Dogwood

This novel, which takes place in a small town in West Virginia, is excellent. It is a creative and soulful story that portrays life realistically while also offering hope. The characters and plot were extremely well-crafted. The author revealed just enough of the events to keep you intrigued and a little mystified, wondering what will happen next. I also really liked the format of alternating the main characters' viewpoints to present the story. The book picked up momentum as it went along, and when I got to Part III, I couldn't put it down. The scenes in Part III with the local law enforcement were so gripping. I absolutely loved the unexpected ending of the story, which moved me to tears. The closing chapter has a graceful and ethereal quality like the fade-out of a beautiful melody at the end of a powerful song. I look forward to reading other works from this talented author.

I got this book based on the positive reviews it had received. I'm glad I did. As an avid reader I was drawn into the book from the early pages. The plot started out intriguing and, due to the pacing, held my intrigue up until the last page. The characters were very well developed by flashbacks to childhood, clever coloring, and "sweet" little idiosyncrasies which only served to add charm to them as opposed to overly develop. Dogwood is a small town with, as all small towns, a history. The story centers around Will and Karin. Both have a childhood history together but grew apart and, due to a tragedy from their school days, had Will living out of town. We are drawn into the present day and taken down the road Will carves out both physically and emotionally as he sets his sights on regaining what he once had with Karin, his only true love. This is a love story with a clever twist running through the book which becomes apparent at the end. The twist made me smile with warmth. I wasn't expecting it in the least. The structure of the book is by chapters with each chapter bearing the name of one of the actors. In each chapter the first person singular "I" becomes the subject of the chapter name. This took me a minute or two to get used to but I could see how some readers might not enjoy it as, it can be confusing when "Will" talks to "Karin" and you might have to flick back to the opening chapter page to remember who "I" is. Really nothing but worth mentioning. There's a "Shutter Island" meets "Sixth sense" overtone to the book which I found to be great reading and, as I mentioned, intriguing. I have this on my list of books to read again as I know I will get more out of it the 2nd time. Why didn't I give it 5 stars ? Maybe it's a little too short? I'm not sure, I just know when I finished the book I felt I needed a little more from it. Highly recommended.

This book is fantastic! The author put me into the book with the first sentence, and I stayed there the whole time. The characters were so well developed, and the story had twist and turns that had you thinking (really)! Chris Fabry is a fantastic author. I have loved every book I have read by him, and I am going back to read all the rest. He takes your hand, and then he leads you into a story you cannot forget. I could not figure out Karin, the pastor's wife, to begin with nor could I understand the pastor's stance regarding his wife.........but believe you me......you will understand. I loved how these characters remembered their childhood days of going to church, hymns, mamaw, etc.... just great. Read this book! You will love it if you care for a story about the people in a town.

This was a sweet book with an element of mystery. I love the West Virginia setting and the characters. I'm not a Bible scholar but the doctrine woven through the story seems very sound. I recently completed the Dogwood trilogy and each book is better than the last. My only criticism would be to the sparseness of descriptive details at times. i like to read about the printed fabric of the kitchen curtains or the living room paint color. Nonetheless, Chris Fabry is a superb writer. If a non- believer read some of his work, I think they would have to be moved to consider a life of faith in Jesus.

it all made sense (over time): the privilege of (southern) white women to 'swoon and forget'; the small town openly spewing hate against 'the least' among them; the corrupt police department; the one part of the story that stretched the parameters of believabiity had to be the ridiculous car chase

After recently discovering author Chris Fabry, I am hooked. Dogwood brings small town country living to life that causes a roller coaster of emotions. Having grown up just next door in Ashland Kentucky I understand the dynamics of good ole boy politics and grudges. The twists will keep you guessing but the ending is jaw dropping. What a great read and after reading 2 of Fabry's books, I am downloading more!

THE SUMMARY: This is the story of a small town's pain that has lasted more than a decade, the tragic death of two young girls involved in a car accident. It's the story of a young man sent to prison. It's the story of a young woman struggling with a burden that is buried deeper than she knows. It's the story of a brother haunted with guilt too heavy. It's the story of an elderly woman who can see through past wounds and bring truth into the darkest of circumstances. It's the story of sacrifice and love. THE MESSAGE: The message of the book can't be shared without giving away its secrets. But it's about deep love, forgiveness, and facing the truth. THE PRESENTATION: Each chapter is told from one of four different perspectives. It's not hard to follow the character jumps, but the reader does need to be aware. Also, much of the story is shrouded in mystery, so it takes a little time to put some of the pieces together to follow what is happening. It's a captivating read, and one that caught my imagination and wouldn't let go. FINAL THOUGHTS: I thought I'd figured out how the story would end. Some of it I got right, however, there were a few twists that took my breath away. It made me go back and reread a number of chapters, and I wonder how my perspective of the book would change now that I see the entire picture. It's definitely one I feel I need to reread to fully appreciate. And I've found that my thoughts continue to return to the book and its message. Very powerful.

This author is by far wonderful!! I had never heard of him and just started reading one. Now I've read 4 of his books. If you are needing clarity in God his books help. Thank you for your wonderful stories!! God bless you and continue to give you such beautiful stories.