Violet by Design
by Melissa Walker

    VIOLET BY DESIGN by Melissa Walker
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  3/4/08
    Publisher:  Berkley
    Reviewed by:  Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen
    Rating:  4 Stars


    Violet has had the time of her life in New York. After being spotted by her now agent Angela Blythe at the Palace
    Theaters, and then being swept away to NYC (and with a little hesitation from her parents), Violet was able to
    experience all that goes on in the modeling world. From the runway shows to the crazy designers to having a
    backstabbing roommate with an eating disorder to her fake, jerk of an ex-boyfriend.

    She survived it all and now Violet is back in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, trying to spend as much time away from
    New York as she can while leaning more towards her friends and family.

    Being in the fashion industry is beginning to take a toll on Violet. Sure, she is able to travel to Brazil and even France
    on short notice, wear all of the designer clothing that’s too expensive to even look at, and have all the boys fall for
    her (even if it's for all the wrong reasons).  But Violet just can’t see herself as a true model. Her insecurities,
    including those about her weight, are always present.

    The longer she’s away the more troubles and problems Violet starts to have, especially when she tries to speak out
    on some important issues, which doesn’t necessarily bode well with her agency. One of the designers in Brazil is
    showing some interest in Violet, but, for some reason, her heart goes out to her dorky best friend, Roger. Will
    Violet’s escapades in international modeling be the deciding factor in whether she should stay in the modeling world?
    Or will the limelight shine bright over what she truly wants?

    VIOLET BY DESIGN is a strong follow-up to the first novel in the series, VIOLET ON THE RUNWAY. Melissa
    Walker creates a story that acknowledges all the realistic aspects of a world that seems flawless and characters that
    are intriguing and easy to relate to.  A wonderful read, VIOLET BY DESIGN does not disappoint.