What do you think?
Rate this book
Rock Bottom, Tennessee
Life is hard for Ruby growing up in poverty on the wrong side of the mountain on her grandfather's farm where literally the sun didn’t shine. The Appalachian setting isn’t her friend as she searches for an easy life at the "tippy-top" with contentment and security. Two different men come into her life, one virtuous and the other rebellious. Ruby makes a series of bad decisions, causing her life to tumble into an unexpected outcome.
The Four Winds meets Blind Tiger in this tale during Prohibition Era Appalachian Tennessee, set in the early 1900s, where setting and mountain community become other characters of the story. Based on a real-life tale of the author’s grandmother, the reader gets immersed in Ruby’s choices as she searches for worthiness and belonging. Was the adventure worth the risk of losing her family? Will Ruby ever find what she is looking for?
The Four Winds meets Blind Tiger in this tale during Prohibition Era Appalachian Tennessee, set in the early 1900s, where setting and mountain community become other characters of the story. Based on a real-life tale of the author’s grandmother, the reader gets immersed in Ruby’s choices as she searches for worthiness and belonging. Was the adventure worth the risk of losing her family? Will Ruby ever find what she is looking for?
356 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 21, 2022
Publish date: April 5 2022
Plot:
Life is hard for Ruby growing up in poverty on the wrong side of the mountain on her grandfather's farm where literally the sun didn’t shine. The Appalachian setting isn’t her friend as she searches for an easy life at the "tippy-top" with contentment and security. Two different men come into her life, one virtuous and the other rebellious. Ruby makes a series of bad decisions, causing her life to tumble into an unexpected outcome.
The Four Winds meets Blind Tiger in this tale during Prohibition Era Appalachian Tennessee, set in the early 1900s, where setting and mountain community become other characters of the story. Based on a real-life tale of the author’s grandmother, the reader gets immersed in Ruby’s choices as she searches for worthiness and belonging. Was the adventure worth the risk of losing her family? Will Ruby ever find what she is looking for?
Review:
(spoiler-free)
“Death was not the opposite of life, it was a part of it.”
This book gave me all the feels! I was happy, sad and then angry. This was different from the other historical fiction that I’ve read. But in a good way. I would admit, the first half of the book I was okay with, I was like “oh typical historical fiction book for me, I like it”, however going through the next half, my feelings were getting stronger and angrier towards Ruby. On the other hand, I feel for her, she’s been through a lot and I cannot blame her for her decisions. That’s what she thought was right at that moment.
Sometimes I just had a hard time following the story because some of the feelings or like realisations were inserted randomly, more transitions were needed but it was very minimal and it’s a personal thing. Nonetheless, the book was written nicely and very organised! I always like the touch of putting dates on chapters so I can easily follow the timeline. There were different POVs too, but written in a third person. And all I can say is, Mr. McCallum is a knight and shining armour!
Overall, I liked this book! For my fellow historical fiction fan out there, you should check this out. This was a good DEBUT novel! And I can’t wait for more books from Kimberly.
Thank you Kimberly for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Plot:
Life is hard for Ruby growing up in poverty on the wrong side of the mountain on her grandfather's farm where literally the sun didn’t shine. The Appalachian setting isn’t her friend as she searches for an easy life at the "tippy-top" with contentment and security. Two different men come into her life, one virtuous and the other rebellious. Ruby makes a series of bad decisions, causing her life to tumble into an unexpected outcome.
The Four Winds meets Blind Tiger in this tale during Prohibition Era Appalachian Tennessee, set in the early 1900s, where setting and mountain community become other characters of the story. Based on a real-life tale of the author’s grandmother, the reader gets immersed in Ruby’s choices as she searches for worthiness and belonging. Was the adventure worth the risk of losing her family? Will Ruby ever find what she is looking for?
Review:
(spoiler-free)
“Death was not the opposite of life, it was a part of it.”
This book gave me all the feels! I was happy, sad and then angry. This was different from the other historical fiction that I’ve read. But in a good way. I would admit, the first half of the book I was okay with, I was like “oh typical historical fiction book for me, I like it”, however going through the next half, my feelings were getting stronger and angrier towards Ruby. On the other hand, I feel for her, she’s been through a lot and I cannot blame her for her decisions. That’s what she thought was right at that moment.
Sometimes I just had a hard time following the story because some of the feelings or like realisations were inserted randomly, more transitions were needed but it was very minimal and it’s a personal thing. Nonetheless, the book was written nicely and very organised! I always like the touch of putting dates on chapters so I can easily follow the timeline. There were different POVs too, but written in a third person. And all I can say is, Mr. McCallum is a knight and shining armour!
Overall, I liked this book! For my fellow historical fiction fan out there, you should check this out. This was a good DEBUT novel! And I can’t wait for more books from Kimberly.
Thank you Kimberly for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 20, 2022
I had the pleasure of obtaining an ARC from Kimberly in exchange for an honest review of her first novel.
𝑹𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒎, 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒆 is a historical fiction that takes place in Appalachia in the 1920s. The novel was inspired by Kimberly’s own grandmother and her journey to finding happiness.
I enjoyed watching Ruby grow as a character, and found her all the more captivating knowing that she was developed by Kimberly’s own family history—making her a solid character. I couldn’t help but feel for Ruby as she struggled through numerous hardships. As a reader, we are able to catch a glimpse of what it was like to grow up during the 1920s era and how it was truly unforgiving. This is one of the many reasons I enjoy historical fiction novels!
𝑹𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒎, 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒆 releases on April 5th and I hope that you are intrigued to pick up a copy of Kimberly’s debut novel!
𝑹𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒎, 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒆 is a historical fiction that takes place in Appalachia in the 1920s. The novel was inspired by Kimberly’s own grandmother and her journey to finding happiness.
I enjoyed watching Ruby grow as a character, and found her all the more captivating knowing that she was developed by Kimberly’s own family history—making her a solid character. I couldn’t help but feel for Ruby as she struggled through numerous hardships. As a reader, we are able to catch a glimpse of what it was like to grow up during the 1920s era and how it was truly unforgiving. This is one of the many reasons I enjoy historical fiction novels!
𝑹𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒎, 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒆 releases on April 5th and I hope that you are intrigued to pick up a copy of Kimberly’s debut novel!
March 19, 2024
I love books about Appalachia! This and the follow up are certainly recommended reads if you like historical fiction from the early 1900's in the South!
May 28, 2022
Tennessee ~ Loneliness ~ Rural setting ~ Abandonment ~ School life ~ Marriage ~ Children ~ Prohibition ~ Bad decisions ~ Elusive happiness ~ Debut author ~ Recommended book
I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 30, 2022
An amazing read.. really enjoyed every minute with these characters.. This book can make you feel like home.. Must read.. ❤️❤️
March 5, 2024
Great start to a new series about a young woman in love with the wrong man in the Prohibition Era in Appalachian Mtns.in Tennessee.
Her father died on the day,she was born & her mother left her & her two brothers in the care of their grandparents.
She never felt loved or good enough,growing up & her grandparents worked her like a slave.
She was smart in school & finally her teacher,who was older,asked her to marry him,when she graduated,which she did.He had a loving family,who took her right in.
He built her a home & they had three beautiful children,but it wasn't enough & tragedy struck.
You will need to read this for yourself,to meet the players & understand the circumstances, of how you can have it all one day & lose everything the next.
There is a second book in this series & I intend to read it.
I would highly recommend !
Her father died on the day,she was born & her mother left her & her two brothers in the care of their grandparents.
She never felt loved or good enough,growing up & her grandparents worked her like a slave.
She was smart in school & finally her teacher,who was older,asked her to marry him,when she graduated,which she did.He had a loving family,who took her right in.
He built her a home & they had three beautiful children,but it wasn't enough & tragedy struck.
You will need to read this for yourself,to meet the players & understand the circumstances, of how you can have it all one day & lose everything the next.
There is a second book in this series & I intend to read it.
I would highly recommend !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2022
I really loved the concept behind this book, a historical fiction novel loosely based on the author’s grandmother.
Ruby is a young girl from the mountains of Tennessee and has hard a hard life. When her mother abandons her at the age of 9, she is subjected to years of hard work on the farm with her grandmother and grandfather. However, Ruby shows a lot of promise as she is very gifted in her academics. This opens up a door for her to a life she could have never imagined. However, Ruby is constantly feeling like she doesn’t deserve anything good in her life. This causes her to question what decision is right for her when faced with two entirely different paths.
Ruby is a young girl from the mountains of Tennessee and has hard a hard life. When her mother abandons her at the age of 9, she is subjected to years of hard work on the farm with her grandmother and grandfather. However, Ruby shows a lot of promise as she is very gifted in her academics. This opens up a door for her to a life she could have never imagined. However, Ruby is constantly feeling like she doesn’t deserve anything good in her life. This causes her to question what decision is right for her when faced with two entirely different paths.
Read
March 19, 2022I am so proud to have been asked to read Kim's first book. It is beautifully written, and a simply told story I found totally captivating. I enjoyed the read completely and missed the characters when I finished.
February 27, 2023
Audiobook
Mixed feelings about this one. I really want to love it but Ruby and her life make me want to scream!
Mixed feelings about this one. I really want to love it but Ruby and her life make me want to scream!
November 19, 2022
I really appreciate historical fiction that helps me understand the situations in which my mother and grandmother grew up. Like Ruby, they were dirt poor, helping their families scratch out meager livings on tiny rural farms in the early 1900s. Opportunities for women were largely limited to marriage, children, and more hardships. I wish I had asked them more questions when they were living.
Thank you, Kimberly Nixon, for researching and writing about your own grandmother, offering us some new insights and details of daily life. Ruby was probably more emotionally deprived than my relatives, but it was hard for any of them to grow up with much feeling of self worth. I imagine that explains some of their bad decisions that are hard for us to understand today.
Another thanks to the author for addressing my group of retired teachers and giving me the chance to read Ruby’s story.
Thank you, Kimberly Nixon, for researching and writing about your own grandmother, offering us some new insights and details of daily life. Ruby was probably more emotionally deprived than my relatives, but it was hard for any of them to grow up with much feeling of self worth. I imagine that explains some of their bad decisions that are hard for us to understand today.
Another thanks to the author for addressing my group of retired teachers and giving me the chance to read Ruby’s story.
April 11, 2022
A really interesting story -- the idea is based on the author's grandmother's life.
Set in Appalachia TN, Ruby is born into a life of poverty - and finds a way out. However, as I think this book really brought to life. life is cyclical and cynical The characters are so well developed and comfortable, and the storyline is really interesting. I wanted to feel badly for Ruby's lot in life, but when she had a chance to get out of the circle, she let herself get sucked back in.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
Set in Appalachia TN, Ruby is born into a life of poverty - and finds a way out. However, as I think this book really brought to life. life is cyclical and cynical The characters are so well developed and comfortable, and the storyline is really interesting. I wanted to feel badly for Ruby's lot in life, but when she had a chance to get out of the circle, she let herself get sucked back in.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
April 8, 2024
Man, was this book depressing. Some parts felt like home. As it should, seein’ as how it was set here.
Love was not her birthright.
Ruby broke away from her and ran out the back of the church to the woods beyond. The goldenrods were knee-high in the field, and she ran through them into the comfort of all the poplar trees she knew. The sugar maples, beeches, and black gums welcomed Ruby. She ran farther into the yellow birches, the lindens, and the horse chestnuts, leaving shame behind. This is where she belonged, away from anyone who threw contempt and judgment her way. The woods would be her altar, so if Granny asked next week if she’d attended church, she wouldn’t be lying when she said yes. She would spend it in the thicket of trees—her only peaceful place in the world.
“Mr. MacCallum, I apologize for my appearance. You caught me in the middle of an execution, I’m afraid.
Being around him felt like a haven—nothing awful could happen if he was nearby.
the pace was slower, and people looked you in the eye with sincerity.
It was one thing to be in a pageant as a child and another to be grown up enough to put one on.
She had never met a person who seemed so content with life.
she grasped that this man could be the answer to every question she’d ever had, and even those she hadn’t asked yet. Her life would be comfortable with him. And easy.
You may not love me now, but I care deeply for you, and I believe our love could grow if you’d give me a chance.” Ruby considered his words. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t contain the tears that ran down her face. “You surprised me, that’s all. You’ve been so proper that I didn’t even know how you felt. I never considered a personal relationship with you, let alone a marriage.”
True to the hillbilly tradition of not liking someone until you had reason to warm to them {so it is a real thing}
This new husband baked biscuits, delivering them with flowers while humming.
They’re trying to control you, just like they have all these years. It’s manipulation.
“Ruby, remember that time—” “Leon, be quiet. We’ll not talk about that time or any time right now.”
“It’s a girl. She’s a little bigger than your others. She looks pink and healthy. I think she’ll give your boys a run for their money.” “I don’t want a girl. You keep her.” Ruby winced. “Are you sure? She has red hair.” Doc chuckled. “Okay, I’ll keep her, then.”
There was no place they had to be and no direction they had to go in.
It mattered that he cared.
Their relationship might be improper, but it only involved talking—and laughing. And oh, how he made her laugh!
Exchanging these notes mingled their souls and cemented their relationship…By writing so often to him of the daily details in her life, she connected her thoughts to him.
She tried to have a sad thought but couldn’t muster one.
Being from mountain stock, she would be resilient. She’d survive on her own.
She was between the hard rocks of mountain poverty, bad decisions, and a fall from grace.
Mr. Peck could be pleasant when he wanted to be. He actually looked handsome when he smiled.
She remembered his sweet tooth and fondness for things with wheels.
Love was not her birthright.
Ruby broke away from her and ran out the back of the church to the woods beyond. The goldenrods were knee-high in the field, and she ran through them into the comfort of all the poplar trees she knew. The sugar maples, beeches, and black gums welcomed Ruby. She ran farther into the yellow birches, the lindens, and the horse chestnuts, leaving shame behind. This is where she belonged, away from anyone who threw contempt and judgment her way. The woods would be her altar, so if Granny asked next week if she’d attended church, she wouldn’t be lying when she said yes. She would spend it in the thicket of trees—her only peaceful place in the world.
“Mr. MacCallum, I apologize for my appearance. You caught me in the middle of an execution, I’m afraid.
Being around him felt like a haven—nothing awful could happen if he was nearby.
the pace was slower, and people looked you in the eye with sincerity.
It was one thing to be in a pageant as a child and another to be grown up enough to put one on.
She had never met a person who seemed so content with life.
she grasped that this man could be the answer to every question she’d ever had, and even those she hadn’t asked yet. Her life would be comfortable with him. And easy.
You may not love me now, but I care deeply for you, and I believe our love could grow if you’d give me a chance.” Ruby considered his words. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t contain the tears that ran down her face. “You surprised me, that’s all. You’ve been so proper that I didn’t even know how you felt. I never considered a personal relationship with you, let alone a marriage.”
True to the hillbilly tradition of not liking someone until you had reason to warm to them {so it is a real thing}
This new husband baked biscuits, delivering them with flowers while humming.
They’re trying to control you, just like they have all these years. It’s manipulation.
“Ruby, remember that time—” “Leon, be quiet. We’ll not talk about that time or any time right now.”
“It’s a girl. She’s a little bigger than your others. She looks pink and healthy. I think she’ll give your boys a run for their money.” “I don’t want a girl. You keep her.” Ruby winced. “Are you sure? She has red hair.” Doc chuckled. “Okay, I’ll keep her, then.”
There was no place they had to be and no direction they had to go in.
It mattered that he cared.
Their relationship might be improper, but it only involved talking—and laughing. And oh, how he made her laugh!
Exchanging these notes mingled their souls and cemented their relationship…By writing so often to him of the daily details in her life, she connected her thoughts to him.
She tried to have a sad thought but couldn’t muster one.
Being from mountain stock, she would be resilient. She’d survive on her own.
She was between the hard rocks of mountain poverty, bad decisions, and a fall from grace.
Mr. Peck could be pleasant when he wanted to be. He actually looked handsome when he smiled.
She remembered his sweet tooth and fondness for things with wheels.
July 21, 2022
In each family, there's the sanitized story of how we came to be. You know, the headline version with maybe a few minor details. However, there typically is a richer story hidden beneath the surface in the "unsaid" family history. Kim Nixon has dusted off the headlines of her family's past, then drilled deep below the surface to tap into a rich vein of family lore. And, oh, how rich it is! Just as important as uncovering that truth is the worthwhile telling of it, and Kim Nixon has shown an ability to craft a tale that reveals her to be a gifted storyteller. Not only did I enjoy this saga, but I believe the author has not yet finished mining this rich family vein. I look forward to more of Ruby's adventures.
February 3, 2023
This is great storytelling! Nixon paints a raw and accurate picture of life in Appalachia during the early years of the twentieth century, while revealing how the connection between poverty, ostracization and troubled family relationships influence both negative and positive decisions. The characters are multidimensional and believable. The story is well paced and kept me engaged until the very end.
Dawn W. Hogan
Author of Unbroken Bonds
Dawn W. Hogan
Author of Unbroken Bonds
October 15, 2023
Wow, how life can change in an instant and you don't even realize it. Brought up by older grandparents after her mother leaves her kids behind the struggles are real for Ruby. Once old enough her brothers leave her to handle the aging grandparents. Fortune comes and slips away. Loss, in many forms with this story and parts brought tears to my eyes. So hard to not grow up in a bad way when that is all you hear in your life.
October 28, 2023
I'm sorry. I wanted to like it, but impossible. Just because your ancestor did something, doesn't mean you have to fictionalize a story, and make her seem like a sympathetic character. She wasn't, by any means. Maybe Ruby had a hard life growing up, but that in no way excused all the things she did to hurt people. I finished the book, but it really stretched the truth and left a bad taste in my mouth.
May 5, 2023
Oh yes this is what I like about reading. A debut book by Kimberly Nixon that I did not want to finish. We get to read about Ruby from the time she was born and all the trials she goes through in Rock Bottom, Tennessee. Such a hard life to endure but Ruby stays strong and wishes for someone to love her. The writing was splendid and the characters were brought to life.
May 4, 2022
I love this book! I grew up in rural Pennsylvania and attended a one-room school. The pleasure in reading this novel— You never know what trouble Dear Ruby is going to get into on the next page. Excellent!
November 5, 2022
I really loved this book. Historical fiction is my favorite genre. The story was intriguing and kept the reader’s interest. Great historical facts made this boo come alive. After reading the book, the author spoke at our organization. Her personality shows why this book was so good.
January 2, 2023
I liked the story. The setting seemed well developed and the main character was interesting. I could really feel and see the town, the families, and the evolution of story until the end — I needed to see a bit more heartbreak there. I would love to read more from this author.
March 6, 2023
Didn't want to put it down. I kept cheering for Joseph and the kids, but Ruby had her heart set on someone else. I figure with her early start in life it was inevitable without God in her life. What a tale!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2023
Life happens
Could not put this book down. Ruby endured a poor upbringing, not of her choosing or choices. But she failed to see later on how her choices affected her, and her children.
Could not put this book down. Ruby endured a poor upbringing, not of her choosing or choices. But she failed to see later on how her choices affected her, and her children.
January 26, 2024
Life was hard for many people in the mountains of Eastern Tennessee. A novel about that struggle from the eyes and life of one girl/woman/mother and sinner told in what we in these hills call the old timey way.
April 11, 2022
Such a great read. Captured the spirit of the times and brought to life an incredible tale based on a true story. Highly recommend.
July 1, 2022
Thei book was really good.
July 12, 2022
Rock Bottom,Tennessee
This story captivated me from the beginning. Wrong decisions and tragedy seemed to follow the characters. Hard to put it down.
This story captivated me from the beginning. Wrong decisions and tragedy seemed to follow the characters. Hard to put it down.
January 5, 2023
Excellent book !!!!
March 26, 2023
Good book
June 30, 2023
Just knowing this is based on a true story makes it that much more fascinating. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews