“The truth was, as much as I needed it, I was afraid to go to sleep. To sleep, perchance to dream. I was terrified of having the dream.”

The saying goes, “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” How does a man become a person who willingly takes people’s money in exchange for an empty promise? Bit by bit. Life with an abusive father where Saturday mornings are spent digging through dumpsters left Charles James ready to seize any opportunity that came his way once he left home. Money, he thinks, will ensure a good life, so he seeks that above all else – even love and his soul.

I pre-ordered The Broken Road several months before it came out. Richard Paul Evans is my favorite author and I have yet to be disappointed by any of his books, including his young adult series, Michael Vey (click to read the review). My review of one of his books, The Mistletoe Secret can be read here.

Charles heads to California after he leaves home and finds work in landscaping the lawns of the rich. He finds love and almost feels that life is set until he attends a seminar with a coworker. At the seminar, the speaker promises the secret to success and wealth. Charles doesn’t buy the kit – he wants to know how to sell it. Soon, he is hooked and starts giving his own presentations. He finds success on the road, but his marriage gets more fragile every time he leaves. He comes to terms with his decisions eventually until an old friend visits him and makes him question everything.

The Broken Road is captivating and is the first book in a series. I am already anxious to see how Charles’ journey continues. I would recommend this book to any adult. It is a quick, but wonderful read and Evans writes in his quotable style.

With this novel, I finally got the chance to meet Richard Paul Evans at a book signing in a city near me. It was wonderful to hear his voice and hear from and see him in person. He is genuinely nice and sincere. He matches his stories.

Buy the book here (affiliate link).