Bestselling author discusses latest novel, upcoming virtual event with local ties and what he’s thankful for

Published at 10:27 am, November 26, 2020 | Updated at 11:08 am, November 26, 2020

Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com

IDAHO FALLS – New York Times Bestselling author Richard Paul Evans says he’s busier than ever in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and he’s having more fun than he’s had in years.

His 41st novel, “The Noel Letters,” hit store shelves in October. His wife Kerri says it’s her favorite of all his books.

Evans is best known for his book “The Christmas Box,” which quickly reached No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list when it was published in 1993. In the book, a woman mourns the loss of her child at the base of an angel monument. The book earned him the title the King of Christmas fiction and spawned several sequels.

The book also inspired a global movement placing angel monuments in cemeteries across the globe. People gather around them every year for a candlelight vigil to honor their deceased loved ones. It’s a tradition that started 13 years ago in Idaho Falls. The event will be held virtually this year on Evans’ Facebook fan page. It’s happening Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.

Evans also runs a nonprofit called Christmas Box International, a shelter that rescues children from abusive situations. More than 125,000 kids have been rescued since the organization was formed. Interest in this cause is at an all-time high, Evans says, and he and his wife are hosting a virtual night of gratitude fundraiser on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.

The event will feature performances from Paul Cardall and The Piano Guys. The cost to watch it is $25. For more information or to pre-register, click here.

Evans discusses this, why he’s loving life and what’s coming in 2021 in a conversation with EastIdahoNews.com. Watch it in the video player above.

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