I really do love the books in the Vintage Nation Parks series by Karen Barnett. It's definitely always a guaranteed good read! I thoroughly enjoyed 'Ever Faithful' that was full of loveable characters, beautiful scenery and a mystery (which I couldn't pick who the 'guilty one' was). I definitely recommend this book to those who love Christian fiction.

Thank you to the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett is a delight to read. The spirited dialogue flows smoothly and the pacing is spot-on. Historical fiction fans will savor every twist and turn. Barnett’s third novel in the Vintage National Park series is complete with a mystery, romance, and fascinating sub-plots. Like the previous novels in the series, the historical details are accurate and increase the book’s appeal.
Set in Yellowstone National Park during the Depression, the focus on the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) allows readers to get a glimpse of their contributions to our National Parks. While telling their story, readers are treated to some insights on the challenges these men faced prior to joining up, their backgrounds, and their hopes during a desperate time in America's history. You’ll also laugh along with them as you experience their antics around camp. Nate Webber is a natural leader and a bright star in the story.
When the spotlight is away from the CCC camp, we meet three young ladies who are regular seasonal employees at the park. Elsie, Mary, and Rose are best friends who have spent many summers together but soon will be stepping into new life stages. Mary and Rose are close to college graduation with their future before them. Elsie finally has raised the necessary tuition and plans to attend college in the fall. Their friendship is a key ingredient of this story.
Ranger Brookes and Ranger Vaughan are also characters to love. Ranger Brookes, (Elsie’s Dad), is wise and kind-hearted. Ranger Vaughan not so much. When we first meet him, he is brash, condescending, and not very likeable.
The characters in Ever Faithful are vibrant. If there’s a fourth book planned for this series, I vote for seeing their stories continue a few years later at Glacier Park. At the end of Ever Faithful, some of the characters move north anyways due to employment or college so let’s see how their lives might unfold at this national park on Montana’s northern border. There’s more to tell with Elsie, Nate, Charlie, Red, and Mary. Readers would love to meet these characters again and not have to say goodbye quite yet.
I appreciate how Karen Barnett weaves a little science and reflections on the natural world into her novels. In Ever Faithful, her characters take hikes, enjoy scenic views, and interact with wildlife. Naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts will love this story.
Another strength running through this book is all the ways the characters were empathetic. We see Elsie, as a teacher, demonstrate acceptance and tolerance of different learning styles. Mary recognizes that supporting people and encouraging their dreams is an important part of every relationship. Elsie’s Mom, shares how forgiveness needs to be bestowed and living in the past is not a recipe for future success.
This is a book you’ll naturally want to share with friends. But you will ask for it to be returned because you will not want to lose it from your bookshelf. I read the previous two novels in the Vintage National Park series. I received an advanced readers’ copy of Ever Faithful from WaterBrook & Multnomah in exchange for my honest review. #EverFaithful, #NetGalley

Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett – A Real Gem

I love finding books by authors whose work is new to me. I found a real gem in Karen Barnett’s new book Ever Faithful, which is the third book in the Vintage National Parks Novel series.

Reading Ever Faithful was like a breath of fresh air. Obviously, the setting of the novel in Yellowstone National Park in the 1930s brings a whole different feel to the book. The pace of the story is relaxed and enjoyable and I feel like the characters were unveiled slowly and over time the reader gets to know them. I enjoyed the characters, even though there was a mystery and someone made bad choices, characters weren’t vilified. Faith was a part of the storyline, especially forgiveness.

Karen does a great job in her descriptions of nature and the surroundings. She does so without being too wordy and lets the readers imagine the beauty of the Yellowstone National Park. It was interesting learning what the park was like 90 years ago and what it would have been like to work at the park. I had never heard of the Civilian Conservation Corps, but it sounded like an excellent program to help young men during a very hard time in our Nation. It was also a great way to introduce people from different walks of life and bring them together for the storyline and watch them grow and learn. You can’t help but know all the research and time Karen must have put in to write this book and make the characters and setting come alive.

I loved reading Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett. I took my time reading the book because every time I opened the book, I felt like I was taking a break and going somewhere beautiful with people I enjoyed. I could set aside the demands of the moment and get away to a different place and time. After reading Ever Faithful, I want to go back and Karen’s other books and look forward to her future novels.

I would like to thank NetGalley and WaterBrook Publishers for the opportunity to read Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Ever Faithful will be available June 18, 2019.

4 stars
I have really enjoyed this series of books. This one isn't my favorite but it is really good still. I love the historical look at the world and Yellowstone. Ms. Barnett writes in such a way that it makes you feel you are right there beside her characters. SHe writes rich, deep and flawed people who are easy to relate too and to root for. I sure hope there will be another book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #EverFaithful #NetGalley

Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett is a thrilling conclusion to her National Parks series. Elise and Nate jump off the pages as they are allowed to tell their love stories and their transformation stories. I really enjoy how this series takes place in the historic National Parks. As someone who has never been out west, Barnett invites me into the setting without ever leaving my living room. Barnett does a wonderful job at bringing the outdoors alive with her description. Then she invites a story to shine from within these national treasures. Elise and Nate have transformed and sparked into stronger and not so timid characters from the characters we meet in the beginning of the story. There is plenty of tension with the element of forest fires. The conclusion to this I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed this series, and I anxiously await to see what else Barnett creates next. Fans of Elizabeth Camden or Lorena Seilstad might want to pick up this series.

I received a complimentary copy of Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett through Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

While I enjoyed the writing and thought the characters were enjoyable, something about the plot wasn't quite as compelling to me as the previous two books in this National Parks series. Having read those books, I was also expecting a little more of a wow factor in the setting. This time, the scenery took a back seat. Normally I wouldn't mind that, but it feels like such a hallmark of this series that the curtailment was noticeable. Still, it's a fun and pleasant story.

Elsie Brookes works as a maid in the lodges at Yellowstone National Park along with her two best friends. Her dream is to save enough money for college. Meanwhile, the Civilian Conservation Corps is springing up and transporting companies of young men across the country to work on the land. Many of them are uneducated and unskilled, but the program aims to change all of that. Elsie gets a job teaching some of the men who would like to earn a high school diploma. The one who is the most resistant to her classes, Nate Webber, would hate for anyone to learn that he actually can't read. He and Elsie are attracted to each other, but worry about how different they are. Elsie is also a little closed off emotionally because of some trauma that happened when she was young.

Meanwhile, fires are starting up with suspicious frequency, Elsie is being pursued by a ranger that she's always had a crush on, and the CCC boys are providing distraction and romance for more than one of the girls at the park. It's pretty enjoyable reading, and I look forward to seeing what this author has in store next.

I was excited to get my hands on Karen Barnett’s third installment from her Vintage National Parks series. Ever Faithful does not disappoint. I really liked this story. I enjoyed the historical details of Yellowstone. I loved the characters, especially, Elsie. I felt a connection to her from the start. It was fun getting to know her and Nate. I loved them interacting with one another.
I give Ever Faithful four and a half stars. I look forward to the next release by Karen Barnett.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

4 1/2 Stars for Ever Faithful (Vintage National Parks, #3) by Karen Barnett! Great writing and story. Danger, intrigue and romance with a twist I wasn't expecting. I haven't been to Yellowstone but with Karen's descriptions of the beauty of the park I would love to visit. This book takes place during time of "The New Deal" when the Civilian Conservation Corps was established to help young men find jobs and learn a trade. Nate Webber has come from Brooklyn to work in Yellowstone and is trying to hide the truth about himself. Elsie, who works at the park, is trying to save enough money to go to college. She is also hiding her doubts and fears. There are secondary characters to add to the drama of life in Yellowstone. Great story. Looking for more from this author!

I received a copy of this book from the author/Waterbrook/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Karen Barnett has joined two of my favourite things in the vintage spark series: history and the outdoors 💚 I couldn’t be more excited every time I pick one of these books up.

Ever Faithful is a very appropriate title for this book. When dreams are put on hold or deferred, can we still find steadfastness to never give up?

Elsie knows hard work to achieve her dreams. Carrying the scars of a childhood trauma, she’s determined not to let them stop her from being a teaching, even as she’s hides behind sleeves and books.

Nate Webber has a secret that his kept him away from school doors for years. Can the chance to serve with the CCC be the chance to prove himself as not the useless guy?

I loved the youthful joyfulness in this book. And the discriptions of wonder always make my heart skip a beat and tempt me to buy a ticket to visit the place.

Karen Barnett takes us back to the a time in the much beloved Yellowstone National Park when it was young. Full of adventure, visitors and some of the most beautiful scenery in this country. I loved the visit and getting to know some of the workings going on behind the scenes. Just a fun vacation book that makes me want to return to one of my favorite places on earth.

This is the second Vintage Park National Novel I've read, and I loved it. Karen Barnett takes the reader into the heart of the park and the story from the beginning. She adds in the research from that decade and creates an entertaining and heart-warming story. There is a bit of mystery as well as romance as Elsie and Nate figure out their futures. I enjoyed learning more about how the parks inner workings were and the people who worked in the background. The beauty of the park itself is woven into the fabric of the story. Pick up a copy for a great summer read! I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Even though this wasn't my favorite book out of the three, this was still was a pretty darn good book. Karen Barnett has a knack for writing amazing historical fiction that keep me reading.

I have been to Yellowstone and have seen most of these geysers. The thing that I love the most about these books is the fact that I have been to these places (thank you, parents). I know exactly where and what a lot of the things look like without having to think really hard.

The characters also are what make these books amazing. I really liked Nate. I was rooting for him the entire book. He was a sweet, kind, go getter, leader that had his faults. I really liked the twist that he couldn't read. That he had his faults and short comings but grew stronger because of them.

Elsie's character I went from liking, to getting slightly annoyed, to loving. I really enjoyed her character development and how she grew throughout the book in realistic ways.

Mary and Red were character I also loved. I think I related with Mary a lot on current things because we both are romantics at heart, but I really enjoyed reading about her and Red.

I was shocked about the ending of this book. Man, I was not expecting that ending. I guess I was just in an Elizabeth Bennet mood this entire book about a certain character. However, I knew fully well that they did not belong with the person they were after.

I also really enjoyed the plot a lot! You would think that with this series being about National Parks and rangers that all the books would be the same, but Ms. Barnett did an exceptional job at keeping all the plots and characters different.

Overall, I really enjoyed this series and I am 100% sure if this is the last book or not in the series but I am praying that it isn't! I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read what Ms. Barnett has in store for us next!

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

Are you wanting to visit National Parks but are unable to at this time because of work, finances, or any other reason? Then you are going to want to read Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett. Not only will you get a tour of Yellowstone National Park for much cheaper than actually going there , you will also get history lessons, romances, and a mystery.  The book take place in Yellowstone Park during the 1930's. You'll learn some historical facts about the park during this time, as well as more about the government's CCC program. Although do not fear that the book is all just a history lesson. No, there is so much more to it. In fact, each little historical detail fits so well into the story, that you don't feel like you are actually learning, but you are! At least, I did. If history isn't for you, there are also several romances taking place in this romantic setting that add aspect to this great book! Lastly, there is are mysterious fires starting in different areas of the park, which adds some adventure that make this book hard to put down.  I had a grand trip to Yellowstone National Park through Ever Faithful and now I think a real visit to Yellowstone is on my bucket list! 

I recommend this book to those who love National Parks, history (specifically the 1930s), mysteries, and fiction. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Elsie is completely at home in Yellowstone National Park where her father, Mr. Brookes, serves as a park ranger. Elsie, though, dreams of college and works at the park as a maid and also as a teacher for the CCC men. She hopes to save enough to join her friends at college soon. This summer is special as she is wooed by Ranger Vaughn, though her thoughts keep flitting to Nate, one of the CCC workers. Mary and Rose are Elsie's sidekicks in the story and each of those girls seems to have their own eyes out for husband material.

The story was interesting as you learn about the history of the park, the CCC program, and travel around the park through the different scenes. I have read all of Karen Barnett's books in this series and I liked that this one had an unexpected twist on the "bad guy" of the story. As I've visited Yellowstone, I was able to picture all the locations used in the story.

An engaging story set in magnificent Yellowstone National Park during the 1930's.
A group of brand new recruits in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) join up with the staff at Yellowstone for a season of seriously hard work, and personal learning experiences like they've never dreamed. A mystery, adventure, action, and romance with some realistic characters made this a satisfying read clear through to the end.

I loved the character of Nate, and how his integrity, humility, sincerity and hard working personality brings out the best in those around him, with a few exceptions. He and Elsie had such different backgrounds, but both had a lot to overcome, and grew in their faith in the process. I would have liked to know more about Red and Teddy's background to understand what made them tick. The variety of ethnicities made the story interesting, wondering how they would work together and develop friendships across cultural barriers.
I liked the author's use of nature to add little illustrations of faith, like the example of a pine cone that opens up under the pressure of fire compared to how God can use difficult situations ultimately for good. She knows her stuff too, describing all of the unusual scenery. I felt like I was there, and can't wait to actually see it in person!
The historical notes included at the end were informative, especially about the CCC. I've seen many buildings on the west coast in parks that were built by them, but I didn't know they were so young and from cities. It must have been such a shock to be sent to the western plains or desert from the streets of NYC! Addressing the problems of illiteracy or lack of education was an uplifting part of the story that was based in fact, according to the author. It must have helped many young men after their work was finished.

Recommend for readers who enjoy historical fiction, with clean romance and inspiration. 4.5 stars

This is such an interest book! I love this entire series. I loved visiting Yellowstone Park, so when I saw that there was finally a book on Yellowstone in this series, I was so excited.

There is so much to love about this series. The beauty of the national parks, mystery and suspense, and of course some good clean romance. What more do you really need in a book?

The writing is fantastic and it draws you into this world so quickly, you forget where you are while you are reading.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Christian Romance, mystery, or history.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above in the hope that I would review it on my blog. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. 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.*

I requested this book because I was attracted by the cover and found the blurb interesting.
I'm happy I did because I loved this book.
It's entertaining and engaging, a very good read.
I loved the style of writing as well as the fleshed out characters, the descriptions were amazing and made want to be there.
I look forward to reading other book by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I have absolutely loved reading Karen Barnett's National Park series and I have loved every single one of them. And Ever Faithful is no exception. It is a five star book, two thumbs up, and a faithful geyser for your entertainment.

Elsie Brookes wants nothing more than to be a teacher and is working at Yellowstone in order to save money to go to school toward that end. Elsie did get a position teaching the Civilian Conservation Corps men who came to work for the summer.

Nate Webber is a young man who can't read and knew that he'd never amount to anything, because that's what everyone tells him.

Teddy Vaughn is a ranger wanting to marry Elsie, but Elsie isn't feeling that the match is a good one.

Mary and Hal have been dating for a while, but when the CCC men show up, she finds someone more to her liking.

Rose is enamored with Elsie's cousin, Graham, who sees Rose as a friend and not as a girlfriend.

There is one fly in this whole ointment of a story,,,Elsie is afraid of fire because of a fire that happened when she was a child. Graham was playing around with firecrackers at the time of the fire, and Elsie had a hard time letting go of her feelings against Graham.

This book is engaging and compelling and I enjoyed reading every word. My thanks to WaterBrook/Multnomah and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read.

Loved reading Ever Faithful! The characters were wonderful so true to life. I loved Elsie’s spirit and her love for Yellowstone. The author brought to life the workers and the park in her description of what jobs were done to keep everything running. I was so excited to read the history that was written into the plot of this book, along with the buildings and descriptions of the park. The romance and danger was just a bonus in this story. A fantastic read for all book lovers!
Was given a complimentary copy from WaterBrook through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was excellent. I loved everything about it from the gorgeous cover to the great plot and amazing characters. I am a huge history nerd, so a book about the CCC was right up my alley. Plus, I think it might be the first fiction book I've ever heard of about the CCC. I loved the characters. I teach students with learning disabilities, and I have rarely read a historical book approach reading disabilities in a main character. I loved this book. I am now a solid fan of Karen Barnett. And I need to buy a physical copy of all her books.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review. I was not required to leave a positive review, and all opinions are my own.