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A Piece of the Moon

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Chris Fabri has a wonderful talent for sculpting complex, relatable, textured characters. That’s why I’ve read almost everything he’s ever written. This book is no different. A layered combination of a secret treasure,
Biblical riddles, a backwoods radio station, lost and wandering souls who find each other, a little bit of romance, a missing person, and a dangerous flood all combine to give the reader a book that is difficult to put down. The resolution is breathtaking and completely satisfying. I gratefully received this free e-book ARC from the author and publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

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I love Chris Fabry's writing. He writes differently than a lot of authors I read and you are never sure where the story is going until you get there.

This is the story of a hidden treasure. Bible verses have been left as clues and people have been discussing this treasure for a quite a few years. When there is an injury from the search for the treasure, the town goes into high alert and everyone has one thing on their minds: money.

And then there's a radio manager who sees the underdog and brings them along with him. He has some hurts in his life that have caused him to reach out, especially to the younger ones.

I just really enjoyed this book and chalk it off as another Chris Fabry win.

I received this book from Tyndale via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.

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A Piece of the Moon is another excellent book by Chris Fabry set in 1981 West Virginia. Fabry does a great job of creating characters that are troubled souls, but he makes them so realistic and human. He also does a terrific job with his setting descriptions that the reader can step into the setting.
An eccentric Gideon Quidley has hidden a treasure. He believed the Lord led him to do this task as far as instructions of what, where and how. It took him several years for this project to come together and this treasure of gold, silver, and lots of hundred-dollar bills were hidden in an ark. The Biblical clues Gideon gave were for eternal life as well as a roadmap to where the treasure was hidden. Gideon told no one where he hid the treasure, not even his son Milton.
The book, told in six parts, was set in Emmaus, WV, a fictional small town so well described that it could have been any southern West Virginia town. The main character was a DJ for the local country station that about everybody listened to. His name was Waite Evers and he liked to help others and believed in giving second chances. His best friend TD Lovett was one of those and a fellow DJ at the station. They liked to “chew the fat” over the Quidley treasure, one believing and one not believing that it existed. When a caller to the station called to say her husband was missing over a hunt for the treasure, a man that TD knew, did the hunt become more personal for TD.
There were several other characters that Waite gave second chances to, and the author gives excellent details to their back stories that they become your friends. The book is not dull and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.
I recommend this book about hope and forgiveness. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #APieceOfTheMoon #Chris Fabry

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Heartfelt southern fiction, about treasure, family, love, faith, and Country radio.

When an eccentric multi-millionaire buries a treasure in the hill of West Virginia with Scripture based clues, the small town of Emmaus is filled with fortune seekers as local Country radio hosts TD and Waite discuss the latest updates on the search.

This book follows a handful of diverse characters with their intertwining storylines from TD searching for the treasure to help an old friend, Waite trying to save the station, Pidge raising a teenager, and Clay coming of age and a budding love of radio. I loved the developing relationship between the various characters, over the course of the book. And I was equally invested in each of the storylines, though my favorite character had to be Clay, hands down. Clay struggles with honest fears, with a wholesome desire to help others. I especially loved his friendship with Waite.

A well written story that I didn't want to put down, compelling storytelling, masterfully weaving all of the stories together, with touches of humor, quirkiness, as well as an honesty that gives the story a riveting levity. A feel good story, with a satisfying ending, with some fun twists along the way. I enjoyed every minute of this book. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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I adored the first line in the prologue, “Love, like treasure, stays buried until somebody decided to dig. That’s what this story is about, along with life and death and a stammering tongue and a little radio station. It’s also about the power of an old country song. Mostly it’s about events that occurred in the summer of 1981, set in motion by a fellow named Gideon Quidley, who was, in my opinion at the time, several bales short of a full loft."

This story is told in 5 parts each a grand adventure building up momentum taking readers to the next level ultimately leading up to a very satisfying, thought-provoking, ending that will make your heart sing, and cheer as it tugs at your heart strings. I love that about this authors’ books.

Hang in there as the beginning is quirky, and strange, I had no idea where this author would take me, with this buried treasure story. But since I have read the authors’ other books I buckled up and got ready to enjoy the ride. I am glad I did. I could not stop reading after it came together for me walking alongside these broken, hurting people. It came together in a most unlikely way. It was inspiring to watch the community face their fears together. I also adored Country 16 radio station and all who worked there.

I liked the authors peek he gives readers into his day job in radio. It was fun to learn that some of Chris’s experiences in radio were in the story, the author says,….”My high school Distributive Education teacher,…asked if I would like to gain some experience working at a local radio station. The prospect of going to school half the day and then to a radio station sounded good at the time and I said yes.. I had no idea where her suggestion would lead me, but it has become a lifelong pursuit. …”…my teacher said If I was hired, radio would always be in my blood.”

The story centered around two DJs at a small West Virginia country radio station, readers are introduced to a memorable cast of colorful characters – from those who come in and out of the station to those that called into the station and talked with Waite’s and TD. And then there was the ongoing crazy treasure hunt with bible references as clues to where it’s buried.

I liked how this author welcomes readers to a bit of nostalgia, in a community with a strong sense of place, as he delves into themes of forgiveness, redemption, second chances and faith naturally interwoven into a small town gone wild about finding a pot of gold.

This is a fun; feel good novel you do not want to miss. It is one that would work well for your next book club pick as the author includes discussion questions. If you have not read a novel by this author treat yourself to this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

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A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry

A small West Virginia Town, a country radio station, some unique characters and a hidden treasure complete with clues comprise the latest book by Chris Fabry.

Chris creates a world that could exist on a West Virginia state map, complete with characters that a reader grows to love. He weaves several subplots together for a satisfying story, whose ending did not disappoint.

If you are a fan of southern fiction, this one needs to be added to your must- read pile. I am grateful to the publisher for the free copy, and this is my honest review.

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Long story short: I'd give this book a thousand stars if I could.

First sentence: LOVE, LIKE TREASURE, stays buried until somebody decides to dig. That’s what this story is about, along with life and death and a stammering tongue and a little radio station. It’s also about the power of an old country song.

A Piece of the Moon is set in the summer/autumn of 1981 in a small town in West Virginia. Many of the characters--though not all--work at an AM country station, Country 16.

I loved, loved, loved, LOVED, LOVED, crazy loved this novel. It is a compelling, heart-warming, charming, thoroughly satisfying read. And quirky. Don't forget the quirky.

It is one of those rare books that is both CHARACTER-DRIVEN and PLOT-DRIVEN. The plot starts off with a little melodrama to hook you. (It worked.) But soon even though the plot hadn't really slowed down--offering a mystery or two, plus a light romance--I found out that it was really ALL about the characters.

It had the opportunity to be many things: a mystery, a comedy, a tragedy, a romance, a coming of age novel. But really it is more than any of those things.

It is a Christian book. But don't let that put you off. Don't turn your nose up and say, well, then there's no way I could enjoy that. It is a layered read. One of those books that capture the many, many, many, many layers of being human. And, yes, one of those layers is faith-based--do I believe in God???--but it is not a flat, one-note story.

I thought it was wonderfully written. Plenty of depth and substance. An abundance of heart. But this isn't one of those precious stories that is too sickly sweet. This novel is more a potluck--a good one--where every single dish adds something special and just right. It ends with a dessert table. But it isn't a cupcake of a novel from start to finish.

I think the characters will stay with me a long time. Yes, I know I just finished it. But already I'm thinking about how I will need to revisit this one again and again. Thinking about how this one NEEDS TO BE MADE INTO A MOVIE. Or maybe even a limited series. It needs a SOUNDTRACK or at the very least a Spotify playlist. ETA: There is a PLAYLIST!

I could gush about this one for hours--or days--mom may get tired of hearing about how awesome this one is!

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Another masterpiece by Chris Fabry. A beautifully written story, excellent character development and a very satisfying read that will warm your heart and soul. Treat yourself to this novel. You will not be disappointed.

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Fabry never fails to give readers a story that will be enjoyable with flawed characters that readers are easily able to bond with.

Gideon Quidley has achieved great wealth throughout his life and when he receives a divine vision telling him to hide his treasure based on bible verses, he sets out to do just that. When people find out what he has done, treasure hunters search high and low based on the clues. It becomes an obsession for some people. For others, it’s become more of a joking matter. In the small town of Emmaus, West Virginia, mooring radio talk show hosts Waite Evers and TD Lovett, tend to joke about the matter weekly. But when one of TD’s estranged friends goes missing, he is suddenly pulled into the hunt for his friend over the treasure. As TD dives into the clues, he begins to discover his own real treasure that isn’t just of this earth.

Leave it to Chris Fabry to set up an incredibly interesting tale that takes readers back to 1981. I’ve never been disappointed in one of Fabry’s novels and this one kept me intrigued all the way through. His characters are all incredibly flawed, just like real life, and have the ability to easily connect with readers. Waite was just one of many, but he saw the good in everybody but himself. TD felt he could never be more than he was and didn’t know what the point of trying was. With plenty of supporting characters, readers will easily find someone to resonate with and cheer for throughout the book. Fabry’s years of experience on the radio show with the technical knowledge included in this book!

The story centers around an earthly treasure of riches, but has a theme of discovering the treasure of ourselves with our heavenly father. I love the way that this book ended. I’m not going to say more than that, but I think all readers will enjoy the final wrap up!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

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A Piece of the Moon is a love letter to old-time small-town radio wrapped within a character-driven story of brokenness and redemption that takes place amid an enthralling treasure hunt. The hunt itself is almost an afterthought, which is odd because it’s definitely at the forefront of everyone’s mind in Emmaus. The Gideon Quidley treasure is unique because Gideon Quidley is still alive and giving out clues. Nobody knows what the treasure is. A few people don’t believe the treasure’s real. But some folks are willing to risk a lot to find it.

But National Treasure this is not. Rather than focus on the hunt, Chris Fabry instead takes into the lives of those at Country16, the local country radio station. The year is 1981 and radio—particularly in rural areas—is a major part of small-town life. News, gossip, and the old classics all have their focal point out at Country16. And at the heart of all this is the story of TD, Pidge, and The Kid.

A Piece of the Moon is a novel that’s so multi-faceted that is almost defies summary. It’s the story of TD and Pidge, two broken people who form a fast friendship. It’s about Clay, The Kid, and his coming-of-age journey as he learns the ins and outs of doing radio—and coming to grips with his stutter. It’s about Milton Quidley and his relationship, or lack thereof, with his father. Gideon Quidley and his unique relationship with God. It’s about a town enraptured by a search for treasure. It’s about love and life and forgiveness and struggle and overcoming and loss and failure and perseverance and faith and hope and love.

It seems a little bit silly to say the real treasure was the friends we made along the way, but Fabry’s version of it is anything but saccharine sweet. This is a relational drama, not an action-thriller. But don’t worry, the mystery is real and if you read the clues closely enough you might even be able to guess the hiding place—or at least some element of it. But is the treasure what everyone thinks? I won’t disclose that here. Some treasures—like the answer to that question—are made more valuable by the journey it takes to get there.

A Piece of the Moon is a sometimes-meandering, sometimes-intense journey through small town Americana with a treasure-hunting twist. It’s nostalgic. It’s nuanced. It’s comedic. It’s dramatic. It’s over-the-top. It’s rooted in reality. In other words, it’s exactly like life. Fabry’s multi-layered, poignant tale is sure to enthrall.

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Eccentric millionaire, Gideon Quidley has hidden his fortune in the hills of West Virginia. He has left a path of Bible verses as clues, but so far no one has found the treasure. Some folks believe in the treasure, while others think it’s a joke. When a pastor out looking for the treasure is hurt and Quidley comes to town to help him, things take a decided turn and all at once the town of Emmaus is filled with treasure hunters, including Quidley’s son Milton. At the heart of the story is Waite, who runs the local country music station and hires a cast of misfits that make their way to his door. It’s a beautiful story of second chances and redemption that will leave your heart full long after the last page is turned!

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Another book at least partly set in the 1980s. I seem to be on a roll with these lately. ;)
This story reminds me of stories I've read by Billy Coffey. So if you like his books, you'll probably like this one as well!
Well developed characters. A different sort of story than I've read lately, which is good. :) Lots of twists to the plot.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-copy. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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A sweet story of love, forgiveness, with well-developed characters. Certainly a "Southern Fiction" category, sprinkled with some mystery and a little suspense. A cute read.

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“A Piece of the Moon” by Chris Fabry is a book to savor.
An eccentric man has buried a treasure and left clues to its discovery. As the treasure hunters close in on the exact location, Fabry gives the reader glimpses into the main characters’ lives – glimpses of layers that are peeled away as the story progresses until we see the inner strength of each person.
Set in the early 1980’s with a West Virginia country radio station as the center of the characters’ lives, we are treated to a nostalgic look at the near past. Waite and TD, the main characters, work together at the radio station. On air, they speculate about the treasure and take calls from listeners. As the story progresses and searchers narrow in on the treasure’s location, mysterious events reveal that there may be more to this treasure than anyone has suspected.
Along the way, we see Waite’s heart for lost and broken people, and TD’s dreams for a life free from his past. Pidge, the Kid, the other DJ’s at the station, and a boy-happy dog all work to round out the community. We are also treated to a glimpse of a small-town radio station in a time gone by, born out of the author’s early life.
The story contains twists and turns that kept me reading far too late into the night, and the conclusion was on target, leaving me with a happy sigh.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale and Netgalley for my unbiased review.

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This book deserves more than 5 stars!!! I fell in love with all of the characters and their hometown! A truly inspiring book about "how we get so focused on something just out of reach that we miss what we have right in front of us." I was truly surprised at the end to find out there really was a piece of the moon and how it was given to the person who requested it.

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A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry is an excellent historical fiction that has it all: a strong and uplifting narrative, mystery, suspense, unique characters, and a positive message. This book really grabbed my interest from the very beginning and only drew me in deeper the further I read into the novel. I really, really enjoyed it.

I loved the premise of the concept of the novel. It was so unique and refreshing to read. I loved the local of rural WV. As a WV native, I always enjoy a good story involving the hills of Appalachia. This story also presented a wonderful cast of quirky and creative characters. I really loved seeing the treasure hunt and how it transformed the participants as it went onward.

Without giving too much away to fellow readers, I really enjoyed the turns and surprises that were revealed throughout. I relished in the aspect of finding that second layer of complexity within the story, the deeper meaning, and that it was not just about "finding and searching" for material treasures, but about much, much more. The revelations really brought it all home. I truly do love a story with a wonderful message.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Tyndale House Publishers, Inc for this wonderful ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

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An exquisitely constructed and rendered novel centering a believable, lived-in world and characters around messages of hope for change and what it takes to finally accept their worthy of the good they deserve. Slow to start, the story jolted to life about a third of the way through and beyond that moment, in the hands of a clearly skilled writer with an enviable command of the written word, the book became 'unputdownable'.

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A PIECE OF THE MOON by CHRIS FABRY is an inspirational read with a really interesting message.
The author has a deep understanding of human nature and of the Word of God which he uses to tell us about the treasure hunt set in motion by Gedeon Quidley. The rather eccentric Gideon wants people, especially his son Milton, to follow the biblical clues, thus reading the Bible and drawing closer to God.
Some people, like pastor Robby Gardner, make a detailed study of the clues, and others just dig all over. Many get hurt in the madness. The words of Jesus in Mark 8:36, :For what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" underline the story. I see it as a modern day parable.
There are some really interesting characters - I especially love Waite Evers, who shepherds his little flock of "dropouts" at Country 16, the local radio station that is almost the lifeblood of the small town of Emmaus. With strong faith, love and humour he is in the business of encouragement and of giving people a second chance.
I am not going to tell you any more about the story, nor am I going to tell you how the title fits into it! You will have to read the book to find out!
I highly recommend A Piece of the Moon as a most enjoyable and thought provoking read.
I was given an ARC copy of the book by Tyndale House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review
are completely my own.

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