Ruby Among Us

The La Rosaleda Collection #1

by Tina Ann Forkner

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 thoughts from the mother she longs to recall. Lucy senses her grandmother holds the key to her lost memories, but Kitty seems as eager to hide 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 of a heritage long-buried with her mother, Ruby. What she finds is as enigmatic and stirring as it is startling in this novel about the powerful bond of mother-daughter-grandmother relationships.

In this captivating read from author Tina Ann Forkner, Ruby Among Us examines the power of memory and how it reaches across generations, seeking to be known.

"A moving and poignant tale of family secrets and overcoming regrets, Tina Ann Forkner's Ruby Among Us is a testament to the power of love, the redemptive nature of faith, and the true meaning of moving forward. The perfect read for anyone who has ever wondered how they will be remembered, this book will have readers immediately reaching for the next installment of the La Rosaleda Series. Book clubs will be hooked!" -Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling Author of The Wedding Veil

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Romance

344 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2023

About the author

Tina Ann Forkner is an adjunct writing instructor and school librarian. Her novel WAKING UP JOY was a HOLT Medallion finalist from Virginia Romance Writers. She is also the author of RUBY AMONG US, ROSE HOUSE, THE REAL THING, and NASHVILLE BY HEART.

“Filled with warmth and vividly drawn characters, and laced with intrigue, it captured my imagination and tugged at my heartstrings. I am a fan of author Tina Forkner, and she does not disappoint with Rose House. More, please.” -Eileen Goudge, New York Times bestelling Author of Garden of Lies

“Tina Forkner is an insightful, engaging storyteller. If you’re a fan of Jodi Picoult, you won’t be disappointed.” ~ Susan Meissner Author of A Fall of Marigolds

“Book clubs will be hooked!” -Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling Author of The Wedding Veil

“With layers of secrets and regrets set among the lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley, this intergenerational tale will capture the hearts of readers who enjoy escaping to a setting that’s as sweeping as the story itself.”
– Julie Cantrell, New York Times bestselling Author of Perennials

"Tina Ann Forkner has given us a wise and tender story full of the kind of transcendence our daily lives need so desperately right now. —Kimberly Brock, bestselling author of The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare

"Slip this one into your beach bag!”— Sonja Yoerg, Washington Post bestselling author of True Places and The Family Ship


Visit Tina at www.tinaannforkner.com

Reviews

[Desiree Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quit reading at 47% when a character reveals she had an abortion.

June 30, 2025

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Among Us starts with a heavy theme, but it's important in order to understand Lucy's perspective throughout the story. If you love and miss your mother who has passed on, this story will move you to tears of healing and unleash memories of love. My mother had gone to be with the Lord for over ten years now, and reading Ruby Among Us sparked memories of loving times as I reached the conclusion of the book.

I don't want to give away any key plot points because half the pull of this story is not knowing imporant things about Lucy, Kitty and Ruby's pasts, and wanting so desperately to find out that you have trouble putting the book down. Forkner's writing style and voice is fresh, unique, and insightful. It's beautiful how she pulls you into the heart and mind of someone sheltered from life so much that she truly is an innocent in many of the things that take place around her. But the fresh, healing experiences she embraces, and her journey toward trusting others outside her immediate family is exciting and deep. And the romantic portions of this book are WONDERFUL and exciting. I felt my heart being tugged and moved with the tiny steps of faith that Lucy made toward healing...and toward love.

For someone who has always had a father in her life, it was eye-opening for me to see how truly painful it is for a young woman to never have a father figure in her life. In fact, so much pain is evoked that the hurt can taint choices and destroy a young woman's security for years to come. Our culture has tried very hard to shut down the importance of a man's role in a family and in a daughter's heart. Ruby Among Us beautifully illustrates how erroneous this belief is. For that reason alone I would love to see many men embrace this book. The bummer is that this story was so good I'm sad it had to end.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memories, redemption, faith

Rung Among Us is a heartwarming story about three generations of women, Kitty, Ruby, and Lucy; three women who have supported and loved each other through years of mistakes, regrets, and a loss of faith. Lucy has very few memories of her childhood, and Kitty is reluctant to reveal the long-held secrets of the past; secrets which have divided their family, a rift that has caused anguish to many. Lucy is such a lovely character, innocent and sheltered, with a longing to remember her past so she can embrace her future. This is a compelling story of redemption, forgiveness, and family.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very thought provoking and moving book. Tina tells a tale that is intense. The plot is intricately woven with many twists and turns. The curiosity, pain and deep yearning of Lucy to get to the truth of her life, her mother’s life and her grandmothers kept me reading this book every chance I could get to see if the truth would ever come out. This book showed me a word picture for John 8:32 which says “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Lucy longed to be free of the family secrets but how?

Kitty was the keeper of the family secrets. Her heart was broken and her spirit crushed by the storms of life. Kitty felt that she had to hold onto these secrets to survive. This book showed another word picture for Psalm 34:18 which says “The Lord is close to the broken hearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

This story also is about forgiveness, redemption, and new beginnings. I was compelled to keep reading this rich story to find out if Lucy could put the pieces of her life together. The life she never knew she had. Her Heritage. It’s definitely a page turner!

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Kevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book when my husband was in the hospital in CICU and wasn't expected to make it. So I had to put it down when it started talking about death. I picked it back up and was glad I did. I enjoyed this story, and it turned out to be a great distraction.

The story line was very beliveable, and I could relate to it. We always have woulda, coulda, shoulda's when someone we love dies. It may be a little thing, that we have done a thousand times but when that person dies, then we blame ourselves, which is what Lucy did for years over her mother's death.

The sacrifices we make for a loved one, is usually not as far reaching and painful as what took place at the vineyard. Those choices made is a split second lasted for years affecting many along the way.

Great work Tina I would recommend this book to my friends.

[Lori Henrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. So glad I decided to read it.

Lucy DiCammillo lost her mother Ruby when she was very young. She grew up in the care of her grandmother Kitty. Kitty doesn't like to talk to much about her past or about Ruby. Lucy is starting to question her past, wanting to find out more about her mother and herself. Kitty seems to hold the key, but is reluctant to open up and share her secrets.

Lucy is searching for more than just answers to her past. She hopes that by finding out her roots she can be more open to her future.

This is such a touching story of discovery, of self and faith. The character of Blake reminded me of how God feels when he is waiting for his wayward children to find their way back to Him.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. Although at times I would get annoyed with Kitty. She seemed way too selfish and prideful. I know she went through a lot bad experiences in her life, but a lot of the pain was inflicted by her own doing. I did feel for for her because she missed out on so much of her own life because of her pride. Not only did she miss out on her own life, but because of her pride and fears, Ruby and Lucy missed out on so much as well. I hated the fact that there were so many secrets kept over the generations, and I would hate to live that way. Overall I enjoyed the book. It definitely made me very grateful for the beliefs that I have and the way my family operates.

[Megnews · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ruby Among Us" is an outstanding novel from debut author Tina Ann Forkner. The story of 3 generations of women and the men they love is woven among the lush scenery of the places they cherish. Long-held family secrets unravel in a unique writing style that brings the characters to life and is at the same time both honest and sensitive about topics rarely brought out in Christian fiction. This is a fast-paced read that at times leaves you breathless to learn both the history and the future of characters you come to love.

[Rhonda Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a story. Tina really brings the wine country to life. Her visual descriptions are vivid and breathtaking. The story is so captivating you’re pulled in with the first page. You’ll immediately connect with the well-written, intricate characters, and feel they are friends. Mrs. Forkner’s writing style is relaxed and fresh. This wonderful novel will be in my top ten of the year. I’d love to see it win a Christy award.

To read more of my review, visit Beach Reads

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I wasnt' too enthusiastic about this novel as I read it on the heels of another novel with the same theme - generations of family members who suffer because they keep secrets from each other. I was too angry at all the secret-keeping to really feel empathy for the characters. The ending was too unbelievable to feel like a good resolution for me. It was an entertaining book, if you don't care about being super angry at the characters for their behavior, and you don't need a believable ending. I just couldn't get into the characters. They were hard to think of as real people.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the way this book was written. There was something beautiful about the composition of the characters and the way you viewed them almost as you would view a beautiful scene through the filtered light of morning. My one critique of this (and why I can't rate it higher) is that the ending seems too "scrunched". There's a building throughout the book at an easy pace and then the ending gets resolved within a few chapters. I would have liked to see the pace keep steady throughout.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in the giveaway and actually didn't expect much.
How wrong I was....it was a wonderful story and a great read. I loved it. I am not much for critiqueing the writing, but the story was one that kept you longing for more,
Congrats to Tina Ann Forkner for a lovely debut novel. I will be looking for more,

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author did a wonderful job of making the characters come alive. The story draws you in to the lives of the two main characters - Lucy, trying to discover her background, and her grandmaother, Kitty, trying to come to terms with hers. The story is a wonderful intertwining of their two stories and Ruby, who is the common thread.

[Karen]

based on Michelle Suttons review and several other comments I might just look into it. When my mom pssed two yrs ago It didn't quit hit me, but I wish she could see the stuf I have done since she has been gone. I miss her and it's hitting me

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story about family, secrets from the past and the relationships between 3 generations of women was beautifully told and well written. The pacing was perfect and the themes of the story very skillfully woven throughout.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot is rich and the scenes are incredible-visual and lovely. Any bond between a mother and daughter is sacred and Tina Ann Forkner reaches in and walks us through each emotional twist and turn. I can't wait to read more of her books! She really is gifted in touching us with her characters.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I can't wait until she comes out with another book - I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Right from the beginning you're hooked. Tina Ann Forkner is such a brilliant writer, she just pulls you right into each character.

[Charlene McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not usually an inspirational reader, but this book was very good.

[Linda]

New Wyoming author. Very good first book. Explores the ties between mothers and daughters. Quite enjoyable

[Tisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great book about something that I never experienced in life and was very well told. I loved the end...even cried.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great debut novel! The language was beautiful and the story moving.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately engaging and thought provoking. Ms. Forkner's characters have great depth and her gardens a special beauty.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fnished this book about a month ago, and the story really stayed with me. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Debbie Pemberton]

Very Good book I really enjoyed it. Very well written

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of a daughter's search for her past. Check my book blog at www dot annshorey dot com for a full review. Can't wait for Tina Ann Forkner's next book, Rose House.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book!

[Moonkiszt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby Among Us is a grandmother-mother-daughter story with ups and downs aplenty, set in the Sonoma Valley. The hook of the lost/unknown father is exactly one of the mysteries I work hard at solving in my genealogical lines, and so this jumped onto my shelves through that passion. Bonus: Quilts are mentioned 51 times, as Kitty (grandma) is a quilter - another passion that kept the book in my list.

The story line itself sorted out well, but was rather twisty-on-twisty and woven through with mentions of Christianity and faith, missing any details or specificity (if those are lacking, why mention it so often? code purposes? just wondering). I found myself more closely aligned with the non-main characters, and that felt odd, too. For those reasons, 3 stars. Still a good read, and the end had me misty - which is always the goal of my posterity in their storytelling efforts - so a good read if reader shares interest points above-mentioned.

*A sincere thank you to Tina Ann Forkner, Spavinaw Junction Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #RubyAmongUsRubyAmongUsBookNetGalleyNetGalleyReads #NetGalley

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ruby Among Us" is a touching tale that spans three generations of women: Kitty, Ruby, and Lucy. Despite their mistakes, regrets, and loss of faith, the women have supported and loved each other through thick and thin. However, Lucy has few recollections of her childhood, and Kitty is hesitant to divulge the family's long-held secrets. Lucy is a delightful character, innocent and sheltered, with an eagerness to remember her past to pave the way for her future. This heartwarming book is a story of love, forgiveness, redemption, and family.

The book is deeply thought-provoking and emotional at times as Lucy works towards a new beginning as she learns about her past. I was engrossed in the story, eager to discover if Lucy could piece together her life – the life she never knew she had – and her heritage. The book is a page-turner, fast-paced and thrilling, leaving you breathless as you learn more about the characters you grow to love.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an odd read for me. I really loved the characters, all of them, and I enjoyed their (slightly predictable) story. The emotions were sweet and the scenes were lovely -- sometimes I bit over the top. After wading through the first two-thirds of the book, it struck that it was the writing with which I was struggling. The style, while making valiant attempts to be lyrical, came across as a bit stilted. Almost as if it, like Lucy and Kitty, were lacking some sort of confidence that kept it hesitant, preventing it from pushing past and being as beautiful as it so badly wanted to be. I enjoyed Ruby Among Us enough to see it through to the finish, but I don't feel particularly drawn to pick up the other book in the series.

[Deleiney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad and beautiful, Ruby Among Us tells a story about three generations of women. The story is told mainly from the perspective of Lucy, and we get snippets of her mother and grandmother’s lives. This is a story about family secrets and forgiveness.

I really loved the beginning and the ending of the book. The first few chapters were devastating. I should note that for me there were some issues with the pacing. The middle of the book was a bit repetitive, due to the stubbornness of one of the characters. The ending was touching and satisfying.

I will end this review with a quote from the book.
“I feel like your secrets are keeping us from something great. Something powerful.”