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Authentically Ruby: The Illustrious Matchmaker of Niederbipp
In the middle of the Pennsylvania hinterlands lies a peculiar farm that s played host to lonely souls each summer for more than three hundred years. Genevieve Patterson has been dispatched by her magazine to interview Ruby Swarovski, the illustrious matchmaker of Niederbipp, for the November issue. But it quickly becomes clear that the interview she was promised, and which would finally give her the renown she deserves, is not going to go the way she expected. With more than five hundred successful matches in her fifty-six-year career, Ruby along with her husband, Lorenzo have invited six lucky women, and six even luckier men, to spend the summer working the land in exchange for a little help in the love department. The first in a series, Authentically Ruby is a fun, thoughtful, and delightful read for anyone who is interested in strengthening the most important relationships we form in life.
379 pages, Paperback
Published December 21, 2018
3 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Ben Behunin
20 books47 followersIt has long been my feeling that biographical sketches should be written in first person because almost all of them are written by the person they're about anyway, pretending to be someone else so as to make themselves look cool or important enough that someone would care to write something about them. I am neither a great pretender, nor good at writing in third person, but I'll do what I can to make you feel like reading this was worthwhile.
I was born at a very early age in Provo, Utah, the first child of seven children that joined the family over the next 14 years. I was raised in primarily in Utah, but also lived in Ohio and Florida. From the time I was very young, I enjoyed making art, drawing, carving, making up games and stories. Through grade school and junior high, I lived in a neighborhood that was nearly exclusively occupied by old people. Having no one to play with beyond my own siblings, I made friends with the old folks and would often sit with them on their porches and listen to their stories as they fed me lemon drops and moon pies.
I was first exposed to pottery in a freshman ceramics class. I took the class thinking it would be an "easy A". In reality, it was neither easy or an A. I was terrible, my experience being much like Jake's in the book. I kept working at it though and earned myself a small scholarship to Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho where I continued my studies.
A mission for my church took me to Switzerland, Germany and Austria for two years beginning in 1993. While living in Tiengen, Germany, I met Irene Adeler, a German potter who invited me to return and work for her in her Pottery in 1995. I spent four months as her apprentice before returning home to continue my education in Hawaii. The experience in Germany was instrumental in my education and my decision to become a potter. I continued to study art and business in Hawaii before transferring to the University of Utah.
After making a few semesters worth of landfill art, I changed majors a couple of times and with sixteen credits left to graduate, I decided I would rather die than give any more money or creativity to the school, so I dropped out and have never looked back. Since 1996, I have been a full-time potter. I married Lynnette Scott in 1997. Our son Isaac was born four years later and Eve joined the family three years after that. After borrowing a neighbors studio, and sharing one with a partner, I built a studio in my backyard. This is also where I do most of my writing.
I first visited Niederbipp in 1994 and thought it would be a great name for my first born. Fortunately for my son, he has a very practical mother.
When I'm not making pots or pretending to be a writer, I like to eat strong cheese, listen to bluegrass music and hike in the mountains near my home, not necessarily all at the same time, but it wouldn't be a bad idea. I wear bow ties whenever I have to dress up. We don't have any pets, but sometimes we pretend we do. I often dream I can fly, but that is another story.
I was born at a very early age in Provo, Utah, the first child of seven children that joined the family over the next 14 years. I was raised in primarily in Utah, but also lived in Ohio and Florida. From the time I was very young, I enjoyed making art, drawing, carving, making up games and stories. Through grade school and junior high, I lived in a neighborhood that was nearly exclusively occupied by old people. Having no one to play with beyond my own siblings, I made friends with the old folks and would often sit with them on their porches and listen to their stories as they fed me lemon drops and moon pies.
I was first exposed to pottery in a freshman ceramics class. I took the class thinking it would be an "easy A". In reality, it was neither easy or an A. I was terrible, my experience being much like Jake's in the book. I kept working at it though and earned myself a small scholarship to Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho where I continued my studies.
A mission for my church took me to Switzerland, Germany and Austria for two years beginning in 1993. While living in Tiengen, Germany, I met Irene Adeler, a German potter who invited me to return and work for her in her Pottery in 1995. I spent four months as her apprentice before returning home to continue my education in Hawaii. The experience in Germany was instrumental in my education and my decision to become a potter. I continued to study art and business in Hawaii before transferring to the University of Utah.
After making a few semesters worth of landfill art, I changed majors a couple of times and with sixteen credits left to graduate, I decided I would rather die than give any more money or creativity to the school, so I dropped out and have never looked back. Since 1996, I have been a full-time potter. I married Lynnette Scott in 1997. Our son Isaac was born four years later and Eve joined the family three years after that. After borrowing a neighbors studio, and sharing one with a partner, I built a studio in my backyard. This is also where I do most of my writing.
I first visited Niederbipp in 1994 and thought it would be a great name for my first born. Fortunately for my son, he has a very practical mother.
When I'm not making pots or pretending to be a writer, I like to eat strong cheese, listen to bluegrass music and hike in the mountains near my home, not necessarily all at the same time, but it wouldn't be a bad idea. I wear bow ties whenever I have to dress up. We don't have any pets, but sometimes we pretend we do. I often dream I can fly, but that is another story.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 21, 2024
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, to the person who got me this book. 100% will be rereading in the future. Still hate Genevieve tho <3
January 16, 2021
If you need to restore your hope in humanity. If you want to believe there is still good in the world. If you need to remind yourself of HOW YOU want to change the world then read this book. All of his books are on sale until the end of January 2021. There are times when you look at the main character and can't believe how shallow she is. Like the girlfriend of Tom Hands in You've Got Mail. As the book progresses you see her progress and it takes a funny mishap to make her see things differently. I adore Ruby and Lorenzo and admire their 56 years of marriage and their life wisdom that they give to 12 campers for 5 months on their farm in Neiderbipp PA. Now I can't wait to read book 2. Way to leave me hanging Ben.
July 24, 2021
Authentically Ruby has become one of my all time favorite marriage books ever. Marriage? Yep. But it's about more than marriage, it's about relationship principles taught in the most entertaining, humorous and engaging way I have ever read. It's a novel but it is so much more! The first in a series of at least 5 books (according to Ben) but maybe more, you will not want to miss reading this! Whether your are single and hoping to get married someday, engaged and awaiting that magical moment, just married or have been married for awhile, if you want something more, something better and for the magic to never end, or just want better relationships in your life period, Ben hits the nails on their heads. Read, listen, learn and then implement. The best will indeed come. Get this book now! You have no excuse to wait. I mean it. Go. NOW!
July 18, 2019
Description:
In the middle of rural Pennsylvania is an old fashioned marriage prep. farm that has hosted 6 men and 6 women each summer for more than three hundred years. With more than five hundred successful matches in her fifty-six-year career, Ruby along with her husband, Lorenzo have invited six lucky women, and six even luckier men, to spend the summer working the land in exchange for a little help in the love department. Genevieve Patterson has been dispatched by her magazine to interview the elderly Ruby Swarovski, the illustrious matchmaker of Niederbipp. After she arrives it quickly becomes clear that the interview she was promised, and which would finally give her the renown she deserves, is not going to go the way she expected. Ruby and her editor agree that in exchange for the interveiw, Genevieve will become the 6th woman to spend 5 months working on the farm. This is a far cry from her desire to do a quick one afternoon interview that will prove Ruby a fraud and head back to writing fashion articles. As Genevieve spends time on the farm, she is sometimes forced, sometimes opens herself up to change.
My thoughts:
I found it delightful and engaging. Ben Behunin takes us on another journey in Niederbipp. This time with a grumpy self-absorbed fashion journalist and her adventures in Niederbipp. Well written and an easy read. Full of love and advise.
Content:
mention of a tavern and past tense drinking and past tense abuse one farm resident experienced. No graphic details or swearing. beautifully clean.
In the middle of rural Pennsylvania is an old fashioned marriage prep. farm that has hosted 6 men and 6 women each summer for more than three hundred years. With more than five hundred successful matches in her fifty-six-year career, Ruby along with her husband, Lorenzo have invited six lucky women, and six even luckier men, to spend the summer working the land in exchange for a little help in the love department. Genevieve Patterson has been dispatched by her magazine to interview the elderly Ruby Swarovski, the illustrious matchmaker of Niederbipp. After she arrives it quickly becomes clear that the interview she was promised, and which would finally give her the renown she deserves, is not going to go the way she expected. Ruby and her editor agree that in exchange for the interveiw, Genevieve will become the 6th woman to spend 5 months working on the farm. This is a far cry from her desire to do a quick one afternoon interview that will prove Ruby a fraud and head back to writing fashion articles. As Genevieve spends time on the farm, she is sometimes forced, sometimes opens herself up to change.
My thoughts:
I found it delightful and engaging. Ben Behunin takes us on another journey in Niederbipp. This time with a grumpy self-absorbed fashion journalist and her adventures in Niederbipp. Well written and an easy read. Full of love and advise.
Content:
mention of a tavern and past tense drinking and past tense abuse one farm resident experienced. No graphic details or swearing. beautifully clean.
June 19, 2019
I will be anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. Can anyone actually change their life's perspective? Genevieve is a talented writer living the life of an elitist New Yorker, reveling in her fast-paced life. Her next assignment is to check out and review a matchmaking summer camp run by a couple who have been reluctant to be interviewed for many years. The couple claim great success matching couple together after their six month summer camp. But is it true?
Book 1 is a good beginning to a change of heart rather than cynicism and snobbery - inches rather than whole hearted change. Genevieve is appalled that her editor has signed her up for the total six months. What's next for the writer in disguise?
This book has many characters found in the Niederbipp series.
Book 1 is a good beginning to a change of heart rather than cynicism and snobbery - inches rather than whole hearted change. Genevieve is appalled that her editor has signed her up for the total six months. What's next for the writer in disguise?
This book has many characters found in the Niederbipp series.
January 27, 2019
This is the first in a new series by Ben Behunin and the characters and description of the farm are wonderful. Even though this story is about matchmaking to help prepare people for marriage, I thought the tools and lessons were perfect for everyone. They are good reminders about being a good friend, a good co-worker, a good neighbor, the best family member. A really fun and lovely story. This sounds corny but, it had me laughing so hard and shedding a few tears too.
I am looking forward to continuing the story with the amazing Ruby, Lorenzo and the "kids".
I am looking forward to continuing the story with the amazing Ruby, Lorenzo and the "kids".
August 6, 2019
Spinecracker bookclub pick.
This is another feel-good novel from the inspiring philosopher/potter/author, Ben Behunin.
Check out his story on hiveseries.com. There is featured a short video about Ben's life.
This book is the first of his new series. So many good thoughts and quotes as this matchmaker couple throws a group of young single adults together to work the summer on a farm to learn about life and what it takes to be happy.
One favorite is a quote in the last chapter, from Oliver Wendell Holmes
-LOVE IS THE MASTER KEY WHICH OPENS THE GATES OF HAPPINESS-
Genevieve was difficult to like through most of the story. But I think now there is hope for her as the first of the series ends. Series are not something I love but I'll probably get to the 2nd one eventually.
And it's not even out yet...
This is another feel-good novel from the inspiring philosopher/potter/author, Ben Behunin.
Check out his story on hiveseries.com. There is featured a short video about Ben's life.
This book is the first of his new series. So many good thoughts and quotes as this matchmaker couple throws a group of young single adults together to work the summer on a farm to learn about life and what it takes to be happy.
One favorite is a quote in the last chapter, from Oliver Wendell Holmes
-LOVE IS THE MASTER KEY WHICH OPENS THE GATES OF HAPPINESS-
Genevieve was difficult to like through most of the story. But I think now there is hope for her as the first of the series ends. Series are not something I love but I'll probably get to the 2nd one eventually.
And it's not even out yet...
July 28, 2021
An interesting premise and wonderful message, but the writing and character development were a little too preachy and idealized for me to feel fully engaged. I love Ben Behunin’s pottery, art, and mission, but I didn’t really love this book. Still, I admire him for writing from the heart and self publishing his stories and ideas. Just not really my kind of book.
January 2, 2019
Excellent book, although definitely not as good as the Isaac books. Charming and heartwarming, and while the main character Genevieve is practically unbearable, Ruby and a few of the minor characters make up for that.
March 13, 2019
It's good to be back in Niederbipp! We meet Ruby, the matchmaker, and her husband Lorenzo on their farm where they help a dozen people each summer learn about love and the things that make for a happy marriage. The next volume can't be finished soon enough!
December 12, 2021
It took a bit to get into the story, but enjoyed this unique book about People brought together under interesting circumstances and their journey at a working farm. It is a trilogy that I will finish.
January 26, 2019
I love the wisdom in Ben Behunin's books!
March 3, 2019
I would actually rather live it than just read it Lots of good advice, perhaps a bit preachy but we all need it!!
April 5, 2020
There is a sequel to this book
August 6, 2020
Thank you for once again writing such a beautiful story. Every book this author has written has touched my heart at pivotal times in my life. That is the best praise I could give.
October 22, 2020
Love his writing and enjoyed this book! I did feel a little frustrated with some of the activities required. Felt they were a little extreme, but overall, it was enjoyable.
January 14, 2022
I needed to listen to a new book and this happened to be on my sister in law's audible. I decided to give it a try. It's definitely more preachy than story, but it has some good lessons.
February 11, 2022
The choices we make can be so much better. This book, like all of Ben's books, does have a lot of faith and references to bigger purposes in life then merely just exsisting for oneself.
February 14, 2022
This is a self help book, tucked into a fictional story. Lots of things to make you think. A little preachy and a little trite but a lot to ponder.
February 25, 2022
Sweet story ...slow moving and this is a trilogy, so you've got to commit =).
December 27, 2022
A fun story that is the backdrop for the tenets of a good relationship.
May 25, 2023
Loved it! Reading it made me remember some things about love and relationships that I knew, but benefited by reading Ruby’s philosophy. I think we should all move to Neiderbipp😉😉
March 25, 2024
A delightful book with so much relationship wisdom
August 26, 2024
Love the insights from Neiderbipp and Ben! Great first book, insights and story. Can't wait for the rest of the series
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January 10, 2019loved it. need a ruby in my life.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews