MrsK Books: The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

Saturday, August 26, 2017

The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

The Road to Paradise: A Vintage National Parks Novel (Shadows of the Wilderness #1)

ISBN: 9780735289543

Publisher's Synopsis:

In 1927, 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 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."

"The promised view of the mountain peak waited,

cloaked in mist like a tissue-wrapped gift not ready to be unveiled."

MrsK's Review:
Margie Lane is more than a naturalist, she is dedicated and committed to preserving our National Parks. With a dream and hope, Margie is finally given the opportunity to work at the Mount Rainier National Park. With high expectations, her cherished botany and zoology books, and enough "grit" to meet the mountain head on... Margie will soon discover that sometimes the Lord might put you in a situation in order to open a door for Him.

Ranger "Ford" Brayden is not at all pleased that he is being asked to "over see" a female whose father is a Senator. Just what is he suppose to do with her? First things first, he would put her in the oldest cabin where there would be no "wealthy" accommodations. Then he would assign her to someone else.

Ford decides to introduce Margie to his friend Luke the caretaker of Paradise Inn with hopes that she would agree to giving "fireside talks" to visitors. What he didn't anticipate was the connection she had with some of the dignitaries that would be attending a fund raiser. Of course he knew that the Senator would be on the list, but why was Margie having problems with Philip Carmichael?

Margie is determined to make her mark as a naturalist. She enjoys her discussions and outings with the visitors. To her, being on the mountain is like being wrapped in God's embrace. She even has a little house-critter that has become a welcomed guest. Yet, when ever she is around Ranger Ford something seems so unsettling. Of course her ex-boyfriend is causing way too much trouble and things are about to get even more out of control when Philip offers a challenge.

I was taken by surprise by these characters, the beautifully detailed settings, and a triumphant ending. This will not be the only Barnett novel you experience...
MrsK

"A person --a man-- has to earn the right to that title.

You're not a ranger. Just a -- a naturalist.

And here on trial, at that."

Wonderfully Enjoyable!

To be in a Natural Park setting...

To enjoy quick wit and true grit...

Continue reading about other courageous women of Mt. Rainer.

Meet the Author:

Karen Barnett is the award-winning author of the Golden Gate Chronicles (Out of the Ruins, Beyond the Ashes, Through the Shadows) and MISTAKEN. She lives in Oregon with her husband, two kids, and a bevy of furry friends.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

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MrsK's Reading Bio

Reading is important! No questions asked, not even a blink of the eye from any student I grew up with. On the first day of the First grade, we were given our first books. Day two we all read aloud, round robin of course. Day three we were place in our first basal, now known as a lit circle group. Books were so important, publishers designed new curriculum so that every student was reading by the end of the first week. These early readers had images that looked like what we could see in the classroom, beyond the classroom, even on the big screen. Reading is important, throughout history every generation has believed that “Reading” opens up the world for endless possibilities.

I adore the 1950’s Dick and Jane books. Actually, most reading specialists and experienced (45+) educators believe that every student learned to read with Dick and Jane. Since these books are being re-issued, I have heard many parents, grandparents, and students claim that Dick and Jane stories of repetition does teach students to read.

Early influences from my mother influenced my desire to read. I would watch her read and we would go on “secret” excursions to the library. The library became my playground. I owned every book I could carry home, of course they needed to be taken back to their home after visiting with me for a week or two. My first book that I could pull off of the library shelf and read was, Father Bear Comes Home. I only saw my dad on Sundays for a few hours. I would pull this beginning reader off of the library shelf every week. Every week I would try to read the first chapter. Every week I got further in the story. My mom would let me check it out, only if I could read it myself (She didn’t like the illustrations therefore she didn’t want to take time to read it to me). One day, I pulled the book from the shelf and when mom came to get me from the children’s corner, I realized that I had read the whole story. I ran to the check out desk and the Librarian KERCHUNKED the checkout card. My mother, brother and neighbors read. My teachers read. We all read aloud all day long in school. The Priest read aloud every day at mass, even in Latin. Everybody in the Doctor’s office read. People on the bus read. Dad’s waiting in their cars as the Mom’s and children grocery shopped, read. In fact, once you could read and write, Sunset Magazine considered you a reader and sent you mail every day.

Reading is important; I’ve spent my life reading. I’ve traveled around the world and into space through books. My favorite genre is whichever book I have open at the time. Children’s Literature is my passion. Book clubbing is one of the best past times, especially if food is involved. In fact my friends of old are in a book club and we are about to embark on a beach trip to “read” and discuss our newest selection.

My “home-run” book story has helped every student find his or her own “home-run” reads. Every year, I have shared my, Father Bear Comes Home, and every year my students have brought in their “home-run” books. That’s the “diving board” into our Lit. Studies.

In “Growing Up Digital,” Tapscott’s insights into the new generations enthusiasm for the Net reminded me of my generation’s enthusiasm for reading, movies, TV, parties and our driving permits. The Net-Generation, as Tapscott describes, “are learning, playing, communicating, working, creating communities, and enforcing a social transformation.”
N-Geners are interactive “techies” who are always looking for a way to “work it” verses the TV Generation of “Baby Boomers” who started out looking for “how it works.” Reading development is tougher today, society moves too fast to invest their “non-working” free time into a book or even “home work.” Since I stepped into my own classroom, I have seen students being told to read, being forced to read, and threatened into reading. Homework is not any longer the vehicle for students to gain their future lifestyles or careers with. Yet, the Internet does create an enthusiasm for learning. Since I have been enrolled in these courses, I have used the computers in every subject. My students are using the newest technology in the classroom because I am giving them investigative sites to use as they learn from each other and books. I agree with Tapscott, in order to bridge the gap with this up and coming generation we must “live and learn with them.”

FTC Required Disclaimer: I receive these books from the publishers. I did not receive monetary compensation for these reviews. These reviews have been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)