Order of Richard Paul Evans Books

If ever there was an author whose life echoed the same grace and redemption found in his novels, it’s Richard Paul Evans. Born on October 11, 1962, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Evans is more than just a bestselling author — he is a storyteller whose pen seems dipped in hope, healing, and a little bit of quiet rebellion against a chaotic world.

But here’s the twist. Richard Paul Evans never intended to become a literary sensation. He didn’t spend his early days in prestigious writing workshops or with a nose buried in literary theory textbooks. No, Evans took the scenic route — working in advertising, crafting radio and television ads, trying to support his growing family. And yet, somewhere along the way, between deadlines and jingles, a story began to take shape — one that would change his life and the lives of millions of readers.

The Christmas Box: An Unlikely Revolution

In 1993, Evans self-published “The Christmas Box,” a story he originally wrote for his children. He printed a few thousand copies, convinced local bookstores to carry them, and before long, the book wasn’t just flying off shelves — it was starting a movement. People were reading it, weeping over it, and sharing it like a sacred secret. And then the unthinkable happened: Simon & Schuster swooped in, and The Christmas Box became a #1 New York Times Bestseller.

And just like that, a new kind of author was born — one who didn’t rely on the traditional literary world to validate him. One who broke in from the outside and turned the industry on its head with a story about love, loss, and the healing power of memory.

A Voice for the Broken, the Healing, and the Hopeful

Richard Paul Evans writes stories that aren’t flashy or soaked in irony. Instead, they’re about ordinary people — hurting, searching, enduring — and the quiet, profound moments that can change everything. Whether it’s The Walk series, which follows a man literally walking across America to recover from heartbreak, or the Michael Vey series, which explores courage and loyalty in a YA sci-fi context, Evans proves over and over that the most powerful stories are the ones that start with broken pieces.

His books are filled with spiritual undertones, but they’re never preachy. Instead, they’re empathetic. You don’t read a Richard Paul Evans novel and feel like you’ve been taught a lesson — you feel like you’ve been seen. Maybe even rescued.

Education, Struggles, and the Power of a Promise

Evans earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Utah, but his path to writing wasn’t paved in ivy league glamour. Instead, he battled Tourette Syndrome — a neurological disorder that could have derailed his confidence early on. But instead of allowing it to define him, he channeled his struggles into compassion. Into faith. Into stories that whisper, you’re not alone.

And if you're wondering whether fame changed him — think again. Evans used the proceeds from The Christmas Box to found a nonprofit organization called The Christmas Box International, dedicated to helping abused and neglected children. His books heal, and so does his real-life mission.

Death? Not Today

As of now, Richard Paul Evans is very much alive — still writing, still sharing stories that tug on your heartstrings, still reminding us that redemption is always within reach, even when we think we’ve gone too far. And if his books are any indication, when his time does come, he’ll probably be off somewhere writing a story about it — one that somehow manages to turn grief into grace.

Final Thoughts: The Man Who Wrote Hope into Being

Whether you're just picking up your first Richard Paul Evans novel or you’ve been reading him for decades, one thing is certain: his stories linger. They creep into the quiet places of your soul and remind you of the beauty in simple truths. That forgiveness is possible. That love can return. That pain doesn’t have to be the final chapter.

So go ahead — pick up The Christmas Box, The Walk, or Michael Vey. Just be prepared to feel something real.

Because Richard Paul Evans doesn’t just write books — he writes redemption. And once you read one, you'll want to read them all.