The Ruby Seat

by Joseph Rector

Cyril Bankstrom lives alone on the shores of a sparkling Adirondack lake. He is a quiet, humble man who---after great suffering---acquires a rare and mystical gift of sensing Gods Oneness in all things. But for the past 40 years the same haunting nightmare has tortured him---his hands are covered with blood; a child is screaming; a white house is burning, and in a large pine tree, a noose hangs in the moonlight. In the eyes of his one true friend, Eva, Cyril is perfect, and she has grown to love and admire him. He is the opposite of the things she hates about her imprisoned, alcoholic father. Then a stranger appears in the dark woods with the truth of the old mans past. Cyril and Eva must journey deep in the forest to find the peace or death that awaits them.

ebook

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

The Adirondack’s pretty much sum up Joe Rector. At a very early age he fell in love with his family camp on Union Falls Pond in the shadow of Whiteface Mountain. At 18, he started building traditional Adirondack guide-boats from spruce stumps and century-old pine trees.
Throughout his 20’s and 30’s Joe photographed the Adirondack Park. His scenic photos have been published in numerous magazines and calendars with the bulk of them appearing inside Adirondack Life magazine as well as on the covers.
Lately, Joe has taken to climbing the 46 Adirondack high peaks. He finished in the fall of 2012 and now is planning on doing them all again on snowshoes in the winter.
Joe attended Radiology school in upstate New York where he has worked as an x-ray technologist since 1983. He lives one hour from Lake Placid with his wife Kathy and daughter’s Emily and Alyssa.

Reviews

[Laurie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader, I am always looking for good books to read. Although I am often hesitant of first time authors, I am open to anything that catches my eye...and everyone has to start somewhere. I have to say, I was not disappointed in this book at all. The author captured the beauty of the Adirondack mountains (which I have had the chance to see), as well as tell a poignant story that actually had meaning to it as well. The characters were easily depicted in my mind, and I often felt as though I was walking the path with them, not only physically but also spiritually. The Ruby Seat captures the spirit, humor, and mystery all in one. The Ruby Seat

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened to come across this book from another book site. It was listed in my feed as "books you might like to read". I decided, Why not, and have never been happier. This was such a smooth, easy read. Once I began reading, I did not want to stop. The characters are very relatable and easy to follow throughout the story. The storyline was incredible and teaches many lessons throughout with the biggest lesson learned in the end. Life may not always be what you think. People may not always be who you think they are... What a heartwarming story. I give this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

[Susan P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The Ruby Seat,and loved this book.I felt it was well written and a very interesting story about love and respect between Cyril and Eva.
It made you feel like you were in the woods hiking and rowing on the lake with the characters....it brought you to the spot where they lived...I loved the ending showing Ava's relationship with her own children and her dad..........I would recommend this book to my friends.

[Carrieann Mclean-fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt I could really connect to the main character Eva . The book was a great read with a lesson for us all !really recommend this book , no matter what type of reader you are , there is a part everyone can relate I believe ! Great Read!!

[Marjorie Peryer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The writer did a wonderful job of pulling me right into the story. His vivid details certainly capture the Adirondacks and the heartwarming storyline make this relatable to any reader. Would highly recommend!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. A beautiful story set in the Adirondacks . Descriptive , honest, captivating !

[Terri Penfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ruby Seat by Joseph Rector is a book that I highly recommend reading. After starting the book, it was hard to put down and when finished, I was longing for more. The character of Cyril Banks is that of a pure, gentle and loving man that left me with a sense of calm and humility. The Adirondack setting draws you into a place you don't want to leave and the message of forgiveness is hauntingly beautiful. I feel this book would be enjoyed by young adults, middle-aged and those who are forever young at heart.

[Christine Cayea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I have had a "Cyril" in my life. The writing painted a beautiful picture of the adirondacks. As a child growing up in the adirondacks i too made paths through the woods and found the woods a place of tranquility. The story of Eva and Cyril is a great lesson for those of us who have a difficult time with forgiveness. A great read!

[Julie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Was on vacation on a lake and could not put it down. The Ruby Seat brings to life the beauty of the Adirondacks, the strength of love, and the journey of two lives interconnected. Don,t miss this great read.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Wonderfully written and so heartfelt. Could not put it down. Read it today!

[Mike Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that I am not an avid reader, This is the first book that I have read in the past ten years. At the urging of my wife I decided to read The Ruby Seat. I live in the Adirondacks and am familiar with the landscapes that form the beautiful area. Mr. Rector wrote this story of a young girl (Eva Robinson) who lives at the family camp in the summer and is befriended by Cyril Bankstrom, a man in his 70's, a close neighbor, who lives in a camp on Union Falls Pond. Eva, with family problems enjoys the solitude of the camp life. The story revolves around the trials and tribulations of a young girl who wants nothing more than to live out her life like Cyril.
The story flows smoothly and makes the reader feel like they are living the story in their own rite. It reveals the feelings of a teenage girl from the beginning of the camp season where she struggles with her problems and eventually conquers her devils.
Mr. Rector brought me into this well plotted, colorful, funny and intriguing story. I must say that I can't wait for his next book and look forward to many more. Great job and if I could rate it at more than five stars I would. The Ruby Seat

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have to say it took me a while to get into the book in the beginning. I was probably 1/4 of the way through before I really got hooked but then I couldn't put it down.

I won't go into details about the story plot because I hate it when people divulge too many details beyond the author's own description. I will say that this was sort of a sad tale, but it also gives the reader hope that all things will be okay in the end. It also offers some humorous parts to lighten the mood. The characters of Datus and Wendy made me chuckle different times throughout the book.

If I had one critique, or perhaps a suggestion for a sequel, it would be to learn more about Hazel. I'd like to know more about who she is and why she lives the way she does. Id like to know her story of how she became the creepy character that she is in present day. I also wish the author went into more detail about the characters of Mary and John. While I understand their importance in the book, I wish I knew more of the story and the impact they have on Eva would have been further discussed. I guess thats what makes a good book... when the reader wants MORE!

[Jim Mcmartin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book caught my interest initially because it was set in the adirondack region where I have spent time. I thought that was an unusual setting for a novel. The story starts out slowly and innocently enough growing more intricate and complex, ultimately culminating in a message of tolerance and forgiveness that spoke to me. I think the revelations and subsequent growth that Eva, the novels central character experiences hold a universal truth for us all. We all make mistakes in life and learning forgiveness and grace is what this story is all about. The cast of characters and story are carefully crafted to deliver an unmistakably positive message about what it means to be human.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ruby Seat, set in the peaceful Adirondack Mountains, offers lively likeable characters on the path to understanding. Joe Rector has skillfully captured the struggles of accepting the light and dark, the good and bad in all of us. It’s a beautiful story encompassing coming of age, the bonds of family and friends, decisions and consequences, redemption and the power of forgiveness. It will leave your heart a little bit lighter. A lovely read by the fire in January or on the dock in July.

[Jessica Leclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book, and can honestly say it is without a doubt on the best books I've ever read! The storyline and easy reading made it so enjoyable that I couldn't wait to turn the page, let alone set it down! Felt like I connected with all the characters, like I've known them my whole life. Smiled, laughed, cried, and gasped! Thank You Joe for writing such an amazing story! I truly look forward to another one, hopefully in the future!!

[Roxanne Lacasse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book, and the author's love of the Adirondacks really shows through. He so beautifully described a sunrise on the lake that I could almost see the mist rising on the lake as the loons called in the background. I couldn't put this book down...a must-read!

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book from a different website. After reading the prologue, I was very inquisitive as to what was going to happen next. The author had me hooked and I could not put the book down. It was a GREAT read and have recommended to others!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a perfect read for Eastertime. I find peace in the wilderness so this story felt like home.

[Jessica Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ruby Seat brings you directly into the Adirondacks with details expounded upon beautifully by Joe Rector - you can not only envision yourself there with the characters but also smell the fragrant balsams. He captures the essence of Saranac Lake with its mountains and creates a scene were every human emotion is experienced by the reader. Capturing the various milestones of life, you'll be intrigued, laugh, be taken aback and cry, never wanting to put the book down until you too know the secret.

I very much enjoyed reading this novel and even purchased a second as a gift. In purchasing the paperback version as opposed to the e-reader, I was surprised to find that for a paperback, the covers were made of the softest material - strong but like velvet! I look forward to reading the future works of this author!

[Dana L · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is one of those books you can't put down....makes the reader pause to examine the message of forgiveness toward all life's injustices. Excellent descriptive of the unparalleled beauty of the Adirondack's hidden trails. For over one hundred years people have traveled to that which the author describes to clear their lungs, souls and minds in the pristine, quiet of the Adirondacks. His story reminds us of the healing nature these ancient woods and waterways bring. May you continue to offer such touching stories of human nature while leading the reader along with you on more Adirondack treks in your
future novels, Joe. Thanks for a great read!!!!

[Loren Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sit here with fresh tears still on my lashes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Ruby Seat by Joseph Rector. I am grateful to have won this book. In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. The characters were richly woven and the settings were so realist, and believable. I feel like I have just left behind some very special friends and will miss Eva and Cyril. I would highly recommend this book. Will treasure and re-read this book, and leave a copy at our own family cottage.

[Sarah Ferro · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all of the business of this time of year reading The Ruby Seat was a breath of fresh air. The characters are relatable and teach valuable life lessons through the choices they make, not just by what they say. I read this book in less than a week and can't wait to see what this new author comes out with next!

[Sally Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ruby Seat captured the beauty of the Adirondacks and makes you feel like you are living the story. A must read. A true lesson about life and making mistakes and being forgiven for those mistakes .

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy read; unable to put the book down. The author captured the beauty and senses of the Adirondacks. Cybil was the main character with a great story and many lessons that could be taken from this story. Hope to read more from this author in the future.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting look at life. I could relate to the main characters. Living so close to the Adirondacks I felt like I could see what I was reading about.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of friendship with a plot that takes a direction you don't see coming with a conclusion that delivers peace

[Joe Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Excellent nature descriptions and heart warming book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. A story of heartache and faith coming full circle.