Content levels
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
**In the heart of the bayou, Ruby Landry lives a simple, happy life. But innocence can't last forever....** The only family Ruby Landry has ever known are her loving guardian, Grandmère Catherine, a Cajun spiritual healer, and her drunken, outcast Grandpère Jack. Although thinking about her dead mother and mysterious father sometimes makes her feel as mournful as the wind sighing through the Spanish moss, Ruby is grateful for all she has. Her life is filled with hope and promise... especially when her attraction for handsome Paul Tate blossoms into a mysterious, wonderful love. But Paul's wealthy parents forbid him to associate with a poor Landry, and Grandmère urges her to follow her dream of becoming a great painter, foreseeing a time when Ruby will be surrounded with riches in the dazzling city of New Orleans! Yet she cannot know how close that uncertain future looms.... In a faded photograph, Ruby glimpses for the first time the image of her father -- and learns of a shameful deception and a shocking scheme of blackmail that now must come to light. Stunned by these revelations, she is devastated when Grandmère dies, leaving her to seek out her father in his vast New Orleans mansion. There, in a house of lies, madness, and cruel torment. Ruby clings to her memories of Paul to keep her heart alive. For only their love can save her now....
Is Ruby appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
This Southern Gothic tale contains themes of family deception, death of a guardian, alcoholism, class conflict, and emotional manipulation. Romance is age-appropriate with some kissing but nothing explicit.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include alcohol abuse, emotional abuse, death of parent, and grief (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to Ruby's journey from the bayou to high society New Orleans as she uncovers family secrets and fights for her forbidden love.