Local teacher and writer Lisa Heffernan has recently released her debut novel Finding Ruby. This funny yet heart warming story of rediscovery and new beginnings proves it is never too late to chase your dreams. Lisa has been writing for years and fondly remembers her time in Kilkenny Young Writers Group. Her love of writing led to a degree in English before following her other great passion for teaching.
Finding Ruby tells the story of Ruby Jacobs, who has discovered that happily ever after comes with no guarantee. Her prince and white picket fence have never materialised and so she decides to take matters into her own hands. Ruby creates a foolproof list of things to do to reclaim herself, her figure, her husband and her happy ending. Yet nothing ever quite goes to plan and instead often ends with chaotic and hilarious results. As Ruby fights to save everything that is important to her, she might just find herself along the way.
Synopsis
Ruby Jacobs is 35, has found and married her prince but is still looking for her happily ever after. Eight years of marriage has resulted in three children and a stomach that is sinking so far south she could use it as a blanket. The beautiful house with the white picket fence has never materialised and John seems more distant than ever.
A school reunion with glamorous Maura, successful Susan and flawless Claire makes Ruby re-evaluate her life. So is born ‘Ruby’s list’. A foolproof list of all things that she must do to reclaim herself, her figure, her husband and her happy ending. But is it too late? Can Ruby Jacobs really re-write her story or is she about to start a whole new one?
Lisa is a teacher at St John’s National School and daughter of Dympna and Seán Heffernan. Ms Heffernan told The Kilkenny Observer that the text for Finding Ruby has been lying in a drawer for quite some time, and really it was the encouragement from family and friends that ensured the book saw the light of day. She thanked her mother Dympna for instilling a belief in her when she doubted herself. Speaking of her father Seán, Lisa remarked “Dad raised me to love deeply and to always reach for the stars.” Lisa credits her dad Seán as being the best storyteller she ever knew. And when it came to motivation for writing the book, Lisa credits daughters Emma and Sarah.
Finding Ruby is currently available on Amazon and in Khans bookshop.
