Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett

Beyond the Ashes (The Golden Gate Chronicles #2) by Karen Barnett is a riveting story that captures real life events and makes the lives of her characters compelling to read. From beginning to end, the characters of this book are challenged with facing their fears, while learning that conquering them brings more worth then they could ever imagine.  Second chances and new beginnings start to bloom as each character learns to trust in God for the amount of time they are given. 

Summary

Where better to rebuild and face one s fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes? Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she ll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn t anticipate finding new love. Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he d always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert s widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed. Ruby and Gerald s fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they're striving to cure. Together they must ask is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?" 

My Thoughts 

To be honest, I liked this story more than I thought I was going too.  The writing of this story is very well researched and developed.  From the scenery of San Francisco during the tragic earthquake and fire in early 1900's, and the beginnings of finding a cure for cancer in medicine.  I thought that this book was going to be another historical romance, but it was more than that. It felt real, and as a reader it made the reading experience more enjoyable. I also really appreciated the way Barnett handled her characters.  They were human, and as a reader I love reading about character's that have real human attributes and characteristics. It didn't seem as if the author was trying to make them appear human (hopefully that makes sense).  Basically, her character's are full of strengths and weaknesses and they strive to learn what it means to live their lives dependent on God.  They learn to walk by faith into the multitudes of "what ifs?". 

Gerald was a fantastic character to read.  I don't know if the summary gave too much away above, but Gerald is a doctor trying to find the cure for cancer.  He's already had too many patients die on him and he's starting to feel the guilt and remorse weigh heavily on him.  What is even more compelling about his character is that his body starts to show signs of the certain disease he is trying to find the cure for.  I won't say if he does or does not have the disease, but as the reader those passages were very interesting to read (in a good way). 

Ruby was a good balance for Gerald, and their connection of helping those in need gave them a good common ground.  It also made them want to help each other with their own internal battles and from there feelings started to grow.  Ruby at times I felt was a tad bit rash or said more things that I felt could have been a little out of character, but then she would add a comment that she wasn't "feeling herself" or would recognize that her actions weren't right.  As a reader, I like that.  Nothing is worse than reading about a character that says whatever they want and doesn't think back on those words.  Also, her transformation from the first chapter to the last one was good. Fears that developed in her life started to dissipate as she began to over come her fears.  One fear was that she was afraid of automobiles, so as a way to conquer that she learned to drive the very thing that gave her anxiety.  It also helped bond her and Gerald, as he helped her learn to drive.  It was evident that Ruby was beginning to heal from the early death of her first husband, and was growing to love the new family that her brother had made (which can be read about in the first book) and the new man who had appeared in her life.  

Overall, this book was really well done.  From the interactions of the characters to the development of the story, Barnett treats her stories with much care and precision.  Looking forward to the next one. Disclaimer: this book can be read alone! 

Rating: 3 out of 5 bookshelves 
I received a free copy from Litfuse Publicity in return for an honest review.

About the Author 

Inspired by God’s devotion to His people and her own passion for research and learning, author Karen Barnett creates historical romances that explore her characters’ faith and how their experiences impact the way they view God.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads

Purchase her book: Amazon, B&N

Happy Reading! 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid