This is the second book I’ve read by Tina Ann Forkner. I reviewed Ruby Among Us when it first came out last summer, and I loved it. It was a fairly easy read, but not fluffy. I enjoyed watching the characters learn and grow as the story progressed.
Imagine my surprise when Kitty popped up on the first few pages of The Rose House. She was one main characters in Ruby Among Us, and here she is several years later in this novel. It surprised me, and it seemed out of place.
Have you ever been on vacation and run into an acquaintance from home? It was like that. Once I got over the shock, I was delighted to “see” Kitty in this book. The setting was the same as well, so I began to feel as if I was reacquainting myself with this author.
This book is certainly not a sequel — the characters (except for two) are completely different, and as I mentioned in my review, I found the style to be a little bit different as well — a little more romance and a little more mystery (I posted a full review of Rose House on Monday at our weekly column at 5 Minutes for Mom, so please click on over to get the full scoop.).
So how do you feel when that happens? Do you like it? Does it mess you up and confuse you? You can jump into the conversation AND enter to win one of two copies (U.S. and Canadian addresses are eligible to win), by answering one of these two questions:
- Did you read Ruby Among Us? If so — did you like it?
- What are your thoughts about recurring characters that float in and out of books that are not part of a series?
or
You can also just say “enter me,” but isn’t a discussion about books a lot more fun?
We’ll announce the winners on May 20.
I wanted to point out that I did tag this as a “Christian” book, but had it not been published by a Christian publishing house, I would not have put it in that category. So, regardless of your religious preference, if you are looking for a good clean read, try out Tina Ann Forkner’s works.
The winner of the Allie Fortune Mysteries (which Carrie actually described in the same way to me — good clean reads) are #8 Carol M, and #3 edj.
If you didn’t receive the email from me, you have one week to send your shipping info to us at 5minutesforbooksATgmailDOTcom.
Managing Editor Jennifer Donovan also blogs at Snapshot about life with her tween daughter and preschool son.
I have not read Ruby Among Us.
It can be nice to have recurring characters pop up. Of course, we’ve seen this with Stephen King, but others as well. It can be a nice little surprise, like an easter egg!
Thanks for the giveaway!
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I have not yet read Ruby Among Us.
I like the idea of recurring characters. It’s like meeting up with a long lost friend and catching up over coffee.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I do like it when characters from an author’s other novels pop up in the one I’m reading. It’s like catching up with an old friend.
I’d love to be entered for this book.
I enjoy recurring characters. It makes me recall the details of the other books – maybe even reread some of them!
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
I’m not familiar with the characters, though I will add this to my reading list. thanks for the giveaway!
I have not read either one of these yet. For the most part, I don’t mind it when recurring characters pop up in other books. It’s best if there is a reason for their presence, but usually it’s a nice surprise.
Neat giveaway. Both of these are on my list to read!
I not sure I’ve ever read a book that has had a character reappear that wasn’t in a series. If I have, I didn’t notice.
Thanks for the giveaway.
accoupons at gmail dot com
I have not read that book, though I’d like to be entered in the drawing. 😉
I’m torn about seeing characters return. It really depends if I’ve developed strong feelings toward the characters. If so, then I sometimes get frustrated when they get a passing mention but don’t really play a part in the story. If I’m not that vested in the characters, then a passing mention doesn’t bother me.
Hi…I’d like to be entered in your giveaway for Rose House. I loved Tina’s book, Ruby Among Us and would love to read her new book.
I haven’t read very many books with recurring characters, but if I did, I don’t think it would bother me. I get engrossed in books I read, and usually remember certain characters that stand out or I like really well. I just enjoy reading period! lol
Thank you,
SandyG
Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com
I read and loved Ruby Among Us. Looking forward to reading Rose House. I think reoccurring characters are great. Life is like that. People you haven’t seen in awhile turn up where you least expect them.
I have not read Ruby Among Us as of yet.
How do I feel when characters appear in novels not in a series?: It’s sort of surreal, wondering how she/he fits in, but once you figure it out, it fine. Like you mention, you ‘get reacquainted’ with what’s happening in their life.
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I did not read Ruby Among Us, but it sounds like a good book. I think that recurring characters floating in and out of books without the books being a series is great! You can read the books individually without having read the ones before it, and it still make sense, yet if you have read the books before it, you have the same good characters.
Mariah
penguinqueen(at)hotmail(dot)com
i have not read the book. I love recurring characters that float in and out of series becuae even though they arent the focus you get to know them and it makes you feel more connected to things that happened
I have not read Ruby Among Us. I don’t always care for recurring characters. It’s ok in certain books, but then I don’t care for it in others.
I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the giveaway.
accoupons at gmail dot com
I have not read the book either. But I really enjoy seeing characters from past books. Usually I fall in love with a character and can never get enough so I’m usually sad when the book ends. When I “see” them in other books, it makes me feel like I’m glimpsing into their lives and getting an update from an old friend.
This is a book I’ll put on my summer readinglist! I love books with recurring characters!
I have not read this book yet, but I am itching to get my hands on a copy!
I think that it can be fun to revisit characters from former books. It’s like meeting up with old friends that you haven’t seen in a while!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Rose House!
My email: donnyandshelly (at) (yahoo) (dot) (com)
Yes, I like recurring characters.
I like recurring characters except that my memory is so bad, I may not know one when I “see” one!
I did not read “Ruby Among Us”. I don’t mind recurring characters – it’s kind of fun to recognize one in a book if you’ve read some of the author’s other works.
Please count me in – Thanks!
megalon22[at]yahoo[dot]com
I haven’t read Ruby Among Us yet. As for the recurring character, I think that’s a good idea and allows the author to really bring out different qualities and traits in different books. I hadn’t read anything with a character like that but now you’ve got me interested!
I have not read it.
I prefer recurring characters in a series.
I didnt read Ruby Among Us, but would love to! I love to read, but rarely spend money on books.. I would love to win! Thank you…. [email protected]