with how Drew and his family handled all the difficulties they faced and how they threw themselves into the lives of hurting people. I was also struck with the odyssey my own family had been through and how much we feel the events of the past few years have not defeated us, but are making us ready for new challenges. Because of this, I felt uniquely qualified to help Drew tell his story.

I sat down with Drew in early March of 2010 to begin work on the book. On our last night in New Orleans, knowing I love seafood, he brought 4 dozen charbroiled oysters for dinner and yea verily, we did pig out. I am not kidding. I had two dozen oysters and could have eaten another dozen. They were that good.

Chris with Drew Brees

(See our picture from that night together. We are both full of oysters. In case you can’t tell, I’m the one without the birthmark.)

Drew was dedicated to telling the story well, the good and the bad, and helping readers where they are. He took an intense interest not just in giving interviews, but also in crafting the chapters so that the information was correct and made you feel like you were right there in the huddle with him. He wanted a person who has no interest in the NFL to enjoy the read, but he also wanted football fans to get a glimpse behind the curtain and feel like they were part of the action.

Coming Back Stronger is not just another sports book. It’s a life book. I don’t promise that you will become a Saints fan after reading it. Loyalties run deep in the NFL. But I think you will become a fan of Drew Brees and learn where he gets his strength.

What Readers Are Saying . . .

  • "Fabry has built a rewarding story; it's hard to imagine inspirational fiction done better than this."

    — WORLD MAGAZINE on Not in the Heart

  • "A mesmerizing tale . . . [Almost Heaven] will surprise readers in the best possible way; plot twists unfold and unexpected character transformations occur throughout this tender story."

    — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

  • "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

  • "Under a Cloudless Sky captivated me from page one. I cared immediately what happened to Ruby and Bean, and the stakes kept rising as tidbits of history were revealed, unraveling the mystery that held Ruby captive. A terrific reading experience!"

    — Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author

  • "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

  • "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 rural South comes to life, with themes of forgiveness and second chances as highlights. The characters are both deeply flawed and immensely relatable, making this another hit for Fabry."

    — LIBRARY JOURNAL on A Piece of the Moon

  • "[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 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'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

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

    — ROMANTIC TIMES on June Bug