“I started to read this book sharing the focus of the story on Lucy and the loss of her mother, Ruby. I did not finish the book although the focus was excellent - dealing with a mother at a young age. Yet, each page the word "Ruby" was printed, it seemed, 25 times. I couldn't get past this to get to the heart of the story. Not recommended for church libraries. ”
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-10-02.“All I can say is "Good luck putting this book down." I have longed for a novel that would capture my soul and move the spirit within me; "Ruby Among Us" did so much more. This is not just a book, or a story, it's a beautiful and brilliant masterpiece that brings definition to 1 Peter 4:8, "love covers a multitude of sins."
Through each page, I was instantly enamored with every character within the story. Before I knew it, my heart had burst wide open, been ripped apart, and then filled with a new sense of what love truly is. The book brought me to a place of inner reflection and developed a different perspective for the direction of the rest of my life. Tina Ann Forkner is not just a writer, she is an instrument of God and He has given her the talent that should be displayed at the top of the New York Times Bestseller list. Her writing is beyond exemplary and her ability to weave a message so subtly within the recesses of a fantastic story is utterly fantastic. As much as I've read and reviewed books, I have never been so moved by a work of fiction. In many ways, I would compare it to the classic, "Gone With the Wind." (it is that good and will be long remembered in your mind) "Ruby Among Us," involves innocent passion and the depths of trials and suffering, as well as secrets that unravel a fantastic journey that will leave you longing for more.
I will also add... I found myself becoming more and more saddened as I found that I was reaching the end of this book. I began to read slower, wanting to savor each page, and when I was finished, I only longed for more. A book a year is not enough from Tina Ann Forkner. I could read one a week! Don't hesitate to buy this book, it is brilliant and beautiful, and will ignite a passion to love others more than you ever imagined! Now...on to reading "The Rose House!"
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“Lucy is only eight years old when her mother Ruby dies from an asthma attack. Kitty, Lucy's grandmother raises her and loves her as her own. Lucy is an introverted sort who seems to hold in her emotions and her questions about her mother's past. She starts to come out of her shell when she begins college and meets new friends. Lucy blames herself for her mother's death years ago because she could not find the inhalor for her mother's asthma quick enough. Lucy wants desperately to learn about her past with her mother, but Kitty is reluctant to reveal family secrets which affect them all. This is a story of long-suffering, hidden secrets and finally forgiveness. I have "Ruby Among Us" in my high school library, I recommend it often because these days, many students need love and forgiveness in their own lives. Ruby Among Us (La Rosaleda Series #1)”
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-02-20.“Tina Forkner's debut novel Ruby Among Us is beautifully written and transports you to the lush, rich Sonoma Valley. Ruby's daughter, Lucy, struggles to put the pieces together to discover the story of her deceased mother. Her efforts bring into focus not only Ruby's story but that of Kitty, the grandmother who raised her, and the story of Lucy herself.
Ruby Among Us is a tale of generational love and finding redemption from the past by dealing with the present. I loved the story of Ruby, Kitty, and Lucy and fell in love with the beautiful language and moving prose penned by Forkner.
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“Ruby Among Us is an inspiring novel about faith and forgiveness and the relationships between mothers and daughters. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them as I read the story. The storyline drew me in and kept me interested the whole way through. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
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