Ruby Flynn

by Nadine Dorries

The darkest sins cast the longest shadows. County Mayo, Ireland, 1947. In the worst winter in living memory, Ruby Flynn is rescued from the tiny cottage on the Atlantic coast where her family has perished. She is one of the storm orphans, taken in by nuns to be educated for a life in service. Now she must find her own way in the outside world. The FitzDeane family have a thriving shipping business in Liverpool and they also own beautiful Ballyford Castle in Mayo. When Ruby is appointed as their nursery maid, a dangerous attraction to the young Lord FitzDeane begins to grow. Soon the tragedies and secrets that link her family to his will threaten to overwhelm them. The darkest sins cast the longest shadows. What readers are saying about Nadine 'A brilliant read, a wonderful story and I have already pre-ordered the next book' 'Great read! Nadine Dorries is a top author, love her books!' 'Did not want it to end!! Gripping, detailed... Really draws you in to the story'

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Ireland, Drama, Mystery

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2015

About the author

Nadine Dorries was born in Liverpool in the 1950s and raised on a council estate, the daughter of a bus driver. Her first novel, THE FOUR STREETS, was inspired by memories of her childhood, particularly her Irish grandmother who she was very close to.

Nadine trained as a nurse, then followed with a successful career in which she established and then sold her own business. She has been the MP for Mid-Befordshire since 2005 and has three daughters.

Nadine is currently working on her second novel, a sequel to THE FOUR STREETS.

Reviews

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 3 out of 5]

The year is 1947 and 12-year-old Ruby Flynn is rescued while the rest of her family perish in a terrible storm. As an orphan is she placed in a convent where she is educated and six years later is she hired to work in at Ballyford as a nursery maid. But there are no children to work with, Charles FitzDeane the master of the house and his wife Isobel have had five children and they all have died as infants and Ruby have been hired to take car of Isobel whose grief has made her melancholic and she hardly eats, just sits in the nursery. But there is another reason for why the they want Ruby there, something to do with her mother, but Ruby doesn't know anything about that, all she knows is that it feels like coming home when she arrives at Ballyford...

I was instantly taken in by the lovely cover of the book and the interesting blurb. Ruby Flynn is a strong character, she has survived losing her family and growing up in a convent and now she is finding herself taking care of women that have almost lost the will to live. I found the beginning of the book promising, with all the secrets and the mystery of Ruby and the legendary curse on the FitzDeane family.

But, somewhere along the way I felt that the story becomes a bit predictable and I felt that the mystery about Ruby Flynn just wasn't that special. I enjoyed the book, but there were parts of the book when I felt a bit frustrated with and I just wanted to get to the truth. Also, when Ruby out of all people finds a clue to her mother past that's been hidden, things like that is a bit irritating. She of all people happens to find that. And, the instant connection to Charles FitzDeane. I don't know I just felt that it bothered me a bit. That could be because I felt sorry for Isobel who had lost 5 children and her husband travelers away and sleeps with other women instead of staying home and comforts her. His excuse that they never loved each other when they got married. No? That's still you grieving wife you bastard.

I don't know I just couldn't find myself really liking the last part of the book. It felt a bit rushed and the ending felt like a fairytale happy ending. Forget everything bad. This was meant to be.

I did find the curse thing interesting and I did like Ruby Flynn, I just didn't like the whole story.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review!

[David Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ireland 1947 and a twelve year old girl is the only survivor of a terrible snow storm that kills her family. She tells her rescuers that her name is Ruby Flynn.

Ruby Flynn by Nadine Dorries is a gripping and beautifully told family saga. This was very hard to put down and well written continually encouraging you to read on and desperately wanting to find out what happened next. Ruby with her red hair, green eyes and charm is a most delightful and lovable heroine. After her convent education and training she is placed at Ballyford Castle. Ruby is hired by Lord Charles and Lady Isobel at eighteen to be a nursery maid, but there are no children. She soon strangely feels at home in the castle and is happy with her role and mixing with the other house staff. But rumours, family curses and tales of the past come back to haunt Ruby’s story and then events take a shocking turn.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable, easy and engaging read. All the characters are very likeable and there is great mix of humour, tragedy, friendship, love and loss which makes this a really rather lovely book. It’s definitely one that I can happily recommend to you and I look forward to reading more from Nadine Dorries.

[Dina · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Edit: I struggled with the rating. Even though I didn't like it, it's not nearly as bad as other books I've given 1 star to, so I'm giving it 1.5 stars. Goodreads should really introduce 0 stars and half stars)
This book gave me the impression that is was a tv series script with extra descriptions.
The first few chapters reminded me a lot of Jane Eyer and now that I finished the book I can say that (LOTS OF SPOILERS to follow) this is exactly the same story with a few extra twists, like Ruby's mother's story, an extra bad guy who appears randomly to upset people whilst planning to take over the company and a few modern references like pubs etc. The lord fell in love with the new girl that is 11 years younger than him asap. The new girl felt a mysterious connection to the lord from day one. They end up marrying after the wife of the lord kills herself after she sets the house on fire. Does it ring any bells?
Apart from the lack of originality, the writing is not that good either. It's not bad but I personally don't like it at all when I know from chapter 10 that the bad guy is going to do this bad thing and just wait for it to happen in the entire book, with frequent reminders every 10 chapters or so, just in case I forgot already.
Some of the characters were a bit interesting but, apart from the main girl, none of them had much depth or even a tiny paragraph with some reference to their past so of course I didn't care much about them at all.
Overall, even though it was an easy book to read, it took me ages to finish because it didn't spark my interest very much. I wouldn't recommend reading it.

[Shirley Revill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book and I was sorry when the story ended. Recommended

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

With many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by Nadine Dorries- although I have a couple waiting on my kindle. I loved every minute of this book. It starts when Ruby is rescued and taken to the local convent. When she starts work at the castle she has a sense of deja vu. Why does the castle look familiar.

I loved the characters- the ones who worked in the castle and the ones above stairs. I could picture the coast through the windows and was desperate to know how this would end.

A real family saga with a few surprises along the way. I loved her writing style and I'm now keen to read more.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book . It was a complete change of genre for me and I appreciated the well written story of a young girl who was left alone in a remote part of Ireland after the death of her family, in one of the worse winters on record. She was rescued near to death and taken to a local convent where she experienced a bleak life but did find some comfort from one of the nuns and also a lasting friendship from another orphan. The story continues when she leaves the convent its full of lies and deceit but also love. Well worth reading. Thank you the ARC

[Michelle Frumkin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reminded me of the type of romance I might have read when I was 16. Gorgeous orphaned heroine, sad dashing lord, dark secrets. And bad dialogue, melodramatic foreshadowing, flat characters. Skip this.

[Caroline Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Loved this book, made Hoover you were there with them. I e not all of Nadine forties books and will be reading more.

[Tripfiction]

This review first appeared on our blog, where we also chat to Nadine: http://www.tripfiction.com/novel-set-...

Novel set in County Mayo and Liverpool

Set mainly near Doohoma Head, County Mayo, but also with visits to Liverpool, this wonderful story sweeps the reader through Ruby Flynn’s early life in the 1950s.

Ruby Flynn is a feisty (for her time) girl who, following the loss of her family, is brought up in a convent, and then sent off to a service role at the local castle. This engaging story follows her through her making of friends (and a few enemies) at the convent, and how she makes a pact with those friends that one day they will be free to live as they want to in their beautiful Ireland. In the meantime she is sent to work at the castle, where she makes some shocking revelations, wonders at the story behind the ancient curse and finds new friends and foes.

Set mostly in rural Ireland, where the rainy days are as integral part of this story as the seemingly fewer beautiful sunny days, most of the transport is by horse and cart, with the occasional motor vehicle and bicycle – and this speed of transport is also repeated in the story. There are many wonderful chapters at the pace and loveliness of the horse and cart. Sometimes there is the drama of the motor car speed, and then there is the exhilaration of a bicycle flying through the beautiful Irish scenery.

Each chapter ends neatly (no cliff hangers here), so this book is perfect for reading in short chunks. However within the chapters treachery and secrets abound with loyalty, love and loss also playing their parts. The poverty of rural Ireland at this time is well described, together with the friendliness of the people and their willingness to share and help each other – whilst telling a story or two.

In contrast to the life and surroundings of the castle are the chapters based in Liverpool, where the Lord of the castle is starting up his shipping business. The hustle, bustle and excitement of Liverpool in the 1950s is great reading, and the differences and similarities of his two worlds (life at the castle and in Liverpool) make great reading, and give plenty to think about if you are that sort of reader. Lots of information about both locations to interest any reader.

For me this was a book written in the style of the Bronte sisters, but with a modern approach. I was swept away into the story from the start, and absolutely loved every moment of it.

Apart from one mild sex scene near the end, there is no sex, violence or bad language. Just wonderful page-turning story.

Buy it, read it and keep it on your bookshelves for ever!

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly my thanks to Netgalley and the publisher (Head of Zeus) for an Arc of this book in return for an honest review.

After having read and loved the four streets trilogy by the same author, I was thrilled to be allowed review this one.

Ruby Flynn has been found near to death and taken to a nearby convent where she lives for a number of years in the west of Ireland. When she is about 17 years old she is sent to work at Ballyford Castle to look after Lady Owen who is deeply depressed after suffering numerous tragedies.

This book is a fabulous family saga dealing with many different emotions. I loved it.

[Lynne McCartney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Great storytelling as ever by Nadine Dorries, with characters the reader can invest in and believe in. Lovely that it was mostly set in Ireland too, and different from The Four Streets trilogy which I also enjoyed. I look forward to reading more of this author's books. The only (minor) issue I do have is that the Kindle edition finished at 87% with a preview of the next book. I am not a fan of this approach and no matter how much I enjoy a book I am never compelled to read a preview of the next one! A good read nonetheless

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story. Another literary gem from Nadine Dorries! Set mainly in Ireland, you can almost feel the warmth emanating from its pages. I read this book in two sittings, only pausing to sleep! I was drawn into the past and present life of Ruby Flynn and her family. Full of not only sadness and sorrow, but love and laughter. This is one family saga you won't want to miss.

Thanks to author Nadine Dorries and publisher Head of Zeus for the opportunity to read this book.

[Shar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Nadine Dorries, full of mystery and old secrets. Highly recommended particulary if you loved the Four Street series.

[Cherrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Second book I'm reading from this author and just don't like the author's writing for some reason so never got very far into this book.

[M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

The cover I saw on my edition would draw you in. But if you expected some historical fiction out of the Irish setting in 1947, prepare to be slightly disappointed. Ruby Flynn, our main character, is an orphan girl who is rescued from a snow storm by the country clerk. Though poor, the Flynns put all they had on buying good books and raising their kids on classic literature and instilling in her a special pride that shows up in her green eyes.

She's taken to the convent of the Blessed Heart (not Sacred or Immaculate but Blessed), and here the Reverend Mother (not the Superior, but the Reverend, is this Dune?) is mean to her because she, in a fit of fury broke a valuable "vase" that a Chicago priest brought: Sister Francis (the only good nun in the convent) and Charlotte (Lottie) rescue her from the anger of the Reverend Mother from there onwards and advise her to keep her temper. No other nun stands up for her, or anyone, ever, and everyone is particularly evil, except for Maria, a girl whose destiny seems prison who 'taught Ruby and Lottie more than the nuns ever did'. Maria ends up in a laundry which evokes the famously maligned Madgalene Laundries. And, towards the end. she's brought out of nowhere to give her a happy ending

This book has a flavor of trying to mix up Emily and Charlotte Brontë with a good, old dose of Judi Dench and Steve Coogan's Philomena (a horrible movie by the way). Tortuous childhood, at risk youth, dysfunctional marriages, rich mysterious guys in Liverpool (Heathcliff-Rochester, are these any of you?), and the additional modern twist of having judgy religious characters alongside sexually liberated or aspiring to be sexually liberated girls, and unnecessary passages about a male trying to hide his age induced erectile dysfunction to his wife . Just a word to say or, rather, a sound to make: ew

I'm not saying modern authors can't follow the Brontë template succesfully, Carmen Laforet's Nada certainly did. This is not the case for Nadine Dorries' Ruby Flynn at all.

In fact everything is far from making us root for the main couple, Lord Charles FitzDeane seeks consolation in the exploitation of women and the instant attraction developed out of the newcomer, but of course, Ruby gets to be with him and have sex out of nowhere once Lady Isobel dies (but almost right after). I know some people are upset by the rudeness of the characters in Wuthering Heights, but at least that had a point.

There are lots of pop references to make feel the casual reader accomplished, and that wouldn't be so bad... but really, I spent nights trying to think how I'd write this book for it to be better than it is, and here's my proposal:



1. Scrap those sex scenes, they're gross. While we're on it, stop stamping 21st century morality in 1947. Stop portraying religion so badly
2. Even if Lord FitzDeane repents, give him a reason to address his exploitation of women in a good manner, because no one goes from "john" and "wife neglecter" to "lovey-dovey gentleman" in a question of hours.
3. Give a motive for Jane to be like she is, it seems like her moodiness and anger is going out of nowhere.
4. Try to twist it a bit so that references aren't as obvious.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby Flynn is the first book I have read by Nadine Dorries although she has written the popular Four Streets trilogy. For a change I was delighted to see an English author writing in the saga genre setting her book on the wild and rugged west coast of Ireland. Nadine provides her readers with a harrowing opening which was exceptionally written. Beginning in the worst winter in living memory in 1947 on Doohoma Head in County Mayo there is a family in peril and local villagers Con and Thomas are battling through the huge snowdrifts that blanket the country to get to the isolated house of the Flynn's. Conditions for weeks have been dangerous and tough for everybody. Food is scarce and people have been cut off from all routes into the village. Desperation forces the men out into the perilous country to check on the Flynn family – two children and their parents. Conditions are treacherous and the ground has frozen solid leaving it impossible to cut turf from the bog for fuel. When the two men battle through the snow the sight that meets their eyes is not what they have wanted. Both parents have succumbed to the cold. But where are the two children? Not far from the house the men stumble across little Ruby chilled to the bone next to her brother. They had tried their best to get turf but unsuccessfully. Through a miracle Ruby is still alive and taken by Con back to house. But the trauma Ruby has endured sees her mute for a year and brought to live in the Convent of the Blessed Heart. The tragedy of Ruby's childhood will leave it's mark on her but will she be strong to face what road her life path will take her down?

After reading such an exceptional opening I thought I would be in for a real treat with this book as I am becoming increasingly engrossed in books written in the saga genre. The first few chapters were real, intense, edge of your seat stuff. I was there every step of the way with the men as they fought the bitter cold to try and save the family. I had built up such a clear picture in my head through the authors vivid, harsh but necessary descriptions. Ruby Flynn had so much potential but further into the novel it strayed into unbelievable plot lines even for me and the mystery element was hardly a mystery at all. Instead revealed to the reader although not to Ruby way too early.

The whole background story to Ruby's heritage become tangled and confusing and even now I'm not so sure what to think about it. Ruby spends her early years in the convent and although not treated badly by the nuns she knows there is more out there for her and she will never forget the kindness showed to her by Con and his family. She longs to return to the little cottage on Doohoma Head and have her own family and children but when her education is complete she is put into service. Yet another obstacle preventing her from returning home to her birthplace. She feels like she will want to run away given the first opportunity and you really couldn't blame her but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Ballyford Castle and its residents and wants to stay for a time at least.

Ballyford Castle seemed this mysterious place where the soul had left it. The castle became a character itself alongside its inhabitants and there were plenty of unanswered questions arising with each chapter. Ballyford Castle seems to have a strange hold over Ruby she feels this connection to it but can't quite put her finger on why. Lady Fitzdeane is a grieving woman having lost five babies. She spends her days in the nursery in silence and contemplation. No one can seem to crack the exterior she has placed around her self. Ruby is given a special job of caring for the lady of the house in the hopes that a young , bright girl will have some affect on her and bring her back to life and the glory days of the castle. The castle has lost all its essence and has slipped into the grieving the lady of the house is experiencing. Lord Fitzdeane too is heartbroken yes for the babies they have lost but also for the once vibrant wife he knew. He spends most of his time away from the castle investing in a new shipping business. You really couldn't blame Charles Fitzdeane from staying away from the castle as it obviously caused him pain and brought back memories he would rather leave buried deep but at the same time he had abandoned his wife and left the servants to run a household where the main players are noticeably absent be it physically or mentally. Ruby establishes a connection with Lady Fitzdeane as they both know what it is to experience loss and pain. They have a kindred spirit 'We have something in common you and I, Ruby. We both know what it is like to lose those closest to us. The only people we truly love'.Yet always at the back of Ruby's mind is this niggling feeling that she belongs at the castle as if there is some unknown connection to this place she now has to call home 'It was true, she did feel as though she belonged there and with each day the feeling got stronger'.

The book meanders along very slowly in parts as we are introduced to the various employees of the castle and Ruby familiarises herself with her new setting and the daily routines. There was a sense of a story not being told of people being kept in the dark and when it is revealed to the reader at the halfway point I was annoyed to say the least. Obviously Mr and Mrs. McKinnon as being high up in the servants hierarchy were privy to information others were not but I didn't want a reveal too early so when it came so abruptly although Ruby does not know the secret I was disappointed and from then on the book felt very flat and run of the mill. I like to be kept guessing right until the end and the although the final connection is not uncovered until the later stages of the book still the suspense was gone for me. The book slightly picked up with a major event which turned everything on its head. Like the opening chapters this was well written and packed full of emotion but it was just a little too late for me. Ruby Flynn could have been about a real voyage of exploration and development for our main protagonist but it was too choppy in places and flat in others for the author to pull this off successfully. Ruby was strong and courageous despite all she endured but when the big reveal came it just seemed a bit too whimsical and made me change my opinions of certain characters. As for the very ending it was all rushed and just a bit too apt with strings being tied up too carefully. Overall an average enough read that left me unsatisfied as I have read better books in this genre.

[Redmakesmyheartsing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't rewrite the story of a book in a review. The opening chapter is stunning. The West coast of Ireland. Winter 1947 when everything living or not is frozen. The saga introduces the reader to the vagaries of convent education, the history (and curse) of Ballyford Castle, and the story includes ghosts, evil deeds and mysteries against a background of lilt and charm so characteristic of the Irish way of life.I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Don't expect to read it a chapter at a time. You won't be able to put it down.

[Luthien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having nothing to do with the story, this book was FULL of typos. Missing dialogue tags, punctuation, and as it wore on, sometimes missing letters in words. It was distracting. Sadly ad the story progressed and became less and less believable and ever-more melodramatic, the writing also got worse. I never bought the romance at all, and the male love interest for Ruby is a terrible, boring character. Thought this one had potential, but it turned out to be disappointing for sure.

[Thea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just didn't cared for the characters. The book read like a movie script, just a long description. The story it self was good it could have been done much with it. Besides, it felt like the year was wrong. It felt like the story took place after WWI and not WWII because the characters just seemed out of theit time. It made the story unbelievable somehow.

[Dennis Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Ruby Flynn, a novel written by Nadine Dorries in 2016. The book is set in late 1940’s/early 1950’s on the west coast of Ireland, a little romance, mystery, period piece. The author has an interesting background, she was a nurse and a member of the British parliament. The book reminds me a little of the day to day drama in Downton Abbey. I enjoyed it.

[KENJI · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG!!
This book was so good. The last two chapters! I almost cried in the book. I am so happy they got a happy ending. After finishing this book, I felt lonely and sad. This book broke my heart and build it back.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

While mystery surrounds Ruby, we have enough hints to follow along.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very easy read if you want something light with little concentration involved. Started interesting but became predictable quickly in the first few chapters.

[Ann Millmoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

I would recommend it to everyone who likes an easy read, with intrigue .
I always like a happy ending. As real like has so few.

[Jenni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off ok and then petered out, bit of a let down from Nadine, they are usually quite good.

[Jennifer Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting and highly recommended

I thoroughly enjoyed this enchanting and mysterious story. Riveting to the last page. Lose yourself in the relaxing Irish countryside.

[Teresa Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off really well and kept my interest. Unfortunately it became lame and predictable half way through, turning into a cheesy harlequin romance.

[Mary Geraghty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read.

A good book is a joy to read. For me, I always feel sad to have finished the book. Ruby Flynn was like watching a great film. Fantastic could not put it down. 😄

[Janice Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ok read

I only gave this a 4* rating as I felt the ending was a bit rushed , it is still a good read and I would recommend it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy, enjoyable read from the author of the fantastic Four Streets trilogy
A little superficial at I felt there could have been a little more character depth however it’s still an enjoyable read