Review: Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett

Book Cover and Synopsis:

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 source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
I had high hopes for this novel as I really enjoyed the first in the series, but unfortunately the storyline of this sequel never managed to suck me in or grab my attention. It seemed a bit too crowded with all the closely related characters...while I did like their crowded living arrangements, I had a fair amount of trouble keeping everyone's names and family relationships straight.

Ruby's character was fine and I had no qualms with her being the story's heroine, but the leading man, Gerald, unfortunately really annoyed me. He did have faith in God, but his attitude consistently struck me as being quite pessimistic. While this attitude can obviously be realistic, I found that it didn't endear him to me at all. I was also rather irritated that he let his possible health issue go without care for so long.

One of the positives that sticks out in my mind from this story is the character of Patrick, who is a rather eccentric pastor. He's also a possible suitor for Ruby, and I honestly liked him so much better than Gerald. Patrick really has a unique personality considering his profession, and I really enjoyed his part of the story even though he's only a minor character. I hope in the future Patrick might get a book of his own. I would definitely be interested in that!

Overall, I have to say I was glad when I finally reached the end of Beyond the Ashes so I could move on to other things. It's strange because I really really liked the first book in the series, but even the fact that some of the original characters made occasional appearances wasn't enough to save this one for me. I had trouble connecting with the story, and the characters also struggled to hold my attention. I debated between 2 and 3 stars, but I ultimately decided on 3 because there were a few parts I did like, such as Ruby learning to drive despite her extreme fear of cars. (Although this seemed slightly odd as she seemed to overcome her fear a bit too easily given her history.) I'm hoping this book is just a bump in the road and that the next book will once again raise the bar. I'm not ready to give up on the author (or series) yet, so I'm curious to see what the next book will bring.

My Rating: 3 stars

Thanks to the publisher (Abingdon) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.

Review: Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

Book Cover and Synopsis:

While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn’t expect, however, is for God’s answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.

As they work together toward a cure, Abby’s feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
Right from the beginning I was intrigued with these characters and their difficult situation. The then ground-breaking treatment of cancer using X-Rays is extremely interesting, and I especially enjoyed seeing things from Robert's perspective as he experimented with the new technology. His manner is very down-to-earth, despite his advanced medical knowledge, which I really liked. Abby is also very likeable and easy to identify with. Her feelings for Robert are very understandable (he is pretty great!), and this also added an interesting dynamic--sort of a forbidden vibe--considering that Abby's sister is his patient.

The story is split into two different sections, with the first section covering a span of several months, and the second covering just a couple of days, going hour by hour. Obviously, the two sections have vastly different pacing, but it actually works well and the transition between the two is smoothly done. The first section serves as a way to get to know the characters and their back-stories, but the second section is where most of the action happens. I liked both sections equally well.

I have to applaud the author for her skill in conveying the dramatic events so clearly and vividly. I felt like I was actually there--right beside Abby and Robert--in the midst of the earthquake chaos and destruction. Prior to reading this book I had zero knowledge of the 1906 earthquake and resulting fires, but I have since researched it a bit further. I was amazed to discover photos taken of the actual events are amazingly similar to the images the book painted in my mind! That's a sign of some powerfully descriptive writing!

This is the first book by Karen Barnett that I've read, but it will certainly not be my last. The characters and storyline burrowed into my mind so much that I found myself thinking about it during the day, anxious for the time when I could read a couple more chapters. Though most of the story is serious, there are some surprisingly lighthearted and humorous moments that keep it well balanced. (In particular, a certain large bow on the back of a dress comes to mind!) Overall, this is a title I can easily--and highly--recommend. I'm anxious to see what the next book in the series will hold.

My Rating: 5 stars

Thanks to the publisher (Abingdon) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.