Can we all first just stop and admire this cover!? I just love it! Coming June 18th, is Karen Barnett's new novel, Ever Faithful, the third book in the National Parks Series.
Elsie is a worker in Yellowstone National Park where her father is a park ranger. Elsie enjoys her job in the park, but she also wants to branch out and further her education. She dreams of a life as a teacher and wants to make a difference in peoples' lives. However, she struggles with a tragedy that that she suffered as a child and can't seem to move on, especially when her cousin shows up to work in the park and dredges up their history. However, she always finds the beauty in the park and is very grateful for the relationships she shares with her two best friends, Mary and Rose.
Nate Webber is part of President Roosevelt's CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), giving a hand up to certain men who are given jobs and education in the parks. Nate is a natural born leader but hasn't received a formal education. He struggles with certain things regarding learning and he feels ashamed but is looking forward to the new opportunity.
Teddy Vaughn is a proud park ranger and has his eyes set on Elsie. It seems to be fate that they are thrown together what with their shared history in Yellowstone. He feels like he's on top of the world with his position and feels that marrying Elsie is a given. There's no way she would turn him down, right?
Other things happen in the book and I don't want to give too much away!
You do not need to read the other two to know what's going on in the third. They are total stand alone stories but I really enjoyed the other two as well.
I have said in other blogs that I absolutely love when something in a story is true and makes me look more into what is being discussed. The CCC was in fact a real program that provided jobs during a the Great Depression. I had never heard of it before. Some young men felt that the pay wasn't worth it while others saw it as a great chance to improve their lives and learn. Here's a picture of a group of young men who took part in the program:
I could easily imagine the characters in the book being in this picture. If you want to learn more about the CCC click here: CCC Program
I really enjoyed this book! It was one of those great, sweeping stories. It drew me in right away and I think it is just perfect for your summer reading! Get yours June 18th! Thank you so much to WaterBrook and Ms. Barnett for the great read.
