Days before Carl, a likable kid looking forward to his summer vacation, turns fourteen, his parents are killed in a car accident leaving him thinking he is completely alone in the world. He has no way to know that two very different lives would soon merge in the wake of the tragedy. Aunt Sally is a victim of her painful past and choices that leave behind a bitter, self-centered and selfish socialite who hates children. She is Carl's only living relative, and their lives are thrown into turmoil as she is forced to let him live with her in her mansion for all the wrong reasons. Twenty-seven years later, Carl and his family are happily living the American dream when he is confronted with having to fulfill Sally's final and painful request. While he works, he looks back on how their relationship evolved from hateful and combative to one of loving understanding. As he reflects on the conflicts and events that lead up to an unlikely result, he understands that by unwillingly confronting and conquering her demons, Sally inadvertently saved him, and he unintentionally taught her how to live again. Written in a style similar to The Notebook and with a story reminiscent of Manchester by the Sea and Heidi, The Request will appeal to a very wide audience, including Christian readers, with characters not unlike those in The Devil Wears Prada and Danielle Steele novels. The Request will bring the reader smiles, tears and a new appreciation for the human spirit. About the Author Kent Walker is a national bestselling author who has been published by HarperCollins and Nelson and is a recipient of the Edgar Allen Poe Award. He has appeared on many television and radio talk shows, including Larry King Live, The View, Fresh Air, Dateline, The Today Show, Good Morning America, To the Best of Our Knowledge and many others. He lives with his wife in southern California.