Out of the Ruins: the Golden Gate chronicles - book 1

by Karen Barnett

Paperback, 2014

Status

Available

Call number

F BAR

Publication

Abingdon Press (2014), Edition: Illustrated, 336 pages

Description

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?

User reviews

LibraryThing member cewtypye
Out of the Ruins: The Golden Gate Chronicles | Book 1 (Golden Gate Chronicles Series)is a historical romance novel. Having said that, if you like History and time periods this focuses on the 1905-06 San Francisco on the the west coast. The tenacity of the survivors in this book made the reader wish
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they had born in this time period. Laura, the main character, struggles with God. Her sister dies, leaving Laura to work her way through all stages of grief. She had prayed desperately for her sister’s healing but in the end God said "No" and took her sisters life. This novel addresses the steady path to healing through Laura discovering her own inner strength.It is an easy read and one for beginner's who enjoy faith based novels.
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LibraryThing member JoyAnne
Abby is a high spirited young woman who would do anything to save her dying sister. She gets involved with Dr. King and things get all mixed up. Bring on an earthquake with massive destruction and you've got the makings of a great novel.

I liked everything about the book...the plot, characters,
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events. Well written, fast paced, emotional, story of love, grief, and the will to live.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member Wanda_Barefoot
1905, California

The stranger reached up his hand to assist her on the last step to the earth. "I supposed I should apologize for frightening you."
Abby plucked a twig from her apron. "You surprised me." She regretted not taking time to fix her hair before leaving the house. Or put on a hat. What
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must he think?
A crooked smile crossed the man's face. "Well, then we're even, because no one ever told me girls grew on trees here in California. If I'd known, I might have gone into farming instead of medicine."

That small excerpt was a more light-hearted scene in this book and one of my favorites. One of the most touching scenes was just prior to this one. Abby's sister, Cecelia, is dying and has just asked Abby to pray for her despite her broken relationship with God. Abby agrees and climbs a tree in the orchard to pour her heart out to God. Abby said, "God, save her. I'll do anything--anything you want." There is so much passion in that statement. I closed my eyes and I could imagine Abby's reluctance to speak to a God that seems indifferent but I could also feel her pain and heartbreak at wanting nothing more than for Him to answer her prayer and save her sister. That is a scene that spoke to the very heart of me as a sister. The love of sisters runs deep and it was captured beautifully in this book.

Abby Fischer is a lively young lady that always feels like she pales in comparison to her sister. She dresses in drab clothes because she feels that pretty clothes would be wasted on her and her relationship with God is almost nonexistent. But she is lively and has spunk and determination and I loved her. It's easy to see why she's my favorite character in this book. Dr. Robert King was Abby's cousin's new apprentice. When every doctor gave up on Cecelia, Robert brought hope with a new experimental treatment. And, despite how Abby saw herself in her own eyes, Robert only had eyes for her from the first time they met. The chemistry and budding feelings between the two was beautiful.

Things take a tragic turn and Abby's heart is shattered. She doesn't think her heart can take much more when the San Francisco earthquake destroys the city. Abby has to trust the very One she feels has turned a deaf ear in the past and its something Abby struggles with greatly.

This book was so well written. It's plain to see the amount of research that went into it, from the experimental treatment to the devastation of the earthquake, because it's so rich in historical detail. I love this time period with the newly made automobiles puttering down the streets. San Francisco in 1905 was portrayed so beautifully until the time of the earthquake where the destruction of the city was palpable. It came alive with every stroke of Karen's fingers on the keyboard. It's a story of love, hope, family and faith, a story of reconciliation. It's not often that a story hooks me from the very first page but this one hooked me like a fish. It gives us hope. A hope that, no matter the devastation we are going through, there are brighter days ahead. Beauty amid the ruins of our lives. It will speak to your very soul and leave footprints on your heart. It's pure gold in black and white. I hadn't read anything by Karen Barnett before but she is definitely on my list of favorites now. I'll be looking for future books from her, such as book two in The Golden Gate Chronicles, and waiting impatiently. If you love historical fiction, you'll love Out of the Ruins! I most highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review and no monetary compensation was received.
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Language

Original language

English

Physical description

336 p.; 8.4 inches

ISBN

1426780575 / 9781426780578
Page: 0.4579 seconds