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Dec 13, 2008

Valerie rated it:

I really enjoyed this book. The author did a wonderful job of making the characters come alive. The story draws you in to the lives of the two main characters - Lucy, trying to discover her background, and her grandmaother, Kitty, trying to come to terms with hers. The story is a wonderful intertwining of their two stories and Ruby, who is the common thread.

1 comment like (1 person liked it)

Dec 28, 2008

Kevan rated it:

I started reading this book when my husband was in the hospital in CICU and wasn't expected to make it. So I had to put it down when it started talking about death. I picked it back up and was glad I did. I enjoyed this story, and it turned out to be a great distraction.

The story line was very beliveable, and I could relate to it. We always have woulda, coulda, shoulda's when someone we love dies. It may be a little thing, that we have done a thousand times but when that person dies More...

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Sep 14, 2008

Nora rated it:

This is a very thought provoking and moving book. Tina tells a tale that is intense. The plot is intricately woven with many twists and turns. The curiosity, pain and deep yearning of Lucy to get to the truth of her life, her mother’s life and her grandmothers kept me reading this book every chance I could get to see if the truth would ever come out. This book showed me a word picture for John 8:32 which says “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Lucy longed to be free o More...

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Oct 29, 2010

Margaret rated it:

I'm about halfway through the book so far and I'm not sure how I feel. The writing is great, and I truly feel like I know the characters. So far I haven't gotten much of a Christian appeal, but from slight things said, I think more of that is to come. Partially, I feel at odds with the main character as a person. She seems to be fully obsessing about her mother in general, beyond a healthy level of wanting to know her. I just cannot see how that can help her, but to make her more sad, and slight More...

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Jun 29, 2008

Michelle rated it:

Ruby Among Us starts with a heavy theme, but it's important in order to understand Lucy's perspective throughout the story. If you love and miss your mother who has passed on, this story will move you to tears of healing and unleash memories of love. My mother had gone to be with the Lord for over ten years now, and reading Ruby Among Us sparked memories of loving times as I reached the conclusion of the book.

I don't want to give away any key plot points because half the pull of thi More...

1 comment like (2 people liked it)

Feb 25, 2009

Shannon rated it:

I enjoyed the book. Although at times I would get annoyed with Kitty. She seemed way too selfish and prideful. I know she went through a lot bad experiences in her life, but a lot of the pain was inflicted by her own doing. I did feel for for her because she missed out on so much of her own life because of her pride. Not only did she miss out on her own life, but because of her pride and fears, Ruby and Lucy missed out on so much as well. I hated the fact that there were so many secrets kept ove More...

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Jan 09, 2009

Ann rated it:

A wonderful story of a daughter's search for her past. Check my book blog at www dot annshorey dot com for a full review. Can't wait for Tina Ann Forkner's next book, Rose House.

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Dec 12, 2008

Debbie added it

Very Good book I really enjoyed it. Very well written

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Nov 03, 2008

Rhonda rated it:

Wow! What a story. Tina really brings the wine country to life. Her visual descriptions are vivid and breathtaking. The story is so captivating you’re pulled in with the first page. You’ll immediately connect with the well-written, intricate characters, and feel they are friends. Mrs. Forkner’s writing style is relaxed and fresh. This wonderful novel will be in my top ten of the year. I’d love to see it win a Christy award.

To read more of my review, visit Beach Reads More...

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Oct 29, 2008

Meg121475 rated it:

"Ruby Among Us" is an outstanding novel from debut author Tina Ann Forkner. The story of 3 generations of women and the men they love is woven among the lush scenery of the places they cherish. Long-held family secrets unravel in a unique writing style that brings the characters to life and is at the same time both honest and sensitive about topics rarely brought out in Christian fiction. This is a fast-paced read that at times leaves you breathless to learn both the history and the More...

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Oct 14, 2010

Cooee rated it:

So many favorable reviews! A generosity by Christian readers towards a book with a message they like?

I got through about a third of this book. When I wasn't being annoyed with the characters for secret-keeping, I was feeling sorry for the book itself. I like books - a lot - so I tend to feel sorry for the stories that seem like they could have worked, but they don't, because mmmm sorry, but I have to tell the truth: the writing was unskilled. It was like I was reading a pretty dec More...

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May 08, 2008

Amy rated it:

I liked the way this book was written. There was something beautiful about the composition of the characters and the way you viewed them almost as you would view a beautiful scene through the filtered light of morning. My one critique of this (and why I can't rate it higher) is that the ending seems too "scrunched". There's a building throughout the book at an easy pace and then the ending gets resolved within a few chapters. I would have liked to see the pace keep steady throughout.

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Dec 06, 2008

Kelly rated it:

The plot is rich and the scenes are incredible-visual and lovely. Any bond between a mother and daughter is sacred and Tina Ann Forkner reaches in and walks us through each emotional twist and turn. I can't wait to read more of her books! She really is gifted in touching us with her characters.

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Feb 16, 2011

Beth rated it:

I won this book in the giveaway and actually didn't expect much.
How wrong I was....it was a wonderful story and a great read. I loved it. I am not much for critiqueing the writing, but the story was one that kept you longing for more,
Congrats to Tina Ann Forkner for a lovely debut novel. I will be looking for more,

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Nov 30, 2008

Amy rated it:

Immediately engaging and thought provoking. Ms. Forkner's characters have great depth and her gardens a special beauty.

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Jan 30, 2009

Amy rated it:

I absolutely loved this book! I can't wait until she comes out with another book - I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Right from the beginning you're hooked. Tina Ann Forkner is such a brilliant writer, she just pulls you right into each character.

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Jun 30, 2008

Karen marked it as to-read

based on Michelle Suttons review and several other comments I might just look into it. When my mom pssed two yrs ago It didn't quit hit me, but I wish she could see the stuf I have done since she has been gone. I miss her and it's hitting me

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Sep 12, 2008

Jodie rated it:

This story about family, secrets from the past and the relationships between 3 generations of women was beautifully told and well written. The pacing was perfect and the themes of the story very skillfully woven throughout.

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Oct 01, 2008

Kandy added it

started reading it, but was put off by the first couple of pages where the young girl's mom dies. Did not really need that kind of depression in my life right now. Not a recommended read for this family.

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Feb 03, 2009

Kristen rated it:

I fnished this book about a month ago, and the story really stayed with me. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Sep 16, 2008

Tisha rated it:

This book was a great book about something that I never experienced in life and was very well told. I loved the end...even cried.

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Jul 14, 2008

Linda added it

New Wyoming author. Very good first book. Explores the ties between mothers and daughters. Quite enjoyable

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Feb 16, 2009

Lisa rated it:

Maybe I wasnt' too enthusiastic about this novel as I read it on the heels of another novel with the same theme - generations of family members who suffer because they keep secrets from each other. I was too angry at all the secret-keeping to really feel empathy for the characters. The ending was too unbelievable to feel like a good resolution for me. It was an entertaining book, if you don't care about being super angry at the characters for their behavior, and you don't need a believable en More...

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Oct 15, 2008

Megan rated it:

A great debut novel! The language was beautiful and the story moving.

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Jun 23, 2008

Charlene rated it:

Not usually an inspirational reader, but this book was very good.

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Oct 03, 2009

Jaclynn rated it:

This story was one that was hard to put down, the realness of it really came through, the author did an excellent job of weaving the story of a young girl, her mother, and grandmother lives. Lucy is searching for answers and her grandmother, Kitty is trying to forget hers and the mistakes that she made a long time ago. Can there be forgiveness and redemption? Will Lucy be reunited with her past in the Sonoma Valley?

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Oct 28, 2009

Jackie rated it:

Very quick book. I could not sleep and read it all in a night! Not one of my top books but I good read. I agree with another reviewer who said the main character obsesses about her Mom, that is the main plot of the story. For a easy mindless read this is good but there is nothing substantial that stays with you, at least not for me

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Aug 12, 2009

Bobbie rated it:

I actually just bought this book because I attended school with the authors sister, and my sisters grew up with her brother. I am so glad that I did. It was a wonderful story. I literally couldn't put the book down. I would recommend it to everyone. I will be buying Tina's next book, but this time it will because I can't wait to read it...not because of the hometown ties.

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May 06, 2009

Terri rated it:

boy, was this a horrible book. author very good at telling, not shwoing. a friend lent it to me, and i ended up skimming all the hooptedoodle and just reading dialogue. a clumsy effort at a parable/analogy of God's love for us, and his neverending grace for the sinner.

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Dec 11, 2011

Lori rated it:

What a wonderful story. So glad I decided to read it.

Lucy DiCammillo lost her mother Ruby when she was very young. She grew up in the care of her grandmother Kitty. Kitty doesn't like to talk to much about her past or about Ruby. Lucy is starting to question her past, wanting to find out more about her mother and herself. Kitty seems to hold the key, but is reluctant to open up and share her secrets.

Lucy is searching for more than just answers to her past. She hopes tha More...

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