2025 Carol Award Winner Some secrets have shadows as long as the redwoods are tall. In the early 1920s, the accelerating destruction of the California redwoods is more than nature-loving Marion Baker can bear. Throwing herself headlong into the work of the Save the Redwoods League, she is shocked to learn that Frank Duncan, a man she's grown to love, is the son of one of the area's worst timber barons. Though devastated by the betrayal, she realizes this could also be an opportunity--if only she can convince him to help preserve her favorite grove from his father's greedy grasp. Is her love strong enough to persuade him to save these precious trees? Or will Marion choose to sacrifice her beliefs to keep Frank by her side? Nearly fifty years later, in 1972, polio survivor June Turner is deeply proud of the legacy her great aunt Marion has left as a redwood warrior. And despite her disability, June is determined to prove herself capable as a ranger at the recently established Redwood National Park, even if it means taking to the trails with her crutch in hand. What better way to carry on the family tradition of preserving God’s magnificent creation? When aspiring film student Adam Garner approaches June to help make a documentary about Marion's life, she swiftly grabs the opportunity to spread her aunt's worthy reputation. That is, until they unearth a secret that might shatter the family legacy. In the scramble for answers, June may lose not only her family pride but also her own dreams. Karen Barnett's beautifully crafted split-time novel, set against the majestic backdrop of a beloved national park, immerses the reader in history that feels as fresh as if it happened yesterday. A story that soars like the redwoods it honors! Rooted in author Karen Barnett's deep love of history and the national parks, Where Trees Touch the Sky climbs high with two intertwined stories as Marion and June inspire and influence each other. They both fall down and learn to have the courage to stand back up again, drawing that strength from the Lord and from others in their lives. A romantic, thoughtful, and moving novel not to be missed. -- Sarah Sundin, best-selling and Christy Award-winning author of Embers in the London Sky Published On: 2024-06-04 Karen Barnett's passion and admiration for nature shines in this wonderfully paced and deftly executed story. I loved the unique settings and eras, which allowed me to learn about the early years of the national parks and the history of redwood conservation. June's grit and resilience had me cheering, and Marion's spunk and authenticity made me smile. If you enjoy books that cause your spirit to soar as high as the redwood treetops, I highly recommend Where Trees Touch the Sky . -- Katie Powner, Christy Award winner and author of The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass Published On: 2024-06-04 A tale that transcends the heights of the overstory, Where Trees Touch the Sky will enchant readers with the magic of the redwoods. Exploring the timeless gift of legacy and hope woven between generations, Barnett courageously delves into the themes of not only reckoning with past choices but finding peace in their redemption, the gift of new life, and the treasure of hidden strength. A treasure! -- Amanda Dykes, award-winning and best-selling author of Born of Gilded Mountains Published On: 2024-06-04 Setting her novel in the beautiful redwood forests of Northern California , Karen Barnett brings readers a delightful dual-time novel to savor and enjoy. Marion's commitment to save the redwoods will make you want to cheer for her cause, while June's determination to prove her worth as a park ranger will inspire you. With secrets to unravel and romances to warm your heart, Where Trees Touch the Sky will delight you and keep you turning pages until the satisfying ending. -- Carrie Turansky, award-winning author of The Legacy of Longdale Manor Published On: 2024-06-04 It is no small task, creating a novel in which the characters, setting, and plot are each so beautifully conceived and masterfully executed. Karen Barnett, however, is a writer who consistently delivers such novels, giving the reader an experience that they are not likely to forget. While reading Where Trees Touch the Sky I rooted for the characters, felt their grief, joined them in hope, and felt as if, in them, I'd discovered new friends. At the same time, I longed to hit a trail, to discover and explore the beauty of the redwoods, to revel in the good earth that God has given us. And all the while, as I turned page after page, I wondered how the intersecting stories of June and Marion would play out, wanting the very best for each of them. Give yourself a gift. Get your hands on this book and allow yourself time to savor Barnett's storytelling. Then, once you're done, share a copy with a friend. -- Susie Finkbeiner, author of All Manner of Things and The All-American Published On: 2024-06-04 Gifted s