Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Review of "Miss Nobody" (Shaw Family Saga Book 1)

I requested permission from Nicole Dunlap to give a review of ‘Miss Nobody’ (Shaw Family Saga, Book 1), and she was very gracious, replying, “yes, that would be great”. Well, that was June 15th and I have just now been able to complete the review. Not once did she bug me or tweet me about the review, which is one of the reasons I am so excited to share these next four to five minutes telling you about the amazing gift she has as a writer.


First thing’s first: the cover seizes your attention. The images draw you into the book and the story. They make you want to read the first, second, and third page, and so on. You get the urge to connect with the characters from the very beginning. For those of you who may not be familiar with the writing process, the author is responsible for the ideas and images that go on the front cover. This can either draw the reader in or make them pass by your book. Nicole Dunlap did her homework and came up with an intriguing and intense front cover. Okay, now that I have that off my chest, let’s move onto the heart of the story.


The rawness of the real truth always seems to shock oneself. This is just what you get with ‘Miss Nobody’. The character Charlene makes you re-read a few lines to make sure you heard her correctly in the prologue. The author entices your interest with the questions of “how could she?” and “what happened?”. She takes you back to the years of reckless abandonment--of bad choices and the consequences of those choices. You are in for a ride.


The adventurous story is easy to read and relate to, even if you haven’t made the same choices Charlene made. Human nature is something we can all relate to. The character Charlene allows you to live vicariously through her mistakes. Judgements wait at the door, and you can’t tell where this story will lead you. You can only hang on for the ride.

Nicole Dunlap has a passion for the interpersonal workings of the human spirit. She captures the imagination of the unsuspecting rationale of the everyday person. Unable to stop wondering, “what happens to this character?” or “where will this person end up?” gives the reader a healthy dose of anticipation. ‘Miss Nobody’ will give you more than you are expecting and then some more. I can’t wait to read the sequel, ‘Miss Scandalous’ (Shaw Family Saga, Part 2)!

Review for Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Austin Parmer/Tech Ridge.

 On  February  12th through the 15th, my son Jaxon & I stayed at the Fairfield by Marriott in Austin , Texas which is located about 20 m...