Ever Faithful Review

About the Book


Vibrant historic Yellowstone National Park comes to life in this romantic mystery about a man hiding the truth, braving the west to become something more--and the woman who must confront his deception.

A man who can't read will never amount to anything--or so Nate Webber believes. But he takes a chance to help his family by signing up for the new Civilian Conservation Corps, skirting the truth about certain "requirements." Nate exchanges the harsh Brooklyn streets for the wilds of Yellowstone National Park, curious if the Eden-like wonderland can transform him as well. 

Elsie Brookes was proud to grow up as a ranger's daughter, but she longs for a future of her own. After four years serving as a maid in the park's hotels, she still hasn't saved enough money for her college tuition. A second job, teaching a crowd of rowdy men in the CCC camp, might be the answer, but when Elsie discovers Nate's secret, it puts his job as camp foreman in jeopardy. Tutoring leads to friendship and romance, until a string of suspicious fires casts a dark shadow over their relationship. Can they find answers before all of their dreams go up in smoke? (Goodreads)

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Available June 18th

My Thoughts

I have enjoyed reading this national park series. This one is set in the lovely setting of Yellowstone. I found the history part of this book fascinating. I loved learning about what went on in Yellowstone in the 1930s. The characters were pretty fun, the romance was not my favorite but it was still a nice story.  The background stories are what held this book together. If you are a fan of national parks I highly recommend this series.

Four stars.

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Where the Fire Falls Review

About the Book

Stunning Yosemite National Park sets the stage for this late 1920s historical romance with mystery, adventure, heart, and a sense of the place John Muir described as "pervaded with divine light."

Watercolorist Olivia Rutherford fashioned her image as an avant-garde artist to appeal to the region's wealthy art-collectors. When she lands a lucrative contract painting illustrations of Yosemite National Park for a travel magazine including its nightly one-of-a-kind Firefall event, she hopes the money will lift Olivia and her sisters out of poverty.

After false accusations cost him everything, former minister Clark Johnson has found purpose as a backcountry guide in this natural cathedral of granite and trees. Now he's faced with the choice of becoming a National Parks Ranger, but is it his true calling?

As Clark helps open Olivia's eyes to the wonders of Yosemite, she discovers the people are as vital to the park's story as its vistas-- a revelation that may bring her charade to an end. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I love anything that has to do with the National Parks. This is the second book in a series but both can be read as a stand alone. I think that Karen has really grown in her writing especially with this series. This book was fun and grabbed my attention from the start though it did slow down just a tad, it was still an enjoyable read. I had a difficult time with loving Olivia's character, she was difficult for me to relate to but she does grow through the book. I LOVED Clark and the setting is wonderful. The secondary characters are well written and really bring the whole story together. There are some great history tidbits (the fire falls part of this makes a lot more sense!) and having been to Yosemite it was easy to imagine many of the scenes. I am eager to read more of Karen's books to see what she comes up with next!

Four Stars.

LOOK FOR THIS BOOK  JUNE 5th 2018!

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"I received an ARC copy of this book from Blogging for books. All opinions are my own."

The Road to Paradise Thoughts

 

About the Book

In 1927, Margie Lane, an avid naturalist, convinces her Senator father to procure her a position at the fledgling Mount Rainier National Park. Since Ranger Ford Brannon lost his father in a climbing accident, he doubts his ability to protect the park and its many visitors. He certainly doesn't relish the job of watching over an idealistic and privileged young woman with no practical survival skills.
When Margie's former fiance sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, Margie and Ford will have to work together to preserve the beauty and simplicity of this mountain hideaway, but the developer's plans might put more than just the park in danger." (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I want to visit Paradise! I LOVE this cover and the setting is perfect. I grew up in the mountains so this book took me home. I think the overall story line was alright, a bit predictable at times. I struggled with loving the characters, though I did enjoy Margie. The first part of the book had me totally engrossed, but I'll be honest in saying it got a tad slow for me later on. That being said, I still thought it to be a good book and one that made me smile. I am curious to see what other books Karen will come out with that pertain to the national parks-I'm a fan! There are also some great quotes throughout the book that I really enjoyed. 

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”
― John Muir

If you are looking for something new set in the mountains you will enjoy this! 

Four stars. 

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"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own."

Out of the Ruins Book Review

About the book: 

Abby's shattered faith in both God and man is challenged when the terrible earthquake hits 1906 San Francisco.

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?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/xlcaD 

My Review

What an intense read. This book took me into a way different story than I was expecting. I had to keep reading to know which way the story would turn because I really had no idea. San Francisco back in the day must have been something, I wish I could travel back in time! This book takes you before the earthquake, during, and after, which makes it all the more unique. Abby's character drives me crazy the majority of the book. Granted this makes the storyline and she grows throughout the book so by the end I liked her a bit more. The male lead in this book is great and I enjoyed reading about his character. My favorite part is the setting and how calm the world was before the earthquake. I've read a few books set during this time but this one took on the more medical twist which was actually fascinating. I also like how the author portrayed the city in ruins.

If you enjoy historical fiction you will enjoy this book.

Five stars.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

About the author:

 

Karen Barnett is the author of Mistaken and several articles that have been published by Guideposts and other national magazines. She lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband, two children, and three cats. 

Karen can be found at: website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

Don't miss the debut book, Out of the Ruins, in Karen Barnett's new series, The Golden Gate Chronicles. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century San Francisco, Out of the Ruins will remind readers that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, God is still as close to us as our next breath.

Karen is celebrating with a fun giveaway and Facebook author chat party.

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the Out of the Ruins Facebook author chat party on June 19th. Connect with Karen for an evening of fun book chat, games, and prizes. Karen will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Out of the Ruins and join Karen on the evening of June 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!