#3: Through the Shadows

Amazing grace how sweet it is! Through the Shadows is an unbelievably beautiful story of coming out of the shadows of sin into God's light and love. I loved how the author portrayed this book. All of us fall short of His glory but through it all we are forgiven and redeemed.

Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. My opinion is my own and doesn't reflect my review.

THROUGH THE SHADOWS is the third book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series, set in 1908. I read the second book previously (but not the first) so I knew some of the background of some of the secondary characters. However, I think this one could easily stand alone. Elizabeth King is a young woman who has made a serious mistake but is ready for a change. She volunteers to be a teacher at a mission for Chinese girls rescued from Chinatown brothels. She is trying to do good works to atone for her bad choices but does not consider herself worthy of God's love or grace, or the love a good man, Charles McKinley. Charles is dealing with his own problems, being a new lawyer at his uncle's firm, and trying to please him, though his conscience finds this increasingly difficult. His uncle has great political aspirations for Charles so he can have more sway in the rebuilding of San Francisco. The children at the mission really captured my heart, especially six year old Yoke Soo. There were several tense scenes when Elizabeth and others went to Chinatown to rescue girls. When Elizabeth's secret is revealed in a rather public way, it affects far more than just her, but will it be what leads to her finally be free? THROUGH THE SHADOWS is a good selection for the reader who enjoys a historical novel with some substance.

Debs Dozen: Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound That Saved a Wretch Like Me

Through the Shadows is Book 3 in Karen Barnetts The Golden Gate Chronicles. I have enjoyed each and every book in the series. This book follows Elizabeth King, a talented seamstress and concert pianist. Her family has been impoverished by the Great Earthquake where all their investments in property came crashing down. Or did they? Something nefarious seems to be going on. The young attorney, Charles McKinley, who comes to explain their standing, offends Elizabeth immediately by taking her for the maid.

Elizabeth has abandoned the piano to her mothers dismaybut Elizabeth connects piano with her piano teacher, who seduced her and then informed her he was married. In her mind, she is ruined forever. What man would want an impure woman? After hearing about the plight of young Chinese girls who have been sold as sex slaves, she decides to volunteer at a home in San Francisco whose purpose is to rescue these waifs. Here the girls are housed after they escape or are rescued. They are taught skills such as sewing and music as well as other life skills. Also a talented seamstress, Elizabeth is hired to teach sewing.

Charles McKinley, working at his uncles law firm, is disillusioned quickly about the high calling of law. He is apprenticed to Attorney Spencer who views Charles as a threat to his own success. Charles soon learns his uncle is only concerned with acquiring wealth and powernot in seeing justice obtained. Charles is handed the King case to handleand keeps running into Elizabeth.

How Elizabeth finds solace, comfort, and faith through her students, and how Charles discovers his true calling form the basis of the novel. Youll care deeply for the characters and ache for the young Chinese girls. Through the Shadows will sadden, educate, and encourage you as you read the story. I look forward to more novels from Karen Barnett.

Karen lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids. The Golden Gate Chronicles is her first series.

Abingdon Press gave me a copy of Through the Shadows in exchange for my unbiased review.

Through the Shadows is a complex historical romance which explores the depths of Gods mercy and forgiveness. I found the characters compelling, and the problems they faced challenging. Often I sat on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, waiting for what I prayed would be a good outcome. Barnett did not disappoint and the story carried me to a satisfying end, a book I can highly recommend. A particularly thought-provoking taleone of Barnetts best, so far.

This third book in the historic Golden Gate Chronicles is the best yet. I dont want the series to end. Two years after the Great San Francisco Earthquake, the city is recovering, but Elizabeth King wonders if she can ever restore her own life. Her past haunts her so she goes to work at a mission to teach Chinese girls who have also escaped a painful past. Charles McKinley, new lawyer and new to the city, works for his esteemed uncle but wonders if he can truly make a difference. He meets Elizabeth when he delivers unwelcome news to her family. As their paths continue to cross, their relationship grows, as do their troubles. Suspense and danger arise as well in this powerful story of hope and redemption. Although this book can stand alone, readers wont want to miss the preceding volumes to make the saga complete. I received the book in exchange for an honest review.