REVIEW: 'Til Debt Do Us Part (Michelle Larks)

[Apex Reviews]

‘Til Debt Do Us Part
Michelle Larks
ISBN: 978160162994X
Urban Books
Reviewed By Tara Hopkins

Official Apex Reviews Rating:


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.