Rock Bottom, Tennessee

by Kimberly Nixon

Life is hard for Ruby growing up in poverty on the wrong side of the mountain on her grandfather's farm where literally the sun didn’t shine. The Appalachian setting isn’t her friend as she searches for an easy life at the "tippy-top" with contentment and security. Two different men come into her life, one virtuous and the other rebellious. Ruby makes a series of bad decisions, causing her life to tumble into an unexpected outcome.

The Four Winds meets Blind Tiger in this tale during Prohibition Era Appalachian Tennessee, set in the early 1900s, where setting and mountain community become other characters of the story. Based on a real-life tale of the author’s grandmother, the reader gets immersed in Ruby’s choices as she searches for worthiness and belonging. Was the adventure worth the risk of losing her family? Will Ruby ever find what she is looking for?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Southern, Audiobook

356 pages, Paperback

Published April 5, 2022

About the author

Five things to know about me:

1. I am passionate about the family story and have been blessed with a plethora of juicy ones.

2. I love forest bathing. Give me a hike or a good book and we'll be friends for life.

3. True story: my family lived off the land when I was growing up. We had an apple orchard, a huge garden, cherry trees, pear trees, strawberry fields. We'd trade produce for eggs and milk with the farmer down the street. I'd say my Dad was the original organic farmer.

4. My mother took us to the library every week when I was young and I walked out of there with more books than I could carry. I won a first-grade county writing contest and still have the ribbon.

5. I read a book a week even when I have a heavy writing schedule. I can't imagine my life without books.

Reviews

[cyslittlealcove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publish date: April 5 2022

Plot:
Life is hard for Ruby growing up in poverty on the wrong side of the mountain on her grandfather's farm where literally the sun didn’t shine. The Appalachian setting isn’t her friend as she searches for an easy life at the "tippy-top" with contentment and security. Two different men come into her life, one virtuous and the other rebellious. Ruby makes a series of bad decisions, causing her life to tumble into an unexpected outcome.

The Four Winds meets Blind Tiger in this tale during Prohibition Era Appalachian Tennessee, set in the early 1900s, where setting and mountain community become other characters of the story. Based on a real-life tale of the author’s grandmother, the reader gets immersed in Ruby’s choices as she searches for worthiness and belonging. Was the adventure worth the risk of losing her family? Will Ruby ever find what she is looking for?

Review:
(spoiler-free)

“Death was not the opposite of life, it was a part of it.”

This book gave me all the feels! I was happy, sad and then angry. This was different from the other historical fiction that I’ve read. But in a good way. I would admit, the first half of the book I was okay with, I was like “oh typical historical fiction book for me, I like it”, however going through the next half, my feelings were getting stronger and angrier towards Ruby. On the other hand, I feel for her, she’s been through a lot and I cannot blame her for her decisions. That’s what she thought was right at that moment.

Sometimes I just had a hard time following the story because some of the feelings or like realisations were inserted randomly, more transitions were needed but it was very minimal and it’s a personal thing. Nonetheless, the book was written nicely and very organised! I always like the touch of putting dates on chapters so I can easily follow the timeline. There were different POVs too, but written in a third person. And all I can say is, Mr. McCallum is a knight and shining armour!

Overall, I liked this book! For my fellow historical fiction fan out there, you should check this out. This was a good DEBUT novel! And I can’t wait for more books from Kimberly.

Thank you Kimberly for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kayla Savoca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of obtaining an ARC from Kimberly in exchange for an honest review of her first novel.

𝑹𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒎, 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒆 is a historical fiction that takes place in Appalachia in the 1920s. The novel was inspired by Kimberly’s own grandmother and her journey to finding happiness.

I enjoyed watching Ruby grow as a character, and found her all the more captivating knowing that she was developed by Kimberly’s own family history—making her a solid character. I couldn’t help but feel for Ruby as she struggled through numerous hardships. As a reader, we are able to catch a glimpse of what it was like to grow up during the 1920s era and how it was truly unforgiving. This is one of the many reasons I enjoy historical fiction novels!

𝑹𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒎, 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒆 releases on April 5th and I hope that you are intrigued to pick up a copy of Kimberly’s debut novel!

[Brittany Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books about Appalachia! This and the follow up are certainly recommended reads if you like historical fiction from the early 1900's in the South!

[Susan Hinesley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sorry. I wanted to like it, but impossible. Just because your ancestor did something, doesn't mean you have to fictionalize a story, and make her seem like a sympathetic character. She wasn't, by any means. Maybe Ruby had a hard life growing up, but that in no way excused all the things she did to hurt people. I finished the book, but it really stretched the truth and left a bad taste in my mouth.

[Jacquie Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tennessee ~ Loneliness ~ Rural setting ~ Abandonment ~ School life ~ Marriage ~ Children ~ Prohibition ~ Bad decisions ~ Elusive happiness ~ Debut author ~ Recommended book

I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Aman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read.. really enjoyed every minute with these characters.. This book can make you feel like home.. Must read.. ❤️❤️

[Stephanie Grandstaff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook
Mixed feelings about this one. I really want to love it but Ruby and her life make me want to scream!

[Dianne McMahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series about a young woman in love with the wrong man in the Prohibition Era in Appalachian Mtns.in Tennessee.
Her father died on the day,she was born & her mother left her & her two brothers in the care of their grandparents.
She never felt loved or good enough,growing up & her grandparents worked her like a slave.

She was smart in school & finally her teacher,who was older,asked her to marry him,when she graduated,which she did.He had a loving family,who took her right in.
He built her a home & they had three beautiful children,but it wasn't enough & tragedy struck.

You will need to read this for yourself,to meet the players & understand the circumstances, of how you can have it all one day & lose everything the next.
There is a second book in this series & I intend to read it.
I would highly recommend !

[Michelle Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the concept behind this book, a historical fiction novel loosely based on the author’s grandmother.
Ruby is a young girl from the mountains of Tennessee and has hard a hard life. When her mother abandons her at the age of 9, she is subjected to years of hard work on the farm with her grandmother and grandfather. However, Ruby shows a lot of promise as she is very gifted in her academics. This opens up a door for her to a life she could have never imagined. However, Ruby is constantly feeling like she doesn’t deserve anything good in her life. This causes her to question what decision is right for her when faced with two entirely different paths.

[Cindy Balfour]

I am so proud to have been asked to read Kim's first book. It is beautifully written, and a simply told story I found totally captivating. I enjoyed the read completely and missed the characters when I finished.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been an avid reader for 25+ years. I have never been so disappointed in a character as “Ruby”. She had a horrible childhood. Her Mother left her and her two older brothers when she was very young. She was raised by her grandparents. Her Pa was very mean and demanding. Her Granny did the best she could with a mean husband and too much to do being a farm wife. Ruby was extremely smart and excelled in school. Her home was a life of hard work, no comforts, and constant fear of Pa’s moods.
To her great fortune , her teacher cared for and looked out for her. They eventually married. He built a house for her and gave her comforts and care she never had. She had three babies. The oldest got sick and died at age 3. She blamed her husband for not staying home from school and getting the dr. She soon had an affair with a childhood friend. (1st instance of disappointment) He was a drinker, womanizer, and criminal. Her husband put her out and took their second boy. He would have taken the baby girl too if she hadn’t still been nursing.
She went to the criminal and talked him into taking her in and letting her work keeping the books. (2nd time) She became with child. The feds raided the business and arrested everyone. Her baby was taken to a state home. Her ex husband found out and picked her up. He was given full custody of both children.
She told the detective everything and was given 2 years probation. She found out that her lover had a girlfriend in the course of the investigation. He was in trouble for getting her an abortion. Her lover and his brother were sentenced to 2 years. They were furious with her. He told her that she and her baby could rot in hell as he was led away. She still wanted a future with him and wrote him letters. (3rd time.How could she still want such a person?) He was angry at first, but eventually seemed to come around. She had a baby boy that looked just like him. His brother was released first and told her that his brother was lying to her. He intended to be with his girlfriend whom he had sent to live with his parents. She traveled to his parent’s home and found the girlfriend there. She then handed the baby to his mother and told her he was her grandson and left. She left her baby to be raised by them so that the criminal would never forget her. What an awful person she turned out to be. (4th time) The first half of the book I felt so sorry for her. I looked forward to her coming into a better life. She had it, but somehow didn’t want it.
She then met and worked for another man that had a criminal side business. She married him and had two more children. The book ends with one of them asking her if she will be his Mommy forever. She said she couldn’t promise that. Gah!!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate historical fiction that helps me understand the situations in which my mother and grandmother grew up. Like Ruby, they were dirt poor, helping their families scratch out meager livings on tiny rural farms in the early 1900s. Opportunities for women were largely limited to marriage, children, and more hardships. I wish I had asked them more questions when they were living.
Thank you, Kimberly Nixon, for researching and writing about your own grandmother, offering us some new insights and details of daily life. Ruby was probably more emotionally deprived than my relatives, but it was hard for any of them to grow up with much feeling of self worth. I imagine that explains some of their bad decisions that are hard for us to understand today.
Another thanks to the author for addressing my group of retired teachers and giving me the chance to read Ruby’s story.

[JANELLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting story -- the idea is based on the author's grandmother's life.

Set in Appalachia TN, Ruby is born into a life of poverty - and finds a way out. However, as I think this book really brought to life. life is cyclical and cynical The characters are so well developed and comfortable, and the storyline is really interesting. I wanted to feel badly for Ruby's lot in life, but when she had a chance to get out of the circle, she let herself get sucked back in.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

[Beverly Hagy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

Not what I expected and kinda elementary writing . I don’t plan on reading the second book in this series

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man, was this book depressing. Some parts felt like home. As it should, seein’ as how it was set here.

Love was not her birthright.

Ruby broke away from her and ran out the back of the church to the woods beyond. The goldenrods were knee-high in the field, and she ran through them into the comfort of all the poplar trees she knew. The sugar maples, beeches, and black gums welcomed Ruby. She ran farther into the yellow birches, the lindens, and the horse chestnuts, leaving shame behind. This is where she belonged, away from anyone who threw contempt and judgment her way. The woods would be her altar, so if Granny asked next week if she’d attended church, she wouldn’t be lying when she said yes. She would spend it in the thicket of trees—her only peaceful place in the world.

“Mr. MacCallum, I apologize for my appearance. You caught me in the middle of an execution, I’m afraid.

Being around him felt like a haven—nothing awful could happen if he was nearby.

the pace was slower, and people looked you in the eye with sincerity.

It was one thing to be in a pageant as a child and another to be grown up enough to put one on.

She had never met a person who seemed so content with life.

she grasped that this man could be the answer to every question she’d ever had, and even those she hadn’t asked yet. Her life would be comfortable with him. And easy.

You may not love me now, but I care deeply for you, and I believe our love could grow if you’d give me a chance.” Ruby considered his words. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t contain the tears that ran down her face. “You surprised me, that’s all. You’ve been so proper that I didn’t even know how you felt. I never considered a personal relationship with you, let alone a marriage.”

True to the hillbilly tradition of not liking someone until you had reason to warm to them {so it is a real thing}

This new husband baked biscuits, delivering them with flowers while humming.

They’re trying to control you, just like they have all these years. It’s manipulation.

“Ruby, remember that time—” “Leon, be quiet. We’ll not talk about that time or any time right now.”

“It’s a girl. She’s a little bigger than your others. She looks pink and healthy. I think she’ll give your boys a run for their money.” “I don’t want a girl. You keep her.” Ruby winced. “Are you sure? She has red hair.” Doc chuckled. “Okay, I’ll keep her, then.”

There was no place they had to be and no direction they had to go in.

It mattered that he cared.

Their relationship might be improper, but it only involved talking—and laughing. And oh, how he made her laugh!

Exchanging these notes mingled their souls and cemented their relationship…By writing so often to him of the daily details in her life, she connected her thoughts to him.

She tried to have a sad thought but couldn’t muster one.

Being from mountain stock, she would be resilient. She’d survive on her own.

She was between the hard rocks of mountain poverty, bad decisions, and a fall from grace.

Mr. Peck could be pleasant when he wanted to be. He actually looked handsome when he smiled.

She remembered his sweet tooth and fondness for things with wheels.

[Rochelle Creighton-Tompa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimberly Nixon wrote this story about her grandmother, Ruth Sullivan. It takes place in the early 1900s in Rock Bottom, TN. Ruby's dad passed the day she was born, and her mother left her with her grandparents at a young age. Ruby grew up in poverty, and she worked the farm from sun up to sundown. She was mentally and physically abused and didn't experience affection or love until she married her teacher and embraced his family. Ruby's childhood haunted her, and her husband's long working hours led her to a depressive state of reliving abandonment. She had an affair and moved after her favorite son died. She blamed her husband and couldn't forgive him. She took one child and left one and moved to work for her childhood friend whom she had the affair with. She was a partner in an illegal railroad theft operation and ended up losing her child when she was arrested. Her emotional immaturity and faith in her childhood friend led her to make poor decisions and ultimately be used and abandoned. I felt sorry for Ruby because her childhood set the stage for her adulthood. I wish all children a healthy childhood. Excellent book.
.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't put this book down once I started reading it, in fact I read it in just one day and it's not a short book (350 pages). Reading it was like watching a train coming down the track that you knew was going to wreck and not being able to prevent it. The author was very blunt in the way she wrote this book, I totally felt like I was in the room with the people she was writing about.
This book is based on real-life tales about the authors grandmother. Ruby was a neglected and abused child who grew up not really knowing who she was and had issues accepting that she was a good person so she went out of her way to prove that she was instead a bad person. Very sad and personal story. I kept wanting to yell "No, don't do that!" and wanting to tell her that instead of listening to what others thought and said of her to instead know that she was worthy of being loved and cherished in the way she deserved to be. This was a sad and hard hitting book that I will not soon forget. Great author and I hope to read more of her writings.

[Robert W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In each family, there's the sanitized story of how we came to be. You know, the headline version with maybe a few minor details. However, there typically is a richer story hidden beneath the surface in the "unsaid" family history. Kim Nixon has dusted off the headlines of her family's past, then drilled deep below the surface to tap into a rich vein of family lore. And, oh, how rich it is! Just as important as uncovering that truth is the worthwhile telling of it, and Kim Nixon has shown an ability to craft a tale that reveals her to be a gifted storyteller. Not only did I enjoy this saga, but I believe the author has not yet finished mining this rich family vein. I look forward to more of Ruby's adventures.

[Lyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories that have a connection to the author and this was an absolute gem. Young Ruby’s life would be shaped by the early struggles of having to live with her grandparents after her mother abandons her at 9 years of age. While still attending school, Ruby works hard to help her grandparents on their property. Ruby struggles to find happiness and a place to belong, marries and has children but the poor choices she makes along the way, will inevitably impact both her and the children she bears. This was so well written and at times I wanted to yell out “Wait Ruby – “ but for now I will read the next book and hope that Ruby finds the peace she seeks.

[Tracy Spratt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a debut novel, and work of historical fiction that is drawn from the author's grandmother's life. It is a fairly quick read. The book is very well written, and although not a page-turner, there's a good flow to the story that draws the reader in. There are no extreme highs or lows, but I wanted to keep reading to see how the main character's life turned out. Although the main character was painted in a sympathetic light, I simply could not feel empathy for her, and that influenced my rating.

[Dawn Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great storytelling! Nixon paints a raw and accurate picture of life in Appalachia during the early years of the twentieth century, while revealing how the connection between poverty, ostracization and troubled family relationships influence both negative and positive decisions. The characters are multidimensional and believable. The story is well paced and kept me engaged until the very end.
Dawn W. Hogan
Author of Unbroken Bonds

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, how life can change in an instant and you don't even realize it. Brought up by older grandparents after her mother leaves her kids behind the struggles are real for Ruby. Once old enough her brothers leave her to handle the aging grandparents. Fortune comes and slips away. Loss, in many forms with this story and parts brought tears to my eyes. So hard to not grow up in a bad way when that is all you hear in your life.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book greatly. I am enamored by the early 1900's, especially the day to day life of people. This book does a great job of a look into people's lives, during that era. Many scenarios in this book are just as applicable today in our lives. When I hear people talk about the GOOD OLD DAYS, I always think to myself, I don't believe the days were as good as people imagine. This book proves my theory in that aspect.

[Kimberly DuBois · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love books written in Appalachia in the early 1900s. But this one dragged on and I felt sorry for Ruby less and less as she started making such poor choices and by then end, I just thought she was stupid thinking she still had a chance with Leon. Yes her life was filled with challenges and poverty. But that does not excuse her decisions which just really just made me angry and sad. I probably will not recommend this to a friend.

[Brenda D. Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather heartbreaking

This main character just can't get an even break which is sadly true in real life. Of course her own choices caused a lot of her heartache.
Those choices stemmed from feeling worthless. How sad that we are capable of injuring family members with our words and lack of affirmation and affection.

I look forward to reading book 2 with the hope of better outcomes.

[Genevieve Scholl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby, oh Ruby.

What a tangled wreck she was from the very beginning as a poor child who was unloved. Does this make a person go bad? Never finding the one thing she carved. Reading this book felt weird one minute you harrah for Ruby when you find out how good it will get, then it plummets you down. Like being on a rollercoaster. But, dear readers this is one very well written book. The editing was superb.

[Sally Van Slyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yes this is what I like about reading. A debut book by Kimberly Nixon that I did not want to finish. We get to read about Ruby from the time she was born and all the trials she goes through in Rock Bottom, Tennessee. Such a hard life to endure but Ruby stays strong and wishes for someone to love her. The writing was splendid and the characters were brought to life.

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this read, looking forward to the second installment. It's a journey through the eyes of Ruby and the typical life cycle of failed choices she makes that mirror the same ones her mother made after her birth. We could all do with trying to break some of our learned cycles we inevitably inherit from our family.

[Andy Mozina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved the direct, matter-of-fact narrative voice, filled with great details of time and place. At the heart of the novel is flawed but engaging and lovable character. Ruby makes the best decisions she can under the circumstances, but she is shaped by a difficult upbringing and limited options. The author consistently makes her understandable and her resilience amazed me.

[Terry Garity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I grew up in rural Pennsylvania and attended a one-room school. The pleasure in reading this novel— You never know what trouble Dear Ruby is going to get into on the next page. Excellent!