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Almost Heaven

3.89 of 5 stars 3.89 · rating details · 590 ratings · 137 reviews

2011 ECPA Christian Book Award winner for fiction! 2011 Christy Award Winner for contemporary standalone novel.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...more

Paperback, 385 pages

Published September 21st 2010 by Tyndale House Publishers (first published January 10th 2010)

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Dec 02, 2012 Shirley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Chris Fabry captures the West Virginia backhills setting with a clarity that is unforgettable. the following passages demonstrate his writing style as well as his ability to provoke thoughts in the reader.

"The people you read about in the Bible who are the special people aren't really all that special. They're just sinful people like you and me. What makes them special is the Lord himself. He delights in using the weak things and the despised things and things the world doesn't have much time to...more

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Jun 12, 2011 Renee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

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...more 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.(less)

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Feb 15, 2011 Librarianforhim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-reading, family-secrets, read-in-2011, angels-and-demons

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 th...more

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Dec 03, 2010 Sriram Srinivasan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Based on the reviews I read in Amazon, I bought this novel (kindle edition)and the moment I started to read – I got hooked. I completed this novel in one go :) What really inspired me was the way this story is written. From the main character (Billy) point of view, from the angel point of view and the opposing devil. The struggle is at the human level and also at the level above, of which we humans don’t have access. I was really touched once I learned that the character Billy Allman and his rad...more

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Nov 22, 2010 Nickie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

I’m a lover of fiction books, most fiction books. This book, Almost Heaven, took fiction to a whole new level for me. Mixed with a bit of truth, this story grabbed me from the very beginning and had wanting to know what happened next. At first, I was a little confused as to who was doing the ‘talking’ because it jumped from the main character’s perspective to the angel Malachi’s perspective, but my confusion was quickly cleared up.

I soon found myself immersed in Billy’s life, and began thinking...more

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Nov 21, 2010 Nora St Laurent rated it 4 of 5 stars

I’d read and loved, June Bug by Chris Fabry. So, I anxiously awaited my review copy of Almost Heaven. Chris Fabry is a deep thinker that can explain spiritual matters simply, it touched the core of my being. He reveals things about tough times and pain that can only come from experience and how Chris connected with our heavenly Father during those times.

Chris says this about Almost Heaven, “Good stories come from real people and real life…This story was inspired by the life of James William “Bil...more I’d read and loved, June Bug by Chris Fabry. So, I anxiously awaited my review copy of Almost Heaven. Chris Fabry is a deep thinker that can explain spiritual matters simply, it touched the core of my being. He reveals things about tough times and pain that can only come from experience and how Chris connected with our heavenly Father during those times.

Chris says this about Almost Heaven, “Good stories come from real people and real life…This story was inspired by the life of James William “Billy” Allman, who died in 2009...there are only shadows from Billy’s life in this novel..but I hope to have captured a little of his heart in the story as well.”

From the start, Billy and his family face title wave type waters as a dam breaks and starts wiping out homes and people in its path. Billy describes the houses spinning like the house in the Wizard of Oz. I imagined many of the Katrina victims went through something similar after the hurricane hit and the levy broke. Heart breaking.

This book is written in two points of view. That of Billy, and his guardian angel named Malachi (which means messenger). I loved the angel aspect of the narrative; it brought a whole different dimension and energy to the story. It kind of reminded me of the angel in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, where the guardian angel is getting his assignment and learns about George Bailey’s life. Malachi learns about Billy Allman’s life as a boy and when he’s grown up. The angelic battle scenes were not as intense as those of Frank Peretti, but they are very intriguing and powerful. Malachi says this, “Time hinders the human condition, but it does not touch me…we feel the onslaught of time only as it is experienced by those in charge. To us it is only a discipline. Time holds no sway, has no bearing on our resolve to achieve our assigned duties.”

I loved that this author showed how God uses ordinary broken people to carry out his plans here on earth. He doesn’t need us, but chooses to use the most unlikely people - like those that society had given up on, for a bigger purpose. Billy was one of those misfits. No matter what storm hit Billy and tried to take him out, he chose to praise God with his entire being! Music was very special to Billy. He said, “Music has a way of filling in the missing places. It is a gift from God above, who didn’t have to provide it, but he did anyway and I half think he decided life just wouldn’t be as good without it…(he prayed) May God help you sing whatever song he has put on your heart to sing.”

This novel even brought in characters from Chris’s other books, like my favorite, June Bug. She plays a minor part in this book, but I was thrilled to read more about her in this story.

Chris pens a compelling, emotionally charged drama that gives the reader glimpse of hope in the darkness and will make them think outside the box we call the “normal” Christian life. He also defines the triumphant life differently too, “Success is not seen in the circumstances or in the pain or the good feelings. Success is sometimes just loving somebody with a love that doesn’t come back the way you want it to.”

Despite Billy’s sorrows and challenges, he remains steady on a single course. Through the struggles and triumphs, Billy Allman chose to pursue God and walk in what God said about him. I loved what Billy said to Callie about her struggles and later applied it to himself, “…what happened to you doesn’t define who you are…what happened does not have to follow you…you don’t have to live in its shadow.”

Thanks Chris, Almost Heaven is a compelling, thought provoking novel that gives the reader hope in what seemed like hopeless situations. Thanks also for your reminder, “you don’t need your circumstances to change in order to praise God. In fact, the best place to live the Christian life and participate with God in the plan for you is right were you are!” I appreciate these words and so many others that encouraged my soul, gave me hope and touched my heart deeply.

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
Finding Hope Through Fiction www.psalm516.blogspot.com
(less)

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Nov 11, 2010 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Chris Fabry

2010

Tyndale Fiction

Christian Fiction

Reviewed by Cindy Loven

My first thought about this book was, making war in the heavenlies. Billy Allman, seems to be a normal boy, living a normal life. Until a flood takes away much more than Billy will ever understand for years. His daddy tried to save family friends, only to have the whole family die and himself to survive. Fighting the depression that comes with the failure to save the family is more than Billy's daddy can take and he takes his...more

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Nov 09, 2010 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was immediately drawn to this book because it takes place in West Virginia. Chris Fabry is a new to me author that captures the voice and flavor of our region beautifully. He writes his characters in such a way that you feel like you know them, people you would invite on your porch to sit a spell. In Almost Heaven he tells the story of Billy Allman, a man from the town of Dogwood WV.

Billy's big dream was to run a radio station, and with hard work and the help of God he accomplishes just that....more

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Nov 09, 2010 Victor Gentile added it

Chris Fabry in his new book, "Almost Heaven" published by Tyndale House Publishers takes us back Dogwood, West Virginia.

Billy Allman is a genuine nice person, a bit of an eccentric, but he is a genius with the radio and he can play the Mandolin like no other. Billy has had many an adventure, some of them left a wound on his soul and he doesn't seem to be able to heal from those wounds so his personal social skills leave a lot to be desired. So while he has a problem with one on one his heart is...more Chris Fabry in his new book, "Almost Heaven" published by Tyndale House Publishers takes us back Dogwood, West Virginia.

Billy Allman is a genuine nice person, a bit of an eccentric, but he is a genius with the radio and he can play the Mandolin like no other. Billy has had many an adventure, some of them left a wound on his soul and he doesn't seem to be able to heal from those wounds so his personal social skills leave a lot to be desired. So while he has a problem with one on one his heart is to build a radio station in his own home so that he can reach the world with his love for God and God's love for them.

Malachi is an angel who has been sent to observe and protect Billy. This is not an assignment that Malachi is happy with but he does what he is told and it is through this association with Billy that he understands that angels have something to learn from humans.

"Almost Heaven" is a lyrical story full of life, good and bad, ups and downs. This is a story of tragedies that strike Billy Allman and the way he is able to overcome the wounds they cause by the power of God and the help of Malachi. Mr. Fabry is a wonderful writer and truly knows how to speak to the hearts of his readers. "Almost Heaven" is beautifully written and was very hard for me to put down. Mr. Fabry knows how to tell a story that is both interesting and thought provoking and I recommend it highly. "Almost Heaven" will challenge you to think biblically about your spiritual journey with all its trial and challenges and how to lean on God.

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and business professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Glass Road PR. 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.”(less)

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Nov 06, 2010 E.A. West rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of Billy Allman, a simple man born and raised in the hills of West Virginia. All of his life, he’s had a strong faith in God, a love of bluegrass music, and a dream for a radio station. Everything in his life seems to go wrong, but through it all he remains steadfast in his love of the Lord. In fact, the worse the situation, the stronger his faith seems to grow.

Malachi is an angel given the task of protecting Billy. Through the angel’s eyes, readers are given a deeper look at h...more This is the story of Billy Allman, a simple man born and raised in the hills of West Virginia. All of his life, he’s had a strong faith in God, a love of bluegrass music, and a dream for a radio station. Everything in his life seems to go wrong, but through it all he remains steadfast in his love of the Lord. In fact, the worse the situation, the stronger his faith seems to grow.

Malachi is an angel given the task of protecting Billy. Through the angel’s eyes, readers are given a deeper look at human nature and how those in the heavenlies might view life here on earth. Malachi suffers from a few moments of doubt, making him easy to connect with, but his faith in God’s goodness and his allegiance to the Creator never waver.

Throughout the story, we see event after event in Billy’s life that has a deep impact on him. Many are enough to make some people decide God has abandoned them. But as Billy remains strong in his faith, it inspires readers to do the same. A common theme in the book is that no matter how bad life gets here on earth, God is still very much in control and He’s right there with us through it all, even when it feels like we’re stumbling along on our own.

Almost Heaven is filled with poignant emotion and amazing descriptions that draw the reader in. The emotions and events are portrayed in such a way that readers can easily empathize with the characters and experience the story right along with them. The many reminders of God’s love and healing are uplifting without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of book that will speak to a wide audience.

I recommend this book for any reader who doubts God’s goodness, or doesn’t feel worthy of His mercy, or is going through a difficult time, or has an experience in their past that still haunts them. Basically, any reader who enjoys Christian fiction will likely enjoy Almost Heaven.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through the Tyndale Blog Network. My review is based solely on the contents of the book and my experience reading it.(less)

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Oct 29, 2010 Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Almost Heaven is the story of Billy Allman - a guy that can't get a break in life but nevertheless he doesn't let it get him down. He's the guy who should reject God as uncaring and unloving but he doesn't. Billy praises God with his entire being in all that he says and does. Billy is the Christian we all want to be although we don't want to live his life to do so.

Intertwined is the story of an angel - Malachi. I enjoyed the unique perspective although I felt the guardian angel concept was 'flaw...more

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Oct 28, 2010 Jill rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry is a story about events in the life of Billy Allman. Billy seems to have a relatively plain life from the outside. The only noteworthy things one may notice about him at first are his abilities with the mandolin and electronics... and the fact that his life seems littered with heartache. When an angel known as Malachi was assigned to work as Billy's protector when Billy was just a child, he questioned the significance of this life... why he was sent to watch over a b...more

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Nov 04, 2010 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Molly by: GlassRoadsPR

Shelves: book-review

When I review books, once in awhile, I come across a book that is so amazingly good that I just have to sit and stare at it when I'm done. Almost Heaven is one of those such books. I have Chris Fabry's first two books, Junebug and Dogwood sitting on my shelves to be read but haven't gotten to them yet, even though I've heard RAVING reviews of them both! Now, after reading Almost Heaven, I'm kicking myself for not reading Fabry's books sooner!

This is one book that I just didn't want to end. As I...more When I review books, once in awhile, I come across a book that is so amazingly good that I just have to sit and stare at it when I'm done. Almost Heaven is one of those such books. I have Chris Fabry's first two books, Junebug and Dogwood sitting on my shelves to be read but haven't gotten to them yet, even though I've heard RAVING reviews of them both! Now, after reading Almost Heaven, I'm kicking myself for not reading Fabry's books sooner!

This is one book that I just didn't want to end. As I read Billy's story, I felt myself being pulled into the story, walking beside Billy in his little backwoods town of Dogwood, WV. Reading this story was so inspiring to me, because no matter what happened to Billy, good or bad, he stayed strong in his faith and lived, albeit hillbilly-ish, his entire life with a purpose for pleasing God, no matter what anyone else thought or said about him, including the angel Malachi, sent to protect him. It was certainly a reminder that every life on earth has a purpose but that it should be to serve God and stay strong in your faith. WOW! I definitely am changing my attitude about life!

One of the many things I loved about this breathtaking novel is that it is told by Chris Fabry in two points of view...Billy's and his protecting angel, Malachi. Chris did it in a way that, unlike some other authors, doesn't "bore" the reader. It was touching and heartwarming, and really opened my eyes to a lot of things. I could feel the emotions that both Billy and Malachi felt as if I was the one that Chris was writing about. It really moved me.

Please, if you've never read a Chris Fabry novel, start right now, right here with this 5,000 star worthy, 5 star book. When you read it, it's title will ring true, surrounding you in almost heaven, leaving you smiling, and probably even crying a little....I know I did. This life-changing novel will be forever on my shelf and when I can't understand why God has let something happen in my life, I'll go sit down and pull out this gripping novel and take a trip to Dogwood and meet Billy all over again. Then I won't question life so much and I'll rejoice in living my life for Him. Well done, Chris!(less)

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May 04, 2012 Carrie Lynn Lewis rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: recommended-reading

There are a lot of things to recommend this novel.

It is a 2011 ECPA Christian Book Award winner in the fiction category.

It is a 2011 Christy Award Winner in the contemporary standalone novel category

Its author has 70 books and a successful radio career to his credit

No doubt those things contribute to the book's appeal, but I knew none of that when I plucked it off the shelf recently. Even now, I'm not recommending the book because of those things. They are merely icing on the cake.

Almost Heaven...more There are a lot of things to recommend this novel.

It is a 2011 ECPA Christian Book Award winner in the fiction category.

It is a 2011 Christy Award Winner in the contemporary standalone novel category

Its author has 70 books and a successful radio career to his credit

No doubt those things contribute to the book's appeal, but I knew none of that when I plucked it off the shelf recently. Even now, I'm not recommending the book because of those things. They are merely icing on the cake.

Almost Heaven is based on the life of Lost Creek, West Virginia resident, Billy Allman, who passed away in 2009. The work is fiction, but draws heavily on the struggles Allman faced and the successes he achieved. The obstacles Allman faces and the doubts with which he struggles will touch a chord in every reader. The manner in which he faces those trials and hardships is a testament to faith and persistence and made a deep impact in me in my own endeavors.

The story begins with a devastating and deadly flood the day Billy turns ten and follows his life through what seems like one hardship after another. Through the death of parents, personal heartbreak, professional struggles, and an unspoken secret from his late teen years, the reader follows Billy along a path of service to God and others and the pursuit of personal dreams.

Along the way, he grows up, works for, and interacts with a cast of characters. There is not a dull character in the story. Good or bad, major or minor, Fabry brings every man, woman, and child to unique and vibrant life.

Dogwood, West Virginia is painted with such vivid word pictures that I could almost feel the mists on my face and hear the wind in the trees. It becomes a character in its own right, full of winding roads, hills and hollows, and secrets of its own.

Fabry's novels are categorized as "contemporary" by publisher, Tyndale House. But for me, reading Almost Heaven was like revisiting a classical literary work. Characterization, plot and pace, even his voice reminded me of the classic works of Scottish author George MacDonald. MacDonald could weave an endearing and moving story around the lives of any character he chose. I have the sense that Fabry also has that ability to turn the ordinary lives of ordinary characters into extraordinary stories.

Needless to say, it was difficult to put Almost Heaven down once I began reading. It was easy to get so lost in the hills and hollows of West Virginia and get caught up in Billy Allman's life, that I was up until 2 a.m. finishing the book.(less)

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Oct 12, 2012 Carrie Kellenberger rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

Strangely enough, I downloaded this book the day that my brother passed away, and although I am not a person that particularly enjoys novels with a religious motif, Almost Heaven gave me a lot of peace and comfort as I read it on the long plane ride home to North America for my little brother's funeral.

Almost Heaven is about a West Virginia hillbilly named Billy Allman who has a gift for music and for fixing things. He also has a guardian angel that watches over him, and while Angel can't protec...more

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Jan 20, 2011 Joy rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 a...more

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Nov 23, 2010 Kevin rated it 3 of 5 stars

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 openi...more

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Dec 01, 2010 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: inspirational-general-fiction-guar

ALMOST HEAVEN by Chris Fabry is an inspirational general fiction2006 West Virgina. It is well written with detail and depth. It has redemption, forgiveness, shows how God uses everyday broken people to accomplish his purpose, hardships, failure, disappointment and is heartwarming. The hero, Billy chooses to honor God through his music,although, he faces many hardships and isolation. He believes everything he does turns into failure. The characters in this book are complex, real, and well develop...more

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Jan 12, 2013 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars

I bought this book on a whim, meaning it was a free download. I can't say for sure if I 'loved' the book as I am still digesting it. I will say it was thought provoking. The author at times went off on tangents that did little to progress the story. The book had a strong spiritual character/ nature, so I understood the extra details and mini story lines. What I'm trying to say badly is that the plot dragged. The characters you wanted to like and care about, but at times it was challenging. Thoug...more

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Jun 09, 2012 Chrissy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: great-story

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't one of those sappy, drippy love stories that seem to dominate the market. It also didn't try to make God's provision into your typical "and we all lived happily ever after". God provides, but no one is rich, and creature comforts are few.

The storyline is about a man in West Virginia who lives a really hard life. Tragedy seemed the norm, yet he still turns to God vice away from Him. He's always been a loner, and he feels God wants him to build a radio statio...more

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Nov 09, 2010 Theresa rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone that wonders what purpose their life holds or anyone that just wants a great story!

Recommended to Theresa by: Glass Road

Shelves: christian, fiction, review-copy, favorites, inspirational

WOW! This book took my on an emotional roller-coaster ride that left me feeling breathless and totally satisfied. I found myself at times laughing, crying, and scared out of my wits. This is far from your average Christian fiction book, and has left a definite impression on me. An impression that I will not forget in a long, long time.

Billy Allman is the perfect example of God's purpose. Billy shouldn't have been around, but he had a purpose in life. God needed him. We don't always see things wh...more

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Jan 10, 2011 Kara Hunt rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. “Almost Heaven” is the story of Billy Allman. The story follows Billy from a young boy who witnesses the destruction of his small town in the hills of West Virginia by devastating flood waters, to a semi-reclusive adult who tries to maintain his struggling small town radio station while dealing with unpredictable and at times the seemingly insurmountable obstacles laid in his path by sinister and impish demonic forces (unseen by Billy, but who were under the watchful eye of Billy’s guardian ange...more

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Dec 12, 2010 Emily rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This book details the life of a man of God, Billy, who remains faithful through the many trials in his life. I was particularly drawn in by the account of Malachi, Billy's guardian angel, who at first wonders what is so special about this little boy, the son of a miner, that he has been assigned to protect him. As time goes on, we see how Billy dedicates his life to God and is a witness (and in some cases, a literal life-saver,) to many people. Humbly, in most cases he doesn't know what an effec...more

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Nov 09, 2010 Clockstein Lockstein rated it 5 of 5 stars

Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry is a moving follow-up to his Southern novel June-Bug. Billy Allman has faced too much tragedy for one man to face: a flood that destroyed his home, his father's suicide, the one girl he loved married someone else, he has diabetes, and taking care of his mother through terrible dementia. But through it all, Billy never let go of his staunch faith in God, so when he feels like the Lord is calling him to build a radio station to play gospel bluegrass for his tiny West V...more

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May 23, 2012 Marilyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a stunningly beautiful novel. You don't have to be a bluegrass aficionado to appreciate this story. Chris Fabry has created a tale that tugged at my heart. The discordant parts of Billy Allman's life song are part of a grander work composed by a Master who places each note with purpose. If only the minor chords were played, it would be a cacophony of noise. The final piece, however, is richer because of, not in spite of, the dissonance. The perspective of Malachi, Billy's unseen angel, a...more

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Aug 13, 2011 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: award-winner, public-library, do-not-own, christian-based-fiction

Strengths:
*The lyricism of the prose. The book lilted through the narrative in keeping with a mandolin-rich, bluegrass tune that knows not to try-too-hard. I'm adding quotes to my collection from this novel.
*The main character is a quiet, neighborly, unshowy hero. A delight to meet him on the pages of this book.

Weaknesses::
*I mostly skimmed through the chapters with the angel's discourse. Seemed a bit disingenuous to me. Not sure why, because I've enjoyed that literary device in other novels...more

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Nov 09, 2010 Jennifer Defoy added it

Shelves: glass-road-pr, 2010-reads

A review copy of this book was provided for review by Glass Road PR.

This was a great book! The story was so touching. It's got so much love, and yet so much pain inter-weaved into the story of Billy Allman.

Right from the beginning of the story both the love and pain show through. We first met Billy as an adult, and he really doesn't come off as being anyone special. But as the story goes back to the early part of his life it starts to get pretty interesting. There were so many times in this one...more

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Nov 10, 2012 Jim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, christian, kindle

I have often heard the comment that a book changed someone's life. I cannot say I have ever had that experience, but I can say that this book changed my view of life.

This is a beautifully written book about a boy that grows up in the West Virginia coal country. His dad dies in a flood when he is young, his mom becomes his responsibility as he grows older, and he spends his whole life just getting by. However, his dad introduces him to the mandolin, and country gospel music, and he feels God's ca...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Ann Hatch rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a far-fetched but interesting story of
a boys incredible life. It is filled with tragedy, miracles,
human weaknesses and forgiveness.
The story had interesting views of God and man.
I do believe in angels but do not agree with all the ideas
of the authors angel. However, i believe several good points
were made.
There were two narrators and it wasn't always vividly clear
when a different narrator began speaking. It needed to be more defined.
Mostly it was interesting but did drag in a few plac...more

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May 24, 2012 Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

A beautifully written story of a man who chose to live life simply, humbly, and with an awareness that God could use his life for purpose. There is much tragedy within the story... especially situations where someone is wronged and suffers as a result. The main character, Billy Allman, chooses to let these situations draw him closer to God.

The reality of angels is bewildering to me. They exist... we read of them in the Bible... they praise God, they are messengers, they protect ... yet, I am un...more

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About Chris Fabry

Chris 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 an...more

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“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.” — 12 people liked it

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