Reviews 


Reviews by Ruth
Read reviews written by Ruth by visiting her blog, http://reviewsbyruth.wordpress.com

Excerpts From Reviews

Touching A Reader Review on Amazon UK : L. A. Gilbert

...This book is important to me and made me feel glad to know that there are such stories published, it's the kind of book that makes you feel slightly peaceful.

See the complete review at http://tinyurl.com/6mfadq - 7 Feb 2008.

An Amazing Love Story Reader review on Amazon.com: J.A. Brown

Ruth Sims' 'The Pheonix' is an overwhelming love story, set in a very elegant era. The symbolism that lies inside the book compliments the plot line, giving the story a very classic literary affect...Rarely a book can touch my heart as this book has. I give this book five stars and will definately keep it as a future re-read for many years.

See the complete review at http://tinyurl.com/52ajvp - May 23, 2008.

A classic of the genre Reader review on Amazon.com & AmazonUK: Alex Beecroft, author of Captain's Surrender

How to begin to summarize this?! It's a wonderfully complex book, but at its heart is the love between Kit St Denys - the famous actor who was born a gutter rat in London but killed his abusive father and earned a better life - and Nick Stuart, the idealistic doctor from a background of stifling piety...Underworld London, high society London, the theatre, the circus, and the Elephant on Coney Island - you feel almost as if the whole world is there. The story is a roller coaster that takes you from terrible lows to joyful heights and then back again...I was gripped throughout and left feeling very satisfied, and yet as though I needed to read it again. A definite keeper!

See the complete review at http://tinyurl.com/52ajvp - March 21, 2008.

Uniquely Pleasurable Reviwer: Lee Benoit, Author of several titles from Torquere Books, listed at http://tinyurl.com/69gzzt (Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA)

Rich and thick in the best Victorian tradition, and cool and smooth as the best contemporary romances, The Phoenix is that rare bird: a convincing historical novel with a compelling modern sensibility. I can't recommend it highly enough...Kit's and Nick's voices are internally consistent, making for very strong characters. But their voices are far from stagnant; they develop, lighten and darken, age and deepen, over the course of the novel...The book hinges on Kit's various transformations by various forces. His fulfillment as a character comes when he makes his final transformation, all on his own and with no audience to applaud him. For all his flaws, like his literary forbears, Kit's an easy character to love and root for, and Sims does him great justice.

See the complete review at http://unique.logophilos.net/?p=480 - April 2008.

Obsidian Bookshelf Reviewer: Val Kovalin (Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA)

Don't miss this sweeping historical romance set in the 1890s...big-hearted, flamboyant, historical romance...The highlight of the book for me is when Kit struggles to establish his theater company in New York City. It's fast-paced, often highly amusing, and digs deep enough to give you a real flavor of both the theater world and the cut-throat politics of the time.

See the complete review at http://www.obsidianbookshelf.com/ January 2008.

Mark Probst, author of The Filly http://cheyennepublishing.com/author.html (Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA)

...discovering Ruth Sims' romantic Victorian tale was like finding a rare gem. It's been a long while since a book resonated this deeply in my soul. It's with loving care that the author seamlessly weaves the tapestry of true historical characters and events with authentic fictional counterparts...In my opinion, THE PHOENIX is a masterwork.

See the complete review on Amazon at http://tinyurl.com/5kth6j November, 2007.

Liz Nicholson, British reader 2007 (Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA)

[The Phoenix is] a romance set at the end of the nineteenth/beginning of the twentieth century and centres round the lives and loves of two men. They are both English, from backgrounds as different as chalk and cheese, giving Ruth and her readers a chance to explore the London slums, the life of the very rich, village life (for a doctor's family) and the theatre...Whilst I cared deeply about the fates of the two heroes, it was the finely and lovingly drawn minor characters that gave them a solid and interesting background and lifted the book out of the run-of-the-mill romance genre...Often, I read books like this one (romance/thriller genre) and pass them on to friends or charity shops. This one will be staying on my crowded bookshelves, to be re-read in the future. Highly recommended.

See the complete review at
http://community.livejournal.com/womeninprint/5202.html

Joyfully Reviewed Reviewer: Cheryl (Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA)

Lovers of historical romances, gay or straight, will want to pick up The Phoenix...A sweeping tale overflowing with rich detail and emotion, The Phoenix is a grand historical romance. Ruth Sims crafts a lush world full of well developed characters. Introduced to Kit and Nick in their youth, I truly came to know them both. Neither is perfect, but each are engaging men that had me rooting for a happy ending. Ms. Sims's vivid storytelling left me breathless at both the horrors and triumphs of these two men. Deftly handling the realities of a gay relationship at that point in history, she gives Kit and Nick's romance a true authenticity.

See the complete review at
http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Oct07/ThePhoenix.RS.html October 2007

Midwest Book Review: January 2007 Issue, January 2, 2007

Reviewer: Lori L. Lake "Author of Snow Moon Rising, The 'Gun' Series, Stepping Out, & The Milk of Human Kindness, & more" (Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA)

See complete review at http://www.midwestbookreview.com/rbw/jan_07.htm#lori

The complete review also may be seen on Amazon.com

[…] the story is hardly begun before complications develop in the most delicious ways. Kit has hidden so much of his past, even from himself, and Nick has trouble reconciling religion, family expectations, and the overwhelming compulsion he feels for Kit. There are plot twists and unexpected turns, and just when you think you understand what will happen next, Sims upends expectations with a deft and gleeful hand.

[…]THE PHOENIX is a magnificent tour de force, a novel of searing power and grace and constant surprises as it winds its way through London and New York, the slums, high society, fancy theaters, castles, madness, and the agony of one wounded heart seeking comfort and love in the arms of another man despite being without the sanction of society, church, God, or his own good sense.

[…] Though the book is classified "historical," it's wildly evocative and dramatic without being melodramatic. The characters and themes will have you thinking about this book long after you've finished it. From the beginning to the end, the reader has no sure idea where the story will go, and while we fervently hope that Nick and Kit are, indeed, destined for love and happiness, the road they travel to invent and reinvent themselves is rocky, unpredictable, and utterly engrossing.

THE PHOENIX is fantastic writing and storytelling of the highest order. This is one book not to be missed. I give it my highest recommendation. ~Lori L. Lake, author of the "Gun" Series, Different Dress, Ricochet in Time, Snow Moon Rising, Stepping Out: Short Stories, and editor of Romance for LIFE! and the Lambda Literary Award anthology finalist, The Milk of Human Kindness.

Rick R. Reed, author of Twisted: Tales of Obsessions and Terror; A Face Without a Heart; Obsessed; Penance; and more.

Read the complete review at Amazon.com

First novels should not be this good… I have to admit, I wasn't prepared to love this book as much as I did. Rarely does a book make me cry, but this one did. It's difficult to believe this is a first novel, because Ruth Sims’ highly competent and polished storytelling seems to be honed from years of hard-won experience. […]intriguing (and often mesmerizing) blend of historical fact, pathos, comedy, and heart. […] This is the kind of book that you're sorry to see come to an end. Highly recommended.

Erastes, Great Britain, Author of Standish.

Read the complete review at Amazon.co.uk

What a joy to read this book proved to be. […] It's a lovely seduction and love affair […] Characterisation: Is great. I could really get under the skin of both main characters without any problem. Even when she shifted between one and the other, it was so starkly contrasted - the difference in their characters—that you simply thought as one then the other. While Nick's choices made me want to brain him, they made perfect sense in the world he inhabited […] Kit is larger than life throughout, and that's perfectly in character, even when his life spirals out of control, it's in a wonderfully tragedian way with Nick hardly able to keep up. […] Period Feel: Wonderfully done, with no Dan Brown tub-thumping explanations of what is going on and the politics of the time. Sims doesn't talk down to her reader. […] Very highly recommended. Certainly the best written gay historical I've read[…]

Tami Brady (Calgary, Canada) September 8, 2006.

Read the complete review at Amazon.com

There are some words in the English language that for the sheer weight their meanings carry should be used sparingly. One such word is masterful, and yet, there is no other way to describe author Ruth Sims story telling in her captivating novel The Phoenix.

From the slums of London to high society grandeur, author Sims brings the Victorian Era to life with movie-like clarity. […] The characters are heartwarming and heartrending with Kit and Nick breathing life from the pages, causing the reader to empathize with them and be touched by their emotions. Perhaps the best way to describe the novel would be to say that from the very first page, The Phoenix will enchant the reader until the last word is read, and even then, the memory of the tale and characters will continue to linger on.

Jean Paquin, Mississippi

Read the complete review at Amazon.com

Fear, love, hate. All these emotions are in this book and you will experience them just as the characters do. It is amazing to watch these two men, who are so very different in their upbringing find themselves and each other. […] The journey these two make to come to terms with who they are is both harsh and tender. […] The emotion between the two characters makes them unforgetable.

Toby Johnson, Co-author, Two-Spirits, Editor of (Central Texas, United States)

Read the complete review at Amazon.com

There's a sort of "histrionic" character type that we associate with the Victorian Era and the beginnings of the Freudian enlightenment about subconscious forces that shape human lives. Sims' novel, THE PHOENIX, marvelously captures that intensity of emotion and obsession with love.
[…] As I read this book, I was fascinated by the deep psychological forces in the characters' lives. The book is easy to read and thoroughly interesting and believable.

Jordan R. Henry, 18-year-old reader, Michigan, USA

Read the complete review at Amazon.com

Absolutely brilliant […] From the moment i picked up my copy of The Phoenix, i knew it was going to be a great book...but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. […] This love story has to be one of the best ever written...it seriously took me through every emotion I know...when I was angry, I was really angry, and when I was sad, I really cried. The story has the ability to make you feel like you are part of it. It has been about 1 year since I read the book and I still can’t get it out of my head...to write a book with that much power is simply amazing. 
 

Victor J. Banis, author of Tales From C.A.M.P;, Jackie's Back

Read the complete review at Amazon.com

It's a good thing Ruth Sims did not live and write in the era of the witch trials, because they would surely have burned her at the stake for the spell she casts in her novel, The Phoenix. […] This is a fine book for those who like gay romance, of course, and for lovers of theater, where much of it is set […]this is a book for everyone who loves a terrific story, told by a mistress of her craft. Just don't blame me if you find yourself 'witched. Victor J. Banis, author of Tales From C.A.M.P. 

Alex Hogan, Australia

Read the complete review at Amazon.com

The Phoenix is set in the late 19th century, beginning in London, moving to New York and returning in the end to London again. Ruth Sims has explored various issues of the day and through doing this has highlighted many of the hypocrisies of the era; the violence and parental neglect […] the repression and lack of love that is hidden behind strict religious dogma… the economic games of corruption behind the scenes in the world of arts and theatre [….]  On the one hand an examination of the social conditions of the era, on the other hand a passionate and romantic love story. Most definitely a book worth reading again, and again.

”Lindsey”Alberta, Canada.

Appeared on Chapters.com at http://tinyurl.com/yd2n7z
 

If you liked Brokeback Mountain, you will love this book. The description on the back cover describes it as a 'gay romance', but don't let that fool you. It is indeed a historical romance between two men, but there's much more to it. It's not too often you find yourself caring so much for characters that you can't sleep at night for want of reading more. I laughed and cried along with the characters, and quite literally could not put it down. I can't recommend this book enough!

Shannon Frost, TCM Reviews

See full review at:  http://tcm-ca.com/reviews/1214.html

There are some words in the English language that for the sheer weight their meanings carry should be used sparingly.  One such word is masterful, and yet, there is no other way to describe author Ruth Sims story telling in her captivating novel The Phoenix. …

From the slums of London to high society grandeur, author Sims brings the Victorian Era to life with movie-like clarity.  Details of theatre life and medicine, the impoverished and wealthy, London to New York, flow silken smooth…The characters are heartwarming and heartrending with Kit and Nick breathing life from the pages…The Phoenix will enchant the reader until the last word is read, and even then, the memory of the tale and characters will continue to linger on.

“Jane”, Ontario Canada.

Review appeared on: Amazon.com 

This is a wonderful and a beautifully written love story between 2 boys whose love grows as they grow! It reminds me of Romeo and Juliet. They are trying to nurture their love but circumstances continually work against them. There is a constant struggle with Nick who was brought up very religiously and has a hard time admitting to and living with his gay love for Kit. Nick lives with constant guilt and Kit is very comfortable with himself. It has a blockbuster ending and keeps you guessing right up to the last page if these 2 beautiful people will finally have the love they deserve with each other. The characters are well-developed as is the events and places. I loved this book and could not put it down.

Roxane Christ, Editor

“…the most dramatic and emotional turmoil one could ever experience... I loved it...this is a beautiful and well-written book.”

Ken Sain, Reviewer, Southern Voice, The Washington Blade

“Sims does a wonderful job of recreating the New York theater scene at the turn of the century.

It has action, drama, romance and a love between two souls that are determined to overcome all the obstacles to be together.”


Chas Ridley, Reviewer, The Romance Studio

“…Ruth Sims has given us a thoroughly enjoyable tale with more twists and turnarounds than a pretzel factory. Sometimes brutal - physically and emotionally - this is a gripping story.”

William Maltese, Author, Thai Died; A Slip to Die For (Stud Draqual Mystery Series)

“….tsunami of acclaim for THE PHOENIX …. bestowing accolades on Ruth Sims’ twenty-years-in-the-writing Victorian novel of the love between two gay men … rediscover the pure joy of reading…. I suspect it will be a considerable time before you find the likes of Ms. Sims’ THE PHOENIX appearing in any book stores again — if ever — TRY IT, YOU’LL LIKE IT!”

Blake Fraina, Author, King of Cats

“This is a sweeping historical romance that plays out against the theatrical goings on of nineteenth century London and New York. A veritable feast for the true culture maven.”

Jak Klinikowski, Reader

“Without doubt, the finest book I read this year. This piece of historical fiction drew me in and held me like few other books have ever been able to do. I was mesmerized, and I did not want it to end. …It is now on, and shall always remain on, my all-time favorite book list. … pure perfection.”

Josh Aterovis, Author, Bleeding Hearts

“The Phoenix is a wonderfully entertaining novel by first-time author Ruth Sims. Sims' language is elegant and economical. There's not a wasted word to be found, yet she creates beautifully vivid imagery. As you read Ruth Sims' book, you fully dwell in her world.”

Ladymol, Reviewer, Squashduck

“What a rare find! I was enthralled by this book and couldn’t put it down. In fact, I did something I never, ever do, which is to peek at the last page; seriously, the tension was that bad!”

Diana Tixier Herald, Reviewer, Genrefluent Magazine

“Sims has done a masterful job of creating characters who are real. She had made these two men and their enduring love for each other incredibly believable in what may be one of the most unusual books of 2005.”

Emily Veinglory, Author and Reviewer

“The Phoenix' is my favourite book from the year so far! … a work of literature that is unashamedly emotional, lyrical and romantic but also built upon a strong, complex plot and sound historical research.”

Adrian DeBolt, TGForum

“THE PHOENIX, as anticipated, was a real joy to read… You may never have the inclination to read another such book, but do yourself the favor: acquaint yourself with this one.”

Cerisaye, Rainbow Readership; Squashduck

“A juicy, page-turner that takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride through a beautifully realised late Victorian England and America in the delightful company of one of the most romantic heroes it has been my pleasure to fall head over heels in love with. It’d make a wonderful film…”

Galenn Frazier, Amazon.com

“Ruth Sims provides a glorious and insightful in-depth peek at life as it existed in an earlier age, complete with all of its handsomeness, beauty, and accompanying warts…. a truly unique experience.”

Elizabeth Conley, Reviewer, Our Bookshelf

“THE PHOENIX encompasses years and spans two continents. I literally gave up any semblance of social life to find out what would ultimately become of Kit and Nick. Without a doubt, The Phoenix is a solid five star read.”

Elizabeth K. Burton, The Blue Iris Journal

“The Phoenix is an incredibly rich and compelling saga of the journey of two men of similar background yet opposing temperament whose love for each other transcends time, distance and a society that considers it an abomination. … characters who are so thoroughly and sublimely human …a book no one should miss.”

Alastair Rosie, eBook Reviews Weekly

The Phoenix by Ruth Sims is without a doubt a truly remarkable book … astonishingly well written, accurately researched, and a real pleasure to read. It is rare for a reviewer to give a ten out of ten rating for a book or film, but his case an A rating is more than justified.

Michael Halfhill, Author of “Bought and Paid For” “Scimitar”

“Ruth Sims is a consummate artist. This is a talent. The remarkable thing is the economy of words Sims uses. Time and again Ruth Sims tells you what is, by telling you what is not. Want a book you'll urge others to read? Then run, do not walk, and get a copy of THE PHOENIX.”

Kameron Kizzar, Queer Factors

“The book takes off like a rocket … The rest is so twisty, it will make your head swim! I guarantee you the last few chapters will take you for a ride well worth the read!

Antonio Z, Playwright

“A throwback, of sorts, to the fiction of Dickens, Austen and Hardy, when things like character and plot still meant something. I literally could not put this book down; its characters are charismatic and multifaceted, its plot twists intricate and unpredictable. … the sign of an author who possesses both a rich, free-flowing imagination and a profound, generous humanity.”

Lisa Grant, Amazon.com Reader review

“Sometimes a book comes along that breaks all the rules, yet works. Or maybe it works because it breaks the rules. The Phoenix seems to fit the mold both ways. Add the fact that The Phoenix happens to be a wonderfully written page-turner too, and I believe it just may be an instant classic. A must-have for anyone who loves a great read.”

Denise M. Clark, Reviewer

A tale that spans two decades and a wealth of emotions ranging from hatred to grief to tender love. Her subject matter is treated with candor and dignity. The Phoenix is an exciting read, a different type of romance, and one that enthralls and educates at the same time.


AWARDS

ForeWord Magazine
Book of the Year Award 2005, Honorable Mention

2002 Independent Ebook Award
Independent E-Book Awards 2002, First Place