The Forge

Author: Chris Fabry
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 368
Release Date: August 6, 2024
Publisher: Tyndale House

As Cynthia Wright’s marriage implodes, she is forced to raise her teenage son, Isaiah, alone. The pressure of providing for them through her salon is a full-time job in itself. When Cynthia sees Isaiah pulling away and escaping into video games, tensions rise and prayers feel unanswered. Angry and hurt, Isaiah starts acting like the father who abandoned him, and Cynthia gives him an ultimatum while turning to her twin sister, Elizabeth Jordan, for support. Elizabeth enlists a seasoned prayer warrior who challenges Cynthia to pray boldly and believe God for the impossible.

Caught in the middle, Isaiah longs for respect, but sees no clear path to becoming a good man. Desperate for a job, he wanders into Moore Fitness, Inc. and encounters the owner, Joshua Moore, who introduces him to the concept of working for a coach rather than a boss. Needing the work, Isaiah reluctantly begins his mentoring process with Joshua. While Cynthia clings to hope, no one sees the coming storms brewing at the company and in Isaiah’s heart.

The Forge is about the power of prayer, the transformation only God can achieve, and the lasting influence one person can have on others.

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Reviewer: Diana Lea

Isn’t it just like God to have a solution ready before the problem even arrives?

This is the story of Cynthia, whose life is reeling as she navigates life as her marriage ends, and Isaiah, her son, who is struggling with heart wounds of his own. 

Those readers familiar with Miss Clara from the War Room will be pleased to have another chance to have her presence and wisdom in full prayer warrior style. We also meet Mr. Joshua Moore, who is a mentor of men via The Forge.

Written from alternating perspectives of Cynthia and Isaiah, we see multiple plotlines take unexpected twists and turns. The pace is comfortable and able to keep my interest. Characters are deeply developed and feel real. The story covers Isaiah from his mid-teen years to his early 20s. We see him walk through issues of anger, abandonment, surrender, forgiveness and trust to show much personal growth.  

Cynthia learned about the need to be vulnerable and about pride. In addition to the issues with Cynthia and Isaiah, we also get to see Mr. Moore walk through dicey times at the fitness company. Spiritually, there are many Word-filled prayers, both from the ladies’ group and from the men of The Forge. God’s faithfulness and provision are repeatedly demonstrated.

Those seeking spiritual inspiration will find this a fantastic read. This book could also be used as a group study, as there are discussion questions included at the end of the book. 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

This book is a must-read in Christian fiction. The characters are written with depth and authenticity. I was drawn into their lives and didn’t want to stop reading until the end. 

 “Hope is a four-letter word I have a hard time spelling in my soul.” Cynthia finds through her personal journey—being abandoned by her husband and dealing with the fallout of her son Isaiah’s reaction—that hope isn’t as far away as it seems.

Through the support of friends and encouragement to pray, Cynthia finds the strength to move forward toward God’s plan for her life and as a single parent. At the same time, in the midst of his struggles, insecurities, and feeling like he doesn’t measure up, Isaiah finds a mentor who encourages and guides him toward fullness in Jesus. Neither has an easy road to follow but as they embark on their journey, God, who is faithful, responds. 

What a testament to the power of prayer and perseverance. This book is one for the believer and nonbeliever alike. It digs deep into the human condition, offering a solution in the form of the Savior. I love this book.

I was given a copy courtesy of Tyndale House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. This is my honest opinion of the book.

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