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If history is trying to tell you something, you better pay attention before it's too late.Shelby Starling is a train-wreck with a dream job—traveling the world writing promo material for Pioneer Tours, all the while hiding cracks in her armor behind a solid wall of snark and Chianti. But there's more to Shelby Starling than she wants to admit. History has a bone to pick with her, and isn't afraid to pull Shelby into the memories of her past lives to make its point.Thanks to a universal misfire and the ineptitude of the gods, she must find her way back to the time she was destined for so she can stop living life after life watching great things happen instead of making great things happen. That is, of course, if she can get her shit together.Will finding her destiny mean sacrificing love?

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2022

118 people are currently reading
2339 people want to read

About the author

Nola Nash

6 books54 followers
Born and raised in south Louisiana, Nola Nash spent much of her childhood on stage in community theater productions or with her nose stuck in a historical fiction book. She grew up surrounded by rich and colorful history and loved exploring the magic and mystery of old New Orleans. Inspired by the stories that city could tell, she dove into writing her own novels. Now, she’s an English teacher and school theater co-director by day and a writer by night. So, basically, nothing has changed. Except now she lives outside of Nashville with her three kids.

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5 stars
50 (36%)
4 stars
29 (21%)
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32 (23%)
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19 (13%)
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7 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Laura Kemp.
Author 4 books395 followers
December 31, 2021
Looking for something fantastical that will take you away to another world (or two)? Want to travel through time with a heroine who would rather down a bottle of wine than wax poetic?
If so, then Nola Nash is your gal and Traveler is your next great read.
One part Indiana Jones, with a shot of ‘Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure’ for good measure, Traveler follows the exploits of Pioneer Tours writer Shelby Starling as she tries to control a series of supernatural events that coincide with the seemingly random trajectory of her life.
Aided by a quirky cast of characters that includes a hunky Roman and a snarky goddess- and guided by a couple of Greek Gods and the pages of a century old journal, Shelby must discover the true meaning of her destiny before its too late.
Traveler was a refreshing and unique blend of genres that defies classification. A quick read that will have you flipping pages to find out what happens next, I was impressed by Nash’s impressive knowledge of the historical events she details and the exotic locations where they take place. Readers will feel like they have stepped into their own interactive fantasy while savoring the sights and sounds of the universe Nash has created.
With and ending that makes you hungry for more, I’m anxious to continue Shelby’s journey, wherever it may lead.

Profile Image for Faith Justice.
Author 13 books64 followers
March 9, 2022
I'm sucker for time-travel stories, so I eagerly jumped into this one. The main character is a restless and disconnected young travel photojournalist who finds herself jerked back in time for brief periods and must figure out what is happening to her and why. On the plus side, the time-travel mechanism was unique--I haven't run across it anywhere else in my reading or watching. Figuring out the how and why this is happening to her, is the whole point of the story, so I won't spoil it by saying what the mechanism is. In addition, the author really did her homework with exotic settings and historical details.

On the downside all those details seem to take up a lot of space that could have been filled with more plot. I found the story slow moving (the whole first chapters about Jamaica could have been completely eliminated without hurting the book) and a bit repetitious. When the main character wasn't being yanked back in time, she was usually getting drunk and/or talking at a cafe table with a tour guide. There's a satisfying romance embedded in the story, but little else of tension except the search for information. I liked the book, but felt it could have been better. Folks who like the slower pace of cosy mysteries and lots of narrative should add a star. Note: I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through an Early Reviewers program.
Profile Image for Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews .
558 reviews39 followers
March 10, 2022
If you loved Crescent City Moon and Crescent City Sin by Nola Nash, you have a surprise coming. Traveler is a new book releasing on March 10, 2022! I was blessed to be an early reader and I’ve got to tell you I’ve never read another book like this one. It is totally awesome and my favorite so far. I rated her first two books 5 stars and so this one will have to be 5 stars plus.

There was so much history and research put in this book. It was almost like reading a history book but much more delicious. The book delves into several ancient time periods and you read about what was going on at the time and a little of some key leaders. 

Her characters were superb! Shelby was the main character and let me tell you, she had a supporting cast that was varied, interesting and totally fun. Shelby writes for a travel magazine. Benny is a friend/guide turned lover?  He catches up with her and helps her on her journey. I think you’ll find some of her guides in other countries a big part of the story. 

I don’t want to give the story away so you’ll have to pre-order the book and wait on pins and needles for it to be released. Just remember what I said… there is not another book like this one out there. It will stand out in my mind forever! 
Profile Image for Robert Gwaltney.
Author 4 books166 followers
December 23, 2021
Will Shelby Starling find her destiny? And is the price of destiny, love? These are the questions Nola Nash poses in her wonderfully imaginative novel, TRAVELER. Shelby, her imperfect, but immensely likable, time-traveling protagonist, is delightfully snarky and at her best on the page when she is seemingly at her worst. Shelby Starling is “that” friend we all have and love. But history and the gods are at odds with Starling, circumstances raising the stakes in this well-paced, colorfully rendered thrill ride. And I, for one, hope that Ms. Starling does not find her destiny anytime soon. Ms. Nash, I’m ready for the next novel, please.
Profile Image for Denise Marie.
Author 1 book25 followers
December 22, 2021
Traveler by author, Nola Nash
ARC (March 10, 2022)

Where do I begin!

Author, Nola Nash has allowed me to step into another world as she sent me down the rabbit hole to a place I didn't want to come back from...

Traveler is an adventure that bends time and space between the past and present and spins it back around while giving life to the characters who grow and adapt to survive in this fascinating journey that never let's up...

The incredible attention to detail that Ms. Nash delivers as to the sites, sounds, scents, and historical elements of this intriguing narrative, through the twist and warp of time travel, became for me a crave-worthy ride like no other I've experienced. A triple treat of suspense, mystery and romance. An imaginative, engaging page-turner~ never dull and often surprising!

Don't miss your chance to experience the upside down and inside out of Shelby Starling's life events in Traveler'! You'll be doing yourself a favor by pre-ordering this gem of a book. Give yourself permission to experience something new, fresh, unique, and original!

I thank Ms. Nash for offering me the opportunity in being an early reader of her first book in her newest series.

5 Stars

#Traveler
#NolaNash
#BlackRoseWriting

Wild Sage Book Blog
Profile Image for Nancy Timmerman.
179 reviews32 followers
April 6, 2022
Do you want to be taken on an exciting adventure? The story, “Traveler” is that adventure! Nola Nosh weaves a tale that will have you completely engrossed; traveling to exotic places and eras. You will be drawn into the pages deep into the night, like being pulled toward a black hole. The “energy” is worded perfectly, giving your senses a tingle when the character endures time travel. The flirty romance adds some fun in the mix, too, giving readers another type of tingle.

Shelby is enjoying her job as a traveler for Pioneer Tours. But, why is she experiencing a strange phenomenon of time jumps? Is history trying to get her attention? Are these maddening occurrences her memories, or just a bizarre glimpse into the unknown? She is an unstable mess, but doesn't let her guard down. All Shelby wants is to find her way in this crazy world.

Nola Nash is such a fun, entertaining writer. She definitely did her historical research for this story: it leaps out from the pages. This story reminds me a little of the movie “Raiders of the Lost Ark” merged with the show, “Quantum Leap.” Great combination! I have to add that the cover is fantastic! This is book one of Nola's, “The Traveler Series.” I eagerly look forward to traveling on the next adventure for another entertaining story!

~This ARC novel was kindly given to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.~

Order your print book today at Blackrosewriting.com!
269 reviews13 followers
December 3, 2021
Traveler by Nola Nash takes us on a fantastic journey with Shelby Starling. She works for a travel company and is sent on job assignments to take pictures and write about the great experiences tourists can have in countries I only dream about visiting! Only something is going on with Shelby - sometimes just touching something pulls her back in time to places and events she knows nothing about. She is what is known as a Traveler. She would continue to travel back in time until she discovered her own destiny to "make great things happen." I have never read a book like this and I loved it! Nola Nash takes us all on a wild ride! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for B.
631 reviews51 followers
April 9, 2022
Well... that was interesting.

I'll be honest, "chick" books aren't really my usual fare. I'm not trying to be rude or sexist. The book is really great with its' historical references and time-travel story. I have no issues with a strong-willed female lead.

The problem I personally had with the book was the all-too-often references to the "sexy Roman" or "sexy French guy". Granted, she also refers to the female Watcher as "sexy", but it was overdone and overused. Also, the ending was a bit abrupt and left you hanging, not necessarily in a good way.

All in all, there was a lot to like about this book. I'm glad it wasn't overtly sexual, it was snarky and funny, dramatic and powerful at all the right moments.

Thanks to Netgalley, the talented Nola Nash and Black Rose Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Karen.
327 reviews15 followers
December 11, 2022
This was okay. Enjoyed the premise, but I’m not a fan of ancient history. Also, even if a person could do what the main character does, I doubt they would end up in so many historic moments.
Profile Image for Lisa .
853 reviews53 followers
August 3, 2022
I read half of this but couldn't stick with it. I usually love this genre and I've traveled to all of the locations so I thought I would love it. I didn't care for the main character, Shelby, at all which made reading it difficult and other books are calling my name.
Profile Image for Lauren.
237 reviews7 followers
February 15, 2022
This time bending tale is perfect for those looking for a lighter read with a bit of history and mythology strewn in. It lovingly depicts famous locals in both their past and present forms as our main character tries to find her place in it all. There’s also a bit of mythology mixed because…why not?

The story begins with travel writer Shelby Starling finishing a stint in Jamaica before heading off to Rome. Despite having a seemingly incurable case of wanderlust, she has become jaded from the endless tours and ‘travel experiences’ she must endure. Usually, it’s nothing a few stiff drinks and sarcasm can’t cure. But beneath it all, Shelby is looking for a place she feels she belongs. Shelby’s aimless journey takes on a whole new meaning when she is suddenly thrust back in time after touching the walls of the colosseum. A great destiny awaits. Shelby just has to figure out where, and when, it is.

I found this book really easy to read and a good way to escape. Especially after not being able to travel for so long, it is nice to live Shelby’s adventures to some beautifully described places. However, Shelby’s experiences in the past are probably what is most fascinating to me. One of the big ideas behind her time travel is that she is an observer on the fringes of world-altering events.That sense of always being a witness instead of a player defines Shelby in many ways and speaks to many others as well; particularly women. It’s not just about finding place, but finding purpose. Though given a standard ‘discover your destiny’ package, this idea still resonated.

For better or for worse, this is definitely a book where you get almost exactly what you expect. Despite having some interesting concepts, it does not dive deep enough to have a particular ‘wow’ factor. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I definitely enjoy sitting down with books like this on occasion. However, I also left feeling like there is a lot of untapped potential.

Overall, this “New Adult” book is a quick, easy, and interesting read. Both the history and mythology are well researched and presented in a way that is very accessible. This book is pretty clean, but the main character deals with alcoholism and there are some violent scenes.
Profile Image for Book Reviewer.
4,924 reviews452 followers
February 18, 2022
There’s another world out there and it’s full of gods, past lives, and destiny; the only problem is that Shelby Starling is right in the middle of it. A traveler by trade, Shelby wanders the world writing for Pioneer Tours, except this time she’s the one at the center of the story. Accompanied by a motley crew of Gods and Goddesses, with the addition of one gorgeous Roman, Shelby must work through the memories of her past lives. More of a watcher than anything else, our heroine must learn to overcome her fears of failing and get in the middle of a history that she’s only read about in textbooks.

Traveler by author Nola Nash brings fans of romance, adventure, and the paranormal on a time-traveling romance novel. The author does an excellent job at bringing to life some historic events and places. Readers will travel the world with Shelby experiencing exotic cultures and historical events through her eyes. The characters of Traveler are interesting and engaging. Readers will be able to get to know them and develop a connection from the beginning chapters. What I liked most was when Egyptian and Greek gods and goddesses enter the storyline because I felt like that is when things really started to get interesting.

Shelby is sarcastic, down-to-earth, and very relatable in her desire to just move forward and not dwell on the past, but as with most people, this will come back to haunt her. Traveling through time, Shelby discovers her past lives and sees that she is destined for greater things than just sitting on the sidelines writing about other people’s history. She may even learn to love someone in this experience.

Traveler excellently blends bravery, adventure, romance, fantasy, and some history into a story that readers will easily devour. This combination makes the novel a riveting read that fans of suspenseful time travel stories will find easy to enjoy. With this being the first novel in the series, readers can look forward to the future endeavors of Shelby Starling.
1,128 reviews32 followers
February 16, 2022
I have always been a fan of good time-travel stories. I grew up with the TV series “Time Tunnel” and “Quantum Leap”. So, in Chapter 2 when Shelby Sterling, a travel writer for Pioneer Tours, is visiting the Colosseum in Rome and she suddenly finds herself among gladiators sometime in the past, I was hooked. And her hot Roman boyfriend Benny adds the sizzle.

Shelby has a destiny to fulfill. But where…and when? She travels the world taking photos and writing articles to entice tourists. But now the ancient sites are like landmines for Shelby. Just touching an ancient ruin can throw her back in time. And why is it happening now? And will she have to choose between her destiny and her love for Benny?

I have been fortunate to have visited most of the places Shelby travels to, and Nola’s descriptions made me feel like I was once again at those places. I really enjoyed the other characters in the book, especially Gael, the flirtatious Frenchman. I enjoyed reading of her brief encounters with historical characters. I have to say that Shelby is just my kind of gal!

A mixture of sci-fi, time travel, and romance. It appears that this is the first book of a series, so I am looking forward to future adventures.

Beware: There is quite a bit of violence as she finds herself traveling throughout time and witnessing atrocities.

I received an advance copy of the book. The opinions expressed here are completely mine.
292 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2022
Shelby Starling travels for work. She spends her days living the life of tourist travelling the world and writing about her experiences. Shelby’s boss Dina expected Shelby to involve herself in the tourist’s experiences and to write vivid descriptions and include photographs of her experience.
At each new destination there was a guide organised to take Shelby to places of interest.
This was set in the present time with flash backs in history. As Shelby prepares to write about her experiences for Magical History Tours she travels to Europe where she meets her first guide Benito who will show her the historical sites located in Rome.
I loved the way the historical buildings and landmarks were described and the interactions between Shelby and Benito. Shelby loved the experience of exploring the ancient landmarks, but something was wrong. Shelby had to be careful not to touch the ancient stones because if she touched the buildings, she felt like she was travelling back into history and experienced the memories from earlier times.
After a few days in Rome Shelby traveled to Egypt where she met a new guide and then onto the City of Madrid and historical places in Spain before travelling to France.
The descriptions of present day historical sites and Shelby’s experiences when she had flashes of memories to previous times was interesting. I liked the interactions between Shelby and her guides.
Profile Image for Tifany.
315 reviews16 followers
March 28, 2022
Shelby Starling travels the world and writes about it for her work with Pioneer Tours. However, after a long time seeing the sights, she’s grown weary of the usual tourist fare. Her boss decides to try a new initiative giving Shelby more access to famous places through the help of her tour guides. But when she learns that her destiny is at stake…is Shelby willing to do the work live the life she was meant to lead?

Nola Nash struck gold in Traveler. With a main character, Shelby, who exhibits snark and sass, and a clear love of chianti, this story takes the reader on an adventure through time and place. Meeting a host of helpful companions on her journey, Shelby learns that there may be more than meets the eye when coincidences start to pile up.

Time travel, history, and romance blend together with self-discovery to weave the tale that is Traveler. I highly recommend if you’re looking to dive into an engaging, quick read with detailed imagery of times past in historically important places. This is a book you won’t want to put down until you turn the last page.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving an honest review.
4 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2022
Destiny. Time travel. Historic cities.

Nola Nash has once again drawn me into her world with her new novel. Shelby Starling is a travel writer who is great at her job but has no real home or close personal relationships. She is searching for her purpose when it begins to reach out to her in the form of memories from the ancient past . Shelby is a strong person struggling to understand how she could have lived these memories and where they are leading her. She also has her weaknesses which make her relatable and human. I loved the characters, the supernatural elements,, the history and the settings in some of my favorite cities in the world! I had to slow myself down as I was reading to appreciate all of the details of the story as I was trying to decipher the mystery. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
Profile Image for K..
Author 8 books8 followers
June 19, 2022
I love time travel stories, and this one did not disappoint. I found myself going to bed early each night just to read what happens next. The idea of Travellers and Watchers in the world is not a new plot but is also not overused. This story was a fun read. I was, however, a bit surprised at the number of typo errors and advise the author to spend more time correcting these. I also did not fully understand the main character's ultimate destiny role other than the timeline she belonged in. I think more time could have been spent explaining rather than glossing over it, as finding it was the goal throughout the story. I thought it was pretty well written and kept me entertained. I also liked the ending. Good job.
431 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2024
Nothing.

Pages and pages full of nothing more than vague images and floating versions of what might possibly be out of body or time expierences that signify absolutely nothing.
This is a mishmash of dumb. Phrases don't make sense and if there is any action it is buried beneath ridiculously petty "impressions" suffered by the apparently perpetually inebriated travel writer who wanders through time. This reads like a 7th graders literature term paper without a beginning, middle or end. It's dragging and flighty all at once.
I just gave up after dozing off for the 5th time in an hour. If there's a story here, I couldn't find it.
Not recommended.


Profile Image for Sharon Friedman.
Author 3 books67 followers
May 30, 2022
In her most recent novel, Traveler, author Nola Nash combines history, adventure, mystery, and romance, to create a tale of mind-bending time travel. When the book’s main character, Shelby Starling, a writer and self-described “self-absorbed smart-ass,” becomes a reluctant traveler into the past, she is thrust into a confusing search for her own destiny. Nash’s extensive research and vivid details make the exotic locales of Shelby’s “trips,” and the Greek and Egyptian gods and goddesses she encounters leap from the page. Be prepared for an exciting read.
Profile Image for Marilyn Baron.
Author 35 books454 followers
March 20, 2022
In these times of limited travel, "Traveler," by Nola Nash fills the gap. Traveling is what I miss most about COVID, and reading "Traveler," allowed me to "time travel," to exotic locations without leaving home. This book also had elements of romance and history, two genres I love to read. Shelby Starling travels around the world, writing copy for Pioneer Tours but is still searching for her destiny. This is an exciting start to a new series. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
1,859 reviews41 followers
March 28, 2022
TRAVELER has everything: historical fiction, time travel, plucky heroine, helpful romantic hero appearing punctually and an assortment of thinly veiled mythic characters to move the plot forward. Author Nola Nash’s heavy use of similes becomes actually intrusive. I just wanted some surprises in this tale and found everything too predictable. I needed some twists and turns to keep me guessing. I received my copy from th publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Bridgette.
475 reviews21 followers
April 3, 2022
Traveler had me hooked at the premise and it did not disappoint. As a Doctor Who far, I was easily intrigued and saw many common elements between the two (The Doctor and the story's main character, Shelby). I loved how Shelby was portrayed (strong and weak), the cities she traveled to, and the excitement experienced throughout the story. Well-written, easy to read, highly recommend!
6 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2022
I loved this book! It is a mix of current day and historical fiction. It takes place in a bunch of different locations and they were so well described I felt like I'd been on a trip. The mix of "reality" and magic/myths was fun too.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
30 reviews
May 2, 2022
Wow! Intriguing, fast paced, and the imagery Nola creates with her descriptive writing is top notch. I felt like I was traveling right with Shelby. Excellent book, especially for those who enjoy historical fiction and fantasy!
Profile Image for Chris Finn.
766 reviews
July 4, 2022
3.5. Took me a while to. Read this book. I kept putting it down for a bit then coming back later. It was ok. I’m not sure it all made sense to me. I thought you can’t change the past so what was the point.
Profile Image for Michelle Jenkins.
906 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2022
interesting crazy time travel book

This book is different from most time travel books I’ve read. Just when you think you have it figured out she throws you off the path. Interesting read.
Profile Image for Nina.
Author 1 book19 followers
June 18, 2023
A fun and fast paced story unlike any other I have read. I love her use of sentence variation that quickly moves the plot along. Shelby is an interesting and at times relatable character. The story itself is an interesting amd unique one. I definitely look forward to the sequel!
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,113 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2023
Traveler

As Shelby traveled around the world trying to find her way to her true life she visioned memories of different lives. Finally meeting a God he allowed her to find her way to her right life.
7 reviews
September 26, 2025
time-traveling novel

Well-written book that covers many historical eras, so it’s interesting. My only critique would be that pews were not used in medieval French churches in Paris.
Profile Image for Julia Richardson.
1,055 reviews16 followers
Want to read
February 13, 2022
What a ride! If you are a fan of sci-fi, time travel, and romance, this is the book for you! Just a great adventure!
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