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"What a story! From the moment I opened up to the first page of The Black Cloister, I was hooked. This intense, well-crafted story about a modern day cult, will have you wondering long into the night. I look forward to more Melanie Dobson books."
--Linda Hall, author of Shadows in the Mirror
"I couldn't stop reading Melanie Dobson's The Black Cloister. Dobson does it all in this book: she creates breathtaking suspense, characters you care about and addresses an important issue you won't easily forget. The Black Cloister is a winner--you won't go wrong with this book."
--Christy Barritt, author of the Squeaky Clean Series
"The deeper the darkness, the brighter God's light can shine--as Melanie Dobson so ably proves in The Black Cloister. A stunning book."
--Shelley Bates, author of the Elect Trilogy
"Dobson weaves a powerful and emotionally gripping tale that at times was so suspenseful that I would rather read the story than eat or sleep. The conclusion is also satisfying as it shows the power of true Godly love and how truth is more powerful than evil when you cling to His promises and minister to His children."
--Michelle Sutton, book reviewer
"In Going for Broke, Melanie Dobson artistically paints the secret life of the compulsive gambler and then shines the bright light of help and hope. Bravo!"
--Mary Hunt, author of Debt-Proof Living
"I just finished reading Going For Broke. Thank you for writing about a topic that is a huge problem, but no one wants to talk about it. I look forward to reading your future books."
--Julie, Michigan
"In Going for Broke, author Melanie Dobson writes with her finger on the pulse of addictive gambling. Readers will hold their breath as bets are made, will cringe as the consequences deepen, and will ultimately smile as the grace of God pierces through the most devastating of circumstances.
Going for Broke is an intensely realistic look into the destructive cycle of the gambling addiction. Though the book focuses on gambling, it serves as a realistic portrait of the downward spiral involved with any form of addiction. As Leia falls deeper in debt, she must continue to hide her sin from the women at the local church, not to mention Ethan (her loving husband). The web gets smaller and the stakes get higher until Leia must make a heartbreaking decision. Either she must admit and reveal her destruction to Ethan or continue down a path of ever deepening darkness.
The novel had a way of drawing me in, of slowly reeling me closer and closer to the end that I hoped all along wouldn't happen. It both thrilled and frightened. It introduced me to characters whom I wanted to reach out to and help. Ultimately, the book educated me, something of which I believe the author would be proud. Going for Broke isn't a gamble at all as far as books are concerned - it's an absolute winner."
--Lauren Steigerwald, Christian Book Previews
"In Going For Broke, Melanie Dobson pens a tale that is both touching and devastating. Through each page-turning chapter, the tension builds, pulling the reader into the very core of the heroine's struggle with the addiction of gambling. A very powerful, compelling read that had me cheering at the end."
--Nancy Jo Jenkins, Author, Coldwater Revival
"Going for Broke is a fast-paced read and an addiction of its own. Melanie brilliantly captures the allure of "one more try" and the slippery slope that leads from entertainment to destruction. Take a gamble on this book--you're sure to promise yourself, "Just one more page..."
--Alison Strobel, Author, Worlds Collide and Violette Between
"I was amazed at the insight Melanie Dobson had regarding this hidden addiction. Her sensitivity, yet witty portrayal of the main character captures the reality of what many female gamblers experience. Going for Broke is a must read for anyone who has a friend or family member with a gambling problem."
--Eileen Fox, Gambling Counselor
"Going for Broke was a real eye-opener into the gambling world. You are right...it really could happen to anyone. I could have been Leia. Anyone could."
--Shannon, New York
"I just finished reading Going For Broke. It was great. I finished in one day. Thank you for writing about a topic that is a huge problem, but no one wants to talk about it. You are a fantastic writer and I look forward to reading your future books.
--Julie, Michigan
"Addiction is a difficult thing, and Going for Broke is a fabulous glimpse into the life of a decent person who develops a compulsion to gamble until she no longer recognizes herself. Much like cocaine or heroine, the compulsion will eventually take over and swallow the person whole. The author does a wonderful job of accurately portraying how someone can sink so low and go so far as to being willing to do just about anything for their 'fix.' The rationalizing thoughts, the desire to be secretive, the withdrawal from friendships and support systems...it's all there.
Like one of the endorsers wrote on the back of the book, this story is addicting. I stayed up late and woke up early until I finished. The tension just kept building and building, but not once did Leia become unlikable. Of course the reader will want her to snap out of it, but the author takes you to the place where you develop compassion for Leia, and that's not an easy thing to do. I didn't get the urge to slap Leia. Not once. I had thought about slapping her husband, though, and beating his friend senseless, but you have to read the story to find out why.
Overall, I'd say that Going For Broke is the best story I've read about the cravings that addicts have for gambling or any other vice. Gambling destroys lives and dignity and this story brings the reader right to the edge with Leia. What I liked best about the story was the honesty. There were no quick fixes, and while God holds people accountable for their mistakes, He will redeem anything and will meet us where we are if we would only trust in Him and not ourselves. I love edgy stories that illustrate how God even uses the muck in our lives to create something beautiful that will glorify Him. Going for Broke did that, and then some."
--Michelle Sutton
Edgy Inspirational Author Blog
"This book starts out light hearted and shows an average married couple in the early years. Leia has an accident and is confined to the house for the first time in her life. She is going crazy. What can she do to occupy her time? She starts searching the web. What does she find but a gambling site? What can it hurt? (she tells herself) The site lets her gamble for free. She knows her husband doesn't like gambling; they are Christians. Christians don't gamble. She tells herself it's not gambling because she is not using 'real' money.
Her husband Ethan is off on business trips and she is stuck home alone in the house with the computer calling to her. She is thrilled that she has won $10,000.00 play money one night. "Oh, how that could help them out if that were real money," she thinks to herself. Maybe she would try it with real money her husband doesn't have to know. It sure would help out since she was out of work for 3 months (the lie - the seductive trap).
As I was reading the book I wanted to stop the character from entering the trap. In the authors notes at the end of the book, she states that women succumb to gambling nearly 3 times faster than men. I was surprised to also learn in this story that a gambling "addiction" can take as little as 2 weeks to develop. It is just as bad as using a substance you put into your body. This book was very informative. The characters and their stories were very believable and sometimes tough to read."
--Nora St.Laurent
Novel Reviews Blog
Together for Good
"Melanie has taken the age-old truth that God can be trusted with what we value most and created a lovely story that reveals what can happen when we let go and believe it."
--Susan Meissner, Author, Why the Sky Is Blue
"Melanie Dobson's got a story for you. In this straw-to-gold tale, Dobson shows that she can both spin a yarn and turn a phrase. The tapestry that is Together for Good will warm your heart like only a gift stitched with love can do."
--Melanie Wells, Author, Soul Hunter
I am so impressed, not just by the great story, but also by your beautiful writing. Beautiful descriptions. I felt as though I was seeing Orcas Island first hand. It was a great read.
--Nancy Jo Jenkins, Author, Coldwater Revival
The author created loveable characters who felt like real people to me. And the guys were hunks! Amazingly well-written for a debut novel, IMHO. All around, I'm impressed. The character emotion and grief issues felt real. Plus, to top it all off, the author obviously did her research and got her facts straight about adoption. Whoo hoo! I hate it when an author is clueless about the subject matter and they guess at how the system works.
In addition, I felt like I was in the Puget Sound during the story. I love slipping into another time and place. Honestly, the scenery and sailing felt very real to me. Now I want to visit Washington and Puget Sound. I loved the snorkeling scenes and the wildlife sightings. Wonderful description of the orcas, too. Plus, this story had an environmental issue as part of the plot, so awareness about the harmful effects of pollution came across. Very cool.
The ending was a bit of a tear jerker, but it perfectly illustrated the scripture from Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose.
I had a warm fuzzy along with my clogged throat when I reached the end of the story. the kind that makes you want to sigh with satisfaction. The story didn't have a tidy, unrealistic ending, but one that glorified God! I loved this book and highly recommend it! Oh, and it was very romantic even without a lot of physical contact. Very well done!"
--Michelle Sutton
Edgy Inspirational Author Blog
"Melanie Dobson delivers a gripping story of adoption, of loss and of restoration with a fresh twist—one I hadn't read before. Free of clichéd writing, this unique story echoed in my heart long after I turned the last page.
Set on Washington State's Puget Sound, Dobson's description of the area invoked nostalgic memories. My mother was born and raised on Puget Sound, and I spent many summers there as a child. I could smell the Sound as I turned the pages.
Excellent writing, coupled with unforeseen plot twists, this is a story you'll not forget. I found the way Dobson weaves in the characters' faith journeys refreshing and natural. A haunting story, Together for Good is highly recommended."
--Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
Novel Reviews Blog
I was a women obsessed-obsessed with finishing your book! Immediately the story drew me in, and each 'hook' at the end of the chapters kept me turning pages. The book came yesterday. Today I finished it! (admittedly it was tempting to skip Sunday School and church, but I resisted!) Your character pictures were so vivid-I can picture each person in my mind. What a wonderful weekend escape! God's path for your creative handwork is in my prayers.
--Lynda S. (Charlotte, NC)
I got your book in the mail at 4 p.m. and finished it at 4 a.m. WOW! I loved the whole thing!! I found I could relate at times to the mother, and also to the daughter, which is rare. Great job presenting different points of view on a very complex issue. I am very impressed.
--Marji C. (Chattanooga, TN)
Loved your book! Every line was a treat. I felt like I was right there, living inside your story, and I tried to slow down because I didn't want it to end.
--Rochelle S. (Olympia, WA)
I’m a freelance book reviewer for AustinWoman magazine and just finished reading Together for Good. My “real” job is that I own a book publicity company. Therefore, you can imagine that I LOVED your book! I loved the PR sprinkled in and it was a fantastic Christian love story. I can’t wait to read your next one!
--Marika Flatt, PR by the Book
As the vice president of Nulte PR, Abby Wagner has managed to bury her pain by immersing herself in work. However, her life soon begins to unravel when she is assigned a new public relations campaign forHeartsong Adoptions, the firm that had torn her family apart 20 yearsago. Before long, she finds her job on the line as past anguishresurfaces.
When Abby’s daughter Jessica decides to spend the summer on OrcasIsland, the childhood playground she had once enjoyed with her father,Abby finally returns to the family cottage she has avoided since theday her son had been stolen from her life.
While on the island, Abby reunites with her childhood friend Damian DeLucia, who runs a tour boat business on Puget Sound. Prompted byDamian’s concern about the dwindling number of orca’s returning to theSound each year, Abby embarks on a PR campaign to help publicize theirplight.
As Abby works through her past, she discovers the God really does workall things out for the good of those who love him.
Together for Good is a beautifully written story of God’s love andredemption for us all. In the midst of our pain, we often fail to seeany good in the situation and are blinded to the overall picture Godhas painted regarding our lives. In her debut novel, Melanie Dobson hasillustrated Romans 8:28 with tenderness and very real characters.
Set in the beautiful Puget Sound, Melanie successfully weaves twostorylines into a well crafted novel which highlights both the pain andjoy of adoption and the effects of pollution on wildlife.
Whether you have been touched by adoption or not, you don’t want tomiss this novel with its heart-warming characters and beautiful scenery.
--Reviewed by Vennessa Ng
Illuminating Fiction Blog
