Where the Fire Falls

“Faith can move mountains, but time spent in the mountains sometimes moves us toward faith.” —Clark Johnson, Where the Fire Falls

Karen Barnett’s Vintage National Parks Novels are proving to be the perfect series for those of us who are both bookish and nature loving. In Where the Fire Falls, readers experience Yosemite National Park through the eyes of watercolorist, Olivia Rutherford. Contracted by Scenic magazine, Olivia begrudgingly takes the assignment at the behest of her agent. Fostering a healthy fear of the park stemming from a childhood incident involving her father, Olivia is initially dismissive of the guide whom the magazine hired to lead her through the park. Only when Clark Johnson appears to be the only way to outrun her past, does she and her art-loving escorts take to the trails.

“Yosemite is a place of healing. It draws broken people—folks trying to understand why they’re on this good, green earth.” These words of Melba, the Chief Ranger’s wife, summarize the condition the main characters find themselves in. Olivia has come to the park with everything to gain if the assignment goes well—wealth and notoriety. She didn’t realize, initially anyway, God would use this adventure to reveal Himself to her. Clark, on the other hand, has nothing to lose. Having arrived three years earlier after false accusations of misconduct drove him from the pulpit, his time in Yosemite has been a time of reflection and waiting. Even without a flock of his own, he continues to point others, like Olivia, to Christ.

I was introduced to Karen Barnett’s writing through the first book in this series, The Road to Paradise. Over the course of these two novels, I’ve noticed how Barnett paints magnificent landscapes with her words. I haven’t visited Mt. Rainier or Yosemite and yet I’ve come away from both stories with a sense of having been there. Additionally, I feel like her characters really drive these stories. Woven into each are strengths and vulnerabilities which endear them to the reader. By meticulously plumbing their hearts (and histories) she allowed me to understand their motives—even when emotions seemed to cloud their better judgment. Finally, Barnett writes wholesome, feel-good romances with a careful measure of humor to balance the weightier topics found in her books. In Where the Fire Falls, these were vanity, greed, betrayal (in and out of the church), and finding one’s identity in Christ. Taken all together, they culminate in soul-warming stories that beckon me to return again and again.

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Where the Fire Falls (2018) by Karen Barnett is the second book in her Shadows of the Wilderness series. This novel is set to release on June 5, 2018 by WaterBrook & Multnomah Publishers. This book will come in all forms including eBook, and is 352 pages in length. With a full-time job and a precocious six-year old at home, Where the Fire Falls took me two days to read. I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley. In no way does this change my opinion of the book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give Where the Fire Falls 5+++ STARS. This novel is a Historical Christian Romance.

Where the Fire Falls may be Karen Barnett’s best book yet. It is SO engaging — I could not put it down. When I had to because of chores I needed to get done I was so annoyed. LOL! The characters, Clark and Olivia, are so well written and believable, but it is their struggles that make them the most relatable. The setting is written in such rich detail that I felt like I was in Yosemite. And, the action is non-stop. The romance between Clark and Olivia grows naturally — none of that insta-love, which I really appreciate because insta-love often feels fake. Overall, this novel is a knock-out!

The main characters in this novel are Olivia and Clark. At the beginning of the novel, both characters are experiencing an identity crisis. Olivia is running and hiding from the sins of her father, while Clark is running and hiding from his former congregation in a Joseph-like situation (accused of something he did not do). Both Olivia and Clark find themselves in Yosemite trying desperately to put the pieces of their lives into something passable for the life they think they (and God) want. My favorite part of this novel is the struggle with identity that both characters deal with. It’s such a realistic problem that everyone goes through.

Of the characters, Clark is the most relatable to me. There is a moment in chapter 18 where Clark goes to Yosemite chapel to talk to God. He begins by saying, “God, I don’t even know what I’m doing here.” At this point, the pastor of the church, whom Clark didn’t see when he started openly talking to God, says, “Maybe I can help shed some light on that.” What follows is one of the best conversations about God that I’ve ever read in a book. It’s amazing!!! I might have made several memes just from this chapter. Hehehe! Anyway, later in the discussion, the pastor asks Clark, “Who are you?” What a great question. Our knee-jerk reaction to that question is always a list of the things we do, which is how Clark responds. I would answer: mother, wife, teacher, daughter, friend. These are the things that I do every day, but it doesn’t actually answer the question, and neither did Clark’s list of all he does. The real answer is that we are children of God. Because I am a child of God, He has formed my life in such a way that I do the role of mother, wife, teacher, daughter, and friend. I think most every person’s crisis of self is really that we are overwhelmed by all we do. We need to step back and remember who we are — children of God — so we know where to go when all that we do overwhelms us.

Where the Fire Falls allowed me to reflect on my identity crisis. It happened after my child was born. In my head, the birth of my child was supposed to be such an idyllic time. I would take on the role of mother and I would be so caring and loving and nurturing. I would know exactly what to do, when to do it, etc. I knew taking care of an infant would be hard work, but I also knew it would be satisfying work that would make me happy. Yeah, I don’t know where I got all that rosy-eyed stuff from because it is malarkey…at least in my experience. In truth, what really happened was I lost myself. The woman “Nicole” disappeared in a single night, and all that was left was a broken, exhausted, hadn’t showered in a couple of days, is that poop on my shirt?, servant who didn’t know up from down. They say that good moms know the different cries their children make — like it’s a secret language between mother and child. The only cry I can tell to this day is the “Mom, I’m hurt and scared” cry. I had no idea what my infant daughter wanted EVER. I couldn’t tell you if she wanted food, a change in diaper, to sit up, to go to bed, etc. She just cried and cried all the time. And with every cry, what made me Nicole would disappear little by little until I woke up one morning devastated because I didn’t know who I was anymore. Where did I go? I used to be a lover of life, books, art, movies, discussions, etc. I used to have such a strong and certain faith in God. Where did that person go? How did I go about getting her back? Was God even listening to my prayers? Did He see all my tears and frustrations? Did He see that I had disappeared and didn’t know how to get back to myself?

Looking back on that time, I can totally see God in everything! Hind sight is 20/20. Eventually, like Clark and Olivia do in Where the Fire Falls, I re-learned to seek my identity in Christ, which did make everything a bit clearer. I realized that God doesn’t stop speaking, I just needed to tune my ears to the right station! Once I came to that conclusion and adjusted myself accordingly, I found myself again. I learned how to be Nicole, but also Bella’s mommy, Robert’s wife, my students’ teacher, my mother’s daughter, and my best friend’s friend. I learned I didn’t have to give up Nicole, I just had to tweak it a little based on where God was moving my steps. When you’re on the correct wavelength with God, your identity becomes so self-evident, and then this perfect peace from God fills your soul. I will most definitely feel overwhelmed by all that I do sometime in probably the near future, but now I don’t have to ever fear losing myself again. I know who I am, and I know where to go when I feel those overwhelmed feelings. This is what Clark and Olivia discover over the course of the novel, and it was a truly excellent trip to take with them!

Where the Fire Falls is a beautiful and brilliant novel. I HIGHLY recommend this book. Not only does it have amazing characters traversing some of the most gorgeous landscape God ever created as they deal with adventures and crises, but it has timely themes that allow the reader to really look into himself/herself and wrestle with the question, “Who are you?”. I adore a novel that allows the reader the opportunity to look within and wrestle with issues, and come out the other side of the book a slightly newer person. Where the Fire Falls does this and more. When this book releases in June, run to your nearest store and purchase this book. The journey one takes in this book is priceless.

I really enjoyed this book! The details about Yosemite swept me away. I now long to see the park for myself one day. I loved Olivia and Clark. Karen Barnett did such a great job! You can tell this book was written by someone that truly loves the park and nature. I look forward to reading more by this author!

I received a complimentary copy. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

This book was great! Gorgeous scenery. Art. Secrets. Adventure. Romance. Treachery. All here!
As I finished reading this book for the second time, on a very cold, snowy day, I was reminded of how GOOD this story is. Yosemite’s vast beauty is written so well, I was transported there. One of my favorite quotes was, “God’s presence was in Yosemite; she couldn’t deny it. 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.” Seeing Olivia Rutherford becoming who God created her to be left me speechless. I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath for a few chapters. And Clark, well he’s a swoony hero to be sure but he was a ‘lost’ man for a while, trying to listen for God’s direction for his life but as Reverend White says to him, “He hasn’t stopped speaking to you; you just think you’re not worthy to hear it.”
This is a keep forever kind of book. “Forever. ….Had God ever created a more beautiful word?…”

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 - 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 and too many chances to bring her prudently crafted plan to crumbs. But she doesn't have a choice rather than going along, though she plans to stay away from any greenery, waterfall, rock, or critter as much 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 search for 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.

"Faith can move mountains, but time spent in the mountains sometimes moves us toward faith"

No need to say that my biologist's heart melted all over this story. I found myself completely lost in the author’s drawing of the intimacy found in the wilderness - with each other and with God. I'm very much looking forward to the next one.

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)

Where the Fire Falls is the second, stand-alone novel in the Vintage National Parks series by Karen Barnett. From start to finish, it is an historical fiction novel that is incredibly engaging and inspiring. Like a cool breeze blowing through new, spring leaves, the plot of this novel is refreshingly unique as it whispers with mystery, adventure, danger, faith, and romance. Reading this book is as thrilling as venturing on an excursion into a beautifully wild paradise, but without having to leave the comfort of a cozy chair. Through written words alone, I could practically smell the fresh scents of nature and hear the sounds of rustling leaves as I read. The pages of this novel carried me away on a scenic, outdoor journey, and I found delight in the trails and paths that unfolded before me with each carefully chosen phrase and artfully crafted paragraph.
Stimulating all five of the senses, the phenomenal natural setting of Yosemite National Park is integral to this story. This wilderness setting gracefully develops in detail and description essentially becoming an integral character in the novel itself. Page after page, I grew fond of the granite cliffs, the thundering waterfalls, the cool streams, and the towering trees, and much like the characters in this novel, I nurtured a desire to remain within nature’s wild embrace. The rustic setting of this novel thoroughly enveloped me and made me want to linger there long after I finished reading the final pages.
As the characters interact with and respond to the natural beauty around them, their story unfurls with surprises and unforgettable moments. Not only did I come to care deeply for the characters and find interest in their fears, their struggles, and their triumphs, but I found them to be genuinely sympathetic in their frailties and failures. The characters are deeply compelling as they struggle to overcome their insecurities, face their fears, and pursue their dreams. They are truly inspiring as they wrestle with their doubts and develop their faith.
Where the Fire Falls is well-researched, skillfully written, thoughtful, original, and thoroughly entertaining. I highly recommend it to all readers who enjoy historical fiction that is clean, compelling, uplifting, and truly memorable.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.

“Yosemite is a cathedral built by holy hands…He hoisted up the cliffs, sculpted them with glaciers…God dropped a ridiculous amount of beauty in one place.”

I so thoroughly enjoyed this story! Each of the main characters have interesting back stories, but that really wasn’t what I found most enjoyable in the story. I enjoyed that the simple things in life…and the beauty of God’s creation we’re really the focus of this book. The characters are fun…even the secondary ones! I mostly enjoyed the story and plot line itself….showing how God has it all in His capable hands. He can handle our lives nicely if we let him.

So many great characters who lend their own personalities to the story. Highly enjoyable! Go get

God brought him here for healing, but he’s still figuring out who God wishes him to be- seeking his identity and purpose. I’ll be praying you find yours, too.

“You’re an artist, Liv. Wrap yourself in any colors. I’ll love them all.”

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

“So you’re at my disposal?”

Not exactly what Yosemite National Park guide Clark Johnson was expecting to hear from the raven haired artist, accompanied by her millionaire friends. Sure, he’d been assigned to guide Olivia Rutherford towards the park’s splendid displays of natural beauty so that her paintbrush could capture their magnificence, but she is making it sound like he is nothing more than a glorified porter. “First chance he got, he’d be setting this little minx straight.”

How could Olivia have let herself be talked into returning to Yosemite? What happened in this park years ago changed the course of her life and the lives of her younger siblings, who are now dependent on her success for their livelihood. Living behind an assumed name and an altered persona might gain her notoriety in the art world, but stepping back into her family history is tricky business, especially when a handsome, rugged mountain guide’s simple friendship and discerning gaze dares to chip away at her carefully applied facade. Clark Johnson honestly believes that Yosemite is God’s creative masterpiece, and maybe it is.

Enchanting, brimming over with descriptive scenery, and a bit unnerving at times, “Where the Fire Falls is ultimately a freedom canvas; coloring in the emancipation of two pained individuals from the shame of their pasts; finding that “dis-grace is a human term . . . . . . God invented grace. ” And the romance? . . . . . . . always and forever, unless greed finds a way to destroy the scene.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.

This sweeping, panoramic story is a feast for the eyes and the imagination! Karen’s writing is dynamic and colorful and effortlessly transported me right into the heart of Yosemite Valley. It took me a few chapters to get into the story and really get to know the characters and feel for them. The story really picks up speed as you get deeper in and before I knew it, I could hardly turn the pages fast enough for wanting to know what would happen next.

Clark is somewhat of a lone-wolf. He keeps most people at a distance. He seems to be most at ease out on the trail, with nature as his companion. Once you get to know this strapping mountain man, he will charm you for sure!

Olivia hides behind her carefully constructed artist persona, but who is the real Olivia? She longs to have a meaningful relationship, however, she has to learn how to be her true self and let down the walls that she hides behind before that can happen.

Can two people so set on hiding find a way to let go of the past that is holding them back from finding true happiness? A heartfelt story that reminds us the importance of knowing who we are in God and allowing that truth to settle in our hearts!

Take a summer vacation to Yosemite in the pages of this is a great stand-alone novel. You won’t want to miss out on this latest book from Karen Barnett!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)