Ruby

The Regency Jewel #2

by Helen Ashfield

Helen Ashfield, proven master of the historical romance, journeys back to the 1700s, the onset of England's industrial revolution, and the world of Ruby Travers. Ruby, raven-haired and petite, yet never one to hold her tongue, is the one and only daughter of Vinnie Travers, housekeeper of the deteriorating house of Askwith. Though desperate for money and offered a handsome sum for his ancestral home, Askwith refuses outright, as it would mean selling it to Lionel Whitcombe, an industrialist, too base and unworthy a man for such a noble possession.

Paperback

First published October 1, 1984

About the author

A pseudonym used by Pamela Bennetts. AKA Margaret James.

Reviews

[Faun Riel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby by Helen Ashfield is a historical romance novel set in the 1700s. The story surprised me with its dark and emotional tone, which I found to be a refreshing departure from the typical banquet and soiree settings of other romance novels. As I turned each page, I found myself weeping over the poor souls in the book, and despite this, I couldn't help but love it.

The main character, Ruby Travers, is a woman of character, and I instantly fell in love with her resilience, bravery, and confidence. I never once disliked her, and although Sebastian Clare's personality wasn't explored in depth, I also didn't have any issues with him, except for one part where he called her out during a misunderstanding.

I was very shocked that almost all the characters were killed off in the book. While I wouldn't complain if it had been the villain and the villainess, the overall loss of so many characters was too overwhelming.

The book is filled with more heartbreaking scenes than heart-fluttering ones, and I loved it for each moment of pain and laughter. The supporting characters were also significant to the story, and I became very attached to them as well.

Ruby and Sebastian's love story is bittersweet, and while I enjoyed it, there were many aspects left to be desired. Additionally, the secret from Ruby's past, which I had anticipated, felt rushed and was written in one block in the last chapter.

The ending left me feeling contented but not entirely satisfied. I wished there were more chapters to explore the remaining questions and unresolved aspects of the story. However, I understand that I had reached the end, and I would have to make do with what was provided.

Overall, Ruby (1984) is a book that I loved reading, despite it not being what I initially expected. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance. I hope to get my hands on the author's other books in the series, as I have so much love for this one, even though it left me bawling my eyes out.

[Robin Loisch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would rate this between 2 and 3 stars. The story was interesting and fast-paced. Unfortunately, the ending falls flat. The characters do a complete about face. Ruby, who is strong, intelligent, and determined, collapses into a defeated weakling when her love believes a lie about her. The hero, Sebastian, who declares his undying love for Ruby, completely changes his mind in a 10 second incident and allows Ruby no time for explanation. Then a short time later, suddenly the pieces of the puzzle magically make sense to him, and with no remorse for his actions, he expects Ruby to fall back into his arms, which she does. I was disgusted at this resolution. Also, this book has many typographical and proofreading errors.

[Tom Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helen Ashfield is a decent writer. The story is good but way too contrived so that all the pieces can be fit neatly. She kills off too many characters for that convenience.