The Broken Road

The Broken Road #1

by Richard Paul Evans

A broken man. A twist of fate. A second chance. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Mistletoe Promise and The Walk comes the first novel in a riveting new trilogy that explores the tantalizing question: What if you could start over?

Chicago celebrity, Charles James can’t shake the nightmare that wakes him each night. He sees himself walking down a long, broken highway the sides of which are lit in flames. Where is he going? Why is he walking? What is the wailing he hears around him?

By day, he wonders why he’s so haunted and unhappy when he has all he ever wanted-fame, fans and fortune and the lavish lifestyle it affords him. Coming from a childhood of poverty and pain, this is what he’s dreamed of. But now, at the pinnacle of his career, he’s started to wonder if he’s wanted the wrong things. His wealth has come legally, but questionably, from the power of his personality, seducing people out of their hard-earned money. When he learns that one of his customers has committed suicide because of financial ruin, Charles is shaken. The cracks in his façade start to break down spurring him to question everything: his choices, his relationships, his future and the type of man he's become.

Then a twist of fate changes everything. Charles is granted something very remarkable: a second chance. The question is: What will he do with it?

The Broken Road is the first book in a much-anticipated new trilogy by beloved storyteller Richard Paul Evans. It is an engrossing, contemplative story of redemption and grace and the power of second chances. It is an epic journey you won't soon forget.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Christian Fiction, Christian, Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Book Club

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2017

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

[Paul Falk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author neatly tied together a storyline of dreams - of hopes, Its everyday's ups and downs. In our waking world, we have so many desires - so many needs. Much of what we see reflected in the mirror is determined by our personal history. There's not a one of us who doesn't have baggage to drag around from the past. Some of it can be pretty heavy at times. That's okay, so we're told.

This is really a story about me. About you. It's about the balance between struggle and success. All our individual stories are as different as falling snowflakes, though, they all contain a common thread that binds us all together - Humanity.

Charles James, formerly Charles Gonzalez, charged out to set the world on fire. A once-in-a-lifetime offer was made to him. One he could refuse. It was finally time to grab the brass ring. All he had to do was reach out and grab it. He'd been held back his whole life. No more. He already knew all too well who he didn't want to be. Anymore.

Charles was not satisfied with what life had handed him. Better yet, what his life had been doing to him, not for him. Nothing, so it seemed. It certainly wasn't giving him the financial success that he so greatly desired - so greatly needed, so he thought. Even though he found the love of his life, it hadn't been enough. He needed more. Much more. Later, he was to discover that everything came with a price tag attached. "Be careful what you wish for."

On his roller coaster ride of building new bridges, figuratively speaking, Charles had been plagued with a reoccurring dream. Actually, it was a nightmare. "He's walking along a broken road, on both sides there is fire, wailing, screaming, crying and sirens." It's utterly terrifying. He woke up in cold sweats. He thought, "Was this a vision of things to come?" It was!

When we sleep, we dream. Can any of our dreams be prophetic? We can only wonder. I'll leave you with this final thought: it's documented that Abraham Lincoln had dreamt he visited a funeral at the Oval Office. He had asked a soldier on guard, "who was the deceased?" The soldier said solemnly, "It was the president." This was 10 days before he was assassinated. This too is a narrative about a dream, perhaps, a nightmare come true. One, you won't want to miss.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★½

"I thought I was chasing success when all along I'd really just been running from failure."

We have all heard a story like this before. What is the definition of success? What happens when priorities get skewed? What would you change if you could start from scratch again? Richard Paul Evans's storytelling allows this life lesson to feel fresh again, at least it did for me. But this particular character's story is very familiar to the men in my family so I felt incredibly invested and engaged... which made the cliffhanger ending all the more frustrating. I knew this was a trilogy though, right? But unlike Mr. Evans' other collections, Broken Road isn't a collection of standalones. It's a continuation, and one that I will be following. Check it out.

My favorite quote:
"There are some who would gladly put you through hell under the auspices of saving you from it."

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book by Richard Paul Evans, with a message of redemption and second chances.
Charles James has reached the pinnacle of success. He appears to have it all, wealth, status and power. But was he happy? Having turned his back on God as a child, he became his own"God", caring little who he stepped on in his rise to prosperity. Charles grew up poor, bullied, suffering abuse at the hands of his father and spent his mornings "dumpster diving". He was hungry for a better life. As Charles explores his journey he begins to recognize what truly is important, what brings enrichment to his life and jumps at the chance for a fresh start.
Can't wait for the second installment.
I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. A few of my favorites:
"The well from which we receive grace is only filled by sharing it with others."
"It requires peculiar acrobatics of the mind to hate God for not existing."
"There are some who would gladly put you through hell under the auspices of saving you from it."
"It takes great courage to wear kindness as if one has never been hurt."
"Without passion we are deemed to mediocrity."
"It is that to which we cling that drags us to the bottom of the abyss. There is real power in having nothing to lose."

[G.H. Eckel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the writing, in the beginning, was excellent and the mysterious character who turns out to be the protagonist for most of the story was good. But the scenes with the psychiatrist talking about issues rather than experiencing them in the writing itself left me wanting a bit more. The protagonist was kind of more interesting as the derelict than the seminar leader. I'm going to check out some earlier works because he's been so successful and I will chalk this one up to being not my cup of tea.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book by Richard Paul Evans. Without giving away too much, it really got me at the end!!! Can't wait for his new book in 2018, The Forgotten Road!

[Lisa N · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars - I feel guilty giving this such a low rating. RPE is one of my favorite authors and I look forward to his books. However, for some reason this book and his last Christmas book haven't affected me the way his previous books have. I'm trying to figure out if it's me or him that's changed. This book has a good storyline, but it didn't make me feel anything. It was like I was reading a newspaper article. Has his writing declined or have I just outgrown him? Is the formula he follows getting too stale? Not sure, but not ready to give up on him just yet. I'll read his next one hoping to get that old feeling back.

[Karen J · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An absolutely extraordinary story which captured me right from the first page. I loved listening to the audiobook.
Many life’s lessons to contemplate…

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted a short read today so I picked this book up and boy am I not disappointed. A story of a man that life changes with success. He gain wealth but loses his soul. Charles life is a sad one. Father beating him and when leaves his Mother and Brother no longer talks with him but he married and had a wonderful future in front of him, until success takes him to where he never thought he would be. Then he has a chance to change his life that many people would love to have. This is the main question in the book, is success worth losing everything? I know many have been successful and had a good life but many ends up the way Charles does. When he has a chance to change his life walking route 66 is his answer. Can he take back his life and make something he is proud of? I never thought I was going to like the book the way I did. Only thinking it was going to be a fast Sunday read to break through some spare time ending with me reading the next 2 books tomorrow. I am dying to know will Charlie change for the better? This book is a really great read. I never read Richard Paul Evans before and so glad I picked up the great novel. Highly recommend!

[Bibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love

[Vannetta Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book, imo. I've always enjoyed RPE and this book reminded me of his "walk" series. While it.s true that the book ends on an unresolved note...I didn't mind that. I am looking forward to the next one.

[Carol Irvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this new book by RPE and can't wait for the next one in the trilogy!

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Richard Paul Evan's work and writing style. I think he has captured ideas and makes you the reader feel strongly. That is a wonderful relationship to have with the author. Nothing is worse than reading and realizing you are reading. It is far better when you become invested in the story and forget that you are a bystander far removed. This story isn't about feeling good for someone. I felt it was an emotional roller coaster. If you haven't read his work, I would recommend you try one. This is my second book and I have a third already. I shelved this as inspirational. It is a human experience and it asks you to be part of the expeience reading it. Try it.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Paul Evans’s books have always been quick reads for me. They’re engaging, short chapters, and relatable storylines.

The Broken Road tells the story of Charles James and how he went from poor and broken, to rich and famous, to an unknown who was assumed dead.

Charles James just wanted to make something of his life. He wanted to be important, escape his abusive father and pitiful life, and find someone to love. He had those things and so much more and then lost them all. But one day whether it be fate or strange coincidence, he is given the opportunity to start life over and make better decisions this second time around.

Richard Paul Evans crafts a great story and I was sucked in and read through it quickly. I enjoy the short chapters that kept the book moving. This is book one of the series and I’ll be starting book number two to see how Charles’ story continues.

TW: Domestic abuse, Bullying, Brief mention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Adultery/cheating.

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to this series, although a bit drawn out.

[Greg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can't say I enjoyed this one as much as previous books. From the very beginning, the protagonist comes across as an unlikeable character, and I find myself questioning whether someone with those personality and character attributes would be likely to change in the way Evans seems to suggest he will. Evans' books often seem to follow a pattern of apparent success, followed by trial and tribulation, and finally coming to a realization of what true success is and a happy ending. As a results, I sometimes find myself sympathizing with the characters, even sorrowing with them, but I felt none of that with this character, only dislike and distaste. I'll probably read the remaining books in the trilogy just to see how Evans pulls it off, but I'm a bit disappointed.

[Janet C-B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about overcoming adversity, making bad choices, and making different choices. The main character is a successful businessman, who is tormented by vivid nightmares. Although Charles' childhood and life path is quite unique, and very different from my life experience, I could relate. The details are different for each person, the themes are universal. The ending was not "happily ever after," it was fitting to the story.

Some readers describe Richard Paul Evans writing as inspirational, Christian, and/or romance. I don't think any of those categories really fit this book. I would describe the book simply as contemporary fiction.

I enjoyed reading this short book. Rated 4 stars

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounded up from 4.5 stars.

I am a big fan of Richard Paul Evans and was thrilled to see that he has started a new series. As with other multi-book sets, this one is a powerful story. Evans excels in telling the story of the individual who has hit rock bottom and searches for redemption. These are the stories that speak to our own human spirit and we cannot deny a connection to the characters in his stories. Who of us does not have guilt about a watershed decision made at some point in our past? There but for the grace of God. . . Definitely one of the best books I have read this summer. Looking forward to the next installment!

[Sabrina "Look At My Books" · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know if I'll stay with the 2 star rating or even go down to 1....

This book was a disappointment in every way possible and I'm not sure if I want to continue on with it. I don't know if I personally want such a bad human being to have redemption.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time I've read this author - LOVED this book! Easy read, great characters ... can't wait to read his other books.

[Keri · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a short read. Disappointed that it was the beginning of a trilogy because it leaves the story without a conclusion.

Another formulaic book by Evans. Stereotypical characters, unrealistic plot. Have to take it for what it is - a feel good story designed to teach a moral - which is good. Even better that it was so quick.

Why is Evans so fascinated with people going on a walk?

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there were more then five stars to rate "The Broken Road". I would rate it ten stars!!! I can't wait for the next in the series "The Forgotten Road". I was surprised when I read in the Acknowledgments that much of the character Charles James was based on a man that wished to remain anonymous.

[Caroline Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first when I started reading this book, I kept comparing it to the Walk series(which I loved!). Then the more deeper I got into the story the more interesting it became, and it got my full attention. I really enjoyed it, loved it! Now I can't wait for the sequel to come out.

[Toni Laliberte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Richard Paul Evans' books. I like reading from a man's point of view. It's a nice change of pace.
This book was a heartbreaking story of an abused child that grows up to become a very successful business man, but loses himself and someone very dear to him along the way. It's a great start to this new series. Looking forward to book 2.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Financial speaker Charles James story from a kid to multi-millionaire and how the fame and money destroyed him. Told in flashback fashion as he talks to a therapist.

He has dreams but refuses to believe God exists and that he is the only god. Only he misses a flight in which the plane crashes and is now listed as dead. He begins a new life walking Route 66. Now he embarks on a venture as a new man.

[Donaam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75/5⭐️

Moje pierwsze spotkanie z autorem i wyszło dość przyjemnie. Jestem ciekawa kolejnej części.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should have listened to this book first but at least now I have the background story. Charles James is NOT a nice guy. I was less and impressed with him as the story continued. All he was interested in was making his millions and it didn't matter how many people he trampled down in the process. He even betrayed and neglected the love of his life. In the height of his career he missed his plane flight by minutes. Shortly after departure the plane crashed killing everyone on board. Knowing that people would consider him dead, Charles realized it's a grand opportunity to begin a brand new life.

My question is whether this is based on a true account or not. The author implied that he met Charles who shared his story with him. He could be pulling the reader's legs. Either way I enjoyed the first two books in this series and am looking forward to its conclusion.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

while this is a good story, it just did not grab me the way "The Walk" series 1st book did .. part of it is the theme of "how to make money" workshops and people getting so enamored of the speaker and the product to make them rich they are willing to pay thousands and thousands of dollars .. this just doesn't resonate with me at all so I think that was the main reason I couldn't get into it more;

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Richard Paul Evan's Walk series and didn't think this could possibly be better. But was I surprised!!!!! I started this book and couldn't put it down until I was finished. It's absolutely stunning!!!

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read Richard Paul Evans Christmas books and LOVED them. This is new to me and wasn't sure if the plot was something I'd be interested in. This guy can write. The book is very enjoyable and it was hard to stop listening to.

[Peggy Downing · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another attempt to show atheists as being mad at god. smdh