Saving Ruby King – Catherine Adel West

This year has had so many incredible debuts!

Thanks to Park Row Books for the free copy in exchange for my honest review

SAVING RUBY KING – Catherine Adel West (Released June 16th, 2020)

Book Description:

Family. Faith. Secrets. Everything in this world comes full circle.

When Ruby King’s mother is found murdered in their home in Chicago’s South Side, the police dismiss it as another act of violence in a black neighborhood. But for Ruby, it’s a devastating loss that leaves her on her own with her violent father. While she receives many condolences, her best friend, Layla, is the only one who understands how this puts Ruby in jeopardy.

Their closeness is tested when Layla’s father, the pastor of their church, demands that Layla stay away. But what is the price for turning a blind eye? In a relentless quest to save Ruby, Layla uncovers the murky loyalties and dangerous secrets that have bound their families together for generations. Only by facing this legacy of trauma head-on will Ruby be able to break free.

An unforgettable debut novel, Saving Ruby King is a powerful testament that history doesn’t determine the present and the bonds of friendship can forever shape the future.

My Thoughts: 5/5 stars

When the synopsis says an unforgettable debut novel, it wasn’t joking! SAVING RUBY KING is a phenomenal debut for Catherine Adel West and is one I won’t soon forget. The writing, the characters, the setting, the mystery – there wasn’t just one element that stood out because it was all incredible.

Its really hard to go in depth with this one when it comes to reviewing because I don’t want to spoil anything when it comes to the mystery. West creates such authentic and real characters that just jump off the page at you and you find yourself beginning to empathize with the characters you aren’t supposed to like.

The fact that the author put a piece of herself and her experiences in this work of fiction made it even more engrossing to me. I will be anxiously waiting for her next book to release and I highly recommend picking this one up knowing as little as you can about it. Without a doubt, a new auto-buy author for this girl!