Michael Loucks: Stories

A Climbing the Ladder Story
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
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 Climbing the Ladder Story
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
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
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
Jonathan's business life is booming, but he's also suffering from yet another loss. While he's done his best to pick up the pieces of that sundered relationship, he can't help but feel responsible. However, where two close relationships have withered, another blooms. Violet has transitioned from a badly damaged girl to a vibrant woman. Will he continue to climb this ladder, or will there be another ladder to climb in his future? No matter what, the only direction he plans to go is up.

A Good Medicine Story
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
Eighteen, Orthodox, pre-med — and discovering that honor roll is easier than honesty at home. Faith, college, and the year the floor dropped out twice. It takes place in the same universe as 'A Well-Lived Life'. Testimonials: - One of the most accurate depictions of early-1980s rural southern Ohio I have encountered in historical fiction. - Overall, the novel is highly authentic historical fiction, with exceptional period detail that feels lived-in rather than researched. / (Reviews)

A Good Medicine Story
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
After a successful first year at WHTU, Mike has returned home to West Monroe for the summer a very changed man. While he's away from school, that doesn't mean his education is over. Mike is about to embark on what could be the true foundation of his medical career--learning about friendships and relationships. Follow along as Mike tackles Sophomore Year at WHTU.

A Good Medicine Story
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
Part of the A Well-Lived Life universe
The continuation of the story of Michael Peter Loucks, A faithful, Russian Orthodox man. You should read 'Good Medicine - Freshman Year', 'Good Medicine - Sophomore Year', and 'Good Medicine - Junior Year', before starting 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
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