Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett

About the Book
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 Thoughts
After hearing nothing but good things about this author's debut I jumped at the chance to review her next book. I loved it and I've been quite anxious to read this one! Thankfully it lived up to my expectations!
I loved all of the rich historical details about the rebuilding of San Francisco after the quake and about the early research into curing cancer. I haven't read much about either so it was quite fascinating!
Gerald and Ruby were both amazing characters and it was sweet to watch them fall in love! I loved Gerald's generosity and his care for those around him, and Ruby's courage to face and overcome her fears.

It was also great to see more of Robert and Abby's story! All in all this was a fantastic book that I highly recommend!

Meet the Author
Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken. Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs. You can learn more at KarenBarnettBooks.com.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.