Ever Faithful

April 22, 2019
A Brooklyn man ventures west for the first time and reinvents himself in the process in this fantastical historical novel from Barnett (The Road to Paradise). Twenty-four-year-old Nate Webber is trying to keep his family together amid the Great Depression and is nearly imprisoned after covering up for his thief brother. Instead, the police chief sends him to the Civilian Conservation Corps in an effort to protect him from a future in jail. Stationed at Yosemite National Park, Nate is ashamed by his inability to read and write, keeping it secret from his superiors and peers. He falls under the spell of the ranger’s beautiful daughter, Elsie Brookes. Knowing she’s a “college girl” who wouldn’t be interested in an illiterate worker, he does his best to hide his growing admiration for her. As Elsie begins teaching the rowdy CCC boys, Nate captures her attention, even though a successful young ranger is also pursuing her. But as Elsie’s own attraction to Nate grows, she struggles with a dark secret of her own. Giving themselves up to faith, Nate releases his pride and Elsie her past to truly embrace each other. Barnett brings the beauty and simplicity of Yellowstone to life in this wonderful story of faith, humility, and trust.

Starred review from June 1, 2019

Elsie Brookes is a park warden's daughter who has grown up in Yellowstone National Park. She has ambitions to become a teacher and is saving money for college by working each summer in the park's hotels. This summer of 1933, though, President Roosevelt's New Deal is sending unemployed urban men, via the Civilian Conservation Corps, to assist the rangers. These city boys find life in the park unfamiliar but settle in quickly. The influx of so many young men livens up social life for the park employees, too. Elsie meets Nate, gentle and slightly older than the others. Her flirty best friend falls for an unlikely newcomer, a short, scrappy redhead from Brooklyn. Former park ranger Barnett's third title in the "Vintage National Parks" series (The Road to Paradise; Where the Fire Falls) is a warmhearted read with engaging characters and a sure-to-please setting. VERDICT With a touch of suspense and plenty of romance, this should have wide appeal; the inspirational element is very subtle and doesn't overwhelm the story. Recommended for readers who appreciate works by Jane Kirkpatrick or Tracie Peterson.--Melanie Kindrachuk, Stratford P.L., Ont.

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