Book Review: The Road to Paradise

Title: The Road to Paradise
Author: Karen Barnett
Source: Blogging for Books, in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary:

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


My Thoughts:

To me, our National Parks are a national treasure. These beautiful scenic parks, trails, vistas - natural history meets the history of the United States, rolled into one. I love knowing my feet are walking where others before me have tread, generations before. To look out from a mountain top, and know that others have seen that same view. And the historic lodges - solid, sturdy, the architecture reflecting the majesty around them. I love everything about our national parks, and their history, so when I saw The Road to Paradise offered on Blogging for Books, and billed as a Vintage National Parks book, it was a no brainer that I was going to request it. And I am so glad that I did!

A gentle read, but with a riveting mystery. Margie is a character after my own heart - in love with the natural world around her, head a little bit in the clouds, definitely headstrong and unafraid. She is such a great character, one I was glad to find in the pages of this book. And Ranger Ford Brannon is no slouch of a character either - tough, smart, a little vulnerable. Author Barnett crafted these characters perfectly. And I loved reading their story, and seeing how they grew and changed along the way.

It was also a very different read for me. I consider myself a spiritual person, and I often read books that have a spiritual bent. I haven’t however, ever read a Christian fiction book until this one. I am not one to rule out a book because it’s not my usual type, and I knew when I requested it that it was Christian fiction. So when I started reading, I was crossing my fingers that I would like the book, since everything else about it was right up my alley. And honestly, it was fine. I didn’t feel hit over the head with the bible verses or anything like that. Yes, Margie is very religious. It is a major part of who she is, and that is not hidden in anyway. But it was very organically done. Her faith is just another facet of her character, the same as her love of nature and learning. If references to the bible or Christianity in your fiction reading just isn’t your cup of tea, which is fine, be aware that it is pretty prevalent in this book.

I found this book delightful, with wonderful characters, and best of all, set in Mount Rainier National Park. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!