Dark Clouds: A Charm City Family's Struggle

by Crystal L. Bass

Overwhelmed by depression and fear, Ruby seems ready for a breakdown. It’s that secret, which if it comes to light could destroy her family. But if she doesn’t speak out, she may be in danger. What is Ruby to do? Writer Crystal L. Bass keeps the reader guessing as she uses side-splitting humor, ear for dialogue, love for working-class characters and heart-felt pathos to deftly move us through the story of the teenager who is caught in a quagmire. Set in late-1980s Baltimore, Maryland, Bass skillfully pulls us into the story of Ruby Bowers, who is one of what her mother, Diane, calls her four precious gems. But Diane has never truly shown how precious they are, so it is no wonder that each is battling their own inner demons. Dark clouds seem to permanently hover over the dysfunctional family, as they crazily yet lovingly struggle through enough family drama to last two lifetimes.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2015

Reviews

[Dorothy Pruitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating, engaging, extremely well written family saga!

I loved, loved, loved this book! The author captured and maintained my rapt attention from the very first sentence until the period at the end of the last sentence. I am 71 years old and have been an avid reader since the age of 12. I have read books from every genre written by very well known and popular authors as well as lesser known and not so popular authors and in my opinion this is one of the best books I have read to date. The book could have been written about my family and was totally relatable. Each character had personality traits and behaviors that I could attribute to one or more members of my immediate or extended family. The story line kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. I was really not ready for the story to end, and am truly glad that I have the second book by this author and am quite anxious to begin reading it. If you enjoy books based on real life family drama I definitely recommend this book. You will not be disappointed!

[Hazel Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Climbing Beyond Dysfunctional Family Trama

Ruby (the main character) was an exceptional young lady who had a very meek and humble spirit even when things got really tough. She would often do little naughty antics because of her playful nature and of course she was after all a child.
She was strong and courageous and would find a way to beat the odds.
This was a very good read and I look forward to reading more books from Crystal Bass.

[Felicia Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. I read it like I was watching a movie. it was so relatable to my childhood and I apply the author

Great read. I loved this and I'm excited to read the authors next book. Thank you Crystal . It was great.

[CdDc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable

So much of this story can be relatable to a lot of women who grew up with mothers that didn’t protect them. Usually strong women are roses that grew through concrete. Nice job Crystal.

[Shaneequa Franklin]

Life Changing

Ms. Crystal book is healing the ups and downs the fire in her story I wanted more there should be a part 2! I follow her on all social media and it just put it all In perspective! Wow such a good read!!! Thank you!!!!