Vibrant historic Yellowstone National Park comes to life in this romantic mystery about a man hiding the truth, braving the west to become something more--and the woman who must confront his deception.
A man who can't read will never amount to anything--or so Nate Webber believes. But he takes a chance to help his family by signing up for the new Civilian Conservation Corps, skirting the truth about certain "requirements." Nate exchanges the harsh Brooklyn streets for the wilds of Yellowstone National Park, curious if the Eden-like wonderland can transform him as well.
Elsie Brookes was proud to grow up as a ranger's daughter, but she longs for a future of her own. After four years serving as a maid in the park's hotels, she still hasn't saved enough money for her college tuition. A second job, teaching a crowd of rowdy men in the CCC camp, might be the answer, but when Elsie discovers Nate's secret, it puts his job as camp foreman in jeopardy. Tutoring leads to friendship and romance, until a string of suspicious fires casts a dark shadow over their relationship. Can they find answers before all of their dreams go up in smoke?
Barnett has hit another home run with this third addition to her VNP series. And, let me tell you, I absolutely loved every minute of this read! She never fails to hook me with the amazing talent she has. I loved the plot line, full of mystery and a romance on the blossom, and I hung on until the very last page.
Elsie and Nate's characters were beautifully chiseled! Elsie and her dream of teaching became a part of me. I could feel her emotions like they were mine. Nate and his struggles after joining the CCC really jumped off the page. I knew someone who had trouble reading and writing many moons ago and saw how much they struggled so Nate's predicament really popped for me.
The mystery that Barnett includes in her story is magnificent. It's not enough to take away from the budding relationship that Elsie and Nate face, but it's enough to keep the reader turning the page long into the night.
This is definitely a 4 star, highly recommended read from me! If you love a good romantic mystery, filled with captivating characters, then look no further than this third installment of The Vintage National Parks series. It's easily read as a stand alone, too, so it's no worries if you haven't read the first two (though they were brilliant, as well and I highly recommend those, too!). What are you waiting for? Grab this one now!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher, Waterbrook Press and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
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21 June, 2019:
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