"Sometimes you have to get close to death to know what living's all about."
This is the first book that I have read by Chris Fabry. From the start I saw that he was a masterful storyteller. His writing style was like a thing from the past . . . hauntingly beautiful. I immediately connected with J.D. Jessup, a grieving song-writer who ran away from his life in Tennessee. He searches high and low for relief from his pain and guilt, but he was always looking in the wrong places. Maria, the woman protagonist of the story, was a little hard to like. Constantly I found myself not trusting her and second-guessing her motives.
"Use the computer to track her. I expect this to be done by morning. Call me, no matter what time of night." He threw a burlap sack at them. The youngest picked it up. "What's this for?" "Her head, of course."
The plot was dangerous, full of evil, revenge, desperation, and fear. But it was extremely hard to follow. It was clear that J.D. and Maria were running from their viscous villain but what was the villain's reason for chasing them? Because of this and many other things, I lost track of what was happening in the story, which caused me to put it down for long periods of time. The story did not dig deep into emotions, leaving you with facts, facts . . . and more facts. Even though Fabry has a way with words, he was extremely lacking in emotion in this book. I wanted to know Maria's motives, what made J.D. tick. The only reason I continued reading this book was because I had to write this review. The ending was predictable, although it was sweet. This book was not for me, but I recommend it to anyone who likes daring heroes, deathly villains, and a Texas/Mexico setting.
"Every heart has a turning point. And once you get there, once you cross the line, you can't go back."
3 Stars
I received this book free from the publisher through Tyndale House's book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Borders of the Heart was an incredibly well-written novel. I love Chris Fabry’s use of words in his descriptions. He makes the scene come alive for readers, making one think you are seeing, touching, and experiencing the moment with the character. One example of his great descriptions is found on the first page:
“Sweating in the stillness, lying on top of the old quilt given to him by Slocum’s wife, and straining to feel any air movement from the clacking metal fan he had found in the barn, he felt beads of perspiration run past his mouth and onto the dusty pillow.”
This novel grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let me go until I read the last word. The plot had several twists and turns, but it is the characters that drive the story. Both J.D. and Maria have inner demons they have to deal with, making them very real, very compelling characters to follow.
All in all, a great read!
Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Borders of the Heart by Chris Fabry is a fast moving novel of intrigue and mystery from start to finish.
I really liked how Mr. Fabry created the story around a WWOOFer (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms – people who travel around working on different farms in exchange for food and lodging) working on an organic farm in Arizona. Though much of the story took place off the farm.
It really made me feel uncomfortable reading the stark realities of the racism illegals and immigrants faced through J.D.’s. I understand somewhat where it stems from yet at the same time they are human beings too.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the story kept me riveted to its pages as I tried to read faster to figure out what mystery surrounding Maria’s story, not to mention J.D.’s and how all the drama of their few days together would turn out.
The book is divided into Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and December. Those four days seemed like an eternity and I was in awe of all that happened to J.D. and Maria in the span of one day, let alone four.
This is a great book for mom or day or even older children. Two thumbs up from me!
Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.
Borders of the Heart is a quick read - that is, if you stay up late reading it past midnight like I did. Heh, heh. Who needs sleep, anyway? It's really overrated.
Not only is Borders of the Heart action-packed with the Mexican cartel, illegal immigration, shoot-outs, and the like, it also has the mention of rattlesnakes within the first two pages.
My mom started to read it and handed the book back to me. She doesn't do snakes. Even in books.
Well, snakes in real life aren't my favorite thing in the world, but I do fine with them when they're contained within words! Thankfully, there wasn't some freaky rattlesnake theme going on here throughout the book. Whew!
I don't want to give away the plot line of the book, but I do have to say that I very much appreciate reading a book that has everything I enjoy within the two covers: action, thought-provoking and inspiring words, seeing people change for the better, a godly message woven gently throughout, and no smut, swear words, or anything inappropriate - other than some people dying due to shootouts, stabbings, etc., which were tastefully written about. I'd feel comfortable having my junior high and high school daughters reading this book. If you like action-adventure books that both men and women would enjoy reading, this is a good one to consider.
“Part thrill ride, part love story, 'Borders of the Heart' is a tender yet gripping odyssey of hope.” This synopsis from the back of the book says it perfectly, though the thrill ride part is bigger by far than the love story part. It’s a story of letting go, of trusting God in the midst of sorrow, of doing the right thing, and of letting God and the people He puts in your world work together to heal your heart. "Borders of the Heart" is a brilliant read.
The main character, J.D. Jessup, is a loner, working on an organic farm in Arizona, more for the education that comes from experience than for a salary. When he finds a woman near death in the desert, he can’t bring himself to turn her in as an illegal. Rather, he determines to help her, even against her wishes, and finds himself running for his life, hunted by a ruthless killer.
As readers follow J.D. and Maria’s story, the mysteries of both Maria’s objective and J.D.’s past will gradually be revealed. I recommend this book to fans of the action/adventure genre and thank Tyndale House Publishers for sending a complimentary copy in exchange for this honest review.
After a strong description of J.D.’s home and the ranch he lives on, Chris Farber delves into the action packed story of a beautiful señorita on the run for her life. The internal conflict that J.D. feels as he continues to rescue Maria and is pulled into her situation goes beyond romance. The drama and danger surrounding him forces him to come face to face with his own beliefs and to resolve his troubles from the past.
This story may start out with a lot of description but drives right into a race of action packed, romantic, and spiritual turmoil. It’s hard to put down and will cause your heart to race, so consider yourself forewarned if you have any underlying conditions.
The characters have so many deep layers that I felt like each chapter peeled away one layer at a time until I came to the end really understanding how the characters felt and why they made the choices they did. J.D. and Maria are much more than two strong people and I savored each new depth revealed about them throughout the book.
Chris Fabry not only excels as a story teller, but he knows the world that he depicts. As much as I enjoyed the cliff-hanger experience and getting to know these characters, I came away with much more as I learned about a part of the U.S. that I didn’t know existed. Fiction or not, I was not only moved, pushed to think more about my faith, and enjoyed the suspense of the drama, but I also learned from the research and factual information the author used to create this adventure. I’m sure you will also savor your time with Borders of the Heart.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. 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.”
Borders of the Heart is a gripping tale of how God has bigger plans for us if we just allow him to use us. The story is action packed with a little romance tossed in. The story could have easily been torn from actual headlines. It was true-to-life and expresses a good example of the REAL border problems between the U.S. and the Mexican drug cartels. While I don’t live in Arizona, here in Texas we get our share of the violence as well. Not to mention that the feelings toward illegal aliens is similar. Unfortunately, I know more than one person who believes the same way J.D.’s boss feels.
I loved how Fabry worked in the Spiritual message of the story. It wasn’t heavy handed, but fit into the storyline seamlessly. I think J.D.’s stuggle with faith was realistic and honest. It added some real depth to what could have been a simple suspense novel.
The story is fast paced. I had a hard time putting it down. On several evenings, I ended up staying up later than I planned just to read an extra chapter or two. I could have easily read this book in one sitting if I would have let myself (yay! I had some self-control for a change!). Fabry’s writing is fantastic and is really engaging. While this is the first by Fabry I’ve read, it won’t be the last. If you like suspense novels with lots of twists and turns and just a little romance, Borders of the Heart is a good bet!
Borders of the Heart is filled with intense action, adventure, suspense, and romance. It is set in the Southern part of Arizona near the Mexican border. Chris Fabry does an outstanding job in writing a book that reflects the reality of Illegal immigration and drug cartels.
I was quickly drawn into this story, because Arizona is close to my heart. I am familiar with the desert heat, the stories of Illegal Immigration, and the important part that law enforcement has in protecting it's borders from illegal activity.
At the beginning of the story we are introduce to J.D. Jessup, a musician running from his past. When he started working at an organic farm, the owner warns him about illegal crossings, and emphasizes the importance of calling Border Patrol if he sees an Illegal.
One morning during J.D's usual horse ride, he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman near death. Right at the moment when he is about to call Border Patrol, he sees a faint movement and changes his mind. He decides to act upon his heart and help her. Little did he know that his act of kindness would put his life in great danger.
J.D. is in for a ride of his life. While risking his own life, he finds out that Maria is running from a dangerous man who is involved with a drug cartel - out to exterminate anyone who crosses his path. J.D. also learns the importance of trusting God, and to confront the fear that was preventing him to love again.
** I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to provide a positive review. 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."
This is a timely novel, with some great insight into the issues that face the real human beings on border towns of the US and Mexico. The truth is, like so many other issues that impact people and their livelihoods, there are no easy answers to any part of the situation. The ranchers and farmers in the US who deal with this problem daily encounter drug runners and hopefuls in equal measure, and cannot tell them apart, so have grown calloused and harsh. The impoverished in Mexico wonder if there truly is a better way of life in America, and so they set off to find hope or to sell heartbreak.
This story is about the truth of both worlds. Part love story, part adventure novel, part mystery, it moves at a breakneck pace. A young woman comes across the border and is discovered, nearly dead, in the desert. What happens next puts all who come in contact with her in danger – including both those who try to help and those who would send her back where she came. In the midst of this, an apprentice farmer whose own tale of woe is woven through the book, begins to see the difference between keeping everyone out and letting love find its way to his own heart.
The story builds in momentum and includes the face of evil confronting the face of love. It is a heart-wrenching tale that gives a picture of what true hope looks like, of the love that casts out fear, and triumphs over the cruelty of evil, every time. I recommend this book to anyone that has ever experienced heartbreak of any kind. You will see yourself somewhere in this book, and hopefully, remember that there is One who can always heal.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
How I love Chris Fabry's writing and can't wait till his next book. He is a superb storyteller and each book is crafted with unique characters and a story that hooks you in from the first page till the last page.
The storyline takes place in Tuscon where J.D. is working on an organic farm where "illegals" are hunted by the border patrol and landowners. J.D. finds a girl near death in the desert, he has to help her despite what the landowner says. Now the fun begins.. She has a haunting past and is running from an evil man intent on killing her to take over a drug cartel. J.D. has a past he is trying to escape along with trying to help Maria escape her secrets also. And so the storyline evolves around these two and their pasts and how God will enter the picture.
There is suspense, who did it, romance, redemption and hope. Loved the ending, but can't wait for his next book-needs to write faster! Once you read one of his books, you will read them all--he is that good. Thanks to Tyndale for this free copy just for my honest review
Borders of the Heart-Chris Fabry - Tyndale House Publishers
I received this book completely free to review for Tyndale House Publishers.
Fact number one: I know nothing about Tucson, Arizona. Fact number two: I know nothing about safety issues along the border. Fact number three: I enjoyed reading Chris Fabry”s book.
Picture yourself in the desert outside Tucson, Arizona, which for me had never really crossed my mind. Then you find an attractive Mexican young woman almost dead on the roadside. Also, be mindful of the fact that your experiences have all been in Tennessee.
As you are attempting to help her, another vehicle speeds up killing a man in front of you. Here you are running away to get your own head together following some devastating life experiences and you find yourself as a protector of someone you don’t know from someone whom you have never met and running for your life. Don’t forget your experiences have all happened in Tennessee where you had been pursuing a music career.
Through many interesting adventures J.D. finds he does not have all the answers to life and he is not certain he wants to get any answers. In reality he just wants to turn tail and run from his past life. However, this young woman is going to be murdered and he cannot leave her. He has too much of a compassionate heart to just walk and allow this young woman to die.
You will totally enjoy this fiction story complete with criminals, good guys, memories and new beginnings. You may even learn something about Tucson, Arizona, and the challenges facing that city.
Gripping is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Chris Fabry's latest novel, Borders of the Heart. Fabry never bores his readers with cliche plots or typical characters, and he layers his books with meaningful themes. Borders of the Heart is action-packed and fast moving, with danger and suspense around nearly every turn. This novel certainly has more violence and killing than most books I read, but it is not graphic. In a story involving drug cartels and a subculture pervaded by evil, violence is expected. Without it, the authenticity of the plot would suffer.
The border of Mexico can be a tumultuous and dangerous area, and Fabry takes readers on a tense adventure with J.D. Jessup as he finds himself in deadly situations. From the beginning of the novel, I was drawn in by the mystery surrounding Maria and J.D.'s efforts to save her. We all struggle with the "right" way to handle certain situations, but the circumstances in Borders of the Heart are far more extreme than routine decisions. It is easy to understand J.D.'s constant debate over helping Maria and turning her into the authorities. The plot magnifies the fact that our choices are always accompanied by consequences that affect not only us, but others as well.
Fabry treats readers to an unconventional love story in the midst of all of the action. The quick pace of the adventure is tempered by introspective moments when we learn about J.D.'s and Maria's pasts. Both characters have shortcomings and emotional scars, which make them three-dimensional. Character development is intricately incorporated with mystery and thrill. Learning about Maria and J.D. kept me glued to the pages as much as any other aspect of the plot. Once again, Chris Fabry has created a novel that will appeal to a diverse range of readers - women and men alike.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”
This book was about a relevant topic for my life and I loved that it was set in the southern portion of Arizona in the general area where I live. I don't recall the weather being as hot as described in the story and I doubt they would hold a rally in that kind of temperature, but I'm acclimated to the weather here so I probably wouldn't notice the heat anyway. The monsoon rain was described well. The long list of bodies that were found because of Muerte made the story a bit gruesome, but situations like that are not unheard of near the border. The suspense in this story was excellent and had me on the edge of my seat.
Many people don't realize just how active those Mexican cartels are, but living in a border state and knowing people who work for the Border Patrol gives credibility to the situations in this novel and brings them to the forefront. My husband is already paranoid about gun rights, so books like this will jerk his chain. But I digress.
I loved the spiritual depth of this story and the way the hero, JD, had to go through his grief to move forward in his life. I loved how Maria showed him that fear prevented love from taking hold, and at the same time the constant threat of death and protecting Maria kindled a fire in him that had burned out with his wife's death to cancer. Maria gave him permission to take risks and to experience love again.
I saw Muerte as being similar to the devil in that he was skilled at putting doubts in JD's mind and causing him to second guess what he believed to be true. Satan messes with our heads like that. So we simply have to trust God to lead us in the direction that He plans to take us and to let Him guide us.
There is always a bigger plan for us than we have for ourselves, and that was probably the most exciting message in this book. JD's tragic loss brought him across the country and to a place that would need him to prevent a tragedy that would affect the entire nation. God's plans are so much greater than ours, and more far-reaching.
The purpose for our lives is not about finding the best way to be comfortable. Our journey is about serving God for a greater purpose if we'll only trust Him to lead us. Great story! I highly recommend this novel. It's making my favorite fiction list for 2012 since I couldn't put it down and because of the depth of the message.