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The Ruby's Place Christmas Collection #0.5
Christmas at Ruby's
Welcome to Ruby’s, where the Christmas spirit is alive and well.
Ruby’s Place (the classy family-friendly nightspot that once lit the night sky in tiny Sullivan, Missouri) is no more—closed for decades—but that doesn’t keep those who once shared an eggnog or plate of homemade marshmallows from remembering the tinsel-wrapped moments Ruby’s supplied come Christmas.
On a snowy holiday evening, feeling a bit down on her luck, a middle-aged Angela finds herself back at Ruby’s, staring through its foggy, grimy window to remember the Christmases she spent there with her favorite aunt as a child. Could the best Christmas present of all simply be spending one last moment with that special loved one, in a place where memories were born?
At Ruby’s, it seems, the “spirits” are not confined to just the dusty liquors behind the bar, and such a Christmas wish might not be made in vain.
Ruby’s Place (the classy family-friendly nightspot that once lit the night sky in tiny Sullivan, Missouri) is no more—closed for decades—but that doesn’t keep those who once shared an eggnog or plate of homemade marshmallows from remembering the tinsel-wrapped moments Ruby’s supplied come Christmas.
On a snowy holiday evening, feeling a bit down on her luck, a middle-aged Angela finds herself back at Ruby’s, staring through its foggy, grimy window to remember the Christmases she spent there with her favorite aunt as a child. Could the best Christmas present of all simply be spending one last moment with that special loved one, in a place where memories were born?
At Ruby’s, it seems, the “spirits” are not confined to just the dusty liquors behind the bar, and such a Christmas wish might not be made in vain.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
530 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Holly Schindler
51 books310 followersHolly Schindler’s work has received starred reviews in Booklist and Publishers Weekly, has won silver and gold medals in ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year and the IPPY Awards, respectively, has been featured on Booklist’s Best First Novels for Youth and School Library Journal’s What’s Hot in YA, and has been a PW Pick of the Week. She can usually be found consuming large quantities of coffee and working on her next book. She can also be found at hollyschindler.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
November 25, 2020
Christmas at Ruby's book 1 was such a wonderful surprise. Totally unlike any other holiday read, it evokes the ghosts of Christmas Past and morphs them into beautiful holiday memories. I'm so excited to start reading the next in the series. This is a short story that you can read in one short sitting. Do yourself a favor and read it tonight.
November 28, 2021
A lovely Christmas story with paranormal touches.
December 15, 2021
I'm in the mood for Christmas stories!
I liked this one, and then again, I didn't.
I loved the magical element to it, with the people appearing in the bar. What I didn't like is not understanding why the element was even added the way it was. The techings could have still been had just by making them memories and not trying to make the magical events so real. I wasn't feeling those transitions at all.
I liked the moral of the story though. It is all about a Christmas miracle of sorts.
Just not my favorite by this author.
2.5/5
I liked this one, and then again, I didn't.
I loved the magical element to it, with the people appearing in the bar. What I didn't like is not understanding why the element was even added the way it was. The techings could have still been had just by making them memories and not trying to make the magical events so real. I wasn't feeling those transitions at all.
I liked the moral of the story though. It is all about a Christmas miracle of sorts.
Just not my favorite by this author.
2.5/5
January 8, 2021
Ruby's Place used to be a vibrant meeting place for all the town. At Christmas even the children were invited in and were served special treats. Angela remembers Ruby's because her favorite Aunt used to take her there. It made Angela feel special!
Now it is years later and Ruby's is no more. Angela was kind of down and out and returned to her little hometown. Seeing Ruby's the way it was depressed her even more! Then she noticed a little bird pecking on the window. Angela looked inside but could see nothing.
Somehow the door opened and Ruby walked in. It was just as she remembered it--Ruby was there as was her aunt, and all the other ghosts from times past. It seems only people who remembered were allowed to re enter. She forgot her hat inside and went to the back entrance to see if she could get in a second time to get it back. She is again allowed in. Her Aunt says something to her which hits home.
What do you think ended up happening? You will have to read this short, heart warming story to find out!
Now it is years later and Ruby's is no more. Angela was kind of down and out and returned to her little hometown. Seeing Ruby's the way it was depressed her even more! Then she noticed a little bird pecking on the window. Angela looked inside but could see nothing.
Somehow the door opened and Ruby walked in. It was just as she remembered it--Ruby was there as was her aunt, and all the other ghosts from times past. It seems only people who remembered were allowed to re enter. She forgot her hat inside and went to the back entrance to see if she could get in a second time to get it back. She is again allowed in. Her Aunt says something to her which hits home.
What do you think ended up happening? You will have to read this short, heart warming story to find out!
December 2, 2021
This evoked similar vibes as Dickens’ A Christmas Carol does, just with a modern twist. It was a sweet but short story about a woman who has amazingly happy memories of going to Ruby’s Cafe as a child with her glamorous aunt… but when she returns to her hometown in middle age, she finds out that Ruby’s closed and the building has been almost abandoned. No one has had any luck opening a cafe or bar in the location. She requests the assistance of all of the ghosts of the old-timers and regulars to rebuild Ruby’s and make it a place where the grieving can find comfort. Boom, the end. Very sweet, a little sappy, but overall well written and enjoyable.
November 11, 2017
One of those perfect stories for anyone with Christmas memories of places, things and people no longer with them to enjoy and celebrate. I guarantee it will pull up things you haven't thought or felt in years and then leave you smiling.
November 15, 2024
The Spirits of Christmas
This is a nice novella about how our childhood remembrances of special treats and occasions can have an impact on our "here and now" . One woman finds a new "second act" after stumbling upon a place that was special to her in her youth.
This is a nice novella about how our childhood remembrances of special treats and occasions can have an impact on our "here and now" . One woman finds a new "second act" after stumbling upon a place that was special to her in her youth.
January 21, 2020
Beautiful story about old-fashioned Christmases and recapturing the beauty and hope of youth. I always enjoy this author.
November 18, 2023
This story reminded me of Christmas’s past and nostalgia for what used to be. Lovely story.
December 22, 2022
I loved this cute,short story. Very enjoyable. Gave the intended warm feeling inside.
November 5, 2024
Let the Christmas season begin! Eindelijk deel 1 van Ruby’s Place gelezen. Heerlijk om op te warmen richting de donkere dagen voor kerst.
December 24, 2019
What I Loved: Ahhh! I LOVED THIS BOOK! I have NEVER read a Christmas themed book at Christmas time, and I’m so glad I got the chance to read this book right before Christmas! This is the second book I have read by Holly Schindler and I am so impressed with her writing. She has a way of just drawing the reader in quickly and completely. It’s wonderful and I cannot wait to read more of her work!
How I Felt: Christmas at Ruby’s was a quick read at just 106 pages, but I would have read so many more about this story…and guess what, I can. This is a series! I’m excited to read more about this cast of characters and Ruby’s Place.
While we get to meet a variety of characters in Christmas at Ruby’s the story is focused on Angela. As a child her favorite times were when her Aunt would take her to Ruby’s Place. Holly Schindler’s descriptions of this are fabulous. The way she wrote about Angela’s memories of Ruby’s, I could see everything happening through Angela’s eyes.
To Read or Not To Read: This book is perfect for readers that are looking for a little bit of Christmas magic. It is a quick read that introduces you to the characters and the backstory for the series. I highly recommend this book!
What's This Book About Anyway?
As a child, Angela would look forward to the nights her Aunt would take her to Ruby’s Place. Angela’s memories of Ruby’s are filled with wonder and awe, friendships and fun.
As a woman now in her 50’s, she still remembers those dinner dates with her Aunt with such love and nostalgia. Walking down the sidewalk, she is thinking how the world has changed during those decades. People don’t have the same friendliness and relationships they once used to. We are living in a more throw-away world, where friends lose touch and places are forgotten. Ruby’s Place is one of those places. Closed for decades now, the building is in a poor state and has yet to have an owner bring any life back into the place.
As Angela walks down the sidewalk with these thoughts, a man bumps into her and she happens to fall onto the stoop of Ruby’s Place, knocking the lock on the door loose. With fond memories floating through her head, she steps through the threshold into the empty building. The building isn’t empty though . . .Christmas Spirit fills the air, and maybe some Christmas Spirits too…
A story of Angela finding a way forward during one lonely Christmas. It’s a path that will lead to the second part of her life, just like her Aunt.
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my honest, unbiased review voluntarily.
This review will post on my blog on Dec 29. All of my reviews can be found at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
How I Felt: Christmas at Ruby’s was a quick read at just 106 pages, but I would have read so many more about this story…and guess what, I can. This is a series! I’m excited to read more about this cast of characters and Ruby’s Place.
While we get to meet a variety of characters in Christmas at Ruby’s the story is focused on Angela. As a child her favorite times were when her Aunt would take her to Ruby’s Place. Holly Schindler’s descriptions of this are fabulous. The way she wrote about Angela’s memories of Ruby’s, I could see everything happening through Angela’s eyes.
To Read or Not To Read: This book is perfect for readers that are looking for a little bit of Christmas magic. It is a quick read that introduces you to the characters and the backstory for the series. I highly recommend this book!
What's This Book About Anyway?
As a child, Angela would look forward to the nights her Aunt would take her to Ruby’s Place. Angela’s memories of Ruby’s are filled with wonder and awe, friendships and fun.
As a woman now in her 50’s, she still remembers those dinner dates with her Aunt with such love and nostalgia. Walking down the sidewalk, she is thinking how the world has changed during those decades. People don’t have the same friendliness and relationships they once used to. We are living in a more throw-away world, where friends lose touch and places are forgotten. Ruby’s Place is one of those places. Closed for decades now, the building is in a poor state and has yet to have an owner bring any life back into the place.
As Angela walks down the sidewalk with these thoughts, a man bumps into her and she happens to fall onto the stoop of Ruby’s Place, knocking the lock on the door loose. With fond memories floating through her head, she steps through the threshold into the empty building. The building isn’t empty though . . .Christmas Spirit fills the air, and maybe some Christmas Spirits too…
A story of Angela finding a way forward during one lonely Christmas. It’s a path that will lead to the second part of her life, just like her Aunt.
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my honest, unbiased review voluntarily.
This review will post on my blog on Dec 29. All of my reviews can be found at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
November 8, 2021
Why oh why did I have to fall in love with this book. Now I have to read the series.
Ghosts of Christmas Past visiting with beautiful memories.
Ghosts of Christmas Past visiting with beautiful memories.
January 5, 2024
Christmas at Ruby's is the next book I read in my read only Christmas books in the Christmas season reading I've been doing. The book was written by Holly Schindler in 2017. The last book I read was published in 2015 and I didn't think I could beat that for being the newest book I've ever read, but this is currently in first place. I really liked this book but I'm having trouble trying to write down what it was about. Let's see how I do.
We begin in 1973, a fun year for me as a kid, and for Angela too. Every year her aunt took her to Ruby's and it was what she looked forward to the most as the days grew shorter and the weather colder, in other words, when Christmas was coming. To Angela her Aunt Elizabeth seemed like an old-time movie star, as beautiful and engaging as Bette Davis or Joan Crawford, neither of which I find to be all that beautiful. Just being with her made her feel special. When they'd arrive at Ruby's she would be the first one out of the car and at the front door. Ruby's was elegant, akin to New York supper clubs, it was lit by crystal chandeliers, with linen tablecloths and bouquets in silver bud vases. Ruby's was timeless. Or it was in 1973. During the holidays Ruby's turned magical. Inside were shouts and laughter and singing, friendly cries, and incessant talk, love and friendship. Sounds migraine causing. Yes, it was the best part of the Christmas season, it shimmered all around just like a regular Christmas tree toper and eight year old Angela believed it would always be there. It won't.
Our next chapter begins and we are now in the year 2017, Angela is no longer eight years old and everybody else who was once in the pub is dead. The block where Ruby's sits has begun to exhibit widespread decay. The once vibrant retail shops are flea markets, or monthly renting booths. There are empty gas stations and a lonely electronic shop begging for customers. Now there is a broken sign that used to say Ruby's Place in bold letters that aren't there anymore. There sits the pub with the wooden front door barely displaying a speck of the once green paint and with a padlock on it. A sign says "keep out" and another says "For lease". The timeless days are over. Or are they?
In this year 2017 we have two men who happen to meet just outside the abandoned Ruby's. They speak of their families, we must get together sometime conversation that of course never ends with getting together anytime. But soon they realize what building they are standing in front of, Glenn tells Timothy his wife and he had their first date there, Timothy mentions how his mother's friend played piano there and let him sit with her on the bench. Glenn says it sure would be nice to have a place like that now, where you could always walk in and find that the Christmas spirit was still alive and well. I'm all for that. But the Christmas spirit is still alive inside, behind the padlocked door, beyond the reach of the street lamps, Ruby's regulars were beginning to gather at their usual tables. The regulars gave a toast to the Christmas spirits who are all still alive and well. The regulars all roar with laughter, they lift their glasses. These are the regulars who show up every evening, just in time for happy hour. After a while we find Angela, now a fifty-two year old gray haired and heavier, unmarried woman. She had been engaged once when she was a young girl, but that ended in anger. She went to college, she worked steadily, she moved five times, never feeling at home. Now she is back in her childhood home town. Angela is home again, and is walking down the street on her way to buy a few Christmas decorations because her sister is coming for a visit. Angela is knocked into a door by another person walking by who doesn't even stop to see if she is alright, Angela finds that there is something familiar about the green paint flecks on the door, the Ruby's sign near the roof. And that other person who knocked her against the door had pushed her harder than she thought because now the padlock on the front door has clattered to the cement step and the door is standing slightly ajar.
So Angela is going to enter Ruby's once again by the faded green door. So what is in there? Is it a bar, quiet and empty, chairs that remained stacked on the tables, the piano bench knocked on its side? Dust and spider webs and all those kind of things that old, abandoned buildings usually have? Or will the regulars be there, laughing and drinking and toasting and singing? You are going to have to read this short book to find out. Happy reading.
We begin in 1973, a fun year for me as a kid, and for Angela too. Every year her aunt took her to Ruby's and it was what she looked forward to the most as the days grew shorter and the weather colder, in other words, when Christmas was coming. To Angela her Aunt Elizabeth seemed like an old-time movie star, as beautiful and engaging as Bette Davis or Joan Crawford, neither of which I find to be all that beautiful. Just being with her made her feel special. When they'd arrive at Ruby's she would be the first one out of the car and at the front door. Ruby's was elegant, akin to New York supper clubs, it was lit by crystal chandeliers, with linen tablecloths and bouquets in silver bud vases. Ruby's was timeless. Or it was in 1973. During the holidays Ruby's turned magical. Inside were shouts and laughter and singing, friendly cries, and incessant talk, love and friendship. Sounds migraine causing. Yes, it was the best part of the Christmas season, it shimmered all around just like a regular Christmas tree toper and eight year old Angela believed it would always be there. It won't.
Our next chapter begins and we are now in the year 2017, Angela is no longer eight years old and everybody else who was once in the pub is dead. The block where Ruby's sits has begun to exhibit widespread decay. The once vibrant retail shops are flea markets, or monthly renting booths. There are empty gas stations and a lonely electronic shop begging for customers. Now there is a broken sign that used to say Ruby's Place in bold letters that aren't there anymore. There sits the pub with the wooden front door barely displaying a speck of the once green paint and with a padlock on it. A sign says "keep out" and another says "For lease". The timeless days are over. Or are they?
In this year 2017 we have two men who happen to meet just outside the abandoned Ruby's. They speak of their families, we must get together sometime conversation that of course never ends with getting together anytime. But soon they realize what building they are standing in front of, Glenn tells Timothy his wife and he had their first date there, Timothy mentions how his mother's friend played piano there and let him sit with her on the bench. Glenn says it sure would be nice to have a place like that now, where you could always walk in and find that the Christmas spirit was still alive and well. I'm all for that. But the Christmas spirit is still alive inside, behind the padlocked door, beyond the reach of the street lamps, Ruby's regulars were beginning to gather at their usual tables. The regulars gave a toast to the Christmas spirits who are all still alive and well. The regulars all roar with laughter, they lift their glasses. These are the regulars who show up every evening, just in time for happy hour. After a while we find Angela, now a fifty-two year old gray haired and heavier, unmarried woman. She had been engaged once when she was a young girl, but that ended in anger. She went to college, she worked steadily, she moved five times, never feeling at home. Now she is back in her childhood home town. Angela is home again, and is walking down the street on her way to buy a few Christmas decorations because her sister is coming for a visit. Angela is knocked into a door by another person walking by who doesn't even stop to see if she is alright, Angela finds that there is something familiar about the green paint flecks on the door, the Ruby's sign near the roof. And that other person who knocked her against the door had pushed her harder than she thought because now the padlock on the front door has clattered to the cement step and the door is standing slightly ajar.
So Angela is going to enter Ruby's once again by the faded green door. So what is in there? Is it a bar, quiet and empty, chairs that remained stacked on the tables, the piano bench knocked on its side? Dust and spider webs and all those kind of things that old, abandoned buildings usually have? Or will the regulars be there, laughing and drinking and toasting and singing? You are going to have to read this short book to find out. Happy reading.
December 15, 2023
Holly Schindler’s Christmas-time novella, Christmas at Ruby's, isn’t quite like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but Christmas at Ruby’s does have spirits, in more ways than one. Ruby’s Place, in 1973, was a lively, albeit small, pub in the town of Sullivan, Missouri. To the town’s residents, it was elegant and almost magical, especially at Christmas. Eight-year-old Angela cherished her Christmas Eve visits to Ruby’s with her aunt Elizabeth, where she dressed in a beautiful Christmas dress, drank delectable hot cocoa with a side plate of marshmallows, and basked in the music and spectacle of the occasion. She loved every minute, and she adored her Aunt Elizabeth.
Years later, in 1973, a down-on-her-luck Angela has returned to her hometown. The town, too, has seen better days. Buildings are boarded up; sadly, she discovers, this includes Ruby’s. As she gazes at the old place, she is rudely bumped into the doorway by a man, who shuffles past her. Suddenly, she finds the door bursting open, and she is inside. To her amazement…her memories – and more – come back to her! I didn’t have the same mystical or magical feeling as, say, the North Pole or Ebeneezer Scrooge’s experiences, but I liked the idea.
It's a quick, enjoyable read. And, oh, wouldn’t it be nice to go back in time, if only for a short while, at Christmas?
3.5 stars
Years later, in 1973, a down-on-her-luck Angela has returned to her hometown. The town, too, has seen better days. Buildings are boarded up; sadly, she discovers, this includes Ruby’s. As she gazes at the old place, she is rudely bumped into the doorway by a man, who shuffles past her. Suddenly, she finds the door bursting open, and she is inside. To her amazement…her memories – and more – come back to her! I didn’t have the same mystical or magical feeling as, say, the North Pole or Ebeneezer Scrooge’s experiences, but I liked the idea.
It's a quick, enjoyable read. And, oh, wouldn’t it be nice to go back in time, if only for a short while, at Christmas?
3.5 stars
October 26, 2017
Angela has fond memories of Ruby's Place. Going with her Aunt Elizabeth every year for Christmas all dressed up in new clothes and singing around the piano. It was a happy time, one full of dreams and hope for a bright future. But it has been many years, and Ruby's Place has been closed and has started to decay along with many of the other businesses in the area. It seems that once the light went out at Ruby's Place it took away the closeness that Ruby's brought to families all around.There was something magical about Ruby's Place and when Angela accidentally ends up inside Ruby's Place the magic comes alive once more.
I truly enjoyed this short story! Christmas is all about hope, renewal, memories, family, and love. All of the things that Ruby's Place embodied for Angela. Reading Christmas At Ruby's reminded me of watching an old black and white movie intermingled with the bright colors of the present. The past and future colliding to create one very special and magical story that will send the reader down memory lane to their own special memories of the season.
I truly enjoyed this short story! Christmas is all about hope, renewal, memories, family, and love. All of the things that Ruby's Place embodied for Angela. Reading Christmas At Ruby's reminded me of watching an old black and white movie intermingled with the bright colors of the present. The past and future colliding to create one very special and magical story that will send the reader down memory lane to their own special memories of the season.
December 24, 2019
💭My Thoughts💭
Well I just loved this book!! I read it in one sitting and it left me wanting more.
This novella follows Angela, who at the age of 8, idolised her Aunt Elizabeth, who Angela thought was as glamorous as a movie star.
Every Christmas Aunt Elizabeth would take Angela to “Ruby’s” which was a super friendly bar in their hometown that was filled with happy memories and where 8 year old Angela was expecting a life just as glamorous for herself!
But life dealt Angela some rubbish cards and she feels lost. Then one day she stumbles across Ruby’s again and all her childhood memories come flooding back....or are they spirits from the past?!
.
I love the idea of being able to talk to loved ones who have passed on, and it was such a heartwarming tale!!! I feel like I need more!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me without a doubt!!
Well I just loved this book!! I read it in one sitting and it left me wanting more.
This novella follows Angela, who at the age of 8, idolised her Aunt Elizabeth, who Angela thought was as glamorous as a movie star.
Every Christmas Aunt Elizabeth would take Angela to “Ruby’s” which was a super friendly bar in their hometown that was filled with happy memories and where 8 year old Angela was expecting a life just as glamorous for herself!
But life dealt Angela some rubbish cards and she feels lost. Then one day she stumbles across Ruby’s again and all her childhood memories come flooding back....or are they spirits from the past?!
.
I love the idea of being able to talk to loved ones who have passed on, and it was such a heartwarming tale!!! I feel like I need more!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me without a doubt!!
November 18, 2017
Holly Schindler's done it again with this welcome walk among the ghosts of Christmas past for Angela who - at midlife - reflects on missed opportunities, wondering how things went so wrong. When she returns to her hometown and sees the boarded up eatery called Ruby's, she remembers the place of her childhood where her dreams took flight and something inside her shifts. Can miracles really happen on Christmas?
Schindler has a knack for making a small town feel like home - a place where anything is possible if you open your heart. She never disappoints with fresh phrases. One of my favorites: "...people willing to let long dormant imaginations off their leashes and believe the impossible". Enjoy this easy read as a welcome Christmas gift.
Schindler has a knack for making a small town feel like home - a place where anything is possible if you open your heart. She never disappoints with fresh phrases. One of my favorites: "...people willing to let long dormant imaginations off their leashes and believe the impossible". Enjoy this easy read as a welcome Christmas gift.
December 15, 2021
This quick read was something a little different from what I usually pick up.
It was more a reminiscing of the joy and warm feelings at Christmas in a bar called Ruby's.
It was once the best place in town to spend those days before Christmas. Friends would meet, Ruby would have special Christmas drinks and there would be merriment and music abounding.
The years have gone by and Ruby's is now vacant and only full of dust and memories.
Angela used to go there with her aunt as a child and has returned as a middle aged adult. Fantasy and 'spirits' result in her bringing her past forward and help her realize that the true spirit of Christmas is spending it with people you love and care for.
It was more a reminiscing of the joy and warm feelings at Christmas in a bar called Ruby's.
It was once the best place in town to spend those days before Christmas. Friends would meet, Ruby would have special Christmas drinks and there would be merriment and music abounding.
The years have gone by and Ruby's is now vacant and only full of dust and memories.
Angela used to go there with her aunt as a child and has returned as a middle aged adult. Fantasy and 'spirits' result in her bringing her past forward and help her realize that the true spirit of Christmas is spending it with people you love and care for.
May 4, 2018
This book is a warm hug. This slim volume can be read in one sitting. It's one of those stories where nothing really "happens," but engaging all the same. I intended to read this at Christmas time (naturally), but it got lost in the shuffle at the bottom of my bag, so when I pulled it out recently I decided to read it anyway.
Angela is having a mid-life crisis of sorts when she happens to wander past Ruby's, the high end family bar/restaurant where she used to go with her beloved Aunt Elizabeth as a child. She is literally pulled into her memories of the past and emerges from the experience with a new take on the future.
Angela is having a mid-life crisis of sorts when she happens to wander past Ruby's, the high end family bar/restaurant where she used to go with her beloved Aunt Elizabeth as a child. She is literally pulled into her memories of the past and emerges from the experience with a new take on the future.
October 12, 2020
Only part 1
Christmas at Ruby's is a very good beginning to what amounts to a paranormal Christmas story.
**Spoilers** Angela visits an old childhood happy place and meets "the ghosts of Christmas past." Does she get to purchase this old business and bring it back to life? You have to continue with part 2 to find out.
Each part is sold under a separate name or as a complete set under a separate title.
Grips the reader from the beginning and makes you want to continue to the next sections of the book.
Christmas at Ruby's is a very good beginning to what amounts to a paranormal Christmas story.
**Spoilers** Angela visits an old childhood happy place and meets "the ghosts of Christmas past." Does she get to purchase this old business and bring it back to life? You have to continue with part 2 to find out.
Each part is sold under a separate name or as a complete set under a separate title.
Grips the reader from the beginning and makes you want to continue to the next sections of the book.
November 17, 2021
Angela's Memories!
In 1973, as a young girl, Angela got all dressed up and went to Ruby's to meet her Aunt Elizabeth. Angela still remembered all the people there and everything that was going on--piano playing, people talking, homemade marshmallows that melted in her mouth as she drank hot chocolate. Angela felt like a young lady and was really happy. Read this book to read about the activities of people in Rubies. Just reading this book took me back to younger days. I enjoyed this book, and hope you enjoy it also.
In 1973, as a young girl, Angela got all dressed up and went to Ruby's to meet her Aunt Elizabeth. Angela still remembered all the people there and everything that was going on--piano playing, people talking, homemade marshmallows that melted in her mouth as she drank hot chocolate. Angela felt like a young lady and was really happy. Read this book to read about the activities of people in Rubies. Just reading this book took me back to younger days. I enjoyed this book, and hope you enjoy it also.
October 22, 2020
Memories
I read this book with the thought that I wasn’t sure what I was reading. I’m finished but I still don’t know if I understood what it was about. Philosophically, I’m thinking that Ms. Schindler wanted the reader to think about people from their lives whom they have not had contact with for whatever reason. It definitely gave me the feeling that we should let the people who are important in our lives know how much they matter at the time, as we can never truly go back.
I read this book with the thought that I wasn’t sure what I was reading. I’m finished but I still don’t know if I understood what it was about. Philosophically, I’m thinking that Ms. Schindler wanted the reader to think about people from their lives whom they have not had contact with for whatever reason. It definitely gave me the feeling that we should let the people who are important in our lives know how much they matter at the time, as we can never truly go back.
December 11, 2021
I did not like the main character. Her conceited vanity made me gag. I also got overly irritated with the author condescending explanation of a play on words. Honestly, i almost quit reading when I got to that line. I get it. the word Spirit can mean multiple things.... thanks.
On the positive side, the atmosphere and general idea of the story was fun... but those few redeeming. Qualities are not enough to make me continue this series.
On the positive side, the atmosphere and general idea of the story was fun... but those few redeeming. Qualities are not enough to make me continue this series.
December 23, 2021
I loved the premise of this book and I guess its short because its supposed to be like a little series, but there was so much detail put into so few pages. I liked the elements of how we truly miss what Christmas is supposed to be about and trying to get back that feeling. what I didn't like is how much Angela doted on her aunt in her youth, and even more when she bumped into Ruby's, it was a little weird for me.
December 3, 2023
The ghosts of Christmas past
SPOILER ALERT - Angela finds herself in the famous bar her aunt would take her to when she was young. Then something amazing happens around her. The bar is crowded and everyone's singing Christmas carols. Angela gets a new perspective on life and finds her Christmas spirit.
I recommend this book to readers of women's fiction and Christmas stories.
SPOILER ALERT - Angela finds herself in the famous bar her aunt would take her to when she was young. Then something amazing happens around her. The bar is crowded and everyone's singing Christmas carols. Angela gets a new perspective on life and finds her Christmas spirit.
I recommend this book to readers of women's fiction and Christmas stories.
January 3, 2021
Such a nice read. The whole time I was reading it, I could picture what was happening like a nice Christmas movie to enjoy during the season that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the season and transports you to a simpler time. And shows the magic that can still exist today if somebody takes the time to reignite it.
October 28, 2021
Rubys
This was such a n interesting warm story, it made you feel that you were there with the feelings of everything, the noises of singing, the description of the clothes and the general feeling of Christmas Happiness and the food and smells that all benefits wonderfully christmas. A story that leaves you with a warm glow inside.
This was such a n interesting warm story, it made you feel that you were there with the feelings of everything, the noises of singing, the description of the clothes and the general feeling of Christmas Happiness and the food and smells that all benefits wonderfully christmas. A story that leaves you with a warm glow inside.
November 28, 2021
Christmas Feelings
This book brought back the wonderful Christmas feelings I remember having when I was a young girl and how much I would like to have the opportunity to feel them and live them just one more time, with all the people I loved so dearly who are only memories to me now. It was a very short book that let me relive my best memories through Angela's memories.
This book brought back the wonderful Christmas feelings I remember having when I was a young girl and how much I would like to have the opportunity to feel them and live them just one more time, with all the people I loved so dearly who are only memories to me now. It was a very short book that let me relive my best memories through Angela's memories.
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November 30, 2023Angela, a middle aged woman that seems to be down on her luck and looking for something to make her life feel complete is compelled to stop at a delipidated store front window of an old bar. The bar was called Ruby's, after a long ago owner, and held fond memories for Angela. The ghosts of Christmas past lead Angela down a path that will change her life.
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