Appreciating the National Parks with a Novel Series

My friend Karen Barnett is a former ranger for the US National Parks service.

She’s also a fine novelist and the author of several “vintage” National Parks historical novel series.

If you love history, national parks, romance, and the surprising political events that touch the national parks, you may enjoy her books.

Barnett is enthusiastic:

“I’ve always had a passion for our national parks and for wilderness, and I actually had the honor of working at Mount Rainier when I was in graduate school. The parks are filled with such beauty, history, and potential dangers—could there be a better place to set a story?”

Barnett set the first book in her series, The Road to Paradise, in Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington State.

Rangers 90 years ago were strong men accustomed to fighting fires and patrolling back country trails. Adding a well-educated, flower-loving, city woman to the mix created immediate conflict.

In addition, local businessmen suggested building golf courses, toboggan runs and ski jumps.

Reflecting the story of the park’s early years made for a poignant read, coupled with relief cooler heads ultimately prevailed!

Life as a National Parks ranger

Barnett spent a summer working in Mt. Rainier as a ranger. Her love for the parks shines through in her books and words.

Karen Barnett in her ranger hat with her  book.

“Mount Rainier was an automatic choice for me since I’ve always felt like a piece of my heart still lives there. Even during my ranger days, I imagined stories that could take place in the park.

“Working as a park ranger gave me a deep appreciation for the need to protect these fragile natural areas. There is a profound sense of honor in the job. It doesn’t take long to realize that as soon as you don the uniform, people—kids, especially—look up to you.

“It’s often said that rangers are paid in sunrises and sunsets, and that’s somewhat accurate. The pay scale is pretty low, the hours aren’t great, and the duties aren’t always rewarding. But most people who become rangers wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.”

What makes the stories vintage?

“The Vintage National Parks novels are historical romances with a touch of suspense, featuring some of our nation’s most scenic treasures and the people who care for these places.

“All three books are set in the 1920s and 30s, somewhat of a magical period for our parks

“The next two books will be set at Yosemite and Yellowstone. They both have unique histories, landscapes, and stories to tell—and since they’re two of the most popular parks, many people have strong emotional ties to these places. I hope that will help readers connect with the stories at a deeper level than they might otherwise.

She set The Road to Paradise in 1927, a time when officials wrangled over the type of development allowed into the national parks.

The argument–which goes on today–centered on whether national parks should be maintained as pristine wilderness or developed for the sake of tourist dollars?

Yosemite’s 1929 story involved tourists in the park spending months living there. Events changed by the Great Depression–the time period for Yellowstone’s tale. In the third book, Barnett features the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps and its effect on the park.

Enjoyable research

Barnett watched documentaries and reviewed online databases for historical information and photographs.

She also took trips to both Mt. Rainier and Yosemite National Parks, with Yellowstone on the docket for summer, 2017.

To ensure historical accuracy, Barnett spent time in the Mount Rainier archives, reading reports written by rangers in the 1920’s to understand the type of work they did during that era.

She’s also enjoyed the “incredible” research library at Yosemite. “I had a great time digging through the park archives and looking at old back and white photographs and microfiche documents that rarely see the light of day.”

The former naturalist laughed, “You can’t beat on-the-ground research, so it was a joy to visit each place and walk the trails and smell the air.”

Indeed, Barnett encourages readers to visit the majestic parks and see God at work within the wildness of His creation.

Loving the natural park life

Barnett still owns her park service hat, and loves to visit national parks–whether on research or for pleasure.

“I visited Yosemite last summer and it quickly soared to the top of my all-time favorite places list. People often describe the first sight of Yosemite Valley as almost a religious experience, and I’d have to agree.

“I’ll be revisiting Yellowstone National Park this summer. I can’t wait!”

I’ve visited many of them from Hawai’i to Alaska to Maine.

I can’t pick a favorite with so many happy memories.

But how about you? Which national park is your favorite?

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Every month in 2017, I’m told the stories about God’s leading and my blessed–and astonished–reactions while writing Mrs. Oswald Chambers

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