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A Ruby Christmas
Ruby Joy Buckner, cowgirl, has never left the Lone Star State, but at her father’s request, she takes her faithful canine companion and travels the world in search of Nativity pieces. As Ruby collects the pieces, she also collects a few unexpected surprises, including an awareness of the beauty in other cultures, and quite a menagerie of new friends, thanks in part to Yippee Ti Yi Yo who charms everyone they meet.
Ruby’s budding awareness of life outside Texas opens her eyes to a world of whimsy, and the Nativity pieces she collects are unusual. Will her father approve her eclectic collection … and the changes that travel brought to Ruby’s world?
Ruby’s budding awareness of life outside Texas opens her eyes to a world of whimsy, and the Nativity pieces she collects are unusual. Will her father approve her eclectic collection … and the changes that travel brought to Ruby’s world?
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2013
8 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Jerusha Agen
28 books830 followersJerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.
Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.
Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 19, 2016
Ruby Joy Buckner is still mourning the loss of her mother along with her dad. It's Christmas time and their old Nativity is on its last leg. Ruby is a tried and true Texan who has never traveled anywhere. But her dad has an idea that will allow Ruby a true adventure and let both of them move forward in their lives. He plans a 50 day adventure that will take Ruby all over the world to connect with memories of her mother's past and to seek pieces that will be the perfect addition to the Nativity her father will build.
This novella was a collaboration between 9 authors yet it flows seamlessly. Full of sparkling comedy and Christmas fun along with some romance, the characters Ruby meets and the adventures they have are delightful. I loved how each of the pieces she collects for the Nativity hold special significance both in memories and in their place as part of the story of the birth of Jesus. The final product of Ruby's search leads her to realize that it is not the end but rather the beginning of new life as represented in the birth of the Christ child.
I absolutely loved how the Baby Jesus was made by the last artist. A blend of white, brown, and black woods to show that Christ child came for all peoples all over the world. A Christmas story that I will definitely re-read again.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "No one's perfect. But God loves us each the same. He loved Joseph and Mary in spite of their imperfections. And look what God did through them."
"The crankier and crazier the better....They need the good news more than anybody I know, darlin' "
"But she'd let her nerves get to her instead of bring her burden to the throne."
This novella was a collaboration between 9 authors yet it flows seamlessly. Full of sparkling comedy and Christmas fun along with some romance, the characters Ruby meets and the adventures they have are delightful. I loved how each of the pieces she collects for the Nativity hold special significance both in memories and in their place as part of the story of the birth of Jesus. The final product of Ruby's search leads her to realize that it is not the end but rather the beginning of new life as represented in the birth of the Christ child.
I absolutely loved how the Baby Jesus was made by the last artist. A blend of white, brown, and black woods to show that Christ child came for all peoples all over the world. A Christmas story that I will definitely re-read again.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "No one's perfect. But God loves us each the same. He loved Joseph and Mary in spite of their imperfections. And look what God did through them."
"The crankier and crazier the better....They need the good news more than anybody I know, darlin' "
"But she'd let her nerves get to her instead of bring her burden to the throne."
November 27, 2015
I made it to 25% and couldn't take it any longer. I was going crazy with all the things they got wrong about Texas (Dallas is not in the middle of a prairie, we don't have tumbleweeds, and we do not all wear cowboy hats). However, I gave up when this guy she has barely talked to takes her out and they start talking like they have been dating for a while. This book just wasn't worth my time.
The only thing I did like about this book is her collecting the pieces of the nativity from the places she travels.
The only thing I did like about this book is her collecting the pieces of the nativity from the places she travels.
December 28, 2013
Overall, God's love is shown in many different ways and in each and every life, but was definitely written with fiction in mind...not many young ladies get to travel the world, with her dog, as this one did.
November 27, 2013
As one of the NINE authors, I have to say this was such a fun project! I hope it will touch a few hearts this Christmas.
November 30, 2013
Ruby's story is a perfect short read for a busy Christmas season! Hard to believe that so many authors contributed to this.
December 14, 2013
A Ruby Christmas written by nine different author was an absolute joy to read. It is one of the best, if not the best, Christmas novel that I have ever read and I have read a lot of Christmas novels. The authors did an excellent job of blending the different chapters and if I had not known better, I would have thought that it was written by one author. The authors are Jerusha Agen, Fay Lamb, Jennifer Fromke, Marji Laine, Dianne E. Butts, J.A. Marx, Ruth O’Neil, Debbie Roome and Phee Paradise. Great job!!!
Synopsis from Amazon:
“Ruby Joy Buckner, cowgirl, has never left the Lone Star State, but at her father’s request, she takes her faithful canine companion and travels the world in search of Nativity pieces. As Ruby collects the pieces, she also collects a few unexpected surprises, including an awareness of the beauty in other cultures, and quite a menagerie of new friends, thanks in part to Yippee Ti Yi Yo who charms everyone they meet. Ruby’s budding awareness of life outside Texas opens her eyes to a world of whimsy, and the Nativity pieces she collects are unusual. Will her father approve her eclectic collection … and the changes that travel brought to Ruby’s world?”
I very highly recommend this Christmas story to everyone, even people that say they do not like Christmas.
Synopsis from Amazon:
“Ruby Joy Buckner, cowgirl, has never left the Lone Star State, but at her father’s request, she takes her faithful canine companion and travels the world in search of Nativity pieces. As Ruby collects the pieces, she also collects a few unexpected surprises, including an awareness of the beauty in other cultures, and quite a menagerie of new friends, thanks in part to Yippee Ti Yi Yo who charms everyone they meet. Ruby’s budding awareness of life outside Texas opens her eyes to a world of whimsy, and the Nativity pieces she collects are unusual. Will her father approve her eclectic collection … and the changes that travel brought to Ruby’s world?”
I very highly recommend this Christmas story to everyone, even people that say they do not like Christmas.
January 16, 2014
A thoroughly enjoyable story, nicely tied in to Christmas, this novel spans the world as young-adult Ruby seeks new treasures for her father’s nativity scene. In the meantime, Ruby grows up, and readers get to visit many interesting places while enjoying a thoroughly good read. The varied chapters and locations, each introducing new characters and challenges, all weave seamlessly together, creating a genuinely pleasing sense of seeing the world while watching a young woman grow.
Nice dialog and humor characterize all Ruby’s interactions, and genuine faith infuses the lessons she learns. Never alone, as she travels on her own; never lost as she loses her way; and never succumbing to fear as she faces new challenges; Ruby grows from stay-at-home daughter to world-traveler, and the reader is pulled along by great descriptions, neat turns of phrase, and enjoyable storyline with touches of adventure and romance.
I could almost smell the oranges at Christingle; I could see the lights on the Champs Elysee; and I loved this world tour, told with the ring of authenticity. Watching the sweet dog Yippee performing tricks was a highlight too. And the excellent study guide at the end of the novel makes it perfect to enjoy alone or share with a group of teens, or adults even. Highly recommended.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to learn when free ecopies were downloadable.
Nice dialog and humor characterize all Ruby’s interactions, and genuine faith infuses the lessons she learns. Never alone, as she travels on her own; never lost as she loses her way; and never succumbing to fear as she faces new challenges; Ruby grows from stay-at-home daughter to world-traveler, and the reader is pulled along by great descriptions, neat turns of phrase, and enjoyable storyline with touches of adventure and romance.
I could almost smell the oranges at Christingle; I could see the lights on the Champs Elysee; and I loved this world tour, told with the ring of authenticity. Watching the sweet dog Yippee performing tricks was a highlight too. And the excellent study guide at the end of the novel makes it perfect to enjoy alone or share with a group of teens, or adults even. Highly recommended.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to learn when free ecopies were downloadable.
January 12, 2014
This book presents the search for the meaning of Christmas in a different light. Sent to find replacement pieces for the family manger scene, Ruby, a sheltered Texas ranch girl, sets out on a trip pre-arranged by her father. She travels with her companion, Yippee, as the journey takes them from Colorado to Guatemala with several stops in between. She gains insight into the mom she barely knew, learns lessons about people different from her, and gathers some unique nativity pieces with special meaning.
This was a fun and delightful holiday read. Several authors collaborated to bring this book together, and they produced an enjoyable Christmas story. Ruby’s canine companion adds a light-hearted feel to a story that sometimes reflects deep emotion as facets of her mom and dad’s life are revealed to her. The element of a sweet romance gives the story the flavor of a Christmas sugar cookie.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to get into the spirit of Christmas with a good holiday read.
This was a fun and delightful holiday read. Several authors collaborated to bring this book together, and they produced an enjoyable Christmas story. Ruby’s canine companion adds a light-hearted feel to a story that sometimes reflects deep emotion as facets of her mom and dad’s life are revealed to her. The element of a sweet romance gives the story the flavor of a Christmas sugar cookie.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to get into the spirit of Christmas with a good holiday read.
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December 21, 2013The premise - Ruby's father sends her out into the world to find pieces for their nativity set - seemed weak. And taking a dog into so many different countries was implausible. But I enjoyed Ruby's Christmas anyway. I know we're not supposed to give too much backstory, but more of the heroine's background would have added depth. Ruby travelled the world like an old pro, surviving changes in water, language, and culture with little difficulty - I wondered how her childhood on the ranch contributed to her adaptability.
December 19, 2013
A delightful story
I didn't want to put this book down. An engaging story that clearly demonstrates God's love, how he works through others, and that we influence those around us whether we realize it or not. I enjoyed traveling the world with Ruby as she collected nativity pieces, and at one point was close to tears as her mother's friends reached out to Ruby with God's love. An amazing story that carried one voice even though it was written by multiple authors.
I didn't want to put this book down. An engaging story that clearly demonstrates God's love, how he works through others, and that we influence those around us whether we realize it or not. I enjoyed traveling the world with Ruby as she collected nativity pieces, and at one point was close to tears as her mother's friends reached out to Ruby with God's love. An amazing story that carried one voice even though it was written by multiple authors.
December 31, 2013
A Ruby Christmas is a very sweet, quick read about a father who seeks to give his daughter the trip her deceased mother had planned to take with her. Ruby Joy goes on a grand adventure as she travels with her show dog, Yippee Ti Yi Yo. She is able to meet many people who have known and loved her mother and find treasured pieces to take back to Texas to create a new Nativity Scene with her beloved father.
4 Stars!
4 Stars!
October 27, 2015
This is a must read!!
Ruby goes on an incredible journey, one that her father forced upon her. As she travels she meets people from her mother and father past who make a lasting impact on her. Ruby left Texas a shy soon to be 20 year old. Only to return a confident, full of God's love in her heart woman.
This story is touching, filled with heart warming emotion that will make you not want to put it down. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Ruby goes on an incredible journey, one that her father forced upon her. As she travels she meets people from her mother and father past who make a lasting impact on her. Ruby left Texas a shy soon to be 20 year old. Only to return a confident, full of God's love in her heart woman.
This story is touching, filled with heart warming emotion that will make you not want to put it down. I highly recommend it to everyone.
August 3, 2016
A good book with several authors writing each chapter, but the flow is great, and I couldn't even tell the change from one author to another. I read it on my Kindle reader right when it was released. The theme centers around assembling a Nativity. Very interesting and involves a big journey visiting her mother's friends around the world. You'll like this book, I'm sure!
December 14, 2013
Fast and enjoyable! Nice life lesson to live a life of kindness. Our friendship brings sweet memories and our lives are have an impact on more people than we could imagine.
May 21, 2014
Very good Christian book. I liked it very much. Very sweet romance, good international traveling and ranch life!
February 18, 2014
A Christian-oriented Christmas romance written by committee. Beautifully done and unique.
February 19, 2015
cute story
I really liked this story in the beginning but it dragged for me in the end. Still over all. Good book
I really liked this story in the beginning but it dragged for me in the end. Still over all. Good book
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews