The story is both gentle and inviting, with a warmth that meanders its way along every page and a setting that captivates. Having lived and worked in the national parks, I found this novel to ring with authenticity and spirit. Also by Karen Barnett. See all books by Karen Barnett. Inspired by Your Browsing History. The Enemy of My Enemy. Griffin and William E. Patricia Watts and Stan Jones. Y is for Yesterday. Butterworth IV and W.
This Is What Happened. Not of This Fold. In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner. Gayle Leeson and Lorraine Bartlett. Tom Clancy Oath of Office. The Widows of Malabar Hill. Night of Camp David. Want to Read saving…. Want to Read Currently Reading Read. Refresh and try again. Open Preview See a Problem? Thanks for telling us about the problem. Return to Book Page.
In , Margie Lane, an avid naturalist, convinces her Senator father to procure her a position at the fledgling Mount Rainier National Park. Since Ranger Ford Brannon lost his father in a climbing accident, he doubts his ability to protect the park and its many visitors. He certainly doesn't relish the job of watching over an idealistic and privileged young woman with no In , Margie Lane, an avid naturalist, convinces her Senator father to procure her a position at the fledgling Mount Rainier National Park.
He certainly doesn't relish the job of watching over an idealistic and privileged young woman with no practical survival skills. When Margie's former fiance sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, Margie and Ford will have to work together to preserve the beauty and simplicity of this mountain hideaway, but the developer's plans might put more than just the park in danger.
Paperback , pages.
The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett
Vintage National Parks 1. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about The Road to Paradise , please sign up. Lists with This Book. Jul 13, Sheri rated it really liked it Shelves: Karen Barnett's writing makes you feel as if you are right there in the forests, seeing the mountains, delighting in nature's beauty.
Her writing instills courage, strength, and faith in the reader. You feel like you too can do everything that Margie does and that Ranger Brayden's path could just as easily be yours. This was a very enjoyable read for me, the book cover is simply gorgeous, and I can't wait to read more in this s Karen Barnett's writing makes you feel as if you are right there in the forests, seeing the mountains, delighting in nature's beauty. This was a very enjoyable read for me, the book cover is simply gorgeous, and I can't wait to read more in this series. Jun 22, Vicki rated it it was amazing Shelves: If you like a story that has really well-developed characters, a wonderful message of how God is in the beauty of nature, a romance between a nature-loving young woman and an emotionally broken park ranger, then you need to pick up The Road to Paradise.
I was touched and inspired by Marge's love of nature. It made me relate to how I feel when I am at a national park or just when I commune with nature at daybreak. With a menacing entrepreneur named Philip shows up the fight begins to save the par If you like a story that has really well-developed characters, a wonderful message of how God is in the beauty of nature, a romance between a nature-loving young woman and an emotionally broken park ranger, then you need to pick up The Road to Paradise. With a menacing entrepreneur named Philip shows up the fight begins to save the park from over-commercialization and the destruction of the pristine park.
Mount Ranier would never be the same. This book has everything. There was so much beauty packed into the pages, poetry, scriptures, and natural animal sightings, it was a delight. Aug 18, Laura rated it really liked it Shelves: This was a sweet story about Margie, a young woman who grew up in the upper society, yet had a heart and desire for the simplicity and beauty of the natural world.
It was easy for me to admire Margie because she reminded me so much of my younger self. She was a book learned botanist and admired God's beautiful world with excitement. I really enjoyed how this novel focused so much on the flora and fauna of Mount Rainer National Park. Now, I want to go see this National Park and scale to the summi This was a sweet story about Margie, a young woman who grew up in the upper society, yet had a heart and desire for the simplicity and beauty of the natural world.
Now, I want to go see this National Park and scale to the summit myself.
Reading can be an expensive hobby. This book will make you want to fly all over visiting National Parks, make you buy or dig out all your old field guides, want to find the best backpack for day hikes and go shopping for a sweet pair of hiking boots. Mar 28, Kav rated it it was amazing. You know how you meet a book and instantly know that you're destined to become bosom friends?
The energy crackles from page to fingertip and you're hooked before you've cracked the spine open not that I'm an advocate of spine cracking, mind you, that's just an expression. Well, The Road to Paradise is that kind of book for me. So I was prepared to be spellbound but the humour took me totally by surprise. It's pure understated genius and I giggled my way through the first few chapters as Barnet You know how you meet a book and instantly know that you're destined to become bosom friends? It's pure understated genius and I giggled my way through the first few chapters as Barnett cleverly sets the stage for one very captivating read.
Margie is a tree sprite in human form while Ford is all no-nonsense mountain man. She's rapturously poetic about nature, can spout verse and quotes from renowned naturalists -- a book-taught city girl with a love for the great outdoors. He's as pragmatic as they come and doesn't have a romantic bone in his body so when some Senator's socialite daughter wants to play naturalist on his mountain for the summer, well, he's less than thrilled. And there's poor Margie, naively anticipating a warm welcome as she prepares to sit at the feet of the master. Ranger Brayden -- born on the mountain, untainted by human society.
He sounded like the embodiment of Rousseau's noble savage. That untainted by human society bit? Yeah, that means he's kinda grumpy.
The Road to Paradise: A Vintage National Parks Novel
And set in his ways. Because he has orders from the boss: Show her a good time. Maybe she can turn you into a gentleman. And if that was all there was to this story I'd be a happy reader but there's so much more! Like a truly despicable villain with absolutely no redeeming characteristics. It's pure joy to hate him. I know that sounds terrible but sometimes a reader wants to let loose some righteous indignation! And the piece de resistance is the powerful conversion story that blew me away with its imagery and heart.
View all 6 comments. Jun 06, Heidi Robbins Heidi Reads The first thing that caught my attention about this book was its amazing cover. I collect the vintage-style postcards from national parks, sites, memorials, and cities that we visit on our road trips, and earlier this year I mounted them all on my living room wall: Since I love national parks and I enjoy this author's writing I knew this would be a perfect book for me! The early 20th century setting in the Washington wilderness had a distinct feeling and I appreciated seeing the park and chara The first thing that caught my attention about this book was its amazing cover.
The early 20th century setting in the Washington wilderness had a distinct feeling and I appreciated seeing the park and characters in that era. There are so many great details from the wildlife to the conditions the rangers lived in, but they all were woven in naturally to the story, so I didn't feel like the plot was bogged down but kept a steady pace. Margie and Ford start out with a stark contrast between their views of the wilderness.
Margie is an idealistic naturalist who loves the poetry written of nature and acquiring knowledge of the flora and fauna through reading books since she doesn't have any experience in the great outdoors. Ford, on the other hand, was raised in the mountains with his ranger father and understands the harsh realities of the terrain, the wildlife, and the weather.
Over time Margie and Ford become acclimated to each other and learn the value of the other's perspective. While Ford strikes a healthy balance between practical knowledge and a new appreciation for the small wonders and great majesty of God's creations, Margie goes to the opposite extreme and discounts all her book learning as worthless when it comes to survival, which kind of bothered me. But her personality tends to see things in black and white so I guess that made sense.
The villain popped up periodically to aggravate Margie and Ford and I was frustrated that they weren't productive in thwarting his plans and seeing a way around his slick strategies. My favorite part of the book is the sense of adventure in an untamed wilderness and how people have a responsibility to respect and preserve it while enjoying the challenge of discovery.
And the romance, of course ; I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own May 21, Jocelyn Green added it Shelves: With its expertly rendered setting of breathtaking beauty and danger, combined with charming characters and a swiftly moving plot, The Road to Paradise is a journey worth taking more than once! Sep 07, Pamela rated it liked it Shelves: A story celebrating pioneering female naturalists, and set in beautiful Mount Rainier National Park in its infancy. Sweet, enlightening, well written with integrity.
And somewhat topically unique. But also, a bit predictable when it comes to the romantic elements. And far more sentimentality swooning than I care to entreat. My younger self, however, would have thought it ALL swoony-swoon divine! Especially the dashingly rugged ranger. And many devoted fans of Christian, historical romance will give it top billing. Jun 07, Sarah Sundin rated it it was amazing. A story as invigorating, inspiring, and perilous as Mount Rainier itself! The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett pulled me in with humor and fascinating characters and a delicious romance, then kept me up late as Ford and Margie strive to save the national park that seems determined to kill them.
Jun 10, Rebecca rated it really liked it. Like God has led me to the promised land. Surrounded by wildlife and flora to her heart's content, Margie's love of the outdoors flourishes, in spite of Ford's initial concerns about her ability to s "My soul is at peace here. Surrounded by wildlife and flora to her heart's content, Margie's love of the outdoors flourishes, in spite of Ford's initial concerns about her ability to survive in the "wild", "for she saw God in every loving brushstroke of creation".
Ford Boynton has absolutely no intentions of falling under the spell of the senator's daughter, in spite of her admirable determination, talent with their park guests, and lovely appearance. However, when Margie's pompous ex-fiance arrives on the scene with an outlandish land development plan, Ford instinctively comes to her aid, only to discover that their differences run far deeper than family pedigrees, for Ford's heart is still shrouded by bitterness and grief, following the untimely death of his father, leaving him at odds with Margie's enduring faith.
Jul 28, Carrie Turansky rated it it was amazing. The Road to Paradise is a delightful story! Being from the NorthWest, I loved reading a novel that highlights the natural beauty there. Ford's spiritual journey was very well done, and Margie was a delightful heroine. Jun 05, Sarah rated it it was amazing. Readers, get ready to go on a full out adventure as you hit the wilderness with Margie who loves Mount Rainer. Don't be fooled by the title "The Road to Paradise. She doesn't hike the forest alone but meets a very charming and handsome chief park ranger, Ford Brayden.
He is determined to keep her safe, despite the fact she tries to put her life at risk to save the mountain. Will Ford and Margie be a Readers, get ready to go on a full out adventure as you hit the wilderness with Margie who loves Mount Rainer. Will sparks fly between the two of them or will the weather elements end the fate of one of them? Karen tells the most adventurous, page-turning story that will have you excited about the journey, thankful for the spiritual truths and cheering on the characters! I'm absolutely thrilled with this series and think this is an author to watch out for, especially with this series!
This book is worth beyond a 5-star review. Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me a complimentary copy. A favorable review was not required. Please add this book to your summer read list! You'll love going on your own travel adventure. Jul 14, Beth Erin rated it it was amazing Shelves: Full review on Faithfully Bookish http: I admire her work ethic, her eagerness to learn, grow, and experience, and her appreciation for the natural beauty of creation. Margie has a heart of gold and enduring spirit. Ford Brayden is a quintessential mountain man! He has been raised in the wilderness with an extremely high male to female ratio after all.
I highly recommend this engaging historical novel, fondly place it among my all time favorites, and eagerly await the next installment of the Vintage National Parks series! I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher.
A Vintage National Parks Novel
The opinions expressed are my own. Jun 26, Jaime Jo Wright rated it it was amazing Shelves: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For one, it was refreshing to read a historical not set in the Victorian era but instead in I loved the authenticity of the era, the old tricks, the wool trousers, the jargon, the cigarettes, and the early days of national parks. The setting was stellar! I recall the first time I set eyes on its peak Barnett tells a hefty story built around its base.
/extaudio/d/0/8/7/5f34-50ce-4229-99f4-979d7b9e4c44)
Thick with history and references to Muir and Thoreau and other great I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thick with history and references to Muir and Thoreau and other great lovers of the wilderness. This is a book that will stay with you long after you close the last page. Jul 17, Staci rated it liked it Shelves: Historical Fiction is my favorite. I adore mountains, hiking and nature. Unfortunately, I didn't love this novel and found the characters and story line to be just ok.
I am glad so many adored this novel. It just wasn't a good match for me. I have another novel by the author, Out of the Ruins, and look forward to reading it. May 24, Rachael rated it really liked it. What a truly enjoyable read! I really liked the characters in this book, and you just can't beat the fact that a huge portion of the story has a great backdrop of the beautiful nature God has created.
Hardback Editions
I've always loved the freedom and beauty of the outdoors. I can totally relate to Margie, and her fascination of the beauty that surrounds her at Mount Rainer National Park. Great characters, well- written plot, and a beautiful faith theme that I loved. I love when the faith theme is intricately woven What a truly enjoyable read! I love when the faith theme is intricately woven throughout the book. So I highly recommend you go buy it. This one will be on my forever shelves. Look how the slopes glisten in the sunlight. All thoughts are my own. Jun 23, Caitlyn Santi rated it really liked it Shelves: I read Karen Barnett's book, Mistaken a few years back and really enjoyed it!
The Road to Paradise intrigued me from the first moment I read the description, I thought ooh, I've gotta read that! And I am thrilled to say that this book was completely delightful! It was such a great idea to write a historical seri I read Karen Barnett's book, Mistaken a few years back and really enjoyed it! It was such a great idea to write a historical series set in national parks, I have never visited any national parks, but the writing in this book was so vivid and beautifully described that I could see Mount Rainier and all its splendor as though I was really there alongside the characters!
I loved the romance in this story, it was sweet and definitely stirring without overpowering the rest of the story, I felt that it was a perfect balance! This book drew me in from the beginning and didn't let go until I turned the final page. I loved this book and highly recommend it!
- Tiger Eyes (Mills & Boon Vintage 90s Modern)!
- The Minstrel Boy.
- The Best of Tom Slemen volume 1.
- Get A Copy;
It makes a perfect summer read too. I can't wait for the next Vintage National Parks novel! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own. Aug 04, Hannah rated it really liked it Shelves: