The Loves of Ruby Dee

by Curtiss Ann Matlock

Believing lovely nurse Ruby Dee D'Angelo to be too special to remain with his family in the middle of nowhere, Will Starr resists his feelings for her, until she unexpectedly changes all of their lives.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Paperback

First published October 10, 2010

About the author

Curtiss Ann Matlock is the author of 40 novels. With over 7 million copies in print worldwide, her books have earned rave reviews, spots on the USA TODAY bestseller list and numerous awards.

Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, into a family of avid readers, Curtiss Ann began reading before entering first grade and was writing vignettes while still in elementary school. Her writing career began in her early thirties, with publication of two small, warm-hearted articles about her life, for which she received a total of $100. She was so enthused at this success that she immediately started writing her first novel. She also enrolled in the professional writing program at the University of Oklahoma, studying under the distinguished writer and teacher Jack Bickham and bestselling mystery novelist, Carolyn Hart. In her second year of study, Curtiss Ann experienced the dream of selling the first novel she ever wrote, a romance, to Harlequin Books.

Told with a strong Southern voice, her insightful stories portray the uncommon valor of everyday people and the humor, heartbreak, and shining graces of small-town life. In 1999,Lost Highways was published by Mira Books. The book was nominated for a RITA Award in women’s fiction and began the warm-hearted and funny series about the lives of the beloved characters in fictional Valentine, Oklahoma. The sixth book of the Valentine series, Sweet Dreams at the Goodnight Motel, was a 2005 Oklahoma Book Award Finalist.

Chin Up, Honey, number seven in the series, was released May 2009.

Curtiss Ann currently lives with her family and assorted pets in rural south Alabama.

Reviews

[Cait London · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional book. I highly recommend it. It's not a usual romance, rather a blend of women's fiction and romance with complex relationships. Ruby Dee is an exceptional woman, walking straight into a houseful of men, problems, their relationships within a small OK community. Matlock definitely knows the rural setting, farm/animal life, but she keeps the stories revolving around Ruby Dee. This woman's take on life is outstanding, affecting those around her, while she holds her own mystery and interest for the reader.
!!The depth of the book draws you into each life. It's one of those books that you nestle in to read and savor and wonder about each character, definitely not a Skimmer.

[Coniece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book! Every time I finish one of her books I think there is NO WAY to beat it! I’m always tickled because the next book is just as good, if not better. Gotta post this so I can get another of her books! Later!!

[ksstannard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three men who love Ruby Dee

A story of love with all its complications, and since Ruby Dee loves all three men who love Ruby Dee, hard times are a comin'.

[A Red Headed Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something a little different for me , really enjoyed it! Would have finished quicker if I had more time.

[Tressa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Loves of Ruby Dee was a comforting and hopeful story about family, love, and healing. I liked all the characters – they and their lives felt realistic.

[Tanya T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a Curtiss Ann Matlock fan and though i did enjoy this book,it probably was not one of my favorites. Ruby Dee is such a mysterious woman that at times it's difficult to figure out the dynamics of the storyline. Ruby Dee is an at home health care nurse hired to care for a grumpy aging man who's still holding a lot of anger over his young wife leaving him decades before to care for 2 small boys and run a ranch. Now the 2 boys are all grown and their relationship with their father, Hardy, is very strained. The older loyal son, Will, is struggling with the guilt of wanting his own ranch to run but doesn't want to leave his father alone. The younger son, Lonnie, is a free spirit wild boy who loves the thrill of life on the road as a rodeo star, loving and leaving a trail of women behind him along the way. Hardy though failing in health is both sharp in mind but yet at times his mind seems to slip up, is at first angry that his sons hired yet another nurse for him since he's run the last 5 off the ranch with his grumpy attitude. The moment Ruby Dee arrives both brothers are captivated by her and strongly attracted to her. Parts of this story confuse me because Hardy is also infatuated with her and at times Ruby Dee seems to be coming onto the eldery man, flirting with him and other odd actions around him. Ruby flirts with Lonnie, at one point fantasizing about him but it's Will that she really wants. Yet when Will attempts a relationship with her, Ruby Dee holds back so as not to hurt Hardy or Lonnie. I was really stumped by that weird triangle thru the book.

[Dawn]

Awesome !