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1st Review of Til Debt Do Us Part:
‘Til Debt Do Us Part
Michelle Larks
ISBN: 978160162994X
Urban Books
Reviewed By Tara Hopkins
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 5 Stars
Nikki Singleton is blessed in many ways: with a promising career, a
supportive family, and, last but not least, a loving, devoted husband, she truly
wants for nothing. There is, though, a craving deep down inside her that neither
her husband, her family, nor her career can satisfy: unbeknownst to everyone,
she’s a closet gambling addict – and much to all of their detriment, her disease
soon spins out of control.
After plunging herself and Jeff into perilous debt, Nikki initially manages to
keep the matter a secret from him and everyone else – until a risky investment
venture suddenly backfires in Jeff’s face one day, and he’s forced to dip into their
joint accounts for immediate relief. Much to his shock, he soon discovers the
depths of Nikki’s reckless fiscal irresponsibility, which thrusts his trust in her – not
to mention their union itself – into grave jeopardy.
Brought face-to-face with the egregious consequences of her surreptitious
actions, Nikki must figure out a way to reconcile her broken marriage with her
lingering addiction, and the ensuing internal conflict is more difficult to contend
with than any temptation she’s ever faced…
‘Til Debt Do Us Part is actually two novels in one: at its heart, it details the
ongoing struggles of an addict at war with herself, but it also tells the equally
compelling story of the many facets of true, divine love. When he discovers the
truth of his wife’s compulsion, Jeff reacts as anyone would: enraged at the
realization that he’s been lied to, and crushed at the thought that his trust has been
betrayed; however, at the urging of his friends and pastor, he sublimates his anger
by falling back on his faith, and, by the light of divine guidance, he is better able
to manage his feelings. As a result, he connects with Nikki in a way that helps
both of them understand just how matters ended up the way that they did
between them – a connection that would not have been possible if neither of
them had overcome their baser tendencies.
Likewise, for her part, Nikki is not a wasteful, money-grubbing golddigger,
but rather a well-meaning individual with a propensity for a particularly unhealthy
behavior the true origins of which she’s not even fully aware. It’s only when the
bigger picture of her addiction – and its roots – is revealed to her by those who
love and know her best that she’s finally able to get a foothold on the problem
and take the path to ultimate healing.
In typical fashion, Michelle Larks has composed a rich, multi-layered tale
with compelling, three-dimensional characters whose inherent appeal is universal.
Readers of all ages – particularly those familiar with the damning consequences of
unchecked, hidden secrets – are sure to relate to the Singletons’ rise and fall, no
doubt drawing life lessons from the invaluable gems of wisdom peppered
throughout Larks’ gripping tale. Highly recommended.
Readers, Michelle has done it yet again. I just finished reading "Til Debt Do Us Part" and I truly enjoyed it. First when just reading the title I was not sure how she was going to pull this off but she did. This story relates to what a lot of couples and families maybe going through. Some we all know about and others that are in hiding.
The main character is Nikki who has a lot issues in her life but chooses to handle them the way she feels is the right way for her. She learns that not communicating with her spouse and family can lead to a lot of heartache and pain.
In each chapter she reveals just enough of each character to make you want to keep reading and wanting to know more.
As always Michelle puts a twist in the story that I was not expecting and it blew me away. This book will make you happy and sad at the same time. I truly enjoyed it.
This book will encourage you and help you understand that we are not along in our struggles and if we ask help will be there.
I have read all of Michelle books and each time she gets better. I am so proud of her. Michelle keep up the good work. – 5 Stars
Angela MacAfee, Chicago, IL
Til Debt Do Us Part by Michelle Larks
Making It Work
Review by Tavares S. Carney
‘Til Debt Do Us Part by Michelle Larks is the story of Nichole Baldwin-Singleton, a seemingly once spoiled, little rich girl whose inheritance has not afforded her experiences of financial hardship, and her husband Jeff, whose childhood is a total contrast to that of Nichole’s. Jeff knows all too well about financial hardships and is determined to make sure he , nor his family, never travels that road.
Suffering from a gambling addiction, Nichole and Jeff’s relationship is pushed to the limit when Nichole risks almost everything the couple has to feed her addiction. Jeff, on the other hand, also has a few secrets of his own. When all comes to light and through various tragedies and triumphs, Nichole and Jeff realize that keeping God first, communication and forgiveness are key ingredients to making their marriage last. Supporting characters Eveline Baldwin, Maya and Pastor Dudley add a delightful mix to the story. The girls in the book club were also entertaining.
The author’s story progression worked well for me. I was happy to see that love conquers all in this novel. Positive elements of familial ties and friendship were prevalent throughout. Nichole and Jeff learn how to balance and complement each other, ultimately ”making it work.“
‘TIL DEBT DO US PART
BY
MICHELLE LARKS
Addiction
Jeffery and Nikki Singleton have been married for four years. So far their marriage has been good. Like any young couple they want children; Jeffery would prefer to have them later than Nikki’s sooner.
At Jeff’s urging the couple has kept their finances in check, in preparation for an early retirement. Jeff had to endure some tough times as a child growing up; so as Christians Jeff and Nikki pretty much live their life straight and narrow.
Jeff as the controlling partner pretty much lays down the law and Nikki follows, but lately Nikki has developed a nasty habit which is about to send her marriage crashing down around her.
Not feeling she can open up to Jeff or anyone else, Nikki’s life spirals out of control leaving Jeff clueless as to why his wife is being evasive with him.
This story deals with an addiction that is brought on by a woman not facing what is truly bothering her. Instead of talking her issues over with her husband she finds a quick fix which turns into an addiction. Faith and trust seems to be lacking in Nikki’s life.
When the truth is exposed, her family is hit with a double whammy when an unexpected tragedy occurs.
Another recommend read by author Michelle Larks!
Locksie April 26, 2009
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 5.0*****
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 closed the book I came to realize that I had grown a bond with these characters, LOL. This book is highly recommended.
Claudia Brown-Mosley
CEO, Publisher, Author and Radio Host
www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com
www.sisterhoodbookclub.webs.com
5 Stars – Secrets
April 15, 2009
The Rawsistaz Reviewers
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