Ruby - Landry 01 - V C Andrews - 1992 - English

In the heart of the bayou, Ruby Landry lives a simple, happylife. But innocence can't last forever...

The only family Ruby Landry has ever known are her lovingguardian, Grandmère Catherine, a Cajun spiritual healer, and her drunken,outcast Grandpèrb Jack. Although thinking about her dead mother and mysteriousfather sometimes makes her feel as mournful as the wind sighing through theSpanish moss, Ruby is grateful for all she has. Her life is filled with hopeand promise...especially when her attraction for handsome Paul Tate blossomsinto a mysterious, wonderful love. But Paul's wealthy parents forbid him toassociate with a poor Landry, and Grandmère urges her to follow her dream ofbecoming a great painter, foreseeing a time when Ruby will be surrounded withriches in the dazzling city of New Orleans! Yet she cannot know how close thatuncertain future looms....

In a faded photograph, Ruby glimpses for the first time theimage of her father -- and learns of a shameful deception and a shocking schemeof blackmail that now must come to light. Stunned by these revelations, she isdevastated when Grandmère dies, leaving her to seek out her father in his vastNew Orleans mansion. There, in a house of lies, madness, and cruel torment,Ruby clings to her memories of Paul to keep her heart alive. For only theirlove can save her now....