Richard Evans is a man fighting failure and extreme anxiety. He blames himself for the death of his youngest son and the financial collapse brought about by failed investment opportunities. His long time marriage is falling apart as even deeper desperation sets in. Then, while on a surveying trip, Richard finally comes to the realization of what he must do to take control of his life. Like a dark cloud lifting, he realizes he has to go back home and patch things up with his estranged wife and children. But, fate has a way of putting obstacles in his path. The night he is to leave for home, a solar surge occurs and brings down power grids and communication satellites. The whole world was in chaos. But Richard is determined; he will not let anything stand in the way of reuniting with his family. Full of resolve, Richard begins a 2,000-mile journey home. Along the way, his path crosses many lives. Some need his help, some offer help to him, and others seek to wreck and ruin. Will Richard have the strength and courage to finish or will the cost be just too high?

One More by Lance Haynes could be considered one of many genres and hard to classify. I would simply put it down as an epic adventure. The author effectively uses flashback reflections to set up the story line. The protagonist has some heavy emotional problems, but the reader will quickly identify with him and appreciate the struggle he encounters and the determination he shows. The cast of characters is very well developed and the plot and pace are very good as well. Overall, a very enjoyable read.

In Lance Haynes’s One More, the story is character driven. Devastated by the recent loss of his child and financial failure, Richard Evans, the main character, decides to take control of his life for once. But something unexpected comes up that puts him in a situation where he needs to confront anything and everything in the dark. He embarks on a fateful journey back home, determined to see his family again despite the circumstances.

Although at first reading you feel that the book will lead you to a man seeking a second chance, singing a familiar redemption song, the tune will surprise you as One More is not actually leaving everything to chance. It is taking risks to achieve one’s goal in life. Since this book, to me, is character driven, I must admit that the author is certainly able to develop the lead character without fooling around. Lance Haynes veers away from creating a maze out of his characters just to make it more interesting and mysterious. He is straightforward and presents a tight characterization that readers can depend on.

At the end, hope is all that matters. Without it, how can a human spirit survive a journey that no one can even imagine? One More is seeing the light in the dark with a different, if not new, set of eyes. I think Lance Haynes knows the importance of finding the courage to see hope in the hopelessness. His book is proof of this.