Toma stares at me with unadulterated admiration. It’s the best look one human being can give another. He looks at me with respect, approval, gratitude and eagerness. For fifteen years, Lexi and Jake have played the same six numbers with their friends. Over dinners, they have discussed many important things over the years: kids, marriages, houses and jobs… But one Saturday night, there is an argument in the group. Someone is lying. And then, six numbers come up on the lottery that are about to change everything. That said the storyline about Toma Albu got me from start to end. And, while the tie-up between the two threads is fairly predictable, I found this the most satisfying part of the novel. I was interested in him, his life and the developing relationship between him and Lexi and should have enjoyed more. Meantime Lexi, a virtuous ( sometimes painfully so ) CAB advisor feels guilty having so much whilst Jake is throwing caution, himself and money to the wind and spending as much as he can, their 2 kids are equally loving it and helping him spend Although the book featured several compelling twists and turns, author Adele Parks used waaaay too many words to tell her story.

I used to think winning the lottery would be an amazing thing, however after reading this book, I have changed my mind. I’ve heard so many things about Adele Parks but I’m yet to read any of her works. This sounds like a great read. I love the sound of the slow unravelling of the secrets x Lexi and Jake live in an ordinary house with their two children. They struggle to make ends meet. They struggle to give their children the best they can. They have a group of friends others would be enviable of. They have been through births, deaths, happy and significant times in each other’s lives. They even still get together once a week after all these years of friendship. They also play the weekly lottery together as a group and imagine what it would be like if they actually won. What they would buy? Where they would go and what they would give to charity?

And thus begins not only the unraveling of years long friendships, but secrets, deceits, lies and hidden agendas which had been hidden for many years. As the group breaks apart, their children who have been friends since birth must decide whose side they are taking. And some of them decide to take their jealousy a bit too far. I just love Adele Parks from the first book of hers I read years ago I am yet to find one I don't love.

The story is largely about excess and avarice. The greed of some of the members of the Greenwood family, particularly of the father, Jake, is counterbalanced by Lexi’s determination to share their good fortune around. However, Lexi finds it impossible to put the brakes on the excessive spending and, against her better judgement, she is carried along with her family’s plans.

Stupendous! I read this totally compelling modern-day morality tale over a weekend - I couldn't put it down. As ever, Adele Parks does not disappoint - you'll love it' Ruth Jones

Great review! Thank you for sharing this book! I really like the sound of the storyline and I think I would enjoy this book! Glad you enjoyed it! I love something with a bit of drama and something that will have me itching to find out what is going to happen. Great review, Thanks for sharing x Parks was born in Teesside. She decided she wanted to be a writer at the age of 7 and studied English at the University of Leicester. Before becoming a novelist, Parks worked in advertising and management consultancy. [1] Her debut novel, Playing Away, was released in 2000. [2] I can't say that any of the characters had redeeming qualities. It was literally one of those cases where I was sitting there thinking, "Hmmm, I need somebody to root for here, so who do I hate the least?" Thank goodness I had a glass of bourbon in hand, and a buddy to read this book with! Kaceey - I wouldn’t haven’t gotten through this one without you!I loved the social economic dynamic of the book it really brought into the issues that arise wirh money. I loved the syndicate element of the book as I know from experience money changes people this book just supports that. I could of read this book all way through again and again,@@ . He is being crass. I am not sure what the elegant response to winning nearly eighteen million pounds is, but I doubt it is demanding the money like a highway robber. Obviously you researched your story and spoke to some winners but did the seed grow from you wondering how you and your family would react to a win ? Did the way the characters developed scare you a little? I suppose none of us know how we would react to such a huge amount of money unless it happened to us, however if the personality already has a sort of deviousness or selfishness at it's core, then money would definitely increase those properties which may have ordinarily gone unnoticed or indeed unpunished as with Jake. It's the stuff dreams are made of – a lottery win so big, it changes everything. For 15 years, Lexi and Jake have played the same six numbers with their friends, the Pearsons and the Heathcotes. But then one Saturday night, the unthinkable happens. There's a rift in the group. Someone doesn't tell the truth. And soon after, six numbers come up which change everything forever.