More Than Enough: Face Your Demons, Find Your Freedom

by Emma Dhesi

Karen thought life would offer more. That she would offer more. But what if she’s made the wrong choices?

Married with children, Karen has been stuck in the same job for the past twenty years. But that is the least of her problems. Between hiding empty bottles from her husband and protecting her family from yet another rumour, she must convince herself and her boss she’s ready for that promotion.

But when things tumble out of control, she loses her job and is arrested for disorderly behaviour. No longer able to deny Karen has a problem, her husband Mark gives her an ultimatum.

Now she’s lost her dignity, will she lose her family too? Or will she finally confront her demons and make amends?

294 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2023

About the author

Emma Dhesi is the Amazon bestselling author of four novels and one non-fiction book.

Her love of reading began with Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild, the book that first made her want to be a writer.

She writes stories for women who know life is never simply black and white, and who love characters that feel layered, honest, and real.

Emma’s favourite authors include Lisa Jewell, Jodi Picoult, Kate Atkinson, and Taylor Jenkins Reid - writers who inspire her with their unforgettable characters and twisty storytelling.

With family roots in the Isle of Lewis, Orkney, and the Punjab, Emma brings a mix of cultures and perspectives to her work.

When she’s not writing, she’s often exploring her family history, curled up with a new novel, or chatting with other book lovers.

She loves connecting with readers on Instagram @emmadhesiauthor.

Reviews

[Katrina Freckleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the Author – Emma Dhesi, for bringing to light that addiction can take hold and be hidden in more than one way. A very moving and insightful read about alcoholism showing that its stigma can affect anyone and causes untold drama to those within its circle. At the end I read the note by the author and found it very profound that she had been along this journey and had found light at the end of the tunnel.

In this story, although the journey was hard, the ending could have been so very different. The Author has a wonderful way of telling this story so that it is like an awakening and with that comes a realization of what is happening. There is no crime to solve but rather we are taken along the journey. A great read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very powerful book of how alcoholism can take a family to the brink of destruction. The lies, self denial and even turning a blind eye to the impact on the family, the protagonists husband finally admits the destruction his wife’s drinking is having him and their children and has had for many years. It is a story of excess, denial, destruction, fear and finally redemption and healing even as the author demonstrates the fragility of gaining sobriety and the ongoing need to be vigilant to sustain the hard fought victory and Dhesi shows how alcoholism’s hook is so hard to overcome, the need for honesty within and the importance of community in the overall healing process.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we see the problem of alcoholism laid out bare. It isn't a comfortable book to read and I suspect it was far from comfortable to write. Karen expects more from her life than she has achieved. She continues in her teaching job and uses alcohol as a prop to keep her able to cope with husband, children, work and herself. She tells herself she can manage better with a little wine.

A little is not enough and she ends up even arriving at work still suffering from the excess of the night before. Her life begins to unravel, but it is hard for her to see that she is an alcoholic. Others see it. Her husband and children see it. She is in denial. She promises to cut down, and tries, but with poor results. It is a heartbreaking picture.

Only when she is helped to give up alcohol entirely can she turn the situation around.

The characters are well drawn, and as such the reader cannot help but care what happens to them, and indeed, how the situation will be resolved. I know the problem is a common one throughout the community, but rarely do we see it explained so well.

I received my copy of this book free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.