Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett
Published: 2014
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Series: Golden Gate Chronicles(Book 1)
Goodreads Summary: 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?
Abby’s sister is fighting a losing battle with leukemia. When her cousin suggests a new treatment might work her family jumps at the chance and make the trip to San Francisco. Months pass and Abby’s sister does not survive. Abby had grown to care for Robert who was her cousins right hand man, but when her sister dies she blames him and God. As she is dealing with the grief of her sister’s death the 1906 earthquake hits and the city and her family is thrown into chaos. Can Abby get her faith in God back as well as find love?
This book sounded very interesting. I didn’t know a lot about the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and found it quite fascinating. This is a very well written historical account of what living through a horrible disaster would be like.
What I liked: Learning about the medical science of the time was really interesting to me. Plus throwing into the mix the earthquake made for a fascinating historical read. I really felt I got a feeling for what it would have been like there when it was happening. I also thought the plot was interesting. Dealing with the death of a loved one and why God allows is a challenging subject.
What I did not like: While the plot and historical aspect of the story were quite good the characters lacked. It almost felt like the author was telling the story of the earthquake and added the characters into it. They just did not seem to mesh together. The story seemed to drag on even though the last half of the book only covers a few days. The romance between Abby and Robert also seemed flat.
Overall this was not a bad book I did enjoy reading it I just did not love it. I really enjoyed reading about the x-ray machine and how it was being used in 1906. The earthquake and what the city went through after the earthquake was devastating. It was hard to imagine the scope of the fires that broke out. I do plan to read the next book when it comes out. I hope that now that the framework for the series has been established there will be a better love story. If you enjoy historical fiction I say add this book to your read list. The historical details were outstanding.
Book Rating
Buy From
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.