Ruby Tuesdays

by Joan Lewis

Sam and Ella both find life difficult to negotiate as young people in modern day Britain. Sam's bereft mother Eva searches countrywide for her missing son, whilst Ella's insouciant father, a successful politician, ignores his daughter's distress. They are eventually drawn to Ruby Tuesdays, a jazz café, where Ella and Sam have found the key to happiness.

Genres: Family Drama

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2024

About the author

Joan has always loved telling stories, and introducing young children to some of the best tales in the world. She has worked in schools as a teacher and headteacher both in Germany, and in different parts of England and Wales. Nowadays she lives in a beautiful and remote part of the Languedoc in Southern France, where the utter peace and beauty of these surroundings provide plenty of stimulation for her writing. She likes to blog about life in France too, at joansjottings.net..

Reviews

[Ricardo Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on my tablet using the Kindle app.

This book is about the search for happiness by both Sam and Ella during the current era, definitely not easy to be a youngster these days. The plot may sound simple—two people struggling with today's problems—but I liked how the author included some twists that I did not see coming, leading to a well-deserved happy ending. The characters are quite relatable, and even though the book is supposed to be light reading, I found some difficulties with the slang used. However, that is my issue, not the author's.

Regarding the edition of the book, I found it quite well-edited and with care, perfect for reading on the Kindle app. I read the book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription, so if you also have one, it may be a great chance to give this book an opportunity.

[Laura Lukasavage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and sweat

I enjoyed this story because it was on the simpler side of a story, you understood what was going on with out having to be thrown into something huge to make the story move forward. Didn't need the crazy action that a lot of books have today. Then there was the characters, they were believable with the way they felt, spoke and what they were going through in each part of the story. That alone is a huge achievement as having characters that are relatable and feel real is one of the hardest parts about writing a book and having people enjoy and understand what they read.

The plot and flow of the story moved at a perfect pace. I liked how we got to see what each character was going through in the story without it being overwhelming or too confusing.

The touch on the mental health subjects, coming of age or adult versus adolescence was nice and being able to see what was going on throughout their story at the same time was different and well done.

Being a story placed modern day Britain the writing and speech was placed perfectly and even though I am not from there it was written to where I could still understand and wasn't confused.

I loved how the book was split up into 4 sections, giving the book more depth in my option.

Part 4, a lot of spacing issues that just seemed a little extreme for me.

[Susan Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the not-to-distant future, Ruby Tuesdays by Joan Lewis, is a fascinating and moving tale of two teens who find themselves in a chaotic and ruthless world. It is set in London and weaves many modern themes readers will identify with.

Our protagonists are Sam and Ella. They come from different backgrounds, but solace and meaning together. While Sam’s mother is searching for her lost son, Ella’s powerful father is too busy with his rising political career to understand his daughter's distress.

Enter Ruby Tuesday. This vibrant and upbeat jazz café offers the pair someone where to connect and find meaning in their lives. They discover a shared path and are able to navigate society’s woes.

Both Sam and Ella are definitely worthy role models that many young people will identify with. They are flawed, of course, but they rise above their imperfections and show the power of the human spirit and what kind of positivity comes from unique, but deep relationships. Their shared love of music brings them together but it is their passion for change and seeing a brighter future that bonds the pair in time.

This is a well-written book where the point of view of each character is shared in turn. It has a lot of twists and turns and definitely kept me glued to my seat. I would recommend this book to younger and older readers alike. It is powerful, honest and completely enjoyable.

[J.S. Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Ruby Tuesdays. It felt like getting a glimpse into the lives of real people - their struggles and vulnerabilities and joys, too.
Rob and Eva, the parents of John/Sam and Charles Butters, the father of Ella and little Charlie, were all realistically written, in my opinion as a parent myself. I actually found the book to be more about their lives than that of the young people - John/Sam and Ella. I think the middle-aged adults got more page-time than the young folks.
It was one of those books that weaves together different characters' stories and then ties them together in interesting ways so that it all culminates in a satisfying way. Eva and Rob are searching for their son, Sam. Will they find him in time? Will Sam accept help for his psychiatric condition? And Charles's resolve to parent his children in a firm and unyielding way is starting to crumble, but will he give in in time? Meanwhile, his daughter Ella is struggling to be the high-achiever her father expects and little Charlie can't seem to do anything right.
There's a bittersweet ending that I thought was just right. I'd love to read more by this author. I kept getting the names Ella / Eva confused as to which was which and found it hard when the story jumped from one woman's perspective straight to the other. But other than that, it seemed a well-edited, well-thought-out book. Definitely recommended.

[Bruce Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Tuesdays by Joan Lewis is a thought-provoking exploration of the struggles faced by young people in contemporary Britain. Lewis delves into the complexities of mental health issues and social pressures, offering a poignant reflection on society's responsibility to support its youth.

The novel is a powerful critique of the current state of affairs, highlighting the disconnect between generations and the lack of understanding surrounding mental health. Through the eyes of Eva, a compassionate and insightful character, Lewis sheds light on the challenges faced by young individuals who are often overlooked and misunderstood.

While the narrative is at times somber, it is also infused with moments of hope and resilience. Lewis's writing style is both empathetic and evocative, drawing the reader into the lives of her characters and fostering a sense of empathy.

Ruby Tuesdays is a timely and important novel that raises crucial questions about the well-being of young people. It is a must-read for anyone interested in social issues and the human condition.

[mjgman63 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very pleased to find this book, even though it isn’t quite my usual type of reading. Everyone knows what is meant by, say, a psychological thriller, but it’s much harder to give a simple label to this novel. However, I would describe it as part a story about love, part a mystery, and part a critical reflection on modern Britain.

The prologue is set a few years in the future: in a time of increased anti-vagrancy laws and when only important people can get away with still driving petrol cars. But then we go back to the present day and follow parallel stories of two families. One is the family of a high-ranking politician who thinks he knows what is best for his children; the other is the family of a retired head teacher who survived once being shot by one of his pupils. There is, of course, a connection between the families, although this only gradually becomes clear to us.

I said this is partly a story about love, but it isn’t just about romantic love. It is also about the love that parents have for their children, and how this can be mismanaged. Here, one father has made a terrible mistake, telling his teenage son during a row that he can go away forever for all the father cares – only for his son to take this literally. It is five years before the grief-stricken mother can bring herself even to go into the bedroom of her missing son. The other father is about to make a similar mistake …

The young male lead has bipolar disorder, and the title of this review is a theme of the book: that society is responsible for the health and well-being of its young people. A series of youth-upon-youth murders forms a backdrop to the story, as a warning of what can happen if society abandons its responsibilities.

The book is well written, and some of the passages are almost elegiac: such as the description of old people hanging on in abandoned ex-mining communities, harking back to a lost working-class world where the front steps of houses were almost religiously kept clean and front rooms were strictly only for visitors. The ending of the book moves forward again a few years into the future, and I found it very moving (although, as other reviewers have pointed out, it is deliberately left open-ended). It is only after finishing the book that we can go back and completely understand the prologue.

There were a few things that I didn’t think worked so well. At one point there is a heated discussion on a train of youth crime and education which veers towards caricature, right down to one character being cheered on by a listening railway attendant. And, although what the politician does to his daughter is essential to the plot, I struggled to believe that he would follow this through for so many years given the love he has previously shown for her. But overall this is a book which I very much enjoyed reading and which I would certainly recommend.

[Zoey Codrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Ruby Tuesdays", Joan Lewis delivers a stirring narrative that explores the delicate complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the power of resilience. From the opening lines, Lewis’s writing captivates with its lyrical beauty, wrapping the reader in a world of vivid characters, emotional depth, and an undercurrent of quiet strength. The novel weaves a tapestry of love and heartbreak, triumph and vulnerability, that will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced the richness of life’s highs and lows.

The heart of "Ruby Tuesdays" lies in its characters, whose struggles and triumphs feel intimately relatable. Each individual feels fully fleshed out, with their own distinct voices and journeys, making the reader feel a part of their lives. Joan Lewis artfully delves into the human psyche, exploring how the choices we make—big and small—shape our destinies, often in ways we can’t foresee. The emotional weight of these characters’ stories lingers long after the last page is turned, leaving readers reflecting on their own lives.

One of the most captivating aspects of "Ruby Tuesdays" is how it masterfully blends tenderness with tension. There are moments of heartbreaking beauty, where even the smallest details—a glance, a conversation, a memory—are imbued with profound meaning. These moments are balanced by an ever-present sense of uncertainty, reminding readers that life can be as fragile as it is beautiful. This balance creates a rhythm that keeps readers fully immersed, unable to put the book down as they become emotionally invested in the characters’ journeys.

Lewis’s prose is elegant yet accessible, drawing readers into a world that feels both familiar and fresh. Her ability to evoke a sense of place and time allows the settings of "Ruby Tuesdays" to act as a backdrop for the intricate emotions playing out on the page. There is a palpable sense of nostalgia in the writing, but it’s never overpowering; instead, it adds layers of meaning to the characters' experiences, making them feel universal and timeless.

"Ruby Tuesdays" earns a 5 out of 5-star rating for its emotional honesty, beautiful prose, and ability to speak to the heart of what it means to be human. Joan Lewis has crafted a novel that is at once tender and thought-provoking, a story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. For those seeking a deeply emotional, character-driven narrative that explores the full spectrum of life’s experiences, this book is a must-read.

[Julius Codrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Ruby Tuesdays", Joan Lewis takes readers on an emotional journey that beautifully captures the complexities of life, love, and personal growth. This is not just a story—it’s a deeply felt exploration of the human heart and its capacity to heal and transform. With every turn of the page, Lewis immerses us in the lives of characters whose struggles and triumphs reflect the universal challenges we all face. The book is a masterful blend of warmth, heartache, and the beauty of redemption, drawing readers in from the very first sentence.

At the center of the narrative is a protagonist whose journey is both poignant and powerful. Joan Lewis paints her with such raw honesty that readers will see pieces of themselves in her challenges and triumphs. The relationships in the book—whether familial, romantic, or platonic—are nuanced and complex, echoing the messiness of real-life connections. As the protagonist navigates these bonds, we are reminded of the importance of vulnerability, forgiveness, and the courage to embrace change.

What makes "Ruby Tuesdays" so captivating is its emotional depth. Lewis expertly layers the narrative with themes of loss, resilience, and self-discovery, creating a story that feels both personal and universal. As readers, we are invited to witness the rawness of grief, the sweetness of friendship, and the strength it takes to move forward after life’s most difficult moments. The emotional resonance of the story will linger long after the last page, as it speaks to the quiet but powerful moments that define our lives.

Joan Lewis’s writing is infused with warmth and humanity, making "Ruby Tuesdays" not just a book but an experience. Her prose is both elegant and accessible, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters and their journeys. There’s a quiet strength in her storytelling, a reminder that even in the hardest of times, there is always room for growth and hope. Her ability to capture life’s intricacies with such authenticity is a testament to her skill as a writer.

Ruby Tuesdays deserves a 5 out of 5-star rating for its ability to evoke deep emotion, its beautifully crafted characters, and its profound exploration of life’s most important themes. Joan Lewis has created a story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting, offering readers a journey they won’t soon forget.

[JM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby Tuesdays is an ambitious novel, one that takes the lives of multiple characters and, over the course of the novel, slowly weaves them together. It contains elements of mystery, but those play backseat to the literary and societal themes of family, youth, and mental health.

Overall, I appreciated the voice in the piece—Lewis did a great job of getting into her characters’ heads and letting us feel the experience along with them. This was, however, part of the reason why the opening was difficult to get into: in the guise of a close third-person, the narrator withheld some information from us that would have connected us to the plot. Ultimately, though, once the story of Eva and Rob, and their quest for Sam, becomes apparent, the novel takes on a really strong life. I had more trouble relating to Ella, until her story crossed with Sam and came to a satisfying, if bittersweet, ending.

I will admit that, at first, distinguishing Eva and Ella was a bit difficult, and the story did jump around a lot of characters. Two schools of thought on this: one would be to introduce your characters slowly, and let your reader acclimate. The second, and the tack this book takes, is to push them all out in the forefront, so that your reader adjusts expectations and must put in a bit of work to start, but then will be accustomed to it and thus usually enjoy the latter portions more. It’s up to readers to know what they prefer, but since I’m partial to the latter—I don’t mind meeting a writer halfway—this book works for me.

[Tracey Morait · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Tuesdays is not the story of the jazz café itself, it’s about the events leading up to its opening. The book follows the fortunes of six people: Rob, a former head teacher of a local school; Eva, his wife, a nurse; their son, Sam, a dropout, who’s suddenly left home for no reason and whose parents haven’t seen him in years; John, a troubled drug addict without purpose; Ella, who attends an elite private school in London with aspirations to become an artist; and her father, Charles, a well-known London MP, whose ambitions for his children threaten to overturn an already tense home life.

When you first start to read the book, it’s difficult to tell the relevance of each engaging story, but all becomes clear. All six lives are connected and will become eventually intertwined; however, before that happens, each one has an individual journey to overcome. The characters are believable: you feel the frustration and pain Rob and Eva are suffering over Sam, John’s confusion, Ella’s frustration with her father’s future plans for her and Charles’ inability to listen to everyone around him.

I found this book an easy, appealing read and about the right length; in fact, it’s possible to read it in one sitting. If I have one criticism, it’s a very small one: I’ve worked in mental health units as an administrator and the nurses would wear normal clothes, not scrubs, but would of course don aprons and gloves for clinical work.

An enjoyable read I would highly recommend.

[Amanda Root · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby Tuesdays by Joan Lewis is a delightful novel that offers a refreshing change of pace. Set in England, the book provides vivid descriptions that effectively transport readers into the characters' world. The story delves into themes of poverty and privilege, youth and aging, and mental health, adding layers of depth to the narrative.

The characters are relatable and well-rounded, dealing with a range of emotions and challenges, from manic depression to panic attacks, guilt, and estrangement. The author does an excellent job of moving seamlessly between different periods of the characters' lives, ensuring the plot flows smoothly and keeps the reader engaged.

While the story is heartwarming and enjoyable, it also lightly touches on important social issues without overshadowing the main narrative. The ending is satisfying, tying up loose ends while leaving room for the reader's interpretation of the main plot twist.

However, the book could benefit from better editing. There are noticeable errors such as double spaces, misplaced punctuation, and occasional confusion in dialogue tags. Despite these minor distractions, the overall experience of reading Ruby Tuesdays is positive.

I would recommend this book to readers of all ages and genders who appreciate a story that combines light-hearted moments with emotional depth.

[Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and Entertaining


I read "Ruby Tuesdays" by Joan Lewis and found it to be very interesting. It is a compelling exploration of modern-day Britain through the lives of two young protagonists, Sam and Ella. I appreciated how the story navigates their personal struggles with a delicate touch, exploring themes of mental health, family crises, and the search for identity.

I liked how the author used alternating perspectives to provide deep insights into the characters' emotions, making their experiences relatable and engaging. I felt emotional with Sam's mother's relentless search for her missing son; and Ella's struggle with her father's indifference was particularly poignant. The setting of the jazz café, Ruby Tuesdays, served as a beautiful metaphor for finding solace and hope amidst chaos.

I enjoyed the vivid descriptions that brought the characters' environment to life, allowing me to imagine myself in their world. Despite some minor editing issues, the narrative's twists and turns kept me hooked. I found the inclusion of social issues like drug abuse and mental health added layers to the plot without overshadowing the central story of hope and resilience.

The ending was satisfying, tying up loose ends while leaving a lasting impression. Overall, I enjoyed "Ruby Tuesdays" and highly recommend it for its emotional richness and serious material covered.

[Caroline Hurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jazz, Joy, and Heartache: Ruby Tuesday Hits All the Right Notes
Ruby Tuesday is an evocative novel that looks at modern-day Britain through the lens of two young characters, Sam and Ella.
Joan Lewis masterfully intertwines their lives with the complex dynamics of their parents, revealing the pain, isolation, and pursuit of happiness that defines many families today.
The story revolves around Sam, a troubled young man whose disappearance sends his mother, Eva, on a desperate search, while Ella faces emotional neglect from her father, a successful but detached politician. Both characters find solace in Ruby Tuesdays, a jazz café that symbolizes their escape from the pressures of life and their path to self-discovery.
Lewis explores mental health, family estrangement, societal pressures, and the desire for connection. The character development is realistic and relatable as Lewis touches on the alienation of youth, family expectations, and how both parents and children cope with the realities of modern society.
While the pacing in the beginning may feel a bit slow, the story picks up as the narrative unfolds, culminating in a bittersweet but satisfying conclusion.
The jazz café, Ruby Tuesdays, becomes a metaphor for finding peace amidst chaos.
Lewis successfully blends heartache with hope, making Ruby Tuesday a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read.

[Gene Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ruby Tuesdays" explores themes of youth, mental health, and class issues in contemporary (and future) Britain. Joan Lewis weaves the narrative through various perspectives, following Sam and Ella, two young individuals grappling with their personal challenges while navigating the realities of their parents' shortcomings. At times, the drama surrounding the adult characters overshadows Sam and Ella, but I didn't have a problem with this.

The dialogue is very British, with what some Americans might view as an abrasive use of profanity present from the opening page. The prose could be tightened up a bit, but is mostly fine. I did have an issue with having two major characters named Ella and Eva, especially when the POV switches from one to the other...contemporary writing advice (understandably) is to avoid names that sound similar. Some even argue to avoid giving any major characters names that start with the same letter!

Overall, the familial dynamics are interesting enough to keep a reader going, and the epilogue is one of those "now the prologue makes sense" moments, which might frustrate some, but I thought worked pretty well. A nice example of a slice of life story that still has a few twists.

[Vanessa Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Tuesdays is a carefully constructed novel with a good set up. The parallel narratives are neatly woven together and the various characters’ voices are distinct. Breadcrumbs suggesting the shadows in the main characters’ pasts are scattered with just the right parsimony, rewarding attentive readers. And the vibrant cover is icing on the cake.

There’s a great twist part way through which this reviewer didn’t see coming, and a neatly contrived ending and resolution which leaves the reader to work out a key plot point for themselves — if they’re right, they can revel in the clever wordplay which confirms it.

One main character is left irresolute in the final scene, and while I don’t generally like open endings I found that this one worked well, perhaps highlighting how life in general and people in particular are rarely black and white.

The writing is assured (I loved this graphic image, for example: “he noticed how people’s mugs had burned Venn diagrams into the varnished surface”) and the author Joan Lewis displays astute social commentary and empathy with mental health issues.

All in all, an engaging and rewarding read for our troubled times.

[Nathan Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby Tuesdays is a heartfelt exploration of youth, mental health, and the contrasting worlds of privilege and struggle in modern-day Britain. The novel centers on Sam and Ella, two young people navigating the complexities of their lives while their parents deal with their own shortcomings. Their paths eventually lead them to Ruby Tuesdays, a jazz café that becomes a haven and a key to their happiness.

Lewis crafts a vivid portrayal of England, immerseing the reader in the characters' lives. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Sam and Ella, allowing us to see their inner turmoil and the gradual development of their connection. Lewis does an excellent job of balancing the heavy themes—mental health, family estrangement, and the societal divide between wealth and poverty—without losing sight of the personal, human elements that make the story so engaging. Overall the story is a touching narrative about finding one's place in a chaotic world. It’s a beautifully crafted reminder that sometimes, in the most unexpected places, we find the support and understanding we need to carry on.

[Harriet Loveday · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is difficult growing up. I have no doubt the author's background in teaching has gifted her a lot of sympathy watching the younger generations of today progress through hard life lessons.

The book follows Sam and Ella, the decisions they make and the experiences they go through against the backdrop of difficult life situations.

The characters were well-developed, flawed and relatable. And I felt sympathy for what they were going through. The storylines were quite gritty and heavy in places. There were themes of love in different forms, mental health, identity, human connections and music. There is the backdrop of murders (and drug abuse) highlighting what can happen when things go wrong.

I love the jazz cafe being the location for solace and connection. I personally find music very healing. I was a little unsure of the ending but overall, it didn't detract from the story which I enjoyed.

I read this on my Kindle. There were a few formatting issues in places and I wasn't keen on the swearing, I find this very off-putting in writing and jolting/unpleasant rather than effective and gritty.

Overall, I would recommend it.

[Kevin Fildes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Tuesday’s by Joan Lewis is a modern day work of fiction. The story takes place in England. With very vivid descriptions, you’re able to place yourself into the characters environment.

The book touches on the topics of poverty and privilege, youth and growing older. There is also a significant focus on mental health.

The plot has a nice flow, moving seamlessly from one point of time to the next. Furthermore, all of the characters are very relatable. They deal with manic depression, panic attacks, guilt, estrangement from family, and chasing their dreams.

I believe that both young and older people would enjoy the novel as well as an individual of any gender. I really appreciated how the male characters are given just as many strong emotions as the female characters were given.

I also really enjoyed how the story moved form one period of the characters lives to the next. And the conclusion worked well because it didn’t contain any loose ends.

All in all, I’d highly recommend this book to any reader.

[buecherwurm · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ruby Tuesdays" is an absolute gem of a book that captivates from the first page to the last. The author has crafted a compelling narrative that pulls you into the heart of the story, making it impossible to put down. The characters are incredibly well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique struggles and growth that resonate deeply.

The writing is eloquent and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the settings and emotions that make you feel like you're right there alongside Sam and Ella. The jazz café, Ruby Tuesdays, is a beautifully depicted sanctuary that adds a magical touch to the story, symbolizing hope and happiness.

This book is a masterclass in storytelling, blending drama, emotion, and a touch of whimsy in perfect harmony. It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates beautifully written fiction that explores the complexities of human relationships. I highly recommend "Ruby Tuesdays" to anyone looking for an engaging and heartfelt read. Five stars all the way!

[Ann Birdgenaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written story about families in crisis.

Well written story about two families in crisis set in London England. Author Joan Lewis gives insight into the characters and their emotions by alternating the perspectives and their POV. This approach works well and at first leaves you guessing and turning pages to find out what happened to this loving family. The characters are well fleshed out and I enjoyed their interactions. The story touches on drug abuse, mental health and many other issues that we all can relate to. Despite the book's straightforward story there are many unexpected twists and turns that surprised me. Two young people, from very different backgrounds, are trying to find their way in the adult world. Luckily they come together and find a mutual dream. Ruby Tuesdays is a jazz club that gives them hope for the future through music and that you must follow your own dreams. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging read about human relationships and why you should follow your heart.

[HS Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ruby Tuesdays" is a place I'd love to visit, especially after a tough day. Joan Lewis's fiction offers an engaging read while addressing important social issues. This narrative provides insight into contemporary English life by exploring themes like poverty, privilege, and mental health without being overly didactic. The story features well-developed characters, such as Sam's parents, Rob and Eva, in their search for him, and young adult Ella, who struggles with her father Charles' high expectations. Lewis skillfully intertwines the characters' lives, creating a cohesive plot and captivating story by writing part 1 scene with straightforward character introductions, leaving no room for confusion. This well-written story presents complex characters in an easy-to-understand way, examining the intricate relationships between parents and children and the challenges young adults face in finding their paths. Her writing style is easy to read and clear to understand, and it is quite a pleasure.

[Eduardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary fiction novel set in modern-day Britain, focusing on two young people, Sam and Ella, who are struggling with their own personal challenges. Sam’s mother, Eva, is desperately searching for her missing son, while Ella, the daughter of a politician, feels neglected by her father. The book follows their separate paths until they both find solace at Ruby Tuesdays, a cozy jazz café tucked away in London. The story touches on important themes such as mental health, family dynamics, and the pressures faced by young adults. As the characters navigate these issues, the author captures their vulnerabilities, making them relatable to the reader. The writing flows smoothly, and the depiction of the café as a safe haven adds warmth to the plot. Overall, this is an easy-to-read novel that will appeal to those who enjoy heartfelt stories about overcoming life's challenges. It’s a thoughtful reflection on the struggles young people face and the importance of finding connection and support.

[Frank Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this stunning novel, and I'm still reeling from the experience. The author's masterful storytelling swept me up in the turbulent lives of Sam and Ella, two young people struggling to find their footing in modern Britain.
As I turned the pages, I felt like I was right there with them - navigating the dark corners of grief, neglect, and disillusionment. But amidst all the pain, Ruby Tuesdays, a quaint jazz café, emerged as a beacon of hope. This enchanting sanctuary brought Sam and Ella together, and I found myself rooting for them with every fiber.
The characters are so beautifully human - flawed, vulnerable, and achingly relatable. Eva's frantic search for her son and Ella's strained relationship with her politician father broke my heart, but the warmth and acceptance they found at Ruby Tuesdays mended it.
This novel is a poignant reminder that even in our darkest moments, connection and community can be the difference between surviving and thriving. If you're looking for a story that will touch your heart and resonate deeply, look no further.

[Aubrey Cleeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Tuesdays by Joan Lewis is the story of two young people, Ella and Sam, who despite their differences and difficulties in life find comfort in the jazz cafe, Ruby Tuesdays. It also focuses on aspects of mental health and social pressures which any youth would relate to.

There is good interaction between the characters. I particularly liked the way their dialogue flowed, often playing off one another and their nuanced understanding of each other’s actions. The author uses context well, with some localised words and terminology finding a suitable place within this book, and the switching between the two characters is well done. And then there is Ruby Tuesdays itself, which is so vivid and poignant in the reader's mind that it becomes a character in itself, not just a setting.

The story flows at a nice pace and I liked that it focuses so heavily on the characters and their growth. The arcs are well established and defined and when we leave the characters by the end they have certainly helped each other come a long way.

[sureshot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hard to follow at first. There were brief sections, switching between characters. This was far from head hopping, but I think I would have liked the author to stick with each character a little longer, so I could ease into getting to know them. Once the book gets going, the characters become very solid. I felt like I understood each character and what made them tick. This allowed me to immerse myself in their perspectives better. The writing is generally very professional and technically sound. I found no typos or oddly worded sentences. This is not a story about what happens. It’s a story about what the characters and their surrounding represent. I found it represented the chasm that often exists between parents and their coming of age children and the difference between parents’ dreams for their children and the children’s dreams for themselves. This book will be most appreciated by those who enjoy quality literature.

[Darren Beaming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and character driven

Ruby Tuesdays by Joan Lewis is a well written and character driven story that packs quite a lot of issues in. The story is set in the UK which gave it an added layer of interest for me and ultimately this novel is all about following your dreams, passion and creative side and to never give up on that dream, despite the pressure to live up to parental expectations and choosing well paid careers.

Mental health, the class divide, social commentary and a love of art & music are additional themes at the heart of the story and the author blends these themes and issues seamlessly into the plot.

We have two main characters in Ella and Sam that are both relatable and likeable. Each character having their own arcs and struggles. I won’t give away any spoilers but I will say that the book does have a satisfying ending and overall this was an enjoyable and entertaining read with a good message at its core. I would definitely recommend.

[Sally A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Themes galore

Ruby Tuesdays by Joan Lewis is an enjoyable, slow burning novel set in England, which follows the lives of two families, who are seemingly unconnected at first. With storylines including those of mental health, adolescence and youth, violence, poverty and class divides, the book packs a whole lot of themes into a shortish story, but it is an interesting read with a good flow. I did find the prologue and the first couple of chapters a bit hard to follow until more information came to light in later chapters, but once I was into it, it was certainly an easy and enjoyable read. The characters are well developed and relatable. There is also a satisfying conclusion wrapping it all up nicely (and explaining the afore-mentioned prologue!!). Lots of food for thought too about pressures and stresses on the individual generations, and where we could collectively do better. Overall, I would recommend this book.

[Gerry Gainford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed Ruby Tuesdays, it was a little meandering here and there and scenes a little jerky in places with sudden passing of time but overall, a very enjoyable read. Centred around two families and their kids, it deals with poverty, mental health and trying to make it when all the odds are stacked against you.
Sam left home and never came back, leaving his parents to search for him. His dad, a retired school teacher is still traumatised from being shot years earlier. His mom, a nurse, never gives up hope that she’ll find him.
Ella is harangued into going to medical school to please her MP father, when all she really wants to do is be an artist. Her father is focused on his career and has a very set in stone set of ideas of how his family should be.
Set against a backdrop of youth violence, lack of resources for mentally ill, a very divided class system the novel winds the two stories together as their lives intertwine.

[Mariana Berdianu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was initially drawn to this book by its cover, which features musicians playing a saxophone and a trumpet, plus the description mentioning a jazz café where happiness is found. As a musician, I was excited to dive into a story with a strong musical theme. However, the content didn’t align with my expectations. The main character, Eva, dominates the narrative, and each chapter seemed to start and end with her, making it hard to engage with any broader storyline or setting. I found the pacing slow and the language complex, with frequent adverb use that added to a somewhat dense reading experience. While some readers may enjoy the introspective nature and depth, I felt the book lacked clarity on its intended audience and struggled to find its rhythm. Overall, it didn’t capture my interest as I had hoped, leaving me disappointed with a story that felt more like a chore than a pleasurable escape.

[Janet Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

On one level this is a heartwarming story about two young people who find happiness together. However, there is more to it than just that as it also explores the impact that housing, education, and upbringing have on young people’s health and happiness. These aspects are dealt with quite lightly so never get in the way of the story but add an extra dimension to it.
I found this a lovely book to read. The characters are well-rounded, and it is written in an easy style that keeps you engaged all the way through. The plot is well thought out and comes to a satisfying ending. I liked the way that not everything is completely spelled out, and the reader is left to figure out the main plot twist for themselves. Although it is mainly a light read, there is some emotional depth and so I would recommend this book.