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Southern Ruby
Forbidden love. Family secrets. A twist of fate. The stunning new generational saga from Belinda Alexandra, bestselling author of TUSCAN ROSE.
In New Orleans - the city of genteel old houses and ancient oak trees covered in Spanish moss, of seductive night life, of Creole culture, voodoo and jazz - two women separated by time and tragedy will find each other at last.
Amanda, orphaned as a child and suffering the loss of her beloved grandmother, has left Sydney in search of a family she never knew.
Ruby, constrained by the expectations of society and class, is carrying a lifetime of secrets. Amanda’s arrival sparks revelations long buried: a double life, a forbidden love, and a loss that cannot be forgotten.
Southern Ruby is a sweeping story of love, passion, family and honour. Alternating in time between the 1950s and the eve of Hurricane Katrina, it is also a tribute to a city heady with mystery, music, and superstition, which has borne the tumults of race and class and the fury of nature, but has never given up hope.
Praise for Belinda Alexandra’s novels:
'Unforgettable … intrigue, passion, betrayal – all the ingredients for a must-read novel. And that is this author’s specialty’ Woman’s Day
‘A passionate and powerful family saga’ Australian Women’s Weekly
‘Filled with glamour, heartbreak, drama and suspense’ The Age
‘Totally enthralling’ Herald Sun
In New Orleans - the city of genteel old houses and ancient oak trees covered in Spanish moss, of seductive night life, of Creole culture, voodoo and jazz - two women separated by time and tragedy will find each other at last.
Amanda, orphaned as a child and suffering the loss of her beloved grandmother, has left Sydney in search of a family she never knew.
Ruby, constrained by the expectations of society and class, is carrying a lifetime of secrets. Amanda’s arrival sparks revelations long buried: a double life, a forbidden love, and a loss that cannot be forgotten.
Southern Ruby is a sweeping story of love, passion, family and honour. Alternating in time between the 1950s and the eve of Hurricane Katrina, it is also a tribute to a city heady with mystery, music, and superstition, which has borne the tumults of race and class and the fury of nature, but has never given up hope.
Praise for Belinda Alexandra’s novels:
'Unforgettable … intrigue, passion, betrayal – all the ingredients for a must-read novel. And that is this author’s specialty’ Woman’s Day
‘A passionate and powerful family saga’ Australian Women’s Weekly
‘Filled with glamour, heartbreak, drama and suspense’ The Age
‘Totally enthralling’ Herald Sun
521 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2016
154 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Belinda Alexandra
21 books752 followersBelinda Alexandra has been published to wide acclaim in Australia and internationally. She is the daughter of a Russian mother and an Australian father and has been an intrepid traveller since her youth. Her love of other cultures is matched by her passion for her home country, Australia, where she is a volunteer carer for the NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES).
Belinda is also an ambassador for the World League for the Protection of Animals (Australia) and lives in Sydney with a menagerie of adored pets.
Join Belinda's community of readers at facebook.com/BelindaAlexandraAuthor
Belinda is also an ambassador for the World League for the Protection of Animals (Australia) and lives in Sydney with a menagerie of adored pets.
Join Belinda's community of readers at facebook.com/BelindaAlexandraAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
November 21, 2016
Southern Ruby by Belinda Alexandra is an excellent read, but I have to say it has the most misleading book cover I've seen in a long time. You could be forgiven for assuming Southern Ruby is a romance novel, however what you'll find instead is a steamy mystery set in New Orleans just prior to Hurricane Katrina.
Amanda is the protagonist and the family matriarch Ruby takes her back to the 1950s to fill in details of her family history.
Southern Ruby is brimming with themes of forbidden love, identity and family, loss, class, racial conflict, jazz and burlesque dancing and I really enjoyed it. Southern Ruby also touches on an event in recent history I'm fascinated by, and that's Hurricane Katrina.
New Orleans could easily be considered the third character in the novel and a place I've always been fascinated by. One of my favourite authors - Anne Rice - has expertly captured the essence of New Orleans in her writing, however Belinda Alexandra is the first author to come close to equalling her talent on the page in my opinion.
I enjoyed discovering a new (to me) Australian author in Belinda Alexandra and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
* Copy courtesy of Harper Collins Australia *
Amanda is the protagonist and the family matriarch Ruby takes her back to the 1950s to fill in details of her family history.
Southern Ruby is brimming with themes of forbidden love, identity and family, loss, class, racial conflict, jazz and burlesque dancing and I really enjoyed it. Southern Ruby also touches on an event in recent history I'm fascinated by, and that's Hurricane Katrina.
New Orleans could easily be considered the third character in the novel and a place I've always been fascinated by. One of my favourite authors - Anne Rice - has expertly captured the essence of New Orleans in her writing, however Belinda Alexandra is the first author to come close to equalling her talent on the page in my opinion.
I enjoyed discovering a new (to me) Australian author in Belinda Alexandra and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
* Copy courtesy of Harper Collins Australia *
August 17, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
An opulent and sweeping tale awaits the reader when they select Southern Ruby. A convergence of the past and present, crossing two contrasted countries and covering two generations, is the grand tale of Southern Ruby. This novel is a 500 plus page turner from Australian author Belinda Alexandra.
Southern Ruby travels to New Orleans, a city that is defined by grand architecture and stunning gardens, along with a lively night life. Along with the unique trademark of Creole culture, mysticism and music, Southern Ruby aligns the lives of two women, once divided by secrets and tragedy. In the present day, Amanda lives in Sydney, but she is haunted by the past. She was orphaned as a young child, and cared for by her grandmother. Since her grandmother’s recent passing, Amanda has felt the calling to search for a family she knows little about. On the other side of this story is Ruby, a forward thinking woman, who has lived a full life. Now is the time to reveal the secrets of Ruby’s past, thanks to the arrival of Amanda. As Ruby’s story is slowly unravelled, plenty of secrets are exposed. It seems Ruby once lived a colourful life, defined by double jeopardy, lies, and love. Southern Ruby is an unforgettable novel that encompasses desire, duty and family ties. The gentle switch between two different time zones and locales helps elevate this tale to something truly great.
The seventh novel by Belinda Alexandra, published in 2016, is my choice for book bingo 2018. The category I need to cover this time around is a book more than 500 pages. Southern Ruby is a novel that easily fits the bill. When a book of this length is presented to me I usually balk at the prospect of having to sift through such a doorstop! However, I promise you this wasn’t the case for Southern Ruby. The pages just seemed to take on a life of their own, they literally flew away. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover.
I am now quite familiar with Belinda Alexandra’s signature style. She applies a certain formula to her books, melding between the past and the present, along with a rich presentation of accessible history. I just seem to keep coming back for more! I loved The White Gardenia, Alexandra’s first novel, it remains one of my all time favourite books. The experience of reading Southern Ruby reminded me of why I love Alexandra’s writing.
Alexandra is a master storyteller. She is able to weave quite pertinent historical facts around a wholly engaging narrative. Within Southern Ruby, it is clear that Alexandra has embarked on a lengthy research process. Her attention to detail and the delivery of historical facts is faultless. I also loved how she was able to tie in a modern history to her tale.
New Orleans is the prime location for Southern Ruby. While some of the present day sequences are set in Sydney, the past storyline is situated in 1950’s New Orleans. I have very little back knowledge of this American location. Though I do have a desire to visit some day in the future. Southern Ruby is the closest opportunity I will get to experiencing all New Orleans has to offer. I consumed the sights, sounds, smells and feelings of this very different locale. I loved the architecture, history, cultural aspects, local residents and of course the music. It was a joy to experience all this through the pages of Southern Ruby. On a sad note, Alexandra also opens our eyes to the impact of Hurricane Katrina, which unleashed its wrath on the people of New Orleans in 2005. It is hard to read these sequences without developing a big knot in your throat.
The character arcs in Southern Ruby are fabulous. Alexandra carefully balances out the present day character journey of Amanda, with her grandmother Ruby’s past. Both stories were compelling and I was drawn equally to both leading ladies. In Amanda, we observe a young woman dealing with abandonment, loss, identity and connection. In Ruby, we observe a woman longing to break free from the confines and restrictions placed on her during a time of great upheaval. Alexandra works well to highlight these contrasting character awakenings, along with a rich examination of the social, as well as political conditions in New Orleans at this time. The racial segregation components were particularly well handled by Alexandra.
It is a lengthy but worthwhile journey to travel in the company of Amanda and Ruby in Southern Ruby. Readers are rewarded with a tale that compresses love, passion, heartbreak, loss, mystery and semblance all within the one rich family based saga. Southern Ruby definitely awakened my desire to seek out the two remaining books I have yet to discover of Belinda Alexandra’s, along with her upcoming release, The Invitation.
Southern Ruby, is book #100 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
An opulent and sweeping tale awaits the reader when they select Southern Ruby. A convergence of the past and present, crossing two contrasted countries and covering two generations, is the grand tale of Southern Ruby. This novel is a 500 plus page turner from Australian author Belinda Alexandra.
Southern Ruby travels to New Orleans, a city that is defined by grand architecture and stunning gardens, along with a lively night life. Along with the unique trademark of Creole culture, mysticism and music, Southern Ruby aligns the lives of two women, once divided by secrets and tragedy. In the present day, Amanda lives in Sydney, but she is haunted by the past. She was orphaned as a young child, and cared for by her grandmother. Since her grandmother’s recent passing, Amanda has felt the calling to search for a family she knows little about. On the other side of this story is Ruby, a forward thinking woman, who has lived a full life. Now is the time to reveal the secrets of Ruby’s past, thanks to the arrival of Amanda. As Ruby’s story is slowly unravelled, plenty of secrets are exposed. It seems Ruby once lived a colourful life, defined by double jeopardy, lies, and love. Southern Ruby is an unforgettable novel that encompasses desire, duty and family ties. The gentle switch between two different time zones and locales helps elevate this tale to something truly great.
The seventh novel by Belinda Alexandra, published in 2016, is my choice for book bingo 2018. The category I need to cover this time around is a book more than 500 pages. Southern Ruby is a novel that easily fits the bill. When a book of this length is presented to me I usually balk at the prospect of having to sift through such a doorstop! However, I promise you this wasn’t the case for Southern Ruby. The pages just seemed to take on a life of their own, they literally flew away. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover.
I am now quite familiar with Belinda Alexandra’s signature style. She applies a certain formula to her books, melding between the past and the present, along with a rich presentation of accessible history. I just seem to keep coming back for more! I loved The White Gardenia, Alexandra’s first novel, it remains one of my all time favourite books. The experience of reading Southern Ruby reminded me of why I love Alexandra’s writing.
Alexandra is a master storyteller. She is able to weave quite pertinent historical facts around a wholly engaging narrative. Within Southern Ruby, it is clear that Alexandra has embarked on a lengthy research process. Her attention to detail and the delivery of historical facts is faultless. I also loved how she was able to tie in a modern history to her tale.
New Orleans is the prime location for Southern Ruby. While some of the present day sequences are set in Sydney, the past storyline is situated in 1950’s New Orleans. I have very little back knowledge of this American location. Though I do have a desire to visit some day in the future. Southern Ruby is the closest opportunity I will get to experiencing all New Orleans has to offer. I consumed the sights, sounds, smells and feelings of this very different locale. I loved the architecture, history, cultural aspects, local residents and of course the music. It was a joy to experience all this through the pages of Southern Ruby. On a sad note, Alexandra also opens our eyes to the impact of Hurricane Katrina, which unleashed its wrath on the people of New Orleans in 2005. It is hard to read these sequences without developing a big knot in your throat.
The character arcs in Southern Ruby are fabulous. Alexandra carefully balances out the present day character journey of Amanda, with her grandmother Ruby’s past. Both stories were compelling and I was drawn equally to both leading ladies. In Amanda, we observe a young woman dealing with abandonment, loss, identity and connection. In Ruby, we observe a woman longing to break free from the confines and restrictions placed on her during a time of great upheaval. Alexandra works well to highlight these contrasting character awakenings, along with a rich examination of the social, as well as political conditions in New Orleans at this time. The racial segregation components were particularly well handled by Alexandra.
It is a lengthy but worthwhile journey to travel in the company of Amanda and Ruby in Southern Ruby. Readers are rewarded with a tale that compresses love, passion, heartbreak, loss, mystery and semblance all within the one rich family based saga. Southern Ruby definitely awakened my desire to seek out the two remaining books I have yet to discover of Belinda Alexandra’s, along with her upcoming release, The Invitation.
Southern Ruby, is book #100 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
September 26, 2016
In Southern Ruby, Belinda Alexandra wraps her storytelling magic around New Orleans, giving us two narratives, one in the present and one in the past.
Opening in current day Australia, we are introduced to Amanda who, after losing her Nan with whom she has lived since she was just a toddler, finds a letter and discovers that she has other family - New Orleans.
Determined to solve the mystery surrounding her parents and their death which her Nan refused to speak about with her, Amanda makes arrangements to visit New Orleans to see if she can reconnect with her remaining relatives and discover her roots.
Moving into the past, we have Ruby who, with Amanda’s arrival, is compelled to reveal the wrenching secrets of her glamorous (if somewhat illustrious) past - her loves and losses, the hardships her family faced and the racial discord surrounding 1950’s New Orleans.
Of genteel upbringing, Ruby and her perpetually ill mother sank to new lows when her uncle refused them further financial assistance forcing Ruby to find ways to keep a roof over their head and food in their stomachs. In doing so, she found herself living in the scandalous world of burlesque and falling in love with a jazz musician. It wasn't long, however, before Ruby came to realise that the comfortable and lovingly assembled world she had created for herself had begun to close in on her.
I’m not sure if perhaps in a previous life I was a resident of NOLA but, in this life, this particular city has always held a certain allure for me. I thoroughly enjoy learning about its history but, even more so, I love the way that some authors make the place come alive with all its mystery, vibrancy, seductive beauty and pagan heritage.
In this latest by Belinda, the past (and death) are never far away in a city that, whilst the sounds of jazz continually permeate its aged streets, is as beautiful as it is dangerous.
Blending fact into fiction, Belinda has created a rich setting both pre- and post-Katrina which is vivid and real, adding to the mystery as well as the colour of the Big Easy and, for me, the greatest weight was held in Ruby’s story in which issues of class, cultural identity as well as the sociological and political conditions of the deep South at that time, give a broad scope of its complex history and put a human face to the everyday people of "The City That Care Forgot".
Her scene-settings drip with atmosphere and her characterisations are colourful. The additional layers of intrigue surrounding the reasons for Amanda’s parents’ car accident as well as Ruby's own story add depth and complexity to the plot, while her descriptions of the food will soon see you wanting to rush and find your place at one of the characters’ tables!
From the elegance of the Garden District to the dark and sultry ambience of the French Quarter, the vibrancy of the Vieux Carre and the poverty of the Lower Ninth Ward, Belinda offers a well-traversed perspective to the charismatic Crescent City.
She is a passionate and confident storyteller and her writing is like an artist’s dream as she skilfully illustrates the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of one of America’ most culturally rich and diverse cities.
Highlighting the city’s charms and vices and, putting her own distinctive stamp on it, she brings us a story about loss, survival, hope and the desires of acceptance and belonging. Highly recommended.
Opening in current day Australia, we are introduced to Amanda who, after losing her Nan with whom she has lived since she was just a toddler, finds a letter and discovers that she has other family - New Orleans.
Determined to solve the mystery surrounding her parents and their death which her Nan refused to speak about with her, Amanda makes arrangements to visit New Orleans to see if she can reconnect with her remaining relatives and discover her roots.
Moving into the past, we have Ruby who, with Amanda’s arrival, is compelled to reveal the wrenching secrets of her glamorous (if somewhat illustrious) past - her loves and losses, the hardships her family faced and the racial discord surrounding 1950’s New Orleans.
Of genteel upbringing, Ruby and her perpetually ill mother sank to new lows when her uncle refused them further financial assistance forcing Ruby to find ways to keep a roof over their head and food in their stomachs. In doing so, she found herself living in the scandalous world of burlesque and falling in love with a jazz musician. It wasn't long, however, before Ruby came to realise that the comfortable and lovingly assembled world she had created for herself had begun to close in on her.
I’m not sure if perhaps in a previous life I was a resident of NOLA but, in this life, this particular city has always held a certain allure for me. I thoroughly enjoy learning about its history but, even more so, I love the way that some authors make the place come alive with all its mystery, vibrancy, seductive beauty and pagan heritage.
In this latest by Belinda, the past (and death) are never far away in a city that, whilst the sounds of jazz continually permeate its aged streets, is as beautiful as it is dangerous.
Blending fact into fiction, Belinda has created a rich setting both pre- and post-Katrina which is vivid and real, adding to the mystery as well as the colour of the Big Easy and, for me, the greatest weight was held in Ruby’s story in which issues of class, cultural identity as well as the sociological and political conditions of the deep South at that time, give a broad scope of its complex history and put a human face to the everyday people of "The City That Care Forgot".
Her scene-settings drip with atmosphere and her characterisations are colourful. The additional layers of intrigue surrounding the reasons for Amanda’s parents’ car accident as well as Ruby's own story add depth and complexity to the plot, while her descriptions of the food will soon see you wanting to rush and find your place at one of the characters’ tables!
From the elegance of the Garden District to the dark and sultry ambience of the French Quarter, the vibrancy of the Vieux Carre and the poverty of the Lower Ninth Ward, Belinda offers a well-traversed perspective to the charismatic Crescent City.
She is a passionate and confident storyteller and her writing is like an artist’s dream as she skilfully illustrates the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of one of America’ most culturally rich and diverse cities.
Highlighting the city’s charms and vices and, putting her own distinctive stamp on it, she brings us a story about loss, survival, hope and the desires of acceptance and belonging. Highly recommended.
August 1, 2023
Exquisite! Unforgettable!
The setting is beautiful New Orleans (a place hubby and I adore.) The authors vivid descriptions of New Orleans, Oak Alley, the architecture, musicians, Jazz Club, burlesque dancing, costumes, Mardi Gras, the Jazz era and hurricane Katrina is absolutely remarkable.
Jumps between two different time periods - one is as wonderful and perfect as the other.
Begins in Sydney with Amanda (Amandine) and her maternal grandmother who suddenly passes away. Amanda finds a letter which takes her to New Orleans where Amandine is reunited with her deceased fathers mother, her grandmother Ruby who tells her backstory, revealing juicy secrets. Double life? Shhh! Through the storytelling Amandine also discovers her roots.
Totally enamoured by Ruby and Amandine, magnificent characters.
Racism and segregation features heavily in this story. (I had no idea it was so bad I always thought New Orleanians were more tolerant)
The unexpected twist was marvellous, just marvellous.
I love all of Belinda Alexandra’s novels but this one, oh this one is by far my favourite.
The setting is beautiful New Orleans (a place hubby and I adore.) The authors vivid descriptions of New Orleans, Oak Alley, the architecture, musicians, Jazz Club, burlesque dancing, costumes, Mardi Gras, the Jazz era and hurricane Katrina is absolutely remarkable.
Jumps between two different time periods - one is as wonderful and perfect as the other.
Begins in Sydney with Amanda (Amandine) and her maternal grandmother who suddenly passes away. Amanda finds a letter which takes her to New Orleans where Amandine is reunited with her deceased fathers mother, her grandmother Ruby who tells her backstory, revealing juicy secrets. Double life? Shhh! Through the storytelling Amandine also discovers her roots.
Totally enamoured by Ruby and Amandine, magnificent characters.
Racism and segregation features heavily in this story. (I had no idea it was so bad I always thought New Orleanians were more tolerant)
The unexpected twist was marvellous, just marvellous.
I love all of Belinda Alexandra’s novels but this one, oh this one is by far my favourite.
January 9, 2017
519 amazing pages and if I could give this book more than 5 stars I would!!! Loved every page. Characters were fantastic and the story set in two time periods was equally as good - sometimes you get a book where one character/time period is not as good as the other, but Southern Ruby wasn't like that at all and I was totally taken by both Amadine and Ruby. An easy 5 stars for me and highly recommend this fantastic story!
June 11, 2024
This is the kind of book that as soon as I finish, I miss the characters because I felt like they are family. Southern Ruby is nothing like how the cover suggests. It’s a sweeping saga about good people living through the terror and hatred of the civil rights movement in New Orleans and the racist hangover that still exists today. The story has two timelines that join at the end, one about Ruby, a white Creole as a young woman in love, one about Amanda, Ruby’s grand daughter, a modern Australian woman seeking the truth about her lost family.
I thoroughly loved this story because it placed me right in the mix of this city that is so full of contradictions- the music, the colour, the culture and also the history of America’s dark, shameful history, and hurricane Katrina- which was written so amazingly- I could see, smell and fear it- not the storm but the fall out of this event.
If you enjoy reading people’s life stories and historical fiction I recommend this.
I thoroughly loved this story because it placed me right in the mix of this city that is so full of contradictions- the music, the colour, the culture and also the history of America’s dark, shameful history, and hurricane Katrina- which was written so amazingly- I could see, smell and fear it- not the storm but the fall out of this event.
If you enjoy reading people’s life stories and historical fiction I recommend this.
January 22, 2018
OMG!!
Southern Ruby is just beyond amazing. Don't know why I haven't heard much talk on this book. It's so underrated and doesn't get the credit it deserves.
I'm excited to read more of Belinda Alexandra's books. I think I may have found a new favourite author.
Southern Ruby is just beyond amazing. Don't know why I haven't heard much talk on this book. It's so underrated and doesn't get the credit it deserves.
I'm excited to read more of Belinda Alexandra's books. I think I may have found a new favourite author.
September 29, 2016
Southern Ruby by Belinda Alexandra set in New Orleans is a beautifully written novel enticing you with the Creole culture, including Cajun cooking, music filled with New Orleans jazz piano and some elements of voodoo.
It read like Gone With the Wind. It was very cleverly written and narrated. I could always hear Grandma Ruby's voice in the background telling me the Story of her Life as a Burlesque Dancer, falling in love with a love which was forbidden and lost along the way and found again when least expected. I loved hearing about when Ruby became Jewel and her lifetime of secrets and the double-life she lead. Amanda's arrival into the house named after her called Amandine. Hearing all about architecture and grand old homes in New Orleans. Architecture and music play a major role in this novel, so if you love music and beautiful homes with lovely gardens you'll enjoy this novel.
So beautifully written, set in a time gone by with the onset of Hurricane Katrina taking place near the end of this story and all it's dilemmas and tragedy.
This novel, Southern Ruby will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Be prepared for a long-ride and saga into the life of Southern Ruby and her life as Jewel.
I've read all of Belinda Alexandra's novels except for Golden Earrings and have loved each and every one of them.
I highly recommend Southern Ruby by Belinda Alexandra - you won't be disappointed.
It read like Gone With the Wind. It was very cleverly written and narrated. I could always hear Grandma Ruby's voice in the background telling me the Story of her Life as a Burlesque Dancer, falling in love with a love which was forbidden and lost along the way and found again when least expected. I loved hearing about when Ruby became Jewel and her lifetime of secrets and the double-life she lead. Amanda's arrival into the house named after her called Amandine. Hearing all about architecture and grand old homes in New Orleans. Architecture and music play a major role in this novel, so if you love music and beautiful homes with lovely gardens you'll enjoy this novel.
So beautifully written, set in a time gone by with the onset of Hurricane Katrina taking place near the end of this story and all it's dilemmas and tragedy.
This novel, Southern Ruby will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Be prepared for a long-ride and saga into the life of Southern Ruby and her life as Jewel.
I've read all of Belinda Alexandra's novels except for Golden Earrings and have loved each and every one of them.
I highly recommend Southern Ruby by Belinda Alexandra - you won't be disappointed.
September 5, 2016
If I could give this a better star rating I would, loved loved this book.
Belinda Alexandra is a wonderful storyteller!
It has it all. Family secrets, mystery, drama, romance all set in a wonderful city New Orleans.
I just hope there is a sequel in the works soon because it has left me wanting more.. What happens to Amandine next??? What changes can she be the voice for?? Can she continue Grandma Ruby's cause because its still relevant in todays times In the south.. Rebuilding after Katrina in New Orleans is still an ongoing challenge over 10 years later with many families not returning...
Please Belinda???
Belinda Alexandra is a wonderful storyteller!
It has it all. Family secrets, mystery, drama, romance all set in a wonderful city New Orleans.
I just hope there is a sequel in the works soon because it has left me wanting more.. What happens to Amandine next??? What changes can she be the voice for?? Can she continue Grandma Ruby's cause because its still relevant in todays times In the south.. Rebuilding after Katrina in New Orleans is still an ongoing challenge over 10 years later with many families not returning...
Please Belinda???
February 7, 2017
Another classic Belinda Alexandra read- filled with suitable amounts of family drama, hidden secrets. As always Alexandra's skill lies in her development of a sense of place- and discussion of how a place can be so integral to our sense of self. Fantastic holiday escapism- albeit with a somewhat sudden ending.
September 24, 2016
This was another great read by Belinda Alexander although the ending seemed a bit rushed and left me wanting more. I loved the New Orleans setting and Ruby's story.
December 13, 2016
This is an absolute gem of a novel, I loved it
June 3, 2021
What a story.
January 4, 2025
engaging story during the 1950s and just before and during hurricane Katrina New Orleans USA will keep you turning the pages.
September 2, 2016
I love books with strong female characters who defy social norms to stand up for their principles. Ruby is certainly one of those women. Her granddaughter, Amanda, also displays her strengths in a number of ways. There are wonderful male characters in this book too, as well as a cast of characters who one wouldn't like to meet alone on a dark street. The age-old themes of sexism and particularly racism are heart wrenching while the romance and loving relationships that thread themselves throughout the novel are uplifting and give the story a satisfying cohesion. I enjoyed this book immensely.
Thanks to HarperCollins Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC
Thanks to HarperCollins Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC
September 19, 2016
This is my first book by Belinda Alexandra and one that I totally loved. I am not usually one to write a review, but I do know when a book and story touches my heart and comes alive just as this one did. I feel very privileged to have read this, my first story by Belinda Alexandra, but most certainly not my last! I have the other six books lined up to read also. Thank you Belinda, for the beautiful story of Ruby and Amandine and so many other wonderful characters who came to life for me in this story.
December 24, 2016
Just brilliant.
October 19, 2016
Love love loved it! Couldn't put it down! By far my favourite of Belinda Alexandra's.
September 16, 2020
This is the second Belinda Alexandra novel I have read and my favourite so far.
Belinda is a natural storyteller and she has such a talent with telling a sweeping story whilst weaving in historical elements.
In Southern Ruby we travel between New Orleans and Sydney, Australia and a dazzling story unfolds. Amanda, who’s grandmother passes away, finds out she has family still in New Orleans and better yet, family who can fill in the gaps with her regarding her late mother and father who passed away when she was young. In New Orleans she meets her other grandmother Ruby, who tells Amanda her story and the family’s secrets which have been kept under lock and key until now.
Belinda covers a wide array of important issues such as grief, loss and identity in a way that is light and easy to digest. I appreciate her ability to do this in such a skilled way.
I absolutely loved the landscapes and scenes described in New Orleans. I found it incredibly vivid and such an entertaining experience. Belinda describes it in such a way that feels real to the reader and by the end of this novel I did not want to leave New Orleans or the characters I had met.
I look forward to reading Belinda’s other novels.
Belinda is a natural storyteller and she has such a talent with telling a sweeping story whilst weaving in historical elements.
In Southern Ruby we travel between New Orleans and Sydney, Australia and a dazzling story unfolds. Amanda, who’s grandmother passes away, finds out she has family still in New Orleans and better yet, family who can fill in the gaps with her regarding her late mother and father who passed away when she was young. In New Orleans she meets her other grandmother Ruby, who tells Amanda her story and the family’s secrets which have been kept under lock and key until now.
Belinda covers a wide array of important issues such as grief, loss and identity in a way that is light and easy to digest. I appreciate her ability to do this in such a skilled way.
I absolutely loved the landscapes and scenes described in New Orleans. I found it incredibly vivid and such an entertaining experience. Belinda describes it in such a way that feels real to the reader and by the end of this novel I did not want to leave New Orleans or the characters I had met.
I look forward to reading Belinda’s other novels.
September 6, 2017
Belinda Alexandra doesn't disappoint. In this book we read two storylines: Amanda's story in the present and Ruby's in the past. Both are harrowing, utterly gutwrenching. Amanda's story seems drier, even boring conpared to Ruby's, but boy it'll pack a punch later on. It is gutwrenching to read about what really went on in New Orleans, to read about it through the eyes of someone who lived through what we only saw in news stories on the tv. It was such a painful read that I had to put the book down many times just to allow myself time to absorb all that I was reading. Ruby's story on the other hand is a huge love story, full of hope and fight, but also full of unbelievable bigotry, hatret and prejudice. The strenght of people living through that time in history is tremendous. And to think that that fight is still not completely over, after fiftyodd years it is still relevant... Sad. And shocking.
Belinda Alexandra did good with this book - again. A captivating read. Loved it.
Belinda Alexandra did good with this book - again. A captivating read. Loved it.
November 11, 2018
It had been many years since I last read a book by this author, this one was the selection for our book club, so I read it, not with any protestations or fear etc it was fine, it was probably a bit overlong, and the lead up to the final act was too long, whereas once hurricane Katrina hit it was a much better read. The failure of the US government at the time was explored somewhat, but it could have truly been explored and the book could have been better had it focussed more around that era of the timeline. Anyway an average read.
September 21, 2017
I. Loved. This. Book.
The characters were rich and delightful, and I can tell the author really did her research on NOLA.
My only complaint is that it wasn't nearly long enough, and it's a long book! I really would have liked more at the end, but I was still satisfied with what I got.
The characters were rich and delightful, and I can tell the author really did her research on NOLA.
My only complaint is that it wasn't nearly long enough, and it's a long book! I really would have liked more at the end, but I was still satisfied with what I got.
September 3, 2020
A beautifully written story by master storyteller, Belinda Alexandra. When Amanda travels from Australia to New Orleans to meet up with her deceased father's family, she has no idea of the dramas which lie before her. Just when she thinks she has things worked out she is caught up in Hurrican Katrina. There is a huge twist in this story which makes it even more enjoyable.
May 17, 2021
A truly epic read. A gripping dual-timeline story set in New Orleans, alternating between the 1950s and 2005. It's been a long time since I have been so absorbed in a novel. I have always enjoyed this author's novels but this has been my favourite so far.
February 1, 2020
This book kept me on the search for reading time!
Really enjoyed the characters and the past-and-present format.
Really enjoyed the characters and the past-and-present format.
August 15, 2022
Amazing descriptions of New Orleans and a great twist that I didn't see coming! I also really enjoyed the two timelines
December 20, 2023
Everything I read by Belinda, I enjoy immensely and I cannot put down. Here’s another example!
March 15, 2022
Really enjoyed this one. I’ve read most of Belinda Alexander’s books and it’s her special ability to put you in a new location and feel like you’re there. This one is centred around New Orleans, a city I’ve always wanted to visit. The complex history of this city mixed with natural disasters and racial issues makes for a great read.
March 19, 2017
Loved, loved this book. From Sydney to New Orleans in the eras of jazz and burlesque to the devastation of hurricane Katrina.
Couldn't put the book down and didn't want it to end.
Now eagerly awaiting Belinda's next book.
Couldn't put the book down and didn't want it to end.
Now eagerly awaiting Belinda's next book.
June 21, 2024
Another great work of ‘faction’ from Belinda Alexandra. I learn so much when I read her books which combine historical, geographical and cultural facts with an engaging fictional story. I specifically chose Southern Ruby to read while I spent time in New Orleans. I enjoyed reading Ruby’s and Amandine’s stories while adding the factual information to my journey around this southern city. It added a whole dimension to my journey.
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