An inspiring romance... Through the Shadows by Karen Barnett (Blog Tour Review & Giveaway)

Through the Shadows (The Golden Gate Chronicles #3)Through the Shadows
(Golden Gate Chronicles #3)
by Karen Barnett
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 320 Pages
May 3rd 2016 by Abingdon Press

Summary

As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.

The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome-and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King’s hopeful future.

Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.

Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney, Charles McKinley—a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco’s crooked politics—Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?

 
  
(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

THROUGH THE SHADOWS was a story about one individual searching for her redemption and another seeking to find his place. With intellectual and romantic tensions high, a feel of family and serving others, and a slue of challenges, it was a driven story that maintains the reader's interest. Enjoyable, inspiring, and sweet.

I loved the immediate tension between the heroine, Elizabeth, and the hero, Charles. Their first meeting was such a great start and they continue to fuddle through almost to the end. The characters were interesting and entertaining, while also being relatable. I loved the sweet girls saved by the mission and the others involved there as well as Elizabeth's family (also characters from the prior books in the series). I figured out quite a few things before the characters did, but I still cheered them on. The inspirational elements were strong in this story, most feeling natural and some not.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Mostly. I loved the characters, the romance, and especially the work done at the mission. Definitely an enjoyable read.

Content: Some innuendo, references to adult subject matter, and violence, but all within context. Clean.

Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity, which did not affect my review in any way.

Other Books in the Series

Out of the Ruins (Golden Gate Chronicles #1)Out of the Ruins
(Golden Gate Chronicles #1)
by Karen Barnett

Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 320 Pages
May 6th 2014 by Abingdon Press

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?

 
 
(Affiliate links included.)


Beyond the Ashes (Golden Gate Chronicles #2)Beyond the Ashes
(Golden Gate Chronicles #2)
by Karen Barnett

Christian Historical Romance
Hardcover, Paperback, & ebook, 320 Pages
June 16th 2015 by Abingdon Press

Summary

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?

Read my review here.

 
  
(Affiliate links included.)

About 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.


Author Giveaway

Enter HERE.


Have you read any books from this series? Do you read inspirational historical romance?

No comments

Post a Comment

I love comments! I try to read and reply to them all. Feel free to agree or disagree and generally share your thoughts with me.