Reader Comments
Oh my...I got your book yesterday afternoon and once I started reading it, I too didn't want to put it down. I read until I couldn't focus my eyes any longer. Finished it in short order today. It was very well written. Felt as though I was living Nikki's life, or could relate it to others I knew. Sonya Haas, Overland Park, KS
I just finished your Amazing/Incredible book, Saving Nikki!!! I started in two nights ago and could not put it down. I am a slow reader so I was amazed that I finished it today (which is fast for me) but it was so good. I am with my husband's side of the family for the holidays and I told them all about the story as I read and they got so into it. Wow what a hard childhood. I am so grateful for your book because it helps open peoples eyes especially for young girls who may be in similar situations. While reading your book it made me more grateful for (my husband) Adam!!! I read your bio at the end and it said that you are working on another book. I am soooo excited to read it!!! Is it a sequel or a different story? I was wondering what ever happened to Steve and Julie?...You are so incredible!!! You are an amazing, optimistic hard worker. Thank you so much for your wonderful example. I am so excited to keep your book in my library. I want my children to read your book! You are so amazing!!! Now I am dying to know about the rest of your life...what next? =) Brittani Keller, San Antonio, TX
"I wanted to tell you that on the way to Portland I got to the part in your book where the pool incident happened with Anthony, Nikki and Debbie. I had the feelings so strong reading your book that in certain places I had to put the book down before picking it up again. I would share with my husband and he was touched too. So anyway, I can really relate to your book and the responses of each person to each other." Kelly French, Hoquiam, WA
I am on page 233 now of Saving Nikki. I have been traveling a lot to see family in the last 3 weeks especially and during this last trip it started getting dark so I ended up reading 50 pages of it in the car with our trusty little flashlight. So you totally engaged me again on my second read once again. Later ... got your book done again. Didn't take long to chow into it. I felt it all the way through. You got my heart within each page. Thank you again for writing it. Now I am inspired again to get to work on my own. Kelly French, Hoquiam, WA
I am Kelly's friend, Patty. I have just finished reading your wonderful book, " Saving Nikki." I could not put the book down. I totally related to both Julie and Nikki as I have been in both positions. I hope to read your new book soon. Thank you so much! Patty
I gave a copy of your book to a friend and she finished it last night. She said to tell you MORE, MORE. She loved it. She said that she couldn't put it down. I told you that you need a sequel. I think it does people good to read about others life experiences so that they have something to reflect on. Especially something that touches all of our lives. Sharon Pierce, Kansas City, MO
It just felt like a reader's book more than a writer's book, more to affect the reader than to build up the author, nonetheless both were accomplished. Michael Salazar, CA
After reading chapter 1 online, I just had to buy a copy so I could read the rest. Enclosed is my check. Jerrie Fontenot, LA
I'm in Texas this week and my friend, Rhonda, handed me her copy and told me to read it before I leave. I finished it. I loved it. Dee Bryson
Nikki reminds me of Novalee Nation - the main character in 'Where the Heart Is,' by Billie Letts. Nikki is a teenager trying to find her way in the giant scary world, with little - if any, emotional and financial support. I couldn't stop thinking about her long after I'd finished the novel. Felicia Shultz, Duluth, MN
A realistic look at life through the eyes of a naive young girl who learns that people aren't always what they appear, and love doesn't automatically lead to happily-ever-after. Marnie Pehrson, Best-Selling Author, Ringgold, GA
With each turn of the page and tug at my heart, I drew closer to Nikki like a best friend. I wished I could reach out and give her a hug sometimes. Nikki becomes that dear. Quincy Magalei, Molalla, OR
Joyce's story left me thinking long after I finished the book. I admire the strength she had to survive and what a tremendous energy she has shown to succeed. I was anxious as I watched the story develop and sad as I said goodbye to a friend. I'd love to see this made into a movie. Candee Shepard, Kansas City, MO
Joyce touched my heart with Nikki's story. It was an emotional journey back to my own past as I joined Nikki on hers. Marilynn Janson, Surprise, AZ
Great read for teens and adults alike. People of all ages can relate to the characters. Susan Sutter, Kansas City, KS
I just finished "Saving Nikki"--WOW!! What a great story. I am very impressed with your writing skills--I loved it and couldn't stop readying it when I started!! Colleen Pistorious, Houston, TX
"'Saving Nikki' was a great book. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It's a very inspirational book and would certainly give someone hope if they were in a relationship and thought they couldn't get out of it. It made me sad that something like this could happen to someone but happy that it gives hope to moving forward and out of a bad situation. Excellent read. P. Hill
Saving Nikki' should be a must read for every teenage girl. I found the book riveting and hard to put down. The characters were well developed and I found myself caring deeply about them. Nikki's family life was unhappy and unsupportive. After her parents divorce, her mother disappeared and her father was remarried to a woman who had no interest in being a stepmother. Nikki's search for love and acceptance led her into a teenage marriage to Anthony just before her junior year of high school. Shortly after their marriage, Nikki discovered that she was pregnant. After his initial excitement, Anthony started spending more and more time away from their home. With a husband who was increasingly absent and becoming dangerous, and a father who had virtually disowned her, Nikki struggles to finish high school and provide a home for her child. Her grandparents step in to help where they can, but it is Nikki's feisty, independent spirit that really carries her through the difficult times ahead. Nikki's story is based on fact. It's a heartbreaking look into the reality of many teen marriages and pregnancies. It's also a look at what can happen to a girl when her father is distant and detached. I hope her story can help young girls avoid some of the mistakes made by Nikki and help them to make wise choices. J. Riniker, Sellersville, PA
This is a great book about the reality of our choices and the consequences that result. I could not put it down. It's a great book for teens, but it is equally good for adults. Hearing Nikki's story brought back memories of experiences I had had and choices I had made. In many ways it was very healing reading it. In addition, it re-affirmed my belief that people are resilient and that life can get better. Even though Nikki was much more responsible and mature than many her age, she tolerated and even excused the neglect and abuse she lived daily. But then she got a 'voice' and strong Nikki made a change. C. Smith
We root for Nikki from the very first page. She's a believable and thoroughly lovable character. So why doesn't her father pay attention to her? Why is her stepmother so cruel? Why does her own mother step out of her life? And even when Nikki makes poor choices, we remain hopeful that she'll be able to find happiness. She reminds us of ourselves as young women, and she finds her way into our hearts. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a compelling, true-to-life story of surviving hardship and learning to love yourself. Pat Wente, Houston, TX
I just finished reading "Saving Nikki" last night. Wow! I have to tell you how much I liked it! I love the way your write! It was easy to read and easy to keep my interest. I'm one of those that if you don't grab my attention... in the first chapter, forget it. It's too hard for me to continue reading. I started it on the plane on Thursday and finished it last night after work. I would have finished it sooner, but I was at home with class mates for the weekend! What an adventure for Nikki...and you know what, I'm sure there are a lot of women out there that can relate...you captured the essence of a young pregnant girl still in school perfectly. In fact some of my classmates that I saw this weekend could have been Nikki in a few instances. Great book and I can't wait until the next one! Linda Kerske, Colorado
I wish I had bought two books because I can't get mine away from my husband! I wanted to save it to read on vacation next week, but he's so into it that he wants to read parts of it to me now. That's saying something because he doesn't generally like to read. Susan Sutter, Kansas City, KS
Joyce, Your book is really good!!!!! I'm not that far along ( only on starting chpt 5) but I'm having a hard time putting it down. I'm reading slow b/c there are parts that bring back memories.....you do a real good job commenting on how you felt, what you noticed, etc. In turn, it makes me think back to that time and what was going on in my life and how I was acting/reacting. I sure can see the impact of a dysfunctional family on a child in the family. This isn't just a book for teens. As I've been reading the book I find that it's gives people our age an opportunity to think about the past and hash over things. It's kind of healing that way. Good luck with the book. I really like it. Cathy Moseley, Mission Hills, KS
I absolutely loved your book. I could identify, as probably all women can, with so many situations in Nikki's life. Judy Jones, Texas
My husband and I are reading "Saving Nikki" together. I just finished reading chapters 5 through 9 to him. Our sweet Nikki has jumped out of the frying pan into the fire, hasn't she? Life really is all about the choices we make. I imagine we won't wait until tomorrow NIGHT to get into Chapter 10! You have succeeded in making it difficult for us to put your book down! Lucy Reeves, Houston, TX
Joyce, I read where you had written a book so I had to look it up and now I am reading it. I am amazed at the memories I am remembering. Thank you for letting us know about your book. I can't stop reading it. In some ways we have a lot in common. I wish we had known each other. I can't stop reading your book. I will text you when I'm finished. Susan Lang, Kansas
Oh my gosh! I just finished Saving Nikki. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me! I didn't go to sleep until 2 am (I had to force myself to go to bed) and finally got to finish it this afternoon. It's amazing and I even hear you talking in your novel. I have so many questions but want to tell you that you are an excellent writer and you definitely need to be putting more books out there. We HAVE to have lunch again so that I can return your book and explore more of your story with you. Kathi N 8/13/2020
