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The first book I ever read by Piper Huguley was THE LAWYER'S LUCK, and even though it was a little rough, I loved seeing this perspective on the Civil War, and d all the excellent points the author made (through her characters) about what it meant to be Black or biracial in the South in the 1800s. VIRTUOUS RUBY seemed to be another book along those lines and, TLL, it's a historical romance, so I was really excited to read it, as I'd heard great things.



Ruby is a biracial Black woman who is very fair-skinned and can "pass" for white but staunchly refuses. Instead, she uses all of her agency to advocate for the Black people who are working in the local mill, which is owned by a douche in power (I think they're the Winslows, but I can't really remember their names-- I just wanted to punch them all). Mr. Douche in Power sent his son to rape her to punish her for speaking out, which is why she now has a baby with her named Solomon, but Ruby refuses to be cowed, even though her heart is heavy. She's determined to do right by all of the people around her who depend on her.



Dr. Adam Morson is the son of Mr. Douche (also begat through rape). Ruby, he can "pass," but un Ruby, he has chosen to do so. It got him into one of the best schools and allowed him to complete his studies: opportunities he might not have had if he identified as Black. Now he's returned to see his father, who wants him to be the doctor for the Black people who are constantly getting wounded in the mill. When he meets Ruby, she stops him dead from entering the hotel that is for "whites only," worried that his arrogance will end up getting him killed. Adam stays elsewhere, but is intrigued.



Someone said that this is almost an inspirational romance, and it sort of is, only the religious angle is less about the characters themselves and more about the role it plays in the community (in my opinion). I'm not religious at all, and I felt Huguley was using religion here to show how it served (and still serves, in many cases) as a hub for the Black community, and how it allowed for networking and socializing, especially at a time when other opportunities were barred to them. Unfortunately, the church in Ruby's community is run by another Douche in Power, a man named Dodge, who, Frollo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, has decided that if he can't have Ruby, nobody can.



I really enjoyed VIRTUOUS RUBY. It was kind of amazing to see how much this author has honed her craft since I read her other (I believe, earlier) work (which is still free to read on Kindle!). In many ways, this book reminded me of Beverly Jenkins's work-- not just because it writes history from that much-needed Black perspective, but also because of how richly researched it was, how strong Ruby was, and how dreamy Adam was. When he stood up for her in that church and delivered that speech, I died a little. I'm not going to lie. I also love how flawed all the characters were. Ruby has so much pride but she uses it as a defense, and it ends up becoming an impediment to her own happiness. wise, Adam has a lot of internalized privilege that he is unable to recognize for a while, and it isn't until he starts to really understand and relate to Rub on her terms that he is able to begin to win her.



I also found the topic of "passing" both interesting and horrible. Jenkins writes about that at length in FORBIDDEN, which I loved, and it's handled equally well here. It really highlights all of the cultural erasure that happened in the South (and elsewhere), where people's histories were not just stolen for them or appropriated, but they were also assigned their own identities with racist dictates the one-drop rule, and horrific consequences for those who decided to "pass" and flip the bird to segregation.



If you're interested in historical romances about people of color, this is a really great one to go with, as I spent huge swaths of it with my heart in my throat, and it shattered me about half a dozen times.



3.5 to 4 starshistorical-romance kissing-books poc-interracial ...more40 s Sherwood SmithAuthor 152 books37.5k Read

Piper Huguley writes with enormous talent and passion, creating vivid characters who change--or cling to what they know, in fear of what may happen--in believable and absorbing fashion. Even the minor characters take on personality and purpose in this historical novel set in a small town in the south in 1915, wherein people with pale skin as a result of black and white parents can look white, but they know if they dare to pass for white the law will hammer them. If a lynch mob doesn't get to them first. Who is white and who isn't is not as clearcut as it seems, and that shifting boundary creates tragedy and tension in the expected ways, and also some unexpected ways.

Pale Ruby Bledsoe is at the center, a mother at eighteen after rape by her childhood friend. At first we want to hate David Winslow for what he did to Ruby, because she is left to pay the price, but gradually we come to see David as a prisoner of the system as much as Ruby--only he hasn't the strength to break free, in spite of his rank and privilege. Whereas Ruby is tough, determined to get an education, and to fight for the rights of Negro men working in the local mill, because nobody else will. She also wants to see to it that her younger sisters will have better lives than working at the mill, or marriage in their mid-teens to mill workers because there is no other choice.

But Paul Winslow and his family stand directly in her way, as do the other authority figures of the town, who want no change. Her life is further complicated when a pale doctor, Adam Morson comes to town--the son of David's father, Paul Winslow, who pretty much owns the town. Adam studied up north and became a doctor, passing as white in order to do so. Ruby despises him for that, but at the same time she can't get him out of her mind, especially when he helps out medically.

There is a strong inspirational theme, expressed in a way that rings true to so many writings of the period, when people had pretty much nothing but their faith in an ugly, dangerous, frightening world. Huguley manages to bring all the characters to life, and (she states in the afterward) offers a happy ending as a salute to Tess, from Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles. She also riffs off the tremendously influential silent picture The Birth of a Nation.

The editing is a bit rough, but the writer's talent transcends that in an engrossing, heartfelt story.fiction history-20th romance9 s Simply Love Book Reviews7,046 852

Afrodyt's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

A Virtuous Ruby is a historical romance set in rural Georgia dated around 1915. The story focuses on Ruby, a very fair skinned, young black woman who finds herself the mother of a baby born out of wedlock.The child is the result of a sexual assault by the son of the man with whom the town is named after.
Ruby is looked down upon for her predicament by all of the towns people as a reckless troublemaker who brought it on herself. However, Ruby is strong, a woman of conviction and determination. She's driven not only to succeed in her own right, but to also make a better life for her son, her younger siblings and the other Negroes in the town of Winslow. While on her mission to promote her NAACP meeting to the mill workers she collides with Adam, a Negro man whose skin is so fair he can pass as a white man. An accident at the mill allows Adam to promptly go into action as the trained medical practitioner he his and their encounter immediately rubs Ruby the wrong way.

After completing medical school up north, Adam is back in Winslow after being summoned by his father, Paul Winslow, owner of the mill and father to David, sire of Ruby's illegitimate child. He comes to Winslow seeking a connection to the father he's never known, and is blindsided by his attraction to the feisty yet frosty Ruby.

This novel captures all the injustice, hopelessness, and despair of Southern culture in that period of American history. It also celebrates faith, family and love that transcends race and social class. This story is as chaste and virtuous as its heroine, meaning there are no sex scenes in this book. I kept expecting one that didn't happen. The story, however, felt disjointed at times because I couldn't always tell how much time was passing. The plot and character arcs showed tremendous promise. It is layered with many dynamics involving racial injustice, a woman's perceived place, family acceptance, etc. I found it difficult at times to connect with and embody the experience of the characters because of the writing style.

Our hero, Adam, had many internal conflicts and external threats that had the potential to take me to a deeply emotional place but it never quite hit the mark. Ruby, displayed an irrational stubbornness and indecisive nature that was contrary to her strengths. In many ways this story is an uncut gem with potential to really shine if it's processed with a skillful hand. This story is almost good, so I give it three stars.

Review copy provided for an honest review. 7 s Julie4,142 38.2k

My review for A Virtuous Ruby by Piper Huguley will be featured on Romancing the Book Blog February 5, 2016. Look for it by following this link: http://www.romancing-the-book.com4 s Mstcat155 58

A Virtuous Ruby is a book that has a striking cover and an equally striking story. When I started to read this book, I couldn't put it down. It covers so many things  - love, betrayal, shame, pride, strength, acceptance, and forgiveness. The characters feel organic, beautifully fleshed out and formed from their life's circumstances such as race and skin color, environment, and social standing. As I read A Virtuous Ruby, I found myself holding my breath on some scenes and pondering how I would have personally reacted or behaved in others.

The story takes place in 1915 Georgia, in a town named Winslow. The town is named after the white owner of the mill where many of the African-American residents work. The mill doesn't pay well and generally has poor working conditions. Because this is 1915 Georgia, the good people of Winslow aren't about to rock the boat. With the exception of Ruby that is. Ruby is an 18 year old girl, who's been living in shame, fear, and self-imposed excile since the birth of her illegitimate son Solomon. Ruby is outspoken and wants to make life better for her people, while creating a better future for her son. The Winslows have done much to keep her quiet, but she's determined and won't let them further intimidate her or stop her from her goal. An accident at the Mill heralds the arrival of Dr. Adam Morson. Adam is a mixed race doctor new to town who immediately rubs Ruby the wrong way. Although she finds the doctor outrageously attractive, she can't determine whether he'll help or hinder her fight.

What I d
There is a lot of character growth in this story. Ruby is the finest example of that. She starts off as headstrong, not willing to heed the warnings of those around her and refusing to see the danger that her actions created for her family and the African-American residents in town. I wanted to shake and applaud her at the same time. The girl was brave, she took risks, but she was reckless. I can't fully blame her for that recklessness, because if people in history hadn't been a bit reckless and hadn't taken risks that could have resulted in injury or even death, then where would we be now? Nothing would have ever changed. Ultimately, I grew to admire Ruby, particularly as she matured.
In her own way, Ruby comes from a priviledged background. Her family has a very prosperous farm and a home that's bright and cheery. She is very light skinned and at first I was worried about this. It (her skin color) is mentioned so many times in the opening pages that it was a bit off putting. After reading the book I now understand that the color of her skin plays such an important part in who this character is and the story itself. The difference in her skin color made her feel as if she stood out or was different as she was growing up. During her early youth it even made her believe that things could be different for her. It is an important layer to a character that has so many interesting layers. I loved this character and the way that she was written.
Adam is another character who grew quite a bit. He is a man who could easily "pass" for white to get his education at the finest colleges, and he did just that. I d that he didn't attempt to lie about who he was, he just let people assume. He has to re-adjust to being a black man in the racist south again and must face Ruby's feelings about the way that he got his education, and her criticism that he isn't doing enough in terms of activism. The way he comes to see the other black characters, their struggles, and their sense of community are all a part of the growth that this character displays.
There are many other things that I d about this book, but to go into them all would a.) make this already lengthy review too long, and b.) give away too much of the story. I'll just say that there are plenty of complex relationships at play, and a majority of them are fabulously crafted. The romance is sweet, and although there is attraction, the love is not insta-love and that alone is worth a solid star from me.

What I Didn't
I wish there had been more moments of romantic tension/steam between Ruby and Adam. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that sex wasn't the focal point in the story (in fact there wasn't any sex), but I do wish there had been more tension or longing between the two. The Reverend falls into this category of what I don't particularly care for about this book.  He seemed too over-the-top for me and I don't think he really gets what he deserves.

My Final Thoughts
I know there are some people who won't give this book a try based on it being a historical romance during a time of much struggle for African-Americans. That's unfortunate because this is a beautifully written story. Piper Huguley has a gift in that she can transport her readers so that they can see and feel what the characters do. In other words, the writing is so vivid readers will feel as if they are right in the story. Although I wish there had been more romantic tension between the two main characters, A Virtuous Ruby still had a satisfying love story that developed naturally. This book, however, was more than just a romance for me. It got me thinking and it made me feel strongly. I highly recommend A Virtuous Ruby.
3 s Deloris952 37

APB Perspective Review:

This book has a good story to tell and at first as I read it I was thoroughly intrigued. Ruby and Adam I could see their attraction and I d the way the author slowly brought them together. She introduced us to a close family ann the Town of Winslow some people I d more that others. Ruby wanted better conditions for the black people in Winslow so much so that she risked her own life and the lives of her family but I understood it , many great leaders did the same thing. Ruby was brave and stubborn , Adam just as stubborn but in a more subtle way,God brought them together to answer the prayers of many. I did feel this story was a little to preachy so much so it took away from the story rather than add to it. The storyline is rich and full of possibility, that I hope the author explores as she continues this series. 3 s SuperWendy999 257

An emotionally gutting story, dynamite historical detail without bogging down in minutia. The way the author juxtaposes joy amidst tragedy is a wonder to behold and what she does with the villain of the piece (Ruby's attacker) is incredibly interesting. Really though, the whole book is incredibly interesting. Probably the most perfect romance I've read that screams "book club read!" 3 s K.J. CharlesAuthor 62 books9,982 Read

This was really interesting. African-American protags, both mixed race, the Southern heroine determined to identify as black despite light skin and the hero used to passing as white in the North. The historical detail is powerful to the point of crunching: the sheer awfulness and injustice of the time threatens to overwhelm everything at points. However, the heroine is fabulously and realistically strong and determined, and the doctor hero is lovely.

This is a Christian inspirational, so there's a big endurance/faith/redemption/forgiveness theme which I found a bit much, and while one of the villains was at points interestingly nuanced he slid a bit into theme service for me. (IMO; I'm not a reader of inspirationals so I may well just be cloth eared on something other readers will love). The editing could have been stronger as well.

I this author a LOT. She has terrific voice and sense of place, gives every impression of knowing her history, and uses it very strongly. I will be getting A Most Precious Pearl for sure.historical2 s Molly O'keefeAuthor 106 books2,118

This series is remarkable. The time-period alone is completely fascinating. These are inspirational romances - not my usual cup of tea, but it all blends so seamlessly. If you are interested in a different historical time periods and riveting, nuanced conflict - here it is. 2 s Camille MaioAuthor 9 books1,054

A heartwarming story about love - romantic, parental, and familial, amid continuing prejudices and turmoil. I really felt the emotions and the setting of the characters and was fully engaged in their struggles. And I appreciated that faith was a recurring theme.1 Romancing the Book4,420 220

Reviewed by Julie
Book provided by the author for review
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

A Virtuous Ruby is the story of the courageous and big hearted Ruby Bledsoe, a woman wronged, who is determined to make things right for her people in the southern town of Winslow, Georgia. She wants to start up a local chapter of the NAACP to better the lives of the mill workers, but her work is threatened by fear, racism, and her own dark secrets.

When Dr Adam Morson arrives in town, it is with the sole purpose of touching base with his biological family. He is offered a position in town that would pay nicely and afford the black community an educated and sympathetic doctor.

Adam and Ruby make an instant connection, but their lives are so different, that even with all Adam can offer her, Ruby fights to stay in Winslow and make life better for her family and son. However, things don’t always work out the way we think they should and Ruby will learn she is indeed a special person, with special gifts and is deserving of a better life.

Ruby’s life is filled with conflict, danger, and sorrow, but she stands up in the face of adversity, even when others around her succumb to fear. Adam will learn that his life of privilege has given him opportunities most black men would never have, but he has experienced very few real trials most black men of this time period. Before all is said and done, Adam will have learned some valuable lessons of his own.

Both characters struggled with internal issues, and while I admired Ruby a great deal, her stubbornness wore thin, and perhaps if she had made a choice sooner some of the events that took place may have had a different outcome. Adam also had his crosses to bear, but I seldom grew frustrated with him and grew to admire him more and more as the story progressed.

But, Ruby’s story is still inspirational, and is realistic, told with truth, but also with grace, especially when dealing with difficult subject matter. Although this story is not placed in the inspirational or Christian fiction category on any of the retail sites, there are a great many references to trust and faith in God and so I felt it should be mentioned that although this book is historical fiction, with romantic elements, and it does will deal with adult subject matter and is not the light or sweet type of tale we think of in inspirational style novels, I still felt it could fit into the that category, at least to some extent, since Ruby has such strong values.

Overall this is compelling story, very un anything you will encounter in historical romance these days, set in a unique time frame, well written and authentic.african-american historical romance1 Tiffany Tyler688 97

First, let me start with the cover! I absolutely LOVE it. It is simple, sophisticated, and it makes me want to know the woman's story. She has a strong neck and she is holding her head up high so I assume her story is going to be one of resilience. And, I was not disappointed. A Virtuous Ruby was a book that took me back in time but still somehow seemed relevant to today.


"Sure. I've lived alone all my life, one foot in the Negro world, where I was too light to fit in and then a white world no one knows who I really am."


This book is historical fiction and is set when being of mixed race was not as acceptable as it is today. Dr. Morson, who is biracial, relocates from up north and meets the town "troublemaker" aka Ruby. Ruby has a child out of wedlock and speaks up against the injustice and inequality that is happening in their community. Dr. Morson does not fully identify with either of his racial makeup, but once he starts to spend more time with Ruby his mindset shifts and we see him embrace who he truly is.


Ruby is strong yet quite vulnerable which made her very relatable. The writing has many layers as it seemed to perfectly capture the feel, environment and racial climate of the south in 1915. There is a romance but important societal issues such as equal pay, sexual assault, and violence toward a group of people simply based on their skin color were the main takeaways. This was my first time reading a book by Huguley, but it definitely won't be my last as I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
1 Kate SherwoodAuthor 58 books756 Read

DNF

I really wanted to this, and I think I might have, absent the romance. But the romance felt strangely tacked on - insta-lust, the doctor insinuated into Ruby's family almost instantly, etc. I was much more interested by Ruby's story than by the doctor's, so... the romance wasn't great, for me.

And I'm not sure I saw the strong writing other people are noticing. The pronouns could be confusing... :

"Mags was too young to get married, she had insisted. She needed to finish high school by correspondence, just she was trying to do. But had she any right to interfere in Mags's life?"

I'm honestly not sure who "she" is referring to for quite a few of those instances. And I'm also not sure how, when the correspondence courses are clearly mentioned in this context, it makes sense in the very next chapter for the doctor to introduce the possibility of correspondence courses as if they're something the family didn't know about before he came along.

There were other examples of similar glitches, and overall it just made me lose faith in the story I was being told. So... DNF, for me.1 Courtney2,787 7

A recent essay piqued my interest in A Virtuous Ruby by Piper Huguley, an author I had read been introduced to in an anthology and long desired to read more from. And if this book is an indicator of her body of work, I am eager to read more.

In an opening note to the book, Huguley notes that she was inspired by Tess of D’Urbervilles, inspiring a more optimistic end for its tragic heroine. And she certainly does so with Ruby, a survivor of sexual assault with an illegitimate child. I admired how firm she was in her convictions about her identity, when some black and mixed-race people who could do so elected to pass for white and escape persecution.

Meanwhile, Adam is one such person who has chosen to do this, although Ruby isn’t fooled. I love how she encourages him to acknowledge his history, and how it poignantly depicts his struggle between deciding between the privilege he would receive from passing and fully embracing his identity as a black man and the hardships he and his ancestors faced.

This is an utterly beautiful story, both historically rich and incredibly relevant, and one I recommend to every romance reader. 1 Tosin King84 5

Colorism and passing

Piper Huguley handled these issues so well. This story was wonderful a lot of emotion and of course a lot of faith. I have been waiting for this series on kindle for a while and the first book is worth the wait!1 Nouhr Marie73

I’ve longed to read a Piper Huguley novel since I read “Indigo” from Beverly Jenkins. Virtuous Ruby is an intriguing story and was quite frustrating too because the romance was kind of passive for the greater part of the novel. The whole story though was amazing .

Ruby is such a force to be reckoned with. Her passion and resilience are admirable not to mention her love for family and the cause she defends. Adam too had a lovely personality and isn’t afraid to stand up for those he loves. Their love development steadily and strongly. Their character development was interesting to read.

All in all this novel has renewed my love for black historical romance and it’s always heart warming to see that even though the conditions then where horrible, beauty could come from those ashesage-gap black-love great-story ...more S.J.Author 8 books25

Une romance avec un élément chrétien assez fort, et sans sexualité décrite dans le texte (même s'il y a plusieurs mentions claires de violences sexuelles); c'est peut-être la première du genre que je lis, mais je l'ai à peine remarqué tant on sent malgré tout l'attirance entre les protagonistes, et tant la réalité est dépeinte avec franchise, sans euphémisme. Ça ne vaudrait presque pas le coup de le préciser, mais c'est pour répondre à un préjugé/une interrogation que je pouvais avoir moi-même au sujet des romances qualifiées de "inspirational" ou "sweet". ;-)1 Sha993 37 Shelved as 'skimmed-through'

1. Confused about what I feel for this book. There's a lot in here that's very interesting but it's also a very aggressively Christian book where characters affirm their faith in God every few pages and that makes it very much not my thing. I really can't be trusted to objectively rate this one.

2. But- it's a deliberate fuck you to the central thesis of Tess of the Uberviles, if that has an influence on your opinion. It certainly did on mine.a-pretty-cover a-title-to-remember Gwendolyn McIver103

Must read Virtuous Ruby and feel the love that grows from adversity

I enjoyed the story of a rape survivor told with strength and love of God. I also enjoyed the journey the doctor, child of rape, who rediscovered God. I was turning pages to find out how it ends. I highly recommend this book. AlexandraAuthor 4 books5

Heart-wrenching story, so emotional and deep. Sarah553 39

Thoughtful and emotional and immersive. Piper Huguley is doing excellent historical work here.ku romance-historical z2020 Rachel L.1,069

Writing decent but not stellar. Setting and historical impact really good—shedding light on rarely-heard-of injustices in the South 100 years ago.2020 fiction historical-fiction ClaireAuthor 6 books68

3.5 stars!historical-romance Kayla LordsAuthor 9 books93

A sweet, clean romance that had a satisfying ending. 2021-reads Kasey Statum75

nice story with a dramatic ending

I enjoyed this historical novel. It captured the nuances of post slavery life for blacks and the risks a black woman lives through. Dusky Literati85 32

3.5 starsread-2016 Coffee&Books1,053 83

This weekend, I sequestered myself near a babbling brook with some lunch, a bottle of iced tea and this gorgeous novel by Piper Huguley. Thoroughly. Enjoyed.

I first discovered Piper by complete accident via twitter. I found her Milford College Historical Romance series and devoured them, so I was overjoyed to learn that she'd be writing a new series, Migrations of the Heart. The first in this series is A Virtuous Ruby, about a headstrong young woman in Winslow, Georgia who chooses to live as a black woman when she was clearly able to pass for white in a time when living as a white woman would have made for a less dangerous, more comfortable life. Ruby and her illegitimate child, Solomon, live with her family, the Bledsoe's in rural Georgia, where Ruby is known to stir up trouble.

When Ruby meets Dr. Adam Moreson, she's not surprised that he would choose to live as a white man, with more privilege and freedom, but she IS disappointed, knowing what her relatives ( her Uncle Arlo) have endured to ensure rights and freedoms for her family and others that live in Winslow.

Adam has his own cross to bear. The product of an encounter between a black maid and a white man, he looks more the white side of his family and chooses to become a doctor, attending a white college and living life as a white man. But Ruby knows that Adam is just as she is and encourages him to embrace and acknowledge a history and ancestry that makes him a target for those that are resistant to change. Adam's father runs Winslow-- the town is named after him, after all. Adam has to choose between a life of privilege where no one need know that he is half black but he must disavow a part of himself, and a life of challenge and hardship but truly living as he feels inside and honoring the memory of his mother.

This novel is beautifully written with such a vivid setting, I found myself smiling at the warmth of the Bledsoe homestead and the memories of week-long revival services; and alternately shuddering and nearly shedding a tear at the description of violence against Lona, and then against Ruby. What really gets me is the attitude of the time, that men were 'entitled' to what they took, that it was normal and expected and no one was going to reprimand them for mistreatment. How frustrating and debilitating. Respect and freedom and peace of mind were worth fighting for.

This is a historical romance, so I was intrigued at how Ruby, initially disappointed, near disgusted at how Adam denied so much of his very being came around to not only work with him, study with him, but eventually love him and risk her life for him. A Virtuous Ruby was a page turner in every sense of the word.. drama, suspense, romance, even a little humor because Ruby's little sister Delie was HILARIOUS.

As Ruby's father says of his daughters, "They are jewels, every one of them. My girls are going to be somebody." They certainly are. This is going to be a great series and I've already pre-ordered A Most Precious Pearl.
2015-reading-challenge black_reads Book Gannet1,572 17

This book takes the historical setting of US Georgia, 1915, and breathes so much life and heart into a difficult, troubled time. Ruby is an extraordinary character: a woman who has known pain, grief and guilt and yet refuses to be cowed by the bitter cruelties of her time. Born to a comparatively wealthy, independent farming family, she sees the suffering of the workers at the town’s mill and strives to get better pay and rights for the black members of her community. Being light-skinned herself, it took a brutal attack to fully wake her up to the inequalities being perpetrated on her people by the white locals, but that hasn’t stopped her from fighting.

I really d Ruby, she’s strong and courageous – and yes, at times a little hot-headed. She’s a real firebrand, but she’s not stupid and she’s not careless. She knows about punishment and consequences, yet pushes on in spite of them because her cause is good. I loved her family – her hard-working, decent father; her four lively and very different sisters; even her quiet, contained mother with whom Ruby has a slightly difficult relationship – and I especially d her love for her son, Solomon. He might not have started out in the best way, but her love for him and her desire to give him a better future are beautiful.

Which is what this story is – beautiful. Yes, it’s bitter at times and painful and sad, with nasty people and vile actions, but it’s also good and kind and hopeful and strong. Adam might start out the story thinking one way and acting all prim and repressed, but thanks to Ruby he learns to be proud of who he is and see the real good he can achieve, which speaks as much to the world we live in today as to the history this book represents.

It’s also a story about faith, which as an agnostic can sometimes be tricky for me, but it sits well within this story, because it enhances the main characters’ behaviour rather than dictating it. It also provides a point of conflict – as if this story needed more – bringing up issues of sin and illegitimacy. wise it brings in a couple of wonderful extra characters in Brother Carver and Sister Jane, who were open and loving and wonderful.

In all this is a strong, satisfying read that sits comfortably in its historical setting and doesn’t shy away from hard questions – about prejudice, assault, lynchings, racial tensions, societal condemnations and even forgiveness. The main characters are nicely developed, though the villains are less so, and there’s plenty of tension to make it a gripping read. The romance is steady and slow-growing and there are moments of lightness throughout to stop it from ever growing too grim. Mostly this is about Ruby and she’s wonderful enough to carry any story through to the end. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and look forward to seeing what the rest of the series has to offer.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)4-star-review historical-romance Cheryl Jamai262

This was my first read by the Author but it won’t be my last. The book centers on Ruby Bledsoe, her family and Dr. Adam Morson. Ruby has unfortunately been shamed because she had a child out of wedlock. There is so much more the reader learns about the situation throughout the book. Ruby is so brave and I looked up to her, I felt for her and I was truly rooting for her in the many difficult situations she and her family encountered. I felt many times that the situations were so unfair, however, I had to remember the book is based on 1915 and became thankful for all the “Rubies” throughout our rich history.

Dr. Adam Morson is of mixed heritage and was asked to come to Georgia by his white Father. Adam and Ruby got off to a rocky start. Ruby was such a firecracker type and Adam was not used to that, however Adam was drawn to Ruby and her whole family and Ruby to him, even though she tried to fight what she was feeling and felt she was not worthy. What started out as a Doctor call to check on Ruby’s son, Solomon, turned into Adam making a real connection and bond with Ruby, Solomon and her entire family. Adam learned so much about himself through his connection with Ruby and it truly changed his outlook on his future.

The Author was very realistic in talking about the terrible treatment of African Americans during this time which in certain cases led to the migration to the North. The book dealt with racial inequality, senseless killings and assault and unfair treatment of African-Americans. The book also dealt with how the Church sometimes played a role in shaming people that did not live the perfect life, sometimes through no fault of their own. The Author kept the Reader engaged with a certain light heartedness, however the Author was realistic and honest with the Reader about the brutal and sometimes sad truth about this time period. Through it all, based on the writing style, the reader is able to root for Ruby and Adam as they found their way to each other. There were also very cute interactions with some of the younger siblings that added to the light heartedness.

The book was the first of the Great Migrations series. In a way I expected to read a little more about the actual migration, however I am looking forward to reading more about the migration in future books in the series. I would recommend this book for those who are interested in Historical or Christian Fiction with a touch of Romance.
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