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A Knock at the Door
Christmas 1975 and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody is riding high in the charts. In a residential street just outside Cardiff a loud knocking breaks the stillness of the evening. When Rob Parsons, a young lawyer, opens his door, he finds a homeless man standing before him, clutching a bag of belongings and a frozen chicken. Rob and his wife Dianne invite Ronnie Lockwood into their home, cook his chicken and offer him shelter for the night. What happens next is an astonishing story of human kindness, self-learning, incredible pain, unbelievable hope and the sheer power of love to change a life.
A Knock at the Door is the true story of this homeless man who entered the home of a young couple, became a dustman and lived as part of their family for over forty-five years until his death. But this is not just Ronnie’s story – it is also that of the young couple and their children. Outwardly their lives were worlds apart – as Ronnie emptied rubbish bins, the lawyer flew on Concorde. And yet the two men discovered they had similar struggles, and the day came when at the lowest moment of their lives the couple turned to the homeless man for help. But there were remarkable turnarounds for both Rob and Ronnie. Ronnie, spent much of his spare time volunteering, including in a homeless centre and ended up having a £1.6 million well-being centre named after him. Rob left the law practice and he and Dianne began a charity that touches the lives of millions of people. You will never have read a story like this before, but at its heart is a simple whether we are a lawyer or a dustman – tomorrow doesn’t always have to be like yesterday.
A Knock at the Door is the true story of this homeless man who entered the home of a young couple, became a dustman and lived as part of their family for over forty-five years until his death. But this is not just Ronnie’s story – it is also that of the young couple and their children. Outwardly their lives were worlds apart – as Ronnie emptied rubbish bins, the lawyer flew on Concorde. And yet the two men discovered they had similar struggles, and the day came when at the lowest moment of their lives the couple turned to the homeless man for help. But there were remarkable turnarounds for both Rob and Ronnie. Ronnie, spent much of his spare time volunteering, including in a homeless centre and ended up having a £1.6 million well-being centre named after him. Rob left the law practice and he and Dianne began a charity that touches the lives of millions of people. You will never have read a story like this before, but at its heart is a simple whether we are a lawyer or a dustman – tomorrow doesn’t always have to be like yesterday.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2024
190 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
About the author
Rob Parsons
62 books19 followersRob Parsons OBE is an international speaker on family issues and the author of many best-sellers including The Heart of Success and The 60-Minute Father. Over half a million people have attended his live seminars.
He is the founding chairman of Care for the Family.
He is the founding chairman of Care for the Family.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 1, 2025
Laughter and tears in equal measure. It’s not often I get hooked on a book but I finished this in 5 days. Absolutely incredible story and written in such an enticing way.
March 21, 2025
Wanted to read this for ages and worth the wait. Very sweet recollections of a unique family. Humorous but I shed (many) tears at the end
November 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐
Reading this book felt so good for the soul.
At times deeply moving, at others gently hilarious, I found "a knock at the door" so hard to put down. I've never read anything by Rob Parsons before this (but will certainly look to in future, he writes brilliantly!). But more than that, the story he tells is beautiful. The endorsements describe this as a "hopeful" book - I didn't really take that onboard before I started it, but having read it I wholeheartedly agree. It is so hopeful, and real, and emotional. The parts about Ronnie's childhood are honestly heartbreaking and are hard to read. And having ME myself, I found the part about Dianne's struggle with it painful to read too, as it hit so close to home. But it's mostly told with sensitivity and care, and I'm so glad these stories *are* being told. To be honest I would have loved to hear more from Dianne's perspective of actually being the one living with ME - but as this book is written from Rob's perspective I guess I'll let that slide.
The narrative became somewhat disjointed and rushed towards the end of the book, compared to the first 2/3rds. But despite this it remained absorbing and easy to read.
Thank you Rob, for sharing your (and Ronnie and Dianne's!) story. What an encouraging yet challenging one it is. We need more people like Ronnie and Rob and Dianne in the world ❤️
Reading this book felt so good for the soul.
At times deeply moving, at others gently hilarious, I found "a knock at the door" so hard to put down. I've never read anything by Rob Parsons before this (but will certainly look to in future, he writes brilliantly!). But more than that, the story he tells is beautiful. The endorsements describe this as a "hopeful" book - I didn't really take that onboard before I started it, but having read it I wholeheartedly agree. It is so hopeful, and real, and emotional. The parts about Ronnie's childhood are honestly heartbreaking and are hard to read. And having ME myself, I found the part about Dianne's struggle with it painful to read too, as it hit so close to home. But it's mostly told with sensitivity and care, and I'm so glad these stories *are* being told. To be honest I would have loved to hear more from Dianne's perspective of actually being the one living with ME - but as this book is written from Rob's perspective I guess I'll let that slide.
The narrative became somewhat disjointed and rushed towards the end of the book, compared to the first 2/3rds. But despite this it remained absorbing and easy to read.
Thank you Rob, for sharing your (and Ronnie and Dianne's!) story. What an encouraging yet challenging one it is. We need more people like Ronnie and Rob and Dianne in the world ❤️
December 5, 2024
Brilliant and thought provoking
I loved this book it was a great read and my only regret is not having met Ronnie. It confirmed that I want to do something for those young people that leave care and have no support.
I loved this book it was a great read and my only regret is not having met Ronnie. It confirmed that I want to do something for those young people that leave care and have no support.
January 8, 2026
Phenomenal book that truly makes you experience every emotion under the sun. Many tears were shed during the week that it took me to finish the book; I couldn’t put it down. Ronnie Lockwood and Rob Parsons have left a lasting impression on me.
January 10, 2026
I listened to the audio book, which is read by Rob Parsons. I didn't just sob. I UGLY WAILED sobbed. whilst in traffic. Run. Read it and then support their charity. I hope to be as kind and generous as the people in this book.
January 12, 2026
forever thankful to be one of the lucky ones who can call Ronnie family
December 10, 2024
“We three are firm friends, aren’t we?”
I read this delightful memoir in two formats - the hardback, and the audiobook. I’ll definitely give the edge to the audiobook, as Rob himself reads it and his reading gives so much depth of emotion to the story. I was trying not to cry on public transport during the last few chapters!
The story is that of Ronnie, a homeless man with learning difficulties who had a hard start in life. But a knock on the right door on a cold winter’s night changed everything for him. Rob and his wife Dianne welcomed him into their home, and over time, their lives and hearts too. Not that the journey was all sunshine and roses, as this book frankly admits. But it is a powerful reminder that those whom society has cast off as being of no use often have so much to give. Read if you’re looking for a deeply touching and true story to curl up with by the Christmas tree!
I read this delightful memoir in two formats - the hardback, and the audiobook. I’ll definitely give the edge to the audiobook, as Rob himself reads it and his reading gives so much depth of emotion to the story. I was trying not to cry on public transport during the last few chapters!
The story is that of Ronnie, a homeless man with learning difficulties who had a hard start in life. But a knock on the right door on a cold winter’s night changed everything for him. Rob and his wife Dianne welcomed him into their home, and over time, their lives and hearts too. Not that the journey was all sunshine and roses, as this book frankly admits. But it is a powerful reminder that those whom society has cast off as being of no use often have so much to give. Read if you’re looking for a deeply touching and true story to curl up with by the Christmas tree!
July 5, 2025
A very heartwarming story about three people who did remarkable things.
A few years ago I was speaking with a couple who had taken in a man with special needs and now I wish I had paid more attention and asked more questions. I thought what they were doing was admirable but never considered that it was likely rewarding for them as well.
It makes me want to be a kinder person.
A few years ago I was speaking with a couple who had taken in a man with special needs and now I wish I had paid more attention and asked more questions. I thought what they were doing was admirable but never considered that it was likely rewarding for them as well.
It makes me want to be a kinder person.
January 6, 2026
A Knock At The Door by Rob Parsons is a powerful and emotional read that will have you reaching for the tissues.
This is the true story of Ronnie Lockwood and his life with Rob and Dianne Parsons. Ronnie Lockwood was homeless when he knocked on the door of the Parsons at Christmas 1975. He was invited in, and lived with the couple for forty-five years. Their generosity knew no bounds as they lived out their Christian faith.
The couple taught Ronnie so much. Having been brought up in care, Ronnie had known little love and kindness – he was shown both by the Parsons family. He learnt how to love and how to be loved.
In return, the family also learnt about love off Ronnie. Ronnie has a big heart that loved, despite his life in care. He also had a heart that gave. All those who met Ronnie, loved him.
Ronnie Lockwood was a gentle giant of a man. His personality shines through from the pages of the book. He brought out the mothering instincts in me.
It is under the care of the Parsons that Ronnie gets his first job as a bin man. He also volunteers his time. His was a life that gave. He gave when eyes were on him. He gave even more when they weren’t.
The reader hears about the early years of Rob Parsons, and also of the later years too. Those in Christian circles will recognise Rob Parsons as the man who, with his wife, set up the Christian charity, Care In The Family.
I found A Knock At The Door a very emotional read and read it in just two sittings. The love clearly shone from the pages. This is a book that will remain with you long after the final page is read.
I will leave you with my favourite quote about Ronnie:
“Who were you Ronnie? You were almost like a visitor from another world. You never spoke badly of anyone, you loved to give more than you get, you were kind and reliable, solid and trustworthy, but you were broken. You were terribly broken.”
This is the true story of Ronnie Lockwood and his life with Rob and Dianne Parsons. Ronnie Lockwood was homeless when he knocked on the door of the Parsons at Christmas 1975. He was invited in, and lived with the couple for forty-five years. Their generosity knew no bounds as they lived out their Christian faith.
The couple taught Ronnie so much. Having been brought up in care, Ronnie had known little love and kindness – he was shown both by the Parsons family. He learnt how to love and how to be loved.
In return, the family also learnt about love off Ronnie. Ronnie has a big heart that loved, despite his life in care. He also had a heart that gave. All those who met Ronnie, loved him.
Ronnie Lockwood was a gentle giant of a man. His personality shines through from the pages of the book. He brought out the mothering instincts in me.
It is under the care of the Parsons that Ronnie gets his first job as a bin man. He also volunteers his time. His was a life that gave. He gave when eyes were on him. He gave even more when they weren’t.
The reader hears about the early years of Rob Parsons, and also of the later years too. Those in Christian circles will recognise Rob Parsons as the man who, with his wife, set up the Christian charity, Care In The Family.
I found A Knock At The Door a very emotional read and read it in just two sittings. The love clearly shone from the pages. This is a book that will remain with you long after the final page is read.
I will leave you with my favourite quote about Ronnie:
“Who were you Ronnie? You were almost like a visitor from another world. You never spoke badly of anyone, you loved to give more than you get, you were kind and reliable, solid and trustworthy, but you were broken. You were terribly broken.”
December 27, 2025
Uplifting and possibly my favourite read of the year. (They should make this into a movie!) It’s a similar premise to “the lady in the van” but unexpectedly funny and with more emotional ups and downs.
It makes you think, why do some people help and some turn away? What the family did is rare and a sacrifice, but it was a two way street - Ronnie enriched their lives too. (My sense is that Rob - who was from a ‘working class’ background and had gotten that huge leg up with someone from his church offering to pay for him to go to law school (!!) - was sort of primed to ‘pay it forward’ because of his own experience of generosity. That combined with knowing Ronnie briefly from Sunday school as well as his overall personality probably is what made the magic happen ✨)
Very touching and thought-provoking.
It makes you think, why do some people help and some turn away? What the family did is rare and a sacrifice, but it was a two way street - Ronnie enriched their lives too. (My sense is that Rob - who was from a ‘working class’ background and had gotten that huge leg up with someone from his church offering to pay for him to go to law school (!!) - was sort of primed to ‘pay it forward’ because of his own experience of generosity. That combined with knowing Ronnie briefly from Sunday school as well as his overall personality probably is what made the magic happen ✨)
Very touching and thought-provoking.
April 15, 2025
I have mixed feelings about the story of Ronnie and the Parsons family. I think there may be quite a gap between Bob Parsons telling of it and what actually took place.
One of the questions in my mind is whether Ronnie had a social worker looking out for him?
If Ronnie had been a young woman of colour when taken in, then questions would have been raised about possible modern slavery. I know that sounds shocking but think carefully: Ronnie did the house work and lots of child care without having agency in his life in the house. He paid rent and had to produce evidence of what he was spending his money on. If mentally impaired, Ronnie was entitled to benefits,
Lots and Lots of questions!!!!!
One of the questions in my mind is whether Ronnie had a social worker looking out for him?
If Ronnie had been a young woman of colour when taken in, then questions would have been raised about possible modern slavery. I know that sounds shocking but think carefully: Ronnie did the house work and lots of child care without having agency in his life in the house. He paid rent and had to produce evidence of what he was spending his money on. If mentally impaired, Ronnie was entitled to benefits,
Lots and Lots of questions!!!!!
December 15, 2025
There aren’t many books I sob uncontrollably at, but this one has touched parts of me that needed to hear and feel again. We are a family who work with the homeless, who have fostered and adopted, and in the challenges of everyday life it can be easy for compassion to fade, frustration to grow, and the power of love to become forgotten. Rob not only writes beautifully, vulnerably, and with educated and lived insight, but he reminded me of the power of making a difference just by being a family to another. There are so many thousands of Ronnie’s out there. Let’s not miss our opportunities to see them.
February 7, 2025
Book club book. I really enjoyed this true story of 2 working class boys from Wales who went to school together. They then parted ways and got back in touch as adults.
One was put into care at 8 and had some learning difficulties, and was homeless as an adult.
The other trained as a solicitor and then owned a law firm. Went on to do lots of charity work and get an OBE. The homeless man ends up going to live with him permanently and ends up leading a fulfilling life.
It was a really interesting story about how they both had a big impact on each other's lives.
One was put into care at 8 and had some learning difficulties, and was homeless as an adult.
The other trained as a solicitor and then owned a law firm. Went on to do lots of charity work and get an OBE. The homeless man ends up going to live with him permanently and ends up leading a fulfilling life.
It was a really interesting story about how they both had a big impact on each other's lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2025
I don't often read non fiction books, but as I live in South Wales and know the work that Care for the Family do, Which Rob Parsons is the founder, I thought I'd take a look at this.
I bought the audible version with a credit, as Rob was narrating, and I know he has a lovely speaking voice. It was a very moving story. Funny in parts, also tough and sad in others. The things that Ronnie came out with. "I'm fine" "Did I do something wrong" "I'm brainy I am" etc etc.
I think every Christian should read this book.
I bought the audible version with a credit, as Rob was narrating, and I know he has a lovely speaking voice. It was a very moving story. Funny in parts, also tough and sad in others. The things that Ronnie came out with. "I'm fine" "Did I do something wrong" "I'm brainy I am" etc etc.
I think every Christian should read this book.
April 1, 2025
This book was good for the soul. An amazing story. You live the lives of Ronnie, Diane and Rob. There’s frustration, sadness, laughter.
Rob uncovers Ronnie’s cheeky side. How lucky that Ronnie stopped at their door and that they opened their door to him (and kept it open for him to join their family)
It make you realise how tough life can be.
I listened to the audiobook read by Ron Parsons which added to the emotion.
I didn’t want the story to end.
Do read / listen to the post script.
Rob uncovers Ronnie’s cheeky side. How lucky that Ronnie stopped at their door and that they opened their door to him (and kept it open for him to join their family)
It make you realise how tough life can be.
I listened to the audiobook read by Ron Parsons which added to the emotion.
I didn’t want the story to end.
Do read / listen to the post script.
October 2, 2025
A homeless man knocks at the door of a young couple and somehow he becomes part of the family for 45 years. This is heart warming, nostalgic and very funny in parts. There is not a hint of self righteousness in the telling, rather a very honest admittance of annoyance and frustration with Ronnie at times with no glossing over of problems. I laughed often but also cried at the end and felt humbled.
January 7, 2026
My first non-fiction of the year and my first 5 star of the year too.
What a beautiful story of human kindness! I am so glad that Ronnie knocked on that particular door many moons ago and that Rob Parsons told the tale. It was beautifully written and narrated by the author himself.
It was just what I needed for this usually bleak time of year. It’s left me warm and fuzzy inside with a renewed faith in (some of) humanity.
What a beautiful story of human kindness! I am so glad that Ronnie knocked on that particular door many moons ago and that Rob Parsons told the tale. It was beautifully written and narrated by the author himself.
It was just what I needed for this usually bleak time of year. It’s left me warm and fuzzy inside with a renewed faith in (some of) humanity.
January 11, 2025
Compelling and moving
This is a lovely true story of a couple who take in Ronnie who is homeless. Ronnie was formerly in the care system and had learning difficulties. Parsons writes beautifully of their decades of life together - the highs and the lows and how Ronnie and the Parson family are changed forever. Heart-warming and thought-provoking.
This is a lovely true story of a couple who take in Ronnie who is homeless. Ronnie was formerly in the care system and had learning difficulties. Parsons writes beautifully of their decades of life together - the highs and the lows and how Ronnie and the Parson family are changed forever. Heart-warming and thought-provoking.
September 14, 2025
What a story!!
As I had an Uncle who had a serious brain injury and was like Ronnie. Everyone in the family adored him....just like Ronnie. This book was awesome. Rob and Diane were amazing and ordinary....a straight forward couple who chose to walk the extra mile for Ronnie. I enjoyed it so much.
Well written and interesting.
As I had an Uncle who had a serious brain injury and was like Ronnie. Everyone in the family adored him....just like Ronnie. This book was awesome. Rob and Diane were amazing and ordinary....a straight forward couple who chose to walk the extra mile for Ronnie. I enjoyed it so much.
Well written and interesting.
October 23, 2025
A book I read and laughed through and then cried through in parts. The story of Ronnie s early life was heartbreaking and made for tough reading but it s certainly opened my eyes to the plight of others. The human kindness and the relationships between Rob and his family and Ronnie genuinely put me in awe. A beautiful story and one that brings to mind what is really important in life.
December 28, 2025
What a story, it was an amazing tale of love, that lasted over 40 years. Not romantic love, but love for a fellow human being, who was in desperate need of a family and connections, someone to fill the void of 30 years of a broken care system, it wasn't schmaltzy or maudlin. It was uplifting and tender.
December 29, 2025
Laughed and cried
What a wonderful wonderful book about amazing people. I almost felt that I knew Ronnie by the end of the book, this story is the story of Christianity at its absolute finest. People who truly embody the Teachings and don't just pretend to. Ronnie was a lucky man in the end but so were his family. Absolutely inspiring.
What a wonderful wonderful book about amazing people. I almost felt that I knew Ronnie by the end of the book, this story is the story of Christianity at its absolute finest. People who truly embody the Teachings and don't just pretend to. Ronnie was a lucky man in the end but so were his family. Absolutely inspiring.
December 8, 2024
What an emotional read. Thank you Rob for sharing this amazing story with us. What a selfless task of taking in Ronnie and making him part of your family. What a blessed man he was to have you and Dianne in his life.
The final chapter was a particularly emotional read… hankies at the ready!!
The final chapter was a particularly emotional read… hankies at the ready!!
July 6, 2025
A deeply moving and personal tale of the power of love to change lives. If you have ever worked with vulnerable children or adults, you will love it. If you haven't, it might just change your life too.
November 3, 2025
A warm book with a great dialogue .
I got to know Ronnie and recognise the mannerisms , through the story telling .
I have read many child in care books , but this one was different...it was warm abd unjudgemental
I got to know Ronnie and recognise the mannerisms , through the story telling .
I have read many child in care books , but this one was different...it was warm abd unjudgemental
December 30, 2025
What an incredible couple Rob and Diane are and this autobiography tells their life story, of how they came to take in a homeless man on Christmas Eve, beautifully. I will remember Ronnie and his found family for a long time.
January 13, 2026
This story is a modern-day echo of the Parable of the Lost Sheep. It reminds us that while the 'ninety-and-nine' are safe, the heart of the Gospel beats loudest in the pursuit of the individual who feels forgotten.
December 19, 2024
Moving, thought provoking true story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading
December 20, 2024
Amazingly written story, enough to bring you to tears.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews