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Fool's Luck

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"What an unexpected delight. The concept is fresh and original, the writing solid, the story - well, I'm still smiling."
Thomas Locke, Bestselling Author

When high school teacher Myles Bradford wins the Powerball lottery, he decides to do something truly unexpected: run for President of the United States.

Bradford is eager about the opportunity, but his family clearly is not. With little time to sway them to his side, he's thrust into running a quarter-billion-dollar nationwide campaign, complete with cross-country flights and road trips, expert staff, and armed security. But like most dreams, Bradford soon finds that what he imagined is completely different from what is real.

Thrust into the spotlight, he faces attacks from newfound political enemies and false accusations while striving to climb the ladder of success. As Bradford gets closer to achieving his dreams, danger lurks on the home front. As his attention is pulled farther away from the things that matter most, Bradford may learn that even success has its price.

Will he be able to have it all? Or will his thirst for power come at a tremendous cost?

284 pages, Paperback

Published July 13, 2021

1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Dave Milbrandt

6 books49 followers
The author of the award-winning Fool's Luck and the Jim Mitchell series of novels, Dave Milbrandt fell in love with writing in junior high and has been a storyteller ever since. The Southern California native spent five years in journalism and public relations before teaching high school and college classes since 2001. Dave and his wife, a novelist, often can be found swapping story ideas.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
Author 11 books92 followers
August 24, 2021
I love politics, and can frequently be found watching political shows on TV, reading political articles online, or listening to politics on talk radio. So reviewing a book about politics? Sign me up!

In this fictional book, high school government teacher Myles Bradford plays the lottery and wins a half BILLION dollars. What to do with that much money? He decides that instead of continually complaining about Washington, he'll put his money where his mouth is and run for president. What follows is a fun look at what it might be like to actually do that -- from visiting small town restaurants to preparing for debates to choosing a VP.

Myles is a likable protagonist, with his easygoing manner and his corny "dad jokes." "Fool's Luck" was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Katie.
330 reviews6 followers
August 25, 2021
Political climate being what it is, I always hold my breath when opening a politically based fiction. With Fool's Luck, I was happy to find that while it did focus on politics and government the story itself was so much more outside of that and wasn't really there to push a certain ideology. I found the twists and turns to really take you by surprise, and I found the conflicts the protagonist faces realistic to the plot and challenges that are faced. I think the premise itself of the ordinary man running for president is enough to intrigue most people. I really think anyone who enjoys fiction would enjoy this book- it's clean yet realistic and would be good for male or female readers. I was really pleasantly surprised!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and all opinions given are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Rosalyn.
1,287 reviews32 followers
May 22, 2023
Intriguing idea.
The whole story line felt a bit unrealistic....but overall, an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Randi Sampson.
1,867 reviews103 followers
August 16, 2021
Fool's Luck is not the type of book I would typically pick up to read. To be honest, for me I want reading to be an escape...and politics? Well, these days that is certainly something that many of us could use an escape FROM, right? I know I certainly can. It's a topic that tends to stress me out, and as such, not one to I tend to seek out in fiction.

Yet, the idea behind this book intrigued me... an ordinary history teacher Myles Bradford wins the lottery and rather than blow his newfound riches on fancy cars and such he decides to run for president to make a difference in the country. Like I said, quite intriguing. While politics certainly played an important role in the story, obviously, I also didn't feel like it leaned any one way or the other too much. In fact, as I was reading I don't personally recall seeing any mention of ANY of the most recent of presidents, which gave the story a neutrality which I appreciated. I felt like that really just allowed us to focus on Myles story and his family and not our own political leanings. While it was this unique presidential campaign concept that drew me into the story, it was definitely the story of family and faith that really made this great read for me. It made me laugh and cry throughout, and I couldn't help but enjoy it.

Overall, this was a really unique read and one that I am so glad that I was able to experience myself. Fans of political fiction will certainly want to check it out, but even those like myself who don't typically go for this type of read might just find themselves surprised by it too... I certainly was!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,918 reviews47 followers
August 23, 2021
Fool’s Luck is a political fiction book that is written by Dave Milbrandt. This is the first book that I have read my this author. This book is about 284 pages but it is a easy read. You are drawn in quickly. This is not my typical go to genre to read, but I am glad that I was given the opportunity to review it.

I love the premise of the story. I mean, if I won the lottery running for President would be the last thing on my mind. Myles is a high school government teacher. When he decides to buy a ticket he does not realize that his life will be changed forever. When he wins and announces that he wants to run for the highest office in our nation, his family is not thrilled. He does not have any experience in politics. He did run for mayor once, but dropped out due to a family illness. His family is not thrilled that he has spent a bunch of the winnings on the campaign and then hits the trail.

One of the thing I appreciate about a political fiction book is all the recent chaos is left out and the author leaves everything neutral. I was a little nervous going in since I did not know if the author was going to sway one way or another. It is well written, has a fun story line and will draw you in right away.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Gretchen Garrison.
Author 3 books33 followers
August 25, 2021
When teacher Myles Bradford wins the lottery, he does something unexpected. He decides to run for President. That choice results in more rides on buses and planes and in unfamiliar places than he anticipated. More than that, he wonders if he made the right decision as it takes a toll on his family. Can he really make a difference anyway?

This book addresses the real world of politics and does touch on how ridiculous certain expectations can be. One of my favorite chapters was the one where Myles was trying to order a meal at a restaurant. I do think I understand in a whole new way how difficult it is to please people when you are running for office. The politic portions definitely felt realistic.

This book also tackles childhood cancer. That could be a potential trigger for certain readers. I felt like this topic was also handled well.

So would I want to run for office? This book might make me second guess ever going that direction. But I do think that this book's positive tone is the reminder that trying to make a difference does matter.

I definitely enjoyed this book by Dave Millbrandt. The plot had many unexpected twists and turns. I felt like I got a glimpse into what it would be like to be a public figure on a national stage. I received a copy of this book through a book tour. I wanted to write a review. All opinions are my own.

1,320 reviews
August 22, 2021
Fool's Luck by Dave Milbrandt is a Christian political fiction of a teacher who has won big in the lottery and without speaking to his family announces he is running for president.
This is a fantastic story to read. It is fast paced with depth to the story. I was pulled into the story very quickly. I especially enjoyed the parts that dealt with his family. Especially how his twin children were the ones that lead their mother to church and had him questioning Christianity. The story really made me think and stayed with me after finishing it. If put in the same position, what would I do and what would be my top priority.
I received a complimentary copy of this story. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,615 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2021
"Fool’s Luck" by Dave Milbrandt was a page turner for me. Which I have to say is a surprise because of the genre. I really don't like Political things but I really enjoyed this book. I truly recommend this book. I will say this book is a clean read but there are lots of references to fun activities that married couples enjoy, which the characters are married.
This is a fun story about winning the lottery and wanting to become the President. There is also a few sad scenes involving cancer.

I would read a sequel with the characters. It will interesting to see how their lives changed after the election was over. ( not telling if he won the election or not). I know you want to know, so get a copy of the book and find out for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley Dawn.
Author 41 books82 followers
August 24, 2021
I was both excited to read this and hesitant. Politics are not something I enjoy delving into for a number of reasons. That’s why it was refreshing to get into it and realize that politics wasn’t the main focus. I can’t imagine winning the lottery and deciding to run for president.

A normal every day person wouldn’t think of it but that’s just what happened here. He was excited, his family not so much. There is a lot of things that he didn’t expect and lots of change and growth through the story. Now I’m really glad I read it and think lots would enjoy the story.

4/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Amanda  H.
843 reviews56 followers
August 20, 2021
This was a unique story about a high school teacher turned millionaire who decides to put his newfound wealth where his mouth is and run for president. I thought that the journey he goes on to the White House was an interesting one with some good lessons along the way. It makes me wish someone like Myles would run for president!

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,259 reviews495 followers
August 7, 2021
The author uses his imagination here, wow, can't even imagine winning the lottery, never mind a power ball, so much money. Well, the main character here, Myles, does just that, and what does this teacher decide to do, well, run for President of the US.
His family isn't thrilled at the announcement, a high of winning, and a low of having their entire lives disrupted. Who wakes up one morning and decides to run for President, well, Myles is in for an eye opener, and whether he wins or not, his life will never be the same.
This book became a page turner, and all the while, even with the pain of life, we hope Myles will find out what is most important. Often, with your heart in your throat, we journey through this book, and sometimes wonder if it is worth it! Just imagine what that much money can buy, maybe the Presidency?
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Cathy.
617 reviews10 followers
August 14, 2021
Although I have zero interest in politics, the premise that someone could win a huge lottery & decide to spend it running for POTUS was intriguing. This unlikely scenario was written with the common citizen in mind, with snappy, humorous dialog. The author happens to be a former coworker of mine. Way to go, Dave!
Profile Image for Patti Townley-Covert.
Author 7 books15 followers
August 8, 2021
What a fresh and intriguing premise--win the lottery and run for President of the United States! Milbrandt takes us along on a journey we might all wonder about, and his writing style kept me turning pages clear to the end. An out-of-the box read, I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Jessica Higgins.
1,645 reviews15 followers
July 14, 2021
A very different concept from what I normally read, which made for a fast and delightful story.

Myles Bradford was just an ordinary guy, taught high school while trying to be the best husband and father he could. All of that changed when he took a chance and bought a Powerball lottery ticket and won. With the winnings, he decided to run for President of the United States. He has very little experience in politics, except for running for mayor and having to drop out of the race when his son is diagnosed with cancer. His family isn’t as excited about his running as he is when he thrust most of the money into the campaign and starts traveling the country. Wanting to change the way things are done and being able to change them are two different things as Bradford quickly finds out. While his attention is pulled in different directions, he realizes that even if he wins the price might not be worthwhile.

Fool’s Luck starts out great with a unique premise and characters that are easy to like. Myles and his family are your run of the mill American family until his winning changes everything. The beginning was quick and easy to follow, the middle lost my attention, but the back half brought me back into the story. I’m not usually one to get into politics and stories that are of that nature, but this is more of a family story at heart, a story about wanting to do better and be better for others. That is what made it a good read, I didn’t really care about the politics part of the story, not something that interests me, but when Milbrandt got deeper into the family aspect I was involved; I wanted to see what would happen with the kids and his relationship with his wife because of the decisions he made after winning the money. The plot was original, the characters were flawed but relatable which readers will enjoy, and the pace easy to follow other than the middle that lost my interest with all the talk of politics. I read this in a little over a day, just a nice easy read that I didn’t have to think too much about which was nice. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy politics, family stories and a nice clean read.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
6,204 reviews
July 24, 2021
Fool's Luck is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Dave Milbrandt. It definitely will not be the last. I thought this was a pretty good read. Myles Bradford’s story was fast paced with a lot of twists and turns I did not see coming. It is not one that can be easily predicted. I could not put it down until I was completely finished reading the whole book in one sitting. I loved every single page.

I am giving Fool's Luck a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean fiction that focuses on government and politics. I look forward to reading more by Dave Milbrandt in the future.

I received a paperback copy of Fool's Luck from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Thomas.
Author 8 books25 followers
July 19, 2021
"Fool's Luck" is a page turner. When Myles Bradford IV, high school government teacher, steps onto the stage for his first presidential debate, the story just gets more and more involving. I was hooked. And while there are several surprising plot twists here to reward reading, there is also the wonderful way the author weaves a deep knowledge of politics into the mix, all without sacrificing the story or the pace of the entertainment. Yet another pleasure, for me, at least, were the moments between Myles and his wife, his daughter, his son, and his closest friends, which are handled nicely and with real depth. Well done. Very strong story.
Profile Image for Kathi Casey.
1 review
June 24, 2021
If you enjoyed other novels by this talented author, you'll LOVE this one! Prior to reading, the story premise seemed a bit unrealistic and silly, but I found it to be not only believable and thoroughly enjoyable, but also witty and packed with surprising twists! The characters are believable, well-developed, and well-rounded.
You won't want to put this one down!
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,139 reviews134 followers
August 30, 2021
What would you do if you won the lottery? I think a lot of us would say pay off bills, buy a new car, take a vacation or maybe give some to a charity. For Myles he had a very different plan when he won. He shocks his family when he tells them he is going to run for President of the United States. Okay now there are many thoughts rushing through my head. Is he qualified? Does he know what he is getting into? Is he crazy?

I was very engaged in the story as this unknown decided he wanted to make a difference. Being a teacher for many years , he has loved every minute of it. Myles is ready to change the world and being President will give him the opportunity to take his ideas and watch them improve our nation. Okay I did laugh as I read that this virtually unknown man thought he could actually win the race.

The story follows one man as he puts his name in the race. I liked learning all the ins and outs of running for office. Your life is now very public and everything is open season to the media. It did have a hint of realism as one story came out that was definitely a smear campaign. The author does a good job of tackling this issue and delivers a nice way to stop the rumors.

I did like the story but for me the behind the scenes personal story where the author shined. Myles must convince his wife that this is the right thing to do. He is willing to use every cent of his winnings to be the President. I thought his wife was wonderful and supported him every step of the way. Of course there was that moment of “Are you kidding me?” that she thought but wouldn’t you ask the same thing?

There is a part of the story where Myles struggles with his faith. He has the same question that many of us have. Why does God allow things to happen? We may not get the answer but Myles will face a crisis that will not only test his faith but what his priorities are. This was the best part of the book for me. We witness real emotion, see Myles struggle with what he should do and watch him tackle the very basic question. Is being President more important than family?

Be prepared to laugh, cry and rejoice as one man sets out to change the world in this emotional journey. I really enjoyed the book and loved how believing in yourself gives you confidence to see your dreams come true.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,852 reviews52 followers
August 31, 2021
I will be completely honest, I enjoy Fiction books. Political books are not normally a genre I read, even in Fiction format. Although, there was just something about the Synopsis of this book that drew me in. Dave Milbrandt is a new to me author and I also LOVE reading books from authors I haven't read before. Fool's Luck is Dave Milbrandt's latest book and I had the opportunity to read it.

We all dream about winning the BIG Lottery Jackpot and doing good things with the money. History Teacher, Myles Bradford wins the Powerball Lottery and he does something unique with his winnings. He decides to run for President of the United States. Bradford's family is not sure this is a good idea, but Myles is excited about running for President. No time to spare as Myles begins his Campaign full throttle and is suddenly going Nationwide Campaigning. The Campaign is expensive and is has security detail and lots of traveling. He soon discovers a Presidential Campaign isn't all "Fun and Roses" as he now how Political Enemies and is coming under attack. He also discovers his family faces danger at home. Does Myles give up on his Presidential Campaign for the safety of him and his family? Will he choose Dreams and Success and continue on?

Shockingly, i was reeled into the book from the very first chapter and did not want to put it down. The book is an easy read and the storyline is unique and intriguing. I really like that although the book is about Running for President, it wasn't Politics based. The book is more about Family and gaining support and love. Fool's Luck also has a Faith based theme. The Twins helped encourage the family to attend church and grow in their faith. GREAT BOOK!
1,932 reviews
August 31, 2021
Imagine buying a lottery ticket on a whim, and then winning a huge jackpot of millions of dollars. Most people would go out and pay off debt, buy tangible goods like homes and vehicles, But when Myles Bradford, a teacher wins a landfall from a lottery, he chooses to run for president of the United States. I love how this book explores Myles’ life as a husband, father, teacher, and candidate.

With a fight for overcoming cancer for his son Alex, Myles along with his wife Lauren and daughter Sam, walk an incredibly painful path. Robbie, his campaign manager who becomes his chief of staff brings a down-t-earth reality to the story.

But ultimately the most important part of this story results from God pursuing Myles to draw him near. So if you enjoy faith-filled stories that also involve politics, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Joan.
4,443 reviews127 followers
August 23, 2021
This is quite a novel about what might happen when a pretty nice guy suddenly gets enough money to run for president. It is not a pretty picture, with the demands made on him and the attacks aimed at him. It's a moral battle when tempted to use dirt on opponents. There is pressure on the family structure. There are hard decisions to make about priorities, both political and relational.

Milbrandt has crafted a realistic look at the political process and the cost of running for the highest office in the land. The characters are developed well and the plot flows right along. The novel is entertaining as well as thought provoking. It also includes a good spiritual lesson on keeping one's faith even when tragedy happens.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Joseph Bentz.
Author 12 books38 followers
June 26, 2021
I have read all of Dave Milbrandt's novels, and I think this is his best one yet. When high school teacher Myles Bradford buys a lottery ticket on a whim, he has no idea that it will change not only his own life, but also the history of the United States! This novel is an enjoyable ride for readers and also serves as a commentary on modern politics. I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews