The Broken Road Book Review

I love Richard Paul Evans and I never know what o expect from his books but I always know that it is going to be interesting.  The Broken Road: A Novel (The Broken Road Series) by Richard Paul Evans was no exception.  I put it on reserve when I saw it in the new release section on the computer at the library.  I figured that it really didn't matter what it was about because I am sure that I would enjoy it as much as I enjoyed his other books.

Chicago celebrity, Charles James can’t shake the nightmare that wakes him each night. He sees himself walking down a long, broken highway the sides of which are lit in flames. Where is he going? Why is he walking? What is the wailing he hears around him?  By day, he wonders why he’s so haunted and unhappy when he has all he ever wanted-fame, fans and fortune and the lavish lifestyle it affords him. Coming from a childhood of poverty and pain, this is what he’s dreamed of. But now, at the pinnacle of his career, he’s started to wonder if he’s wanted the wrong things. His wealth has come legally, but questionably, from the power of his personality, seducing people out of their hard-earned money. When he learns that one of his customers has committed suicide because of financial ruin, Charles is shaken. The cracks in his façade start to break down spurring him to question everything: his choices, his relationships, his future and the type of man he's become.

Then a twist of fate changes everything. Charles is granted something very remarkable: a second chance. The question is: What will he do with it?  The Broken Road is the first book in a much-anticipated new trilogy by beloved storyteller Richard Paul Evans. It is an engrossing, contemplative story of redemption and grace and the power of second chances. It is an epic journey you won't soon forget.

I was amazed after reading this book because it really unfolds the story of Charles James and what he went through in his life.  Although I guess you know at the very beginning where this journey is going because it is a flash back, it is still totally unexpected and amazing to follow the journey.  Charles decided that he wanted more out of his life and he worked hard to get a better life after starting off with a horrible childhood.  He moved to California and worked as a landscaper and found the love of his life.  If you think that it could possibly end there you would be wrong because this isn't totally the uplifting happy ending story, make sure you pick it up and find out what happens next.  It was an interesting book with lots of interesting twists and turns.  I hope that you pick up this book and others by this wonderful author.  I am sure you will find them as interesting as I have!!  If you like Mitch Albom books, these are another great author that seems to find similarly deep meaning to write about and make you feel transformed just by reading the book.