Where the Fire Falls

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.

Yosemite National Park is a leading character in and of itself. It's beauty, it's fragrance, it's scenic wonder, and adventure comes to life! Where the Fire Falls is the second book in Karen Barnett's Vintage National Park Series and it does not let down the first! Olivia Rutherford is a starving artist, carrying a huge burden, and trying desperately to financially care for her younger twin sisters. She gets an opportunity that could launch her into the world of success, but she must decide what she's willing to give up, what she's willing to risk, and if constantly trying to hide who she really is, is worth it. There's a theme of discovering who we really are as God's children and being free in that, that runs throughout this story. It's beautifully done and very well written! And the sweet love story that blossoms between Olivia and her tour guide, also former minister, Clark Johnson is delightful. Clark has his own struggle to work through and they are able to help each other. Bravo Karen! Can't wait to get my hands on the next book!

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!

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.

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.