Luke breaks his father's heart by not taking over the family business. Instead he takes his trust fund and goes traveling with his friends. He does not listen to himself or others about these friends. In the end he loses everything including his self-respect.

 

I like the way this is written. Short stories of what is happening with Luke after a chapter beginning of his diary. From the beginning you know how the story will go but I was interested in how he would rebound. I am glad there were people who taught him and stood by him on his way back up. I also liked the lessons he learned and how he applied those lessons.

 

This is a story that will stay with me long after I close these covers. So much is here to reflect on.

Luke Crisp has a great life all planned for him. His father has always taken care of him and wants Luke to finish his MBA before coming to work for the family business. While away at school, Luke's path is changed when he falls in with the wrong crowd.I don't know if I would call it a holiday book, but it sure was appropriate for this time of year. Based on the prodigal son story, it has a lot of truths in it. We see the extremes in Luke's life, from the top to the bottom.The first part of the book made me uncomfortable. But the second half just sucked me right in. The book is written in typical Richard Paul Evans style - a quote at the beginning with short and concise chapters. It's message is the true beauty - a message for all year 'round.

I really enjoyed this book so much. It's a story about a man who has everything, loses it all making really poor decisions, and has to start over completely from rock bottom. But along the way he realizes what and who is really important in life. It really makes you stop and think and feel grateful for what you have. I was so touched by the story and loved the characters in this book. Great holiday read, glad I picked it up!