Customer Reviews

Til Debt Do Us Part (Urban Christian)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

'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

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

This book brought tears to my eyes especially during the screen where the main character lost her brother and sister in law. Enjoyed the book. I would suggest it for personal reading and reflections and/or for a group bible study class. It addressed real life situations and through a review of the issued addressed by the author, one could be lead to look at their own life's challenges and seek God blessings to learn to be more like Jesus.

Til' Debt Do Us Part, is about faith, love and compromise that put a couple faiths to the test. They find themselves with an addiction that up roots their lives and love ones.

Nikki is very bright and intelligent, but the addiction is so powerful her love for her job is put in jeopardy along with her marriage. Nikki and Jeff are from two different worlds, Nikki is from the not so rich but let's just say is better off then others and Jeff is from the poor end of the tracks. While Nikki is so use to spending...Jeff is all for saving...that nest egg for hard times because he has been without a roof over his head. Jeff comes across as controlling but to me he is just trying to stay above water and build a cushion for hard times.

As Nikki is going through her addiction, Jeff is totally clueless of what's really going on with his wife. Nikki will not communicate with Jeff on the level of husband and wife. It's so bad Nikki can't even tell her best friend Maya the secret that put Maya in the middle because Jeff keeps calling her for information. So Jeff, Maya and her mother gives her space just like she asks until he finds evidence of the addiction that has turned his world upside down.

This is my first book by Michelle Larks and the author has a talent to where she makes you feel the characters feelings, the happiness, sadness and the losing of love ones. When I close the book I came to realize that I had grown a bond with these characters, LOL. This book is highly recommend.

Note: The author Michelle Larks sent Sisterhood Book Club a review copy

Hiding in The Shadows (Peace In The Storm Publishing Presents)A Whisper to a Scream (Peace In The Storm Publishing Presents)

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.

Deltareviewer
Reviewing for Real Page Turners

Jeff and Nikki Singleton is a young married couple who have their whole lives ahead of them. Jeff created a five-year financial plan that will allow them to live in a comfortable manner. He is determined to not live in the poverty that he grew up in. But his strict five year plans are starting to take its toll on Nikki. Nikki decides to find an outlet for her frustrations...the casino. Nikki thinks that she has her secret form of entertainment under control until she gets in over her head. Now she has to try to get her finances back in order before Jeff finds out.

'Til Debt Do Us Part is an excellent novel by Michelle Larks. Larks expertly showed the dangers of irresponsible gambling and how it can affect a marriage. Every time Nikki goes to the casino will just make you cringe and shake your head in disappointment. This story had the perfect scriptures that pertained to Jeff and Nikki's struggles in this story without being preachy. Larks also did a good job of showing how there's always two sides to every story and that things aren't always as they seem to be. What made this story stand out was that although the characters were Christians, they were not perfect. They dealt with realistic problems that anyone can face. The overall theme of this novel is that there's no problem that's too hard for God and that you need to pay attention to what path He's trying to lead you down. 'Til Debt Do Us Part is an uplifting novel about faith, forgiveness, and self-actualization.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban Reviews

The private lives of the seemingly blessed is not always the view people expect. Such is the case for Jeff and Nikki Singleton.

From the outside the couple seems to have it all in terms of secure careers, productive financial planning, possessions and a great marriage. What will come to light in this necessary story from author Michelle Larks is what really happens behind closed doors and whether or not their faith will be enough to help them overcome.

Added to their marital woes is a unexpected event with the ability to pull the two farther apart.

`Til Debt Do Us Part speaks to the challenges that beset marriages when past hurts go unresolved and unspoken needs fester.

Reviewed by Dr. Linda Beed
On Assignment Reviews

By most standards, Nichole`Nikki' Singleton has a life full of blessings; a devoted husband, upwardly mobile career, loving family and good friends. Yet, something inside taunts her to the point of destruction. Will she continue to give in to the taunts and lose what matters most? Will her husband, feeling betrayed, stay with her "for better or worse, in sickness and in health?"

Through the lens of fiction, Michelle Larks provides us with a well-written, "real world" glimpse into the world of gambling addiction among those whom we would least expect.

Nichole `Nikki' Singleton has a gambling problem. Nikki is so caught up in the casino she does not realize she has put everything that means something to her on the line, because of her addiction. Jeff, her husband, can see that she is battling with something; but the excuses she gives puts a different idea into Jeff's mind. `Til Debt Do Us Part by Michelle Larks is a story about a family's battle to stay together through the difficult times. Is Nikki and Jeff's love for one another strong enough to get them past their troubles?

Jeff is dealing with his own struggles. While growing up, his mother struggled to provide for both of them. The fear of struggling again keeps Jeff on top of making sure he has a security net. Could it be that his obsession with never being poor again will finally put a permanent wedge between Nikki and him when he comes face-to-face with what is really going on?

I liked the concept of the story, because of the lesson of being able to accept certain things while understanding some things we can control, and others we have to let God handle. I typically like Ms. Larks writing, but these characters got on my nerves; it was because they were whiny to me. I read an advance reader's copy and some things seemed out of place as far as the timeline was concerned. If the story is properly edited before going to print, this will make for a quick read. I recommend `Til Debt Do Us Part to Christian-fiction readers who are not looking for something preachy.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub