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Ruby's #1
Brunch At Ruby's
Three Friends. One City. Waiting to Exhale in the "A."
Brunch at Ruby's is a tale of love, friendship, and unbreakable bonds between women like sisters.
The women in Debra Macklin’s circle always compliment her on having everything they could want: a successful career, a long marriage to an attentive man, and a happy child. However, none of them know the explosive secret that she keeps tucked away from everyone else. If it were to ever get out, it could shatter the perfect image she has crafted for herself, not to mention destroying both her marriage and career.
Maxine Donovan has worked tirelessly to obtain the life she believes she deserves, and she isn't sorry for it. But even with her accomplishments, Maxine still searches for her significant other. A breathtaking yet distant man has caught her eye--only he seems to be preoccupied with someone else. Will Maxine pursue this potential suitor the same way she's chased after everything else in her life?
When Renee Gladwell left a life and a loving boyfriend to return to Atlanta, she was hoping to reinvigorate her father and Gladwell Books, a family-owned bookstore. However, four years later, she's mourning the diagnosis of Alzheimer's that is slowly making him forget his past—including her- and the shop that a long way from being able to sell. With her life seemingly stuck in limbo between caring for her dad and wanting something more, Malcolm Brooks enters the picture and brings some light into her darkness. But will love be worth risking a friendship?
Brunch at Ruby's is Book 1 in a growing series set in the heart of Decatur, Georgia.
Brunch at Ruby's is a tale of love, friendship, and unbreakable bonds between women like sisters.
The women in Debra Macklin’s circle always compliment her on having everything they could want: a successful career, a long marriage to an attentive man, and a happy child. However, none of them know the explosive secret that she keeps tucked away from everyone else. If it were to ever get out, it could shatter the perfect image she has crafted for herself, not to mention destroying both her marriage and career.
Maxine Donovan has worked tirelessly to obtain the life she believes she deserves, and she isn't sorry for it. But even with her accomplishments, Maxine still searches for her significant other. A breathtaking yet distant man has caught her eye--only he seems to be preoccupied with someone else. Will Maxine pursue this potential suitor the same way she's chased after everything else in her life?
When Renee Gladwell left a life and a loving boyfriend to return to Atlanta, she was hoping to reinvigorate her father and Gladwell Books, a family-owned bookstore. However, four years later, she's mourning the diagnosis of Alzheimer's that is slowly making him forget his past—including her- and the shop that a long way from being able to sell. With her life seemingly stuck in limbo between caring for her dad and wanting something more, Malcolm Brooks enters the picture and brings some light into her darkness. But will love be worth risking a friendship?
Brunch at Ruby's is Book 1 in a growing series set in the heart of Decatur, Georgia.
408 pages, ebook
First published March 24, 2015
659 people are currently reading
1480 people want to read
About the author
D.L. White
23 books394 followersDL White writes romance novels that celebrate Black love across multiple series, including the Ruby's Novels, Black Diamond Bay collection, and Potter Lake Small Town Romance. Her fifteen-plus titles offer rich, nuanced relationships that center Black characters. Through The Books by DL White Bookcast, she shares her current reads and writing updates. An Atlanta-based author and Executive Administrative Assistant, White finds inspiration from lakeshores to white sand beaches. When she's not writing, you'll find her chasing the perfect Sunday brunch or enjoying a great cup of coffee.
Browse, read, and buy her work at BooksByDLWhite.com.
Browse, read, and buy her work at BooksByDLWhite.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
February 4, 2021
3.5 Stars
I did not like the characters in Brunch at Ruby's. None of them had any redeeming qualities. Maxine was pretentious, selfish, & rude, Renee was weak & stupid, and Debra was was just ridiculous. Typically, I'm not a fan of books where the storyline features multiple characters. I like my focus to be on one couple. Out of all three of the ladies, I was more interested in Debra's story. Maxine was dislikeable from the start and when she flipped out on Renee about Malcolm, I damn near hated her. How you gon' be mad at a man because, he's more attracted to your friend and has made it clear he has no interest in you from the very beginning. Maxine was vindictive and petty. That heffa was nobody's friend. Renee allowed Maxine to talk down to her and walk all over her. She was willing to give Malcolm up for someone who is clearly not her friend. She was entirely too weak for me. Debra was a grown azz woman who acted like she didn't know her rights. How you gon' let Willard put you out of a house you paid for and just take custody of your daughter?!!! Nah, playa. That's not how this is going down. Not one time did Renee ever consult with a lawyer. She just did what Willard told her to do. I get she felt guilty because of the affair but, that still was not a reason to let him walk all over her. I found it hard to enjoy Brunch at Ruby's because, I didn't like any of the characters. Maxine, Renee, and Debra worked my last nerve. I sure hope Dinner at Sam's is much better.
I did not like the characters in Brunch at Ruby's. None of them had any redeeming qualities. Maxine was pretentious, selfish, & rude, Renee was weak & stupid, and Debra was was just ridiculous. Typically, I'm not a fan of books where the storyline features multiple characters. I like my focus to be on one couple. Out of all three of the ladies, I was more interested in Debra's story. Maxine was dislikeable from the start and when she flipped out on Renee about Malcolm, I damn near hated her. How you gon' be mad at a man because, he's more attracted to your friend and has made it clear he has no interest in you from the very beginning. Maxine was vindictive and petty. That heffa was nobody's friend. Renee allowed Maxine to talk down to her and walk all over her. She was willing to give Malcolm up for someone who is clearly not her friend. She was entirely too weak for me. Debra was a grown azz woman who acted like she didn't know her rights. How you gon' let Willard put you out of a house you paid for and just take custody of your daughter?!!! Nah, playa. That's not how this is going down. Not one time did Renee ever consult with a lawyer. She just did what Willard told her to do. I get she felt guilty because of the affair but, that still was not a reason to let him walk all over her. I found it hard to enjoy Brunch at Ruby's because, I didn't like any of the characters. Maxine, Renee, and Debra worked my last nerve. I sure hope Dinner at Sam's is much better.
April 15, 2015
The first page of this book made me want to get somewhere quiet and indulge in this story. Between school, research papers and work I haven't had a lot of time to read but every chance I got I was in this book. The characters were so well developed and I felt like I knew them personally.
Renee left a relationship and job to care for her sick father. She thought she would only be moving in with her dad temporarily but it turned into a permanent situation. Debra is a high school principal, a wife and a mother but she got caught up in a scandal at her school that could cost her everything. Maxine is beautiful, intelligent and owns her own real estate company. She prefers the finer things in life and never settles. These three ladies are best friends and go through everything together.
I absolutely loved their friendship and bond. This book will definitely keep your attention. I never wanted it to end. I felt like I was watching a movie. The writing just flows and keeps you turning the pages! This book is definitely one of my favorites!
Renee left a relationship and job to care for her sick father. She thought she would only be moving in with her dad temporarily but it turned into a permanent situation. Debra is a high school principal, a wife and a mother but she got caught up in a scandal at her school that could cost her everything. Maxine is beautiful, intelligent and owns her own real estate company. She prefers the finer things in life and never settles. These three ladies are best friends and go through everything together.
I absolutely loved their friendship and bond. This book will definitely keep your attention. I never wanted it to end. I felt like I was watching a movie. The writing just flows and keeps you turning the pages! This book is definitely one of my favorites!
February 21, 2015
One of the most well written self published books I've come across. The characters are fully fleshed out and their friendships and relationships are very realistic. I'd highly recommend it for readers that loved The Supremes at Earl's All You Can Eat or Waiting to Exhale. Kudos to the author on this debut novel.
April 14, 2023
I really loved listening to this audio book. Sharell Palmer did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. White created three female characters that are so familiar and relatable that I found myself being able to relate strongly to all of them. I don't share the same personality as Maxine, but I swear there were times when I could hear one of my sisters talking and behaving in the exact same way that she does. Maxine is high maintenance and proud of it. Debra and Renee are both dealing with life altering problems that have completely shaken up their worlds. Debra because of her own actions and Renee because of a disease that so many families are having to face.
I love that White has given us a well written story about grown ass women with grown ass problems and facing them in a realistic manner. Even when the women make less than stellar choices I could understand why they made that fool's choice. I am so mad at myself for having looked at this book and not stopped to pick it up. I'm also glad that I chose to listen to it instead of read it. I don't consume nearly enough AA/black audio books and BRUNCH AT RUBY'S checked all my contemporary fiction boxes.
I see that this has been categorized as romance, but I would say that even if you aren't a romance fan this is a good one to pick up. White focuses much more on the relationships among the women than the physical intimacies among couples. Although there are some intimate scenes.
I am moving on to DINNER AT SAM'S as my next audio book which features Vanessa's story. Vanessa is a real estate agent who works for Maxine and is briefly mentioned at the end of BRUNCH AT RUBY'S, but she slides in with a significant dilemma. I am interested in how she is going to get through the situation that she has found herself in. If you have been skipping over this one-stop it! At the time I am writing this review this book is at the ridiculously cheap price of 99 cents at Amazon so go grab a copy!
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Instagram: @readermonica
TikTok: @readermonica
I love that White has given us a well written story about grown ass women with grown ass problems and facing them in a realistic manner. Even when the women make less than stellar choices I could understand why they made that fool's choice. I am so mad at myself for having looked at this book and not stopped to pick it up. I'm also glad that I chose to listen to it instead of read it. I don't consume nearly enough AA/black audio books and BRUNCH AT RUBY'S checked all my contemporary fiction boxes.
I see that this has been categorized as romance, but I would say that even if you aren't a romance fan this is a good one to pick up. White focuses much more on the relationships among the women than the physical intimacies among couples. Although there are some intimate scenes.
I am moving on to DINNER AT SAM'S as my next audio book which features Vanessa's story. Vanessa is a real estate agent who works for Maxine and is briefly mentioned at the end of BRUNCH AT RUBY'S, but she slides in with a significant dilemma. I am interested in how she is going to get through the situation that she has found herself in. If you have been skipping over this one-stop it! At the time I am writing this review this book is at the ridiculously cheap price of 99 cents at Amazon so go grab a copy!
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Instagram: @readermonica
TikTok: @readermonica
June 11, 2015
DL White has done it: written a wonderful book about friendship and all its foibles in such a way that you don't want the book to end. In Brunch at Ruby's, we meet lifelong friends Debra, Renee and Maxine when all three are a crossroads in their lives: Maxine is convinced she's met Mr. Right (based on standards her mother has instilled in her since her youth--wealthy and cultured and above her station), Debra has been caught in a clinch with her lover and the shit is about to hit the fan at the school where she's principal (especially since her lover is the Athletic Director at the school) and Renee is struggling to deal with her father and his quickly declining case of dementia.
White takes us through the highs and lows of the women's lives in alternating points of view and does so with a deft hand. There is NO head-hopping here; instead, we have confidently drawn characters whose voices are unique and whose storylines are differentiated enough that we understand all the time whose story we're following. This pleases me as there are far too many books out there told from alternating POV in which less confident authors jump from head to head mid-paragraph and end up confusing readers.
What I love about Brunch at Ruby's is that DL White has taken everyday life and made it so compelling that you don't want to put the book down. This is a story every woman can relate to--the ups and downs of friendships, marriage problems, dealing with ageing parents--and it does so without becoming maudlin or predictable. Loved this book! Looking forward to DL White's next release!
White takes us through the highs and lows of the women's lives in alternating points of view and does so with a deft hand. There is NO head-hopping here; instead, we have confidently drawn characters whose voices are unique and whose storylines are differentiated enough that we understand all the time whose story we're following. This pleases me as there are far too many books out there told from alternating POV in which less confident authors jump from head to head mid-paragraph and end up confusing readers.
What I love about Brunch at Ruby's is that DL White has taken everyday life and made it so compelling that you don't want to put the book down. This is a story every woman can relate to--the ups and downs of friendships, marriage problems, dealing with ageing parents--and it does so without becoming maudlin or predictable. Loved this book! Looking forward to DL White's next release!
April 19, 2015
This book was fun!
Renee left a good job and a handsome boyfriend to return to Atlanta intending to place her father, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimers, into a nursing home, sell her deceased mother's bookstore, the house and hightail it back to Philly.
But instead something happens.
She starts to enjoy owning the bookstore.
Her old best friends from childhood become her best friends again.
And she meets a very nice man.
A very nice man who is introduced to her and coveted by her best friend Maxine.
Meanwhile her other best friend, Debra, has placed both her marriage to her childhood sweetheart and her principal's job on the line by having an affair with a teacher in her employ.
A touching and at times humorous tale about the bonds and frictions between three women.
Thank you to Goodreads giveaways and author DL White for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Renee left a good job and a handsome boyfriend to return to Atlanta intending to place her father, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimers, into a nursing home, sell her deceased mother's bookstore, the house and hightail it back to Philly.
But instead something happens.
She starts to enjoy owning the bookstore.
Her old best friends from childhood become her best friends again.
And she meets a very nice man.
A very nice man who is introduced to her and coveted by her best friend Maxine.
Meanwhile her other best friend, Debra, has placed both her marriage to her childhood sweetheart and her principal's job on the line by having an affair with a teacher in her employ.
A touching and at times humorous tale about the bonds and frictions between three women.
Thank you to Goodreads giveaways and author DL White for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2015
Great story, likable and relatable characters. I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to more from this author!
June 11, 2015
An APB Perspective Review:
Every time I discover a new author who is unique and gifted I smile , that's how I feel about D.L. White. " Brunch At Ruby's" is like no other book I have read , I normally don't read a book with more than one hero and heroine in books because the book gets confusing, I did not feel that way about this book the way the author laid out the story I was totally engaged with each character. The story was sad and happy and funny each women had a different story to tell ,but they blended well together. Each woman has a story all of us can relate to, Debra made me cry because she paid for the bad decision he made which hurt her and her family so much. Renee's decision to take care of her ailing father and putting everyone before her own happiness, and Maxine the self centered woman , who thinks she knows what she wants out of life. I got to know these women and rooted for them , cared about them, wanted to keep reading about them even after the last page. Good job D.L. White I can't wait to see what you write next.
Every time I discover a new author who is unique and gifted I smile , that's how I feel about D.L. White. " Brunch At Ruby's" is like no other book I have read , I normally don't read a book with more than one hero and heroine in books because the book gets confusing, I did not feel that way about this book the way the author laid out the story I was totally engaged with each character. The story was sad and happy and funny each women had a different story to tell ,but they blended well together. Each woman has a story all of us can relate to, Debra made me cry because she paid for the bad decision he made which hurt her and her family so much. Renee's decision to take care of her ailing father and putting everyone before her own happiness, and Maxine the self centered woman , who thinks she knows what she wants out of life. I got to know these women and rooted for them , cared about them, wanted to keep reading about them even after the last page. Good job D.L. White I can't wait to see what you write next.
January 22, 2016
Food and Fellowhip
I read this novel because it was recommended by one of my favorite authors. This novel follows the lives and friendship of Debra, Renee, and Maxine. Each lady's situation is different. You learn how they deal with the problems that each faces. This was an enjoyable read and I'll be looking for more books from this author.
I read this novel because it was recommended by one of my favorite authors. This novel follows the lives and friendship of Debra, Renee, and Maxine. Each lady's situation is different. You learn how they deal with the problems that each faces. This was an enjoyable read and I'll be looking for more books from this author.
December 18, 2019
This was a relatable and entertaining listen. The characters, while not likable per se, were interesting. The story flowed very well. The author placed the characters, a narcissist, an adulterer in denial and weakling, real-life situations. The audio production was well done. The narrator did a great job of giving voice to the characters.
(full commentary at kaybeesbookshelf.com)
(full commentary at kaybeesbookshelf.com)
April 27, 2021
D. L. White did a fantastic job of creating 3 fully fledged characters, each with their own personality, life, and motivation. The problem is that I didn't really like most of them!
Maxine is a selfish conceited woman, and I have no idea why Renee and Debra are even friends with her. She leads a very high end real estate office, but attempts to start a relationship with one of her clients WHILE HE'S STILL HER CLIENT! This is enormously unprofessional behaviour. And she really only cares about herself and how things affect her and her high opinion of her own status.
Debra is the principle of a local school (that her daughter attends), and has recently had an affair with the athletics director at that school. And she somehow treats the head of the PTA as the enemy who's trying to oust her from her job, when she had an affair with her subordinate! She should be fired! Plus when her relationship with her husband kind of blows up because of this, she makes almost no effort to fight for access to her daughter that her husband is denying here. Cheating on one's husband does not make one a bad mother, and Debra should have done more to fight for her daughter.
Renee is the only one of the 3 main women that I liked. She was put in a tough situation with needing to move back home to look after her father with Alzheimer's. She also had to give up her previous job and run the family bookstore when her father couldn't anymore. Renee is just trying to do her best to help her father and find some measure of joy in her difficult circumstances.
Maxine is a selfish conceited woman, and I have no idea why Renee and Debra are even friends with her. She leads a very high end real estate office, but attempts to start a relationship with one of her clients WHILE HE'S STILL HER CLIENT! This is enormously unprofessional behaviour. And she really only cares about herself and how things affect her and her high opinion of her own status.
Debra is the principle of a local school (that her daughter attends), and has recently had an affair with the athletics director at that school. And she somehow treats the head of the PTA as the enemy who's trying to oust her from her job, when she had an affair with her subordinate! She should be fired! Plus when her relationship with her husband kind of blows up because of this, she makes almost no effort to fight for access to her daughter that her husband is denying here. Cheating on one's husband does not make one a bad mother, and Debra should have done more to fight for her daughter.
Renee is the only one of the 3 main women that I liked. She was put in a tough situation with needing to move back home to look after her father with Alzheimer's. She also had to give up her previous job and run the family bookstore when her father couldn't anymore. Renee is just trying to do her best to help her father and find some measure of joy in her difficult circumstances.
August 13, 2017
I love a good girlfriend read, especially one that gives you the real deal on the yin and yang of friendship. This is one of many aspects of Brunch at Ruby's that kept me turning the pages. We meet three friends – Renée, Debra, and Maxine - and I found a personal connection with all three characters. Renee wears many hrs in her life: caregiver for her ailing father, bookstore owner, & the struggle of coming out of her own shell. There's a sweetness in her I wish I had - only if I didn't have so much Maxine in me! Max is judgmental, hustle-minded, & ALWAYS (!) has a side eye locked and loaded. The glue between these polar opposites of Debra. She, like me, is the 'strong' friend. Always there with a smile & a word, Debra is the character who kept me focused on this novel. She has a secret that hits you within this first 2 chapters!
The author has perfected the art of crafting three different personalities who love each other unconditionally. You leave this novel rooting for all three and the drastic turns their lives make by the last page. Looking forward to digging into the sequel, Dinner at Sam's, very soon. Cop this one immediately!
The author has perfected the art of crafting three different personalities who love each other unconditionally. You leave this novel rooting for all three and the drastic turns their lives make by the last page. Looking forward to digging into the sequel, Dinner at Sam's, very soon. Cop this one immediately!
February 18, 2020
In the story Brunch at Ruby's, we meet lifelong friends Debra, Renee and Maxine. All three of these women are at crossroads in their lives: Maxine is convinced she's met Mr. Right based on what her mother taught her to look for in a partner. Debra marriage is falling apart she has been caught in a an affair and the everything is about to hit the fan at the school where she's principal. The man she decided to have an affair with is the Athletic Director at the school. Renee is struggling to deal with her ailing father and his quickly declining case of dementia.
The author takes us through the highs and lows of the women's lives in alternating points of view and does so with precision. I was drawn to the characters whose voices are unique and whose story lines are differentiated enough that we understand all the time whose story we're following as you turn the pages.
I like each of the women for different reasons and the story pulled me in enough to invest in caring about them. It at times was powerful and moving when there lives got out of control. I would like to read more from this author and I recommend this book.
The author takes us through the highs and lows of the women's lives in alternating points of view and does so with precision. I was drawn to the characters whose voices are unique and whose story lines are differentiated enough that we understand all the time whose story we're following as you turn the pages.
I like each of the women for different reasons and the story pulled me in enough to invest in caring about them. It at times was powerful and moving when there lives got out of control. I would like to read more from this author and I recommend this book.
May 22, 2015
What a great story about three friends, Maxine, Debra and Renee. Each of these ladies had a long standing friendship. Each has to face some difficult situations. One has an affair. One nearly loses the love she had been searching for all her life. One has to face a horrible disease that has consumed her an her family.
Old jealousy and pain surfaces but they each fight to survive. Each has to make some difficult choices but become better women and better friends because of their decisions.
First time read of this author, was worth every page....Hope hear more from you in the future..
Old jealousy and pain surfaces but they each fight to survive. Each has to make some difficult choices but become better women and better friends because of their decisions.
First time read of this author, was worth every page....Hope hear more from you in the future..
October 17, 2018
A good friend is hard to fine even harder to keep!
I simply loved the story it’s a story of three lifelong best friends. These girlfriends have been through it all together and separately. And through it all they have brunch once a month at Rubys! Friends are truly hard to fine and even harder to keep! I guarantee you you’ll see yourself or one of your girlfriends in the three some. Definitely five stars.
I simply loved the story it’s a story of three lifelong best friends. These girlfriends have been through it all together and separately. And through it all they have brunch once a month at Rubys! Friends are truly hard to fine and even harder to keep! I guarantee you you’ll see yourself or one of your girlfriends in the three some. Definitely five stars.
January 11, 2018
Can I tell you how much I love a girlfriends type novel. I always feel like I'm one of the crew. DL White did such a great job with pulling me into each story line but still keep a great flow. A few times my heart jumped waiting to see what was next and man was it worth the wait. This was such a great read now on to the next.
May 17, 2015
I'm biased as my dear friend wrote this, but you'd be amazed how hard it is to find books these days that have compelling, three-dimensional female characters who aren't manic pixie stereotypes, and damn if she doesn't do the loveliest job of writing them.
November 12, 2018
I was really impressed with D.L. White's debut novel, Brunch at Ruby's.
The three main characters, best friends Maxine, Debra, and Renee, are some of the most well-defined characters I've ever read about. I have a big pet peeve with authors who create characters that are ill-defined, or start out well-defined, but then do things that seem completely out of character. When I read Brunch at Ruby's, I could tell that the author knew her players inside and out, and I really, really appreciated that. It makes the story effortless and the reading pleasurable.
In addition to rich, full characters, the plot of Brunch at Ruby's flows smoothly. The author's choice of switching between the three main characters' point of view was seamless and effective. I felt like I knew Maxine, Debra and Renee and was invested in each of their lives. (For the record, Renee was my favorite.)
D.L. White didn't miss a beat with this novel of three best friends and their struggles and triumphs. Everything they experienced felt real and not the least bit contrived. I was rooting for each of the women as I read. I look forward to reading more from this promising author.
The three main characters, best friends Maxine, Debra, and Renee, are some of the most well-defined characters I've ever read about. I have a big pet peeve with authors who create characters that are ill-defined, or start out well-defined, but then do things that seem completely out of character. When I read Brunch at Ruby's, I could tell that the author knew her players inside and out, and I really, really appreciated that. It makes the story effortless and the reading pleasurable.
In addition to rich, full characters, the plot of Brunch at Ruby's flows smoothly. The author's choice of switching between the three main characters' point of view was seamless and effective. I felt like I knew Maxine, Debra and Renee and was invested in each of their lives. (For the record, Renee was my favorite.)
D.L. White didn't miss a beat with this novel of three best friends and their struggles and triumphs. Everything they experienced felt real and not the least bit contrived. I was rooting for each of the women as I read. I look forward to reading more from this promising author.
March 27, 2016
Sometimes I am a little apprehensive about reading new authors. This book kept popping up as a recommendation. So I decided to read the sample and was hooked. I ended up purchasing this book and found it was a hidden gem. Sometimes when a book focuses on more than 2 main characters it becomes a distraction. However not with this book. All three characters were well developed and the story flowed. This author made it worked effortlessly. Friendships/relationships sometimes can be complicated and especially when one is going through life's turbulent journey. I felt the stress of how this ending was going to turn out. No spoilers... but this is an awesome read. I just saw there was going to be a 2nd book. I'm looking forward to the continuation of this series.
May 18, 2015
This was our book club pick for the month of April. The characters were so well developed that everyone could speak of each character so clearly. We knew the personalities and motivations of each character inside and out. The debate came when we spoke of whether we sympathized with the character's decisions. Half the room felt bad for Debra and her secret. The other half loved Maxine despite her abrasiveness. Everyone loved Renee because Renee is every woman. We were happy with the ending, but we love the characters so much that we want a sequel! Overall, great debut novel.
December 18, 2016
I enjoyed the friendship of Renee, Debra and Max. The ladies were as different as they could be, yet shared an unbreakable bond. Though I did not like Max at all, I was happy that she finally got off her high horse and saw that she was being selfish and stupid throwing away the love of s good man and her life long friend over a crush she had on a man who did not want her in the least.
Debra and Renee had their faults, but in the end they were all good people who loved hard and put family first. The backdrop of Ruby's was just what the doctor ordered for a Southern tale. Good job.
Debra and Renee had their faults, but in the end they were all good people who loved hard and put family first. The backdrop of Ruby's was just what the doctor ordered for a Southern tale. Good job.
March 5, 2018
In Brunch at Ruby's Ms. White gives us a heartwarming story about friendship, obligations, choices, and love. Told from the perspective of three women who've been close friends since they were young -- each of the women is a finely drawn, interesting character and I found much to relate to in each of them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As each woman faced massive challenges in their attempts to live life happily with love, how the story unfolded made it an often surprising and awesome read. Difficult to put down. Brava.
March 17, 2016
Well
What can I say? This book was fantastic. It makes me wants to call up my friends and find us a spot like Ruby's. I saw this book was mentioned on Goodreads and I said I think I will try it out. I am so glad I did. I did not want to put it down. Debra, Maxine, and Renee, I loved them. Maxine was just so crazy and funny. I have been reading DL White and I must say I am enjoying her work. Now, let me see what is next from this author.
What can I say? This book was fantastic. It makes me wants to call up my friends and find us a spot like Ruby's. I saw this book was mentioned on Goodreads and I said I think I will try it out. I am so glad I did. I did not want to put it down. Debra, Maxine, and Renee, I loved them. Maxine was just so crazy and funny. I have been reading DL White and I must say I am enjoying her work. Now, let me see what is next from this author.
March 8, 2019
The narration of this book was really good. I like the character development. The story provides a stark examination of whether females can be true friends, and just how there are sometimes give and take to maintain friendships. That being said, I'm really glad that my experience with my sister-friends DO NOT mirror the ups and downs that the characters faced in the book. Kept my interest throughout with a few jaw-dropping moments.
February 25, 2016
I'm late to the party, but this was a wonderful debut novel. Couldn't put it down.
October 5, 2019
Fabulous
Just the book I needed to read! A wonderful story about friendship, romance, and getting what you need in life, even when it’s not what you thought you wanted.
Just the book I needed to read! A wonderful story about friendship, romance, and getting what you need in life, even when it’s not what you thought you wanted.
February 18, 2022
Gah! What a wonderful and emotional ride. This spans a year in the life of three friends in their late 30s.
I think the realism comes from how imperfect each of these women are. They are in difficult situations, at times from their own poor or misguided decisions, sometimes from the normal trials of life. Debra having an affair and Maxine’s self centeredness were particularly laborious to sympathize with. However, I liked the way White helped them grow and move beyond themselves. Renee is balancing her father’s Alzheimer’s with creating a new and unexpected life.
While there are satisfying love stories for each of these women - this is really about their own personal identity and friendship. Terrific mix of grief, joy, anger, laughs, defeat, and triumph.
Narration:
Overall, I enjoyed Sharell Palmer’s narration. I would have liked more distinction between the various character’s voices. That said, I did like her performance of the banter and emotions.
I think the realism comes from how imperfect each of these women are. They are in difficult situations, at times from their own poor or misguided decisions, sometimes from the normal trials of life. Debra having an affair and Maxine’s self centeredness were particularly laborious to sympathize with. However, I liked the way White helped them grow and move beyond themselves. Renee is balancing her father’s Alzheimer’s with creating a new and unexpected life.
While there are satisfying love stories for each of these women - this is really about their own personal identity and friendship. Terrific mix of grief, joy, anger, laughs, defeat, and triumph.
Narration:
Overall, I enjoyed Sharell Palmer’s narration. I would have liked more distinction between the various character’s voices. That said, I did like her performance of the banter and emotions.
April 27, 2021
I must say, I needed to read a book that gave me comfort and kept me company. Sometimes you just need a book to be a good friend and this one didn’t disappoint. It was more than I knew I needed. The novel starts out with three good girlfriends who sometimes make you wonder if they are really friends. But what friendship isn’t without flaws? Each friend learns about herself, what it means to be a friend, and how things aren’t always what they seem.
I eagerly read this book as I watched the friends grow, although grown, right before my eyes. Friendship and love definitely conquered all. This book will piss you off, stress you out, give you a hug, and make you want to cry. Enjoy.
I eagerly read this book as I watched the friends grow, although grown, right before my eyes. Friendship and love definitely conquered all. This book will piss you off, stress you out, give you a hug, and make you want to cry. Enjoy.
August 31, 2021
Brunch at Ruby's was so well written. I felt like I was a part of the story. It is a true testament to an author's writing when he or she can make you have a visceral connection to a character or characters. I could NOT stand Maxine. I wanted to jump through the book and beat Maxine's behind. I also had difficulty with the parts of Renee's dad and his early onset of Alzheimer's. My mother suffered from the same disease but D.L. White so accurately captured Renee's authentic feelings about her dad's condition.
My book club read this for our August selection and it was popular with the whole group. I will most definitely work my way through Ms. White's catalog.
My book club read this for our August selection and it was popular with the whole group. I will most definitely work my way through Ms. White's catalog.
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