Portobello Book Blog

Adele Parks’ latest novel, Just My Luck, looks at what happens when what many of us dream about comes true – winning big on the lottery. I think lots of people have mentally spent the millions they might win if their numbers come up. Well, imagine if you had been part of a syndicate, dropped out and the very next week the numbers came up. That’s what happens in this story when Lexi and her husband Jake win just short of £18,000,000. I was telling my friends about this book when one got a message as we were speaking to say that the person from their work who buys the Euromillions lottery syndicate tickets had forgotten! That’s another very interesting situation and I really hope those numbers didn’t come up.

Adele Parks looks at how this big win changes her characters. There’s what might be considered the obvious purchases of a Ferrari, clothes, expensive food and at least one of their children thinks there’s no point in going to school any more. On the other hand, Lexi’s initial idea of extravagance is buying Teapigs teabags and she thinks about what good she could do for charity and those in need with the money. We also find out how their friends and family react to the big win and I think it’s fair to say that it brings out the best and the worst in people.

There are some interesting side stories too notably Lexi’s friendship with Polish immigrant Toma who she has met through her work with the Citizens Advice Bureau. Then there is the issue of just why was there a falling out between the families and whether Lexi and Jake should be morally obliged to give the others at least a share of the money.

Just My Luck is a story of secrets, betrayal, envy and greed. There are plenty twists and turns, some of which I anticipated but there were others which were completely unexpected. It’s is a really entertaining read which I think would make a great TV drama series. Usually, it’s the kind of escapist read I’d enjoy on holiday (and doesn’t that pool on the front cover look inviting?) but this year, I think it’s a book to enjoy in your back garden!

My thanks to the publishers HQ Stories for my review copy of the book via Netgalley. Just My Luck is available now in hardback, ebook and audiobook formats. The paperback will follow later in the year. If you are able to order from and support an independent bookshop in these difficult times, please do. Otherwise, you will find buying options for various retailers on the publisher’s website here: Just My Luck

From the back of the book

What if winning means losing everything?

It’s the stuff dreams are made of – a lottery win so big, it changes everything.

For fifteen years, Lexi and Jake have played the same six numbers with their friends, the Pearsons and the Heathcotes. Over dinner parties, fish & chip suppers and summer barbecues, they’ve discussed the important stuff – the kids, marriages, jobs and houses – and they’ve laughed off their disappointment when they failed to win anything more than a tenner.

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.

Lexi and Jake have a ticket worth £18 million. And their friends are determined to claim a share of it.
 
Sunday Times Number One bestseller Adele Parks returns with a riveting look at the dark side of wealth in this gripping take on friendship, money and betrayal, and good luck gone bad…

About the author

I’ve always dreamed of being a writer and when my first novel – Playing Away – was published the Evening Standard identified me as one of London’s ‘Twenty Faces to Watch’, which was very nice of them!

I like to keep busy and I’ve published 19 novels, and I’m thrilled to say that they’ve all hit the bestseller lists. I’ve sold over 3.5 million books in the UK alone and I’ve been translated into 26 different languages. I have written 17 contemporary novels and 2 historical ones, Spare Brides and If You Go Away, which are set during and after WW1. My latest novels, Lies Lies Lies, I Invited Her In, The Image of You and The Stranger in My Home are twisty, domestic noirs. I like to scrutinize our concepts of family, our theories on love, parenting and fidelity.

I passionately believe that reading is a basic right. I’m a proud Ambassador of The National Literacy Trust and a The Reading Agency, charities that are devoted to encouraging emerging adult readers and children who are becoming passionate about books.

During my career I’ve lived in Italy, Botswana and London. Now I live happily in Surrey with my husband, teenage son and cat.

If you want to stay in touch you can find me on Twitter @AdeleParks, Instagram @Adele_Parks or Facebook @OfficialAdeleParks. You can sign up to my newsletter at eepurl.com/cI0l and there’s lots more info about me and my books on http://www.adeleparks.com.