Member Reviews

Set back in a time when options were limited this story highlights those who took a chance and left the comfort of the known for the unknown. When details are skimmed over, & the truth will damage the chance at change, what will become of this opportunity of a lifetime? When bored with her current job, a lady branches out into a new job, she discovers an opportunity to be more. Yet every change has risks along with the opportunity. Will these two be able to overcome & thrive? It was a good read, especially as someone who enjoys traveling & history.

I was given a copy as a gift. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. I received no financial compensation for reviewing books.

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I really enjoyed this sprightly vintage outdoors story (and wish there were a bunch more in this series)! Though my review of this story is long overdue, I still recall the vivid characters and colorful outdoors descriptions easily. Elsie was a character I found easy to root for and I enjoyed the mystery of what was really going on behind the scenes. The Christian application was really well woven in and I also enjoyed the romantic part, which wasn't overbearing to the rest of the plot but was satisfying.

All three of the stories in this series were unique and satisfying and seemed to include a real breath of fresh air. I'll definitely be rereading them.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

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I loved the entire Vintage National Park series, and would love to read more books like Ever Faithful! Not only are these some of the most beautiful cover designs I have ever seen in Christian fiction, but Barnett's unique settings and relatable characters brought these wonderful natural settings to life in vivid historical details. I am a particular fan of Yellowstone National Park and loved reading about the CCC's involvement in developing and protecting the park during the Depression. A beautiful read and one for the keeper shelf!

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I haven’t been to this National park yet but after reading this story I feel like I have been. Very well written with characters that are developed well. I look forward to reading more of these National park series by this author.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

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Elsie has grown up in Yellowstone and loves it - but she's always wanted to teach, and is saving up to go to college to study. An opportunity to increase her savings arises when the Civilian Conservation Corps comes to Yellowstone, and the program encourages the men to study out of work hours. As a teacher she is intrigued by Nate's combination of obvious interest and intelligence, but apparent almost fear of books. Eventually, she works out that he is illiterate and sets out to tutor him privately. But spending that time together makes each wish for the seemingly impossible. Can the poor young city man and the ranger's daughter ever find true common ground? Or will the fires that seem to follow them around get in the way?

I've never been to Yellowstone, and obviously couldn't at present, but this book definitely made me want to! The descriptions sound amazing, but were always kept as a background rather than taking over from the story, and Elsie and Nate were people I enjoyed getting to know. I've heard of programs like CCC here in Australia and found them fascinating, so it was great to hear more details. My one negative thought about the book was about Teddy - he always felt like there were hints of evil in his character and particularly his treatment of Elsie and yet nothing of that sort really materialised, which (rightly or wrongly) left me feeling a bit lost as far as understanding him. All in all, though, a well-written story with a beautiful setting and well-drawn characters. I'd love to read more of the series - and even better if they were describing places I've actually visited!

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

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This was a really fun book! Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC. I'm going to get the rest of this series!

Set during The Great Depression, "Ever Faithful" tells the story of Elsie Brooks, Yellowstone National Parks Pillow Puncher (aka hotel maid) and teacher to the newly-created works program employees, and Nate Webber, a steady guy from New York who doesn't believe he has anything to offer. Through the story, both characters have to face their deepest fears and learn to be vulnerable in order to reach for the future God has planned for them.

Although the book seems like a predictable Christian romance, I found it had several unique twists and a solid little mystery throughout. While the relationships played out on a predictable course, the characters were unique and refreshing. Elsie is not some perfect Christian girl just waiting for her knight-- she has her own struggles and confidence issues to deal with. Meanwhile, Nate Webber starts off the book showing strong character, but he must overcome his pride in order to grow into his potential. I really liked these characters-- they had believable flaws but were also good people I'd like to be friends with.

The book itself is inspiring and uplifting without being too preachy. The characters talk about God's plans for their lives, God's providence, and God's hand in creating the beautiful national park. Thankfully, the book avoids didactic come-to-Jesus moments and instead shows realistic quandries for young people of faith in the 1930s. The period is perfect and cute, with park lingo laced throughout, and the descriptions of the park are spot on. I really enjoyed this book!

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Another wonderful addition to the Vintage National Parks series. This is an Historical, Christian mystery, with romance, and, you learn about Yellowstone Park back in the 1930s. Nate Webber admits to a robbery at a Brooklyn jewellery store to protect his younger brother who actually did the crime. The police chief knows Nate wouldn't have done it, but offers him a way out. Sign up for the Civilian Conservation Corps. This will provided funds for the family and give him the opportunity to go to school and learn a trade. Nate agrees and heads west to work at Yellowstone National Park. The ranger in charge recognizes the leader lurking inside Nate and makes him the foreman of his crew. The ranger's daughter is also the "teacher" for this ragtag group. Nate is illiterate, but does not want anyone to know, so he hides it as well as he can. Elsie Brookes recognizes some of the behaviour and decides to help him learn to read. Throw in some fires, jealousy, romance and fun and you have a well-written and enjoyable story.

I enjoy this series. The mystery in this one is who is setting the fires. There are two intentionally set and there are a couple of suspects. I thought I had it figured out, but no, I was wrong. I have been to Yellowstone, so I enjoyed hearing about places in the park that I had visited and the descriptions of what they would have been like in the 1930s. Elsie was an interesting character. She wants to go to college to become a teacher, but she loves Yellowstone, so balancing that is not the easiest. She has no interest in getting married, but there are two men, vying for her attention. Of course, I liked one and thought the other was a bit of a pompous jerk. You will be able to figure out which is which as your read this one. The story was well-paced and enjoyable. There were a few references to scripture and some praying which was very well placed in the story, but for those who do not enjoy Christian Fiction, it is not overdone. The ending was a bit formulaic and wrapped up rather neatly, but I still enjoyed it and was satisfied with how it all came together. I recommend this one to those who like Christian Fiction, Clean Romance and learning a bit about a new topic.

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Step back in time to the days when Yellowstone National Park was known as “Wonderland” and the Civilian Conservation Corps provided young men with employment during the Great Depression. Meet a young ranger named Teddy Vaughn, a ranger’s daughter named Elsie Brooks, and a CCC recruit from Brooklyn named Nate Webber–two of whom have something to hide. Karen Barnett weaves powerful lessons in leadership, friendship, and forgiveness into this vintage mystery with a surprising plot twist. (Ever Faithful focuses more on the characters and less on the details of the grandeur of the scenery than the first two books.)

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Elsie Brooks grew up in Yellowstone National Park, where he father has a job as a Ranger. With the Depression in full swing, Elsie has worked hard each summer to save money so she can attend college in Missoula, MT and fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. But this summer has new things in store for her.

A handsome young ranger wants to court her, her mother’s health worsens, her best friends have romantic problems, and Elsie will spend the summer at Canyon because the Mammoth Hotel will remain closed. In addition, she lands a job teaching the CCC boys in the evenings after her regular hotel job.

When her cousin Graham shows up, Elsie’s memories threaten to consume her. The secret from her past has the power to ruin her future.

Nate Webber takes the fall in Brooklyn, NY for something his little brother did, and the police officer grants him mercy. He insists Nate apply for work with the Civilian Conservation Core. When Nate shows up in Yellowstone National Park, he feels out of his league. In New York, everyone told him he couldn’t learn and must be dumb. But for some reason, his superiors see great leadership potential in him.

As his confidence grows, so do his responsibilities. The new responsibilities require that he write reports—and his deepest, most shameful secret may come to light.

Burnett brews a cozy mix of nostalgia, mystery, and romance in this entertaining novel, one of the vintage national parks series. If the reader has visited Yellowstone, she’ll enjoy learning more about the history of a beloved park. Readers who have never visited will love the lush descriptions of iconic locations.

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Setting: Yellowstone National Park, early 1930’s during the Great Depression:
If you’ve ever visited beautiful Yellowstone National Park, with its hot springs, geysers, and other wonders of nature, this book will bring back memories. If you haven’t had a chance to experience it , you will want to go there as soon as you begin reading this gem by Karen Burnett! I really enjoy books that make me feel as though I’m experiencing events with the characters, and this one did not disappoint. The author’s descriptions of Yellowstone’s beauties were wonderful. I’ve been a visitor to Yellowstone myself; it was so cool to read about the park in the ‘30’s and realize that I saw many of the exact same things decades later! The history about the CCC boys was also fascinating.
I would recommend this for Y.A. and adult readers, who enjoy learning history and science through books about our country’s National Parks.
Thank you, Netgalley, for approving my request for this book!

**All opinions are strictly my own. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.**

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I really enjoyed this book by Karen Barnett! The characters were well developed and relatable. I love the idea of this series - National Parks are some of my favorite places to visit. The author did an excellent job of transporting me to Yellowstone - I felt as if I was there, seeing and hearing everything along with the characters. I will definitely read this author's work again.

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Karen Barnett's books with National Parks as the background are a very enjoyable read. I especially enjoyed Ever Faithful. It was nostalgic, romantic, and intriguing all at the same time.

Elsie Brooks is a park ranger's daughter who has worked summers in the parks most of her life. She is trying to earn enough money to go to college to be a teacher. This summer she ends up with a teaching job at the Civilian Conservation Corp Camp. There she meets Nate Webber who is a very responsible person with leadership qualities; however he seems to avoid her and any homework she hands out. Then she stumbles on the fact that Nate can't read and offers to tutor him in private. As they meet for his lessons, they develop more than a friendship for each other. Things become complicated, however, when suspicions fall on Nate for being the arsonist setting fires in the park.

This is one of my favorites so far by Karen and I highly recommend it with 5 stars. Thanks to Waterbrook and Multnomah for providing this ebook through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

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I really enjoyed this book! I liked the history, romance, suspense...all of it. It’s so well written and engrossing!

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The cover of this book caught my attention. It's a combination of many of the "pictures" you'll see as you read the book. The genre is really misleading. It has a little bit of the most popular genres, romance, mystery, thriller, you name it, you will find it. Karen Barnett kept the story moving and plenty of events to insure her readers would never be bored. The National Parks system in the 1930's is significantly different than today's parks but the park itself has not changed all that much from the very vivid descriptions of Ever Faithful. An excellent example of an author who enjoys her craft.

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I'm combining my reviews of the first 3 books in the Vintage National Parks Series, which I read in 3 days, because my rating and views for them are very similar. Filled with great characters, great scenary, and interesting mysteries, these are excellent. Nature lovers and historical fictions fans will really enjoy this author's talent, which jumps off the page. Very engaging and entertaining. Highly recommended.

I really appreciate the copy for review!!

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Ever Faithful may be my favorite book in this series so far. In addition to main characters Elsie and Nate, the minor characters have nice story arcs of their own, making this a multi-layered, engaging story. It also contains such a sweet connection between Elsie and Nate stemming from their shared joy in overcoming Nate's persistent (hidden) struggle.

Kudos to the author for keeping the mystery in this story engaging. I can't say my daughter and I were completely surprised by the ending, but it showed an ingenuity and daring I didn't expect - making the story that much better. So glad the author didn't go for the easy answer here.

As always in this series, the setting really shines! I hope the National Park Service has discovered these gems and is using them to celebrate our nation's beautiful parks.

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I've been hooked on Karen Barnett's Vintage National Parks series from the start because I am a lover of the outdoors and National Park system of which I visit on a frequent basis. When I found out that the 3rd book in this series was going to be titled, "Ever Faithful," I actually got goosebumps. I thought it was clever to include the name of Yellowstone's most famous geyser in the title. After reading the book, I know now that the title also refers to Elsie Brookes' faithfulness to her family, friends, and dreams. When she meets Nate Webber, a Brooklyn born CCC worker, Elsie's not sure how she can stay faithful to her dreams for the future and also have a relationship at the same time. Is it possible to have both?

Even though this was a fictional book I still learned a lot about 1930's life at Yellowstone such as the nicknames the workers had for each other. For example, the maids were called pillow punchers and the drivers were called gear jammers. It was also interesting to learn more about the Civilian Conservation Corps' responsibilities at Yellowstone and about forest fires. Since I am a teacher, I was drawn to Elsie's character because her biggest dream was to go to college and become a teacher. Some of us are practically born with this dream. Mine began in kindergarten and never wavered into any other possibilities. I understand why she would have been drawn to helping Nate learn how to read. I would have been the same way. How can you live life without being able to read? I also liked the role that secondary characters took in providing comedy relief and advice to the main characters as well as demonstrating that faithfulness to friends and family can sometimes be tested but can also be healed with the power of forgiveness.

I look forward to seeing what other parks will be featured in future books of this series. I've been to two of the featured parks in this series and it was a real treat to read these books and compare my memories of the parks to what life in the past would have been like there. I am thankful that I was given a NetGalley copy of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my honest opinions.

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Ever Faithful

by Karen Barnett

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
1933
The middle of the Great Depression

Ever Faithful is the tale of young people from various walks of life joined by employment at Yellowstone. Some are pack rats (porters), some pillow punchers (maids), and others pearl divers (dishwashers). Additional college students working the summer are tour bus drivers and laundry workers. Throw into the mix a contingent of down and out, unemployed and often uneducated young men from the cities, part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) founded by President Roosevelt to combat unemployment and the problems that can arise from idleness and defeated attitudes. All of these young people have pasts that affect their presents.

Elsie, the daughter of a park ranger, loves Yellowstone and has spent many summers working hard at the inns at the park to achieve her dream—to go to college to become a teacher. She and her friends have romantic entanglements typical of summer romances. Some, however, seem more serious than others. Vaughn, a park ranger, sets his eyes on Elsie as does Nate Webber who has taken a CCC job to get out of trouble and provide money for his family in New York. Secrets abound and some are potentially deadly as they are linked to wildfires that could destroy the dry, pine beetle infested forests of Yellowstone.

After an interesting story with a historically accurate setting, author Karen Barnett moves the story ahead four years with a quite satisfactory epilogue. Then she provides information on the main aspects of this work of historical fiction and notes a few minor discrepancies as well as how the park has changed.

Yellowstone with its bears, bison, geysers, and vistas is on many a bucket list. Some of the original inns remain while others have been replaced. There are probably too many tourists, but it is still a park that belongs to the people, and it is a wonderful setting for this tale.

I would like to extend my thanks to NetGalley and to WaterBrook (Penguin Random House) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Christian, Historical Fiction

Notes: 1. Thematically a part of the Vintage National Parks Novels but remains a standalone in terms of characters, setting, and plot.
2. Gentle reminders of God’s presence and plan.

Publication: June 18, 2019—WaterBrook (Penguin Random House)

Memorable Lines:

“It’s hard for men to be out of work. It wears at their souls, tears them down piece by piece like a crumbling brick wall.”

It was odd how teaching both energized her and sapped her at the same time. During class, she flitted from one student to another, each one’s progress sending a wave of satisfaction through her chest. But when the room emptied, her strength seemed to go with them.

Nate reached into his pocket and pulled out the pine cone he’d picked up at Roosevelt and squeezed it in his fist. The scales were closed, glued shut by sap. According to Ranger Brookes, without fire it wouldn’t open to disperse the seeds hidden within. God could bring good out of disaster.

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Another 5 star read from Karen Barnett! In her newest Vintage National Parks book, Karen is back with another beautiful setting: Yellowstone National Park. Her descriptive writing makes you want to plan a trip to this wondrous place. This book is full of love, beauty, and adventure. It also has a surprising ending that I thought I had figured out, but I was all wrong. I highlighted so many passages that inspired me, but one of my favorites was this one: “Jesus taught using stories. I think God designed us to love a good story.” Karen Barnett has definitely given her readers a good story in Ever Faithful.

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1930's Yellowstone Park Romance
This is a wonderful look into the Yellowstone Park of the Great Depression. It is a clean romance as well. The era is depicted well with vintage cabins, lodges, vehicles, clothing, and tools. Very well done. I have read the other books in the series and love them all. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

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