A man who can't read will never amount to anything--or so Nate Webber believes. But he takes a chance to help his family by signing up for the new Civilian Conservation Corps, skirting the truth about certain "requirements." Nate exchanges the harsh Brooklyn streets for the wilds of Yellowstone National Park, curious if the Eden-like wonderland can transform him as well.
Elsie Brookes was proud to grow up as a ranger's daughter, but she longs for a future of her own. After four years serving as a maid in the park's hotels, she still hasn't saved enough money for her college tuition. A second job, teaching a crowd of rowdy men in the CCC camp, might be the answer, but when Elsie discovers Nate's secret, it puts his job as camp foreman in jeopardy. Tutoring leads to friendship and romance, until a string of suspicious fires casts a dark shadow over their relationship. Can they find answers before all of their dreams go up in smoke?"
Author: Karen Barnett
Length: 352 pages
Series: Vintage National Parks (book #3)
I LOVE the idea of this series! I have loved National Parks for years, and getting to read HISTORICAL books BASED in said parks...you best believe I'm a happy duckling.
I enjoyed the characters in this book. There were quite a few characters, but none of them were fighting for screen time. Each one played their part, fitting together like puzzle pieces. The chemistry was great between everyone. Together or broken off into groups they all worked very well together.
I really loved the atmosphere between the CCC guys. They became like brothers over the months they were together. They looked out for each other and helped each other out whenever it was needed. It was evident how much they truly cared for each other!
Nate & Elise were great. Though they were opposites in most aspects, they complemented each other in the ways that it really counted.
They both had scars (physical & emotional) from their past that they didn't want anyone else to see. They had walls up, and they had no desire to let them down. Yet, they were drawn to each other. They crafted a tentative friendship and they found it so easy to open up to each other, and in doing so they truly started to heal from past hurts. That helped solidify the relationship and soon they were growing as people, they were more confident and independent.
The mystery thread was an interesting aspect to the story. I had a feeling about who the culprit was, but ended up dead wrong. (I love being taken by surprise!)
The story was very easy to read, even with the history woven throughout. I enjoyed the writing style. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the "series".
I rated it a 4/5 stars.
(PLEASE NOTE THESE BOOKS CAN BE READ AS STAND-A-LONES)
*I received this book from the publisher**I was not required to leave a review**All opinions are my own*
Quotes:
"The fire doesn't kill the seeds?"
"It sets them free," the ranger said. "Most of us ask God for any easy life. But sometimes it takes a little heat to break loose the seeds He's planted deep inside us."
Yellowstone's iconic geyser is fairly predictable.
Elsie's future is anything but.
I LOVE the idea of this series! I have loved National Parks for years, and getting to read HISTORICAL books BASED in said parks...you best believe I'm a happy duckling.
I enjoyed the characters in this book. There were quite a few characters, but none of them were fighting for screen time. Each one played their part, fitting together like puzzle pieces. The chemistry was great between everyone. Together or broken off into groups they all worked very well together.
I really loved the atmosphere between the CCC guys. They became like brothers over the months they were together. They looked out for each other and helped each other out whenever it was needed. It was evident how much they truly cared for each other!
Nate & Elise were great. Though they were opposites in most aspects, they complemented each other in the ways that it really counted.
They both had scars (physical & emotional) from their past that they didn't want anyone else to see. They had walls up, and they had no desire to let them down. Yet, they were drawn to each other. They crafted a tentative friendship and they found it so easy to open up to each other, and in doing so they truly started to heal from past hurts. That helped solidify the relationship and soon they were growing as people, they were more confident and independent.
The mystery thread was an interesting aspect to the story. I had a feeling about who the culprit was, but ended up dead wrong. (I love being taken by surprise!)
The story was very easy to read, even with the history woven throughout. I enjoyed the writing style. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the "series".
I rated it a 4/5 stars.
(PLEASE NOTE THESE BOOKS CAN BE READ AS STAND-A-LONES)
*I received this book from the publisher**I was not required to leave a review**All opinions are my own*
Quotes:
"The fire doesn't kill the seeds?"
"It sets them free," the ranger said. "Most of us ask God for any easy life. But sometimes it takes a little heat to break loose the seeds He's planted deep inside us."
Wonderful review! I'm excited to read this series!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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