Oh my word, oh my word, oh my word! I forgot how much I loved Karen Barnett’s writing, storylines, and characters!! I love everything single thing about this book!

I have been to all the national parks that Ms. Barnett writes about and I love being able to connect with the story more because of it. I have seen for myself the beauty of Yosemite. It is beautiful!! (If you haven’t been you NEED to go!)

This book was packed with faith, adventure, and romance. I read this book in an entire car trip. I could hardly put it down.

Also can we please just admired the vintage beauty of a cover?! These covers are some of my favorite!!

This book has captured my heart just like the last book did and now I want more but alas I cannot have more. Thankfully though, we do have the third book coming out soon!

Oh, and of course how could I have forgotten to mention Melba and John. I seriously loved these two. Even though they were side characters they still managed to weave their way into my heart like Liv and Clark. Ugh, the characters in this book were amazing…..well some of them at least…..*cringes*

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I cannot wait to see what adventure Ms. Barnett brings us on in Yellowstone next book!!

FTC Disclose: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. This review did not have to be positive.

I loved the descriptions of Yosemite and what the park was like in the late 1920s. However, I found the mystery less than compelling, and the spiritual aspect was very predictable. Too often Barnett told what the characters were feeling, rather than showing it. An adequate vacation read. Review based on an ARC from NetGalley.

The Main Characters:
Clark Johnson and Olivia Rutherford are captivating, multidimensional characters. I enjoyed watching their arcs develop and intersect throughout the novel. Olivia with her watercolor arts and Clark with his crooning cowboy ways brought their own unique flavor to this 1930s novel.

The Secondary Characters:
Socialites Marcus and Sophie won't be easily forgotten. Chief Ranger John and vaudeville singer Melba, as well as Charlie, and Louise all supported the plot well.

The Romance:
I loved the gentle pace of the romance with the characters developing a steady friendship before growing closer emotionally. The hero's nature lent a beautiful, protective quality, and contrasted well with the magnificent wildness of Yellowstone. One puzzling aspect was that Clark, a devout former minister, didn't have any qualms about romancing a woman who didn't hold any religious beliefs, at least until much later in the novel, which seemed odd given his complete devotion. Otherwise, their story was organic and interesting to watch unfold.

The Pace:
The novel was well-measured. Leisurely enough to enjoy the history and described scenery of the National Park, but mysterious and suspenseful where it needed to be, especially toward the end.

The Faith Element:
Clark's faith-thread was interesting and well-developed, though there were some truthlets I wasn't entirely on-board with. Just minor things, though. Olivia's faith-journey, however, was murky for me. She came to be presented as a believer in the end of the novel, but her spiritual growth consisted of questioning God and then praying when she was desperate. The scenery witnessed to her of God's handiwork, but there was little if anything mentioned of Christ and His saving work on the cross, His death for our sins, and resurrection. Some may call that concept too "preachy" to include in a novel, but there was enough religion in this novel to be considered preachy, if someone were offended by such things. If a novel is going to be overtly religious, and depict a character coming to Christ, why not include the truth-message that can change a life, more than just an intellectual acknowledgement of a loving deity?

Overall:
The stakes and motivation were well balanced, the novel full of rich imagery and delightful era lingo. The first novel in the series is my favorite of the two, but I still look forward to reading more books by this author.

What a gorgeously written novel! I adore the settings of these books, the scenery is so vividly described that you feel like you are right there with the characters. It has been many years since I traveled to Yosemite, so after reading this book it is definitely time for another visit!
This novel has relatable characters with emotional appeal, I believed the relationship between Clark and Olivia, and their faith journeys made the story richer and more meaningful. Plus, there are themes reflected throughout that helped me with my own faith journey.

This is an awesome book! Karen Barnett writing makes you feel like you are at Yosemite. The images she paints with words are so vivid that I felt like I could hear the waterfalls and feel the mist from them. This book holds your attention from beginning to end. This is a very well written christian book and I look forward to reading more of her books. Thank you WaterBrook &Multnomah WaterBrook via NetGalley for the free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of this wonderful book.

This is one of those rare books that seems to start slowly, but as I became acquainted with the two main characters, learning more about the pasts they are keeping hidden and how the actions of others had led them each to run away and eventually find their ways to Yosemite, I had no desire to put it down.

As the reader gets to know Olivia Rutherford and sees behind her image as a daring, avant-garde watercolor artist, her character becomes more nuanced while the truth of her past is an ever present specter. Tasked with guiding her into the wilds of Yosemite, Clark Johnson is at first reluctant to share his wilderness or his life dilemma, as he wrestles with his past as a pastor and his possible future as a park ranger.

With their pasts catching up to them, and their attraction growing in the midst of late 1920's Yosemite National Park, this is a highly engaging and enjoyable story. Karen Barnett excels in bringing the National Park to life as it likely would have been in the 1920's. There is a true sense of the wonder of God's creation, even while the tension and peril grow.

Highly recommended for this who enjoy a sweet romance with a faith element, with mystery and peril, and a strong sense of place. While the books in this series are connected by their settings, it is not necessary to read them in order as each has it's own unique characters and plot lines of romance and mystery.

This review refers to an e-galley read through NetGalley, courtesy of the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Interesting story line, and great characters fhat had depth. More religious than I originally thought it would be but didn't dissuade me at all.

It has been a couple of months since I read this book and the imagery and story are still very much with me. I think that's one of the highest compliments I can give a book, since I read so many and while many are good, not all stick with me long-term. I love the setting of this book, the characters are good, the storyline interesting and suspenseful at times, but not too far-fetched.
I love this particular quote: "Olivia swirled her brush in the paint, dabbing the color onto the paper and forming the basic structure of the cliff and the falls, taking her time to let the pigments play. Her heart soared as the sounds filled her spirit, rushing like the blood through her veins. Is that what water was to a landscape? The lifeblood? And the wind was the breath?"

Karen Barnett is a new author for me but she will go on my list of authors to read and recommend. This is part of a series but the stories are meant to stand alone. They are a series because of the setting which is one of our great National Parks.

Ms. Barnett does a great job setting a scene and describing the views. You can almost hear, feel, and smell as well as visualize the surroundings. It is spectacular and I've never been. It is on my bucket list, however. But I digress. The story of an avant-garde artist and a Park Ranger Guide meeting and falling in love, though quite unusual, is very romantic. Clark Johnson is every woman's rugged hero even as he is a man of faith. Olivia has many flaws but don't we all. She slowly sheds her facade and the woman underneath is a sweet and trusting soul who needs a champion.

Olivia has come to Yosemite on contract for Scenic Magazine to paint scenes of Yosemite National Park. She doesn't really want to come but she has two sisters to support and get to college. She has a dark secret in her past that still haunts her--her father has murdered in this very park.

Clark Johnson is the guide the Magazine has contracted to show her around Yosemite. He knows the park almost better than anyone as he came here to escape his own dark past. Clark is a former Pastor who lost his church due to false accusations. He has an opportunity to become an official Park Ranger but feels God may have other plans.

As the relationship between Clark and Olivia heats up, they encounter many obstacles. The rich husband of the couple who accompanied her on her assignment accosts Olivia; and when she refuses his advances, he destroys some of Olivia's paintings. Later someone she trusted kidnaps her and plans her demise. Will Clark get to her in time?

This is an excellent book that I highly recommend especially to those who enjoy books of faith and romance combined. Thanks to Waterbrook and Multnomah for allowing me to read Where the Fire Falls through Netgalley.

This is the second book in the Vintage National Parks series, and can be read as a standalone. The author does an amazing job of describing the beauty of God's creation in the setting of Yosemite. I also enjoyed the use of poetry throughout the story. The history relates to the 1920s in Yosemite with adventure, mystery and a touch of romance. The characters of Olivia and Clark are very likable and real. I highly recommend this great read!

In Karen Barnett’s Where the Fire Falls, a Vintage National Parks Novel, artist Olivia Rutherford must make money if she and her dependent sisters, are to stay afloat. Desperate, Olivia takes a job painting landscapes in Yosemite National Park, a place she swore she’d never revisit because of painful memories. Her tour guide, Clark Johnson, has secrets of his own. A romance flickers to life, but will their respective pasts keep them from having a future together?

Where the Fire Falls has an intriguing storyline set in the spectacular backdrop of Yosemite National Park in the 1920’s. The beauty of the setting, the historical aspects of the novel, the promising plot, and the mysterious elements have all the makings of a great story.

However, the narrative turns predictable. The characters are under-developed and, although nothing objectionable happens, the romantic angle is forced, unrealistic and strange. The remaining plotlines are unresolved as well.

Where the Fire Falls is the second in The Shadow in the Wilderness Series and, despite its flaws, will be a hit among Christian Historical Romance Fans.



I was given a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review

4 stars

What a fantastic book! This is my first book by Karen Barnett but it will not be my last! In fact, I have already ordered another of her books. I loved the setting, the characters and the exciting storyline. This is dubbed a historical fiction book, but very little of the story lends itself to the past. This book could have just as easily been set within a current timeline and no one would really even notice the difference. I would have liked more of a historical storyline in a book specifically dubbed historical fiction.

I loved getting to know Clark and Olivia as well as Filbert and the others. I would love to see this become a series! The strong Christian faith of Clark is weaved throughout the book, even as he questions past events in his life and where God is calling him next. The desperation of Olivia’s life and the choices she has been forced to make due to her family's past make for a suspense-filled book.

I highly recommend this book as it will appeal to a broad range of readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

Artist Olivia Rutherford uses a contrived personae to present herself to the art world. Frank, her agent, encourages Olivia to do some contract images for Scenic magazine. The catch is that the images need to be from Yosemite National Park. The Vanderbilts accompany her as companions and Clark is hired by the magazine to serve as Olivia's guide.

Olivia, though, lost her father to an accident at Yosemite and she is not sure she can get any work done at the park with the ghosts of that incident. She has kept the accident and death private; it isn't part of her Olivia Rutherford role.

In addition to the support from Frank, her agent, Olivia owes her aunt for taking care of her twin, younger sisters. Olivia is the breadwinner for the orphaned family and it's important for her to give her all to the Yosemite project.

As I've visited Yosemite, I could see some of the beautiful vistas that Olivia was painting. I greatly enjoyed the story and look forward to more in this series.

Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett was a very unique book. But what made it so unique? First, the time period was different. So many historical fiction books take place in the 1800s, but to find a book that took place in the 1920s was a real treat. The time period really made the story interesting with the descriptions of Olivia’s outfits and flapper looks. Second, the picturesque setting of Yosemite National Park was unique. While I’ve never actually been to Yosemite, I could just picture the breathtaking scenery as Clark guides Olivia through the park. The author does a fantastic job of describing the scenery especially through Olivia’s paintings. When the Firefalll took place, I felt like I were really there, viewing the beauty and romance of it all. Lastly, the adventurous plot full of mysterious occurrences and a sweet romance between two unlikely people made this book unique. I know there are multitudes of books with romance, mystery and adventure, but something about this story in this setting and time period made this book truly exceptional.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the 1920s time period. This may be a book you would enjoy if you are interested in art, national parks, history, or adventures.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love national parks so I was excited by this book. I didn't realize it had such a Christian angle to it so that threw me off a bit. I loved the setting, especially since I had been to Yosemite before. The story was just a little too tame for me.

I had mixed feelings when I started this book. On one hand, I've really enjoyed Karen Barnett's books in the past; but, on the other, the story line sounded different from any other book I've read and I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm very happy to say that once I got into the story, I was hooked and thoroughly enjoyed the read.

The characters were intriguing. Olivia had an air of mystery surrounding her and I liked learning more about her life. Clark was also a nice character and I felt bad for some of the things that happened to him...but the way he handled those things showed his character.

All in all, a very good read. Where the Fire Falls is the second book in Barnett's "Vintage National Parks" series, but you don't need to read them in order -- I haven't read the first book yet. ;)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Where the Fire Falls is a refreshing and exciting read with some unexpected twists and turns. Karen Barnett captures the amazing essence of Yosemite National Park. Even though I've never been there, I feel like I went on vacation. Her description of the scenery pulled me into the majestic outdoor space. I loved Olivia and Clark's stories. They grabbed my attention from the first page. I also appreciate the way Karen weaves the gospel in throughout the story. Reading about Clark's journey encouraged me as his faith grew. Olivia's story was original, creative, and well done. I've not read many books set in the 1920s. That was a nice change. This book is a five star for sure. I received this book for free from NetGalley with not expectation of a good or bad review.

I really enjoyed the Yosemite setting and all the descriptions of the park. This is the story of Olivia Rutherford and Clark Johnson. Olivia is an artist who has landed a contract to paint scenes of the park for a magazine. Clark is a tour guide for the park. Both are hiding secrets in their lives and are not always what they seem. Through God's love and meeting each other, they both find out some answers and begin healing. A nice romantic story along with a little mystery as well as a great setting!

This series is a must-read for historical fiction lovers who are looking for a fresh and unique reading adventure. I adore everything about it: the covers, the time period, the National Park settings, the characters, and the stories. Each book takes place in a different National Park, so it doesn’t matter which one you pick up first, but once you’ve read one, you’ll want to read the others as well.

One of the things I enjoyed most was that I didn’t just get to experience the majesty of Yosemite National Park; I got to experience it through the eyes of an artist—an artist who seeks to capture the life and essence of Yosemite as well as its shapes and colours. It seems counterintuitive that you would be able to convey all of that through words alone, but that is exactly what Karen Barnett has done in this novel. In fact, she paints Yosemite itself as God’s artwork—‘a cathedral built by holy hands’, created ‘for the sheer joy of creating something stunning, whether or not any human ever laid eyes on it.’ There is such a reverence and sense of wonder in the way her characters are drawn toward God through His creation.

I also loved Clark and Olivia, both hiding in their own way—Clark, from a false accusation, and Olivia, behind the persona she’s created to sell her art to the wealthy and sophisticated. From a slightly rocky beginning, their relationship blossoms into a tentative friendship and then the kind of soul-connection that makes for such a sweet romance. *happy sigh*

And don’t forget the adventure. Olivia’s past and present collide when she accepts the job to paint illustrations at Yosemite National Park, and I enjoyed the twists and turns in her story as it played out.

I’m eagerly awaiting the next Vintage National Parks adventure!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My Thoughts: Karen Barnett has quickly become one of my favorite authors. It's hard to describe exactly why that is. Where the Fire Falls is another hit from Barnett. Her characters are well developed. The plot continues to evolve. The mystery was nicely woven in and kept me guessing longer than I expected it to. The setting, both the era and Yosemite National Park, come to life and meld together with the rest of the story in a flawless way.
The only thing I would have liked was for Olivia's salvation to have been more clear. But Barnett's Vintage National Park series is a gem, and I can't wait for the third release. It's already on my must-have list for 2019.

Rating and Recommendations: I'm giving Where the Fire Falls 5 stars and recommend it to those who enjoy Christian Historical Fiction or stories about artists or wildlife.

~ I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.