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Ruby Tuesday
A struggling matriarch. A family at odds. A chance to right her wrongs.
Ruby Goodwin would do anything for her family after her failed marriages left the household in tatters. But her adult children are in more trouble than she realized, and with a famous beach-side destination in her care, this unflappable woman lives dangerously close to the edge. So when both of her ex-husbands turn up again, the riptides of her past threaten to wash her away.
As Ruby confronts her long history of romantic mistakes, feelings for both of the men come surging back. But with a serious threat to her livelihood looming over her, following her heart could save her family… or destroy it forever.
Could rekindled love be Ruby’s redemption, or will her foolish decisions tear her life apart once and for all?
Ruby Tuesday the breathtaking first book of the Oro Beach generational series, full of courageous heroines, second-chance romance, and overcoming the past.
Ruby Goodwin would do anything for her family after her failed marriages left the household in tatters. But her adult children are in more trouble than she realized, and with a famous beach-side destination in her care, this unflappable woman lives dangerously close to the edge. So when both of her ex-husbands turn up again, the riptides of her past threaten to wash her away.
As Ruby confronts her long history of romantic mistakes, feelings for both of the men come surging back. But with a serious threat to her livelihood looming over her, following her heart could save her family… or destroy it forever.
Could rekindled love be Ruby’s redemption, or will her foolish decisions tear her life apart once and for all?
Ruby Tuesday the breathtaking first book of the Oro Beach generational series, full of courageous heroines, second-chance romance, and overcoming the past.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2019
10 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Julie Strauss
19 books23 followersJulie lives in Southern California with her husband and four kids. She homeschools them. "The kids, I mean," Julie says. "Not the husband."
She likes to eat dark chocolate and drink good wine and read lots of books and doesn't usually bother with housework.
Julie warns anyone who might read her blog or her books: "You should know that I have a foul mouth and complain about the heat all the time. I speak in movie quotes, but they tend to be the obscure, random quotes that no one understands except me. I crack myself up. You’ll get used to it."
Julie used to publish romance novels under the pen name Emma Foster. "But it turned out," she admits, "I’m way too lazy to keep up two online profiles in addition to all the other personalities inside my head. So I dumped the pen name, and now you can find me at social media places as Julie Wrote A Book. I’d make a terrible spy. (Or maybe the Best Spy Ever. You’ll never know for sure.)"
She likes to eat dark chocolate and drink good wine and read lots of books and doesn't usually bother with housework.
Julie warns anyone who might read her blog or her books: "You should know that I have a foul mouth and complain about the heat all the time. I speak in movie quotes, but they tend to be the obscure, random quotes that no one understands except me. I crack myself up. You’ll get used to it."
Julie used to publish romance novels under the pen name Emma Foster. "But it turned out," she admits, "I’m way too lazy to keep up two online profiles in addition to all the other personalities inside my head. So I dumped the pen name, and now you can find me at social media places as Julie Wrote A Book. I’d make a terrible spy. (Or maybe the Best Spy Ever. You’ll never know for sure.)"
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 30, 2019
A heart breaking second chance love story. A story of love, life, hatred, journey, growth, obstacle, secrets and acceptance. A journey to present, past and probably a nice future.
When an ex husband comes back from somewhere to reconnect to you and your children what will you feel? And if another ex husband comes back too? Riot??? When the other wants to give all and the other wants to get all from you, what will you do?
5stars rating for the ending is expected but the drama and conversation you gave is a heartfelt, and that exceeds my expectations. This really is an emotional book and is highly recommended.
An ARC is provided from Shifted Sheets and Book Funnel and this is my honest review.
When an ex husband comes back from somewhere to reconnect to you and your children what will you feel? And if another ex husband comes back too? Riot??? When the other wants to give all and the other wants to get all from you, what will you do?
5stars rating for the ending is expected but the drama and conversation you gave is a heartfelt, and that exceeds my expectations. This really is an emotional book and is highly recommended.
An ARC is provided from Shifted Sheets and Book Funnel and this is my honest review.
July 12, 2019
I adored returning to Oro Beach and spending some time with Rose, her family, her friends, and her ex's. I love the fact that, like all of us, Rose and the other main characters are all flawed; they make honest and human mistakes, but you admire and care for them just the same.
Strauss paints a somewhat heartbreaking and slightly darker tale of this second-chance (third-chance?) at love story. But for those who enjoy a good romance, don't despair. She does actually deliver the stuff you came looking for, she just puts the characters through the wringer in a way that can be uncomfortable and painful for the reader.
Emotions run deep for the characters, but there were times I was so angry and began to feel my blood boil at the selfish antics of the main antagonist in the tale. It's always a delight when an author can make you feel something so passionate while you were reading.
While the novel is definitely romance, like other titles by this author, the romance is merely one of the main strong elements that run through the text. It is a modern and realistic contemporary novel about the lives of conflicted characters who don't always make the right decisions, and the reader can enjoy slipping into their world and experiencing the incredible wonder that is Oro Beach.
I quite loved falling into this second book in the Oro Beach series and am looking forward to the next ones to come.
Strauss paints a somewhat heartbreaking and slightly darker tale of this second-chance (third-chance?) at love story. But for those who enjoy a good romance, don't despair. She does actually deliver the stuff you came looking for, she just puts the characters through the wringer in a way that can be uncomfortable and painful for the reader.
Emotions run deep for the characters, but there were times I was so angry and began to feel my blood boil at the selfish antics of the main antagonist in the tale. It's always a delight when an author can make you feel something so passionate while you were reading.
While the novel is definitely romance, like other titles by this author, the romance is merely one of the main strong elements that run through the text. It is a modern and realistic contemporary novel about the lives of conflicted characters who don't always make the right decisions, and the reader can enjoy slipping into their world and experiencing the incredible wonder that is Oro Beach.
I quite loved falling into this second book in the Oro Beach series and am looking forward to the next ones to come.
May 8, 2019
Ruby Tuesdays is one of those books where I was confused for a good portion of the book. Back and forth, back in the past and forward to the present day, ack! Stop already. Because of this, it was difficult for me to connect with the characters and dive into the story.
My Rating: 3 stars
My Rating: 3 stars
April 10, 2019
Ruby runs a success winery, she is happy with her life and has 3 amazing children! 2 are happy in their careers and then there is Samantha , a typical 16 year old!
When not one, but both of her ex husbands turn up, wanting to get to know their children it is awkward! One she loved with all her heart, but he wanted stability and money, whereas Ruby wanted her husband to help raise their family! When tragedy struck, and they lost something precious, he ran away! He second ex-husband is not a nice man, and after one fearful night, she kicked him out and told him to stay away!
One wants to have her back and the other wants to take everything from her! What follows is a in-depth look into Ruby’s past and what has led her to the predicament she now finds herself in! Scared and afraid to ask the one person who can help her for help!
When not one, but both of her ex husbands turn up, wanting to get to know their children it is awkward! One she loved with all her heart, but he wanted stability and money, whereas Ruby wanted her husband to help raise their family! When tragedy struck, and they lost something precious, he ran away! He second ex-husband is not a nice man, and after one fearful night, she kicked him out and told him to stay away!
One wants to have her back and the other wants to take everything from her! What follows is a in-depth look into Ruby’s past and what has led her to the predicament she now finds herself in! Scared and afraid to ask the one person who can help her for help!
July 14, 2019
This book hooked me from page one! I love how the author masterfully blended the past with the present. The characters are layered and well developed, and the story wrapped itself around my heart and squeezed. I couldn’t put it down, and couldn’t stop thinking about it when I was forced to atop reading. Loved it!
April 11, 2019
Ruby And Calvin
I am so in love with the characters in this book. There is drama, angst, Love, loss, anger, regrets, and suspense that will keep you glue to this book. I can’t imagine have two ex’s show up in town at the same time and the havoc it would create.
Ruby was such a special woman who had a vision for her family’s future and despite the adversities she encountered she pressed forward with her dreams. I felt for her in some of the choices she made but she was young and inexperienced and did what she thought was right at the time.
Calvin was a man so driven with excelling at his job and money doing whatever was required that he lost sight of what was most important and right in front of him, family. Even though he was an ex husband he still owned up to his obligations and got to know his children so for that he gets a thumbs up. He was still in love with Ruby after all these years.
Ruby’s second ex, Gabe was a real piece of work but you have to believe in karma.
Ruby’s children, employees, family and the rest of the town round out the ensemble of characters.
I love second chance romances and was very happy that Ruby and Calvin ended with a HEA.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.a
I am so in love with the characters in this book. There is drama, angst, Love, loss, anger, regrets, and suspense that will keep you glue to this book. I can’t imagine have two ex’s show up in town at the same time and the havoc it would create.
Ruby was such a special woman who had a vision for her family’s future and despite the adversities she encountered she pressed forward with her dreams. I felt for her in some of the choices she made but she was young and inexperienced and did what she thought was right at the time.
Calvin was a man so driven with excelling at his job and money doing whatever was required that he lost sight of what was most important and right in front of him, family. Even though he was an ex husband he still owned up to his obligations and got to know his children so for that he gets a thumbs up. He was still in love with Ruby after all these years.
Ruby’s second ex, Gabe was a real piece of work but you have to believe in karma.
Ruby’s children, employees, family and the rest of the town round out the ensemble of characters.
I love second chance romances and was very happy that Ruby and Calvin ended with a HEA.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.a
April 24, 2019
Ruby is a woman who's had to fight for everything she's achieved, since being married and a mother, much too young. She's a compelling, gritty character, and when ex-husband #1 comes to town, it's easy to see why he was still in love with her. But despite him seemingly being perfect, she refuses to fling herself into his arms.
Exhusband #2, however... all the red flags.
And then there's her children, two grown, one flown, plus one still a volatile teenager, on top of now running a successful business. CW/spoiler: there are scenes of "minor" domestic violence, marital rape, and a life-threatening attack on one of the characters.
Disclaimer: I'm personally acquainted with the author.
I enjoyed this one a bit more than its predecessor, Almost Blue, even though parts of this were darker and harder to read. I could easily see myself being friends with Ruby. I'm really liking the town of Oro Beach, and the glimpses of characters from the last book. It's not really a romance, it's what RWA would call "with romantic elements," because the focus isn't on finding a Happily Ever After, but on sorting out difficult relationships while doing all the other things 40-something women have to deal with.
Exhusband #2, however... all the red flags.
And then there's her children, two grown, one flown, plus one still a volatile teenager, on top of now running a successful business. CW/spoiler: there are scenes of "minor" domestic violence, marital rape, and a life-threatening attack on one of the characters.
Disclaimer: I'm personally acquainted with the author.
I enjoyed this one a bit more than its predecessor, Almost Blue, even though parts of this were darker and harder to read. I could easily see myself being friends with Ruby. I'm really liking the town of Oro Beach, and the glimpses of characters from the last book. It's not really a romance, it's what RWA would call "with romantic elements," because the focus isn't on finding a Happily Ever After, but on sorting out difficult relationships while doing all the other things 40-something women have to deal with.
April 11, 2019
She has made silly mistakes in her life but now she has her life together she has two children settled in their lives and careers and the third is just a typical 16 year old finding her way. When her two ex husbands land back in her life you learn of her past and the mistakes that she made One husband wanted wealth while she just wanted a family and they went their separate ways the second husband was a mistake she took a long time to get over Now they both are back wanting to reconnect with their children her mistake may try to take everything from her and what will happen with the husband Calvin she always regretted leaving You will need to read to see. This is a deeply emotional book that draws you in and keeps you until the last page even if at sometimes you feel like smacking Ruby at the side of the head
April 9, 2019
A heartbreaking yet hopeful second chance love story...
Have you ever been hurt so bad you do something stupid and out of character. Ruby is so strong and driven, the one time she just lets go and walks on the wild side it bites her in the behind. As we learn Ruby’s backstory we feel her dark times, but we also see her bright accomplishments. This tale is somewhat dark and sad, yet we know her present is mostly happy and the future is hopeful. I love that Oro Beach is expounded on and a character in itself, reading this book I really felt the vibe of this town and it’s history. I can’t wait for the next book and more of this community of characters.
Have you ever been hurt so bad you do something stupid and out of character. Ruby is so strong and driven, the one time she just lets go and walks on the wild side it bites her in the behind. As we learn Ruby’s backstory we feel her dark times, but we also see her bright accomplishments. This tale is somewhat dark and sad, yet we know her present is mostly happy and the future is hopeful. I love that Oro Beach is expounded on and a character in itself, reading this book I really felt the vibe of this town and it’s history. I can’t wait for the next book and more of this community of characters.
April 9, 2019
Ruby, the main character of this book is such an interesting woman. She's made many mistakes in her lifetime with the men she married and the children she raised alone. This talented author, Julie Strauss, made me really FEEL for Ruby. Sometimes I wanted to "wring her neck" for her poor choices while at other times I wanted to "cheer" for her passion, hard work and resilience. Great storytelling, Julie. There are so many exciting layers to this story. I really enjoyed it and heartily recommend it!
April 10, 2019
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of this story about a woman who made something of her life out of the ruins of two failed marriages. She has a successful casa, winery 3 amazing children, 2 who are happy to do their own thing and a truculent 16 year old (Samantha) who believes her deadbeat dad deserves something from her Mum. Both the ex husbands turn up at Oro Beach, each with different agendas. Ruby has a harsh encounter with her ex (the deadbeat) and is rescued by the man who has always held her heart, her ex Calvin, with the aid of Samantha.
Truly enjoyed this story
Truly enjoyed this story
April 10, 2019
Ruby has made mistakes but always tried to shelter her children from them. This was well written, has wonderful characters and makes you feel so many emotions. This grabs your attention from beginning to end and has you devouring the pages. I am looking forward to the next book in The Oro Beach series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
April 23, 2019
About 80% of the book went back to the past and back to the present. At times, I was confused. I did find the last 20% sad and heartstopping. This family had lots of pain.
I knew what Ruby was going thru. I've been there; done that.
I knew what Ruby was going thru. I've been there; done that.
April 24, 2019
I so enjoy this author and her stories and characters of Otho Beach. This is the story of Ruby, her loves, mistakes, losses and personal growth. I love the mid life characters and their growth of character through out the story.
Can't wait for more!!
Can't wait for more!!
April 24, 2019
3 1/2*
Ruby owns the winery & surprised when her first ex husband Calvin returned to Oro Beach. Imagine the complication when Gabe her 2nd husband also returned. One has good intentions the other not so good.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Trying to right the past.
Ruby owns the winery & surprised when her first ex husband Calvin returned to Oro Beach. Imagine the complication when Gabe her 2nd husband also returned. One has good intentions the other not so good.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Trying to right the past.
April 10, 2019
I voluntarily review an Advance Reader Copy of this book. It was incredible and it makes me speechless.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews