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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.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published February 18, 2025
About the author
Rob Parsons
65 books25 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 182 reviews
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 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 ❤️
September 22, 2026
A really heartwarming true story about remarkable people , not just within the family but in the wider community. A story to make us feel that there are still good people around.
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.
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.
April 10, 2026
I don't tend to cry when reading books but my goodness, this one was an exception.
The whole book is a moving true story but the last few chapters will punch you in the gut with emotion.
It's the true story of a family who took a homeless man into their lives and family and the impact that had on everyone.
It's a heartwrenching insight into the bleak future many people without homes or families face.
It's how the charity Care for Families came about.
It will definitely leave you thinking.
I hope it's not 'I couldn't do that' but rather 'What can I do?'
A must read.
The whole book is a moving true story but the last few chapters will punch you in the gut with emotion.
It's the true story of a family who took a homeless man into their lives and family and the impact that had on everyone.
It's a heartwrenching insight into the bleak future many people without homes or families face.
It's how the charity Care for Families came about.
It will definitely leave you thinking.
I hope it's not 'I couldn't do that' but rather 'What can I do?'
A must read.
May 11, 2026
So good!!! What an incredibly inspiring story told in a beautiful way. It’s real, relatable, but also so unique! The author does a great job endearing you to the storyline and characters in a way that makes you feel like you journey right along with him in his life. And so by the end, you are so attached to them that you feel the love & grief right along with him. It’s powerful and very moving. Especially loved listening to this on audio because the author reads it and his accent just really helps you remember the place and time that this all took place.
February 5, 2026
I've just finished this lovely book.
This book had a little of everything. It is very enjoyable although quite sad. And was very funny at times (the part in the maternity made me laugh out loud)
I'd recommend this book to everyone
This book had a little of everything. It is very enjoyable although quite sad. And was very funny at times (the part in the maternity made me laugh out loud)
I'd recommend this book to everyone
April 3, 2026
A must read which teaches you the importance of empathy, forgiveness and openness.
Would recommend to anyone as it’s easy to digest and talks about a whole range of life aspects in an approachable manner.
Would recommend to anyone as it’s easy to digest and talks about a whole range of life aspects in an approachable manner.
September 18, 2026
A very lovely read, touching, funny, sad. How a decision can change your life and the ones around you in a such beautiful way. A lot of respect for everything Rob and Dianne did. This story is full of love in the most simplest way. When we act with our heart, life is beautiful 😍
January 24, 2026
A true story ,a lovely heart touching account of how a small act of kindness became a life’s work. Interesting told from two points of view.
Read
March 3, 2026I never like to rate someone’s personal story, but wow, there are some seriously good people in this world! Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.
May 2, 2026
An interesting true story of a couple who take in a homeless man they knew from their youth and how he becomes part of their family.
May 6, 2026
It’s got to be a good book if it makes you cry!
January 12, 2026
forever thankful to be one of the lucky ones who can call Ronnie family
February 8, 2026
Heartwarming and heartbreaking
February 23, 2026
Ik heb het met moeite droog kunnen houden. Wat een prachtig verhaal!
March 10, 2026
lovely book about kindness and the good it can do.
October 1, 2026
This is an amazing story about 3 people and humanity. Definitely worthy of a read and there’s something about the way the story is told that just gets right to your emotions.
November 29, 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.
April 14, 2026
5 stars. This book had me sobbing, laughing, and honestly wanting to be a better human being. It’s one of those rare reads that really stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
I listened to it on Audible, which made it even more powerful, Rob Parsons reading it in his warm Welsh accent adds so much heart and authenticity to the stories. It felt like being personally spoken to, rather than just reading a book.
The reflections are moving, down-to-earth, and often deeply challenging in the best way. It’s emotional without being overwhelming, and uplifting without feeling forced.
A genuinely beautiful and impactful read that I’d highly recommend.
I listened to it on Audible, which made it even more powerful, Rob Parsons reading it in his warm Welsh accent adds so much heart and authenticity to the stories. It felt like being personally spoken to, rather than just reading a book.
The reflections are moving, down-to-earth, and often deeply challenging in the best way. It’s emotional without being overwhelming, and uplifting without feeling forced.
A genuinely beautiful and impactful read that I’d highly recommend.
September 21, 2026
An absolutely beautiful book, written incredibly well. Delighted to have read it.
October 7, 2026
Not great literature but an enjoyable read however I felt the book was really about Rob himself and what he did with his life
April 1, 2026
This is probably the most humbling book I have ever read. I loved that Rob and Dianne are pretty much the same age as my parents so there was a nostalgic element to reading a book which starts in the early 70s. What incredible kindness this couple showed Ronnie. The only reason it isn’t a full 5 starts from me is the religious element. Rob Parsons gives too much credit to the Almighty when actually 100% of the credit should go to Rob and Dianne. ❤️ Ronnie ❤️
February 5, 2026
A book everyone should read written by a man we should all aspire to be.
January 24, 2026
Beautiful telling of a beautiful family and their kindness
Such a beautiful story. It moved me tears on occasion but also prompted laughter many times. Ronnie was considered for much of his life to be the least and the lost but Rob and Dianne made him feel accepted and loved. There will be a Ronnie that we all have known or know now. Let's change our perceptions and see them for the joy and willingness to help rather than for their inability to speak eloquently.
I must praise Rob and Dianne to for their work with Care for the Family. Thank you to for Rob and John helping to find Shirley innocent. You did an excellent thing.
Such a beautiful story. It moved me tears on occasion but also prompted laughter many times. Ronnie was considered for much of his life to be the least and the lost but Rob and Dianne made him feel accepted and loved. There will be a Ronnie that we all have known or know now. Let's change our perceptions and see them for the joy and willingness to help rather than for their inability to speak eloquently.
I must praise Rob and Dianne to for their work with Care for the Family. Thank you to for Rob and John helping to find Shirley innocent. You did an excellent thing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews