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Toronto #13
Fifty Million Reasons
Angela has typical lottery-player plans: help friends and family, give more to charity, and escape her rut. But when she wins big, she faces angry relatives, her own unexpected greed, and a lawsuit from the person who put her in that rut. Almost nobody treats her normally, and they've got fifty million reasons not to.
She can buy anything she wants now, but can she buy the life she needs?
She can buy anything she wants now, but can she buy the life she needs?
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First published November 28, 2013
10 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Heather Wardell
30 books286 followersI am a natural 1200 wpm speed reader and the author of twenty-three self-published novels including the free ebook "Life, Love, and a Polar Bear Tattoo" which has had over 400,000 downloads.
In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.
I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)
In my spare time, I read, run, swim, crochet, take care of my cat Pearl, and play drums and clarinet. Generally not all at once.
I only record books here if I absolutely love them and hugely recommend them. I definitely read more than you see here. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 4, 2013
Who hasn't dreamed of winning the lottery? I have, and even though I don't ever buy tickets, I like to fantasize about what I'd do with my hypothetical winnings. In Fifty Million Reasons, Angela's dreams of winning the lottery come true.
But becoming a multimillionaire overnight isn't as easy as she expected. Suddenly, Angela is inundated with requests, and sometimes outright demands, for her money. People are coming out of the woodwork, old acquaintances and strangers alike, asking for money for outrageous causes. Angela quickly finds out who her true friends are and who sees her as a means to an end, or as she cleverly terms it: "a walking wallet."
Fifty Million Reasons is an emotional journey for Angela as she merges her new way of life with her old one. Everything has changed: her relationships with her friends and family, her love life, and her career. Angela struggles to find the right balance between living comfortably and giving extravagantly. I loved Angela right from the first page, admiring her giving spirit (which she had even before she won) and her kind personality. Her decisions regarding how to spend the money surprised me, but I respected her for them.
Wardell excels at creating likeable characters whom I can always easily relate to. It's easy to see myself in her characters, imagining how I'd react in their situations. That's my favorite thing about contemporary fiction: that escape into the characters' lives. Wardell writes emotional, moving stories that never fail to make me look at my own life differently, and often compel me to change my behavior (which is no easy feat, and certainly not something I expect when I pick up a fiction novel). Whether it's looking at my spending habits (inspired by Good to Myself), standing up for myself (like Larissa in Pink is a Four-Letter Word) or giving generously to others, like Angela in Fifty Million Reasons, I always finish Wardell's books with the inspiration to make a positive change in my own life. I love that her writing, plots, and likable characters continually inspire me!
But becoming a multimillionaire overnight isn't as easy as she expected. Suddenly, Angela is inundated with requests, and sometimes outright demands, for her money. People are coming out of the woodwork, old acquaintances and strangers alike, asking for money for outrageous causes. Angela quickly finds out who her true friends are and who sees her as a means to an end, or as she cleverly terms it: "a walking wallet."
Fifty Million Reasons is an emotional journey for Angela as she merges her new way of life with her old one. Everything has changed: her relationships with her friends and family, her love life, and her career. Angela struggles to find the right balance between living comfortably and giving extravagantly. I loved Angela right from the first page, admiring her giving spirit (which she had even before she won) and her kind personality. Her decisions regarding how to spend the money surprised me, but I respected her for them.
Wardell excels at creating likeable characters whom I can always easily relate to. It's easy to see myself in her characters, imagining how I'd react in their situations. That's my favorite thing about contemporary fiction: that escape into the characters' lives. Wardell writes emotional, moving stories that never fail to make me look at my own life differently, and often compel me to change my behavior (which is no easy feat, and certainly not something I expect when I pick up a fiction novel). Whether it's looking at my spending habits (inspired by Good to Myself), standing up for myself (like Larissa in Pink is a Four-Letter Word) or giving generously to others, like Angela in Fifty Million Reasons, I always finish Wardell's books with the inspiration to make a positive change in my own life. I love that her writing, plots, and likable characters continually inspire me!
April 17, 2015
Well written & an interesting plot line. Who doesn't dream of winning the lottery? Who doesn't wonder what would happen after winning the lottery? It's a solid plot that appeals to everyone.
My one requirement when reading a book is that the characters are well written & believable. I can suspend disbelief with plot sometimes but can't with unbelievable characters. The characters are very well written. While I might not agree with decisions made by characters, I appreciate when an author can write in a manner that makes or assists me in understanding why the characters are making the decisions. Heather Wardell can do so & has done so in Fifty Million Reason.
My one requirement when reading a book is that the characters are well written & believable. I can suspend disbelief with plot sometimes but can't with unbelievable characters. The characters are very well written. While I might not agree with decisions made by characters, I appreciate when an author can write in a manner that makes or assists me in understanding why the characters are making the decisions. Heather Wardell can do so & has done so in Fifty Million Reason.
May 21, 2015
I love Heather Wardell's books. In this one, she managed to do the impossible--make me believe it might not be a blessing to win the lottery. I found the adventures of Angela, an every woman who already has a great life but who doesn't realize it, fascinating, as she wins fifty million dollars and struggles with the unimaginable greed of many of those around her.
This book was extremely difficult to put down. I loved every second of it.
If you like smart women's fiction with an incredible premise, give Wardell a try. You won't be disappointed.
This book was extremely difficult to put down. I loved every second of it.
If you like smart women's fiction with an incredible premise, give Wardell a try. You won't be disappointed.
April 15, 2015
Fifty Million Reasons to think
We all think how incredible it would be to win $50,000,000. I never thought about the complications involved. This is a sweet book that reminds me of what is important in life without being preachy.,but I would never have been so kind to my ex.
We all think how incredible it would be to win $50,000,000. I never thought about the complications involved. This is a sweet book that reminds me of what is important in life without being preachy.,but I would never have been so kind to my ex.
May 7, 2017
Makes you think!
February 17, 2014
"Angela has typical lottery player plans: help friends and family, give more to charity, and escape her rut. But when she wins big, she faces angry relatives, her own unexpected greed, and a lawsuit from the person who put her in that rut. Almost nobody treats her normally, and now they’ve got fifty million reasons not to. She can buy anything she wants now, but can she buy the life she needs?”
NOTE: Includes significant references to “Good to Myself” and “Pink Is A Four-Letter Word” – the author suggests reading those first however I didn’t and the book was still a fantastic read.
It’s easy to assume that if you won the lottery, all your problems would be solved but Angela’s story proves that, maybe, that wouldn’t be the case. In fact, winning might be the cause of the majority of your problems. Set in Canada (part of the reason I loved this book so much – I WILL move there one day), we follow the life of Angela – a regular woman who helps those less fortunate and has a small tight knit group of friends – after she wins big on the lottery. It looks at how money affects not just herself but also those around her, including those she thought she could rely on.
As a character, Angela is very relatable and it’s exceptionally easy to get caught up in her world – proof that it’s a fantastic book but also testament to Wardell’s writing style. There were plenty of times I found myself wondering how I’d react to winning and the truth is, it would be just as Angela (I hope. I think I hope anyway) but, more than that, I found myself questioning whether people would react to my (imaginary) win as those in the book did with Angela.
Angela is kind, generous, and pretty cool – something that doesn’t change too much throughout the book. We learn about her ex, Shane, before he’s fully introduced but only by fleeting comments. Her past isn’t mentioned much and, when it is, it’s not explained in a way that brings you entirely up to speed. At least, that’s how I felt when I read it. That being said, there was advance warning from the author and it’s genuinely the only little niggle I have with this book.
The writing style is a dream to read. As I mentioned previously, I would often find myself living in Angela’s world only to be brought back to reality when it was my tube stop or time to finally accept that my ‘one more chapter’ before bed had come. More than that, though, I would find myself thinking about the characters and the story when I was at work or watching TV – how would I spend the money? Would I follow the same suit as Angela? How was she going to react to certain events? The questions are endless. The writing style helps you to empathise with Angela and it’s this that makes the book strike a chord; we’d all like to think we’d be generous with our winnings but seeing things through Angela’s eyes has made me realise that I wouldn’t play it the way I initially thought I would and, maybe, that’s not a bad thing.
If I could take one thing away from this book, it’s that money can’t, and never will, make you happy. Not fully. When Shane reappears in Angela’s life, she thinks she’ll finally be able to have the life she’d been dreaming of since their split and it was her winnings she had to thank for reconnecting them (wait until you read that part – it’s amazing!) but it turns out that John (her friend that lives with his son in the same block as Angela, who she often visits) was right to be wary of the situation. Both Shane and Angela have changed in the 9 years since they were last together and no matter how much money she has, she can’t change that. So will they be able to make it work this time?
John is Angela’s, dare I say it, best friend and one of the few people that doesn’t treat her differently – at least not for the wrong reasons. He doesn’t accept handouts from Angela, despite how much he needs them and that ends up being both frustrating and endearing for Angela. Maybe what she needs is a friend who will be there, regardless of her bank balance?
I can’t rate this book highly enough – it’s superb. I love that it captures you so completely that you think about it even when you’re not reading it and when you are, you get lost in a whole other world that makes you think about reality. That sounds far more confusing than it is. The characters are well padded out, they’re likeable (in most cases) and things don’t necessarily go as you might think or hope.
NOTE: Includes significant references to “Good to Myself” and “Pink Is A Four-Letter Word” – the author suggests reading those first however I didn’t and the book was still a fantastic read.
It’s easy to assume that if you won the lottery, all your problems would be solved but Angela’s story proves that, maybe, that wouldn’t be the case. In fact, winning might be the cause of the majority of your problems. Set in Canada (part of the reason I loved this book so much – I WILL move there one day), we follow the life of Angela – a regular woman who helps those less fortunate and has a small tight knit group of friends – after she wins big on the lottery. It looks at how money affects not just herself but also those around her, including those she thought she could rely on.
As a character, Angela is very relatable and it’s exceptionally easy to get caught up in her world – proof that it’s a fantastic book but also testament to Wardell’s writing style. There were plenty of times I found myself wondering how I’d react to winning and the truth is, it would be just as Angela (I hope. I think I hope anyway) but, more than that, I found myself questioning whether people would react to my (imaginary) win as those in the book did with Angela.
Angela is kind, generous, and pretty cool – something that doesn’t change too much throughout the book. We learn about her ex, Shane, before he’s fully introduced but only by fleeting comments. Her past isn’t mentioned much and, when it is, it’s not explained in a way that brings you entirely up to speed. At least, that’s how I felt when I read it. That being said, there was advance warning from the author and it’s genuinely the only little niggle I have with this book.
The writing style is a dream to read. As I mentioned previously, I would often find myself living in Angela’s world only to be brought back to reality when it was my tube stop or time to finally accept that my ‘one more chapter’ before bed had come. More than that, though, I would find myself thinking about the characters and the story when I was at work or watching TV – how would I spend the money? Would I follow the same suit as Angela? How was she going to react to certain events? The questions are endless. The writing style helps you to empathise with Angela and it’s this that makes the book strike a chord; we’d all like to think we’d be generous with our winnings but seeing things through Angela’s eyes has made me realise that I wouldn’t play it the way I initially thought I would and, maybe, that’s not a bad thing.
If I could take one thing away from this book, it’s that money can’t, and never will, make you happy. Not fully. When Shane reappears in Angela’s life, she thinks she’ll finally be able to have the life she’d been dreaming of since their split and it was her winnings she had to thank for reconnecting them (wait until you read that part – it’s amazing!) but it turns out that John (her friend that lives with his son in the same block as Angela, who she often visits) was right to be wary of the situation. Both Shane and Angela have changed in the 9 years since they were last together and no matter how much money she has, she can’t change that. So will they be able to make it work this time?
John is Angela’s, dare I say it, best friend and one of the few people that doesn’t treat her differently – at least not for the wrong reasons. He doesn’t accept handouts from Angela, despite how much he needs them and that ends up being both frustrating and endearing for Angela. Maybe what she needs is a friend who will be there, regardless of her bank balance?
I can’t rate this book highly enough – it’s superb. I love that it captures you so completely that you think about it even when you’re not reading it and when you are, you get lost in a whole other world that makes you think about reality. That sounds far more confusing than it is. The characters are well padded out, they’re likeable (in most cases) and things don’t necessarily go as you might think or hope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2013
If you're looking for a light, heart-warming story to read this holiday season, this is the book you should be reading. This might not make sense to some, but the only word I can think of to describe my experience of reading Fifty Million Reasons is "soothing." It’s just rare to find a book that I can easily read through without pausing once to think, “Hmm, that doesn't seem right.”
For most of us, winning a million dollar lottery is nothing but a dream, a nice little fantasy we like to entertain ourselves with only in our wildest daydreams. For Angela whose dream just became a reality, however, she quickly finds out that there's more to being a multi-millionaire than living extravagantly and buying private jets. While there are definitely some perks, there are surprisingly a lot of downsides in which Wardell is unafraid to explore.
This is the first book I've read by Heather Wardell but I can already tell she excels in character writing. We've all read a book where at least one character seems to lack any personality and whose only purpose seem to be for (bad) things to happen to them and then to be forgotten. You'll find no such character in Fifty Million Reasons. Instead, you'll find characters that you'll remember for their emotions, their motives, and their view in life. Aside from Angela, who I will talk more about later, the people I enjoyed reading about the most was Claudia, John, and Zack. Claudia is Angela's best friend and her struggles with trying to have a baby had me crossing my fingers and hoping the best for her. John's stubbornness really made me want to punch him and hug him at the same time. Zack is a precious kid who is sometimes too wise for his age, but if I had a kid who grew up to be like him, I would be so proud. So much time and effort has obviously been put into writing these characters, you can't help but easily connect with them and wish the best for them.
Angela, herself, is a genuine, generous protagonist who I found very difficult not to like. The only hitch in her characterization for me was her hangup on a relationship that ended nine years ago. I know "first loves" and "the one that got away" aren't easy to forget, but nine of years of wondering how your life would've been different if you were still with that person seems a bit excessive. Still, I liked how Angela's view on this managed to change throughout the story and was a nice indicator how much character growth she went through in just six months. As someone who is also afraid of change, Angela's fear that the money might have changed her and her relationships with others really resonated with me. Being privy to her thought processes as she slowly learns to accept those changes and start to balance her life only made me empathize with her even more.
This book will surely stop and make you reflect on your life, if even for the shortest of moments. Yet the book never, for one moment, gets preachy. Wardell doesn't tell the reader what is wrong or what is right. Instead, each character must try to find the solutions to their problems that best suited their own individual ethical code. In that process, the readers also end up pondering the same questions as the characters. If you won the lottery, how do you determine among your family, friends, and loved ones who gets what? How much is too much and too little during birthdays and holidays? What would you do if your relationships with the people closest to you changed because of money? If someone you knew won the lottery, would you ask them for money? If they offered it even when you didn't ask, would you accept it? When I thought about those questions, I couldn't help but be just a little more devoted to the characters and their stories and hoping that there was a happy ending for all.
The ending did manage to wrap up Angela's experience as a multi-millionaire extremely well. Although some might see it as predictable, I still found it satisfying while staying true to their characters. Overall, I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a light, refreshing read that just leaves you with a warm feeling and rosy cheeks in the end. (Rating: 5/5)
** See review @ Bookcharmed
For most of us, winning a million dollar lottery is nothing but a dream, a nice little fantasy we like to entertain ourselves with only in our wildest daydreams. For Angela whose dream just became a reality, however, she quickly finds out that there's more to being a multi-millionaire than living extravagantly and buying private jets. While there are definitely some perks, there are surprisingly a lot of downsides in which Wardell is unafraid to explore.
This is the first book I've read by Heather Wardell but I can already tell she excels in character writing. We've all read a book where at least one character seems to lack any personality and whose only purpose seem to be for (bad) things to happen to them and then to be forgotten. You'll find no such character in Fifty Million Reasons. Instead, you'll find characters that you'll remember for their emotions, their motives, and their view in life. Aside from Angela, who I will talk more about later, the people I enjoyed reading about the most was Claudia, John, and Zack. Claudia is Angela's best friend and her struggles with trying to have a baby had me crossing my fingers and hoping the best for her. John's stubbornness really made me want to punch him and hug him at the same time. Zack is a precious kid who is sometimes too wise for his age, but if I had a kid who grew up to be like him, I would be so proud. So much time and effort has obviously been put into writing these characters, you can't help but easily connect with them and wish the best for them.
Angela, herself, is a genuine, generous protagonist who I found very difficult not to like. The only hitch in her characterization for me was her hangup on a relationship that ended nine years ago. I know "first loves" and "the one that got away" aren't easy to forget, but nine of years of wondering how your life would've been different if you were still with that person seems a bit excessive. Still, I liked how Angela's view on this managed to change throughout the story and was a nice indicator how much character growth she went through in just six months. As someone who is also afraid of change, Angela's fear that the money might have changed her and her relationships with others really resonated with me. Being privy to her thought processes as she slowly learns to accept those changes and start to balance her life only made me empathize with her even more.
This book will surely stop and make you reflect on your life, if even for the shortest of moments. Yet the book never, for one moment, gets preachy. Wardell doesn't tell the reader what is wrong or what is right. Instead, each character must try to find the solutions to their problems that best suited their own individual ethical code. In that process, the readers also end up pondering the same questions as the characters. If you won the lottery, how do you determine among your family, friends, and loved ones who gets what? How much is too much and too little during birthdays and holidays? What would you do if your relationships with the people closest to you changed because of money? If someone you knew won the lottery, would you ask them for money? If they offered it even when you didn't ask, would you accept it? When I thought about those questions, I couldn't help but be just a little more devoted to the characters and their stories and hoping that there was a happy ending for all.
The ending did manage to wrap up Angela's experience as a multi-millionaire extremely well. Although some might see it as predictable, I still found it satisfying while staying true to their characters. Overall, I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a light, refreshing read that just leaves you with a warm feeling and rosy cheeks in the end. (Rating: 5/5)
** See review @ Bookcharmed
December 7, 2013
Fifty Million Reasons. Heather Wardell.
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews.
I've read three of Heathers books now and loved them all. I love romance that has that bit extra, that makes me think about characters and their problems, that seems real and that has lots of emotion, where characters go through ups and downs in their relationships. Once again this book delivers all that.
Who hasn't planned what they'd do if they one the lottery? I know I have, its what I often think of on those nights when sleep eludes me. Well, the lead character here, Angela, has also done that, but when she wins fifty million dollars she finds its not the simple happy task she thought it would be.
Angela's a great lead, compassionate and caring, she has developed a little habit of doing a good deed when she can, so things like secretly paying for the burger for the next person in the drive-in are routine to her. She gets pleasure from thinking she may just have brightened someone’s day. Then she wins the lottery and its like all hell breaks lose. At the shop where she checks her numbers complete strangers demand she at least pays for their shopping, she's subject to harassment wherever she goes, by crowds of people all wanting either direct cash or funding for something and the junk mail, her phone literally never stops ringing or telling her she's a text.....then to top it her ex from years past – the days when she thought he was The One and she'd be happily married and with a family by now – shows up demanding a share. Even her relatives are making her life a misery. She's always vowed money wouldn't change her – and she tries hard to stay the same, but gradually it all seeps at her and she's really down at times.
I loved Angela, such a kind and caring person and my plans run along hers – so if ever I do win I’ll think of her...anyway she's good friends with divorcee John who lives with his young son Zack in the apartment above hers. She often sits with Zack while John’s working, they share takeaways and Call of Duty etc. matches, and they look after her precious bonsai while she's travelling for her job. John – such a great guy, but then we learn he has problems too. As do some of her closest friends – with all that money she could wipe out their financial woes and bring happiness, but its not that easy. They worry it will change their friendship and they value that first. That’s so true – how relationships can change if one feels they “owe” the other, and I understood the problems from both sides. The family though – that was a real shocker and yet when we read how Wills cause such family stress I don't think it should have been such a surprise to me :) she was surprised at herself and unhappy when she started to find it hard to give away cash....I guess when you've that security there seeing the 000's is a kind of warmth and knowledge you'll not have to go back to scrimping.
What I really love about HW novels are they are full of story, not just the sweet man meets woman and they live Hea but more, people that have other things and problems going on, that we see the psychology behind their actions and understand them on a deeper level. Each of the three I’ve read have been very different, and yet all three have a story that takes basic human nature and shows how it can vary according to external influences. That its not just the person, but the circumstances that so often shape behaviour. I love that sort of thing. Of course they all have a beautiful romance too, and not necessarily ending with the person who seemed perfect at first. She lets her leads have flaws, make mistakes and they learn from them and find true romance through it. Priced at £3.14for 316 pages its excellent value, and will join my keepers file for re reading.
Stars: Well written of course, with lots in the story that got me thinking...five of course :)
ARC supplied by Netgalley
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews.
I've read three of Heathers books now and loved them all. I love romance that has that bit extra, that makes me think about characters and their problems, that seems real and that has lots of emotion, where characters go through ups and downs in their relationships. Once again this book delivers all that.
Who hasn't planned what they'd do if they one the lottery? I know I have, its what I often think of on those nights when sleep eludes me. Well, the lead character here, Angela, has also done that, but when she wins fifty million dollars she finds its not the simple happy task she thought it would be.
Angela's a great lead, compassionate and caring, she has developed a little habit of doing a good deed when she can, so things like secretly paying for the burger for the next person in the drive-in are routine to her. She gets pleasure from thinking she may just have brightened someone’s day. Then she wins the lottery and its like all hell breaks lose. At the shop where she checks her numbers complete strangers demand she at least pays for their shopping, she's subject to harassment wherever she goes, by crowds of people all wanting either direct cash or funding for something and the junk mail, her phone literally never stops ringing or telling her she's a text.....then to top it her ex from years past – the days when she thought he was The One and she'd be happily married and with a family by now – shows up demanding a share. Even her relatives are making her life a misery. She's always vowed money wouldn't change her – and she tries hard to stay the same, but gradually it all seeps at her and she's really down at times.
I loved Angela, such a kind and caring person and my plans run along hers – so if ever I do win I’ll think of her...anyway she's good friends with divorcee John who lives with his young son Zack in the apartment above hers. She often sits with Zack while John’s working, they share takeaways and Call of Duty etc. matches, and they look after her precious bonsai while she's travelling for her job. John – such a great guy, but then we learn he has problems too. As do some of her closest friends – with all that money she could wipe out their financial woes and bring happiness, but its not that easy. They worry it will change their friendship and they value that first. That’s so true – how relationships can change if one feels they “owe” the other, and I understood the problems from both sides. The family though – that was a real shocker and yet when we read how Wills cause such family stress I don't think it should have been such a surprise to me :) she was surprised at herself and unhappy when she started to find it hard to give away cash....I guess when you've that security there seeing the 000's is a kind of warmth and knowledge you'll not have to go back to scrimping.
What I really love about HW novels are they are full of story, not just the sweet man meets woman and they live Hea but more, people that have other things and problems going on, that we see the psychology behind their actions and understand them on a deeper level. Each of the three I’ve read have been very different, and yet all three have a story that takes basic human nature and shows how it can vary according to external influences. That its not just the person, but the circumstances that so often shape behaviour. I love that sort of thing. Of course they all have a beautiful romance too, and not necessarily ending with the person who seemed perfect at first. She lets her leads have flaws, make mistakes and they learn from them and find true romance through it. Priced at £3.14for 316 pages its excellent value, and will join my keepers file for re reading.
Stars: Well written of course, with lots in the story that got me thinking...five of course :)
ARC supplied by Netgalley
August 1, 2015
This is an excerpt. Full review on my blog.
Fifty Million Reasons is the thirteenth book of
Heather Wardell’s Toronto Series. This is the first book from that author that I read. I don’t know if her other books are related but as far as my reading experience goes, I can say that this one is written so it can be a standalone.In Fifty Million Reasons we meet Angela, a single young woman living in Toronto. Her life is fine and you might say normal. She loves her family and friends, and she enjoys doing random acts of kindness without expecting anything in return.
Maybe it was her lucky bonsai trees or life trying to reward her for her good deeds or just plain old luck but Angela scored big winning the lottery. She won 50 million dollars!
Such a huge sum of money is life-changing. But Angela’s first thought was that her new financial status was not going to change her. She knew her life was set and that now she would finally be able to help her friends and family without any trouble. Or so she thought.
Winning the lottery takes Angela on a journey to discover the truth about the people in her life. The lottery is an eye-opener for Angela and she gets to know who really loves and respects her and who only wants to take advantage of her winnings.
Fifty Million Reasons is a fast-paced book, with relatable characters and current events that keep you entertained and interested. It’s a good book about friendships regardless the person’s age, family values, greed, generosity and love. It could be a nice easy read for book clubs, a side read or a book in between long intense ones. It’s a book that makes you ponder and definitely leaves you thinking about what you would do if you won 50 million dollars.
Buy on Amazon US Paperback Kindle
Buy on Amazon UK Paperback
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
I received a copy of this book but was not financially compensated in any way nor obliged to review. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my personal experience while reading it. This review contains affiliate links.
September 2, 2016
After reading a previous title offered at NetGalley (Everybody's Got a Story: Toronto #12) by the same author, I was really happy to see this title available as well and eagerly put it on my TBR list. Because I enjoyed the previous book, my expectations for this title were a little higher than usual. However, I'm happy to report that this book fulfilled those expectations with ease. Though the book was part of a larger collection concerning the city of Toronto, it stood well on its own while including a bit of the history from the previous titles.
The book opened with the main character, Angela, sharing a secret with her neighbor's son, Zack, as they pay the bill for a person behind them in the drive-thru lane. This interaction revealed a lot about Angela's character and the easy-going relationship that she shared with a number of the supporting characters in the story. As events began to take place, it wasn't hard to see how easily a person's life and thoughts can change when presented with such a life-altering situation. Throughout her struggles with coming into a vast sum of money, Angela tried to not let it change who she was at her core. A lot of the incidents in the book between she and strangers, even some family members, were pretty close to what I would expect from the world in which we currently live. I was a bit surprised at how far a few people went to get at her money but not completely shocked.
It was such a wild ride from the moment Angela realized that she was a winner to the very end when many of the issues were resolved. For me this book was one that I could have read all the way through in a matter of hours if it weren't for prior obligations. I really felt for Angela who seemed to be a good-hearted person that only wanted to do right for the people in her life. There were a few moments were I was beating my head against the wall because of the stubbornness of a few characters. Without spoiling the book, let's just say that there were a time or two where a slap upside the head may have done the trick to wake him or her up a bit. Despite these feelings of mine, the book moved smoothly from chapter to the chapter and left the story at a natural conclusion.
Overall, I really liked the book. I could relate to Angela in her everyday life before the big win and often found myself doing the same type of daydreaming about spending the jackpot. The way in which she did spend the money was really a smart way to go about it and I'll have to keep it in mind if my numbers ever do win. The author did a great job of presenting strong female and male characters in this story which made it better, in my opinion. Not your usual romance, this book gives you a real world glimpse of what happens when the blue-collar struggling type suddenly becomes Ms. Multi-millionaire. If you're looking for an almost real romance with a few million tossed in for excitement, pick up a copy of this book today!
The book opened with the main character, Angela, sharing a secret with her neighbor's son, Zack, as they pay the bill for a person behind them in the drive-thru lane. This interaction revealed a lot about Angela's character and the easy-going relationship that she shared with a number of the supporting characters in the story. As events began to take place, it wasn't hard to see how easily a person's life and thoughts can change when presented with such a life-altering situation. Throughout her struggles with coming into a vast sum of money, Angela tried to not let it change who she was at her core. A lot of the incidents in the book between she and strangers, even some family members, were pretty close to what I would expect from the world in which we currently live. I was a bit surprised at how far a few people went to get at her money but not completely shocked.
It was such a wild ride from the moment Angela realized that she was a winner to the very end when many of the issues were resolved. For me this book was one that I could have read all the way through in a matter of hours if it weren't for prior obligations. I really felt for Angela who seemed to be a good-hearted person that only wanted to do right for the people in her life. There were a few moments were I was beating my head against the wall because of the stubbornness of a few characters. Without spoiling the book, let's just say that there were a time or two where a slap upside the head may have done the trick to wake him or her up a bit. Despite these feelings of mine, the book moved smoothly from chapter to the chapter and left the story at a natural conclusion.
Overall, I really liked the book. I could relate to Angela in her everyday life before the big win and often found myself doing the same type of daydreaming about spending the jackpot. The way in which she did spend the money was really a smart way to go about it and I'll have to keep it in mind if my numbers ever do win. The author did a great job of presenting strong female and male characters in this story which made it better, in my opinion. Not your usual romance, this book gives you a real world glimpse of what happens when the blue-collar struggling type suddenly becomes Ms. Multi-millionaire. If you're looking for an almost real romance with a few million tossed in for excitement, pick up a copy of this book today!
February 28, 2015
Starting a new Heather Wardell novel is like watching an episode of Friends. I know ahead of time that I’m going to love it, the characters are going to steal my heart, I’m going to laugh or cry uncontrollably and I’ll keep thinking about it longer after it’s over. And although I can now quote every episode of Friends by heart, Wardell’s novels are often unpredictable and keep me wondering what is going to happen next.
Heather Wardell is one of my absolute favorite authors of all time, so I always have high expectations for her books. I was actually fortunate enough to meet her in person once when she toured the US, and meeting her just made me love her books even more. And, as expected, Fifty Million Reasons more than lived up to the hype.
Angela is smart, thoughtful, caring and empathetic. Wardell is an expert at writing well-rounded characters, and I always feel like they become a part of my life. I understand their decisions, their lives, their backgrounds, their emotions. I didn’t always agree with Angela’s decisions, but Wardell wrote it in a way that helps us understand why Angela’s making each decision and how they helped her grow as a person.
Wardell also did her homework when it came to finances and what happens when you win the lottery. I was on a cruise when I read Fifty Million Reasons, and every five minutes I would share an interesting fact or plotline with my boyfriend. “Hey, did you know you get x amount of interest if you win $50 million in Canada?” or “Can you believe this happened to Angela?!” On top of that, I spent an entire day of my cruise with my nose in the book, flying through the pages instead of enjoying the ocean and beautiful Caribbean around me. I just couldn’t stop devouring this novel long enough to notice my surroundings.
I’m giving this book five stars because I finished it over two weeks ago and still haven’t stopped talking and thinking about it. I’m still thinking about how Angela felt when she won the lottery, how it impacted her life and everyone around her and how winning that much money can change your life (sometimes for the worse). Thank you, Heather, for another amazing read! I am already looking forward to the next one. :)
Heather Wardell is one of my absolute favorite authors of all time, so I always have high expectations for her books. I was actually fortunate enough to meet her in person once when she toured the US, and meeting her just made me love her books even more. And, as expected, Fifty Million Reasons more than lived up to the hype.
Angela is smart, thoughtful, caring and empathetic. Wardell is an expert at writing well-rounded characters, and I always feel like they become a part of my life. I understand their decisions, their lives, their backgrounds, their emotions. I didn’t always agree with Angela’s decisions, but Wardell wrote it in a way that helps us understand why Angela’s making each decision and how they helped her grow as a person.
Wardell also did her homework when it came to finances and what happens when you win the lottery. I was on a cruise when I read Fifty Million Reasons, and every five minutes I would share an interesting fact or plotline with my boyfriend. “Hey, did you know you get x amount of interest if you win $50 million in Canada?” or “Can you believe this happened to Angela?!” On top of that, I spent an entire day of my cruise with my nose in the book, flying through the pages instead of enjoying the ocean and beautiful Caribbean around me. I just couldn’t stop devouring this novel long enough to notice my surroundings.
I’m giving this book five stars because I finished it over two weeks ago and still haven’t stopped talking and thinking about it. I’m still thinking about how Angela felt when she won the lottery, how it impacted her life and everyone around her and how winning that much money can change your life (sometimes for the worse). Thank you, Heather, for another amazing read! I am already looking forward to the next one. :)
July 12, 2016
Fifty Million Reasons had one of the best beginnings I’ve read in literature thus far, and the charm/accurate human analysis continued until the end.
By “charm” I mean the lovable friendships and relationships in this book. The main character herself is relatable, down-to-Earth and modest, but somehow extremely interesting. Her morals and values are common and, when she wins the lottery, I immediately care about her lifestyle changes, choices and how it affects her psychological state. I cared. This might not seem like such a huge deal, but I have never read a more relatable female character before, one that seems human. Her concept of thinking revolving around the lottery itself perfectly matched my own, which made the entire story so much more interesting.
The accurate human analysis revolves around the topic of greed, ruined friendship and how money can change a lot of things. Although Angela herself didn’t change (she did, but money didn’t get to her head) the people around her did. She was treated differently, as the reader understands, through numerous well-plotted events and changes from her previous lifestyle to her current one. The novel also delves into the touchy, unspoken topics, and how money can change the person themselves and their perspective of life, regardless of their morals and values before the change. All this was written extremely well, and with thought.
But mostly, Angela grows as a person. Winning the lottery is no longer a “what if” but an “I am.” The entire human analysis, plots and events, situated perfectly to lead to the resolution. The minute I completed this book, I downloaded the author’s other book. Thank you for a wonderful read.
December 25, 2013
I wrote my top ten books of the year list too early. I need to rewrite it to include this book. This is more than just the chicklit romance that I thought it would be. There was so much reality imbedded in the story, and not all of it was pleasant.
Like most people, I think I know what I’d do if I won the lottery. I actually have fairly detailed plans for various prize levels, but none of my plans really take into account how others will treat me and my winnings. It’s not something I considered, but this book makes me see that there is a very possible downside to winning the lottery.
I was completely blown away by how rude and ignorant and entitled some people are. The way the other customers in the store treat Angela when she first finds out she won was unbelievable. I was bawling by the end of the scene, and did this several more times throughout the book.
Part of Angela’s life pre-lottery included doing small acts of kindness and charity to others, and it’s something she struggles with post-lottery because her prior acts just don’t seem like enough. I loved this element of the story, and not just because Angela’s pre-lottery habit of paying for the order behind her in the coffee drive-thru is something that I do personally. It really drives home the fact that each of us has the ability to brighten someone else’s day with a small gesture, and even if it doesn’t seem like a lot to you, it may be huge to them.
Overall, this was an amazing book, and I’m so glad I got to read it. It’s part of a series, but each book is a standalone story, with mostly just the setting in common. I like this, and have a few of the earlier books that I need to pick up and read. If they are like this one, they will be both heart breaking and heart warming.
Like most people, I think I know what I’d do if I won the lottery. I actually have fairly detailed plans for various prize levels, but none of my plans really take into account how others will treat me and my winnings. It’s not something I considered, but this book makes me see that there is a very possible downside to winning the lottery.
I was completely blown away by how rude and ignorant and entitled some people are. The way the other customers in the store treat Angela when she first finds out she won was unbelievable. I was bawling by the end of the scene, and did this several more times throughout the book.
Part of Angela’s life pre-lottery included doing small acts of kindness and charity to others, and it’s something she struggles with post-lottery because her prior acts just don’t seem like enough. I loved this element of the story, and not just because Angela’s pre-lottery habit of paying for the order behind her in the coffee drive-thru is something that I do personally. It really drives home the fact that each of us has the ability to brighten someone else’s day with a small gesture, and even if it doesn’t seem like a lot to you, it may be huge to them.
Overall, this was an amazing book, and I’m so glad I got to read it. It’s part of a series, but each book is a standalone story, with mostly just the setting in common. I like this, and have a few of the earlier books that I need to pick up and read. If they are like this one, they will be both heart breaking and heart warming.
December 1, 2013
Everyone dreams winning the lottery, but in Fifty Million Reasons Angela does just that. Once again, Heather Wardell creates a cast of characters that are more than just names on the pages, Angela, John and Zack become your friends and neighbors. Just as in any of Heather's other books, you live through Angela's struggles and triumphs as she deals with her newly won riches and you cheer her on all the way through....There are more than Fifty Million Reasons why you will love this book.
That is my short concise review. If you want to know more...Angela is a travel writer who plays the lottery and has a very giving heart, but when she wins big things start to change in her life.
I think this book can be summed up with one song...Cyndi Lauper's Money Changes Everything. Heather Wardell does a bang up job making her characters feel like people that you know and love. I adored Angela, though there were times when I wanted to choke her (when she took back her ex). But that's how it is with family. You love them and you want to give them a swift kick sometimes.
What remained constant with Angela was her wanting to do good with her winnings. Yes, she wanted nice things for herself but she wanted help her family and friends, despite some nasty things happening to her, including a family member turning on her.
Heather researched this book well. Anything you've seen mentioned about the lives of lottery winners, well...it is in here.
Some may try to put this book in the category of chicklit, but it isn't. That would consign this book to the fluff pile and Heather Wardell doesn't do fluff. This book, like all her others, will tug at your heart strings, make you laugh and probably make you cry. It is also a book you won't want to put down.
That is my short concise review. If you want to know more...Angela is a travel writer who plays the lottery and has a very giving heart, but when she wins big things start to change in her life.
I think this book can be summed up with one song...Cyndi Lauper's Money Changes Everything. Heather Wardell does a bang up job making her characters feel like people that you know and love. I adored Angela, though there were times when I wanted to choke her (when she took back her ex). But that's how it is with family. You love them and you want to give them a swift kick sometimes.
What remained constant with Angela was her wanting to do good with her winnings. Yes, she wanted nice things for herself but she wanted help her family and friends, despite some nasty things happening to her, including a family member turning on her.
Heather researched this book well. Anything you've seen mentioned about the lives of lottery winners, well...it is in here.
Some may try to put this book in the category of chicklit, but it isn't. That would consign this book to the fluff pile and Heather Wardell doesn't do fluff. This book, like all her others, will tug at your heart strings, make you laugh and probably make you cry. It is also a book you won't want to put down.
December 27, 2014
Angela wins big in the Lottery and what comes next is amazing... Heather Wardell has a way of creating characters that could be your friend, you neighbor or a family member. She has a way of writing that you can even put yourself in the main character of any of her books and look at things out of the eyes of that Character. In Angela's case, think about it , what would you do if you hit the lottery and won 50 Million!!! You automatic first thoughts might be give to friends, a charity etc but have you ever thought about all those that come out of the wood works and now want a piece of the cake ? Read about Angela and all the other characters brought alive by Heather Wardell in this amazing book and find out what it could be like if you hit it big in the lottery.
Never read a book by Heather Wardell ? You might want to check out her first book "Life , Love and a Polar Bear Tattoo" which is free on Amazon and get an idea about her style of writing. I bet you, you will be a Heather Wardell Addict in no time. Personally I love her books, her wits , her little ways of always sneaking in a Polar Bear in each of her books, all the research she does when writing a book to make it as realistic as possible. AMAZING AUTHOR!!!
Never read a book by Heather Wardell ? You might want to check out her first book "Life , Love and a Polar Bear Tattoo" which is free on Amazon and get an idea about her style of writing. I bet you, you will be a Heather Wardell Addict in no time. Personally I love her books, her wits , her little ways of always sneaking in a Polar Bear in each of her books, all the research she does when writing a book to make it as realistic as possible. AMAZING AUTHOR!!!
September 6, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! It’s a pleasant light read, with relatable characters and an intriguing plot.
Sometimes, books seem to be one category or the other. I actually thought this might a trashy plot-by-numbers chick-lit with stock characters and contrived drama. I was looking for a bedtime read so figured I’d put up with this in exchange for something easy to read that I could dip in and out of each night. Well, I was wrong! I ended up reading much more than the planned chapter a night, and I was sucked into this story. Sure, the ending was obvious, but the getting there was a nice journey, the cast and conflicts all felt authentic and interesting.
Lately, I’ve read a lot of dystopian or YA stuff, and I needed a book like this to change up the monotony. Great timing, good book, really enjoyed it, and would check out this author again.
Also, quite educational for a lottery winner hopeful like myself. I’ve picked up some tips should I ever win!
Sometimes, books seem to be one category or the other. I actually thought this might a trashy plot-by-numbers chick-lit with stock characters and contrived drama. I was looking for a bedtime read so figured I’d put up with this in exchange for something easy to read that I could dip in and out of each night. Well, I was wrong! I ended up reading much more than the planned chapter a night, and I was sucked into this story. Sure, the ending was obvious, but the getting there was a nice journey, the cast and conflicts all felt authentic and interesting.
Lately, I’ve read a lot of dystopian or YA stuff, and I needed a book like this to change up the monotony. Great timing, good book, really enjoyed it, and would check out this author again.
Also, quite educational for a lottery winner hopeful like myself. I’ve picked up some tips should I ever win!
April 22, 2014
If you had a large lottery win, how would you spend the money and how would relationships with your friends and family change? These were a couple of the dilemas facing Angela, the main character in this pleasant and easy to read story.
Along with the lottery win, Angela has to contend with the return of an ex boyfriend, a friendship with a neighbour and his son and an evil family member! I enjoyed reading this book which was well written with interesting characters, my only gripe was the rather unbelievable murder plot, which appeared out of nowhere and vanished just as quickly, giving no real substance to this part of the story. Aside from this, as I said, it was a pleasant and enjoyable read.
*I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Along with the lottery win, Angela has to contend with the return of an ex boyfriend, a friendship with a neighbour and his son and an evil family member! I enjoyed reading this book which was well written with interesting characters, my only gripe was the rather unbelievable murder plot, which appeared out of nowhere and vanished just as quickly, giving no real substance to this part of the story. Aside from this, as I said, it was a pleasant and enjoyable read.
*I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2014
50 Million Reasons to read this book:
I won this book on Free Book Friday and had never read this author. I loved this book. Who doesn't dream of striking it big some day and winning the lottery. This is Angela's story and how it changed her life. One thinks that if they had lots of money they would be happy. In Heather Wardell's story about Angela you learn of the trials and tribulations of winning it big. There is some truth to the saying that money is the root of all evil. I don't want to spoil anything but this is a book that once you pick it up you won't want to put it down. I'm sure I will be reading more of Heather Wardell's books!
I won this book on Free Book Friday and had never read this author. I loved this book. Who doesn't dream of striking it big some day and winning the lottery. This is Angela's story and how it changed her life. One thinks that if they had lots of money they would be happy. In Heather Wardell's story about Angela you learn of the trials and tribulations of winning it big. There is some truth to the saying that money is the root of all evil. I don't want to spoil anything but this is a book that once you pick it up you won't want to put it down. I'm sure I will be reading more of Heather Wardell's books!
March 11, 2014
Loved this latest installment in the Toronto series -- it was another stay up late to finish the book. Thought Angela was a great gal that I would have liked to been friends with. Would have gotten 5 stars but I was not happy with the way she resolved her relationship with her ex-boyfriend (I would have told him to go to hell).
I did find myself agreeing that the struggles of winning the lottery were probably very realistic, I realize that I would still like to have this problem. I also continue to be delighted when you get little updates on the other Toronto characters lives.
I did find myself agreeing that the struggles of winning the lottery were probably very realistic, I realize that I would still like to have this problem. I also continue to be delighted when you get little updates on the other Toronto characters lives.
June 11, 2014
I can't write a review without giving anything away! So, I will just say that I loved this book and every book I have read by Heather Wardell!! If you haven't read anything by her, then I highly suggest you do! If you are looking for a heavy duty romance book/series with lots of sex then you will be disappointed! That is not what these books are about. There is romance/suspense/loss/wins in all of her books and to me they are well worth taking the time to read. I can actually relate with some of the characters and find myself envious of others. ;) Read, Read, Read Heather's books!!
December 7, 2013
Loved it! As usual with Heather's books the characters are easy to relate to, the subject is intriguing (who hasn't dreamed of winning the lottery?)and it is just a great read. The only thing I don't like is that after waiting months for "Fifty Million Reasons" to be available for purchase I am now back to waiting again for Heather's next book ;-) but I know her books are always worth the wait.
Thanks Heather, please keep up the great work.
Thanks Heather, please keep up the great work.
September 10, 2016
I thought this was well written and an interesting view on what would happen if one won the lottery. The writer is obviously very good at telling a story and making it plausible. This was not the first book in this set but I didn't feel it mattered that I hadn't read the first one.
However, it was lacking in emotional depth and so didn't take me on a journey I felt in tune with. Although we understood her reasoning and decisions we were left cold about them.
However, it was lacking in emotional depth and so didn't take me on a journey I felt in tune with. Although we understood her reasoning and decisions we were left cold about them.
December 13, 2013
Heather's books always warm my heart and make me smile. This one is no exception.
Angela's journey was fantastic to witness. I couldn't believe the greed she discovered when she had her unexpected windfall.
She found out who her real friends were though and that's something more valuable than being multi-millionaire.
Angela's journey was fantastic to witness. I couldn't believe the greed she discovered when she had her unexpected windfall.
She found out who her real friends were though and that's something more valuable than being multi-millionaire.
April 1, 2014
This unique look at the pitfalls of winning the lottery is enjoyable and thought-provoking. Wardell offers this unique perspective without being preachy or judgmental. Readers travel with the character as she determines how to spend the winnings and whom she can trust, and will no doubt imagine what they would do if in her shoes. Well-written and powerful, this book is a definite read!
June 26, 2015
Cute, quaint, and well written. There were some things in there that I was surprised to learn and I think that made me appreciate the book much more. If you are looking for a quick and easy book to read and curious to find out how quick people can act a fool when it comes to money, then I reccomend this book.
October 25, 2015
Heather Wardell does it again. A feel-good book for a relaxing read. The author weaves a story that pulls you in to cheer for the characters. I love that the setting is Toronto. In addition to the fact that the author pays tribute to characters and story lines that she created in her previous books. Great read.
April 24, 2015
Good
I liked reading this story and didn't realize all the pressures over winning the lottery. It was a good ending but I figured it would end that way. I couldn't imagine it ending any other way.
I liked reading this story and didn't realize all the pressures over winning the lottery. It was a good ending but I figured it would end that way. I couldn't imagine it ending any other way.
June 1, 2015
This was my first book read by Heather and I really enjoyed. I could not believe the greed of some family members and people you consider friends. I am glad she figured it out. I did not like Angela giving the money to Shane but understood.
April 19, 2015
I enjoyed the book. It kept me interested with thoughts of how I would spend $50ml. While in the end I might have resolved it differently, good for the character that she followed her heart.
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