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Almost Heaven
From the bestselling author of War Room comes a gripping novel that was awarded both an ECPA Christian Book Award for fiction and a 2011 Christy Award!Billy Allman is a hillbilly genius. People in Dogwood, West Virginia, say he was born with a second helping of brains and a gift for playing the mandolin but was cut short on social skills. Though he’d gladly give you the shirt off his back, they were right. Billy longs to use his life as an ode to God, a lyrical, beautiful bluegrass song played with a finely tuned heart. So with spare parts from a lifetime of collecting, he builds a radio station in his own home. People in town laugh. But Billy carries a brutal secret that keeps him from significance and purpose. Things always seem to go wrong for him.However small his life seems, from a different perspective Billy’s song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home. Malachi is an angel sent to observe Billy. Though it is not his dream assignment, Malachi follows the man and begins to see the bigger picture of how each painful step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful symphony that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2010
442 people are currently reading
2319 people want to read
About the author
Chris Fabry
211 books673 followersChris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children.
Chris' novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, Not in the Heart, Borders of the Heart, Every Waking Moment, The Promise of Jesse Woods, Looking into You, Under a Cloudless Sky, and A Piece of the Moon, have won five Christy Awards, an ECPA Christian Book Award, and two Christianity Today Book Awards of Merit, but it's his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more.
Chris has also published more than 70 other books, ranging from nonfiction and film novelizations, including the Kendrick brothers' War Room and Overcomer, to novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and The Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. RPM is his latest series for kids and explores the exciting world of NASCAR.
Visit Chris' website at www.chrisfabry.com.
Chris' novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, Not in the Heart, Borders of the Heart, Every Waking Moment, The Promise of Jesse Woods, Looking into You, Under a Cloudless Sky, and A Piece of the Moon, have won five Christy Awards, an ECPA Christian Book Award, and two Christianity Today Book Awards of Merit, but it's his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more.
Chris has also published more than 70 other books, ranging from nonfiction and film novelizations, including the Kendrick brothers' War Room and Overcomer, to novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and The Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. RPM is his latest series for kids and explores the exciting world of NASCAR.
Visit Chris' website at www.chrisfabry.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
December 7, 2022
Almost Heaven presents Billy Allman, a character who seems so very real. We follow him from his childhood and into his forties, but some years are missing. It's a pivotal time in his life: high school, touring with a group that showcases his skill with the mandolin, and an incident that shapes how he deals with life. Billy knows how to love his family members. He knows how to love a girl who won't reciprocate. But Billy doesn't like intimacy.
A riveting display of floods and a valley in West Virginia, Almost Heaven has two narrators: Billy and an angel. I'll be thinking about what the angel has to say for quite some time. Expertly told, Fabry plunges the reader into a spiritual world. It's dynamic and haunting.
How I wish I could hear Billy play his mandolin.
A riveting display of floods and a valley in West Virginia, Almost Heaven has two narrators: Billy and an angel. I'll be thinking about what the angel has to say for quite some time. Expertly told, Fabry plunges the reader into a spiritual world. It's dynamic and haunting.
How I wish I could hear Billy play his mandolin.
September 21, 2013
I'd give this book 4 and one half stars if halves were possible in reviews. Billy Allman is the sort of hero we should see more of in novels - plain on the surface, the sort of man many may even find mildly repellent. That is what makes the glimpses into his past and present so powerful. If the author's aim is partly to encourage readers to regard all potential 'Billys' in their lives as people with dignity, noble inner lives and deep wisdom to impart, I think he's succeeded.
One of my favourite characters was Billy's counselor. The man's name was not even mentioned, which is probably appropriate as it enhances one of the main themes, that true heroes who make incredible positive differences in the lives of others are often those behind the scenes who are faithful and effective but unacknowledged by the world at large.
Mr Fabry's writing style often brought tears to my eyes and I found myself wanting to record several wise and beautiful quotes to ponder later. These, in my opinion, are two marks of an excellent novel. Now, the reason why I wouldn't give it five stars is to do with the angelic protection aspect. Although Billy had Malachi faithfully watching over him, poor Callie didn't seem to have a celestial guardian too. She was only protected by Malachi by default, because his own charge, Billy, cared deeply for her. As she was such a sweet and caring person, that did disturb me. I hate to think of people like her being angel-less.
One of my favourite characters was Billy's counselor. The man's name was not even mentioned, which is probably appropriate as it enhances one of the main themes, that true heroes who make incredible positive differences in the lives of others are often those behind the scenes who are faithful and effective but unacknowledged by the world at large.
Mr Fabry's writing style often brought tears to my eyes and I found myself wanting to record several wise and beautiful quotes to ponder later. These, in my opinion, are two marks of an excellent novel. Now, the reason why I wouldn't give it five stars is to do with the angelic protection aspect. Although Billy had Malachi faithfully watching over him, poor Callie didn't seem to have a celestial guardian too. She was only protected by Malachi by default, because his own charge, Billy, cared deeply for her. As she was such a sweet and caring person, that did disturb me. I hate to think of people like her being angel-less.
January 21, 2014
Billy Allman is a gentle soul. Unassuming, steadfast, loyal, and humble, he is also a sort of “hillbilly genius.” He’s a stellar musician, making the old mandolin he got from his father simply sing, and touching the hearts of all who hear his music. Additionally, from a young age he could build almost any kind of electronic or mechanical device, and now in his mid-forties he runs a radio station right out of his home. It’s as small outfit; he’s the only employee and the range isn’t much farther than the valley he calls home. But in his quiet way, Billy has made a significant contribution to the residents of Dogwood, West Virginia, and he’s had an impact far beyond his little world.
There is a pretty good story in this novel. I was interested in reading about a man with an unusual gift, who found success right at home. And Fabry definitely gives us that story. Unfortunately, it is nearly suffocated by heavy-handed preaching. The introduction of the angel Malachi as a sort of omniscient narrator caught me off guard. That’s my own fault for not reading more reviews before I picked up the book. Still, I felt somehow compelled by Billy’s story to continue reading. At the end I couldn’t help but think how much better this book might have been had Fabry trusted his readers to get the message without hitting us over the head with it.
There is a pretty good story in this novel. I was interested in reading about a man with an unusual gift, who found success right at home. And Fabry definitely gives us that story. Unfortunately, it is nearly suffocated by heavy-handed preaching. The introduction of the angel Malachi as a sort of omniscient narrator caught me off guard. That’s my own fault for not reading more reviews before I picked up the book. Still, I felt somehow compelled by Billy’s story to continue reading. At the end I couldn’t help but think how much better this book might have been had Fabry trusted his readers to get the message without hitting us over the head with it.
January 20, 2011
A Christian book with teeth and muscle. This is not a simpering, saccharin story. Chris Fabry tells the story of Billy Allman from both Billy's point of view, and the view of his guardian angel, Malachi.
The writing is pure poetry, full of Appalachian idioms and similes. Life is hard and the human characters--and Malachi--do not have an easy time fighting bad and evil things that happen to them. And just when it gets tense, a funny event or phrase give you a smile in the middle of the action.
I am tempted to compare this to "Edgar Sawtelle" however God is in control. I never had any doubt that He would use it all for good.
The plot was full of twists and turns--only one I saw coming, and I didn't want the story to go there. But it did. And things happen in life that I don't want to happen. Unlike Edgar Sawtelle, this story continues to redemption and restitution.
Since it seems to be my way, I began reading this series with Almost Heaven, the most recent. And so I downloaded Dogwood and tomorrow I will start with the beginning. Almost Heaven is complete in itself, and I only accidently learned that I had started at the end.
The writing is pure poetry, full of Appalachian idioms and similes. Life is hard and the human characters--and Malachi--do not have an easy time fighting bad and evil things that happen to them. And just when it gets tense, a funny event or phrase give you a smile in the middle of the action.
I am tempted to compare this to "Edgar Sawtelle" however God is in control. I never had any doubt that He would use it all for good.
The plot was full of twists and turns--only one I saw coming, and I didn't want the story to go there. But it did. And things happen in life that I don't want to happen. Unlike Edgar Sawtelle, this story continues to redemption and restitution.
Since it seems to be my way, I began reading this series with Almost Heaven, the most recent. And so I downloaded Dogwood and tomorrow I will start with the beginning. Almost Heaven is complete in itself, and I only accidently learned that I had started at the end.
June 12, 2011
Here’s my take: The story is told from two perspectives, Billy’s and his guardian angel’s. I loved the voice and personality the author created for the angel, whose name is . . . well, let him tell you in his own words:
“I suppose you will want to know my name . . . I have considered using the pseudonym such as ‘Clarence’ because I’m aware of your films that depict bumbling angels. If you must have a name for me, simply call me Malachi, for it means ‘messenger,’ and that is what I was created to be.”
The chapters where I could see Malachi reacting to events helped me appreciate the spiritual struggle of the main character even more. For his part, Malachi, who has performed many missions for his High Commander, finds that Billy’s life touches him in a way no other human’s has. He says,
“At every turn, the Creator has endeavored to lead and guide His creation into Truth and Knowledge, but in the corner of those turns has been the enemy seeking to detour humans and cloud their thinking, twisting the good things the King has offered into diabolical traps.
I believed before this task that I knew the whole story. I believed I understood the Creator and His ways . . . However, observing this one life . . . is causing me to reevaluate the concept of The Plan and how each life is used in the grand scheme.”
At one point, when tragedy after tragedy seems inevitable, Malachi confesses, “It is said that angels long to look into the things of salvation, and that is true. But sitting beside
that man, wondering what future lay ahead for the boy . . . I breathed in the utter despair and anguish and senselessness o f humanity. It made me glad that I am not a man.”
As the story progresses, we learn there is a purpose in all things, whether we initially see that purpose or not. We get a hint of the author’s theme in the words of Billy’s mother. She assures him that “God doesn’t trust 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.”
This book made me cry several times. First because of the sorrow portrayed, and then because of the beauty. And the way the author summed up Billy’s initial losses truly touched my heart:
“For when the dream of his life failed, Billy was set free. He was released to run in the playground of God’s will.”
If you like an eventful story with a deep spiritual thread, this book’s for you. I will caution you about one aspect. The publisher describes Billy’s secret as brutal, and it is. But there are no graphic scenes. Everything in the book is handled appropriately.
Summary: However small his life seems to him, from a different perspective Billy’s song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home.
“I suppose you will want to know my name . . . I have considered using the pseudonym such as ‘Clarence’ because I’m aware of your films that depict bumbling angels. If you must have a name for me, simply call me Malachi, for it means ‘messenger,’ and that is what I was created to be.”
The chapters where I could see Malachi reacting to events helped me appreciate the spiritual struggle of the main character even more. For his part, Malachi, who has performed many missions for his High Commander, finds that Billy’s life touches him in a way no other human’s has. He says,
“At every turn, the Creator has endeavored to lead and guide His creation into Truth and Knowledge, but in the corner of those turns has been the enemy seeking to detour humans and cloud their thinking, twisting the good things the King has offered into diabolical traps.
I believed before this task that I knew the whole story. I believed I understood the Creator and His ways . . . However, observing this one life . . . is causing me to reevaluate the concept of The Plan and how each life is used in the grand scheme.”
At one point, when tragedy after tragedy seems inevitable, Malachi confesses, “It is said that angels long to look into the things of salvation, and that is true. But sitting beside
that man, wondering what future lay ahead for the boy . . . I breathed in the utter despair and anguish and senselessness o f humanity. It made me glad that I am not a man.”
As the story progresses, we learn there is a purpose in all things, whether we initially see that purpose or not. We get a hint of the author’s theme in the words of Billy’s mother. She assures him that “God doesn’t trust 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.”
This book made me cry several times. First because of the sorrow portrayed, and then because of the beauty. And the way the author summed up Billy’s initial losses truly touched my heart:
“For when the dream of his life failed, Billy was set free. He was released to run in the playground of God’s will.”
If you like an eventful story with a deep spiritual thread, this book’s for you. I will caution you about one aspect. The publisher describes Billy’s secret as brutal, and it is. But there are no graphic scenes. Everything in the book is handled appropriately.
Summary: However small his life seems to him, from a different perspective Billy’s song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home.
February 15, 2011
This is the story of a plain, simple man, Billy Allman and the angel Malachi who is assigned to watch over Billy throughout his life. Though Billy's life was shaped by hard, life-changing events, he served God with all his heart and was a blessing to others. Throughout his time with Billy, Malachi comes to a deeper knowledge of and gratitude for the magnificent plans of the Almighty in a person's life.
Fabry crafts a smooth blend of everyday life as we know it with a glimpse at what goes on in the heavenly realms. He weaves in Scripture and the Gospel in a way that lays out the truth without beating the reader over the head. From the medium amount I've studied regarding angels, demons, and spiritual warfare, I think he also did a scripturally sound job with this aspect of the story. Though, there was one scene close to the end that I"m not sure about. Fabry brought to light the fascinating world of radio for me and also shed a new light on some of the darker aspects of life in this world. At times it wasn't an easy read, but the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and God's love resounded beautifully and made this a worthwhile read.
This is the third novel (I believe) that has its roots in the fictional town of Dogwood, West Virginia. It was time well spent revisiting the good folks in this town. I recommend this to fans of Frank Peretti's "This Present Darkness" and "Piercing the Darkness" as well as those who like books about small town life, spiritual warfare, and those looking for ways to serve God with their gifts and talents.
Fabry crafts a smooth blend of everyday life as we know it with a glimpse at what goes on in the heavenly realms. He weaves in Scripture and the Gospel in a way that lays out the truth without beating the reader over the head. From the medium amount I've studied regarding angels, demons, and spiritual warfare, I think he also did a scripturally sound job with this aspect of the story. Though, there was one scene close to the end that I"m not sure about. Fabry brought to light the fascinating world of radio for me and also shed a new light on some of the darker aspects of life in this world. At times it wasn't an easy read, but the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and God's love resounded beautifully and made this a worthwhile read.
This is the third novel (I believe) that has its roots in the fictional town of Dogwood, West Virginia. It was time well spent revisiting the good folks in this town. I recommend this to fans of Frank Peretti's "This Present Darkness" and "Piercing the Darkness" as well as those who like books about small town life, spiritual warfare, and those looking for ways to serve God with their gifts and talents.
November 23, 2010
A great deal of the Christian fiction I come across is just plain bad (although to be fair maybe I haven't sampled widely enough) so the first thing to say here is that Almost Heaven is not one of those books that you simply don't want to finish. In fact, I got a free copy for my Kindle and was so interested in the opening chapter that I just kept on reading it (something I rarely do when I download a free Kindle book).
Parts of the book drag, however, and the plot seems stuck at times. The opening really drew me in and the later part of the book has some exciting and well done action scenes but the middle part struggles as Billy Allman struggles with the tragedy in his life and the angel Malachi seeks to find answers.
In fact, I am not sure the plot device of Malachi really adds much to the story at all. Sure, it provides some spiritual and outside descriptive narrative but it mostly slows the plot down. And to be quite honest, I didn't find the apologetics aspect of Malachi all that convincing.
But again, Fabry does a nice job of weaving in Christian ideas and characters into a novel in such a way that they seem natural and an integral part of the story rather than forced or awkward. This is to be applauded.
But overall Almost Heaven is a touching and well drawn portrait of faithfulness through suffering and the value of commitment despite the odds.
Parts of the book drag, however, and the plot seems stuck at times. The opening really drew me in and the later part of the book has some exciting and well done action scenes but the middle part struggles as Billy Allman struggles with the tragedy in his life and the angel Malachi seeks to find answers.
In fact, I am not sure the plot device of Malachi really adds much to the story at all. Sure, it provides some spiritual and outside descriptive narrative but it mostly slows the plot down. And to be quite honest, I didn't find the apologetics aspect of Malachi all that convincing.
But again, Fabry does a nice job of weaving in Christian ideas and characters into a novel in such a way that they seem natural and an integral part of the story rather than forced or awkward. This is to be applauded.
But overall Almost Heaven is a touching and well drawn portrait of faithfulness through suffering and the value of commitment despite the odds.
May 16, 2019
Fabry has a true gift for prose, and this new novel is amazing. Told from alternating points-of-view of an angel and a human, readers will be challenged and uplifted in their faith. Definitely move this to the top of your "to buy" list.
SUMMARY: Billy Allman leads a quiet life in West Virginia, but his dream has always been to glorify God through music. When he was younger, he played the mandolin, but as an adult he has used his gifts to run a radio station from his home. Billy's life is observed by Malachi, an angel sent to observe and intervene on behalf of God when called upon to do so. An event in Billy's past affects his future, and he must learn to give all parts of his life to God to have victory.
SUMMARY: Billy Allman leads a quiet life in West Virginia, but his dream has always been to glorify God through music. When he was younger, he played the mandolin, but as an adult he has used his gifts to run a radio station from his home. Billy's life is observed by Malachi, an angel sent to observe and intervene on behalf of God when called upon to do so. An event in Billy's past affects his future, and he must learn to give all parts of his life to God to have victory.
February 7, 2024
I thought about writing a review...however with everything going on in my life at this moment I cannot muster the energy to do so. Have I read better Christian fiction? Yes. But I think there were instances in this story that helped me cope and try to understand the hurdles in my life. I may be off of here for quite a while, I cannot say when I may be back...I will be I promise that. And maybe when I come back I'll be ready to tell everything that has happened and has yet to happen. Until then tell those closest to you that you love them. And don't take one day for granted.
January 16, 2022
I don't believe I have ever read an author that writes such profound stories like Chris Fabry. It has been years since I read his second novel - June Bug - and even now, I still remember feeling so moved by the story when I reached the end. Reading Almost Heaven provided a similar experience, and I did not want it to end. Even now, it's difficult to find the words to describe how reading Almost Heaven found its way into my heart and mind and is still lingering days later. If you also enjoy deep, emotional stories that suck you in, I cannot recommend Almost Heaven highly enough.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review. I was not required to write a positive review.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review. I was not required to write a positive review.
August 16, 2023
A well-written story that was simultaneously sad and hopeful. Full of spiritual truths, it reminded me of the spiritual warfare surrounding this human existence. Four stars!
July 13, 2016
Billy Allman is a hillbilly genius. People in Dogwood, West Virginia, say he was born with a second helping of brains and a gift for playing the mandolin but was cut short on social skills. Though he’d gladly give you the shirt off his back, they were right. Billy longs to use his life as an ode to God, a lyrical, beautiful bluegrass song played with a finely tuned heart. So with spare parts from a lifetime of collecting, he builds a radio station in his own home. People in town laugh. But Billy carries a brutal secret that keeps him from significance and purpose. Things always seem to go wrong for him.
However small his life seems, from a different perspective Billy’s song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home. Malachi is an angel sent to observe Billy. Though it is not his dream assignment, Malachi follows the man and begins to see the bigger picture of how each painful step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful symphony that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.
I have always enjoyed Chris Fabry's books, but this one when finished made me say WOW! I have read several reviews that knocked it and said it was too "preachy". I found the juxtaposition of Billy's story with Malachi, his guardian angel's input deep and thought provoking. I absolutely loved Billy's character. He appeared to be a simple, socially inept man on the outside. Yet inside he was an electrical genius and a gifted mandolin player. Even though so many things were difficult or went wrong in his life, Billy never lost his faith in God and his desire to be an instrument of God to other people. He felt he had a calling and special purpose sent from God; and no matter how difficult that struggle, he would continue to pursue it.
Many times I had to stop and ponder the thoughtful statements of both Billy and Malachi. Chris Fabry created a story that will pull at your heart strings as well as make you feel closer to God. This will be a book that will definitely leave an imprint on your mind. God has a purpose for each of us; and everything in our lives, if we truly believe, plays a role in accomplishing that purpose. Kudos to Mr. Fabry for this incredibly beautiful and moving story about the real Billy Allman. This book just took first place in my favorites of 2016 list.
FAVORITE QUOTES: (This book is full of one beautiful quote after another.)
"Sometimes love looks a lot different than we think it should."
"Each question mark on the back roads of the human condition eventually leads to HIm. I am upset at evildoers and how they have confused and contaminated the earth with death. It should never have been this way."
"If you lean on your own strength and understanding, you'll spin your wheels. If you let God use the thing he's given you, and also use the things you feel weak in, your life will be an amazing song sung to him every day."
However small his life seems, from a different perspective Billy’s song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home. Malachi is an angel sent to observe Billy. Though it is not his dream assignment, Malachi follows the man and begins to see the bigger picture of how each painful step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful symphony that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.
I have always enjoyed Chris Fabry's books, but this one when finished made me say WOW! I have read several reviews that knocked it and said it was too "preachy". I found the juxtaposition of Billy's story with Malachi, his guardian angel's input deep and thought provoking. I absolutely loved Billy's character. He appeared to be a simple, socially inept man on the outside. Yet inside he was an electrical genius and a gifted mandolin player. Even though so many things were difficult or went wrong in his life, Billy never lost his faith in God and his desire to be an instrument of God to other people. He felt he had a calling and special purpose sent from God; and no matter how difficult that struggle, he would continue to pursue it.
Many times I had to stop and ponder the thoughtful statements of both Billy and Malachi. Chris Fabry created a story that will pull at your heart strings as well as make you feel closer to God. This will be a book that will definitely leave an imprint on your mind. God has a purpose for each of us; and everything in our lives, if we truly believe, plays a role in accomplishing that purpose. Kudos to Mr. Fabry for this incredibly beautiful and moving story about the real Billy Allman. This book just took first place in my favorites of 2016 list.
FAVORITE QUOTES: (This book is full of one beautiful quote after another.)
"Sometimes love looks a lot different than we think it should."
"Each question mark on the back roads of the human condition eventually leads to HIm. I am upset at evildoers and how they have confused and contaminated the earth with death. It should never have been this way."
"If you lean on your own strength and understanding, you'll spin your wheels. If you let God use the thing he's given you, and also use the things you feel weak in, your life will be an amazing song sung to him every day."
August 28, 2011
I love Chris Fabry's writing and I wasn't disappointed in his latest novel, Almost Heaven. A beautiful novel that interweaves June Bug and Dogwood enough to reward his loyal readers, while still remaining a standalone story. Like Fabry's earlier novels, Almost Heaven is peopled with common characters who are extraordinary in their actions. What I love about Fabry's characters is how they respond to things based on an inner strength that reminds us that the most unlikely people can be heroes; especially when they rely on their faith to get them through life. In fact, the characters in Almost Heaven don't have much, so in some ways they better understand how to rely on God. Almost Heaven is told from the points of view of an angel and the character, Billy, who has had an exceptionally difficult life from the time he was a kid. I loved the juxtaposition of the two views. Beautiful, beautiful story.
April 29, 2013
A realistic fictional story of a man's life from childhood to late in his life. Billy Allman is from the hills in West Virginia. He is put through many trials and tribulations through out the story. The angelic point of view was very poignant. I enjoyed the story. It is an easy read, and found it hard to put down. I would like to read more from this author. "HAPPY MONDAY, HOPE THE SUN COMES OUT SOMETIME TODAY.
May 4, 2013
Good book. I liked the story and the way West VA was depicted.
May 16, 2025
I always enjoy stories with refreshing premises. Almost Heaven is the story of a seemingly insignificant man whose life has been inundated with tragedy. From a flood that wipes out much of Billy Allman's rural community in West Virginia when he is seven, to his father's suicide, mother's battle with Alzheimer's and so much more, Billy seems to face one hardship after another. His dream is to build and run a radio station out of his home in order to share music and proclaim his faith, to encourage others in his community. Billy's story converges with a woman named Callie, and as their paths intersect and Callie faces a danger that no one foresees, Billy must confront a secret he has tried so diligently to escape.
Entwined with Billy's story is that of Malachi, a guardian angel who attempts to help Billy while seeking answers for himself.
This story was beautiful but a slow read for me. Billy is barraged by hardship, and Fabry does well at conveying the claustrophobic feel of constant troubles that seek to entangle Billy's life. The author leavens the hardship with hope, but it requires patience on the readers' part as much difficulty occurs. I especially love the complicated relationship that evolves between Billy and Callie, a genuine love story that is tried in a crucible of much pain. It was very refreshing to have the relationship develop when both of them are in their forties. I enjoyed the late-blooming but profound relationship that develops. I also enjoyed the very complicated relationship between Blilly and his mother, and Fabry does an excellent job of portraying the erratic and jarring effects of Alzheimer's Disease. One of my favorite scenes in the whole book involves Billy and his mother at a hot dog stand. It is a very tender and profound scene.
In regards to Billy's secret, Fabry does well at keeping readers hooked as we try to puzzle out what happened to him. I figured out the secret fairly early, but the revelation is no less a gut punch.
I did feel that the chapters from Malachi's perspective seemed a bit heavy-handed, but I enjoyed Fabry's exploration of spiritual warfare and the reality that angels seek understanding just as much, if not more so, than humans. It was neat to read a story with a vulnerable but stalwart angel.
A story that explores the true meaning of success and the importance of perseverance, Almost Heaven is not one to miss. God bless you all.
Entwined with Billy's story is that of Malachi, a guardian angel who attempts to help Billy while seeking answers for himself.
This story was beautiful but a slow read for me. Billy is barraged by hardship, and Fabry does well at conveying the claustrophobic feel of constant troubles that seek to entangle Billy's life. The author leavens the hardship with hope, but it requires patience on the readers' part as much difficulty occurs. I especially love the complicated relationship that evolves between Billy and Callie, a genuine love story that is tried in a crucible of much pain. It was very refreshing to have the relationship develop when both of them are in their forties. I enjoyed the late-blooming but profound relationship that develops. I also enjoyed the very complicated relationship between Blilly and his mother, and Fabry does an excellent job of portraying the erratic and jarring effects of Alzheimer's Disease. One of my favorite scenes in the whole book involves Billy and his mother at a hot dog stand. It is a very tender and profound scene.
In regards to Billy's secret, Fabry does well at keeping readers hooked as we try to puzzle out what happened to him. I figured out the secret fairly early, but the revelation is no less a gut punch.
I did feel that the chapters from Malachi's perspective seemed a bit heavy-handed, but I enjoyed Fabry's exploration of spiritual warfare and the reality that angels seek understanding just as much, if not more so, than humans. It was neat to read a story with a vulnerable but stalwart angel.
A story that explores the true meaning of success and the importance of perseverance, Almost Heaven is not one to miss. God bless you all.
May 29, 2024
Just finished this book and trying to explain what I think about it. The book is sort of divided in two parts. One part tells about the live of Billy, who hasn't had an easy live but tries to live the way God asks of him. He struggles with a lot of issues like the loss of his parents, poverty, unanswered love, abuse etc. But he keeps believing in God and does the best he can to do the will of God. This part of the book I like because it is recognizable.
The other part of the book tells basically the same story, but told by the guardian angel of Billy, and I am wondering wether or not I think this part is still biblical correct. Like for example, the book gives me the impression that his angel can or wants to choose for himself and is somehow quistioning the will of God, and basically I am taught that angels don't have that option anymore.
In another part of the book his angel tries to get information from demons, because God doesn't provide him with enough information. But why would you think you would get information from your opponent? That's not logical and really not biblical.
I would not really say don't read this book at all, but keep thinking for yourself and ask for guidance from God
Trigger warning: this book contains parts about sexual abuse by an authority figure
The other part of the book tells basically the same story, but told by the guardian angel of Billy, and I am wondering wether or not I think this part is still biblical correct. Like for example, the book gives me the impression that his angel can or wants to choose for himself and is somehow quistioning the will of God, and basically I am taught that angels don't have that option anymore.
In another part of the book his angel tries to get information from demons, because God doesn't provide him with enough information. But why would you think you would get information from your opponent? That's not logical and really not biblical.
I would not really say don't read this book at all, but keep thinking for yourself and ask for guidance from God
Trigger warning: this book contains parts about sexual abuse by an authority figure
June 16, 2020
I've read another book by this author and really liked it, too. I like the smooth quiet style of his writing. Speaks to me. Touches my heart. This book was no exception.
Billy grew up in the hills of West Virginia. A great rain comes and the dams that hold the lake near the coal mine break, wiping away Billy's home. The only thing he gets out with are his life, clothes on his back, and the mandolin that his father played. He can touch anything electronic or mechanical and make it work again. He turns some old sound equipment into a radio station that he broadcasts to his small town. Through all his hardships, and there are many, Billy never loses his love for God and his desire to be following His will.
Favorite Quote: (there were many, but I didn't mark them when I was reading...shame)
"The Lord gives us all a song to play, and at first we just play it the best we know how and try to work on it and make it better. Most of the time it sounds awful. But there comes a point where we realize it's not really our song to begin with, and if we'll follow the lead of the one who wrote the tune in the first place, we'll come out all right." P. 280
Billy grew up in the hills of West Virginia. A great rain comes and the dams that hold the lake near the coal mine break, wiping away Billy's home. The only thing he gets out with are his life, clothes on his back, and the mandolin that his father played. He can touch anything electronic or mechanical and make it work again. He turns some old sound equipment into a radio station that he broadcasts to his small town. Through all his hardships, and there are many, Billy never loses his love for God and his desire to be following His will.
Favorite Quote: (there were many, but I didn't mark them when I was reading...shame)
"The Lord gives us all a song to play, and at first we just play it the best we know how and try to work on it and make it better. Most of the time it sounds awful. But there comes a point where we realize it's not really our song to begin with, and if we'll follow the lead of the one who wrote the tune in the first place, we'll come out all right." P. 280
August 29, 2024
Billy Allman is a hillbilly genius. People in Dogwood, West Virginia, say he was born with a second helping of brains and a gift for playing the mandolin but was cut short on social skills. Though he'd gladly give you the shirt off his back, they were right. Billy longs to use his life as an ode to God, a lyrical, beautiful bluegrass song played with a finely tuned heart. So with spare parts from a lifetime of collecting, he builds a radio station in his own home. People in town laugh. But Billy carries a brutal secret that keeps him from significance and purpose. Things always seem to go wrong for him.However small his life seems, from a different perspective Billy's song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home. Malachi is an angel sent to observe Billy. Though it is not his dream assignment, Malachi follows the man and begins to see the bigger picture of how each painful step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful symphony that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.
September 9, 2017
This was a difficult book for me to rate. I debated strongly about giving it a five. The way it immersed the reader in mountain and bluegrass culture, the tie in to the book June Bug, the great character development, the ending, and the wonderful writing style were all pluses. Billy Allman was a delightful person to get to know. The two things that were negatives for me might not bother others, but caused me to take it down to 4.5. There are some sections where Billy's guardian angel is speaking, and, for me, these did not seem to add to the story and could have been done better. The other factor is that there are many sections of the book where evil is working and things are very dark; for me, this almost overwhelmed the positives at times. This made the book seem somewhat depressing in places, and it almost overwhelmed the rest. I highly recommend the book, but it is not an "escapist" read.
December 12, 2017
Chris Fabry has become one of my favorite authors. Each story he crafts is so different, so thought provoking and so masterfully told. Almost Heaven is no exception but I do think this one was a bit heavier of a read. I thought the dual characters (alternating chapters) between the main character, Billy Allman, and an angel assigned to protect him, was very unique. The angel’s perspective was a very interesting one and really made me pause and meditate.
I read, “June Bug” before this novel and I was so excited to see that he incorporated Natalie (ie June Bug) into the story line in the third part of this book. This book was worth reading just for that! I love how they wove Natalie’s character into the life of Billy Allman. It was beautifully done!
One of my favorite quotes from the book is in the last chapter written by the angel but comes from the Bible, “As David so aptly wrote, ‘The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.’ “. (Page 364)
INTERESTING NOTE: This book won the Christy Award in 2011 for the best book in the Contemporary category!
I read, “June Bug” before this novel and I was so excited to see that he incorporated Natalie (ie June Bug) into the story line in the third part of this book. This book was worth reading just for that! I love how they wove Natalie’s character into the life of Billy Allman. It was beautifully done!
One of my favorite quotes from the book is in the last chapter written by the angel but comes from the Bible, “As David so aptly wrote, ‘The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.’ “. (Page 364)
INTERESTING NOTE: This book won the Christy Award in 2011 for the best book in the Contemporary category!
February 14, 2020
This is book 3 in the Dogwood series. Like the others, it can stand alone. Only at the end does it bring in a few characters from book 2. Otherwise it is not related at all to the others, except it was loosely connected to the same area in the South.
Though I gave 5 stars to Chris Fabry's "Not in the Heart," I didn't enjoy this series nearly as much. Much of this book seems totally joyless. Some parts seem narrated rather than acted out scene by scene. This book deals with why God allows evil people to hurt others with their actions. It deals with some disturbing subject matter. The last part did go quite a ways in redeeming the book for me. Joy came into that book along with a character from book 2. I did appreciate the fact that Fabry gives meaning to the lives of "little people," humble people of poor circumstances that quietly do the will of God.
Though I gave 5 stars to Chris Fabry's "Not in the Heart," I didn't enjoy this series nearly as much. Much of this book seems totally joyless. Some parts seem narrated rather than acted out scene by scene. This book deals with why God allows evil people to hurt others with their actions. It deals with some disturbing subject matter. The last part did go quite a ways in redeeming the book for me. Joy came into that book along with a character from book 2. I did appreciate the fact that Fabry gives meaning to the lives of "little people," humble people of poor circumstances that quietly do the will of God.
May 28, 2017
I really like Chris' writing...such great development of characters. I felt like I knew exactly how Billy Allman ticked by about halfway through.. I can't give it five stars because it was SO full of tragedy, I get real life and have no problem with some major personal tragedies.. but it almost felt forced... the last quarter of the book felt like a long counseling session and actually might be meant for someone who'd experienced similar abuses. That may be what Chris aimed to do, but it was a lot of skimming for me. I'll totally read another Fabry book, this just wasn't my favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2021
A Moving and Powerful Story
Just a compelling,beautifully written story. I had read June Bug by Chris Fabry,as well, and knew I was in for a fascinating and heartfelt adventure. Billy Allman, a shy, homely, backwoods musical prodigy,is tossed by unspeakable tragedies and is followed by a guardian angel who,though unseen, plays an observer and commentator on Billy's life. I might have wished a little less of the angel's comments, but there is no question that this was one of the best books I have read this year! Had a hard time putting it down!
Just a compelling,beautifully written story. I had read June Bug by Chris Fabry,as well, and knew I was in for a fascinating and heartfelt adventure. Billy Allman, a shy, homely, backwoods musical prodigy,is tossed by unspeakable tragedies and is followed by a guardian angel who,though unseen, plays an observer and commentator on Billy's life. I might have wished a little less of the angel's comments, but there is no question that this was one of the best books I have read this year! Had a hard time putting it down!
September 23, 2018
Another fantastic book...I love how the characters in one book make an appearance in others. The people in his stories are flawed but they try to find the goodness in this world. His telling of small town life in the hills is so real. Reading Chris Fabry's books makes me want to see the best in people and makes me want to be a better person. That's a lot to say about a work of fiction! So glad I read this one!
June 3, 2021
Billy, a humble servant of God getting the message out on his homemade radio station. His life had many hardships along the way. Then the day came when he truly began to heal and everything changed. Took some unexpected turns along the way. Highly Recommend. Although if you like books that are sugar and spice and everything nice then this book is not for you. It deals with some harsh realities of life. Yet showing how God can get us through.
July 8, 2021
Very Christian book from the perspective of Billy and his guardian angel. Billy is a survivor and credits God for the good things in his life. But he’s human and fallible and also striving to do his best. But still haunted by past events in his life and has difficulty healing from his old mistakes.
I really liked the guardian angel’s perspective of encountering imps and minions of Satan.
Not terribly well written but very compelling. Between 3 & 4 stars.
I really liked the guardian angel’s perspective of encountering imps and minions of Satan.
Not terribly well written but very compelling. Between 3 & 4 stars.
August 1, 2021
This book is unlike anything I have ever read. The story of Billy Allman, a “hillbilly” is told from two perspectives: Billy and his guardian angel, Malachi. Billy’s story is beautifully written, illuminating the value of ordinary people going through life having ordinary experiences. Malachi muses on God’s plan and the earthly human experience. Beautifully written and wonderful. I highly recommend it.
April 10, 2022
4.5 stars for me, but went up to 5. I liked the story of Billy and loved the tie in with June Bug. I didn't particularly enjoy the short chapters featuring Billy's angel. I felt those chapters became long winded and somewhat repetitive, making me want to skim through them. I still found Fabry's storytelling hard to put down. There were several surprises I wasn't expecting and the book had a beautiful message throughout.
July 3, 2022
One of the best books I have ever read!
I am an avid reader, continually seeking books that speak to my heart and soul. I can truthfully say that this book did!! Chris, the quality of the writing, the depth of your story, and the truth that rang true through out , makes this book something particularly special to me. It touched me greatly and resonated deeply within my being, humbly thank you!!!!
I am an avid reader, continually seeking books that speak to my heart and soul. I can truthfully say that this book did!! Chris, the quality of the writing, the depth of your story, and the truth that rang true through out , makes this book something particularly special to me. It touched me greatly and resonated deeply within my being, humbly thank you!!!!
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