"Ever Faithful" by Karen Barnett
Aug. 10th, 2020 10:27 am
I absolutely loved Karen Barnett's Vintage National Parks novels, including The Road to Paradise (set at Mt. Rainier in 1927) and Where The Fire Falls (set in Yosemite in 1929). I've been aching for the chance to read this one, and it did not disappoint.
Elsie Brooks practically grew up in Yellowstone National Park. Her father is a ranger, and Elsie has loved working around the various campsites saving money to go to college. She dreams of becoming a teacher and making a difference in the lives of others.
The year is 1933 and the Depression has robbed many of their jobs. New Yorker Nate Webber wants to take care of his mother and siblings, but he can't find work anywhere, especially as an illiterate adult with a learning disability. He's a hard worker, though, and he jumps at the chance to sign on to the Civilian Conservation Corps, even though it will take him far from home.
Arriving at Yellowstone as a member of the CCC, Nate quickly rises among the ranks. The officers and rangers can see he has a natural aptitude for leadership and encouraging those around him. He finds ways to hide his lack of reading skills, certain that if anyone finds out he will be demoted and disgraced, and his family really needs the extra money he brings in as a crew leader.
Needing more funds for her college tuition, Elsie agrees to teach night classes to the CCC men. She wonders why Nate refuses to come despite his interest in Yellowstone and its history and geology. He attends their educational outings with obvious delight but avoids the classroom like the plague.
As summer progresses a number of small fires lead the Yellowstone crew to suspect an arsonist is in their midst, stirring up the most painful memories of Elsie's past. Who could be behind such terrible acts? Can they find the culprit before lasting damage or loss of life occurs?
I loved both Elsie and Nate as characters, and the skillful writing kept me guessing as to the identity of the arsonist. Elsie's history and the scars she bears both on her heart and on her body made this a compelling story. There are many other layers in the plot that I don't have time to cover here, and all of them are very well done. I'd highly recommend this book for any fans of historical fiction.