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!