Have you ever visited a national park? I haven’t, though it is a bucket list item of mine. Thankfully, I can visit them through books like Through Water and Stone by Karen Barnett. I can still remember when I first read a book by her. I was totally enamored with her settings and her writing style. And guess what!? I still am today!
I am thrilled to be participating in the Takeover + Review Blitz for Through Water and Stone by Karen Barnett hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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About the Book
Through Water and Stone Author Karen Barnett
Published by Kregel Publications
on September 23, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Romance / Historical
Pages: 352
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookbub | Goodreads"A gripping tale of twisted family bonds set in Utah’s Zion National Park . . . Readers will be swept up."
---Publishers Weekly
In 1948, Zion National Park ranger Henry Eriksson and his wife, Alma, are less than one year removed from their infant son's sudden death in a flash flood, and the weight of the loss hasn't diminished with time. When Henry discovers an abandoned baby in a hatbox on his morning rounds, he's unsure how to react, but Alma is delighted, and she reignites with purpose at what seems to be a miracle from God.
Nearly eighty years later, Talia Eriksson leaves her job at an athleisure company in Palo Alto, California, in disgrace and returns to Zion National Park to reconnect with her grandfather and review her life goals. But when an at-home DNA test exposes family secrets, Talia and her newfound friend, law enforcement ranger Blake Mitchell, work together to search for answers.
Talia navigates the rocky path into her past with Blake by her side, what she discovers may alter everything she knew to be true about herself. With the uncertain future looming, Talia must learn that family is deeper than genetics and that trusting God can mean being still and clinging to the Rock.
"Karen Barnett expertly weaves a tale that is gentle and tender yet as powerful as floodwaters in reaching into the heart of love and family."
---Amanda Cox, award-winning and best-selling author of Between the Sound and Sea
My Perspective
Once again I was blown away by Barnett’s story. Not only does she capture the beauty of the national parks, but she captures the beauty of the characters and their circumstances. Yes I said beauty – even though things may be difficult, God still brings beauty to every situation, we just have to look for it.
I must admit, usually when I read a dual timeline novel, there is always one timeline that I gravitate towards more than the other. Not the case here. I needed to know how Henry and Alma make out in their timeline just as much as I needed to see Talia’s character growth and budding romance in her timeline. Both timelines provided such reliance on God for everything – it was a powerful lesson to this reader and I assume others. Especially Henry and Alma – oh my did they need to simply trust in the Lord for the results of finding this sweet baby.
My heart went out to Alma. I cannot even fathom losing a child the way she did, or any way honestly. To have this sweet, innocent baby come into their lives was just what her mama heart needed. To see her character come alive again, see interactions with her husband, and see her cling to her faith to ultimately try to do what was right as the story went on was just such a beautiful part of the story. Especially nearing the end, it was inspiring seeing her faith in action.
And the romance between Talia and Blake? Yeah…… I’m here for it, want more of it. It was sweetly written, not to rushed but not what I would call a slow burn either. **Sigh** It was wonderful.
I could probably talk about this book for a long time, but instead I’ll simply say – go read this book. Barnett does such a wonderful job incorporating history, national parks, love, and faith into her stories. Dare I say this is my favorite from her? At least until her next release!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
Karen Barnett is the award-winning author of nine novels, including When Stone Wings Fly, Where Trees Touch the Sky, and the Vintage National Park novels. A former national park ranger, she’s also a hobby photographer and enjoys teaching writing workshops with both Cascade Christian Writers and West Coast Christian Writers. She and her family live in Albany, Oregon.
Connect with Karen by visiting karenbarnettbooks.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Through Water and Stone and $20 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 1, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 8, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
What interests you about this story?
I have enjoyed Karen’s previous two books, and I look forward to reading this one!
I love Karen Barnett’s National Park books. They are so so good! I’m excited to read this one soon!
Sounds like a good book.
i can’t wait to read this one! Especially after this review 🙂
Thank you for sharing your fabulous review. Karen’s novels are epic!
Sounds like a wonderful storyline.
Fabulous cover, congratulations
Another glowing review for this book has pushed me to put it on my TBR list.
This looks like a great read. Thanks for sharing.