Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Romance
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"Lost December" by Richard Paul Evans is a heartfelt novel that explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love and forgiveness.
The story follows Luke Crisp, a privileged young man who is heir to a billion-dollar empire. Despite his wealth and seemingly perfect life, Luke is estranged from his father and lacks a sense of purpose. When his father unexpectedly cuts him off financially, Luke is forced to confront his own sense of entitlement and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Richard Paul Evans crafts a narrative that delves deep into Luke's character, portraying his struggles with identity and the consequences of his choices. As Luke navigates the unfamiliar territory of poverty and homelessness, he encounters people who challenge his perceptions and offer him unexpected lessons in humility and resilience.
The novel alternates between Luke's present-day challenges and flashbacks to his childhood, revealing the strained relationship with his father and the events that shaped his worldview. This dual timeline adds depth to Luke's character development, illustrating his growth from a disillusioned young man to someone who learns the true value of compassion and human connection.
Evans' prose is poignant and evocative, capturing the emotional turmoil and transformation of his protagonist with sensitivity. The author's exploration of themes such as family dynamics, forgiveness, and the pursuit of happiness resonates with universal truths, making Luke's journey relatable to readers of all backgrounds.
"Lost December" is not only a story about personal redemption but also a reflection on the importance of second chances and the resilience of the human spirit. It underscores the idea that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the richness of relationships and the pursuit of a life aligned with one's values.
Overall, Richard Paul Evans delivers a compelling and uplifting novel in "Lost December," blending introspective storytelling with elements of hope and inspiration. It's a book that leaves a lasting impression, reminding readers of the potential for growth and change even in the face of adversity.
About Richard Paul Evans
When Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author.
Officially, he was an advertising executive, an award-winning clay animator for the American and Japanese markets, candidate for state legislature and most importantly, husband and father. The Christmas Box was written as an expression of love for his (then) two daughters. Though he often told them how much he loved them, he wanted to express his love in a way that would be timeless. In 1993, Evans reproduced 20 copies of the final story and gave them to his closest relatives and friends as Christmas presents. In the month following, those 20 copies were passed around more than 160 times, and soon word spread so widely that bookstores began calling his home with orders for it.
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. The Emmy award-winning CBS television movie based on The Christmas Box starred Maureen O’Hara and Richard Thomas. Two more of Evans’s books were produced by Hallmark and starred such well-known actors as James Earl Jones, Vanessa Redgrave, Naomi Watts, Mary McDonough and Academy award winner Ellen Burstyn. He has since written 10 consecutive New York Times bestsellers and is one of the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won three awards for his children’s books including the 1998 American Mothers book award and two first place Storytelling World awards. Evans’s latest book, The 5 Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me About Life and Wealth, is now available.
Of his success, Evans says: “The material achievements of The Christmas Box will never convey its true success, the lives it has changed, the families brought closer together, the mothers and fathers who suddenly understand the pricelessness of their children’s fleeting childhood. I share the message of this book with you in hopes that in some way, you might be, as I was, enlightened.”
During the Spring of 1997, Evans founded The Christmas Box House International, an organization devoted to building shelters and providing services for abused and neglected children. Such shelters are operational in Moab, Vernal, Ogden and Salt Lake City, Utah and Lucre, Peru. To date, more than 16,000 children have been housed in Christmas Box House facilities.
As an acclaimed speaker, Evans has shared the podium with such notable personalities as President George W. Bush, President George and Barbara Bush, former British Prime Minister John Majors, Ron Howard, Elizabeth Dole, Deepak Chopra, Steve Allen, and Bob Hope. Evans has been featured on the Today show and Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Time, Newsweek, People, The New York Times, Washington Post, Good Housekeeping, USA Today, TV Guide, Reader’s Digest, and Family Circle. Evans lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Keri, and their five children.