A win for this outdoorsey, naturalist, Park-loving girl. I thought the characters were well done and interestingly developed. Olivia’s backstory was a unique one, and I always love to see new things explored in story. Loved the opportunity to return to Yosemite as I haven’t been since I was a teen. Overall a very enjoyable and entertaining read.

Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett is book 2 in the Shadows of the Wilderness series. In this book, a watercolor artist treks through Yosemite National Park during the 1920s. The author does an amazing job at developing full characters, like the main protagonist who is struggling to show depth in her artwork while hiding from a troubled past. Probably my favorite part of the book is the rich, detailed setting. Yosemite is so alive and vibrant in this book that it makes me long to go there soon. I was especially intrigued at some of the park's history that the author so skillfully weaved into the book. This is the first book that I have read in this series. It can definitely be read as a standalone novel. I can't wait to get the first book in this series, because the author is amazing! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.

Karen Barnett is writing a series of books about the National Parks and the history of the parks. It's a fascinating series of books, even though there are only two books so far. I love these books, absolutely lovee them. The first book about Mount Rainier is reviewed here. Where the Fire Falls takes the reader into Yosemite National Park and into Olivia Rutherford's life.

Olivia is an artist and needs the assignment to have enough money for her sisters to live with her. Her agent, Frank, is not exactly an honest man and takes advantage of her art in the most sinister ways he can.

While Olivia is living in the park, she is given the services of a guide, Clark Johnson, who has had his reputation blown to smithereens by a parishioner at his former church.

There is quite a bit of spiritual depth in this book--especially about listening to God and allowing Him to guide our steps, about understanding the care that God takes of us, and about letting Him be in control of the details of our lives. I will always enjoy the fiction books that teach me something besides the coos and goos of romance. This book fits my bill precisely.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a watercolor painting of your favorite Yosemite scene.

My thanks to to Waterbrook/Multnomah for allowing me to read and review this book.

I loved the first book in this series, about Mount Rainier, and had high hopes for this one...it did not disappoint. In this second book, we visit Yosemite National Park. The author does a fabulous job of making you feel like you're right there with the characters...the sensory details are incredibly descriptive and will make you want to rush right out and visit this glorious park! There are shady characters and moral characters, and sometimes you have to figure out who is who. There are some elements of mystery and romance, but the overall theme here was one of forgiveness and acceptance. I eagerly await the third installment of what I hope is a long-standing new series!

"Where Fire Falls" is a Christian romance set in 1929 in Yosemite National Park. Though this book is a part of a series, it works as a standalone. The series is about the early years of the various national parks.

I was interested in the story because the heroine is talented at watercolor painting. Sadly, the author seems to have simply looked up some art terms and scattered them throughout the story as she doesn't convey an accurate understanding of watercolor painting. She spent more time researching the park, though, so we got vivid descriptions of the park as Olivia toured it while painting the sights.

The hero is a guide in the park. He's leery of women because untrue accusations by one got him fired by his church. He's uncertain what to do with his future as he wants to be a minister but feels he can no longer be one. Olivia wants to be a famous artist and is pressured into acting like a jerk to fit in with her rich clients. She has to decide what is most important to her and what she's willing to compromise. These two fall in love as she works on her paintings. We get a suspenseful ending when people start to do unethical things to make money off of her paintings.

The Christian theme was about understanding where your identity comes from as a child of God. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, it was an enjoyable romance.

Another book nothing short from amazing! I'm head over heels for this series <3

Olivia Rutherford has been carrying a heavy load for a decade, and, in order to escape from the past, she's carefully constructed the image she wants others to see of herself - a flamboyant persona that will guarantee her success without being stained by the Rudd's name. She's pretty sure no one cares to study what's hidden under heavy makeup, red lips, and ebony hair as long as her paintings keep them happy. Nobody is interested in a girl who is actually scared to death and is responsible for two young sisters too innocent to know the family's shame.

When the opportunity of a lifetime shows up, Olivia has no hesitation to commit, until she finds out the job will take place at the last spot she wants to step in, Yosemite National Park. There are many secrets hidden, too many chances to bring her prudently crafted plan to crumbs. But she doesn't have a choice rather than going, though she plans to stay away from any greenery, waterfall, rock, critter as possible.

Clark Johnson's future is unknown. He's had everything he called dear taken from under his nose and now he is without a purpose, without a home, and, almost, without a job. He's waiting for the next step, but nothing's clear other than many interests within his heart that seem to be impossible to be brought together as a vocation. Add to his list of frustration a month surrounded by full-of-themselves aristocrats and he can't see how he'll keep a peace of mind, even if one member seems to capture God's creation astutely on paper.

Surrounded by mountains and cliffs, Olivia will find inspiration to remain as steadfast and strong as these to keep her charade and, in her mind, her family's survival safe. However, as she paints each unique surrounding, each breathtaking landscape, she might just find out that the spirit present in these places is not their own, and that their purpose might be to allude to something greater, the most precious treasure that money can't buy.

No need to say that my biologist's heart melted all over this story. I'm very much looking forward to the next one.

Where the Fire Falls is the 2nd book in Karen Barnett's "Shadows of the Wilderness" series. While the first book took place at Mount Rainier, this novel is set in Yosemite National Park. Olivia is an artist based in Sacramento, who is given an offer to paint scenes of the park for a travel magazine. She is accompanied by a wealthy art-collector and his wife. A local guide, and summer ranger, Clark is assigned to be Olivia's guide and show her potential locations for her paintings. While Olivia's relationship with the would-be benefactors takes a turn, her relationship with Clark grows. During these events, Clark is also exploring what his future holds regarding his vocation. A great 2nd installment of this vintage National Park series. I look forward to more!
I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.