Ruby's Last Chance by Joy Wood

I have just finished a novel written by my dear friend, Joy Wood. This most recent book, Ruby's Last Chance, is a departure from her usual crime thrillers and mysteries, but I bought the book anyway, because of the author who wrote it.

Ruby's Last Chance was written as an entry to a competition set by SpellBound Books Ltd. and, the fact that it did not win is a testament to the quality of the entries the publisher received.

The Blurb

Junior journalist Ruby Lowe, recently dumped by her boyfriend and left with a shed load of debt, has no choice when her boss gives her the assignment from hell – attend a writers’ retreat where world-famous crime writer Edward De’Ath is lecturing and covertly obtain his DNA so they can prove a paternity case – comply or it’s the end of a promising career.

She’s not at all confident she can deliver.

Edward De’Ath has agreed to lecture at the writers’ retreat as a favour to an old college friend. Light of heart, and determined to enjoy his last few days in the UK before heading back to his home in New York, he and Ruby literally bump into each other in the car park and it is not a pleasant exchange.

Both simmer with rage as they check in, neither of them realising their bad start to the week is only about to get worse . . .

The Review

Ruby's Last Chance is a delightful summer read penned by the talented author, Joy Wood.

It is the story of a young journalist whose editor is threatening to sack her, but offers her one last chance to redeem herself. Her task is to get evidence that the famous author, Edward De'Ath is the father of the child borne to another of the members of staff at the paper. The paper then, armed with the evidence, plans to publish an expose of De'Ath.

Apart from the surname of the mark, Edward De'Ath, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was a light summer tale of Ruby's plans to collect the evidence she needs to establish paternity of her friends' daughter.

Ruby's original meeting with De'Ath sets the tone for much of the book as the two actively dislike each other, but are also extremely attracted to each other. I doubt it is a spoiler to tell you that attraction wins, however beyond that, I will not reveal how the story ends.

Suffice to say, if you are travelling for a holiday, this would be a lovely story to take with you. Ruby's Last Chance is a short book, as was defined by the rules of the competition. It is also a delightful story that I'm sure you will enjoy. I highly recommend Ruby's Last Chance by Joy Wood.

The Author

I’ve always loved the many facets of the English Language. At school, my favourite lesson was English Literature. I used to read a specific story, imagine I’d written it and then formulate a different ending. Delighted with my own efforts, I’m not so sure the renowned authors’ would have appreciated my slant on their work.

Poetry was a particular favourite of mine, and I’d use any excuse to dabble. I trained as a nurse, and whenever I left a period of employment such as working on a ward or in an operating theatre, I would leave behind a witty poem about my colleagues, turning them into humorous characters, which were always well received.

 I progressed to consumer competitions, and enjoyed a significant amount of success writing slogans. Nothing would please me more than to receive a long white envelope through the post, announcing a prize I’d won for an innovative slogan. I was very lucky with most of the prizes, although a runner up reward of a year’s supply of dog food wasn’t the best prize, especially when I didn’t have a dog!

 I once wrote a simple romantic story for a competition run by a clothing catalogue. I did the usual, boy meets girl, conflict between the two of them which was eventually resolved, and they both lived happily ever after. However, I featured the male and female characters wearing brand names of outfits from the catalogue range, and used appealing descriptive phrases about the garments. To my amazement, I was rewarded by winning first prize of an all-inclusive holiday.

 Even though I knew that the reference to the catalogue clothing range most probably sealed the win, it gave me the encouragement to try my hand at actually writing a romance novel. Two years ago, I moved with my husband to Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire. Watching the tide turn daily, gave me the idea for the story, ‘For the Love of Emily’. I would develop the characters in my head, and create the chapters on my laptop when I returned home. Although this story is now finished, I still have plenty of ideas still whirling around in my brain, yet to be sealed in ink.