A summer at the lake. A family funeral. A shimmering path of sunlight that looks like magic. Ricky Ranger is about to learn that some adventures are brighter—and deeper—than they first appear. When Ricky and his siblings visit their great aunt’s cottage, the weekend begins like any perfect summer getaway: swimming, floating on inner tubes, and listening to the great aunties’ loud, joyful stories. But when Ricky learns there has been a death in the family, he faces his first real questions about loss, funerals, and what it means to say goodbye. Later that evening, the great aunties tell a tale about a mysterious “golden path” that appears on the lake at sunset and leads to hidden treasure. When Ricky sees the glowing path for himself, curiosity takes over—and he sets out on an adventure that becomes far more dangerous than he expected. With gentle humor, heartfelt moments, and a lesson that shines long after the last page, The Golden Path helps young readers explore big feelings in a safe, relatable way. Perfect for ages 7–11, this chapter book blends real childhood experiences with imagination, courage, and the importance of asking for help. A story about curiosity, family, and learning to see things for what they truly are.