Where the Fire Falls: A Vintage National Parks Novel

Karen Barnett

Jun 2018 · Sold by WaterBrook

About this ebook

Stunning Yosemite National Park sets the stage for this late 1920s historical romance with mystery, adventure, heart, and a sense of the place John Muir described as "pervaded with divine light."

Watercolorist Olivia Rutherford has shed her humble beginnings to fashion her image as an avant-garde artist to appeal to the region's wealthy art-collectors. When she lands a lucrative contract painting illustrations of Yosemite National Park for a travel magazine, including its nightly one-of-a-kind Firefall event, she hopes the money will lift Olivia and her sisters out of poverty.

After false accusations cost him everything, former minister Clark Johnson has found purpose as a backcountry guide in this natural cathedral of granite and trees. Now he's faced with the opportunity to become a National Parks Ranger, but is it his true calling?

As Clark opens Olivia's eyes to the wonders of Yosemite, she discovers the people are as vital to the park's story as its vistas--a revelation that may bring her charade to an end.

Ratings and reviews

SO MUCH TO LOVE IN YOSEMITE******************* I visited Yosemite several times as a girl and it is a wonder with all of its giant redwoods, sequoias, pine scents, cool breezes, waterfalls, giant rocks, cliffs, trails and wildlife. This book made me want to travel there again. *** 1929*** Olivia Rutherford is an aspiring Watercolorist and currently portraying herself as a free-spirited flapper among California’s nouveau riche. Clark Johnson is a guide in Yosemite National Park, and on a quest to discover God’s ultimate path for his life. He’s managed to pretty much avoid women for the last three years. *** Ch. 1 “I’m not afraid of women. … They’re just a highly unpredictable species. One minute they’re as sweet as honeysuckle; next you find yourself up to your kneecaps in hellfire.”*** When the two are thrown together they both begin a journey of self-discovery and share the amazing beauty of the park. However, deception, secrets and danger follow them around creating a rocky path at times.*** Tea Moment: Ch. 4 Vanderbilt was a pith helmet short of an African safari. Next thing you knew, he’d be demanding tea from a china cup. I loved the campfire songs! Red River Valley is a favorite of mine and the old hymns touched my soul. *** There is so much beauty captured in this story. Ch. 10 “God saved up the best bits of creation and spent them here.” ***Ch. 11 The sun’s radiance still played off the summit in the distance, the details in the granite exposed by the long reddish rays blending light and shadow. ***Ch. 16 God’s presence was in Yosemite… Every blade of grass, every breath of wind, even the light passing over the polished granite and dancing through the waterfalls’ spray seemed touched by His spirit.*** Thank you to Karen Barnett for alerting me to the BOGO deal. I took advantage of the pre-order opportunity & am so happy I did. I cannot wait to receive The Road to Paradise. My opinion is my own and given freely. *** FREE STUFF – Go to the author’s website to get a free novelette, vintage style postcards, digital poster and bonus eBook “Women of the National Parks”. So generous and cool! *** NOTE: This is a stand-alone novel, and fine to read out of order.

About the author

KAREN BARNETT, author of Mistaken, Out of the Ruins, and Beyond the Ashes, is a former park ranger. She worked as a ranger naturalist and outdoor educator at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Silver Falls State Park, and Mount Rainier National Park. When not writing, Karen enjoys photography, hiking, and public speaking. She lives in Oregon with her family.