Michael Loucks: Stories

A Climbing the Ladder Story (4)
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
The world of finance is, in its simplest form, just like a game of Chutes and Ladders. There are only two things that matter to the bottom line: profits and losses. The goal is to climb to the finish and thrive, not fall back down the chute. Having been named the manager of the newly created Research Department at Spurgeon, Jonathan's career is soaring. However, as tends to happen, profit is balanced by loss. The next rung of the ladder will be much harder to reach, but he continues to climb.

A Climbing the Ladder Story (3)
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
Unfortunately, life, being as random and chaötic as it is, rears its ugly head and inserts some very unexpected complications. Will this chapter of Jonathan's life end with a happily ever after, or will complications abound and leave him back at square one? This, and more, as he continues his climb up the ladder.

A Climbing the Ladder Story (1)
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
'Climbing the Ladder' is the story of Jonathan Kane, a young man from rural Ohio, who begins a new life in Chicago in the mailroom of Spurgeon Capital. This is a story in the 'A Well-Lived Life' universe, and provides history and backstory for Spurgeon Capital, the Spurgeon family, the Glass family, the Lundgren family, Anala Subramani, Tom Quinn, and others from the 'A Well-Lived Life' series. The story stands on its own, and does not require reading any other stories in the universe.

A Climbing the Ladder Story (2)
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
How do you maintain your personal integrity and loyalties to those you care for in the face of unbelievable temptations? Is it even possible, or will Jonathan's principals be compromised as much as the ones of those whose fortunes he seeks to match? The only way to truly find the answer is to keep climbing up.

A Good Medicine Story (1)
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
This is the story of Michael Peter Loucks, A faithful, Russian Orthodox teenager, who has lived his entire life in the fictional town of West Monroe, in Harding County, Ohio. This fictional town and county lie in Southern Ohio, about ninety minutes from Cincinnati and forty-five minutes from Columbus. It takes place in the same universe as my series 'A Well-Lived Life'. The story develops slowly. The story focuses heavily on religion and Orthodox spirituality. / (Reviews)

A Good Medicine Story (3)
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
This is the continuation of the story of Michael Peter Loucks, A faithful, Russian Orthodox teenager. You should read 'Good Medicine - Freshman Year' and 'Good Medicine - Sophomore Year' before beginning this book. This story is in the same universe as 'A Well-Lived Life' and being current on AWLL is helpful, but not necessary, to the enjoyment of this story. The author is a two-time Clitorides 'Author of the Year' winner (2015, 2017) and won 'Best New Author' in 2015.

A Good Medicine Story (5)
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
In a very short time, Mike Loucks has gone through two life-changing endings, with both leading to great beginnings. Graduating from WHTU as his school's Valedictorian, he ended his bachelorhood and engaged in the Dance of Isaiah ahead of his upcoming ordination as an Orthodox Deacon. Mike is about to enjoy his final summer off, including a long honeymoon in Europe. On the horizon though is the challenge Mike has wanted to tackle since he was a 4th grader: His first day of Medical School

A Good Medicine Story (6)
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
As Mike is completing his first year of medical school, he suffers two terrible personal losses out of left field, forcing him and those around him to make changes they'd never choose willingly. Other changes involving his parents too require him to adjust to a new normal, even if one of those changes is one he's uncomfortable with. Even his spiritual life won't be immune to change, as Mike finds himself stuck in the middle of a scandal that will rock his childhood's home parish to the core.

A Good Medicine Story (7)
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
At the end of the previous book, Michael Loucks had undeniably reached one of the highest of high points in his life. Earning top marks in medical school while preparing for life as a new dad was no easy task, but he managed to do both. His firstborn daughter, Rachel, has arrived via emergency C-section, and now Elizaveta's life is on the line.

A Good Medicine Story (8)
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
Mike's third year of medical school has been, in very simple terms, very hard. Having to put together an entirely new routine centered around your helpless and vulnerable infant daughter, along with continuing to excel academically, would be a strain for anybody finding themselves suddenly a single parent. Although it hasn't been easy, it's yet another test that Mike passes with, by most people's judgement, flying colors. So, where does he go from here?