A Step of Faith

The Walk #4

by Richard Paul Evans

Following the New York Times bestseller The Road to Grace, Richard Paul Evans’s hero Alan Christoffersen faces a life-changing crisis on his journey to grace.

After the death of his beloved wife, after the loss of his advertising business to his once-trusted partner, after bankruptcy forced him from his home, Alan Christoffersen is a broken man. Leaving everything he knows, he sets out on an extraordinary cross-country journey; with only the pack on his back, he is walking from Seattle to Key West—the end of the map.

Along the way, Alan begins to heal, meeting people who teach him lessons about love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. But in St. Louis, Alan faces another life-changing crisis, and now the journey is in jeopardy.

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

279 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

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

[Starjustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the previous 3 books in this series, this author gives insight into how much other people touch your life in some way, be it for the better or not so much the better, in life's journey to mold who you are and who you will choose to become along the way. Very much looking forward to the last book in this 5 book series and would highly recommend this easy-read series to all my Goodreads friends.

[Colleen Lahey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book four of the series. Still a solid story but not as exciting as the two prior ones. Two strange events did occur but for some reason they didn't impact me to the same degree as other events in the prior books. In any event, I am anxious to finish the series and only wish the author could write faster. You can't go wrong with a Richard Paul Evans novel. His prose seems effortless and you feel like you are 'walking' along with the character. I received the book on 5/7 and finished on 5/8.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned things!
I smiled and I ached.
The author caused you to truly care about characters, even if they were only present for a few pages.
Every person who crossed the stage was interesting and compelling in their own way.
The author asked good thematic questions, and walked them out, experimenting with various answers.
I felt it was a strong ending, even if a sort of cliff hanger.

Excited to read the next book!

Re-Read: It's just as good as I remembered it. Likely more, because I find myself bumping it up to five stars instead of four.
I read it with my sister this time, and she enjoyed it, asking to make sure I already had the next book.

Re-Read: Just as good. Read with my father.

[Lindsey Gandhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far all of the books in this series have been strong 5 star books for me. Powerful, inspirational. While this book is good it’s not as strong as the others. And the author goes off in a slightly weird tangent for me. Still love this series, just this book wasn’t my favorite…

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was like reading a travel log. I am tired of Alan feeling sorry for himself. Some things he encountered in this book were too weird for me.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alan Christoffersen began his walk from Seattle to Key West almost one year ago. Devastated by the death of his wife, the betrayal of his business partner, the loss of his business and his home he was contemplating suicide, but decided to walk instead. After collapsing at the side of the road at the “almost halfway point” of his walk, Alan discovers his recent bouts with vertigo are being caused by a brain tumor. Having to deal with yet another hospital stay, Alan decides to have the procedure done in California, staying with his father (in his childhood home) to recuperate. Counting his blessings that the tumor was benign and although not quickly as he wishes, he does resume his walk. As can only be expected when one is walking cross-country he meets up with some interesting people.

This series is a wonderful series to read. Nothing blows up, no shades of grey, no bad language … just a beautifully written book about a man and his wanderings across the USA.

Mr. Evans includes quotes from “the diary of Alan Christoffersen” at the beginning of each chapter. These quotes are so insightful that it makes me feel like I should write them down so I can have them at my fingertips for the right occasion. If Mr. Evans was not a successful novelist, he could certainly have made a career for himself writing heartfelt greeting cards. (Wow – that last line sounds a little negative, but was meant completely as compliment!)

[Jenn O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as the first three books in the series -- although I was a little distracted by the "side journeys". For me, my favorite part of the series is the actual traveling and this book seemed to be lacking that. But it thoroughly captivated me and I could not put down the book until I was finished. LOVED the last few paragraphs before the epilogue. Do we really have to wait an entire year for the next in the series?

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read every book Richard Paul Evans has written. (this is not including his children's books) I love "The Walk" series. I am looking forward to the "conclusion"...that is coming out in May 2014. I think what I love most about all of his books...is the diary entries that are usually VERY THOUGHT provoking! Some of my favorite QUOTES have come from Richard Paul Evans' books...

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one seemed a little boring at times. But he met some interesting scary characters. And of course, Mr. Evans ended with one of his usual cliffhangers. Yay for me, I have the last book to read. So excited for the end of this journey.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry, this was my least favorite of the "walk series." I found it rather boring where too much time was spent telling me what he ate for each meal. I really detested the part of the "cult" encounter that bordered on sci fi (perhaps alluding to Christian Scientist). It didn't flow with the story and had no purpose in my mind. I ended up skimming over El's (the cult leader)prophecies. The fact that Allen was obtuse about the obvious adoration of two women and the concern from his father made him seem selfish. There were also references to previous encounters/relationships and now that we have spanned 4 books (and how many years?), I just can't remember those characters any more and couldn't make the connection. And, yet the series doesn't end.....I really think this could have been a better book and concluded the walk.

[Phyllis M. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Walk series is definitely worth it and the wait between books! Not only do you get to follow Alan on his cross-country walk, you get to see him "grow up" as he goes with his various trials. I really enjoy this series!

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, it was ok. Few strange parts, a girl picks him up and gives him a ride to a hotel where they share a room. Really?? What woman in her right mind would give a homeless guy a ride and then proceed to spend the night? Also the whole cult experience was a little strange.

[Vannetta Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series.
With a subtle, religious subtext, the story keeps moving and the character has me reading these quickly!

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. This was another terrific installment.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book,even though I found out that I was reading book #4 of the Walk series, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It reminded me somewhat of Peter Jenkins' books about his walking across America, though this series is fiction. Here is a quote from the book that really hit home with me. "regret is a useless emotion: it's like brushing your teeth after you find a cavity".

Now, I will be going back and starting the series with book #1....duh! But then I was in the library and no access to Goodreads to check it out first. This book had no reference that it was part of a series, none whatsoever. Regardless, I will now be reading all of Richard Paul Evans' books.

[Lauri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am so glad there is just one more book in this series. Seems like it could have been two books at most. Too much detail on what he ate, not enough substance to the book.

[Olga Kowalska (WielkiBuk) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of these stories that makes feel better, more comfortable, like hot bath or a long awaited nap. It gives sort of katharctic experience to the reader.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again I l8ved the story and again I can't wait to read tge final installment. It will be bittersweet when rjis Walk is finished. i don't want to see it end. I am attached to Alan, Nicole and Falene very much. I love tjis story and really can't tead it fast enough.

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will give final review on book 5

[Pamela Ritchie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book in a day and I am a slow reader. I ended up skipping through paragraphs that just talked about what he was eating or how his phone was dead and he had to plug it in. I don't care if he puts ketchup on his plate and then eats it. This book was filled with trivial details that felt like it was just to take up space. Books 1 and 2 were so good, had so much substance and really had an impact on me but 3 and 4 have been big disappointments. I feel like Richard Paul Evans is selling out, rushing the publication of this series. There weren't any interesting characters in book 4 at all, nothing memorable. The story has turned predictable as well, of course his father has a heart attack as soon as he gets to Florida. The books where he met interesting people along the way and learned from them were far more interesting. It's a shame. The characters that he did meet in book 4 made no sense and seemed forced or as though RPE was taking current events and putting them into his story. I'm sure I will still read book 5 but I'm certainly not waiting on the edge of my seat for it. In my opinion this book can be skipped.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Walk series is truly a great read. Every book has substance and lessons to learn. The author vividly describes each place he visits he generates the reader's interest in future vacations. This novel is no different.
Alan has not fully recovered from brain tumor surgery, but he is determined to get back to his mission to continue walking to Key West, Florida.
The most tragic and traumatizing encounter was meeting a cult leader near Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia.
The leader was waiting for his prey. Recognizing Alan's desire for food, he welcomed him into his compound. Alan understood he was in trouble, but he had a plan.

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Richard Evans' books and The Walk series have been superb. But this book along with book #3 started to question to where we're taking Alan in this journey. The details of how he selected his meals, to where he lodged was interesting in book one and two, but becomes quite redundant in book four. I was not a fan of the "cult" encounter; seemed a bit scii-fi for me and rather disturbing. Although I did like how it shows how important that gun is that was given to him by him father in the earlier books. Looking forward to book five!

[Vicki Mohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the 4th installment in this series and it has been great. In the back of the book it says the next installment in May 2014...can't wait.

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan Christoffersen, after losing everything, embarks upon a journey of discovery. Along the way he meets people who help him get his life back on track. A Step of Faith was an interesting read.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only book 5 remains. I will miss you Alan Christofferson!

[Deutschland91 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nowy Rok zaczęłam od kolejnej części serii Dzienników pisanych w drodze. Tym razem Alan znowu musi się zmierzyć z kolejną przeszkodą od losu, chorobą która na niego niespodziewanie spadła. W książce jest też wątek sekty i ich manipulacji jakich używają do zwerbowanych tam osób. Jak zawsze Alan wzbudził we mnie podziw swoją determinacją.

Autor pisze o ważnych sprawach między innymi w tej serii jest temat przemijania życia na ziemi, o wierze w Boga i drogach jakie każdy człowiek wybiera. Pojawia się też nadzieja na odmianę na lepsze swoich trudnych sytuacji. Historia Alana zapisała w mi się pamięci. Zakończenie przygnębiające, ale też pojawia się iskierka nadziei. Z chęcią sięgnę po ostatnią część, bo bardzo mnie zaintrygowało jak zakończą się losy bohatera.

[Bonnie Eldridge-labaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. I know I have read the book out of order but I truly enjoyed this book. Its amazing what one person can learn about themselves from adversity that one encounters on the journey of this thing we call life

[Eslin Hansma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t like the fourth book as much as I did the previous three. There were a lot of detailed - not so interesting - stories of Alan’s journey. For example: which roads he took and where he slept. I mostly like the chapters in which he meets other people, that’s why I didn’t love it.

[Josiah Stukenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the darkest of the series thus far. It is one of those series that finds a way to be emotionally uplifting and emotionally exhausting depending on the chapter you’re on. Well worth the journey.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Audiobooked it and was able to knock out in a day whilst cleaning. Excited to finally finish up the series I dove into last summer. Good read. Interesting and thought provoking tale - always look forward to seeing the new people Alan meet along his walk and how things intertwine