where trees touch the sky | book review + giveaway

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about the book

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.

publisher: kregel publications

release date: august 13, 2024

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review

visit the majestic california redwoods as two historical stories alternate and intertwine in karen barnett's where trees touch the sky!

in 1972, polio survivor june turner sets out to achieve her late brother's dream by becoming a park ranger for the young redwood national park. of course, there are doubts she's up to the task, and film student adam garner is ready to take her place. despite the expected animosity between the two, as they work together, they do find a common interest—june's great aunt marion baker.

in 1923, marion is hard at work to save the redwoods from opportunistic loggers. one day, when visiting a beloved grove, she has an unfortunate encounter with frank duncan, son of the local timber baron—but she remains unaware of his true identity until their relationship becomes much more complicated...

june always believed her aunt to be a heroine of redwood conservation, but digging into the past is never without surprise or two, right? from the beginning, marion's story sparked a few questions, and i just loved the suspense of wondering, chapter by chapter, how the answers would come about. there's romance and drama, nature and faith, too, along the way, creating an engaging historical read.

i really enjoyed how much i learned by reading where trees touch the sky. from june's polio experience and adam's filmmaking to redwood trees and the creation of a national park, there's plenty of detail woven into the characters and plot that kept me completely fascinated—but it never felt textbook-y. these tidbits of information blend amidst the other aspects of the book, and it all just works so well together.

if you love historical fiction, definitely read where trees touch the sky!

i received a complimentary copy from the publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.


considerations:
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: mentions of God, biblical themes
—content: disability from polio, loss of significant other or family member, logging injuries

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.

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 HERE

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