The last time I read this particular series was way back in the early 1990s when they first came out. Unlike some of the other series by V.C. Andrews (writer or ghost writer), I only read this one once and that was because, at the time, it wasn't exactly my most favorite out of the ones I had to choose from at the time. Now that I have re-read both Ruby and Pearl in the Mist, I can say I have a stronger appreciation of them now than my previous recollections of the series. In short, Ruby and Giselle are sent away from their home in New Orleans to attend a prestigious school called Greenwood - an all girl's school that is run by Mrs. Ironwood who everyone calls the Iron Lady. For those that are familiar with any formula in a V.C. Andrews book: Ruby tries to behave properly, Giselle constantly gets her in trouble or makes her miserable, there is an older woman who looks down on the heroine, bim bam boom, we arrive at the end of the book with our heroine stronger than she was at the beginning but, somehow, even worse off. As far as "villains" go in the V.C. universe, Giselle is one of the more likeable ones. Ruby is at the same time wise, yet, so incredibly silly at times. What you have to remember about V.C. Andrews - whether written by the woman herself before her passing or the ghost writer Andrew - is that these stories fall into the so bad that they are good category. For me, at least! Yes, there are problematic things in the story(ies) particularly regarding race, but these stories always usually take place pre-1970 so I get trying (emphasis on trying) for accuracy (and failing). Let's be real, the African-American characters get stereotyped quite a lot. Definitely a problem in some of the books written under the Andrews name. So, yes, stories written under the name V.C. Andrews need not be taken seriously (just with a grain of salt) and it's safer just to categorize them under the so bad they are good category. Most people, I dare say, will hate these stories and this author. Understandable. Completely and utterly understandable!

3.5 Stars

Glorification of the “Old South” and includes topics (sometimes problematic) of racism, colorism, classism.

But also, this was YET AGAIN a wild ride. All the hallmarks of a VC Andrews book.

I hate Giselle. I don’t know what it is about siblings or side characters in these series’, but I HATE THEM. Especially siblings.

Giselle doesn’t deserve love. If something had happens to her in the next few books I will not have any sympathy for her cursed personality. Everything negative that has happened to ruby is all because of Giselle. She purposely is so vile and cruel. And for what? So she can get people to push her chair for a class period? Hope she dies.

Ruby is fine.

3.5/5

False advertisement on the back of how this is such a thrilling series. It isn't.

Where to start? It was boring, so boring in the beginning. This book literally took me a month to get by and I finally finished the last 200 hundred pages in 2 days. So it just feels really slow and kinda never picks up that much.

To the actual characters and scenes... I hate Beau Andrews with a passion. He is trash who left his pregnant girlfriend behind and fell in love in France like the asshole he is. Paul is the love of my life. And I think Louis should have become a more important character and maybe a love interest if he was written differently. Louis is 30 but could have been written to be in his 20s, a man who has turned blind after the apparent murder-suicide of his parents, after being molested by his mother. I think he could have been a perfect love interest in between Beau and Paul. Beau should have been the cheater ultimately, the betrayer of Ruby. Louis should have been her next love at a more appropriate age, and been a charming boy with the sad backstory who may commit suicide due to trauma of molestation and leave Ruby (un)knowingly pregnant for all beloved Paul to finally take responsibility. Now that is the story I'd rather have.

But all we got was bullshit. I don't care about the relationship between Beau and Ruby. Nor do I care about the boarding school, or Giselle, or anything but my darling Paul. I liked the friendship with Abby and her portrayal during this time as not fully white, though what even is this time period??

All I want from the last book is some drama because most of this was dry af.

The last time I read this particular series was way back in the early 1990s when they first came out. Unlike some of the other series by V.C. Andrews (writer or ghost writer), I only read this one once and that was because, at the time, it wasn't exactly my most favorite out of the ones I had to choose from at the time. Now that I have re-read both Ruby and Pearl in the Mist, I can say I have a stronger appreciation of them now than my previous recollections of the series. In short, Ruby and Giselle are sent away from their home in New Orleans to attend a prestigious school called Greenwood - an all girl's school that is run by Mrs. Ironwood who everyone calls the Iron Lady. For those that are familiar with any formula in a V.C. Andrews book: Ruby tries to behave properly, Giselle constantly gets her in trouble or makes her miserable, there is an older woman who looks down on the heroine, bim bam boom, we arrive at the end of the book with our heroine stronger than she was at the beginning but, somehow, even worse off. As far as "villains" go in the V.C. universe, Giselle is one of the more likeable ones. Ruby is at the same time wise, yet, so incredibly silly at times. What you have to remember about V.C. Andrews - whether written by the woman herself before her passing or the ghost writer Andrew - is that these stories fall into the so bad that they are good category. For me, at least! Yes, there are problematic things in the story(ies) particularly regarding race, but these stories always usually take place pre-1970 so I get trying (emphasis on trying) for accuracy (and failing). Let's be real, the African-American characters get stereotyped quite a lot. Definitely a problem in some of the books written under the Andrews name. So, yes, stories written under the name V.C. Andrews need not be taken seriously (just with a grain of salt) and it's safer just to categorize them under the so bad they are good category. Most people, I dare say, will hate these stories and this author. Understandable. Completely and utterly understandable!

Not loving the first book, I question why I picked up the next, but it's like not being able to stop watching a mind numbing/ trashy show. You can't look away. There are so many questionable characters in these books, that you know they are to show the gross people in the world. Nevertheless it doesn't make this book easier to swallow, and yes, I will still try to read the next books

Jesus. I don’t know why I’m Still reading this series. These books really are not my thing. Same tired plot redone for every book, insanely predictable plot twists. Just not worth the time.

This is a re-read for me, and I always remembered really enjoying this one. The story picks up almost immediately from the first and features one of my favorite book themes—boarding schools. I enjoyed the first book but this one kept my interest even more.

The school setting is fun and I enjoyed the new characters introduced there, particularly Abby, Miss Stevens, and Louis. Ruby faces many hurdles at the school, usually done by her vindictive twin sister, Gisselle. There’s also, of course, tragedy.

I remembered a good bit about this one but not everything, so that was a nice surprise. I knew the big twist so it was interesting seeing that unfold. The climax and overall ending are a great close for this book.

Ruby makes plenty of mistakes in this one but she’s still a pretty solid main character who I enjoyed reading about. A great sequel to the first book.