Splendidly Ruby: The Acclaimed Matchmaker of Niederbipp

by Ben Behunin

After writing her first painful week into the history books with her own blood, sweat and tears, Genevieve Patterson has had a change of heart and is finally ready to commit herself to spending the next five months at the farm on Harmony Hill. Her covert assignment, a 10,000 word essay on Rudy, the acclaimed Matchmaker of Niederbipp, is slow to take form, but not for a lack of trying. The distractions are from photographers, to difficult personalities, to intriguing historical discoveries. And despite the lamentable curse of her accident-prone nature, Genevieve knows she's got to buckle down and make some headway. But how does one sensitively and authentically write about eleven diverse individuals whose only apparent similarity is their shared dream of matrimonial bliss? And her assignment is only becoming more complicated as Genevieve recognizes that there's far more to this story than she ever could have imagined. Laugh and cry as you enjoy finding yourself in the characters of this second volume of The Matchmaker of Niederbipp Series. Discover the remnants of ancient wisdom. Find joy and compassion along with Genevieve in this ongoing journey of grace and self-discovery. Viva Niederbipp!

Genres: Fiction

372 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2019

About the author

It 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.

Reviews

[Ryviera Shayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say, Ben has done it again! And I think he may have done it even better than the last time! And to prove it, my husband and I have been reading the Neiderbipp series together and he asks me almost every night - "Do you want to read another chapter or two tonight?" And then we spend several minutes - and sometimes much more - discussing what we have just read. This series is truly one of the best marriage book series I have ever read, not to mention just a darn good story and read. If you haven't started it, get book 1 and get started! I promise, you won't regret it!

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one felt way more preachy or greeting-card-esque than his other books, and I enjoyed it a lot less. I don’t mind reading wisdom and good ideas, but in this book it felt like that was all I was reading. There are very few actual events/experiences; it’s mostly made up of conversations that felt pretty contrived. Will I read the next book? Yes. I just didn’t love it like I’ve loved all of the other Niederbipp books.

I also take issue with the fact that they constantly refer to these people in their 30s and 40s as “kids.” Whaaat? I could maaaybe see that with people in their early 20s, but these characters are well beyond that. I believe that marriage is one of the most beautiful things a person can experience, but I also think that the infantilization of unmarried adults is really problematic.

(I also died laughing when I did the math and realized that the book is supposed to take place in 2020... no pandemic in sight 😂 if only.)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to revisit Neiderbipp and all the characters from Authentically Ruby! These books are delightful and help me to slow down and recenter my life. The wise words about marriage and relationships help me to take stock of my life and try a little harder to be a little better. There is so much anger in the world these days, I wish we could all spend a summer on Ruby's farm and learn her lessons of faith and love. I love to see the kids progress in their relationships and often humorous situations. I also love the creativity that abounds on the farm and the open possibilities. The only thing I didnt like about the book was that it wasn't longer! I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!

[Karren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book, however we are now only two weeks into the life of the summer help at the farm. There are lots of good quotes but maybe too much lengthy philosophy rendered making it slow reading.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

a little slow for my taste

[Tebafin · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a few editing mistakes but live what I am relearning

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Self-help books are hard for me to listen to. Those that have a plot are easier for me. Thanks, Ben, for sharing your talents.
Sports teams need coaches. Family teams do too. This series of books is a helpful coach for marriage.