Letters From Ruby

by Adam Thomas

When the newly ordained Episcopal priest Rev. Calvin Harper arrives in Victory, West Virginia, to be the pastor at an ailing parish, he has no idea how much he still has to learn about being a priest. Thankfully, Ruby Redding takes the young man under her wing and teaches him everything she has learned throughout her long, storied life. Seminary never taught Calvin that the only true way to be a witness to God's presence in this world is to remain in relationships with people no matter what life throws at them. His studies never taught him that detachment is the bane of ministry. He never learned that deep grief comes only from deep love. But in his first year in Victory, Calvin learns all this and more from Ruby, a woman so full of God's light that it can't help but spill onto the people around her.

Genres: Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2013

Reviews

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently fell hard for a fictional character: Ruby Redding, the star of Adam Thomas’s novel, Letters from Ruby. Ruby is a feisty octogenarian who ministers to others with her pep talks, her prayers, her piano playing . . . and her pen.

Ruby reminds me of some of the older folks I’ve treasured in my life. I love how her legacy of wise words influences all those around her. Here’s how her story goes . . .

When Calvin Harper arrives at Victory, West Virginia’s St. John’s Episcopal Church—St. Jacks-across-the-tracks—he’s a scared 25-year-old with a bad haircut and a brand new seminary degree. He knows little of life. And most of what he knows about God comes from his books. Fortunately, God sends an expert to take Calvin under her wing—80-something Ruby Redding.

In her pearls and cardigan sweater, Ruby may look like she just stepped out of a Norman Rockwell painting, but there’s nothing posed about her joyful nature and her deep love for God. Ruby’s faith sort of rubs off on people. All who meet her find themselves changed, including Calvin.

This novel begins with an older Calvin being prompted to reminisce about his time at St. John’s when he discovers a stash of Ruby’s letters in the midst of moving into a new home . . .

“Calvin traced the loops and lines of Ruby’s signature. It was graceful and beautiful without being ostentatious. Like its owner, thought Calvin. He ran his finger along the signature a second time. Wishing you all good things, too. He looked at the stacks of letters in his lap and then looked at the living room where all the pictures still needed hanging. ‘They can wait.’ As Calvin pulled out Ruby’s letter, he thought back to those days in Victory. ‘Dear, dear, Ruby,’ he said again. ‘All of them dear to me.’ He took the last sip of lemonade, rocked the chair back on two legs, and waded out into the depths of memory.”

As Calvin recalls his past—his first day when he was almost arrested for breaking into the church, meeting Ruby and her quirky cronies, baptizing babies, sitting by the hospital beds of the folks he’d come to love, filling his plate at church picnics—each chapter of his experiences ends with a letter from Ruby.

What I Liked Best . . .
• Being treated to Ruby’s story in her own words.
• Reading about her World War II romances. (Love that time period!)
• Ruby’s relationship with her husband Whit, a beautiful love story that spans sixty years.

My Life Lesson Takeaway & Favorite Quote . . . “You think you have all the time in the world to get to know someone, but a year, two years, fifty years—it’s never enough. There is always something you never said out loud, although you meant to. It hides somewhere in your heart waiting for the right moment to be said.” Ruby

What a blessing when we take the time to share those special words with the people we love before it’s too late.

Since dementia stole so many of my mom’s memories before she passed nine months ago, I often wish she had left a journal or letters behind. And I can’t help but regret the things we left unsaid in our years together. But it comforts me to remember Paul’s words in Corinthians about how we can leave a living legacy in each life we touch. I treasure the legacy my mom implanted in my heart.

II Corinthians 3:2, “You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all.”

[writer... · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lessons of life learned and shared between parishioners and priest throughout his firstVictory, W Virginia parish tenure and on into his new Boston placement via Letters from Ruby.

Loved the evident quirkiness of the individuals; the wit and wisdom of these seniors; the spiritual growth of the young priest. Each character was authentic. Each conflict and community interaction was reality being played out in story form. I learned from this book, gaining insights along with Calvin, the priest.

Great historical value included in Ruby's letters to Calvin after he leaves Victory for Boston, as she writes of her life during and after WWII. Sharing her life lessons learned informs not only Calvin, it reaches each reader. I appreciated the writing style of interspersing Ruby's letters to Calvin with the story of his parish life.

Human interest stories of history and contemporary life are an easy attention keeper for reading enrichment found in Letters from Ruby.

Here are a few quotes of the statements I found meaningful throughout the novel:

“You can’t take responsibility for how other people react to what you say. But you can think about how they will hear your words.”

“Remember, we’re all rough around the edges. This life is about sanding us down and polishing us up.” “I think heaven is full of sea glass.”

“Hmm,” said Josie. [A gregarious widowed parishioner just returned from a European adventure, upon meeting the new priest, Calvin] “Not much of a talker, but that’s okay with eyelashes like those.” Josie also quotes Jane Austen’s famous opening quote from Pride and Prejudice, regarding her thoughts on Calvin being in want of a wife.

“Their faith existed in their bedrock, not their topsoil.”
Calvin's recognition of his parishioners' faith.

“When the present threatens to drown you, you can stay afloat on the thoughts of the past.” One of Ruby's insights.

I was definitely emotionally involved with the story characters and their lives of faith, trust, living and dying. Much to be gained regarding life and faith journeys in Adam Thomas' LETTERS FROM RUBY. A great read!


Expected publication release August 20th.13

*Appreciation to Abingdon Press for the ecopy to read and review.

[R J Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so fortunate to receive this book from the Goodreads first read program.

“Letters from Ruby” was such a wonderful and inspirational book. It touched my heart and opened my eyes to the beauty and strength of faith.

Ruby is part of the Morning Prayer group that meets at St. John’s Episcopal Church, or “St Jack’s across the tracks”, in the little town of Victory. She is also Reverend Calvin Harper’s life line. You see, Rev. Harper is a wet behind the ears priest who has been assigned to St John’s fresh from his ordination. And Ruby Redding, a retired school teacher, is a woman so full of God’s love and grace that she inspires everyone she comes in contact with, including Reverend Harper. Ruby, with the help of the other ladies of the Morning Prayer group, takes Calvin under her wing as she gently teaches him how to reach out to the people of his little church. Calvin also learns how to reach into himself and find the faith he needs to help those who come to him in their time on need.

Thank you Adam Thomas for this lesson in faith.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful dialogue between an Episcopal priest and a former parishioner, as the Priest is mentored by her and her learned colleagues. This is a very refreshing read at this moment in history, full of small town "loving my neighbor as myself" and other wisdom. Perfect Lenten reading, but good any time of year!

[Matthew Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story, and an enjoyable read.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit the reason I was drawn to this story was because it's set in WV my home state, but that isn't what held my attention. Instead it was the depth of characters that totally enamoured me with this beautiful, heart touching story.

Twenty-six year old Calvin Harper is fresh out of seminary school when he gets an assignment in a tiny town called Victory WV. His first encounter in the town doesn't go so great when he almost gets arrested for breaking into the church. Unsure what to expect as he meets the parishioners after all only twelve shows up for his first service, he can only hope that he can turn things around. One of the parishioners, Ruby Redding becomes his champion, always trying to build him up, and even allows him to move into her house with her husband Whit until he can get his living arrangements sorted out. After eighteen months in Victory he is assigned to Boston, and while his stay in Victory is short his life will be forever changed by the people he encounters while staying there.

What I presumed would be a simple story really turned out to be so much more. Sure the story had a cozy, down home feel,but it was the author's ability to allow me to feel the emotions of the story that touched me. I found myself laughing a few times especially as I imagined the characters. After all I am certain that Esther Rose actually goes to my church, but honestly as I was pulled into the story I felt as if I knew these people because they seemed so realistic.Ruby Redding was such an outstanding character, I loved her sunny outlook, but I also found my heart aching as the author allowed me to feel her grief and sadness when she loses someone near and dear to her heart. She became the type of character that makes a person feel richer for even having known her, and the author captures that perfectly. I loved reading the letters she sent, they were so informative allowing us to experience glimpses into the past. The author's descriptive writing really allowed me to imagine the church and the people. A wonderful story that reminded me of the importance of friendship, a story that was encouraging as well as uplifting.There are discussion questions included with this book that makes it a perfect book club read. Anyone looking for an emotionally touching story that will leave you feeling blessed for having read it, should really pick up "Letters from Ruby." On a scale of one to five I would easily give this book a six because it's just that good!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.

[Narita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very young, wet behind the ears but ready to serve the Lord, Calvin Harper arrives at his first parish in the small town of Victory as their new priest. Being a bit nervous and shy he has no idea what to expect. Morning Prayer is always attended by four quirky, elderly ladies that break him in quickly: Avis, Esther Rose, Mary, and Ruby. From their first awkward meeting he never dreamed the impact these women would have on his life, especially Ruby. She takes the new priest gently under her wing, encouraging, guiding, and teaching him not only about dealing with all the different personalities in his new church, but also about life.
They bond as the story of Calvin navigating the perils of his new ministry unfolds. He grows with Ruby’s help by learning to face each challenge through God’s eyes, not the circumstances he faces. Although Calvin only serves at the church for three years, he grows very close to Ruby and her husband.
When he is assigned to a new church in Boston, Ruby keeps in touch my writing him. These letters are very personal in nature, sharing about her childhood, young adulthood, courtship, and marriage with her beloved husband, Whit. This is where you get a glimpse the World War 2 era through the eyes of the young people of that time. My favorites were the love letters she exchanged with the two soldiers in her life. The poignancy and sensitivity with which the author writes these letters, it is hard to believe they were not real. Her correspondences also reveal the heartaches and hardships faced by senior citizen as they age.
This book was a blessing in several ways. I found it a sheer pleasure to read. Also, Ruby‘s character was such a blessing in her godly, peacemaking attitude in dealing with others, and her great faith and courage in dealing with her own trials. But one of the most surprising ways it touched me was totally unexpected. Some of the women in the story faced the death of their cherished husbands. Their struggles and emotions in comforted me as I had just lost my precious husband a month earlier. This book is beautifully written and touches you on every emotional level you can conceive. Definitely one you want to read!
I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 2 out of 5]

About this book:

“When the newly ordained Episcopal priest Rev. Calvin Harper arrives in Victory, West Virginia, to be the pastor at an ailing parish, he has no idea how much he still has to learn about being a priest. Thankfully, Ruby Redding takes the young man under her wing and teaches him everything she has learned throughout her long, storied life. Seminary never taught Calvin that the only true way to be a witness to God s presence in this world is to remain in relationships with people no matter what life throws at them. His studies never taught him that detachment is the bane of ministry. He never learned that deep grief comes only from deep love. But in his first year in Victory, Calvin learns all this and more from Ruby, a woman so full of God s light that it can t help but spill onto the people around her.”


Series: As of now, no.


Spiritual Content- Calvin is a Pastor, many prayers and sermons.


Negative Content- Two ‘What the h***’s (A police officer says one, then Calvin echoes it in his mind), A ‘heck’, Calvin drinks four beers, but later throws up saying that was four beers too many; One lady makes a comment about another lady’s chest.


Sexual Content- Aris says she had to coax her husband out of his workshop.

-Calvin Harper
P.O.V. of Calvin (With letters from Ruby) * 316 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Two (and a half)
I found this book very interesting, the story line & the writing style. Ruby is so sweet and tells many stories from her life time in her letters to Calvin. Stories about how the Great Depression and WWII shaped her life.
Because of the Negative & Sexual content, ‘Letters from Ruby’ got lower stars.






*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher for this review.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do we ever think about what it might have been like for our pastors and priests when they were called to their first parish? Letters from Ruby is the debut novel from Reverend Adam Thomas, and was inspired by his first assignment after ordination. It’s set in a West Virginia town that has definitely seen better days. There’s an aging population; most of their children have moved away. Calvin’s trouble starts when there’s no one to meet him when he arrives. As a result, he’s almost arrested for breaking and entering into his new church. After spending the night in a motel, he arrives back at the building for Morning Prayer and meets four retired ladies who take him under their wing. These are the ladies who appear to do everything at the church. I think every church has a similar group. They are the ones who assist with communion and can be found behind the serving counter at every church dinner. It is one of these ladies, Ruby, who takes a special interest in Calvin.

Letters from Ruby provides much food for thought. Calvin isn’t perfect, and neither are his parishioners. But, as he learns in a beautiful passage, each has their place in God’s kingdom. The Morning Prayer ladies have a few rough edges, but they reflect God’s love in individual ways. There are moments of humor as well as drama. We see what happens not only when a church comes together, but also when there’s discord. Calvin can bring together the parishioners for a good cause, but it’s a different story when he dares to suggest some changes. I do, however, suggest you have the Kleenex nearby. I don’t want to give away any aspects of the plot, but there is enough of a lead in that you develop a sense of what’s coming. Still, a few tears are a small price to pay for such a delightful read.

Thank you to Abingdon Press for my free Advance Reader Copy of Letters from Ruby, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie McComas · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the newly ordained Episcopal priest Rev. Calvin Harper arrives in Victory, West Virginia, to be the pastor at an ailing parish, he has no idea how much he still has to learn about being a priest. Thankfully, Ruby Redding takes the young man under her wing and teaches him everything she has learned throughout her long, storied life. Seminary never taught Calvin that the only true way to be a witness to God’s presence in this world is to remain in relationships with people no matter what life throws at them. His studies never taught him that detachment is the bane of ministry. He never learned that deep grief comes only from deep love. But in his first year in Victory, Calvin learns all this and more from Ruby, a woman so full of God’s light that it can’t help but spill onto the people around her.

Review:

"You can't take responsibility for how other people react to what you say. But you can think about how they will hear your words."

That was just one of my favorite quotes from Ruby, of Letters from Ruby. Ruby is a older, wise woman that was full of great quotes full of advice. This book was not written as a self-help book, but if a person was to read this and take some of the advice given by the wise women Pearls, Brooch, and The Two Purses, they might be surprised at how it helps.

Letters from Ruby is a great story to escape into, and experience a bit of history and romance. Ruby is my favorite character of the book, but honestly there are several great characters to choose from. Rev. Adam Thomas captured the best features of each character. These ladies reminded me of different ladies from our own church.

This title gives you lots to think about, and to laugh about. If the first chapter doesn't hook you, then you can't be hooked. Hint: New Priest. Breaking & Entering. I really can't say more.

Thank you Abington for my free copy.

[ChrisGA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, tender story of the friendship between a young priest in his first parish assignment and a wise and caring parishioner in her 80s. Victory, West Virginia, is a small town, past its prime, populated by mostly elderly people and the health care providers that tend to their needs. Calvin struggles to find his way as a man and a priest as he deals with physical and spiritual fatigue, cantankerous church members, and his own sense of inadequacy. He is blessed by the loving counsel of Ruby and others who encourage and teach him how to answer his sacred calling.
However, the entire story is told in flashback. When the story opens, Calvin has just moved on to his second church, but it plays little part in the narrative. Instead, the author uses letters Ruby has written him since he left to cause Calvin to relive the eighteen months he spent in Victory. In addition to Calvin’s story, the reader is privy to Ruby’s history as she relates the details of her life which she obviously hadn’t already shared with Calvin. What results is a poignant look at a young man’s first ministerial assignment alternating with the love story of Ruby and her deceased husband.
The characters seem achingly real and very, very human. Without giving too much away, there is a death bed visit that is both moving and intimate. The plot technique of an elderly woman continuing to mentor a young man, as well as sharing the story of her life was executed well, with no awkwardness as the reader flips back and forth between the two narratives. I received the book from a giveaway on Goodreads, but the opinions expressed are solely mine.

[Tonya]

When the newly ordained Episcopal priest Rev. Calvin Harper arrives in Victory, West Virginia, to be the pastor at an ailing parish, he has no idea how much he still has to learn about being a priest. Thankfully, Ruby Redding takes the young man under her wing and teaches him everything she has learned throughout her long, storied life. Seminary never taught Calvin that the only true way to be a witness to God s presence in this world is to remain in relationships with people no matter what life throws at them. His studies never taught him that detachment is the bane of ministry. He never learned that deep grief comes only from deep love. But in his first year in Victory, Calvin learns all this and more from Ruby, a woman so full of God's light that it can't help but spill onto the people around her.

--My thoughts. I love when books are built around letters. We have Ruby and Rev. Harper writing letters. Ruby is just one of those people you love to find in a book. A rare gem, just like her name. I love her telling her love story with Whit, such beautiful prose. This author is going to go places, I can't wait to see more. This book is meant to be shared, I tell everyone I meet to make sure you read this book, it is meant to be read in one sitting, you don't want to miss out on one word!

I received this book from Goodreads first read program in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters from Ruby was a true treasure of a find! It will forever be marked as a favorite for me.

What I Loved:
The humanity of the characters...each person was flawed in his or her own way, but they were also redeemable.

Calvin was easy to relate to; although he was positioned to be an expert or leader in religion/spirituality, he was a student in many respects.

Ruby was charming. Her pocket wisdom, keen instruction, and unwavering encouragement were priceless.

The Mary Magdalenes were so diverse and unusual as a group of friends, but they fit so rightly. They banded together and accomplished wonderful things. I appreciated how they were sensitive to one another and to Calvin.

The emotional drama and tension associated with each storyline was perfect. Thomas did not go over the top with anything. The way he injected conflict was so subtle and realistic that it served to authenticate this book for me.

The lessons in this book were plentiful. I will cherish them all.

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this title via Goodreads. I am grateful that I finally had the chance to read it.

Special Note: I was so impressed with this book that I elected to feature it as a book club selection. If you want to see my thoughts and Q & A takeaways, visit http://www.edifier1.wordpress.com. Search for Letters from Ruby.

Happy Reading!

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. I enjoyed reading a book that wasn't all about sex,swearing and killing someone. This book shows you that no matter who you are, you will go through trials and question why you are where you are and are you really helping others. I enjoyed reading about Rev Calvin being sent straight from the teachings of being a priest to a small country town in the middle of nowhere. He was green as they come and was taking in under the wings of one Miss Ruby. This book told of his time in Victory, WVA and letters from Ruby telling of her life as well. This was a book you don't want to put down because you want to find out what happens next. It also shows that if you a fresh from school, learning about God and what your calling is, or if you a older woman who has walked in the faith all her life, you still question your faith, are you doing the right thing. How do you do know what is waiting for you when you just don't know. This book shows unfaltering faith from everyone in the book. It is a good read for anyone who needs reassuring of their faith or just a nudge back on track. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone and look forward to reading more by this author.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Ruby Redding was truly a lady of encouragement, and she shows that in helping the new Episcopal priest Rev. Calvin Harper. Ruby teaches Calvin everything she has learned in her life, things that he could no way find out in seminary. Several years later, Calvin was called to a church in Boston, and Ruby continued encouraging and teaching Calvin through letters. Letters to Ruby gives readers those letters of encouragement to read and be encouraged as well.

I really like Ruby and the way she was willing to help Calvin when he was so new to the church. We need many like Ruby in our world today. I can only imagine how this young pastor cherished each of these letter from his mentor. I was truly encouraged myself, and I know you will be too when you read this book, Letters to Ruby.

I received this book from the publisher Abingdon Press to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters From Ruby caught my attention with the title. Letter writing is an art that is rarely used in this time of immediate gratification. The title took me back to a time when opening the mailbox and finding a handwritten letter could brighten your day. Adam Thomas captured the importance of letters and the history that could be shared in a very personal way. Mr. Thomas also did an excellent job handling the friendship that spanned generations as well as the relationship between a priest and his congregation. Ruby is a very lovable character who reminded me I have been blessed to have gotten to grow up with wonderful great aunts who have lived into their 80's and 90's. Everyone needs a Ruby in their life. I enjoyed this as a first read book. Thank you...I enjoyed every minute I spent in Victory.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and deeply touching love story, both romantic and platonic. I enjoyed the glimpses into WWII through personal letters. I have a soft spot for anything having to do during that time period. Ruby is a woman who we as Christians all wish we could resemble. I did find all of the Episcopal church reference a bit confusing as I was raised in a non denominational church. It however did not detract much form the overall enjoyment of the story. I appreciated how the point was put a crossed without being overly "preachy". As the daughter of pastors I know how difficult that can be.

I won this book through goodreads.

[Maryellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to expanding my reading horizons, thanks to FirstReads and Mr. Thomas.

This book is different from those I typically pursue, but something about the cover and blurb drew me in. I was lucky enough to win a copy from FirstReads.

I enjoyed the stylistic devices throughout the novel and the idea that the Calvin remembered and cared for his first community and that things he experienced and learned there continued to assist him through his life.

I kind of wish I had a friend like Ruby.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book. I loved the relationship Calvin, the new priest at St. John's, develops with the ladies of The Morning Prayer Group. You will recognize some of the older ladies in your church in each character. I fell in love with Ruby. She is my hero...I want to grow up to be just like her. I love the way the book goes back and forth between present day and the time Calvin was at St. John's.

This is an easy read, but will touch you deeply...between the love, joy, tragedies, and relationships built. You'll experience lots of laughter as well as shed a few tears.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It reminds me so much of Jan Karon and her Father Tim books, except in this novel, Father Calvin is a novice. He has so much to learn at his first parish. An elderly woman takes him under her wing. We benefit from the wisdom she shares as Calvin grows into his calling to the priesthood. This is just a delightful novel, one that will have you wanting a sequel. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1avWuBg.

[Aldafan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, such a sweet book. As it opens, Father Calvin is unpacking at his new ministry in Boston. The rest of the book alternates between his flashbacks of his first calling at a small Episcopal church in West Virginia and "letters from Ruby", a senior member who is writing him in Boston. Through his time in West Virginia, Calvin experiences first hand the circle of life that he learned about in seminary but now must experience.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of American history, admirable characters, and insight. I wish I was in the same congregation as Ruby and that I was one of her friends. I could learn so much about compassion, faith, love, and friendship.

[Vykki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I one this book on Goodreads it was absolute beautiful. I fall in love with the character I laugh and cry and had to keep reading. I won this book on Goodreads Thank you

[Audrey Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best heart squeezers I read this year! I love that it isn't even your typical romance. Just a love heart and love for people!
A new Fan

[Kathy Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different kind of book for me to read. I enjoyed the most part of it. I wish it would have told us how he came to leave Victory and meeting his wife. Over all I enjoyed it.

[Donna Schubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

reminds me of the ppl i know in my life, will be sharing this book with some of my frineds