Takeover Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Where Trees Touch the Sky by Karen Barnett

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Where Trees Touch the Sky by Karen Barnett hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Where Trees Touch the Sky 

Series: National Parks 

Author: Karen Barnett 

Publisher: Kregel 

Release Date: August 13, 2024 

Genre: Christian Fiction, Dual Timeline 

Some secrets have shadows as long as the redwoods are tall. 

In the early 1920s, the accelerating destruction of the California redwoods is more than nature-loving Marion Baker can bear. Throwing herself headlong into the work of the Save the Redwoods League, she is shocked to learn that Frank Duncan, a man she's grown to love, is the son of one of the area's worst timber barons. Though devastated by the betrayal, she realizes this could also be an opportunity--if only she can convince him to help preserve her favorite grove from his father's greedy grasp. Is her love strong enough to persuade him to save these precious trees? Or will Marion choose to sacrifice her beliefs to keep Frank by her side? 

Nearly fifty years later, in 1972, polio survivor June Turner is deeply proud of the legacy her great aunt Marion has left as a redwood warrior. And despite her disability, June is determined to prove herself capable as a ranger at the recently established Redwood National Park, even if it means taking to the trails with her crutch in hand. What better way to carry on the family tradition of preserving God’s magnificent creation?

When aspiring film student Adam Garner approaches June to help make a documentary about Marion's life, she swiftly grabs the opportunity to spread her aunt's worthy reputation. That is, until they unearth a secret that might shatter the family legacy. In the scramble for answers, June may lose not only her family pride but also her own dreams. 

Karen Barnett's beautifully crafted split-time novel, set against the majestic backdrop of a beloved national park, immerses the reader in history that feels as fresh as if it happened yesterday. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

 

Excerpt

If the color green had a scent, it would smell like a redwood grove. Marion cradled the bouquet of roses in one arm and breathed deep of the fresh air. This was the one place she sensed God’s voice, as sure as she heard the wind whispering in the branches and the chatter of the trickling stream. Whenever her soul splintered, the forest had a way of piecing her back together. The treetops disappeared into the misty canopy several hundred feet above her head, but it wasn’t their size that gave her solace. It was their age. Living to be over a thousand years old, these ancient trees would likely consider her twenty-two as a mere blink of an eye. Entering her favorite grove, Marion pulled off her cloche hat and gazed up at the large tree to her left. Sweet memories flooded her mind. Years ago, she’d begun naming a few of the giants after people she had lost, transforming this section of woods into a personal memorial garden. A sacred space. 

 

Also Available: 

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About the Author

Karen Barnett is the award-winning author of eight novels including When Stone Wings Fly and The Vintage National Parks Novels. A former national park ranger, she’s also a hobby photographer and enjoys teaching writing workshops with both Cascade Christian Writers and West Coast Christian Writers. She and her family live in Albany, Oregon.

Connect with Karen by visiting karenbarnettbooks.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Where Trees Touch the Sky and book related goodies!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 14, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 21, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review: Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett

Book Two in the Shadows of the Wilderness series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

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 fashioned 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 choice of becoming a National Parks Ranger, but is it his true calling?

As Clark helps open 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.

My Review

There are two things I especially appreciated about this book- that it's set in Yosemite, a place I've visited several times, and that the main character Olivia is an artist. The author really made the time period come to life, and though it's not my favorite era for fiction, once Olivia got to Yosemite and began to shed her flapper girl facade, I was a happy camper ;) She really undergoes quite a transition,  from fearful and desperate to courageous and confident. Clark's frank demeanor influences her to make the effort to get in touch with the spirit of the landscape, enabling her paintings to evoke more emotion and touch the viewer. Clark is on his own spiritual journey, seeking for guidance with his purpose and future. These two lost and hurting souls have a bit of a rocky start, but in time form a friendship as they learn to trust and reveal their hidden secrets. There is plenty of intrigue and angst while Olivia faces pressure from various sources, all of which is balanced nicely with the beauty and grandeur of the location. I loved all the little nuggets of history of Yosemite's early days as a National Park sprinkled into the story, and it made me look forward to camping and backpacking there again.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the first book in the Shadows of the Wilderness series . . .

Book One

Read my 4 star review

Synopsis

In 1927, Margie Lane, an avid naturalist, convinces her Senator father to procure her a position at the fledgling Mount Rainier National Park. Since Ranger Ford Brannon lost his father in a climbing accident, he doubts his ability to protect the park and its many visitors. He certainly doesn't relish the job of watching over an idealistic and privileged young woman with no practical survival skills.
 

When Margie's former fiance sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, Margie and Ford will have to work together to preserve the beauty and simplicity of this mountain hideaway, but the developer's plans might put more than just the park in danger.

Review: The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

In 1927, Margie Lane, an avid naturalist, convinces her Senator father to procure her a position at the fledgling Mount Rainier National Park. Since Ranger Ford Brannon lost his father in a climbing accident, he doubts his ability to protect the park and its many visitors. He certainly doesn't relish the job of watching over an idealistic and privileged young woman with no practical survival skills.
 
When Margie's former fiance sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, Margie and Ford will have to work together to preserve the beauty and simplicity of this mountain hideaway, but the developer's plans might put more than just the park in danger.

My Review

The first thing that caught my attention about this book was its amazing cover. I collect the vintage-style postcards from national parks, sites, memorials, and cities that we visit on our road trips, and earlier this year I mounted them all on my living room wall :) Since I love national parks and I enjoy this author's writing I knew this would be a perfect book for me! The early 20th century setting in the Washington wilderness had a distinct feeling and I appreciated seeing the park and characters in that era. There are so many great details from the wildlife to the conditions the rangers lived in, but they all were woven in naturally to the story, so I didn't feel like the plot was bogged down but kept a steady pace. Margie and Ford start out with a stark contrast between their views of the wilderness. Margie is an idealistic naturalist who loves the poetry written of nature and acquiring knowledge of the flora and fauna through reading books since she doesn't have any experience in the great outdoors. Ford, on the other hand, was raised in the mountains with his ranger father and understands the harsh realities of the terrain, the wildlife, and the weather. Over time Margie and Ford become acclimated to each other and learn the value of the other's perspective. While Ford strikes a healthy balance between practical knowledge and a new appreciation for the small wonders and great majesty of God's creations, Margie goes to the opposite extreme and discounts all her book learning as worthless when it comes to survival, which kind of bothered me. But her personality tends to see things in black and white so I guess that made sense. The villain popped up periodically to aggravate Margie and Ford and I was frustrated that they weren't productive in thwarting his plans and seeing a way around his slick strategies. My favorite part of the book is the sense of adventure in an untamed wilderness and how people have a responsibility to respect and preserve it while enjoying the challenge of discovery. And the romance, of course ;)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

About the Author

Karen Barnett is an award winning author of four novels who draws on her firsthand experience as a naturalist, former park ranger, and outdoor educator to transport readers to America’s national parks. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two children.

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Can't-Wait Wednesday: The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

I love visiting national parks, so this book looks right up my alley! I adore the cover- I collect the vintage-style postcards from every place I travel and have them on my living room wall. I'm excited to be on the street team for The Road to Paradise, so you'll definitely be hearing more about it from me! The release date is June 6, 2017, and it's available for pre-order! There's even a pre-order special from the publisher with some cool extras, scroll down for details...

Synopsis

In 1927, Margie Lane, an avid naturalist, convinces her Senator father to procure her a position at the fledgling Mount Rainier National Park. Since Ranger Ford Brannon lost his father in a climbing accident, he doubts his ability to protect the park and its many visitors. He certainly doesn't relish the job of watching over an idealistic and privileged young woman with no practical survival skills.
 
When Margie's former fiance sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, Margie and Ford will have to work together to preserve the beauty and simplicity of this mountain hideaway, but the developer's plans might put more than just the park in danger.

Click here or on the image for details!

(And here's a link to the form to submit after you pre-order in order to receive the extras)

May I Suggest... Giveaway Hop

May I suggest... The Golden Gate Chronicles series by Karen Barnett!

This series of books is set in turn of the century San Fransisco, including the infamous earthquake, its aftermath, and reconstruction. There is a focus on the medical research and advances of the time with unforgettable characters. The third book, Through the Shadows, just released this month!

I will be giving away a hardcover copy of the second book in the series, Beyond the Ashes, which can be read as a stand alone. Enter to win in the Giveaway Tools widget below!

Synopsis

Where better to rebuild and face one's fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes? Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she'll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn't anticipate finding new love. Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he'd always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert's widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed. Ruby and Gerald's fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they're striving to cure. Together they must ask--is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?

Entry-Form

Review & 5-Book Giveaway: Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Where better to rebuild and face one's fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes? Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she'll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn't anticipate finding new love. Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he'd always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert's widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed. Ruby and Gerald's fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they're striving to cure. Together they must ask is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?

My Review

This is a fascinating time period and setting. The descriptions of the early use of x-ray technology to treat cancer patients makes me so grateful for the advances in technology and the sacrifices of the pioneers in the medical field to push the research forward. Ruby and Gerald were both a little difficult to like in the beginning- he was overworked and overwhelmed, she was uptight and grieving. But as a doctor and a nurse, they both have hearts to serve, and their compassionate care for the earthquake victims and patients in the hospital create a bond and show their strength of character. The principle of trusting in the Lord, no matter what life brings, is one that Ruby struggles with, and one that Gerald relies on as his health declines. Even though they are faced with serious trials ahead, the book ends on a note of hope and peace.

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Abingdon Press for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis 

While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn’t expect, however, is for God’s answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.

As they work together toward a cure, Abby’s feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?

My Review

What an intense book! It started out somewhat slow for me as it focused on Abby's anger at God and desperate deal-making with Him to cure her beloved sister from leukemia. It's an emotional time for her, and she refuses to give up or accept that nothing can be done, even when her faith-filled sister was at peace with passing on. I admired her tenacity and it brought back similar emotions I felt when my own father was close to death- hoping and praying with everything in me that God's will was to give us a miracle. The difference between us however is that Abby is willing to cut ties with God if she doesn't get her way... and thus begins her spiritual journey that we witness throughout the book. As Robert and Abby develop a friendship during the treatment of her sister, I kept feeling anticipation and anxiety about the earthquake- knowing it was going to happen, but not knowing when! It was sort of surreal and anticlimactic when it did occur, (which is pretty realistic from my own experience with smaller earthquakes) but the descriptions of the effects on the structures were fascinating. The real intensity begins with the aftermath. How much we take for granted our ability to communicate! I can't even imagine being separated from my family with no idea where they are. The adversities Abby overcomes during the search for her family humble her to listen to the influence of her sister's memory and turn to God for comfort and recognizes His hand in many great and small miracles that day.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

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Don't miss the debut book, Out of the Ruins, in Karen Barnett's new series, The Golden Gate Chronicles. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century San Francisco, Out of the Ruins will remind readers that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, God is still as close to us as our next breath.

Karen is celebrating with a fun giveaway and Facebook author chat party!

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the Out of the Ruins Facebook author chat party on June 19th. Connect with Karen for an evening of fun book chat, games, and prizes. Karen will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Out of the Ruins and join Karen on the evening of June 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!