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Destiny #1
Rosie and Ruby
Is their family bond unbreakable?
Ruby lives one-step away from poverty on a rundown, crime-infested estate in Manchester, with Stella, her feckless, self-centered a mother.
In the quiet suburbs of Cheshire Rosie, Ruby’s cousin leads a charmed, middle-class existence but feels suffocated by her domineering mother Doreen.
Although Stella and Doreen have little in common, they share the inability to show the love and loyalty that their daughters deserve.
Meanwhile, Olivia, a member of the elite Cheshire set, is aloof and distant, rattling around in her sprawling mansion, attending charity functions and hosting infamous bridge nights.
Her errant son Marcus lives his life in the fast lane, maximising the perks of the family firm whilst enjoying his jet setting bachelor existence, well away from the watchful eyes of his disapproving mother.
But when Ruby meets Marcus her life begins to crumble and one by one the secrets she has kept are exposed.
Can Rosie and Ruby’s bond survive? And in Ruby’s hour of need, will her cousin keep her promise, and come to her rescue?
Patricia Dixon is the bestselling author of the psychological thrillers Death's Dark Veil and Over My Shoulder, as well as the emotional women's fiction novel They Don't Know. Rosie And Ruby is an unmissable and heart-warming novel which will appeal to fans of authors like Amanda Prowse, Diane Chamberlain and Lucy Diamond.
- GenresFiction
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2014
388 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Dixon
21 books166 followersPublished by Bloodhound Books
Author of -
Over My Shoulder, They Don't Know, The Secrets of Tenley House, Liars, #MeToo, Blame. The Other Woman, Coming Home, Resistance, Birthright, Venus Was Her Name, A Good Mother, Rosie and Ruby, Anna, Tilly, Grace, Destiny, The Complete Destiny Series Box Set, The Suspense Boxset.
All titles available on Amazon -
amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00I1YV2RM
Author of -
Over My Shoulder, They Don't Know, The Secrets of Tenley House, Liars, #MeToo, Blame. The Other Woman, Coming Home, Resistance, Birthright, Venus Was Her Name, A Good Mother, Rosie and Ruby, Anna, Tilly, Grace, Destiny, The Complete Destiny Series Box Set, The Suspense Boxset.
All titles available on Amazon -
amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00I1YV2RM
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 24, 2019
What can I say, I loved, loved, loved it!!
The characters are so lovable, apart from The Dark Lord himself, oh and the wicked mothers. Oliver is my favourite, such a funny little character (although I do think he should be a Liverpool fan).
Yet another fantastic book by THE Patricia Dixon. I love how within the book you have mini stories of the characters lives and at the end they are merge as one.
Can not wait for the next installment.
The characters are so lovable, apart from The Dark Lord himself, oh and the wicked mothers. Oliver is my favourite, such a funny little character (although I do think he should be a Liverpool fan).
Yet another fantastic book by THE Patricia Dixon. I love how within the book you have mini stories of the characters lives and at the end they are merge as one.
Can not wait for the next installment.
December 18, 2020
Loved, loved, loved this book, the first of a series of five and it was so enjoyable to read. It was so good that I just wanted to keep on reading until the end. It was one of those books that will stay with you for awhile and to top it off it had a very happy ending. Thankfully thanks to my lovely daughter I’ve got the other four books on my kindle to read which of course, I will in due course.
April 20, 2019
Rosie and Ruby is a cracker of a book. It's a story which quickly immerses you in the trials and tribulations of two cousins who are very different, yet share the same strength and determination to find a better life. They have an unbreakable bond, forged when they were children. And though at times they are far apart, each link of their bond, like their spirit, is as strong as ever. There's a wonderful cast of supporting actors - well, apart from the baddie - who play their part to perfection. And the French countryside is described so vividly you'll think you are really there. You don't just read Patricia Dixon's books - you experience them. Highly recommended!
November 10, 2019
3.5* A lovely story of cousins Rosie and Ruby, whose love and friendship withstands all kinds of difficulties. Both had dysfunctional parents and felt an obligation to look out for one another. The story starts when they are in their teens and ends when they are in their thirties. It is a family driven story with all the trails and tribulations of difficult relationships, abusive husband and lost loves. I liked it.
April 25, 2019
This is the tale of two cousins, Rosie and Ruby, about their lives beginning at their childhood and early teenage years in Manchester.
Their mothers are not the best to say the least and Rosie and Ruby have to overcome the mental traumas they suffered and that continue to haunt them for many years…
Rosie moves to France to become a hotelier and Ruby ends up in a troubled marriage with a real nasty piece of work….
Can they finally find the freedom and independence they dream of ? Will the close bond they had as children survive and help them both achieve their dream?
Patricia Dixon has created a stunningly immersive story of family, relationships, of love and heartbreak….wonderfully emotional.
Thank you to Bombshell Books a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review
https://orlando-books.blog/2019/04/25...
Their mothers are not the best to say the least and Rosie and Ruby have to overcome the mental traumas they suffered and that continue to haunt them for many years…
Rosie moves to France to become a hotelier and Ruby ends up in a troubled marriage with a real nasty piece of work….
Can they finally find the freedom and independence they dream of ? Will the close bond they had as children survive and help them both achieve their dream?
Patricia Dixon has created a stunningly immersive story of family, relationships, of love and heartbreak….wonderfully emotional.
Thank you to Bombshell Books a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review
https://orlando-books.blog/2019/04/25...
September 26, 2019
This is a great story centred on 2 cousins, Rosie and Ruby. We follow them both as they flee in separate directions from their parents. Rosie goes into the hospitality management profession and Ruby marries Marcus and has 2 children with him. The cousins keep in contact throughout the years and when Ruby has to flee from Marcus, they are together again.
This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. I have enjoyed the cousins stories in the book and felt like I got to know all the characters well. This is a great story about family, feuds, love, relationships and hate. I am looking forward to reading more.
This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. I have enjoyed the cousins stories in the book and felt like I got to know all the characters well. This is a great story about family, feuds, love, relationships and hate. I am looking forward to reading more.
February 26, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I'm really torn with this book. Overall I really enjoyed it but for me the story should have finished earlier than it did. It's not that I wasn't enjoying the story as I was but the story towards the end started to jump around, fast forwarding and it started to lose it's memento. I think some sort of epilogue would have been better set either months or years later rather than jumping from different parts of the characters lives in the future. Obviously this is just my personal opinion.
The story follows two cousins Rosie and Ruby whose home backgrounds aren't without their issues. In adult life, one cousin is fairing better than the other and I loved the bond between both of the women. The author deals with some tough subjects which had my heart breaking more than a few times.
Like I say, in the main this makes for an endearing and emotional read. I've read and loved a couple of the author's other books and will certainly be reading more.
I'm really torn with this book. Overall I really enjoyed it but for me the story should have finished earlier than it did. It's not that I wasn't enjoying the story as I was but the story towards the end started to jump around, fast forwarding and it started to lose it's memento. I think some sort of epilogue would have been better set either months or years later rather than jumping from different parts of the characters lives in the future. Obviously this is just my personal opinion.
The story follows two cousins Rosie and Ruby whose home backgrounds aren't without their issues. In adult life, one cousin is fairing better than the other and I loved the bond between both of the women. The author deals with some tough subjects which had my heart breaking more than a few times.
Like I say, in the main this makes for an endearing and emotional read. I've read and loved a couple of the author's other books and will certainly be reading more.
May 6, 2019
Heartbreaker
A rollercoaster ride,uplifting,tearful, heart warming story. The book is set in east Manchester 1998. My emotions were running wild reading this book. Rosie and Ruby are cousins. But all is not an easy ride for them both as you read on. I loved reading all of this book and had to put it down as eyes were filling up at some moments. Above all I enjoyed it all. Strengths and struggles from women from all walks of life.
A rollercoaster ride,uplifting,tearful, heart warming story. The book is set in east Manchester 1998. My emotions were running wild reading this book. Rosie and Ruby are cousins. But all is not an easy ride for them both as you read on. I loved reading all of this book and had to put it down as eyes were filling up at some moments. Above all I enjoyed it all. Strengths and struggles from women from all walks of life.
February 14, 2020
Friendships, family, domestic abuse and the power of love. I liked this story.
April 29, 2019
Very good
Great story, never maudlin, but funny, happy, sad and ,most of all, believable with lovable characters . Read in one hit, must now catch up with boring chores.
Great story, never maudlin, but funny, happy, sad and ,most of all, believable with lovable characters . Read in one hit, must now catch up with boring chores.
April 18, 2019
Rosie has a nightmare of a mother. One who controls her every move and wants to control every aspect of her life. Once Rosie is old enough and her mother Doreen pushes her once too often she ups and leaves. Her cousin Tina fairs little better with her own mother, Stella who brings home an array of men one of whom tries it on with Tina. Again pushed too far Tina makes her own way in the world. Eventually she marries Marcus and was thrilled by his glamorous existence, wanting for nothing. Very different to her own upbringing. Little did she know then that Marcus behind closed doors is a control freak and dictates everything to his wife and is not only cruel to her but also to their children. Rosie is now working her way up the ladder, a ladder that in her mother’s eye’s was “bringing shame on the family” however Rosie is now happy not only in her career choice but that she has escaped the clutches of a mother who thought more about what people thought than about her own daughter. The book follows both Rosie and Tina through their lives and how they learn to see through different eyes. The characters of Doreen and Stella and the third mother- Olivia Marcus’s mother) may be fictional but in type they exist in real life. How they can affect someone’s every move and thought their whole life through. We often think that they would “see” how things should be, however when they have been indoctrinated for so long, they really can’t see how
things should be and the smallest kindness can mean so much. ”She didn’t hug or even try to give her mother a peck on the cheek because affection had given up, packed a case and left the building many years ago”. A book with a message. A book that some may find difficult to read having been in those positions or even not realising that these things really do happen. Most of all- a book of hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
One of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. 10*if I could.
things should be and the smallest kindness can mean so much. ”She didn’t hug or even try to give her mother a peck on the cheek because affection had given up, packed a case and left the building many years ago”. A book with a message. A book that some may find difficult to read having been in those positions or even not realising that these things really do happen. Most of all- a book of hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
One of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. 10*if I could.
April 25, 2015
Trois Meres, (Three Mothers) is Patricia Dixon's second novel and is every bit as good as, if not better than, A Bientot. Her writing and storytelling seems more flowing and confident in this book, not afraid to tell it how it is. Trois Meres is not a sequel to A Bientot although some of the same characters do feature in this book, and is a stand alone novel which can equally be read as a prequel to A Bientot – it gives a beautiful background to the French parts of A Bientot.
Briefly, this is the story of cousins Rosie and Tina, starting with their childhood and teenage years living in Manchester with their parents. Both have awful mothers in different ways and both girls, and later young women, come to terms with and overcome the mental scars that haunt them for years. Rosie follows her dream of being a hotelier and ends up in France, whileTina marries her wealthy whirlwind heart throb who turns out to be a violent and vicious monster. I don't want to give the whole story away so won't go any further with that.
Dixon writes fluidly and interestingly and never leaves any loose ends. When a new character comes on the scene she gives a concise and engrossing outline of who they are and what sort of personality they are. Whose books are hers similar to ? Well, the Manchester element reminded me of Mandasue Heller but her warmth and friendship within the story is much like Patricia Scanlan or Maeve Binchy – lovely fulfilling stories.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Patricia Dixon's novels and can't wait for her next one to be published.
Briefly, this is the story of cousins Rosie and Tina, starting with their childhood and teenage years living in Manchester with their parents. Both have awful mothers in different ways and both girls, and later young women, come to terms with and overcome the mental scars that haunt them for years. Rosie follows her dream of being a hotelier and ends up in France, whileTina marries her wealthy whirlwind heart throb who turns out to be a violent and vicious monster. I don't want to give the whole story away so won't go any further with that.
Dixon writes fluidly and interestingly and never leaves any loose ends. When a new character comes on the scene she gives a concise and engrossing outline of who they are and what sort of personality they are. Whose books are hers similar to ? Well, the Manchester element reminded me of Mandasue Heller but her warmth and friendship within the story is much like Patricia Scanlan or Maeve Binchy – lovely fulfilling stories.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Patricia Dixon's novels and can't wait for her next one to be published.
April 25, 2019
Rosie and Ruby was first published under the title Three Mothers, (Trois Meres) and was Patricia Dixon's second novel. Her writing and storytelling in this book is flowing and confident, not afraid to tell it how it is.
Briefly, this is the story of cousins Rosie and Ruby, starting with their childhood and teenage years living in Manchester with their parents. Both have equally awful mothers in different ways, and both girls, and later young women, come to terms with and overcome the mental scars that haunt them for years. Rosie follows her dream of being a hotelier and ends up in France, while Ruby marries her wealthy whirlwind heart throb who turns out to be a violent and vicious monster. I don't want to give the whole story away so won't go any further with that.
There were tense and, at times, quite viciously nasty parts in this book and I can see that a more sinister genre was waiting to escape – Over My Shoulder by the same author.
Patricia Dixon writes fluidly and interestingly and never leaves any loose ends. When a new character comes on the scene she gives a concise and engrossing outline of who they are and what sort of personality they have.
Whose books are hers similar to? Well, the Manchester element reminded me of Mandasue Heller but her warmth and friendship within the story is much like Patricia Scanlan or Maeve Binchy – lovely fulfilling stories. I have read all Patricia's books and the warmth, emotions and characters never fail to give me a fuzzy loved feeling.
Briefly, this is the story of cousins Rosie and Ruby, starting with their childhood and teenage years living in Manchester with their parents. Both have equally awful mothers in different ways, and both girls, and later young women, come to terms with and overcome the mental scars that haunt them for years. Rosie follows her dream of being a hotelier and ends up in France, while Ruby marries her wealthy whirlwind heart throb who turns out to be a violent and vicious monster. I don't want to give the whole story away so won't go any further with that.
There were tense and, at times, quite viciously nasty parts in this book and I can see that a more sinister genre was waiting to escape – Over My Shoulder by the same author.
Patricia Dixon writes fluidly and interestingly and never leaves any loose ends. When a new character comes on the scene she gives a concise and engrossing outline of who they are and what sort of personality they have.
Whose books are hers similar to? Well, the Manchester element reminded me of Mandasue Heller but her warmth and friendship within the story is much like Patricia Scanlan or Maeve Binchy – lovely fulfilling stories. I have read all Patricia's books and the warmth, emotions and characters never fail to give me a fuzzy loved feeling.
April 24, 2019
I read this book when it was first released as three mothers, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it again.
This is a beautiful yet harrowing story of two cousins, Rosie and Ruby, cousins who care about each other a lot, despite their different upbringings. Both have nightmares of a mother but for different reasons. Rosie's is controlling and wants to be seen going up in the world, while Ruby's doesn't give a jot about her daughter, preferring to bring a succession of men into the house instead.
Both cousins leave home, Rosie to work in a hotel, climbing the way to management, which really upsets her mother, while Ruby ends up marrying Marcus, someone who swept her off her feet but has a cold mother.
Rosie ends up moving to France, around the area where I live, which makes it all the more interesting to me. She ends up buying a B&B, getting married and having a wonderful life.
Ruby finds out Marcus is actually a very nasty controlling piece of work and even after she bears him two children, he doesn't change his ways, in fact it is his mother who cares for Ruby when she is in childbirth.
This follows their story, of their disasters, upsets, moves, families and more. It is a story you wont want to stop reading and has you really caring for the characters.
Patricia has done a wonderful job and I look forward to the next book.
This is a beautiful yet harrowing story of two cousins, Rosie and Ruby, cousins who care about each other a lot, despite their different upbringings. Both have nightmares of a mother but for different reasons. Rosie's is controlling and wants to be seen going up in the world, while Ruby's doesn't give a jot about her daughter, preferring to bring a succession of men into the house instead.
Both cousins leave home, Rosie to work in a hotel, climbing the way to management, which really upsets her mother, while Ruby ends up marrying Marcus, someone who swept her off her feet but has a cold mother.
Rosie ends up moving to France, around the area where I live, which makes it all the more interesting to me. She ends up buying a B&B, getting married and having a wonderful life.
Ruby finds out Marcus is actually a very nasty controlling piece of work and even after she bears him two children, he doesn't change his ways, in fact it is his mother who cares for Ruby when she is in childbirth.
This follows their story, of their disasters, upsets, moves, families and more. It is a story you wont want to stop reading and has you really caring for the characters.
Patricia has done a wonderful job and I look forward to the next book.
April 24, 2019
Rosie and Ruby is the story of two cousins raised in contrasting parenting styles - One overbearing plastic snob, and the other feckless.
Ruby's mother is a cringe-worthy character. Credit to Patricia Dixon who possesses the gift of creating believable objects of loathing!
Though different, Rosie and Ruby share an endearing bond throughout their childhood and early adulthood.
The cousins naturally part ways and venture into their respective life paths.
Ruby is fortunate enough to be whisked off her feet by a charming character, Marcus, only to discover out that he is not at all what she expected, nor deserved. Add an overbearing and dismissive mother-in-law to the mix and the toxicity is tangible.
Rosie goes against her parents' inflated expectations and pursues a life in hospitality eventually taking her to a life in a new country.
Ruby's path continues to be one of dire tribulation; she covers it well with a brave face. Who is going to support Ruby? She's isolated, abused and feels worthless.
As a reader, you are willing Rosie to come good on her promise to look out for her cousin.
It would be unfair not to comment that there are surprises and secrets contained within the storyline - Everyone has skeletons, right?
Want to find out more? Read it!
Ruby's mother is a cringe-worthy character. Credit to Patricia Dixon who possesses the gift of creating believable objects of loathing!
Though different, Rosie and Ruby share an endearing bond throughout their childhood and early adulthood.
The cousins naturally part ways and venture into their respective life paths.
Ruby is fortunate enough to be whisked off her feet by a charming character, Marcus, only to discover out that he is not at all what she expected, nor deserved. Add an overbearing and dismissive mother-in-law to the mix and the toxicity is tangible.
Rosie goes against her parents' inflated expectations and pursues a life in hospitality eventually taking her to a life in a new country.
Ruby's path continues to be one of dire tribulation; she covers it well with a brave face. Who is going to support Ruby? She's isolated, abused and feels worthless.
As a reader, you are willing Rosie to come good on her promise to look out for her cousin.
It would be unfair not to comment that there are surprises and secrets contained within the storyline - Everyone has skeletons, right?
Want to find out more? Read it!
April 19, 2019
This is just a wonderful book! Rosie and Ruby are cousins and we follow their lives from childhood to the present day. Both of them had woefully inadequate parents - although I did love Rosie's dad's secret act of defiance when he came through for his daughter! Rosie as the older cousin always looks out for Ruby but as their lives take very different directions, Rosie isn't able to see what is really going on with Ruby's life.
This is a story of families and relationships, of love and loss. Patricia Dixon writes so well, she writes with heart, I have loved all of her books so far. Looking forward to reading the rest in this series.
This is a story of families and relationships, of love and loss. Patricia Dixon writes so well, she writes with heart, I have loved all of her books so far. Looking forward to reading the rest in this series.
April 25, 2019
I absolutely loved this story, it's totally different from books I normally read so it was a breath of fresh air. I was drawn in from the beginning and couldn't wait to get back to it. Fantastic story and the characters are brilliant. A must read in my opinion. Huge 5 stars from me.
May 7, 2020
This book was chosen next off my TBR list because my TBR list is made up of authors who’s books I want to read this year, and I’m so thrilled to say I have now read a Patricia Dixon novel.
Rosie and Ruby instantly got my attention with their backstories and their huge bond.The detail and description of which are written so well that it makes it very easy to picture the scenes. These girls also captured my heart with their life experiences and it made me root for them from the very beginning.
There are some hugely touching moments throughout this book, and one I do have to give reference too is when Andre’s mum gives Rosie a message in French, when they are sat together, to pass to Andre when the time is right. It took me all my willpower not to google translate the message as I knew it would be revealed sooner or later, and, oh my days, my eyes streamed with tears at what was said as it was just so beautifully written and just perfect timing of when it was finally revealed. Patricia just captures moments like this so precisely with such precious understanding of the moment. There’s a scene in a changing room where Rosie discovers something about Ruby and the way the girls reactions are told left me with a huge lump in my throat. Just stunning how the character’s emotions are portrayed in this book that it makes the reader feel every part of it.
Beautiful story with such wonderful characters that left me with such a lovely warm feeling when I finished it. I highly recommend this story of two beautifully strong girls with a bond that is unbreakable ❤️
Rosie and Ruby instantly got my attention with their backstories and their huge bond.The detail and description of which are written so well that it makes it very easy to picture the scenes. These girls also captured my heart with their life experiences and it made me root for them from the very beginning.
There are some hugely touching moments throughout this book, and one I do have to give reference too is when Andre’s mum gives Rosie a message in French, when they are sat together, to pass to Andre when the time is right. It took me all my willpower not to google translate the message as I knew it would be revealed sooner or later, and, oh my days, my eyes streamed with tears at what was said as it was just so beautifully written and just perfect timing of when it was finally revealed. Patricia just captures moments like this so precisely with such precious understanding of the moment. There’s a scene in a changing room where Rosie discovers something about Ruby and the way the girls reactions are told left me with a huge lump in my throat. Just stunning how the character’s emotions are portrayed in this book that it makes the reader feel every part of it.
Beautiful story with such wonderful characters that left me with such a lovely warm feeling when I finished it. I highly recommend this story of two beautifully strong girls with a bond that is unbreakable ❤️
June 4, 2019
An excellent read - a book you can really get immersed in!
Rosie and Ruby are cousins; their mothers are sisters but are nothing alike except for neither having nothing much in the way of maternal love. Whilst Rosie's mother is overbearing and controlling, Ruby's mother pretty much leaves her to fend for herself but the cousins have a strong bond and get on well together. This is the tale of what happens with both the girls' lives.
This is a wonderful read; heart-wrenching in places and clearly displaying the best and worst of human strengths, weaknesses and foibles. As the cousins each follow their own path in life, we follow them each step of the way. Beautifully written, this is a solid, detailed, and very satisfying read. With no stone left unturned, every possible question the reader could come up with was fully answered and I closed my kindle with a sigh of satisfaction, having completely immersed myself in the novel and thoroughly enjoying every word of it. I'm thrilled that the sequel, Anna, is my next read and can't wait to dive between the pages. A superb read, full deserving of a full five stars.
Rosie and Ruby are cousins; their mothers are sisters but are nothing alike except for neither having nothing much in the way of maternal love. Whilst Rosie's mother is overbearing and controlling, Ruby's mother pretty much leaves her to fend for herself but the cousins have a strong bond and get on well together. This is the tale of what happens with both the girls' lives.
This is a wonderful read; heart-wrenching in places and clearly displaying the best and worst of human strengths, weaknesses and foibles. As the cousins each follow their own path in life, we follow them each step of the way. Beautifully written, this is a solid, detailed, and very satisfying read. With no stone left unturned, every possible question the reader could come up with was fully answered and I closed my kindle with a sigh of satisfaction, having completely immersed myself in the novel and thoroughly enjoying every word of it. I'm thrilled that the sequel, Anna, is my next read and can't wait to dive between the pages. A superb read, full deserving of a full five stars.
August 10, 2019
A few days ago I downloaded “Tilly” by Patricia Dixon, it was on offer at £0.99 so I thought I would give this new to me author a try. After reading only a few pages I was sure I had found something worthwhile so paused to find out more about this writer. I soon discovered that this was originally published with a different title and that there are books preceding this one. Being the sort of person who prefers to read books in the order they were intended to be read (even if they do work as standalone) I immediately purchased “Rosie & Ruby” and “Anna”.
I am so glad that I have found this author as I am running out of good “women’s literature” because so often they are cosy or cute, or the female lead is ditsy and stupid, obsessed by material things and celebrity. PD’s characters are real people who live in a real world. If you like Milly Johnson, Lucy Dillon and Shari Low, I would most definitely recommend this book.
I am so glad that I have found this author as I am running out of good “women’s literature” because so often they are cosy or cute, or the female lead is ditsy and stupid, obsessed by material things and celebrity. PD’s characters are real people who live in a real world. If you like Milly Johnson, Lucy Dillon and Shari Low, I would most definitely recommend this book.
July 3, 2020
Rosie and Ruby are cousins, growing up in completely different environments, neither happy in their situation.
Ruby looks up to her elder cousin, who seems to have it all, especially a warm home, nice clean clothes and food to eat.
Rosie looks after her younger cousin, knowing the reputation of her mother and seeing how much she struggles.
The story follows the 2 girls as they grow up and go off in their own directions, all the bumps and joyful moments along the way.
The relationship between cousins is beautifully written and rarely is this relationship explored. I have a lovely relationship with my cousins so I related to this.
This book is about families, growing up, taking chances, missed chances, anger, nature vs nurture, love and evil, set in gloomy Manchester and beautiful France.
It gave me tears in my eyes, made me smile, angry and gasp at points, a proper rollercoaster of emotions.
It made my heart happy.
Ruby looks up to her elder cousin, who seems to have it all, especially a warm home, nice clean clothes and food to eat.
Rosie looks after her younger cousin, knowing the reputation of her mother and seeing how much she struggles.
The story follows the 2 girls as they grow up and go off in their own directions, all the bumps and joyful moments along the way.
The relationship between cousins is beautifully written and rarely is this relationship explored. I have a lovely relationship with my cousins so I related to this.
This book is about families, growing up, taking chances, missed chances, anger, nature vs nurture, love and evil, set in gloomy Manchester and beautiful France.
It gave me tears in my eyes, made me smile, angry and gasp at points, a proper rollercoaster of emotions.
It made my heart happy.
July 5, 2020
Can two cousins unconditional bond survive the tragedies and trauma that life throws their way??
Ruby and Rosie come from two worlds that are poles apart with one thing in common, their heartless mothers. This sets the scene where we follow the lives of the girls and whether their love for each other can stand the test of time. A superbly written story by an extremely talented author in my opinion. She expertly takes you on a journey with twists and turns a plenty leaving you wanting more after each chapter. She skilfully tackles some very challenging subjects throughout the story-line and the scenery and settings she describes in beautiful finite detail.
It is harrowing, heartwarming and best of all unpredictable.
I will 100% be returning to this wonderful authors work and cannot recommend highly enough.
Ruby and Rosie come from two worlds that are poles apart with one thing in common, their heartless mothers. This sets the scene where we follow the lives of the girls and whether their love for each other can stand the test of time. A superbly written story by an extremely talented author in my opinion. She expertly takes you on a journey with twists and turns a plenty leaving you wanting more after each chapter. She skilfully tackles some very challenging subjects throughout the story-line and the scenery and settings she describes in beautiful finite detail.
It is harrowing, heartwarming and best of all unpredictable.
I will 100% be returning to this wonderful authors work and cannot recommend highly enough.
May 7, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Not my usual genre but I was engrossed in this novel from start to finish. Such a compelling read in Women's Fiction. I got quite attached to the characters of Rosie and Ruby, feeling at times that I was there with them. Great writing that included heartbreak, abuse, humour, expectations of others and the most important aspect for Rosie and Ruby, love and friendship. Many chapters I read through my tears . Characters that were in my opinion so true to life. This author always seems to get it right with not only her brilliant characters, but also the sense of place in locations, especially France. A superb 5 star read for me and I look forward to reading more from this author.
March 8, 2020
Love, love, loved it!
I loved Rosie & Ruby , such a wonderful read that despite the trials and tribulations both girls endure you just know they’ve got what it takes to come out the other side , slightly scarred maybe but still fighting. This is a story of family, good and bad, of promises kept and broken, of hope, love and trust. The women in the story for the most part are strong yet vulnerable , fragile at times but their strength shines through ,and , ultimately protects and serves them well. Of course as in real life not all the cast of characters are likeable , in fact some are downright despicable, but that’s what makes this so readable , it mirrors life. To sum up an absolutely excellent read.
I loved Rosie & Ruby , such a wonderful read that despite the trials and tribulations both girls endure you just know they’ve got what it takes to come out the other side , slightly scarred maybe but still fighting. This is a story of family, good and bad, of promises kept and broken, of hope, love and trust. The women in the story for the most part are strong yet vulnerable , fragile at times but their strength shines through ,and , ultimately protects and serves them well. Of course as in real life not all the cast of characters are likeable , in fact some are downright despicable, but that’s what makes this so readable , it mirrors life. To sum up an absolutely excellent read.
November 5, 2019
What a brilliant book. I couldn't put it it down, I read until 5 am and felt terrible the next day (or the same really). The characters, 2 young girls and then adults have very different lives, although neither was good grow up and go through very different scenarios. However, a pact made during their childhood means that they impact on each other's lives for the better. You cannot wait to see 'what happens next' all the way through. The people who are bad aren't always the ones you think they are going to be but the really bad ones fortunately don't win.
Enough said as I don't want to be a spoiler. Do read it. You won't regret it.
Thank you Patricia Dixon!
Enough said as I don't want to be a spoiler. Do read it. You won't regret it.
Thank you Patricia Dixon!
July 14, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read! An impulse buy when gory murder mystery was just not holding me, this is a story of cousins whose home lives are poles apart yet both filled with the greyness a lack of nurture brings to children. The characters are all well developed and for this reader fell into one of two camps: love them or hate them - though some of these swapped sides as the tale unfolded.
Ms Dixon’s style of writing is accessible but with depth. If I needed to sum it up in very few words, I would say there is much akin to a northern England Maeve Binchey with a fair sprinkle of Martina Cole! Oh, and her description of life on a ‘sink estate’ is second to none.
Ms Dixon’s style of writing is accessible but with depth. If I needed to sum it up in very few words, I would say there is much akin to a northern England Maeve Binchey with a fair sprinkle of Martina Cole! Oh, and her description of life on a ‘sink estate’ is second to none.
May 14, 2023
This is a beautiful yet tragic read in which you can tell that the author has invested heart & soul in her characters and locations. From rural Manchester to the undulating valleys of the Loire, it’s been a wonderful journey following Rosie & Ruby’s battles to find happiness. The ultimate challenge was hold on to their precious relationship & as the story progressed it was breathtaking to reach the final outcome. Such a special & realistic tale that I half expect to bump into Rosie & Ruby somewhere on my travels!
December 24, 2019
Triumphant 🏡🌈
A beautifully written story and a testament to good people. I have always been am equalatist and believe in the good in all people, it is so lovely to read about commitment and dedication and caring, such as the characters in this book. Very strong role models in both the women and the good men. Trust yourself not to be afraid and seek help is a good message from the book. Very descriptive.
A beautifully written story and a testament to good people. I have always been am equalatist and believe in the good in all people, it is so lovely to read about commitment and dedication and caring, such as the characters in this book. Very strong role models in both the women and the good men. Trust yourself not to be afraid and seek help is a good message from the book. Very descriptive.
April 28, 2024
T/w dv. Rosie and Ruby are cousins who are completely different characters, yet they’re bonded by love and see each other through their hardest journeys. Them against the world! A story of heartache, heartbreak but above all persistence, devotion determination and courage to believe that life can be better with the people who know and love you most.
Really beautifully written and narrated I loved this one. It was a quick and thoroughly enjoyable listen.
Really beautifully written and narrated I loved this one. It was a quick and thoroughly enjoyable listen.
July 2, 2019
Beautiful
One of my favourite authors. I was supposed to be saving this for my holiday but couldn’t resist a sneak peak that turned into devouring the entire book in two sittings. Another fantastic, heartfelt book with characters that Patricia brings such life into. Her words, characters and storytelling are just beautiful. Thank you Patricia ❤️
One of my favourite authors. I was supposed to be saving this for my holiday but couldn’t resist a sneak peak that turned into devouring the entire book in two sittings. Another fantastic, heartfelt book with characters that Patricia brings such life into. Her words, characters and storytelling are just beautiful. Thank you Patricia ❤️
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