The 3rd in the Vintage National Park series is set in Yellowstone. While this is a series, each of the books is a stand-alone story. Ever Faithful focuses on the time period of the arrival of the first members of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) to Yellowstone. Nate is a New Yorker from Brooklyn who arrives at Yellowstone as a new member of the CCC. Elise is the daughter of a Ranger and a "pillow puncher" "savage", a member of the housekeeping staff at the park lodges. Ever Faithful follows the relationship of Nate and Elise, as well as other staff, thought the summer. Throughout the summer, Elise serves as teacher to members of the CCC and there is an outbreak of fires in the park. An enjoyable read.

I received an advanced reader copy via NetGalley.

Karen Barnett presents a sweet, fun, and even suspenseful tale in this vintage National Parks inspirational romance novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more from this author.

This is a great historical fiction story set in the Depression era. Spot on research was done to accurately describe the setting and ambiance of Yellowstone. I could almost smell the sulfuric aroma from the description. It brought back wonderful memories of being there.

The two main characters are very likeable. Elsie's devotion to Yellowstone and dreams of going to college are endearing. Nate's love for his family and wanting to do the best job he can despite his handicap has you cheering for him throughout the story. The mystery in the novel keeps it a page turner. You have several great suspects but who is responsible? A wonderful and historically accurate book!

This book was a joy to read. It is very well written and holds your attention all the way through. It has a wonderful message about never giving up and the descriptions of Yellowstone National Park are so vivid you feel like you are there. I highly recommend this book. Thank you WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of this book.

THIS REVIEW WILL BE POSTED ON MY BLOG AND ON AMAZON, BN, CHRISTIAN BOOKS, ETC WHEN THE BOOK IS PUBLISHED AND THOSE SITES WILL TAKE REVIEWS. THIS IS THE TEXT OF MY REVIEW.
EVER FAITHFUL is the first Vintage National Parks novel I have read by Karen Barnett. With a gentle pen, she has captured the look and feel of old Yellowstone - the animals, the grand hotels, and the geysers. I have not traveled for real to that magnificent park, but I remember that as a child, I spent hours pouring over my parents' black and white photo album of their trip there, a trip which took place just a few years later than Barnett's book. And Wisconsin's own state parks still showcase the work of CCC camps, work similar to that described in Barnett's book.


Barnett's characters are developed with that same detail to authenticity. From Elsie and her summer work friends and her family to the new CCC workers, each seems "at ease" in the book. No one was added for mere plot convenience. I easily settled into the story of the Eastern CCC city boys trying to fit in with the park work crews, grateful that they could help their families survive the depression, but unsure of the hard work ahead. Just as realistic was the summer culture of the hotel/bus workers who returned to Yellowstone season after season. That somewhere among the two groups may be an arsonist only becomes apparent after several small fires happen -- letting the reader figure out something was afoul before the workers and the rangers reached the same conclusion. By then the reader (or least this one) has at least a couple possible culprits in mind.


EVER FAITHFUL was an easy, delightful read with messages about following your dreams, working hard, never giving up. I intend to read the other VINTAGE NATIONAL PARKS novels. I was given an e-copy by NETGALLEY and the publisher. All opinions are mine.

This was a sweet book, and I enjoyed it. It gives a nice portrayal of the New Deal era CCC and the men who worked as part of the CCC projects in the National Parks.

This is a captivating historical novel, with an unusual and beautiful setting and authentic characters, struggling with realistic issues such as poverty and unemployment.
It is a fabulous journey through Yellowstone National Park in the 1930s, but also about social, economical and ecological matters of this era.
I loved Nate, “the quiet, green-eyed man”, so full of qualities and strength yet unaware of it, struggling and suffering with a hidden disability. His anguish made me hurt for him.
Elsie is a great character too and her love of Yellowstone is contagious.
In the last third of the book, I lost some interest what with the couples’ romantic entanglements and a bit stretched arson plotline.

***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, 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 website 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 glimpse into an important era in the growth of America. In a time of hardship throughout the country, many turned to the CCC as an opportunity to earn a living, a skill, and experience. Mix in Yellowstone as the background and characters with with strong moral and religious convictions to get the ingredients of a very enjoyable story.

EVER FAITHFUL by KAREN BARNETT is the third novel in the Vintage National Parks series. The story takes place in the Yellowstone Nationak Park in 1933. It is a lovely book, and one I will read more than once, for the good story and the Christian truth throughout. I also enjoyed the characters, most of whom have something in their past which has affected them in some way and needs to be dealt with.
When a scrawny looking bunch of men arrive at the Park as part of President Roosevelt's CCC project, they cause quite a stir amongst those working at the Grand Canyon Hotel. These men, who are suffering from the effects of the Great Depression, are to be given the chance to earn money for their families and become better educated, whilst working hard in this beautiful part of the country.
Add a succession of fires to the mix, and the plot thickens, especially as Elsie Brookes and her cousin Graham have had a bad experience with a fire and have to live with the physical and emotional scars.
It is a story of love, compassion, friendship, forgiveness and second chances. I can really recommend EVER FAITHFUL as an excellent read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Waterbrook & Multnomah. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

What a beautiful blend of historical detail, scenic imagery, clean romance, and mystery! All of the main characters have past tragedies and struggles to overcome, but they lean on each other and learn from each other. I learned a lot about the history of Yellowstone and the CCC, which is always a bonus when reading a book. Also, I thought that I knew who the culprit was, but turned out to be all wrong...which was a nice surprise!

Of the three Vintage National Park books written so far by Karen Barnett, I like this one the best! I connected with the characters, liked the flow of the plot, and have enough personal knowledge of Yellowstone to feel “at home” in the locations mentioned. The mystery in this one was handled well, keeping me guessing until the very end as to “who dunnit??”

I'm impressed at how well Barnett was able to write the many main characters with their very different personalities, and made them all “real.” I enjoyed the animal encounters in the book too.

The historical setting is very well done, and the details to make it authentic are seamlessly mixed into the story.

Even if you've never visited Yellowstone, this book is a very enjoyable read, and the issues dealt with by the characters are still relevant today.

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

This was a unique read dealing with the Yellowstone National Park and the CCC during the 1930s. With accurate historical details about nature and the park, this is a must-read for anyone that loves the outdoors.
The descriptions of the park were riveting and the story came with a small mystery. With all of the plot twists, I could not guess the ending.
The friendship between Elsie and Mary was pleasant to read about as they supported each other in their dreams and future. I would have liked seeing more of the friendship near the end of the novel when the plot started focusing more on Elise and Nate.
Overall, this historical novel was well-written with a strong plot and I cannot wait to see more from the author in the future.
Personal Rating: 4.5 Stars
Content Rating: 3.5 Stars
*I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.