Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett

Beyond the Ashes

by Karen Barnett     Historical Fiction Abingdon Press   "Tis better to have loved and lost...," but can Ruby Marshall risk her heart a second time? 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? Note: Beyond the Ashes is the second book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series. To find out more about the series and to purchase book one click here.

Meet the Author

Karen Barnett is the author of Mistaken and several articles that have been published by Guideposts and other national magazines. She lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband, two children, and three cats. Find Karen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Here is my review of this incredible historical romance: First, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Karen Barnett and her publisher for sending me a copy of "Beyond the Ashes" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me. "Beyond the Ashes" by Karen Barnett is the second offering in The Golden Gate Chronicles series and will be enjoyed more thoroughly if you’ve read the first book in the series, but it reads well as a standalone novel.  Rose Marshall has arrived in San Francisco to visit her brother, Dr. Robert King, a brilliant cancer researcher.  The widow doesn’t expect to fall in love.  She fears losing a new love like she lost her first husband. Dr. Gerald Larkspur is Dr. Robert King’s cancer research partner.  He owns the home that is busting at the seams with friends and relatives displaced after the earthquake, but the addition of Robert’s beautiful redheaded sister is a pleasant distraction, especially as he gets to know the strong, independent woman. “Beyond the Ashes” is a beautiful historical romance that will keep you turning pages well past bedtime.  It ends a bit abruptly for my taste, but it is a thought-provoking and entertaining read.