When All Else Fails

by Michael Pulley

A wealthy land developer suddenly converts to evangelical Christianity, which flummoxes his wife, a heavy drinking socialite, and daughter, an outstanding high school tennis player, and sends them into a series of unexpected events with an agnostic tennis coach, a closet Algerian Muslim tennis player, and underworld figures threatening to bankrupt the land developer. The often profane and comic novel is not moralistic or cautionary but offers a realistic glimpse into events when strong religious feelings engulf a family and send them on a journey no one expects.

226 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 2023

Reviews

[sushmitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Louis Lewis, a self-made rich land developer, has built his empire on shrewd deals and ambition. His glamorous wife, Arlette Wainwright, drowns her discontent in cocktails, while their talented daughter, Michelle, excels on the tennis court.

However, Louis's world is rocked when a sudden religious awakening transforms him. His newfound faith clashes with his materialistic past and the desires of his family. Arlette scoffs at his piety, and Michelle fears the newfound restrictions on her life.

Louis's conversion sets off a chain reaction. He crosses paths with a charismatic but questionable tennis coach, a kind but ostracized Muslim boy, and underworld figures that threaten Louis's fortune, testing his newfound values.

Can Louis navigate the challenges posed by his family, his newfound community, and the threats to his wealth – all while adhering to his strong religious convictions?

This story is like no other, with the perfect blend of religious beliefs and human morals, that can drive people to do things they never thought were capable of.

When All Else Fails by Michael Pulley is a Literature & Fiction genre work with an exceptional plot line. Never did I imagine the story to be this entertaining and versatile while trying to contemplate the meaning behind the book's title.
The author has done a wonderful job at keeping the read as entertaining as possible, with new disasters entering the protagonist's life every chapter!

I had a wonderful reading experience, for which I would rate this book 5/5.

I recommended this book to anyone who enjoys a good story with twists and turns in the plot.

[Julia Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A close-up look at a midwestern family with interests, passions, warts and foibles, yet entirely lovable. I ended the book wanting to know what’s next for this memorable set of characters. Thoroughly enjoyable read!

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Pulley knows small town mega church and Christian college politics and the people within. This story of a family embroiled in relationships and dalliances in both arenas is engaging, funny, and unpredictable. There’s plenty of drama and twists and turns in the plot and plight of these characters that I didn’t see coming. Loved the wit and humor in the dialogue from the first page.

[Phil Overeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of a comic novel that, while graced with a wicked, droll sense of humor, also presents a redeeming view of humans wrangling with various kinds of modern troubles. I tore through it in just a few days, and after having just previously read three terrific 2023 novel that were much more heavily publicized, felt no dip in enjoyment or appreciation. Both Pulley's style and perspective put me in mind of a sparer, Midwestern Richard Russo. Full of surprises both hilarious and moving, When All Else Fails is enthusiastically recommended (especially to St. Louis readers)!

[Robin Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dry wit and a swiftly moving plot makes following the visceral characters of this novel a delight, right up to the very apt ending. I much enjoyed.