Description
Secrets threaten to destroy their future unless they trust each other.
Cora Mae Reynolds flees to Oregon Territory to escape an arranged marriage. She hopes to reunite with Rose, one of her Porcelain Doll Sisters, and create a safe, new life. Her plans are upended when she suffers a wagon accident. As Cora Mae recovers with no memory of her past, she wonders where she was headed, who placed the engagement ring on her finger, and who might be looking for her.
Reed McCormick struggles to save his ranch while caring for his sister and two nieces. He’s about to lose it all when a dark-haired beauty crashes into his life. His family takes her in, an arrangement that helps all involved. But he’s keeping a secret.
Working together to unravel her past and his family mystery, Cora Mae and Reed must find a way to discover and live the truth…before his loan is called due and her jilted fiancé hunts her down.
mgtnelson –
This is the fourth book in Grandle’s Sisters of the Porcelain Doll series. I have not read the first three. I liked some of the characters, especially the children, but the villain was a bit too villainous for me. There are lots of lovable animals in the book too. This was the third book in a week that I read with the amnesia trope. Grandle handles it well. I think it would be helpful to have read the whole series in order.
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
candideweekes –
The Ruby by Cara Grande was a great read!
I really enjoyed the story even thought I didn’t read the first books in this series.
It can definitely be read as a stand alone.
I also enjoyed the different points of view the author used and for the first time I thought getting the point of view of « the bad guy » was interesting 🙂
— I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. —
phillipians4_8 –
The Ruby by Cara Grandle is a sweet story of deep sisterhood, enduring love, and second chances. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs, the lasting relationships of the Sisters of the Porcelain Doll, and the healing of Cora Mae’s relationship with her father. The plot certainly didn’t go quite as I predicted, so expect some twists and turns. I did figure some things out, but with Reed and Cora Mae each having mystery in their lives, it will keep you on your toes. I appreciated how Reed and Cora Mae started out as friends, but by the end it felt a bit unrealistic how the relationship progressed. Several of the scenes were difficult for me to follow, as they were a bit choppy and I couldn’t tell which of the characters were present, because it changed without explanation.
All in all, The Ruby is a sweet and satisfying finale to the Sisters of the Porcelain Doll series. This book can be read as a standalone, although it does have returning characters.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
cbabler27 –
The Ruby by Cara Grandle is the wonderfully written conclusion to the Sisters of the Porcelain Doll series. If you haven’t read the first three books in the series, do not worry. You can easily pick up this book and enjoy it without the background—I did! This was my first experience of Ms. Grandle’s writings and I enjoyed her sweet and wholesome story, intriguing plot, and the reconciliation and restoration between several characters. Cora Mae Reynolds is on the run from an unwanted marriage and finds herself on the Oregon Trail looking to meet up with some of her childhood friends. After an accident, Cora is left without her memory. Cora doesn’t even know her name or the reason for the ring on her finger. Is she married, engaged, or hiding? Her troubles land her on the McCormick’s farm helping Reed McCormick’s sister who has a broken leg. Cora doesn’t have her memory, but can be the helping hand that Reed’s sister needs. Reed is desperately trying to save his family farm from the debts his parents unknowingly left on his plate after their deaths. Reed’s secret struggles and Cora’s lack of memory make their search for truth and for Cora’s past a complicated mystery. Can Cora help Reed and his family keep their farm? Will Cora’s fiancé find her? Read The Ruby to find out for yourself!
I appreciated the historical setting as well as the humor and adventure contained within The Ruby. I particularly enjoyed the mystery that Cora Mae’s memory loss added to the plot as she struggled to figure out her past and her future. Although I appreciated that the main villain was clearly evil, I honestly didn’t feel like that character had much depth from my perspective. Or maybe I just was creeped out by his cold heartedness and stoicism. One aspect that I truly enjoyed was the change in relationship of Cora Mae and her father. From the beginning of the book, I doubted that a happy reconciliation was possible; however by the end of the book I was impressed with how Ms. Grandle led her characters to a satisfying conclusion. Family reconciliations are probably one of my favorite themes along with faith, perseverance through adversity, and courage. I enjoyed The Ruby as an entertaining read and appreciated the wholesome adventure. Happy readings!
Disclaimer: WhiteFire Publishing graciously provided me with a copy of this book . All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.
Connie –
Fleeing from an arranged marriage, escaping by a wagon train to the Oregon Trail, and a bout with amnesia…. how much more can a young woman endure? Apparently. much more if you are Cora Mae Reynolds! Author Cara Grandle shares Cora’s, aka Sunny’s, adventure in an exciting tale that’s steeped in history, sweetened by romance, and flavored with a classic villain! Archie was determined to avenge his sister’s death and marrying Cora was the way to accomplish it. I was repulsed by his actions but able to see why he yearned for revenge!
This is my first time reading a book by this author and I was impressed with her character development. Cora May felt betrayed by her father and longed to be reunited with “the only people in the world who cared about her fate: Rose, Heather, and Rebecca”. There were so many obstacles and so much to overcome! Would she ever remember why she was running away? Could she survive the journey and find the peace that she longed for?
The Ruby is the fourth book in the Sisters of the Porcelain Doll series, but it’s written as a standalone. If you enjoy historical romance that keeps you turning the pages, grab a copy of this book!
I received a complimentary copy but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.