Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West (#59 in 2020)
Thank you to Park Row Books for my advanced review copy It all takes place on the South Side of Chicago. Ruby King's mother is found dead in their home and while the police turn a blind eye to "just another act of violence in a black neighborhood," Ruby can't seem to move on. Ruby's best friend, Layla, knows the danger Ruby faces and she actively wants to help Ruby during this time, but Layla's father cautions her to stay out of it. While Layla disobeys her father to save Ruby King, she uncovers the shocking secrets that bind their two families in a way that will change everything. Catherine Adel West wrote this book with varying points of view. You have the perspectives of Ruby, Layla, Lebanon (Ruby's father), and Jackson (Layla's father). But here's what I loved-- you also have the perspective of Calvary Hope Christian Church, the house of worship where Jackson is the minister and where both families grew up. I absolutely loved Calvary's nearly-omniscient point of view as it revealed many of the secrets contained within its walls. This book is packed with drama. There's the struggle against her father that Ruby faces in the wake of her mother's death, the mystery surrounding her mother's death, the protective bonds between longtime friends, and the underlying secrets that await their exposure. West's book begs to uncover the secrets both families hide as well as the secret ingredient to what makes a good friend even in the face of danger. 4.5 stars
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