Spotlighting: Going For Broke by Melanie Dobson

About The Book

Leia has it all; a husband who adores her, a successful career, and a chance to finally fly with a major carrier. Just as she is about to reach her pinnacle of fulfillment, it all crashes down around her when she is involved in an accident on the ski slopes of Colorado. An afternoon filling in time at a casino introduces Leia to a whole new level of excitement. When she finds herself unable to work and confined to her house for weeks on end, Leia surrenders to the excitement of beating the game, only to find herself falling deeper and deeper into its grip.

Ethan begins to worry when his ambitious, risk taking wife starts to dissolve into a reclusive shell. Showering and dressing have become optional daily activities for Leia. Ethan is at a loss as to how to help his wife, so when she offers to take over the finances, Ethan is pleased to give her something to occupy her mind. After all, she knows how important it is to pay the bills on time and keep to their tight budget as they save toward their goals.

Tens of thousands of dollars in debt, and her options almost at zero, Leia realizes she has gone too far. Revealing the truth to Ethan could be disastrous. Having witnessed the financial destruction of his sister’s family due to her husband’s gambling addiction, Ethan couldn’t understand anyone being so reckless with their hard earned finances. Would Ethan ever forgive her?

Illuminating Fiction Comments

Melanie Dobson takes a very real look at the addiction and financial ruin gambling can cause in her latest release, Going for Broke. Although readers may want to shake Leia at times, Melanie creates enough empathy for her lead character to keep readers hooked on her destructive plight. Leia goes through the traits many addiction victims develop, including rationalizing thoughts and withdrawal. When Leia finally hits rock bottom, she soon discovers there are no quick fixes for the mess she finds herself in. Although she must be held accountable for her mistakes, Leia discovers God’s endless grace and forgiveness.

Melanie also did a great job of surrounding Leia with a cast of memorable characters. There’s Ethan’s friend, Derek, the womanizer, who discovers Leia’s secret and offers help, with strings attached, of course. Living next door is flirty Misty, who is prone to gossip and behind-the-back cutting remarks. And then there is faithful Jenny, forgiving, loving, and committed to helping people through their weaknesses.

I only had one concern within the book. Several characters lacked a balance of good and bad traits, which made them appear one dimensional. Although characterized well, I found it hard to connect with them on a personal level.

Going for Broke is an addictive read laced with tension from start to finish. Leia’s story remained in my heart long after I closed the book.

About The Author

The former corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family, Melanie Dobson has worked in the fields of journalism and publicity for more than twelve years. As the daughter of a commercial pilot, Melanie is no stranger to travel and adventure. She and her husband, Jon, currently live in Oregon with their two daughters, Karly and Kinzel.

Visit Melanie's Web site at: http://www.melaniedobson.com/html/main.html

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