The Locket »

With his surprise breakthrough smash The Christmas Box, former ad exec and animator Richard Paul Evans began one of the most successful writing careers in recent history. His inspirational stories of faith, family, and love have broken records, regularly topped bestseller lists, and won the author countless devoted followers throughout the world.

December 1998

Richard Paul Evans captured the hearts of readers worldwide with his New York Times bestselling novel The Christmas Box. It was followed by two more bestsellers, Timepiece and The Letter, which together form a poignant trilogy that explores the importance of parents' love for their children.

Now, in the first volume of a heartwarming new series, Evans turns his initial message around to examine children's love for their parents. The result is a sensitive portrayal of aging in America, a compassionate reminder of the significant role the elderly play in our society and of the unique wisdom they have to share if we take the time to listen.

The Locket centers on the friendship between Michael Keddington, a young man working at a nursing home, and Esther Huish, a reclusive but beautiful resident who deeply regrets her missed opportunities and unfilled dreams. In Michael she finds a confidant, and slowly she begins revealing the source of her deep anguish: her foolish rejection of the one man she truly loved. When Michael tells Esther he has alienated his girlfriend, Faye -- the only woman he loves -- Esther recognizes that he is choosing the same path of loneliness she once did. Esther makes one last dying request of Michael: He must return to her home a golden locket that was given to her by her long-lost love more than 40 years ago. This journey will send Michael on an unforgettable journey of the heart that will allow him to relinquish the past and embrace a future with Faye.

Talking about his newest book, Evans says, "I believe there is dignity in all people. Through my books I try to give voice to those who cannot protect themselves -- children and the elderly. Just as The Christmas Box addressed the need to treasure and respect children and childhood, I hope The Locket will make people think about how the elderly should be treated; how we want to be treated when we must cross that bridge."

With The Locket, Evans once again provides an inspiring keepsake novel whose uplifting message of love, faith, forgiveness, and the possibility of second chances is certain to be embraced by readers everywhere.

Library Journal

Having completed his phenomenally successful Christmas Box trilogy, Evans is set to move on. His new work features Michael Romney, an aimless young man working in a rest home whose contact with the elderly Esther turns his life around.