Thursday, June 12, 2014

Out of the Ruins

GIVEAWAY

BARNETT, KAREN
OUT OF THE RUINS

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?


My Review:

Fascinating on so many levels. The historical detail in medical care had me riveted...and cringing because the pioneers of modern medicine were totally clueless about the risks of radiation therapy. And the earthquake and subsequent fire that ravaged San Francisco was gut-wrenching to read about. Barnett brings this era to life. I could smell the smoke, taste the grit, feel the desperation and fear of every moment.

Abby does a lot of growing throughout the book. She is almost childlike at the beginning. in the way she tries to bargain with God, force Robert to perform to her expectations, will her sister to live. Her rigidity creates barriers between God, family, and friends. Fearful of being left behind -- and being left alone -- she doesn't realize that it is her own mindset and actions that become a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Her personal journey of growth is powerful. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Abby emerges transformed after passing through the refining fires of a tumultuous time.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Out of the Ruins please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 15 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

OUT OF THE RUINS | Kindle HDX Giveaway & Facebook Party!






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*My thanks to the publisher and LitFuse for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

39 comments:

  1. I love the whole concept of this book and would love to read more. That you Kav, for the giveaway.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. It sure packs a lot of story. Good luck, Melanie.

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  2. Sounds so intriguing! Count me in, please!

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. I have been wanting this one. Sounds great. Thanks, Kav!
    Campbellamyd At gmail dot com

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  4. Sounds intriguing. Count me in, Kav. Thanks!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. Definitely a different kind of romance story, Cheryl. Good luck!

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  5. thanks for the opportunity to read this novel, kav

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  6. I have been waiting for this book to come out! It sounds great and I can't wait to read it. Karen Barnett is a new author to me and I will be putting her name on my list of favorite authors. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of her book.
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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    1. You know, Karen, I think this is her debut novel. Good luck!

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  7. Please count me in. Thanks for the giveaway.

    sweetdarknectar at gmail dot com

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  8. Would love to be entered for a chance to win! Thanks for hosting the giveaway, Kav! I always look forward to seeing your posts!

    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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  9. Thanks for taking the time to review Out of the Ruins! I'm glad you enjoyed the historical detail in the novel. I'm a bit of a history nerd, and I love finding interesting tidbits like the early X-ray experiments. I write quite a bit about that in the next book, Beyond the Ashes. Thanks, again!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Karen. Looking forward to Beyond the Ashes immensely.

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  10. OUT OF THE RUINS sounds like a wonderful story! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  11. I would love to read this one - it looks lovely and has intrigued me from the first time I heard of it! :)

    charityu.austenite{at}gmail{dot}com

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  12. Hi Kav, thanks for the introduction to Karen Barnett.First time I have seen this book, but it sounds very good. Please put my name in for a chance to win. Loved your review. Maxie
    > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  13. I would love to win! Thanks for the giveaway. :)

    thereadergirl(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  14. Can't imagine living through an earthquake like that, or the great fire in Chicago. Seems like life as you know it would be changed forever. I would love to read Karen's book!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I know, especially during that time period. No way to contact loved ones, reach police etc. Oy. It's a great read. Good luck, Patty.

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  15. This sounds like an interesting book, thank you for the review.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  16. Abby sounds like quite an interesting character. I love reading historicals. Thanks for your review!
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  17. A new author and a story that will continue beyond this one, how can anyone refuse. Then to top it all off, a historical novel as well. Will be reading this one soon. But wouldn't mind winning it as well. rrwalter34 ATgmailDOTcom

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  18. I haven't yet read Karen's books though they both look very interesting. I would enjoy winning Out of the Ruins.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  19. Looks amazing. Even your review read like a movie. I believe when you see it is riveting. I love when there is a lot of action in a historical novel. This is probably because of my love of books like "Gone With the Wind" from way back. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the chance to win!

    KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. This looks great! I'd love to read this. The cover is gorgeous. My email address is allisonhopelawrence at gmail dot com. Thank you so much for the opportunity!

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