Rock Bottom Rising

by Kimberly Nixon, Dani Nelson (Narrator)

Ruby has no money, not a single friend, and a shocking 1925 felony conviction for larceny. Though she encounters betrayal, she embarks on a journey to re-enter her children’s lives that will test the core of her being as obstacles chip away at everything but her resilient spirit.

Deceived by men, caught between survival, career opportunities, and providing for her children, Ruby’s enduring love and determination to rise above her mistakes resonates with anyone who has yearned for a second chance. Threads of life in Tennessee during the 1930s and 1940s—the Great Depression, WWII, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and Manhattan projects—add to her odyssey.

Set in rural Tennessee, one woman’s journey from despair to redemption unfolds as a single mother, showing Ruby’s grit in tumultuous times. Based on the true story of the author’s grandmother, this biographical historical fiction novel shows us the enduring power of a mother’s love, personal sacrifice, and difficult choices.

This tragic and uplifting sequel to Rock Bottom, Tennessee, will move listeners of Great Circle, Go as a River, and The Four Winds with a testament to the enduring power of love, forgiveness, and the boundless possibilities of starting anew.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published February 27, 2024

About the author

Five things to know about me:

1. I am passionate about the family story and have been blessed with a plethora of juicy ones.

2. I love forest bathing. Give me a hike or a good book and we'll be friends for life.

3. True story: my family lived off the land when I was growing up. We had an apple orchard, a huge garden, cherry trees, pear trees, strawberry fields. We'd trade produce for eggs and milk with the farmer down the street. I'd say my Dad was the original organic farmer.

4. My mother took us to the library every week when I was young and I walked out of there with more books than I could carry. I won a first-grade county writing contest and still have the ribbon.

5. I read a book a week even when I have a heavy writing schedule. I can't imagine my life without books.

Reviews

[Christine Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down.

[Kristine Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to read this book; the second in author Kimberly Nixon's Rock Bottom series! The main character, Ruby, is such an interesting woman. She has to hide her past from everyone to be able to move forward. At the beginning of the book, she is estranged from her family and trying to survive as a single woman in the late 1920s. She finds employment and is successful in her career. Unfortunately, she is not as successful in her personal life as she is still estranged from her children and other relatives. As she tries to make amends with loved ones, she meets with roadblocks, hostility, and in a couple of instances, redemption. I hope there will be a third book so readers can follow Ruby to the end of her life.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the true story of the author's grandmother, this book is all about redemption and redeeming yourself, Ruby looks for a second chance in life, trying to re enter into her children's life and providing for them, and it takes us from Tennessee to the Manhattan Project. It is a true testament of the grit and determination of this strong woman to change her life and make amends for mistakes of the past, even by also making mistakes in the present.
I hope we don't have to wait long for book three in this series.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first. Kind of rushed. Still good though.

[sunflowerbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You can't get away from yourself by moving from one place to another"
Ernest Hemingway

"With five dollars in her handbag and no job, she had no earthly idea where she would go." Ruby had no friends in Atlanta the best she could do was a distant cousin in Boyd's Creek. A train ticket would take her a long way from the place where she's had nothing but trouble. "In a few hours she would become a new person. " One without a criminal past. "Looking to the heavens gave her hope. In a world so vast, Ruby was resolved t reconstruct her life from the ashes she had created."

After years of bad choices and betrayals Ruby took inventory. She had followed her mother's path in every respect, she couldn't outrun the blood that ran through her veins, "She had left her children behind scattering them much like chicken feed. thrown to the wind leaving them where they would land." She would use her relationships with men to carry her out of "awful places." It was a lifelong pattern! She had continued what her mother started.

Poverty and prohibition had made life hard, choices even more so. This is a story of second chances and starting over. With insurmountable grief and loss, Ruby was determined to rebuild her life and that of her children.

Set in rural Tennessee during the 1930's this is biographical Historical Fiction about the authors grandmother. It was a much anticipated read for me. After reading the first book Rock Bottom Tennessee I found Ruby to be such an interesting woman, her story is very compelling for the times. It was her sheer determination and tenuous spirit that moved me!! Her road to redemption is heartbreaking and triumphant. A mothers enduring love to reconnect with her children and rebuild her life make this an amazing heartfelt journey. It is filled with hope and second chances.



All the stars for this one. I highly recommend reading this book

Thank you so much to @kimberlynixon for the ARC and being a part of the launch team on this incredible book.

[Kimberly Keagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimberly Nixon, a gifted storyteller, not only tackles biographical historical fiction with Rock Bottom Rising, but the main character Ruby is Nixon’s maternal grandmother. If you read Nixon’s first book (Rock Bottom, Tennessee), you should pick up the second. Rock Bottom Rising also stands fine on its own, however. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

Both books are gritty accounts of a woman with a difficult upbringing who compounds her problems by making poor life choices. But redemption is possible. In Rock Bottom Rising, Ruby pulls herself up—no easy feat—becoming the loving mother she thought she could never be.

I received an ARC from the author but the opinions above are mine.

[Dawn Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock Bottom Rising by Kimberly Nixon
I enjoyed Ruby’s continuing saga. I read Nixon’s first book Rock Bottom, Tennessee, so I was all in to find out what would happen to her main character next. Ruby’s story is based on Nixon’s maternal grandmother’s life. To say she is tenacious is an understatement. The author’s world building around the great depression is excellent. The tension she injects regarding World War II had me invested in the outcomes for the family members who were overseas. Although it was Ruby’s own miss-steps that landed her in peril, I found myself hoping against hope that everything would turn out well for her.
D.W. Hogan author of Unbroken Bonds and contributing author in Feisty Deeds anthology

[Carol Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby is a force to be reckoned with! She made hard choices and paid the price for them - she bacame a felon and was separated from her children. Yet, she endured unbelievable heartache and poverty and through it all perservered and ose to become a woman that was respected and valued in business. What she did, she did for a better future for herself, her children and all woman who didn't think it was possible to rise above problems. Very realistic portray of a hard time in the USA and the abject poverty that was rampant in the depression. Was so glad I got a free copy of this book to read from The Niche Reader.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books to have read this year so far. It is a well written book based off of true accounts from the authors family. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every bit of it. The characters in this story are marvelous to read about and I felt like I was right there on the sidelines along with them. So, if you like fiction books about true stories then I think you will also like this one. This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last!


*I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.

[Geda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkably original story based on true events about a woman and the unfortunate events during Prohibition era and WWII. I truly enjoyed reading this book even though I haven’t read the first book of the series. This book is well written and is a true page turner. Ruby’s life story is filled with heartache, ups and downs, and it is very unusual. I will be reading the first book of the series soon!

[Jes Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful telling of Ruby's continued journey through a historically rich time in America. Nixon does a beautiful job of weaving Ruby's complex character with a cast of well-developed supporting characters while honoring the historical notes present during this time in America. Ruby is a complex woman, based on Nixon's own grandmother, and one that makes this story all the more powerful.

This book is for anyone who enjoys historical fiction stories based on actual events!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby's story continues in Rock Bottom Rising. There is some redemption in her story. Ruby leads a life that would not be possible today. Giving her the opportunity to steer her life away from her past mistakes.

Mostly, Ruby remains estranged from her children until they reach adulthood. Although her children are a large factor in her life and achievements. The story unfolds and is an easy read. I enjoyed the story and the ARC provided by Niche Reader and author Kimberly Nixon.

[Lyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved both these books and found the story easy to follow. Based on the authors grandmothers life, it was a beautiful story of how through perseverance and grit, you can become the person you want to be, despite along the way you losing those that are important to you. Ruby's determination to overcome the shadow of her past was rewarded and allowed her to move forward with her life. I loved all the characters in this series and will look forward to Kimberly's next book.

[Rochelle Creighton-Tompa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written historical fiction novel written by Kimberly Nixon. It's the sequel to Rock Bottom TN, which I read first. Nixon wrote about her grandmother Ruby, who suffered from abandonment issues and childhood poverty. Ruby doesn't raise any of her six children. She does, however, succeed professionally and finally has the self-confidence that most of us feel at a much younger age. Well written sequel.

[Donna Wesling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Rock Bottom TN and was glad to follow up on what became of Ruby. She is a complicated character who you will have sympathy for one minutes and then be frustrated with er the next because of the choices she makes. She is a testament to resilience and an insight into the limited options women of that period had.

[Sandra Damiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Rock Bottom Rising" is a gripping tale that delves into Ruby's journey through triumphs and setbacks. The book addresses themes such as generational trauma and the role of women, offering a thought-provoking exploration of resilience. Ruby, a strong and complex character, invites both admiration and introspection, making this a compelling read.

[Barbara M. Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and based on a true story!

This was a good story and i liked it very much. im not good at summeries so ill just tell you too read it if you like stories about families and a young woman who made a mistake. this is part 2 so read the first book to get a background of her story.

[Genevieve Scholl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life has little to do without a heart.

Ruby certainly had a busy life. I felt for her loss and read as her life unfolded. This book was a great addition to book 1. Dear reader you will find some parts drone on but when you think about it, it was necessary bestow every word. Recommended for professional readers or those who live a book about lives in historical past.

[Cassie Hambleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a follow up to Rock Bottom, Tennessee. Kimberly, thanks for letting us hear a part of your family history. The story broke my heart and pieced it back together again. The way you described everyone and everything painted such a good picture told the story beautifully.

[Genevra De Mond · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK. The first book was a bit better, the second one really didn't seem to have much substance. I don't think I'd recommend it unless someone just wanted a quick read on vacation or while traveling.

[Julie Tolleson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book 3 stars because I couldn’t forgive Ruby’s treatment & abandonment of her children. Even though Ruby was considered to be a successful woman in her career, her lack of connection with her children was off-putting.

[Anita Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to the redemption story of Ruby. I’ll admit, at times I was frustrated with Ruby’s choices, especially how she dealt with her own children in light of how her mother had abandoned her. Overall, the story was well written and moved along at a good pace.

[Lizenbyl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will not review at this time.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good sequel.

[mary e. gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful follow-up to Rock Bottom, Tennessee. I couldn’t put it down!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my review at Reading World

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This two book series is Wonderful!! You will fall in love with Ruby!! I hated for it to end. The writing was fantastic... I felt like I was living right there beside Ruby.

[TJ Sprandel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to hear more of the story after Rock Bottom, Tennessee.

[Bets Gillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the first book.. you can’t put it down!!

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read. I'm so glad we got progress with Ruby's story and I was absolutely pleased with how the book ended. I can't wait to see more from this author!