The Road to Grace

The Walk #3

by Richard Paul Evans

Join one of America€™s beloved storytellers on a walk like no one man€™s unrelenting search for hope. Reeling from the sudden loss of his wife, his home, and his business, Alan Christoffersen, a once-successful advertising executive, has left everything he knew behind and set off on an extraordinary cross-country journey. Carrying only a backpack, he is walking from Seattle to Key West, the farthest destination on his map. Now almost halfway through his trek, Alan sets out to walk the nearly 1,000 miles between South Dakota and St. Louis, but it€™s the people he meets along the way who give the journey its true a mysterious woman who follows Alan€™s walk for close to a hundred miles, the ghost hunter searching graveyards for his wife, and the elderly Polish man who gives Alan a ride and shares a story that Alan will never forget. Full of hard-won wisdom and truth, The Road to Grace is a compelling and inspiring novel about hope, healing,

Genres: Fiction, Inspirational, Christian Fiction, Adult Fiction, Christian, Adult, Audiobook

234 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

When Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Segment 3 of “The Walk”’series.

This one I did not enjoy as much as #1 and 2. I felt this one was more descriptive of state and city sites than Alan’s personal introspection. And the people Alan encountered along the way, while there were personal and life lessons learned, they were not as compelling as the people he encountered in #1 and #2 with the exception of meeting up on the road, literally, with Pamela, his deceased wife’s mother and the Holocaust survivor.

This series is inspirational and spiritual.
It is heart warming and heart rendering.

Alan’s walked through:
Wyoming
South Dakota (Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse memorial, the Badlands, Wall drug, 1880’s Town, the Corn Palace)
He meets a chapter of the spunky Red Hat Society in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to find they are everywhere not just in Sioux Falls!
Iowa
Nebraska
Missouri (home of Walt Disney and Mark Twain and scrumptious barbecue ribs)
Hannibal, Missouri (haunted ghost tour and caves)

There were more references made to faith and grace and especially forgiveness in this segment, and the last few pages of the story reveal a health situation on Alan’s trip through St. Louis, Missouri that makes us all question if Alan will even be able to continue his walk.

Next is #4 -A Step of Faith

[Kathy Gange · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. I really enjoy this series of The Walk Series of books. Very inspiring and full of wisdom that's what I like best about his books.

[Sherry Rosenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading Richard Paul Evans and his latest was a quick, easy and touching read but one that made me say "REALLY?" The odds of finding a Mr. Leszek, a holocaust survivor in Mitchell, South Dakota are so bizarre that if Mr. Evans ever came across such a real character I'd love to know. South Dakota has the smallest Jewish population in the U.S....under 400! Mr. Evans writes that Leszek didn't come to the U.S. until his wife died 9 years ago. That in itself is a rarity for a holocaust survivor...most certainly would not go back to Poland. He said he came to be with his son who is now in California. How did the son come to be in America? Why did Leszek remain in South Dakota? Too many questions surrounding this character that appeared to be dropped in just to bring a basic awareness of the holocaust. I wished Alan spent some more time with this humble man and developed his story a bit further.
Still, I seem to care about Alan and wonder if he will ever see Analise again. And after the ending of this third installment, next spring seems like a long wait to find out how Alan will fare with his latest setback.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sweet story of Alan's trek to Key West and the interesting people who intersect his life on the way.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third installment in "The Walk" series. This book was definitely focused more on the walking: he walked this many miles, ate this, slept here, saw this, etc. Which, though interesting if I were also traveling along there, became rather tedious after a while. I really liked the second book, which was were Alan spent most of the book recovering from a stabbing that he incurred at the end of the first book, and so there was more in depth character development and story line.

But that said, the message in this book was very powerful---on forgiving---which I would have rated the full five stars. We learn that “to forgive is to unlock the cage of another’s folly to set ourselves free.” (pg. 125) I've got my own issues in life, in trying to truly forgive a family member for some deep hurts. I know in my mind that I want to forgive and am trying my best to feel that way, but it's hard to always feel at peace and not let the bitterness, anger and hurt seep back in again, once you've thought you let it go. I also loved the thoughts that to learn Grace is to discover God. It is way too difficult, if not impossible, to truly forgive someone without the grace of God. Because, if we continue burden ourselves with a heavy load of not forgiving, "we chain ourselves to what we do not forgive.” (pg. 115)

This is my favorite quote about grace: "What we fail to realize is that grace is more than our destination, it is the journey itself, manifested in each breath and with each step we take. Grace surrounds us, whirls about us like the wind, falls on us like rain. Grace sustains us on our journeys, no matter how perilous they may be and , make no mistake, they are all perilous. We need not hope for grace, we merely need to open our eyes to its abundance. Grace is all around us, not just in the hopeful future but in the miracle of now"... (pg. 232)

[Lindsey Gandhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another profound, inspirational, thought provoking book by Richard Paul Evan's. He is a masterful writer whose words will touch you deep in your soul.

"As we walk our individual life journeys, we pick up resentments and hurts, which attach themselves to our souls like burrs clinging to a hiker's socks. These stowaways may seem insignificant at first, but, over time, if we do not occasionally stop and shake them free, the accumulation becomes a burden to our souls."

This series is about a walk Alan is taking. Whether you've personally experienced some of the heartache Alan is trying to reconcile, I promise you will learn great wisdom from his experiences on this walk.

"We chain ourselves to what we do not forgive."

"To not extend forgiveness is to burn a bridge that we ourselves must cross."

I have never sat down and just read a series back to back like this. But I can't get enough and I want to know what happens in Alan's journey. Trust me, this is a journey worth taking as well, one you don't want to miss!!

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't nearly as good as the first two in the series. It's beginning to feel as if Evans is trying to draw out the series on purpose...perhaps to earn a better paycheck? No. That's not fair. It was a lovely book, though it felt a little disjointed to me. I'm also finding that I really like the supporting characters much more than the hero himself. I'm wondering when some sort of personality is going to show up. It's difficult to get a sense of who he is, what he stands for, etc. Of course, that may be part of the author's ultimate tactic. It almost seems that Alan is a bit of a chameleon, his personality and character changing with each encounter. Quite frankly, that is beginning to annoy me a bit. Still, it is fun to read about the different locales he visits. But seriously, these last page, cliffhanger endings are driving me nuts! I'm invested in the series and look forward to the rest of the journey, but I'm hoping the next books will be on the same level of excellence that I found in books one and two.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this third instalment of the series we once again walk with Alan Christoffersen, eight months into his pilgrimage, this time through the Dakotas and Missouri. Once again there are a few adventures along the way and most assuredly the heartwarming tales that Mr. Evans is famous for.

I have read all three in The Walk series and enjoyed them. It is Alan’s story and with him I enjoy the people he meets along the way. This one is no different, although I was not pleased with the ending. Kind of saw it coming, but now have to wait until next Spring to know the outcome. But, alas, that is the sad reality of reading a series. If I were forced to note one bad thing about this book it would be that it had a little bit of a “travelogue” tone to it that the first two did not. Interesting, but sometimes I got the feeling that it was a bit of filler.

[Vannetta Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two things I really like about this series:
1) the main character is awesome and someone we can pull for (though he is NOT perfect).
2) I'm learning a LOT about the U.S.

Oh, and I have an urge to walk more. :)

[Tim Chavel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. I do not remember why I decided to buy this book. More than likely I heard about it in another book I was reading. I started reading it without reading the outside cover, which I always do. So for the first 90 pages or so I thought it was a true story, but it turns out to be a novel. The book is actually a series. It is so interesting. The author makes me want to go on a walk like the character in the book. The character (Alan Christoffersen) starts out in Seattle, WA, 2 days after his wife (McKale) dies and starts walking to Key West, FL. He meets several different and interesting people along the way. He also describes many historical, fun and tourist attractions. The places he describes had me goggling them to find out more information. He describes them very well in the book. Each chapter starts with a quote (these represent thoughts Alan is writing in his journal), which I have listed below. Some of these quotes you will not understand until you read the book. This is the 3rd book in the series and I will be reading all of the other ones. Here are the quotes for each chapter:

I had a dream last night that McKale came to me. "Where are you?" she asked. "South Dakota," I replied. She stared at me without speaking and I realized that she didn't mean my location. "I don't know," I said. "Keep walking," she said. "Just keep walking."

One can never know what a new road will bring.

There are people such as Benedict Arnold or Adolf Hitler, whose names become synonymous with evil and more adjective than proper noun. For me, "Pamela" is such a name.

I don't know if poltergeists or ghosts exist, nor do I care. There's too much I don't understand about the world I inhabit for me to worry about a world I haven't been to yet.

To say that one doesn't know when to quit is either an insult or a compliment, depending on the outcome.

Last night I dreamt I was kissing McKale. As I pressed my lips against hers I was filled with the most exquisite joy. Then my joy turned to horror when I realized that I wasn't kissing her, but giving her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

My stalker has forced my hand.

Once you have opened the book to another’s life, the cover never looks the same.

My father used to say, “Pity is just a poor man’s empathy.”

As we walk our individual life journeys, we pick up resentments and hurts, which attach themselves to our souls like burrs clinging to a hiker’s socks. These stowaways may seem insignificant at first, but, over time, if we do not occasionally stop and shake them free, the accumulation becomes a burden to our souls.

My hair is getting long. I’ve got to find a barber before someone mistakes me for a rock star.

Heroes and angels usually arrive in disguise.

Leszek [my favorite part of this book] has taken me into his home to care for me. Would I have done the same for him? I’m ashamed to answer.

Whether cautionary or exemplary, there has not yet been a life lived that we cannot learn from. It is up to us to decide which ours will be.

To forgive is to unlock the cage of another’s folly to set ourselves free.

I once heard a preacher say, “The reason we sometimes connect so quickly with a complete stranger is because the friendship is not of this life, but is the resumption of a friendship from another.” I do not know if this is true, but sometimes it feels true.

I have discovered the ladies of the Red Hat Society. Or, more accurately, they have discovered me.

One cannot judge someone by the city they’re from, any more than one can judge a book by which bookstore sold it. Yet, still we do.

The trapped are less concerned with rules than escape.

She is a rose, blooming amidst cornfields.

You can always trust a man wearing a John Deere cap.

The man who robs a corner convenience store is a thief. The man who robs hundreds is a legend. And the man who robs millions is a politician.

History bears witness that our lives are far more influenced by imagination than circumstance.

Today I met a self-described tramp with a most unfortunate view of God.

Life is not to be found in a cemetery.

What’s wrong with me? Something’s broken.

Déjà vu.

To learn grace is to discover God.

I recommend this book to everyone!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to wait for this one since I've read the other two in the series. This book entertained as well as inspired I guess would be a good word. As I get older my tastes change and Richard Paul Evans writing fills part of my plate with a taste of let me say Grace. His stories let me see part of people that I may otherwise miss because one can't see inside another mind but this writer lets us do so if for just a little while. I'd like to think Mr. Evans may continue his saga for I would like to go with him from the comfort of his writing. I don't know who may read this maybe no one but myself but again it is my belief that a 5 star rating is a rare thing. Maybe if there were a way to go 1/2's I would have done so beyond the 4 I have listed. I look forward to more of Mr. Evans writing as well as some of my other favorite writers. At age 56, I guess I'm making up for lost time of not reading as a kid because I had to. Now I read because of want and delight in a good book such as this one. Hopefully this may help inform some person and introduce them to Mr. Evans style which I find comforting. I have yet to be disappointed in any of his many books.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the third book in "The Walk" series about one man's journey to find meaning in life by walking from the state of Washington to Key West, FL after having lost his wife, his career and his home. Unfortunately this installment was a little light on character and plot development and heavy on scenic destinations. This definitely could not be a stand alone book. The first three books could have easily been combined into one book and I get the feeling that they were divided up solely for profit. I am glad that I got this from the library because if I had paid $19.95 for it, I would be requesting my money back.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts out with a bang, then slows quite a bit. But it's a nice continuation of The Walk series. A story that causes you to reflect on events and relationships in your own life.

[Janean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story about forgiveness and grace. It was not preachy. Here are some of my favorite quotes:

“We always have a choice.” P. 51

much of this is on forgiveness
“I was nailing Pamela to a cross.
I shouted at myself to stop, but neither of the figures in my dream could hear me. I ran to my own side and tried, in vain, to stop my arm. ‘Leave her alone!’ I shouted. ‘She’s suffered enough!’
Just then there was another voice, even more pained than mine. ‘Stop! Please, stop.’
The three of us looked u[/ McKale was standing in the road ahead of us. She was barefoot and tears were streaming down her cheeks. ‘Stop.’ She said softly. ‘Stop hurting my mother.’
I looked back down and Pamela looked into my eyes.
‘Please,’ she said. ‘Grace.’

. . . When we hate someone we make them more powerful than they are.” P. 71 Mrs. Trujillo said that about school politics.

“Forgiving Pamela had healed a wound I had never acknowledged existed.” P. 78

“As different as I had always thought I was from my father, I was discovering that there was still a lot of him in me.” P. 88

Neat story about holocaust

“Whether cautionary or exemplary, there has not yet been a life lived that we cannot learn from. It is up to us to decide which ours will be.”

‘You use words that are clever. A man’s words say more about a man than his clothes. Because English is not my mother language I am more aware of words that are clever.’ . . .
‘Were you good at your advertising?’
“some people thought so. They gave me awards.”
‘Is that what makes you good? The awards?’
‘No. they are only symptoms of the disease. Not the disease itself.’ P. 113

‘Yes. He has made for himself a world of no trust. Now he must spend his days afraid for when someone will steal his business. The things we do to others become our world. To the thief, everyone in the world is a thief. To the cheater, everyone is thinking to cheat him.’ P. 114

‘we chain ourselves to what we do not forgive.” P. 115

‘Yes, everything is easier said than done.’ . . .
No, I have not had everything taken away from me.’ He looked into my eyes with an expression of the deepest gravity. But only because I was not willing to give up my humanity.” He put his arm on the table, then slowly rolled up his left sleeve. . . then I saw the number tattooed in blue ink on his forearm. . . .
Once we knew for sure that it was only a matter of time before they kill us, we had nothing to lose. We knew we all would die, so risk meant nothing.” P121
Mercy should not rob justice. 122

So he wants to marry this neat girl who tells him:
‘Because you are like them’ I got very angry. I said , ‘I am not like them.’ She said, ‘Their hate for us—your hate for them, there is no difference. You have such hate in your heart, you might as well have died in Sobibor.”

“to forgive is to unlock the cage of another’s folly to set ourselves free.” 125

“Again, I reminded myself of Leszek’s words. It didn’t matter. What I was doing had nearly nothing to do with Kyle. How he responded to my forgiveness was up to him. Even if he met my call with hostility, it didn’t matter.” Forgive for the blessings it brings you.

“That’s when I found the truth about prayer. Like Mark Twain wrote, ‘You can’t pray a lie.’” P. 129

“That was the answer. Desire. It is not the ability to walk that pleases God, it is the desire to walk. The desire to do the right thing. The truest measure of a man is what he desires. The measure of that desire is seen in the actions that follow. ‘I want to forgive Kyle Craig,’” p. 129

“bitterness of unaccepted loss.” P.222

“’A man’s experiences of life are a book. There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.’” Mark Twain.

“to learn grace is to discover God.” P. 231

nice discussion of grace

Still, part of me—hungers for death’s sleep
But this much I know—whether I accept the journey or not, the road will come. The road always comes. The only question any of us can answer, is how we will choose to meet it.” P.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been enjoying Richard Paul Evans' series The Walk, perhaps largely because I enjoy travel so much myself. Each time I read the next installment, I find a renewed desire to go for a long walk myself, to take a few days (or weeks or months, if I could afford the time away) to wander the country and experience the world at a slower pace. I think is is one reason I would rather travel by motorcycle than by car. Even though it takes the same amount of time, by bike it seems that I experience the world more closely...I am in it, and not just watching it go by. I smell the fragrances of roadside windflowers, feel the breeze and the sun (or rain), all of my senses are engaged. Some day I would love to take a few months to walk the Appalachian Trail, or the Camino de Santiago, or just to pick an interesting region and wander.

Evans' books engage my imagination in that way, but they do more...they bring to life ideas and feelings and convictions that I have felt, but perhaps don't fully understand. In pondering upon his characters' experiences and thoughts and conclusions, I find my own understandings expanded. I am sorry for those who, in their reviews, described it simply as mind candy. It is what the reader will make of it.

[Jennifer Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most inspiring series that I have read. The books should be read from the beginning to truly understand everything the main character Alan has gone through. The writing is superb and after the first couple of chapters of that first book you will realize you are on this journey also. I don't want to give away any part of the books so, just read them. The last I heard their were 5 planned books (another in Spring of 2013 and the last one Spring of 2014). Go ahead and get caught up with Alan on his journey and join those of us already hooked and anxiously awaiting the next chapters.

[Christine Evarts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing to love this series.

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will give a final review on book 5

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely loving this series!! I love the people Alan meets along his journey, I love the way the author describes the towns and sites of interest, and I love reading his innermost thoughts. This is a man that I would like in real life. He’s got gumption, drive and once he makes up his mind to do something, nothing can stop him.

Knowing how caring Alan is towards everyone he’s met, I was a little thrown off by his reaction to Pamela. His whole loving demeanor changed when it came to her. I know that there were deep hurt feelings where she was concerned, but I felt he should have been a little more welcoming to her, considering how far she went to get him to talk to her. But in the end, he did forgive her and they both got closure.

The encounter that Alan had with Analise threw me for a loop. I understand the emotional state they were both in, but the way things went between them just didn’t feel right to me. That being said, it made the book even better for me. People aren’t perfect. We do things we shouldn’t do and mess up from time to time. It made Alan seem more human to me. I like a few blips here and there in the books I read. Makes me thing more about things.

The next book in this series, A Step Of Faith, will be out May 7th. I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Heck, I was not expecting that ending. I literally gasped when the words were said. Goodness Gracious, Richard Paul Evans knows how to dangle a cliffhanger.

Alan Christoffersen is continuing his walk to Key West, Florida after the sudden death of his wife and the loss of his business, home and cars. He has his support system in place and each mile walked brings new people and new revelations.

As he is leaving a hotel one morning, a woman calls his name, she looks vaguely familiar but Alan cannot put a name to the face. When she reveals herself, Alan is furious, this is the woman that had caused the anguish in his wife’s life. A woman that he has despised without knowing. Revealing a story that in its conclusion, he realized, would not have lead his beloved wife to him in the first place. The Road to Grace is a story about forgiveness, not forgetting, but of letting go of past hurts and not allowing them rule your life.

Alan has met some phenomenal people in his quest and every one of them has helped define who the new Alan will be. Part travelogue, part discovery, Richard Paul Evans takes the reader on an incredible journey though our country and its remarkable people.

[Christina (Hodge) Chappelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, I have not read the other books in the series...I actually didn't even know it was part of a series...but as I was browsing thru the library's new fiction section, I came across this book...and my review is this: it's a quick read, with a great message...although the journey was quick, it was a worthwhile one...

My favorite quote:

"For most of my life, I thought of grace as a hope of a bright tomorrow in spite of the darkness of today - what we fail to realize is that grace is more than our destination, it is the journey itself, manifested in each breath, and with each step we take...Grace surrounds us, whirls about us like the wind, falls on us like rain...grace sustains us on our journey's, no matter how perilous they may be and, make now mistake, they are all perilous...we need not hope for grace, we merely need to open our eyes to its abundance...grace is all around us,,not just in the hopeful future but in the miracle of now...

The abundance of this grace is only limited by ourselves, as we cannot receive that which we are not willing to accept - be it for ourselves or others...

[Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

In real steps, lays out a path for anyone to follow to find grace. Reveals the life-giving, soul-renewing water of forgiveness.

I especially like the descriptions of how to forgive and why it is important to do so. When we do not forgive, we give the perpetrator of harm (thief, manipulator, murderer, cheater, self, and so on) the power to control at least one aspect of our lives. And with just one part of our lives under their control, we can never be free to complete our journey, enjoy or journey, or live our journey.

The victim that refuses to forgive is worse off than the perpetrator.

I also liked the description of things that happened in Sydney. How some people's "love" becomes a prison for those they love. And the importance of presence and touch and closeness. Without the entanglement of sex. There are times when what feels so right just isn't. The sorrow and grief must be walked through. Sometimes with others. Sometimes alone. But it cannot be assuaged or numbed by sex. Or other pain killers.

Enjoying the series!!!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third journal in Evans "Walk" series. After the death of his wife, Allen decided to walk as far away from the sadness as he could. He has met some interesting people along the way. This journal covers his time in South Dakota and down into Missouri.

This book is physically small and size-wise could easily be read in a day or two. But there is such profoundness in this book that it begs to be read slowly and contemplatively.

Probably the most interesting person I found was Leszek who he meets in Mitchell, South Dakota. Leszek is a Holocaust survivor and has some profound thoughts on forgiveness. You have to be honest in forgiveness. It is not just saying "I forgive you." Only once you admit your true feelings to yourself and to God. As Allen relates:

"It is not the ability to walk that pleases God, it is the desire to walk. The desire to do the right thing. The truest measure of a man is seen in the actions that follow."

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent continuation on The Walk series by Richard Paul Evans. Alan's journey in this book suits the title perfectly. It is The Road to Grace for him. The characters he meets on his trek, the stories that are told to him...each character's own journey, a learning experience.
I found this book to be my own "Road to Grace", my journey in life...it was was very uplifting, touching and almost personal to me. I am please that I read it, as I am sure you will find it the same for you.
I can't wait now for his fourth book on this series, to find out what is in store for Alan Christofferson and his walk. Will he complete it? What new people will he meet along the way? We he ever find the reason for the drive, the need? And, will he ever go back to any of the characters he has already formed a bond with?

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the walk series... and I think it was my favorite... "For most of my life I have thought of grace as a hope of a bright tomorrow in spite of the darkness of today - and this is true. In this way we are all ..., walking a road to grace - hoping for mercy. What we fail to realize is that grace is more than our destination, it is the journey itself, manifested in each breath and with each step we take. Grace surrounds us, whirls about us like the wind, falls on us like rain. Grace sustains us on our journeys, no matter how perilous they may be and , make no mistake, they are all perilous. We need not hope for grace, we merely need to open our eyes to its abundance. Grace is all around us, not just in the hopeful future but in the miracle of now"... pg. 232 Beautiful!

[Jinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've come to run to RPE books for tug-at-the-heart reads. Certainly this series has been delivering that. This installment contained the classic Evans thought provoking phrases and stab-the-heart mini stories. The story moved along the almost tail end of this Seattle to Florida cross country walk, Alan is in South Dakota now. Stopping at places of interest and meeting interesting people along the way. Meeting Leszek, the Polish man, did it in and made the book for me. He could be a "poster man" for forgiveness. I cried deeply.

Whoa, what a twist in the end. A definite cliffhanger. Can't wait for book four coming this Spring!

FYI, a generalized review of the previous books in the series were mentioned in this book so this sequel can be read as a stand alone.

Jinky is Reading

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through first-reads!

Wow! What a book! I have not read the first two books in this series but after looking at the story-line through the series decided I would just read this one (#3) right now and try and get the others later.

It was a quick and powerful book to read. The author has a way of telling stories in the main story that have morals and lessons that can help the reader in their own lives.

You continue to follow Alan as he walks cross country on his trek to Key West,Florida. He meets many different kinds of people and gets to know some more than others. Some leave lasting impressions that help shape his character and try to find his place in life after losing his wife, his business and his house.

A definite read! But start with book #1 and work your way through. #4 A Step of Faith will be release May 7, 2013.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in The Walk Series. I have enjoyed the series very much. Alan is growing and changing and learning to accept. Here is a quote from the heading of Chapter 9: "As we walk our individual life journeys, we pick up resentments and hurts, which attach themselves to our souls like burrs clinging to a hiker's socks. These stowaways my seem insignificant at first, but, over time, if we do not occasionally stop and shake them free, the accumulation becomes a burden to our souls". This is so true. I know a couple of people who need to give themselves a huge shake and their lives would improve 100% and I too have to remember to shake myself often because I don't want to be burdened by any hurtful stowaways!! Now I have to wait till the spring of 2013 for the next installment. : (

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in "The Walk" series and I think I enjoyed this one the most. Allan realizes that forgiveness and grace are just as important to the giver as the one that receives it. The first person he meets is McHale's mother who wants forgiveness for abandoning her daughter. He also meets a Polish, Jewish man who survived the death camps of WWII. He teaches Allan that hate for someone gives them a place and power in your life. Are they worth it. A real learning experience. Love this series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

RPE keeps surprising me, and I just can't put his books down. I'm so moved by the main character, Alan, and both laugh and hurt with him. I'm really looking forward to the next two in the series and will be disappointed once I'm through.
I would recommend these to anyone who is questioning their faith and/or is grieving the loss of a loved one.