Of the 4 books in this series this one was my least favorite. It was okay, but not as interesting to me as the others. And the scenes where you're supposed to feel sad I really just felt disappointed. The ending also seemed a bit odd, like there should be more to the story and then it just kind of ends. Overall it was good to read because it was the last in a series that I really enjoyed. I would have a hard time believing this story could stand on its own. I just finished this book last night. At first when I started reading it and the main character was a young girl, I was a little hesitant. But I was quickly caught up in the story and found it completely fascinating. It follows the childhood and young adulthood of Charlie Mae who grows up near Nauvoo. Her father and brothers are abusive, but she is amazingly resourceful and learns to read with the secret help of a Mormon neighbor. Charlie Mae then goes on to teach her brothers to read. She and one of her brothers finally escape and travel to where they join up with a wagon group that takes them across the wilderness to California. The research in THE RUBY was impeccable, and I loved the details that I learned about how it must have been for those crossing the plains anxious to join the gold rush. I also learned some new things about the gold rush and what a corrupt and desperate time it was.
I enjoyed listening to this one as I drove the kids around and ran errands in the van.
—zuzula
The beginning was great, but then it became a kind of travel log of this young woman.
—dupidooizzy
I loved this!!! I like to have a good cry every now and then.
—lonetta
The Bracelet Series4of4
—hantumaboek
