Lost in NashVegas
by Rachel Hauck
Published by WestBow Press
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Reviewed by Lacy Williams
Rachel Hauck catches your attention in the opening scenes of the Lost in NashVegas--an inspirational chick lit type story-and doesn't let go until the (not-so-fat) lady sings.
Robin Rae McAfee has a big dream--to write songs and sell her music. There's just one little thing standing in her way: she has a huge case of stage fright.
Working at the local grocery store and living in a trailer in the same town as her mom and pop, isn't exactly what Robin wants out of life. She feels like she is going nowhere, fast. After an impromptu proposal from her boyfriend, Ricky, and a visit from her sister, Robin decides to move to Nashville and pursue her music-writing career. Her mom is totally against the idea, but she decides to go anyway.
Robin's journey toward selling her music is packed with whacky friends, a strong work ethic, and a little bit of luck. She meets a handsome carpenter, Lee Rivers, on her first day in Nashville, and instant attraction is born.
The outrageous stage fright shown by Robin does seem a little overblown at times, but creates some hilarious scenes. It is consistent with her character throughout the novel and definitely doesn't detract from the story.
Support from her friends and family carries Robin through some tough times, including finding out that her dad isn't her biological father, and her mom has more history in Nashville than she could have imagined. Robin is finally able to overcome her stage fright with some good advice and a lot of practice. Oh, and she gets the guy, but I won't say which one.
Rachel Hauck uses creative language, in both internal and external dialogue that really makes you feel that you are in the Deep South. Her first-person, present tense keeps the pace of the novel rocking and rolling, without distracting from the prose. Rich word-pictures are used throughout the novel to describe the city of Nashville, almost making the setting another character in the book.
Armchair Interview says: A highly recommended, fun-filled read with lots of originality.
Author's Web site: http://www.Rachelhauck.com