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Freya Barker
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From Dust Paperback – August 3, 2015

by Freya Barker (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,003 ratings
*100,000+ words*- Pain punished her... The bottle numbed her...Guilt kept her trapped... - In the dark alley of a pub, the words "Please don't" take hold of her heart and break the silence she seeks. Thinking herself beyond redemption, she tentatively grabs on to the slim thread of hope that unfolds inside of her. Holding her secrets close, she can't resist the comforting draw coming from The Skipper. The unconditional friendships it offers, the protective roof it provides, and the spark that its owner ignites in her--melting the frost off her heart, and slowly stripping away her resistance.-His life flows from one crisis to the next. Under the pressure of competition crowding him out of his family's pub and the need to protect his children from the ruins of a bad marriage, he barely breathes. That is until a mane of strawberry-blonde hair and a set of big, pale blue eyes, shake him up.He never expected the shadow of a woman he finds on the floor of his washroom to bring him the air...the balance and the light he's been missing.
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  1. Book 1 of 4
    Portland, ME, novels
  2. Print length
    384 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Freya Barker
  5. Publication date
    August 3, 2015
  6. Dimensions
    5.98 x 0.79 x 9.02 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0993888364
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0993888366
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"All the Little Raindrops: A Novel" by Mia Sheridan for $10.39
The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime. | Learn more

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Freya has always been creative. Involved in music and dance when she was younger, she followed it up with painting, cake design, quilting, and has most recently added cover design. Now the Dutch-born Canadian mother of two has found her voice - writing. For Freya Barker the next step to pen a book of her own seemed only natural after a life-time of reading. Driven to make her stories about 'real' people, Freya's characters are perhaps less than perfect, but just as deserving of romance, hot monkey sex and some thrills and chills in their lives!

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : β€Ž Freya Barker
  • Publication date ‏ : β€Ž August 3, 2015
  • Language ‏ : β€Ž English
  • Print length ‏ : β€Ž 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : β€Ž 0993888364
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : β€Ž 978-0993888366
  • Item Weight ‏ : β€Ž 12.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : β€Ž 5.98 x 0.79 x 9.02 inches
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : β€Ž Portland, ME, novels
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,003 ratings

About the author

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Freya Barker

Freya Barker

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USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.

Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills, and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon β€œReader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, β€œSlim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with β€œFrom Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

***

For the latest news and updates on books and upcoming releases, you can subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/Freya_Newsletter

Or you can stay in touch on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FreyaBarkerWriter

Professional Inquiries:

For inquiries regarding foreign rights, audio, and other media outlets, please contact my agent, Stephanie Phillips of SBR Media.

stephanie@sbrmedia.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,003 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a heart-wrenching drama that serves as an emotional roller coaster, with well-developed characters and excellent writing. They appreciate its emotional depth, with one review highlighting how it addresses the power of love to heal grief and guilt. Customers praise the book's pacing, with one describing it as an incredibly beautiful story of new beginnings, while another notes its steamy romantic scenes. The book captivates readers from the first page and maintains their attention throughout.

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Story qualityCharacter developmentWriting qualityHeartwarmingPacingRomanceStartAttention span
32 customers mention "Story quality"29 positive3 negative

Customers praise the emotional depth of the book, describing it as a heart-wrenching and moving love story that serves as an everyday family narrative.

"...The storyline has so many emotions that it pours off the pages, it will wreck your heart and then slowly piece it back together with all the love..." Read more

"...So many twists and turns. It grabs your attention and it has so many different emotions that it's like being on a roller coaster ride." Read more

"FROM DUST is a fantastic read.... it's got it all, passion, tragedy, upset, a little mystery, added to romance, sexual attraction and a whole ton of..." Read more

"...There were some unexpected twists that kept the story moving and interesting...." Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"16 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the characters in the book, with one customer noting how the author deals with delicate subject matter.

"...Freya Barker is a gifted storyteller, and I would have rated this book five stars, except for five things: 1)..." Read more

"...She writes about real people and real issues and life! It isn't always great or easy...." Read more

"...smexy with lusty language, disturbing assault/rape scene, good guy hero, homeless sugary sweet damsel in distress heroine who has a sad past...." Read more

"...plot, compelling and flawed leading characters, and a great collection of secondary characters. There are a number of very steamy scenes...." Read more

16 customers mention "Writing quality"16 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well composed and worth reading, with one customer noting how the subject matter was beautifully handled.

"...Not only is this a beautiful written story, but also emotionally captivating and truly exceptional...." Read more

"...An author can get the point across and write a great book without all the swearing." Read more

"...Nor can they forget. This book is so well written and put together, I can't believe I am reading it...." Read more

"...I am in awe of such great writing & need a little time to settle the emotions before tackling the next book in the series...." Read more

14 customers mention "Heartwarming"11 positive3 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, with one customer particularly noting how it captures mental anguish, while another appreciates how it demonstrates the power of love to heal grief and guilt.

"This book restores my faith in kindness and faith for mankind. I couldn't put it down. So many twists and turns...." Read more

"FROM DUST is a fantastic read.... it's got it all, passion, tragedy, upset, a little mystery, added to romance, sexual attraction and a whole ton of..." Read more

"...also a good story about how we can’t survive alone, we need good people in our corner...." Read more

"...tell you how many times I cried or choked up in this storyline, heartbreaking, all too real. I'm starting the next book, and a fresh pack of tissues." Read more

12 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive3 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book compelling, with one customer describing it as an incredibly beautiful story of new beginnings, while another appreciates how it deals with real problems.

"...She writes about real people and real issues and life! It isn't always great or easy...." Read more

"...How exciting to find an interesting plot, compelling and flawed leading characters, and a great collection of secondary characters...." Read more

"...Syd is also pathetically weak, she runs from every looming situation without the full facts. Doesn’t make for a likable heroine...." Read more

"...This is a heavy story but also an incredibly beautiful story of new beginnings with so many wonderful characters to get to know and love." Read more

4 customers mention "Romance"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romantic elements of the book, with one customer highlighting the steamy scenes and another noting the whole ton of heat and passion.

"FROM DUST is a fantastic read.... it's got it all, passion, tragedy, upset, a little mystery, added to romance, sexual attraction and a whole ton of..." Read more

"...There are a number of very steamy scenes. I do have a few complaints, however...." Read more

"...Lots of sex, and quite hot as well in this book. It almost seemed out of character for the h, but fit with the H well." Read more

"...Oh and definitely hot and sexy too. Absolutely recommended." Read more

4 customers mention "Start"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's start engaging, with one mentioning it had them from page one.

"...love and support flowing from the characters, and it will capture you from the first page and stay with you long after you've finished the last one...." Read more

"I loved it. This book had me from page one and didn’t let go until the end...." Read more

"Great start, then it got really bad & more predictable. I literally skipped the last quarter because too much nonsense dragged on...." Read more

"Good start...." Read more

3 customers mention "Attention span"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, with one mentioning it pulls them in from the first page.

"...I couldn't put it down. So many twists and turns. It grabs your attention and it has so many different emotions that it's like being on a roller..." Read more

"Another series by my favorite author, and she has me pulled in from the very first page...." Read more

"...It was so well written and held my attention so well I couldn't put it down! I highly recommend that you read this book!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Emotionally captivating and truly exceptional!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This was one of the most beautifully written books that I have ever read. The storyline has so many emotions that it pours off the pages, it will wreck your heart and then slowly piece it back together with all the love and support flowing from the characters, and it will capture you from the first page and stay with you long after you've finished the last one. The heroine Sydney(aka Syd) has been through unimaginable tragedies in her life and has isolated herself believing that she doesn't deserve redemption of any kind. She's lived on the streets for a long while till one night she's befriended by Viv, who has lived her own kind of hell. She gives Syd a job cleaning the pub she's the manager of, wanting to help her get back on her feet. The Hero, Gunner, who also owns the pub, hasn't had it exactly easy the last several years dealing with his two precious children, a drunken ex-wife making their lives miserable, running the pub, and everything else life throws at him. They both are instantly attracted to one another but continue fighting it for their own reasons. After one horrible night they give in to the attraction and then it seems problem after problem keeps popping up and somehow Syd's in the middle of every one. She tries to run to so she doesn't bring what she believes is her cursed life around those she cares about but they refuse to allow her to hide anymore. Will they be able to help her get over her past? Will whoever is behind their problems succeed in ruining the pub and breaking their already fragile relationship? Or will they get the HEA they both truly deserve?
    This was the first book I have read by Ms. Barker and the way she had me falling in love with her characters and the story right from the start, and made me feel as if I was there experiencing everything with them, I was not only impressed but also hooked. Not only is this a beautiful written story, but also emotionally captivating and truly exceptional. She has quickly became one of my favorite authors and one I will definitely be reading alot more of in the future. I can't wait to read the next in this series!
    I strongly recommend this amazing book!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Shari Broyer, Author, Editor
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Gripping Story
    Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    From homeless "dust" to home, Syd Donner's heroic journey kept me turning page after page. Freya Barker is a gifted storyteller, and I would have rated this book five stars, except for five things: 1) Her mechanics aren't top-notch--I am a freelance editor of over 30 years, and I got pulled out of the story multiple times by the errors I caught. 2) I didn't care for the graphic sex, but I understand most readers today want it. 3) I was very disappointed that Gunnar didn't put "a ring on it" before the end of the story. 4) Winslow just kinda disappears and I felt that was too easy. I would have liked to see him retract all he said about Syd, perhaps after receiving help for his daughter. And 5) I would have liked for Syd to become pregnant by the end of the story, as well, even though she loves Gunnar's children like her own. It would have been the cherry on top.
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  • Joyce L Linn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Never give up - There is always hope and redemption
    Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book restores my faith in kindness and faith for mankind. I couldn't put it down. So many twists and turns. It grabs your attention and it has so many different emotions that it's like being on a roller coaster ride.
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  • Tracy ~ Book Loving Pixies
    5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite book from Freya so far!!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    FROM DUST is a fantastic read.... it's got it all, passion, tragedy, upset, a little mystery, added to romance, sexual attraction and a whole ton of heat and passion

    When I was reading this unputdownable (yeah, I've gone there!!) book, one of my overriding thoughts was that we know day to day that tragic things hit ordinary people as happens in the story for Syd, but I've never ever considered the ripple effect it causes.... You think 'that's so sad' but go on with your own life.
    Freya's writing made everything that happened feel so very real and raw. Jeez, how Syd ever managed to battle through all of the years she did I've no idea. My heart and head were all over the place while reading From Dust - so many emotions were brought to life through the story of Sydney's life which was devastating, heartbreaking and tragic, but she is one helluva strong woman and, through the love, care and lack of judgement of those she meets at The Skipper, she rises like a pheonix from the flames and it's wonderful to see that come through in the story.

    Gunnar didn't have the easiest of histories either, though his road wasn't as bleak or as difficult as Sydney's. He was a light in the darkness that she felt - though her initial impressions of him before actually meeting him weren't quite the same! He cared and loved deeply, knew from the outset that Syd needed help and was determined to do his bit regardless of what else was going on in his own life!!

    I adore the 'family' element Freya's books have. We definitely don't choose the 'blood family' we end up with (as Syd knows to her detriment) but the family we surround ourselves with is often more loving and supportive than those we are born to ever could be!!!!!

    I love The Cedar Tree series that Freya writes and when I heard that she was writing a standalone I was excited to find out more about it. I have to admit that, of all her books to date, FROM DUST is my favourite and I hope that this fantastic book goes from being a standalone as there are a few characters that we meet in the book who I'm sure have a story of their own to tell!!!

    Freya Barker has become one of my favourite authors in the short time that she has been writing and I can't wait to see what she brings us next!!!
    8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • KMD.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A journey.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Firstly let me say it's at time like these that I realise I'm too generous or not discerning enough when awarding 5 stars because I'm seeing now that there are 5 star books and there are FIVE STAR books. "From Dust" is the latter and I'm sorry that my stars are indistinguishable from other stars given to other great books, but books not as great at this.

    We all hit on books from time to time that strike a cord and linger beneath the memories retained in our past. It was with a strange irony that I read the notes from the author first and saw she'd known a family who had lost a child in a tragic similarity to the book, because so do I and I was curious but entirely trusting in Ms Barkers ability not to just treat the topic gently and carefully but also with a realism that I've not seen another author handle as beautifully as the author. Realism is a trademark of Ms Barkers in all her books...even if its grief. If one can find a strange beauty in reading about Birds loss its been wonderfully found with great respect in this story.

    If you want a powerful story to challenge you emotionally, please read. If you're looking for a fun teasing summer romance, move on. This isn't it. This is where the big girls come out to read because this book is for the grown ups who know what it is to cry over sick kids, lose yourself in worry, then count your blessings that you can look at the end of a rotten day and look forward to tomorrow because its part of life's puzzle. It's not a hearts and flowers romance...its a mother clawing her way back from a horror no parent should experience to a strong man ( I'm not using the world alpha as its become as irritating to me as bimbo its so over used now) who has his own worries and real life problems, but who saw her and loved her, not despite her past but regardless of it. Gunner was simply a good man. A strong man able and willing to carry her load until she was able to. This is not a kleenex story...its a kleenex story with a journey through grief despair and endless endless hope provided by Gunner and his kids to a sweet decent woman who had never known kindness despite her privileged life. Please trust me when I tell you, this book will raise your bar of expectations when it comes to your next read.

    It's probably the closest I've come to finding the most perfect book in this genre.
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  • Nik
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect alpha hero
    Reviewed in Australia on June 25, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    4.5 stars

    This is a fantastic story. It does deal with some heavy issues that can be hard to read but the amazing characters make it worth it. The hero Gunnar was perfect and the heroine Syd was so sweet.
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  • And don’t call me Shirley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Soooooo good!
    Reviewed in Canada on January 31, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This is the third book I have read from this author, and she just keeps getting better....
    Well written and fast paced, this story combined realistic drama, romance, and a touch of suspense, that effortlessly sucked me in and held my attention until the end. It was a poignant, and emotional story about a woman with an abusive, and utterly heart breaking past, who gets a second chance at life after finding acceptance and eventually love. I found the story and its characters were well rounded, and believable. Syd was a great heroine - timid yet fierce, unfailingly noble, and had such a kind heart, I was cheering for her from page one. And Gunnar was the perfect, protective hero. Outwardly he was sexy, while being gruff and intimidating, but inside?....he was warm and gooey sweet! I also fell in love with the supporting characters, especially Viv and Gunnar's kids. These people were real to me, and I enjoyed sharing their world with them, and experiencing their emotional ups and downs.
    I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and think it would appeal to fans of authors like Brynne Asher, or Kristen Ashley (whom I adore). I am eagerly awaiting to read whatever comes next! Keep up the great work Ms Barker.
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  • Annette hoey
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A very good book to read , it keeps your interest with storyline and everything going on characters brilliant it is amazing book .
    🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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  • lyn
    5.0 out of 5 stars great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Loved it from start to finish!
    How to turn your sorry life right round bit by little bit with the help of friends and falling in love
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