Karen Barnett's Out of the Ruins ~ Reviewed

OUT OF THE RUINS
Karen Barnett
Binding Softcover
Release Date Mar 1, 2014
Publisher Abingdon Press
Series Golden Gate Chronicles
Series Number 1
ISBN 1426780575




OverviewWhile 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?

Review:

Out of the Ruins revolves around Abby Fischer.  Life has been fine on her family’s orchard until her beloved sister Cecilia, is diagnosed with cancer.  Abby is determined she will beat it.  While Cecilia is trusting God for the outcome, Abby refuses, trusting rather in her ability to care for her, along with her cousin, Dr. Gerald Larkspur and his handsome partner, Dr. Robert King.  They have discovered new research regarding radiation as treatment for cancer.  The family temporarily moves to San Francisco for Cecilia’s treatments.  As the treatments progress, so do feelings between Abby and Robert.  However, when another tragedy strikes, the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906, Abby has no idea which way to turn.  She has spent so long relying on herself and denying God that she doesn’t know how to live any other way.  In the midst of the earthquake, she finds herself separated from her family and Robert, forcing her to deal with the fact that she is no self-sufficient, and just maybe, God has been waiting there for her all along.

                

I really liked this book a lot.  Abby’s character grew so much by the end of the book.  She spent so much time fighting God through so much of it, not understanding Cecilia’s childlike trust and faith in the Lord, making it look so easy to leave her life in His hands.  And Robert and Abby’s love story was fun to watch unfold as well.  Abby thought herself the plain one next to her sister, so it was fun to see her blossom under Robert’s attention and compliments. 

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers