“The Final Summit,” by Andy Andrews, published by Thomas Nelson, is the sequel to Andrews’ “The Traveler’s Gift.” It is not necessary to have read the previous book to understand “The Final Summit.” Andrews recounts the story in the first chapter. David Ponder recalls his travels through time after an accident. He meets seven famous figures from history who give him the Seven Decisions for Success.

Using the seven decisions, Ponder makes a fortune and then the business fails in a very public way. After losing everything, Ponder realizes that the seven decisions were right all along. It was his lack of wisdom that caused the disaster. Ponder makes another fortune, building a skyscraper in Dallas without borrowing any money, “paying as he went.” When the building is completed, he and his wife Ellen give it all away through charitable trusts and retire to the penthouse which encompasses the top floor of the skyscraper.

Then his wife, Ellen, dies in her sleep while in Austin with their daughter and grandchildren. Ponder stays in the penthouse and mourns her death. He goes through the navy blue tobacco pouch with the souvenirs of his travels. He breaks down in tears, not understanding why he had been left alone. Then Gabriel appears for the second time – having been one of the figures from his time travels. Gabriel tells him that he is to lead the Final Summit of all the Travelers (every Traveler who ever existed) to decide the fate of the Earth and avoid another disaster as destructive as the flood in Genesis.

In chapter two Gabriel explains about the gathering of the travelers and plans for the summit. Including the fact that Ponder will be leading the meeting. Even though Solomon and Winston Churchill will be there. Gabriel takes Ponder under his wing, literally, and they are off “like a rocket.” The remainder of the book details the meeting place and the summit itself with an array of famous characters and Biblical figures.

I am not the first reviewer to have mixed feelings about the book. It is the next installment in Andrew’s series of lesson filled books as well as the sequel to “The Traveler’s Gift.” Unlike a few of his previous books, however, the dialogue seems stilted and the plot rather contrived and drawn out longer than necessary. Gabriel, for example, does not quite sound as one would imagine from reading the Bible. But if you are looking for a light afternoon feel-good read, you will enjoy “The Final Summit.” Just do not expect to get too involved in the story or receive any unexpected revelation.

Peace be with you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”