My Thoughts and More on 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

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.

My Thoughts:

What an interesting read concerning the redwood trees and our national parks, mixed in with family secrets, romance, and drama surrounding the parks. This is a time split novel, one story taking place in 1923 and the other in 1972. Marion is in both stories, and I was glued to the twists and turns of her unfolding story.

Marion's great niece plays the bigger part in 1972, and she is also a polio survivor. For both of these timelines, I found the time itself unique. In 1972, the women park rangers were still trying for equal treatment as the men and not just to be pretty little ladies. The workplace politics of even their attire reminds of how far women have come. 

One of the major takeaways from this story, besides the details and the fun jargon of the 1970's, was the topic of conservation. I learned a bit that I didn't know about it, and it is not as simple as saving trees versus cutting them down. No, there is a history there and the author explains it well in the book. If only people could take a look at the topic from all sides. One day I hope to go see those majestic trees and their arms stretched to the skies.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

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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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