This is an enjoyable read, a page-turner, in my opinion. It was a hard book to put down. I enjoy historical fiction.

I found it interesting to learn more about the early research of cancer, and felt at the edge of my seat while reading about Gerald and the crisis he faced, and whether the relationship between him and Ruby would have a chance to develop.

Frankly, I enjoyed it as much as Out of the Ruins. If you like historical fiction, you will enjoy this as well. ( )

(Disclaimer: The Author is personal friend of mine.) This book picks up where Out of the Ruins left off. But it follows a different set of character for the majority of the book. Beyond the Ashes, focuses on Gerald and Ruby, but still continues the story of Robert and Abby. It really a story of second chances and rebuilding broken lives, and a broken city of the earthquake of 1906. What I like about Karen’s books is that even though they are “Christian Romance” they don’t feel like a romance book. The characters feel real and personal, like people you might know. They also feel just like they fit into the setting and action (which when I’ve read other Christian Romance stories it’s felt like modern characters with modern motivations stuck into a historical setting… I have started and not finished several of these novels.) Karen has created characters and a story that draws you in. I have already preordered Through the Shadows because I really want to spend more time with these characters and to find out what happens to them. ( )

Title: Beyond the Ashes (The Golden Gate Chronicles #2)
Author: Karen Barnett
Pages: 316
Year: 2015
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Dr. Gerald Larkspur is one of the earliest doctors involved in cancer research and treating patients with experimental means. As of yet, he has had no success in curing any of his patients, including his own cousin. While still grieving the death of his young cousin, he continues his research with the help of his young partner and protégé, Robert King. Robert’s story is told in book one of the series, Out of the Ruins. After the earthquake, which affected everyone in the city, Gerald has opened his home to his mother, Robert, his cousin’s family and soon Robert’s sister. He always wanted a full house, but thought it would be with his own wife and children. He doesn’t regret his decision, but it is difficult to find a place to be alone for just a little while.
Ruby Marshall is a young widow with nurses training. She lost her husband two years ago and has sunk into numbing grief and feels she has no purpose. She is tired of going to wedding after wedding so she decides to go to San Francisco to help her brother with her nursing skills in the hospital where he works. When she arrives, she learns of his engagement and that she will be living in the home of a bachelor, who is her brother’s partner. She hasn’t come looking for romance and tries her best to keep Gerald at a distance, but can’t fight her heart. She likes to think she is in control of her life, but Gerald teaches her that God is in control and will do what is best no matter what.
I really enjoyed seeing Ruby grow in her faith, making the decision to give control of her life to God and love Gerald no matter how long they have together. She faced her fear of losing someone else she loved, releasing that fear to God. Gerald showed Ruby by example how to trust God first and foremost. This served as a reminder to me as to where my trust is placed. How about you?
My rating is 5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )