Ever Faithful: A Vintage National Parks Novel

***Kept Me Guessing*** Yellowstone Natl Park, WY, 1933 *** This story focuses on the Pack Rats, Pillow Punchers, and Pearl Divers also known as the park’s hotel staff, or Savages (smile) as well as some Rangers, and President Roosevelt’s new Civilian Conservation Corps (the CCC). *** 22-year old Elsie Brookes has been working summers to save enough money to earn a teaching degree and go to college like her friend’s Mary and Rose. Teddy Vaughn is a new ranger who gives her stomach flutters, but she needs to focus on her job and caring for her ailing mother, not to mention her closely guarded secret. Sweet Scripture Reference: “Yes, indeed. ‘Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” It’s not just the key to a happy home, Elsie-” “I know. It’s the key to a happy life.” Only her parents could make the golden rule sound romantic. *** Joining the CCC camp are many struggling young men, arriving from New York area, who haven’t seen work or a decent meal in a long while. This is their chance to earn a paycheck to send home, learn a trade and get a free education. But for Nate Webber, it’s his chance to keep his younger brother out of jail. He had never been out of the city and wasn’t sure what to expect. “The sky back home had never looked like this. He could almost touch it, brush his finger against the glittering edges of the distant stars. “God”. He breathed the word, more in reverence than in vain. What other response could a man have in the face of such wonder?” Working out in nature may be just what he needs, plus no one need know about his shameful secret. *** The park descriptions are lovely: “A small herd of elk grazed on the green lawn surrounding the lodge. A cow elk, heavy with her unborn calf, lifted her head to stare back, chewing leisurely. The animals had over three thousand square miles of park to wander but seemed to prefer it here.” *** The mystery of the story kept me guessing all the way through. There are several characters that keep the story in interesting. I loved the raccoons! *** Tea Moment: “Her friend took a sip of her coffee and made a face. “Why do I always think I’m going to like this stuff? I want to be all modern and sophisticated with my black coffee, but I still prefer iced tea.”” Amen Sister!! (haha) *** NOTE: This is a stand-alone novel available 06/18/2019, and fine to read out of order, as per the author. *** The first 2 books are “Where the Fire Falls” and “The Road to Paradise” which I both really enjoyed. *** FREE STUFF – Go to the author’s site Karen Barnett Books dot com to keep up with her news and click FREE STUFF to get a free novelette, vintage style postcards, digital poster and bonus eBook “Women of the National Parks”. Amazing! *** Thank you to Waterbrook Publishing and NetGalley for a digital edition. My opinion is my own and given freely.

A fantastic story set in 1930's Yellowstone! This book invited me in and gave me a unique glimpse of park employees lives. I loved getting to know the Rangers, the "savages" and the CCC crew! I could feel what the characters were feeling, see what they were seeing. It was almost as if I was there with them and they were my friends. (I love when that happens.) Nate Webber hasn't had an easy life, he also has a few secrets but he is such a good guy with a great work ethic and a huge heart. Elsie Brookes is a super sweet girl, working, saving her money, helping care for her mother. She's a good friend and understanding teacher. She too has a few secrets. I loved the relationship that builds between Nate and Elsie. Bottom line: The setting, the rich characters, and great history combined with the romance, and mystery equal a very good book. The excellent narration is a bonus. I will be listening to this again. I highly recommend Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett! * I purchased the audiobook after receiving and reading a paperback ARC from the publisher. A review was not required. All thoughts are entirely my own.

Ever Faithful Vintage National Parks #3 By Karen Barnett It is 1933 and the country is still suffering from the Great Depression and Nate Webber's family is no exception to this lack. When Nate is given a chance to help his family by joining the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) he accepts this opportunity. But he will leave everything he knows behind can a young man from Brooklyn adapt to the wilderness that is Yellowstone? He's willing to try. Elsie Brookes has grown up knowing the beauty that the wilderness can offer and she knows better than most the danger that fire is and the high cost it can extract. She's determined that this year when everyone else leaves the park that she too will be joining them - this year is the year she finally goes to college if she can save enough money that is. But can taking on a second job as a teacher for the new fellas of the CCC be the answer to her tuition needs. And can she teach a bunch of men who may have little to no education? This is one challenge that Elise is just a tad nervous about undertaking. When the extreme dryness puts the park in danger the CCC troop is called on to more than pull their weight as they quite literally learn on the job. But when suspicious fires threaten not only all their hard work and lives questions need to be answered and fast before a tragedy occurs that could destroy everything. This book is historical fiction with a touch of romance and mystery thrown in. For those who are fascinated by our National Parks, this series is a great way to experience them at their beginnings. The books do not have to be read together and this book is easily able to be read as a standalone book with no lack of enjoyment or understanding of what is taking place. The characters are relatable and one can easily empathize with the various states they find themselves in. This is a TBR must add title you won't be sorry to have spent a few hours in the grandeur that is Yellowstone. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher WaterBrook Multnomah - all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and honestly given with no expectations placed upon me.