Wednesday, May 28, 2008

"Ruby Among Us" Book Review AND GIVEAWAY!



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

MY REVIEW:
I had been looking forward to reading this book, I thought the cover was very compelling and while I know they say that you can't judge a book by its cover, in this case they are very wrong. "Ruby Among Us" was just as compelling in story and content as the cover led me to hope that it would be. It is a very interesting story of Lucy, her mother Ruby and her grandmother Kitty - Tina intertwines their lives from before Ruby or Lucy was born all the way up to the present and she does it so well that you are never lost as to who is being talked about or when it happened.
This is a beautiful story of love lost, love found and love experienced that is held together through forgiveness and redemption. For a fantastic summer read, get a copy of Tina's debut novel and you won't be disappointed...

I didn't think I had a copy to giveaway, but Tina contacted me and said I can - so please leave a comment (with a way to reach you!) to be entered in this drawing for a copy of "Ruby Among Us" - you will just love it! Just in case you don't win though this book is worth searching out - so check it out on Amazon at -

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

22 comments:

Grateful Gramma said...

I'd love to read the book. Please enter my name in the drawing. Thanks!

T. Forkner said...

Thank you for the great review Janna! I am so glad you liked it. I can't wait to see who wins!

Tina :)

pearl said...

Enjoyable review which gave me a great glimpse inot this unique novel. Thanks for the giveaway.
rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book, it sounds so good! and the cover is beautiful :)

Theresa N. said...

Sounds like a wonderful book, I'd love to read it.
Theresa N
weceno@yahoo.com

Lora Lease said...

Sounds like a great book! Thank you so much for the incredible service you do for us all, Janna, in critiquing different books and giving us recommendations. As an avid book lover/reader, I sooooooooo appreciate all your hard work!! Can't wait to see your new blessing! Praying all goes well.

Please enter me in the drawing.
Lora

Bethany said...

I had not heard of Tina Ann Forkner before, but since learning she lives in WY, I am especially interested in reading her book (former WY resident here!)! "Ruby Among Us" sounds like a fantastic read. Please enter me!

Praying for a quick and easy delivery for you!

jimmynmatthewsmom@gmail.com

Carole said...

I've read many good reviews of Tina's book and would love to win a copy. Thank you for the opportunity, Janna and Tina!

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Carolynn said...

Can I still enter?
I've heard a lot of good things about this book and would love to read it too, thanks for the chance to win!
carolynnwald at hotmail dot com

Pamela J said...

This book sounds great with family ties and yearning to know who your family is. I would love to win a copy, please enter me. Thanks.
Pam
cepjwms at yahoo dot com

hippmom said...

This one sounds great. Please enter my name.

luv2read said...

Enter me in the contest. looks like an emotional read.
spowell01(at)bellsouth(dot)net

ChristyJan said...

I enjoyed reading your review of RUBY AMONG US. I've been reading other reviews and interviews with Tina and I have this book at the top of my shopping list.
hawkes(at)citlink.net

Anonymous said...

This book sounds great. Please enter my name in the drawing.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Please enter my name.

pluumeria (at) cox (dot) net

Cheryl said...

I would love to read this book. Please enter me in the drawing. My email is shryackmom@charter.net

Doreen said...

Sounds like a great read for the Summer! :)

purposedrivenlife4you AT gmail DOT com

Anonymous said...

I have heard so many things about this book, and all of them good! Please count me in. :-)

author_erin(at)lycos(dot)com

ReadingRobin said...

Gret review, please enter me,
cmrobin at bellsouth dot net

Jill said...

I've read so many great reviews of this book! I hope I'm not too late for the giveaway..


Many Blessings,
Jill

j3fortner at joimail dot com

Anonymous said...

This book sounds great! Please enter my name.

Angela Hipp

Janna said...

And the winner is...

rojosho@hotmail.com

Congrats!