Almost Heaven {Review}

Almost Heaven


By: Chris Fabry

Billy Allman barely survived the flash flood that swept through his holler, taking many a life. Truth be told, it took his daddy's life, too. Daddy's body kept living after the flood, but his mind never left the waters that snatched two little girls from his arms and held them until they were in the loving arms of Jesus.

 The only thing Billy saved was his daddy's mandolin and it is his ability to make that instrument sing that God allows to bring about Billy's destruction...and his ultimate redemption.

According to Chris Fabry's website this book, Almost Heaven, is the third installment in his Dogwood, West Virginia series. I can tell you though that I didn't know that when I received this book nor have I read any of his others. Sadly I had never heard of Chris Fabry until now and boy am I glad I do! WOW! He is a stupendous writer.

His style in this particular book is almost journal like and draws you in to feel as you are taking part of Billy's life with him. That is the idea the main character would like you to know while reading this book. He is jotting down his life and wants you to understand and be apart of it. Billy Allman is a fantastic character. His love and devotion to his Mama and Daddy are like nothing else. His love for his father's mandolin. Oh let me tell you what reading the pages where he talks about playing for the first time in front of his classmates... Oh it's beautiful. You feel as if you are seating right there in the front row right next to Heather and the cords are floating right off the page. His life is filled with strife and bits of everyday ordinary, but his heart is one that inspires deeply even through all the strife. His polite demeanor and down to earth self draws you in from the start. He is humble and like I said ordinary but honestly that is the beautiful part. Even though it appears that his life is less than desirable it is so quite the opposite. He is phenomenal! He also has been given a "guardian angel" of sorts that was "assigned" to watch over him, Malachi.

Malachi is one of a kind and listening to him speak is... transcending! His role in here and the transformation he himself takes is simply beautiful.

One huge part about this book regarding Malachi that I loved so much, other than his beautiful way with words and insight, was that Chris chose to use a different font when Malachi is speaking. I love that! For me, as the reader, not only could you tell between which character you were following in each chapter... due to the voice of the character, but the change of font at the same time (for me) gave it that extra personal touch to the character. If that makes sense. I thought it was a beautiful touch.

This book is heartwarming, tragic, and everything in between. It is a glorious showing of God's love and grace. How he chooses to work through the lives of those that aren't flashy and extravagant all the time. He uses us "small" people to do such great big things. Chris portrays to the reader that it doesn't matter whether you are a "hillbilly genius" you too can make a huge impact on the world.

There were so many amazing lines throughout this book. I felt like I could very easily have read through here with a highlighter in my hands desperately highlighting all the wonderful parts I want to remember and apply to my own life. Such wonderful encouragement and words I will never forget. One line though that really resonated with me was early in the book. Chapter 4 and this scene is between Billy and his Mama.

It reads

"I think God has something special in mind for you. I don't know what it is. I don't know where he's going to lead you, but I  know God is going to work in you and through you." (Billy then asks her) "What makes you so sure?" (To which she replies my favorite lines...) "Because I don't think God trusts just anybody with so much heartache. The world has not yet seen what God can do with a man who gives both halves of a broken heart to him. And I don't doubt that a man like that can change the world... or at least a little part of it."

Isn't that amazing and so wonderfully thought provoking!? I love how challenging this book is on a personal level. It was an absolutely wonderful read!! If I had to rate this book it would be without a doubt be a 5 out of 5 stars! I highly, highly recommend this book!

A little background on Chris Fabry.

Chris Fabry is the host of Chris Fabry Live!, an hour of spiritual encouragement from his backyard radio fence. The program challenges listeners to think biblically about their spiritual journeys. Chris is also the author of the Christy Award-winning novel Dogwood, and his latest fiction release, June Bug. He and his family live near Tucson, Arizona. You can learn more about Chris at www.chrisfabry.com.








It was such a pleasure reading this book! I highly suggest you run out and grab this book today!! Or check your local library! You won't be sorry... It's a great read!!


Disclosure: I received this book free from GlassRoad PR as part of their book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”