About the Book:
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen..."
Ruby Graves, a young girl in Depression-era Alabama, faces the hardships of poverty and loss with as much faith as she can muster. At only the age of thirteen, she’s already lost a younger brother to illness, and now faces losing both her father and the boy who’s stealing her heart to illnesses as well. Armed with her beloved Scriptures, she prays daily for their healing, only to have her tender faith shattered by her father’s death.
Through her pain, she’s able to connect with her long-lost Uncle Asa, who’s mere presence at his brother’s funeral brings murmurs of a scandalous past involving her parents and a prominent local pastor, Irwin Cass. When Ruby discovers that one of Asa’a many secrets is an ability to heal, and that she may be next in line for the “gift,” she vows to find the faith that has eluded her so far, a faith that could mean never losing loved ones again.
But faith and doubt can’t reside in the same heart, not according to her father, and doubt is Ruby’s constant companion. As she struggles to find the true meaning of faith, she’s opposed at every turn by the pastor who would see her family destroyed and a community that can’t see deeper than the color of one’s skin. Through her search for a faith that could move mountains and a true understanding of her gift, can Ruby trust in a God that may require the ultimate sacrifice?
About the Author:
Jennifer Westall dives into Christian characters to explore her own questions of faith. Inspired by the life of her grandmother, Healing Ruby (2014) is the first in the Healing Ruby series, which delves into the mysteries of faith healing. She's also the author of Love's Providence (2012), a contemporary Christian romance that navigates the minefield of dating and temptation. She resides in southwest Texas with her husband and two boys, where she homeschools by day and writes by night, thus explaining those pesky bags under her eyes.
My Review:
Depression-era Alabama is full of secrets and illnesses. I was amazed at all the issues during that time noted in the book. 13 year old Ruby Graves feels like she is at the center of it all. Having already lost her baby brother to an illness, she learns her father is dying as well. Prayer seems to be the only solution. When the boy that she has grown to love is struck with an illness, Ruby pours all of her strength into prayers for ultimate healing for him.
Upon her fathers death, she is sent into a tailspin of grief, doubt, and despair. When her fathers brother Asa, shows up for her fathers funeral, talk begins about some past issues the family has had and Ruby intends on investigating to get down to the mystery herself. Ruby soon learns that her family is known for being able to heal people. Ruby isn't sure where these healing powers come from but she is dead set on helping her friend and finding out this information gives her even more confidence in her prayers.
This story is a touching one and reading about Alabama motivated me to want to read this book because I live in Alabama and have my whole life. I loved reading about Depression-era Alabama and learning about Ruby. She was an exceptional character and full of spunk!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Pump Up Your Book.
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