Powerballs by Jimmy Clifton

Jimmy Clifton’s Powerballs, which tells the tale of the Balls, a couple in their fifties who win the lottery, really captured my attention. Their relationship is somewhat strained at the beginning of the book because they have opposing goals: Rose Ball is still trim and attractive but is tired of not living the lifestyle she wants, especially since her best friend Suzanne enjoys the luxurious lifestyle she desires.

Henry Ball, an accountant at a company that doesn’t value him, fantasises about other female employees while experiencing the effects of middle age spread and being strapped for cash. Their lives are completely changed when they unexpectedly win the jackpot and go from being penniless to billionaires. But these new opportunities also bring with them problems with much larger stakes.

The fact that this book was enjoyable to read was what I appreciated it the best. I liked Rose and Henry Ball, and I believe Clifton did a great job of illustrating how they became mired in a situation from which there was no obvious way out aside from death or divorce, neither of which are particularly happy possibilities.

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The book’s lack of focus on Henry and Rose’s deteriorating relationship or how it fails to change their existence when they get the money is my only critique of it. Although their split may have been inevitable, I thought it might have been developed more. This time period felt a touch hasty, but Clifton had already laid the basis for them to not be content before they received their billionaire boon.

The story really begins to take shape when the money comes in and, despite no longer having the ominous shadow of financial strains over them, cracks begin to appear in their marriage. As they part ways and start to explore the billionaires’ lives separately from one another, the story really begins to take shape.

There is tension, but it’s not overly threatening; it’s just implied. This is a very fun read because it also contains humour. However, that doesn’t detract from the fact that it is well-written, well-paced, and well-evolved; it is the classic enjoyable read. It’s a book that tells a good story, and on occasion, as a reader, that’s all you want—nothing too difficult, just a completely engrossing look into the lives of people who aren’t like you.

About The Book

With finances and marriage strained to the breaking point, Rose and Henry Ball dream of new lives filled with romance and adventure. Then Fortune takes a hand. Against all odds the couple win a record Powerball lottery. The sudden windfall is the answer to all their prayers. Or not.

Helpless to resist the sirens’ song, the Balls leap feet first into the intoxicating world of the super-rich. Henry drifts into treacherous waters on a mad Russian oligarch’s yacht, while Rose throws caution to the wind and rushes headlong into the arms of a beautiful, dangerous stranger.

The Balls are in way over their heads by the time Fortune reveals her capricious nature. A swashbuckling investment banker entrusted with their wealth has rolled the dice and lost. Now, money can’t save Rose from a terrible fate. It’s up to Henry to come to her rescue.

The pleasures and perils of sudden wealth spring to vivid life in the rip-roaring POWERBALLS, where wealth and security are illusions – and only love endures.