Ruby Tuesday

by Hayley Lawrence

Ruby was named after a song about freedom, but she’s far from free. She’s trapped by her mum’s accident, her past as a famous pianist a distant memory. This was never the plan – both of them invisible and voiceless in a dusty small town. And Ruby wants to be heard.

But that was before Joey Milano.

Before that awful party.
Now the only thing Ruby’s sure of is that she’ll never ever trust anyone again.
When the opportunity of a lifetime comes knocking, and a boy from her past reaches out, Ruby’s not fooled. Some things are broken beyond repair.

Or are they?

Genres: Music

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2020

About the author

Hayley Lawrence worked as a lawyer in a commercial firm in Sydney before trading city life for the coast when she married a pilot. Hayley and her husband had many adventures while she worked for a small law firm on the Mid-North Coast of NSW. They now have five vivacious daughters who continue to bring immense joy and utter mayhem to their life.

Despite leaving legal work, Hayley could not leave behind the stories of the people she’d encountered. They are stories that provoke questions about the nature of humanity, and it’s these questions that haunt her novels.

Reviews

[hannah! · Rating 5 out of 5]

genuinely one of my favourite books ever

[Laura Altmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

SYNOPSIS: Ruby Tuesday wants two things in life. Firstly, to sing, and secondly, to catch the attention of her crush, Joey. However, after a video of Ruby drunkenly serenading Joey hits the Internet, she begins to question her talent, and her ability to handle attention. Plus, a dark encounter with Joey shocks her to her very core. Feeling broken and confused, how will Ruby rediscover her courage and confidence?

MY THOUGHTS: So, this book has been getting pretty rave reviews so far. Everyone I know has given it either 4 or 5 stars... but for me, this book was just “okay.” Ruby Tuesday tackles a lot of big issues - sexual assault, disability, death, family problems, and more, all in only 318 pages. I don’t feel that any of these issues were given the page time they deserved, they all just felt skimmed over. To me, it seemed like Lawrence was jumping from issue to issue, without exploring any of them in depth.

I do think this book will appeal to some people, possibly younger teenagers (despite the sexual assault scene). But this was definitely not the book for me! I will, however, say that the characters, especially Ruby and her mother were quite well fleshed out.

MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @penguinbooksaus for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

[Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Thank you Penguin Australia for this book in exchange for an honest review

This is one of those books that as soon as you finishing reading it, you feel accomplished and ready to take action!
Hayley Lawrence delivers a strong book that covers strong themes regarding friendship and growing up. This is one of those books that you need to read and straight away!
But I have to admit the most interesting part of this book is that it isn’t the stock standard light-hearted book that you regularly find on shelves, this book explores death and loosing a loved one and mental and physical abuse. But these dark elements mix well in a heartbreakingly beautiful story that really digs deep into your soul.
Though this is a dark tale, I would highly recommend that the younger generation read this. There is so much importance to be absorbed by dark tales that talk about the taboo topics. Lawrence has delivered a wonderful book and it will be interesting to see what else she comes up with.

[Lucie Dess · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Let people talk. What they think of you isn’t your responsibility. Just don’t let them make you feel ashamed. Your worth is your own and you don’t negotiate that with anyone.”

I absolutely devoured this book. It was beautifully written and really captured what it’s like to be a girl in high school. I instantly connected with Ruby, she is such a likeable and relatable protagonist. She goes through so much, I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a hug.

This is not a light hearted story and there are many triggers. Ruby Tuesday explores death/loss, assault (both physical and sexual), family dynamics and so much more. It was beautiful but heartbreaking and is definitely an important story for young people to read.

[Maddy Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The themes in this book were handled so beautifully and didn’t feel like it was a mockery of the events that happened.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Samzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Tuesday – Hayley Lawrence



“When life offers you a gift, you should be humble enough to accept it”



A wonderful tale from broken to living the best life you can.

Ruby Tuesday is such a beautifully written book that pushes the boundaries in the best way.

Ruby Tuesday was very relatable and was full of some of the best quotes I’ve saved from books.



When I started Ruby Tuesday I was thinking “oh another typical teen romance novel” but it is so much more; that’s what I loved so much about it. Ruby Tuesday covers topics that should definitely be covered for young adults even though they are uncomfortable topics. It is honestly such a truly raw book, the topics it covers are written into the book so well and so accurate. It's written in a way that it is full-on by definitely not too full on. However in saying that it may be triggering to some people.



Hayley has a truly amazing talent to be able to write about such serious topics and absolutely do it with justice and make it educational to young adults.
If I have kids one day, especially girls; Hayley’s book will be given to them to read when they are old enough.

[Amanda C · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟I just adored everything about this beautiful gem of a book from Hayley Lawrence - I didn’t want it to end! 😍 This was just so beautifully written and I connected to Ruby and her story in so many ways from growing up in a small town, to the events that occur and even the musical aspect! 🎶 The characters are all so well developed and extremely relatable and although the storyline was heart wrenching at times, I really feel like the topics are super important for the YA audience and will hopefully help open up much needed conversations. I also really appreciate that Hayley takes the time to write a ‘From the Author’ section in her books that gives a background on how her stories come together - it’s a wonderfully personal touch and makes me feel like I really know her 😊 Another great Australian contemporary read that you need to add to you #mustread list!!!

[Stella-r Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Tuesday is a flawless gem of a read that manages to balance a heartfelt story with elements of adventure. Exploring topical themes with heartbreaking realism. 17-year-old Ruby lives in a dusty town in NSW, or maybe she’s trapped there. Trapped by her Mum’s accident. But Ruby has her voice, her strength and her longing for Joey Milliano. Ruby must forage a new path, guided by her voice and passion. When a boy from her past rejoins the scene, she must combat her fears and gain the strength to heal old wounds. Ruby Tuesday explores friendship, strength and healing while depicting an artfully crafted love story on the backdrop of a small rural town. Highly recommended to those aged 15-16+

Probably my favourite read of 2020. Does what so many relationships novels try and do, better. Ruby is compelling and as a whole it feels very well paced and “balanced”.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little YA book - definitely 14+ due to the sexual references. But the messages are important within the book. That No means no.
Ruby is a teenager trying to find her confidence like most teenagers. Doesn’t know her dad, her mum was a famous musician when younger, now in a wheelchair. So there is a lot going on.
The story of friendships in high school. Crushes on boys, first relationships. Stepping out of your comfort zone.
Story set in NSW so it is easy to relate to.
Just a standard good teenage life story

[Tina Jameson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important voice - should be read by young adults AND their parents. Conversations should follow.
There is so much heart in this story, of a girl finding her self, her confidence, her voice in spite of the grief and the cruel physical and psychological assaults that threaten her sense of safety and identity.

[Peta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayley, loved your second book. Read it in pretty much a day!! Couldn’t put it down. It was a real story that would mean so much to so many young women of today. I think young teen girls need to read it especially because there are so many Joey Milanos out there. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I did! I often felt I was being lectured and some of the the facts and figures out of our hero's mouth didn't feel natural. But it deals with alcohol and its abuse by some teens, the issues around clear consent and the value of true friends - entirely readable and enough to make me want to read this author's first book.

[Josephine Kitoko · Rating 2 out of 5]

I believe the story is good and has potential but in my opinion the themes weren't really explored throughout the book and the smut scene between Ruby and Erik was completely uncalleld for me and added nothing to the story.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong writing, strong themes, satisfying conclusion.

[Eleni Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars! That’s how excited I am to read this one. I need it in my hands now!! RTC

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this, just as my daughter started a relationship. I could relate to Ruby.
I tried not to read the book everyday as I knew I’d finish and be sad it ended.

[Rachel Abercrombie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gem of a book.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Part of my Book Reviews for ReadPlus.

[Booksaboutem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a deeply moving story about regaining trust after trauma, overcoming fears, and taking chances, with a strong theme of the me too movement.

The first part of this book contains really heavy content including sexual assault and sexual harassment. You really feel for Ruby with all the obstacles in her life, the loss of a grandparent hits so hard, and she feels like her life is always going to be the same as her mother requires help due to a spinal injury

I loved seeing Ruby slowly being able to regain her trust in others and overcoming obstacles to follow her passions

I hope this book will create conversation that consent isn’t someone not saying no, and bullying is never okay.

Thank you to penguin for sending me a copy to review.