Rose of Ruby Street

by Carol Rivers

The residents of Ruby Street in London's East End are celebrating the new Queen's coronation in 1953. It's a new beginning for a nation still in the grip of rationing, still suffering the aftermath of the Blitz. But for Rose Weaver, the day is destined to end in tragedy when her husband Eddie is arrested on suspicion of theft. It's only the first of several unpleasant facts Rose will discover about the man she's been married to for the past 8 years, the man she thought she knew so well. Rose must draw on all her courage and resourcefulness to protect herself and her two daughters in the hard months ahead. It's only with the help of family, friends, and the good neighbors of Ruby Street that she has any chance of pulling through. And when a handsome salesman knocks at her door, it's hard to resist temptation.

Genres: Fiction

472 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

I’ve been fortunate enough to have made my living by writing and I’ve enjoyed a long and harmonious relationship with my publisher, Simon&Schuster. But in recent months I can only stand in awe of the growing and robust numbers of Indie authors whom I admire so much and who have revolutionized the publishing industry. There is fire in the belly of this movement, giving a whole new aspect to the accepted norms in the publishing world. I’m mind-blown at the variety of genres born of digital technology and I’ve made many friends in the Indie world. On-line life for me has become rich and diverse with tales of Indie adventures and successes that are simply staggering. This is mouth-watering stuff and I feel privileged to be here on Goodreads. If you want to know more about my East End novels, with their tough, rough, but warm-hearted Cockney characters, then perhaps you’d like to visit my website at www.carolrivers.com where you’ll gain an insight into the Rivers novels and their history.

Reviews

[Fran Mewse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Carol Rivers but it wont be the last. I loved the way you were transported back in time to the 1940s to share in the life of the Weaver family. I loved the way the book was written. A truely brilliant read.

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book. Storytelling at it's best.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Myself and my Nan have always been fans of Carol Rivers. There is just something about her books and the way she writes that transports you away to a completely different time and place where you can happily stay for hours, and this book was no different.

It is set in 1953, and begins on the day of the Queen’s coronation. The scene is very relateable as we have all recently just celebrated the Diamond Jubilee and so as the reader we can understand the anticipation, excitement, the celebrations, the happiness of the day. The residents of Ruby Street are particularly excited because they are watching the coronation on their very first TV. But for Rose, what should be a day of laughter and being amongst friends and family turns to tragedy as her husband Eddie is arrested on suspicion of theft. As if that wasn’t enough to deal with, shock after shock comes for Rose as more revelations unfold about the man she thought she knew as her husband.

This story is beautifully written, the descriptions throughout and the portrayal of what life was like in the 1950′s is so realistic that I felt I was there amongst all the characters, in my mind I could see what they saw, and hear all the sounds around them, and in my opinion if an author can do that for you, then they are very very talented.

Carol Rivers has created some very interesting and gripping characters that just make you want to read on more. Rose in particular is a wonderful character. As a reader, I admired her strength, her courage and her perseverance in a time where people were not as privileged as we are today. Her story hooked me in and I read the whole book in one sitting because I was so eager to see how her journey through the story progressed. This story stayed with me long after I had finished it. My Nan is now reading it and I’m certain she will be equally as absorbed in the story as I was!

Carol Rivers has again written a riveting tale which will capture you and have you desperate to know how things turn out for the characters. A fantastic read!

[Della Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I would certainly recommend if you like Maureen lee or Lyn andrews this definitely for you

[Zarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

East End Jubilee started off as a solid 4 star novel but in ended up a bit too ridiculous and all over the place, which is a real shame.

[Kathlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read in desperation after I ran out of reading material on holiday. Mills and Boon on steroids..

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Carol Rivers and it definitely won’t be my last. I loved being transported into the 1950’s and following the Weaver family and their highs and lows throughout the book. I just found the story so beautifully written and I was so invested within the first few chapters. The story definitely portrayed what life was like in the 1950’s and I just loved every minute of the book. I loved Rose as a character as I was just in awe of her strength and courage throughout the book. I have to admit the last few chapters I didn’t really expect and it was slightly far fetched but overall I did enjoy the story and will pick up more from this author.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st time reading this Author must say really enjoyed it Will definitely be reading more of her books

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon curled up under a blanket with the fire on. Loved travelling back in time to the 50’s

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just bought from Tesco,, love the cover.... 30 pages of my current Mary Jane Staples book to go then on to this...
Update.. Just went to start this and was so disappointed to find that it was first published under the title of Rose of Ruby Street... Why do publishers have to do this... Does everyone have to cash in on the jubilee this year .

Very good read, better than I expected but will be careful when buying more books from this author to check they are not republished work. Her books are so good we want new work not old stories repacked. I know its not her choice it the publishing world.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book however I just kind of read it... It took me a while to read which to be honest isn't usually the case when a book it a page turner... For me it was very slow. This isn't to say that I won't try another book by this author.

East End Jubilee - it was okay.

[Jane]

This book has been republished as East End Jubilee.

[Maria Argent · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK but not much of a story with a rushed unbelievable ending bit far fetched

[Cooksontaylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok, kept thinking it would get better, but can't say it did. Obviously not bad enough to give up completely.

[Val Dyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A typical east end saga. Quite good but not really my type of story.

[Barb reads......it ALL! · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely quick read about the East End of London, post WWII.

Fans of Call the Midwife will love!

[Fi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harmless