We’ve all dreamed of what we would do if we won the lottery. In the short story anthology, “A Million Blessings,” Christian fiction authors, Angela Benson, Marilynn Griffith and Tia McCollors, address such a scenario with very different results.

The first story, “Showers of Blessings” (Benson), focuses on Rev. Andrew Gooden, an associate minister with a gambling addiction. He’s about to lose everything – including his wife, Sandra, and their two children – when he bets his last two dollars on a lottery ticket and prays for a miracle. When Andrew wins $20 million dollars, he convinces Sandra that they should start their own ministry, but bases it on a lie, telling everyone they inherited the money. Meanwhile, Sandra is basking in her new wealth and her status as First Lady of Showers of Blessings church. When questioned about their sudden wealth and move to start the church, Sandra believes others are jealous. Only later does she realize that her world is about to come crumbling down around her, when she learns that Andrew has never stopped gambling, and his addiction has led to blackmail, theft and deception. The only way to save their marriage and ministry is for Sandra to lead an intervention with Andrew, praying that it is not too late.

The second story, “Second Chance” (Griffith), centers on injured ex-football player and soon-to-be divorced Craig Richards. His ex-wife, Brianna, is determined to take everything he has. Defeated, Craig returns to his hometown and his Aunt Theresa, the woman who raised him. Unbeknownst to Craig, Aunt Theresa took all the money he sent her over the years and created the Craig Richards Foundation, using the money to help meet the needs of the people in the community. Touched, Craig recommits his life to Christ and discovers new opportunities in public speaking and coaching the local high school football team. He still longs to reconcile with Brianna. In the meantime, Brianna realizes she has made a mistake in leaving Craig. Before she can face Craig again, she must come to terms with her relationship with God and settle some painful issues from her and Craig’s past.

The third story, “Knight in Pink Armor” (McCollors), follows personal assistant Dara Knight, a rebel with a cause. Dara chafes under her more conservative parents’ Christian upbringing. Instead, Dara chooses to ride a pink motorcycle with her church’s motorcycle ministry, The Kingdom Knights, which ministers to a gang-infested neighborhood. On a road trip, Dara’s cousin, India, impulsively buys Dara a lottery ticket. When it is a winner, Dara splits the nine million dollars with India, and decides to anonymously build new housing and provide charitable contributions through the Knights. But Dara’s efforts are thwarted by gang members who rule the community through intimidation and fear.

I enjoyed reading all three stories. Benson’s story struck a chord because of the many scandals that have plagued the Christian church where ministers and leaders got caught up in the misuse of funds meant for the work of the church. The themes of repentance and redemption are also brought up in a thoughtful manner.

I identified most with McCollors’ story. I understood Dara’s desire to use her lottery winnings to advance the work of God’s kingdom. Dara Knight was a refreshing and interesting character. I believe McCollors should turn this story into a full-fledged novel.

I was less impressed with Griffith’s story. The strongest aspect was the expression of God’s redemption and saving power and how it can change your life. The theme of the impact of a lottery win was an afterthought and irrelevant to the story. I also thought the pacing of the story was off. There were also some minor editorial issues that needed to be addressed.

Overall, this was a fun read. Fans of Angela Benson, Marilynn Griffith and Tia McCollors will not be disappointed. Readers of Christian fiction not acquainted with these authors will find this a terrific introduction to their work.

Donna Deloney
Author, “Journey to Jordan”
Journey To Jordan
APOOO BookClub

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