Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Prodigal Comes Home

Rate this book
A painfully honest story of human weakness and God's unending forgiveness. Thirteen years ago, amidst scandal, sin, and shattered lives, Michael English fell from the pinnacle of the Christian music world. In 1994, newspapers around the world blared the headline, "Gospel Singer Named Artist of the Year Turns in His Awards After Confirming He Had an Affair with a Fellow Married Singer." From 1994 to 2002 Michael English's life went from bad to worse. Public shame, divorce, broken relationships, drug addiction, even homelessness. But in 2002, God reached out and rescued Michael from himself. Today Michael is whole again, and in this book he tells his story of redemption.

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2007

46 people are currently reading
124 people want to read

About the author

Michael English

39 books3 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
177 (60%)
4 stars
68 (23%)
3 stars
34 (11%)
2 stars
13 (4%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Kathryn in FL.
716 reviews
April 18, 2018
I have read more than half way through this book and I find myself extremely conflicted. I am not sure if I can write an unbiased review but I will write what I thought was good about this book and those things that I found troubling.

I was and am a Michael English fan and it started from the time his solo music first started playing on Christian radio. I had no idea that he had been with the Gaither's and other Christian groups/Quartets. Although, I never purchased any Gaither music (I do enjoy them) and I have always appreciated their very "approachable" manner. So, the background was interesting to me as was the great poverty that he experienced growing up. Due to a strict upbringing and some personal issues, Michael developed an inferiority complex and later as an adult (Anxiety Disorder - which can be devastating as I too have endured it's terror since early childhood). Michael is very transparent throughout the story and I greatly admire his willingness to be open.

He shares his story of falling in love with a beautiful girl and pursuing her primarily on her terrific good looks. They quickly married with barely any prior courtship which was nearly completely done by telephone as he traveled with his group. They got along like oil and water and shortly after they were married, Lisa had their daughter Megan. While Michael continued to make positive career moves, Lisa raised their daughter back home. When they were together they fought pretty much all the time and divorce discussions often became a part of their disputes.

Then Michael became successful and shortly after, a woman (musician, Marabeth Jordan of First Call) that he had lusted over for years, finally responded. It wasn't long after, that she informed him, she was pregnant. Michael shares how he told his wife and then his daughter and Marabeth's husband (who was a friend). Frankly, I was appalled. He gives his reasons for how this was done (he had his wife's bestfriend in the room) and when others were told there were other witnesses. I wanted to cry. I was heartbroken for his wife, Lisa (who never comes off well), though he always then compliments her after the fact. Likewise, the speech shared with his daughter was also too much. Some things should not be shared and aired in public. I can't imagine how painful and humiliating this had to be for Lisa. I am sure Megan loves her father but again, that was very personal and private! The other scenes were just as difficult. I had to put the book down. I feel like a peeping tom.

Michael always does point his finger at his failings and frailties, it was like being at an open AA meeting, where you hear the most appalling stories but it always works out in the end. Well, Michael saw this as his chance to divorce Lisa and did so. He goes into great detail, naming names of all the Christian artists, who rallied around him with support and forgiveness. Again, I found the name dropping unnecessary. He states he repented and was deeply sorrowful for all whom he had hurt (which is critical because the wounds were deep and he lied to many people). He repented to God (which is also very important).

He eventually returned to performing approx. a 9 mo. or so after. Many churches would not book him and he struggled financially as a result. He did also have an addiction to pain killers which he got inpatient treatment for which is also great.

I have seen you tube videos of recent performances and he shares some of his story and expresses great joy that there are those who still appreciate his music. I do enjoy his music and from listening to 4 or 5 videos, he comes across as very sincere and genuine. Only God can judge the heart. I had planned to attend a concert about 5 or 6 years ago (this happened in the mid 1990's), but the concert was sold out.

As a woman, who had a father in ministry that constantly cheated on my mother, this hit home for me. Obviously, my feelings as to my father's infidelity has colored my reading of this book. I loved my father very much and he is gone now. My mother wasn't perfect and they ended up having an open marriage - for my Mom, I think it was because it was the only way to cope. My family was very well-known in the community. I am certain, that even my friends knew what was occurring, though it was never mentioned.

I like the fact that Michael is so honest here and seems to realize that he was selfish. There is a great deal of Mea Culpa, in this book. Yet, I wonder if he hadn't written this book if his career would have revived as it has. Again, only God knows the heart. I just know that this story made me hurt for all involved. The name dropping was the final straw for me as several of those named are not people I admire, I actually know a few and their fruit is rotten! The Bible says we should seek to honor God and his praise not the praise of man. I had hoped to find healing in this story and I suspect others will but it wasn't to be for me.
Profile Image for David Santos.
Author 12 books64 followers
November 27, 2012
I always wondered why Michael teared up in so many songs. It's natural for one but not 3 or 4. Then at one Gaither Video they prayed for him. that's when I knew I had to read his story.

A man who deep inside his heart loved God. Hit rock bottom. Christians rejected him. he at one point hated them for their own hypacrisy and here he is back in top. Preaching and singing Gods love. I learned something reading this book. I hope God will bless me with a happy life too. Great book.
Profile Image for Cindy.
4 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2012
One of the most heartfelt "life stories" I have ever read! Thank you, Michael for sharing your story, your heart and your music with us all! I still say you have one of the most incredible voices in the world!! God Bless You and your precious family....
Profile Image for Kim Faires.
586 reviews6 followers
August 30, 2012
Moving story about a man's failing but God's redemption. I never realized that Michael English had gone through all these struggles and it was encouraging to see those who stuck with him. WWJD
Profile Image for Missy Renfro.
6 reviews12 followers
February 9, 2021
Divorce, Drugs, Detox and Divine Redemption

Having been a fan of Southern Gospel music since childhood, and marrying into a family of local Southern Gospel Quartet “royalty,” I was no stranger to the twisted tale of Michael English’s fall from Grace. I didn’t know the specifics, just that there was a woman, a divorce and some drugs and eventually he came back to where I knew him best, on stage with Bill Gaither, the Vocal Band and the Homecoming Friends.

I devoured this book in one day. I found myself watching Michael’s performances one afternoon and thought to myself, surely there’s a book about his struggles. Sure enough, a google search produced this title, and before I knew it I was hip deep in Michael’s story.

In this autobiography Michael takes us from his tumultuous childhood in North East, North Carolina, a town he says was so small it didn’t warrant a name, only a direction, through the beginnings of his gospel music career, his big breaks, the height of his stardom, the depths of his despair and at last to the glory on the other side.

Michael opens the book with a vivid, terrifying description of what drug detox is really like, and in later chapters he goes into great detail about his drug habits. His $400 a day painkiller addiction. He talks about the affair that brought down his superstardom, ended marriages and ruined careers. He dives into deep childhood trauma, abuse, addiction, a feeling of worthlessness. He tells us about his mistakes, and bears his heart, never sugarcoating or trying to justify his actions. He simply tells it like it was, and is, and makes it quite clear that the old song is true: “I’m not perfect, I’m just forgiven.”

For fans of Michael English, or for anyone looking to read a true account of a life redeemed, this is 5 stars! Michael English stands today as a true testament to the will of God, to the life altering power of the love of God and to the purity of a heart mended, and is once again a powerhouse performer in the rhealm of Christian and Gospel Music.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
27 reviews
November 9, 2017
This is a GOD thing

I have listened to Southern Gospel all of my life. I grew up on the same “soundtrack” as Michael and I understand the dynamics of Christians who claim the faith vs. those who walk the faith.
When reading the reviews on this book, one reviewer called the book bad... I wanted to read it all the more.

This book is anything but bad. This honest account of one man’s struggle is real life. Life can be ugly and horrible, but with God, life can be beautiful even in the ugliness.

I find it absolutely refreshing to read the honest struggle and the determined pursuit of finding and accepting God’s grace, favor and guidance through addictions that many of us know very little about. This book shows that one small decision can affect so many facets in ones own life, not to mention the lives of others.

I am highly recommending this book. We are ALL sinners saved by grace. Michael is no different and is one brave heart to bare his life for all to mock or embrace. I choose the latter.
Profile Image for Helen Nash.
4 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2019
What a prodigal journey!

Mark Lowry once said on the stage that the only difference between them and the folks in the audience was about 3 feet...he wasn’t joking that one time! This boy who had such a gift to bring to folks to stir their souls toGod tried as hard as he could to pitch it in the trash a whole lot of times, but God didn’t give up on him, and Michael bares his messy closet to let us know that if God loved him back from where he’d fallen, He can love anyone back into His Arms...we are all broken vessels, and Michael’s journey and this book chronicling it points the reader to the ultimate solution, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Profile Image for Marinda Wise.
255 reviews3 followers
September 21, 2024
I'm torn on this.
While I found the book very interesting, it's old and a LOT can happen in 17 years (this book was released in 2007 from what I am seeing).
I have no idea how he's doing now...and his FB page hasn't been active since 2021 from what I have found.
It IS interesting to think about how ministry, calling, career, public life, private life, and a Christian music INDUSTRY overlap.....
Definitely took me back to the 90's
4 reviews
January 25, 2019
A very gifted singer who thru God's love was pulled from the grip of hell.

It is my hope that anyone wanting to read the book just to learn the details of his downfall, will finish the last chapter with the feeling that this gifted singer laid open a lot more wrenching reality of what had transpired in his past. Bravo Michael. Thank the Lord his story will give hope.
21 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2020
What a great story!!!

I fought back a few tears reading this book, I have been some of the places Michael has been in, he is so inspiring. What a great and mighty God we have. I pray that Michael will be delivered forever. And like the song goes "The God Of The Mountain is The God Of The Valley. Keep on singing Michael.
2 reviews
April 19, 2021
Heart warming testimony


It takes a big person to open up their life to such
Scrutiny. When I found his music it made me want more of his story. So glad he is able to share with us and he will continue to be an inspiration.
Profile Image for Ashley Hobgood.
1,025 reviews
July 25, 2021
I had read this book because I'm a fan. I enjoyed reading this book because I learned more about Michael English's music career, his fall from grace, and getting a second chance. I loved Michael's honesty. I thought the book was well written. It is a must read.
22 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2022
great book

This story is as real as life can get for talented man we almost lost to the devil. It also proves if God is for you He will keep you. Praise the Lord for the Godly people in Michael’s life.
Profile Image for Amanda Mohr.
29 reviews
January 28, 2023
I was such a huge Michael English fan as a kid/teenager and remember how heartbroken I was when his affair became public knowledge. This book shows how God can and will redeem anyone from their lowest low. It is also a powerful story of hope.
8 reviews
October 19, 2023
Amazing

I love how REAL this book is! A real person telling a real story! Michael opens his heart and lays it all on the table! Very interesting read! If you love Michael's singing and want to learn more about the man, read this book!
161 reviews
March 17, 2025
The return of Michael English

This book tells in such detail, how Michael English fell from God's Grace, and fought so hard. To return to it. I found it very interesting and it was very hard to put down.
Profile Image for Amanda.
38 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2025
everyone should read this!

This is a WONDERFUL TESTIMONY of who the one true GOD is. It shows how He never gives up on us and that NO MATTER WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, HE IS THERE WITH OPEN ARMS ❤️
5 reviews
September 25, 2017
To God Be the Glory....

I really loved the book and I'm very thankful that Michael has come back to God and found happiness in his life. His talent is amazing... And God given...!
Profile Image for Bruce Justice.
2 reviews
October 21, 2018
What a story!

What an amazing story! As a fan of his music, I appreciate Michael's willingness to share his journey and how God transformed his life.
1 review
January 23, 2021
Enjoyed every word.

Great easy read. Michael holds nothing back in his extraordinary journey from the abyss to the altar. I enjoyed
Every word.
Profile Image for Katrina.
216 reviews
Read
October 4, 2021
Review

Michael‘a story shows God’s live and mercy over and over again. It is sad that we’ve made God into someone who wants to punish. There is hope in every page for the addict.
1 review
October 10, 2021
Michael English

I liked his redemption story. He let you know it wasn’t easy.his the best singer I have ever known in my life.
464 reviews
September 16, 2024
A wonderful of a fallen man and his redemption. Let’s us all realize how susceptible we can be to temptation, but God!
Profile Image for Alyssa.
571 reviews242 followers
April 2, 2013
Goodreads Synopsis:

Eleven years ago, amidst scandal, sin, and shattered lives, Michael English fell from the pinnacle of the Christian music world. In 1994, newspapers around the world blared the headline, "Gospel Singer Named Artist of the Year Turns in His Awards After Confirming He Had an Affair with a Fellow Married Singer." From 1994 to 2002 Michael English's life went from bad to worse. Public shame, divorce, broken relationships, drug addiction, even homelessness. But in 2002, God reached out and rescued Michael from himself. Today Michael is whole again, and in this book he tells his story of redemption.

My Review:

I gave this book 5 stars because I cannot give it 100 stars. If you are a Michael English fan or a Gospel music fan in general I recommend this book to you. You learn about his childhood, career, and personal life. Along with his personal demons, dealing with depression, drug addiction, and the event that took place that changed him and his career. Also learn how he overcame his demons. A MUST READ!

Currently Michael English is back touring and recording with the Gaither Vocal Band.
Profile Image for Duane.
1,448 reviews19 followers
August 20, 2009
I've always enjoyed Michael's singing on the Gaither videos, so I was excited to finally find a copy of this book at our library. I knew already about his fall and the affair, but I had no idea about the drug/alcohol problem he also had afterwards. I admired Michael as he told the reader about is childhood and his walk into the affair, but after that, I began to have problems with his thinking. He seen the affair as a moral sin and that's why he felt he didn't deserve any awards for his gospel music, which I thnk is admirable. What I don't understand is, his views that singing gospel music and being "high" and "drunk" was okay because singing was his job. He views those as "diseases" so he doesn't feel he did anything wrong in doing both. I don't agree. He does feel bad for the people close to him that he hurt. I guess I feel that Michael does a great job of being honest with the reader so he deserves praise for that, I just wish I could figure out why he thinks doing drugs and singing gospel music is ok. I'm glad Michael is off drugs and following his faith again though.
Profile Image for Zette.
170 reviews5 followers
May 14, 2011
I was very surprised at how open and honest Michael English was about his story of adultery, sexual sin, drug abuse and addiction. I began the book already aware of the affair but had no idea about the depths of his fall into sin. There was definitely a lot of detail about his sins but I felt that there were a few holes in his story. I would liked to have heard a little more about the spiritual struggle, guilt and shame that brought him back to God. It was there but just not focused on as much as the story of his sins. Also, his family relationships were talked about at the beginning of the book but there was barely a mention of them after Michael's marriage until the end of the book. I would have also liked some pictures from his life which always helps the reader make a connection to the person. Overall it was a good read and I am so happy to see that he is once again off drugs and singing Gospel music.
Profile Image for Todd Ryan.
16 reviews
November 6, 2012
Meh. Started out interesting, but it's one of those books where you get the feeling they were writing the book and a message popped up that said "Caution....book is complete in one chapter" so they hurried up and wrapped it up.

It also kind of chapped me that there seemed to be a good deal of arrogance and pride when he described his "fall". It's one thing to mention that you had several wild flings, it's another thing to name and describe several of them in a complimentary fashion.

For instance, you could say "I slept with numerous women during that time" instead of "Then there was Christy, a long legged blonde with stunning features and high cheekbones".

I got the impression he was torn between wanting to portray himself as Charlie Sheen and Jim Baker; either proud for his exploits, or humbled and sorry that he took the path he did.

Not judging, just passing on my impression.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Paulette.
15 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2013
This Is a man's brutally honest description of a life utterly ruined by poor choices and ultimately drug abuse but it is also a testimony to God's love and the power and grace of Jesus Christ in healing and restoration. The closing chapters although a testimony leave the reader with the clear impression of Michael's continued vulnerability and complete dependence on God and the structure of continued treatment and spiritual accountability. The book was published in 2007. Much has happened in Michael's life and career since then, including rejoining The Gaither Vocal Band. I personally would enjoy a second book describing the progress, spiritual maturation and victories since 2007.
Profile Image for Logan Brasher.
32 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2022
One of the most raw memoirs I’ve ever met. I knew a little bit about English’s story, but I have never known the details. Michael English holds nothing back in his story, and consistently points back to how gracious God was to him. For anyone who has loved southern gospel music, and especially the music of Michael English, you will find this book giving you new insight to the life of a Christian celebrity, for better or for worse.
35 reviews
October 2, 2007
If you ever wondered what really happened to Michael English then this is the book for you. In this tell all autobiography he shares his fall from grace and the redemption of his life. I had no idea of all the trauma he went through or how far he had fallen. But I am glad that with God's grace and mercy he has risen again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.