The Reluctant Savior by Robert Erickson

by Robert Erickson

J. Michael Miller walks the halls of the wealthy and powerful as a successful, respected business and investment advisor. On the surface, he’s living the American dream.Soon, a long and expensive divorce changes the lanky Texan’s views on life. The corporate world and material trappings he valued suddenly seem shallow and pointless. Michael needs a change, so he leaves his booming business in the hands of a capable assistant, buys a used recreational vehicle, and sets out to see the land and its people.A series of chance meetings lead Michael to Towson, a small Pacific coast town surrounded by forest. Towson is a town in decline, lacking any major industry and denied its rightful state funding.Michael, with his keen business eye, sees potential all over Towson—in its forests, its now defunct boat works, and its friendly citizens. And he sees potential of a different sort in the town’s only medical provider, Marilyn Hodges.As Michael plants seeds of opportunity across Towson, the townsfolk pay attention, starting a dramatic shift in how the town views itself. A masterful gardener of dreams, Michael may just save Towson—and find his own peace.

Paperback

First published February 23, 2015

Reviews

[Gini Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you have the survivor of a messy divorce who also just happens to be an amazing entrepreneurial businessman who leaves town for a month-long sabbatical in a camper who lands in a small town that is struggling to survive? A pretty interesting book that keeps you riveted to the very end.

Reading this book, written by a graduate of Texas Tech University who co-owned and ran a family business for 20 years, you will be filled with a sense that the author knows his stuff about encouraging people to envision and fulfill their dreams.

With a pretty good knack of character building and descriptive techniques, it didn’t take long for me to form mental pictures of the people of Towson and to have a desire to visit this lovely locale (probably somewhere along the coast of Oregon). With a bit of romantic tension thrown in for good measure, I found the entire book captivating and had a hard time putting it down.

My only problem with the book was the title. I really didn’t get the sense that the main character, Michael, was all that reluctant, and it was a bit of a stretch for me to see him as a savior. I rather had the sense that he was more of an encourager and a facilitator whose business savvy and generosity enabled a small town and its inhabitants to realize the full potential of their community and themselves.