Karen Barnett takes readers on a vintage vacation in Ever Faithful. In 1933, Yellowstone park ranger’s daughter Elsie Brookes is saving money for her dream of attending college. The arrival of men from the newly established Civilian Conservation Corps—particularly Brooklyn–born Nate Webber—looks to spice up the coming months. While he might not think he’s good enough for Elsie, they are drawn together and soon hope a seasonal romance might extend into forever. There’s much to enjoy in Ever Faithful, from descriptions of the park’s beauties that provide a distinct sense of place to the lingo particular to the park service (pillow punchers, gear jammers and pearl divers). This kisses–only read includes a thread of danger but is most memorable for its charming picture of a bygone world.
Valiant Women is a vital and engrossing attempt to correct the record and rightfully celebrate the achievements of female veterans of World War II.
