A Ruby Among Us by Tina Ann Forkner

Hello All,

First let me say that in the midst of a hard week in my life, this book has been a blessing to just "slip into" and read. I would love to congratulate Mrs. Forkner on a wonderful first book! 

The intense pull of Lucy working to find out who she is, where here roots came from is written so that it propels the reader forward with more and more anticipation of solving the mystery of Lucy's Mother and Grandmother's past. If we don't know our past history with our families, how can we contend with the future?

Would her Mother Ruby have told her all about her Grandmother's life had she lived? So very *very* many questions have Lucy wondering about her Grandmother who has raised her. Kitty, has given her so few clues during her childhood, and fewer yet to those of her her Mother's childhood and how she herself came into this world. Lucy misses her Mother Ruby all the time, she feels incomplete because she has nagging unanswered questions.

And then, when she least expects it, here comes a beautiful blooming romance! I was raised sheltered like Lucy, though not from my family and background, but I was home-schooled for 5 years. Since Lucy was home-schooled, and then went to college like I did, I really relate to her character. We all have answers we are seeking, even if they aren't about our families. Following Lucy in her search to know Ruby more, and as she learns about Kitty and her background, well it is a wonderful journey that I throughly enjoyed reading! 

Carol :) 

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

Ruby Among Us
(WaterBrook Press May 20, 2008)
by
Tina Ann Forkner


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:





Tina Ann Forkner writes contemporary fiction that challenges and inspires. Originally from Oklahoma, she graduated with honors in English from CSU Sacramento before ultimately settling in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming where she now resides with her husband and their three children. Tina serves on the Laramie County Library Foundation Board of Directors and enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors with her family, and works as a full-time writer.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sometimes, the key that unlocks your future lies in someone else’s past...

In Ruby Among Us, Lucy DiCamillo is safely surrounded by her books, music, and art─but none of these reclusive comforts or even the protective efforts of her grandmother, Kitty can shield her from the memory of the mother she can no longer remember. Lucy senses her grandmother holds the key, but Kitty seems as eager to hide from the past as Lucy is eager to find it.

From the streets of San Francisco and Sacramento, to the lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley, Lucy follows the thread of memory in search for a heritage that seems long-buried with her mother, Ruby.

What she finds is enigmatic and stirring in this redemptive tale about the power of faith and mother-daughter love.

“What an incredible story. As both mothers and daughters, Ruby Among Us struck a special cord in each of the four of us. Tina writes in a way that makes us feel like we’re there; from the first line, we were captivated and drawn into an intricate weaving of the precious and fragile relationships that define us.”
~Point of Grace~

“Reading is a passion of mine, and when I find myself identifying with the characters, anxious to get to the next page to find answers to my questions, I know I’m into a good book! The daughter-mother-grandmother theme in Ruby Among Us pulled me in. Wonderful story-telling.”
~Jordin Sparks~, 2007 winner of American Idol

“Highly recommended. If you’re a mother or daughter, you’re going to love Ruby Among Us. Forkner does an extraordinary job…. I look forward to more from this author.”
~Ane Mulligan~, Novel Journey

“Don’t miss this one! Tina Ann Forkner is a strong new voice in fiction and Ruby Among Us is an amazing story of trials, regrets, and, ultimately, redemption. Lucy and her family history in the historic wine country of Sonoma bring to life the Scriptures about the Vine and His branches.”
~Kristin Billerbeck~, author of The Trophy Wives Club

If you would like to read the first chapter go HERE

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073588