Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
When Money is the Least of your Worries, June 30, 2009
'Til Debt Do Us Part" is an interesting integration of gambling addiction and spiritual counseling. The development of the story line becomes the focus on stressors to a marriage and the strength required of a family to weather some "storms in life." Because this is Christian fiction, I think the author "hedged" on some of the reactions of the characters. Nevertheless it was an audacious attempt to have a woman addicted and not for the most obvious reasons. The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star read is uneven development. So much emphasis was on the main character and addiction that other problems surrounding the situation didn't get equal billing, all of which could have been as devastating. This is an emotional roller coaster but was too mundane and appeasing in conclusion.
I would look forward to reading this author, again.
Reviewed by: Gail
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Secrets, April 15, 2009
When Nikki and Jeff married, Jeff devised a five-year plan for their life together. During the first five years, they were to lay the groundwork for a life financially stable enough for them to start a family. At the core of having a five-year financial plan was Jeff's desire to never live in poverty. Though Jeff's plan was a good one, he became tenacious about following it and, as a result, he was viewed as controlling by both Nikki and her friends. However, unbeknownst to Nikki, Jeff also had a backup plan.
On the other hand, Nikki felt inadequate due to the plan and Jeff persistence on following it. She felt Jeff was not very trusting with her in their financial affairs and secretly, she wanted a child now versus waiting a few years. Instead of communicating her concerns with Jeff, she chose subterfuge to get him to allow her to contribute to their monthly financial planning.
Still feeling somewhat inadequate and under pressure not to mess up, Nikki develops an outlet which pushes them into financial jeopardy and it becomes a race against time to keep Jeff from finding out. But, like the saying goes, "what's done in the dark, shall come to the light." When the secrets unfold, Nikki gets busted in a major way and their marriage hangs in the balance. Nikki and Jeff will have to depend on all that is Holy to bring them through. They each learn a lesson in what marriage vows truly mean. Can they look beyond self to see the bigger struggle looming?
In `TIL DEBT DO US PART, Michelle Larks has written a powerful and very real testament to the trials and tribulations couples can go through trying to make a marriage work financially, emotionally and spiritually. She uses her writing skills to weave a very believable story around two of the biggest problems facing couples today: finances and a lack of communication. She presents not only the problems and the natural responses to them, but she also offers spiritual solutions. I thoroughly enjoyed this hearty read. Though predictable in some aspects, the entire journey was one surprisingly intense and inspirational ride.
Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers
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4.0 out of 5 stars
You Can Always Count on God, August 30, 2009
Jeff and Nikki entered into marriage on God's promise and a plan to achieve it. Their five-year financial plan would pay off debt, establish a savings and prepare them to start a family. Jeff had some childhood issues that cause him to control the purse strings and overwhelming fear of living in poverty. While Nikki has been given lots of financial freedom in her past and eventually convinces Jeff to let her pay all the bills for the couple. Her extracurricular activities may bring them and their finances to an abrupt standstill. With the spiritual guidance of their pastor, Nikki is able to come to terms with her faults and look forward to the future. But not before Jeff is forced to revisit his marriage vows..."for richer or for poorer" and make a choice to forgive or not.
Larks has created another thought provoking novel that tackles an issue not usually addressed - addiction to gambling. The stronghold of addiction is everywhere and it can't be loosed until you fall humbly before God and seek His forgiveness. Nikki and Jeff have a bond that may be broken because of lack of communication and issues of trust. We know that God can make a way out of no way so the faith and love expressed throughout this novel only reconfirms God's commitment to His people. The redeeming traits are noted throughout the book without being preachy and overbearing. `TIL DEBT DO US PART is an emotional read that is slow in parts and falls short in supporting character development. Even with this drawback, Larks has produced another treat for Christian Fiction lovers.
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