Ever Faithful

Vintage National Parks #3

by Karen Barnett

Vibrant historic Yellowstone National Park comes to life in this romantic mystery about a man hiding the truth, braving the west to become something more--and the woman who must confront his deception.A man who can't read will never amount to anything--or so Nate Webber believes. But he takes a chance to help his family by signing up for the new Civilian Conservation Corps, skirting the truth about certain "requirements." Nate exchanges the harsh Brooklyn streets for the wilds of Yellowstone National Park, curious if the Eden-like wonderland can transform him as well.      Elsie Brookes was proud to grow up as a ranger's daughter, but she longs for a future of her own. After four years serving as a maid in the park's hotels, she still hasn't saved enough money for her college tuition. A second job, teaching a crowd of rowdy men in the CCC camp, might be the answer, but when Elsie discovers Nate's secret, it puts his job as camp foreman in jeopardy. Tutoring leads to friendship and romance, until a string of suspicious fires casts a dark shadow over their relationship. Can they find answers before all of their dreams go up in smoke?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Mystery, Christian, Historical

343 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2019

About the author

Karen Barnett is the award-winning author of the Vintage National Parks Novels, the Golden Gate Chronicles (Out of the Ruins, Beyond the Ashes, Through the Shadows), and MISTAKEN. She lives in Oregon with her husband, two kids, and a bevy of furry friends. You can learn more about Karen's writing journey at http://www.KarenBarnettBooks.com.

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When you hold yourself separate from the world, you cheat others of the light God has placed inside you." (p 156)

Love the park setting, the depression era history and the shadow of mystery! Ever Faithful is another wonderful addition to Barnett's Vintage National Parks series -- and I'm praying it's not the last though it is the dreaded third book in the series which likely means it is. :-(

The author brings both setting and characters to life and I've enjoyed the glimpse into the desperate realities of the 1930s. Not only do I feel like I've actually visited Yellowstone Park but I feel like I have a better understanding of the hardships of the time. Particularly through Nate's eyes as he's plucked off the crowded Brooklyn streets and deposited in the wilds of a national park.

Loved this city slicker's learning curve and how his new situation brings his innate leadership skills to the forefront. In just a sentence or two, Barnett manages to point out poignant contrasts between the bleakness of city life and the relative bounty Nate experiences in the Civilian Conservation Corps. Talk about making an emotional impact on a reader! And when he meets Elsie -- well, let's just say the course of true love never did run smooth!

Then there's the mystery. Starts off quietly unsettling and grows into something so much more. This 'professional' armchair sleuth did not see that end coming. At all! Score one for the author who stumped me. :-)

Ever Faithful is the kind of page-turner that held my rapt attention right to the very last word.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I’ve wanted to read this book since I first heard the author was writing it even though I wasn’t sure if I’d really like it except for the descriptions. I actually liked it more than I thought I would. The setting of Yellowstone National Park back in the 1930s was such fun. The descriptions of the park were lovely and make me want to go and visit. The park lingo had me chuckling, and getting to learn about the CCC in its beginning was quite interesting.
Elsie was dealing with a lot of fear and pain from the past, but she still was a lovable character. Mary, Nate, and Red had me rooting for them. I was glad to find out that the “bad guy” wasn’t actually a “bad guy” and it wasn’t the person I had first thought.
I really liked that there seemed to be more focus on prayer, Scripture, and following God than many books.
There was some kissing and hugging, but nothing descriptive that made me cringe.
I wouldn’t mind reading this book again.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sprightly vintage outdoors story (and wish there were a bunch more in this series)! Though my review of this story is long overdue, I still recall the vivid characters and colorful outdoors descriptions easily. Elsie was a character I found easy to root for and I enjoyed the mystery of what was really going on behind the scenes. The Christian application was really well woven in and I also enjoyed the romantic part, which wasn't overbearing to the rest of the plot but was satisfying.

All three of the stories in this series were unique and satisfying and seemed to include a real breath of fresh air. I'll definitely be rereading them.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice conclusion to the Vintage National Parks Series. Ever Faithful is set in Yellowstone Park and the author does a great job of describing the setting. Several times I had visions from parts of Dirty Dancing with the talent show put on by the employees at Yellowstone to entertain themselves and guests alike. The novel is set in 1933, during the Depression. Many were hungry. Fictional character Nate Webber, was one of those hungry. He left his family in Brooklyn to work with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) which was an opportunity for him to learn skills, eat three solid meals a day and send money back to his family.

Elsie Brookes grew up in the area as a Park Rangers daughter. She loves the area, but her heart's desire is to be a teacher.

Both main characters struggle from insecurities and are a perfect match for each other.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever Faithful is definitely my favorite book of A Vintage National Parks series. I really liked the characters of Nate Webber and Elsie Brookes. They both are well-drawn out and the supporting characters were also good. There was were some minor twists along the way that I didn't expect, like who was the arsonist and it was surprising to me who it was, but it all worked out well. Overall, this book was like taking a Sunday drive for me. :)

[Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE the idea of this series! I have loved National Parks for years, and getting to read HISTORICAL books BASED in said parks...you best believe I'm a happy duckling.

I enjoyed the characters in this book. There were quite a few characters, but none of them were fighting for screen time. Each one played their part, fitting together like puzzle pieces. The chemistry was great between everyone. Together or broken off into groups they all worked very well together.

I really loved the atmosphere between the CCC guys. They became like brothers over the months they were together. They looked out for each other and helped each other out whenever it was needed. It was evident how much they truly cared for each other!

Nate & Elise were great. Though they were opposites in most aspects, they complemented each other in the ways that it really counted.
They both had scars (physical & emotional) from their past that they didn't want anyone else to see. They had walls up, and they had no desire to let them down. Yet, they were drawn to each other. They crafted a tentative friendship and they found it so easy to open up to each other, and in doing so they truly started to heal from past hurts. That helped solidify the relationship and soon they were growing as people, they were more confident and independent.

The mystery thread was an interesting aspect to the story. I had a feeling about who the culprit was, but ended up dead wrong. (I love being taken by surprise!)

The story was very easy to read, even with the history woven throughout. I enjoyed the writing style. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the "series".
I rated it a 4/5 stars.

(PLEASE NOTE THESE BOOKS CAN BE READ AS STAND-A-LONES)

*I received this book from the publisher**I was not required to leave a review**All opinions are my own*

[Courtney Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of the novels in Karen Barnett's "Vintage National Parks" series for their wonderful settings and looks at life through varied park inhabitants - rangers, staff, tourists, guides, and artists. This series is more of a collection as each novel has told a unique, standalone story set in a different national park.

The setting of Yellowstone comes alive in this "vintage" story of dreaming by Karen Barnett. A well-paced tale of friendship, strength, and a little adventure unfolds in a picturesque setting that makes me want to visit ! I thought it was an insightful and curious look at Depression era events and culture, too, with characters I want to be friends with!

One small element of this story I really appreciate is the distinction between education as separate from wisdom and leadership abilities. One does not require the other. This is shown through a learning disability of one specific character. The way Karen Barnett presents this situation is considerate while it emphasizes the worth of this individual as a child of God.

I think Ever Faithful is a flowing, easy to read story. Character driven at its heart, it shows the journeys of Elsie and Nate as they experience a season of life with great changes and possibilities. The setting is vivid and wonderfully essential to bringing out the passion in the characters – Elsie’s desire to teach and Nate’s quest to prove himself. When their paths intersect, they develop a friendship that brings out the best in each other and shows them both their worth and God’s plan.


Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever Faithful was such an interesting story! The author transported me not only to Yellowstone National Park, but also back in time to the 1930’s. Her descriptions of park life and the day to day workings of the park was fascinating. She also did a great job of creating characters who were complex, with difficult decisions weighing on them.

Both Nate and Elsie struggled with feelings of inferiority. They each had different reasons for feeling the way they did and both had growing to do within the pages of this book. Romance bloomed for a few characters in Ever Faithful, with plenty of potential obstacles to overcome, as well.

This was the first book that I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more by her in the future. I also feel the need to comment on how much I loved this book cover! It really captured the feeling of the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Kremena Koleva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karen Barnett винаги предлага едно приключение назад във времето сред природата и историята на създаването на националния парк Йелоустоун. Съдби, ситуации, образи и начини на превръщането на едно диво, но прекрасно място в достъпна дестинация за посещение. В 1933 година президентът на САЩ създава правителствена програма, която включва облагородяването на Йелоустоун и едновременно с това осигуряването на заетост за много младежи в страната. Вместо да се шляят по улиците и понякога да се отдават на пороци и престъпни идеи , младежи биват изпращани в парка и започват трудова кариера. Под ръководството на лесничеи, инженери, геолози и реинджъри те изграждат пътеки, хижи и обезпаразитяват горите. Дисциплина, придобиване на трудови умения, добра храна, заплата, с която да подпомагат семействата си и дори учебни занятия, са сред бонусите, които предлага правителството. Младежите са препоръчвани от учители, шериф и близки с изискването да са надеждни, трудолюбиви и нуждаещи се от тази работа. И година след година Йелоустоун се превръща в това, което виждат сега всички посетители. Дивата природа и нейните обитатели продължават да вдъхват възхищение и благоговение. Едновременно с това статутът му на национален парк го предпазва от унищожението, на което е подложена природата на много места.
Заедно с историческата нишка, Barnett винаги поставя мила и деликатна романтика и майсторски изградена мистерия. Елементът на загадъчност в Ever Faithful е толкова добре вплетена в сюжета, че до последната страница няма как да се открие извършителя на деянията. Само вникване в психологията и природата на г��роите може да подскаже следа. Но аз самата не успях. И в тази интрига и в красивите описания на магическия Йелоустоун се крие истинското очарование на книгата!

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging story set in magnificent Yellowstone National Park during the 1930's.
A group of brand new recruits in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) join up with the staff at Yellowstone for a season of seriously hard work, and personal learning experiences like they've never dreamed. A mystery, adventure, action, and romance with some realistic characters made this a satisfying read clear through to the end.

I loved the character of Nate, and how his integrity, humility, sincerity and hard working personality brings out the best in those around him, with a few exceptions. He and Elsie had such different backgrounds, but both had a lot to overcome, and grew in their faith in the process. I would have liked to know more about Red and Teddy's background to understand what made them tick. The variety of ethnicities made the story interesting, wondering how they would work together and develop friendships across cultural barriers.
I liked the author's use of nature to add little illustrations of faith, like the example of a pine cone that opens up under the pressure of fire compared to how God can use difficult situations ultimately for good. She knows her stuff too, describing all of the unusual scenery. I felt like I was there, and can't wait to actually see it in person!
The historical notes included at the end were informative, especially about the CCC. I've seen many buildings on the west coast in parks that were built by them, but I didn't know they were so young and from cities. It must have been such a shock to be sent to the western plains or desert from the streets of NYC! Addressing the problems of illiteracy or lack of education was an uplifting part of the story that was based in fact, according to the author. It must have helped many young men after their work was finished.

Recommend for readers who enjoy historical fiction, with clean romance and inspiration. 4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this wasn’t my favorite book out of the three, this was still was a pretty darn good book. Karen Barnett has a knack for writing amazing historical fiction that keep me reading.

I have been to Yellowstone and have seen most of these geysers. The thing that I love the most about these books is the fact that I have been to these places (thank you, parents). I know exactly where and what a lot of the things look like without having to think really hard.

The characters also are what make these books amazing. I really liked Nate. I was rooting for him the entire book. He was a sweet, kind, go getter, leader that had his faults. I really liked the twist that he couldn’t read. That he had his faults and short comings but grew stronger because of them.

Elsie’s character I went from liking, to getting slightly annoyed, to loving. I really enjoyed her character development and how she grew throughout the book in realistic ways.

Mary and Red were character I also loved. I think I related with Mary a lot on current things because we both are romantics at heart, but I really enjoyed reading about her and Red.

I was shocked about the ending of this book. Man, I was not expecting that ending. I guess I was just in an Elizabeth Bennet mood this entire book about a certain character. However, I knew fully well that they did not belong with the person they were after.

I also really enjoyed the plot a lot! You would think that with this series being about National Parks and rangers that all the books would be the same, but Ms. Barnett did an exceptional job at keeping all the plots and characters different.

Overall, I really enjoyed this series and I am 100% sure if this is the last book or not in the series but I am praying that it isn’t! I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read what Ms. Barnett has in store for us next!

FTC Disclosure: I received an arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. This review did not have to be positive.

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barnett has hit another home run with this third addition to her VNP series. And, let me tell you, I absolutely loved every minute of this read! She never fails to hook me with the amazing talent she has. I loved the plot line, full of mystery and a romance on the blossom, and I hung on until the very last page. 

Elsie and Nate's characters were beautifully chiseled! Elsie and her dream of teaching became a part of me. I could feel her emotions like they were mine. Nate and his struggles after joining the CCC really jumped off the page. I knew someone who had trouble reading and writing many moons ago and saw how much they struggled so Nate's predicament really popped for me. 

The mystery that Barnett includes in her story is magnificent. It's not enough to take away from the budding relationship that Elsie and Nate face, but it's enough to keep the reader turning the page long into the night. 

This is definitely a 4 star, highly recommended read from me! If you love a good romantic mystery, filled with captivating characters, then look no further than this third installment of The Vintage National Parks series. It's easily read as a stand alone, too, so it's no worries if you haven't read the first two (though they were brilliant, as well and I highly recommend those, too!). What are you waiting for? Grab this one now! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher, Waterbrook Press and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elsie is working in the Yellowstone National Park to earn money to go to college. Her dream is to become a teacher. It's the time of the Great Depression and times are hard for everyone. But the president has come up with a program to help young men get work, and one of these young men is a fellow from Brooklyn named Nate who is set through the CCC to Yellowstone.

It's a story of romance and mystery and history and life in the early park. I love Yellowstone, and I enjoyed the details of life working in the parks in the 30s, but I figured out the plot early on, and that's never satisfying to me.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Vintage National Parks series has been such fun to read! Set during an interesting time period in our nation's history and set in beautiful locations, this series is not to be missed. The third installment takes us to Yellowstone in the early 1930's with Elsie and Nate. This was a sweet story with a bit of mystery, as well as romance and overcoming tragedies in the past. I really felt for Elsie and Nate, they had both been through some rough stuff in their lives and had a lot to overcome. I liked the plot addition of Nate's reading difficulties, that isn't something you see often in books so I liked seeing how Karen addressed that. The ending was satisfying and wrapped up things nicely. Karen is very good at describing the scenery and painting a mental picture of Yellowstone back then. This book was a very pleasant "vacation" to Yellowstone!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was depressing. It takes place during the Great Depression, 1933, in Yellowstone Park, Wyoming. The main characters had rough pasts, and I thought it took longer than necessary to get them to a better place. The mystery was interesting, and I was surprised by the who and the why. Also, there is less religion in this story.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of romance, but I really had heard great things about Karen Barnett's books and found this series about national parks so intriguing and unique. I am so glad I read this and I'll be bound to read more of her books!

I decided that I would get the audiobook so that I had less restrictions to read! I could garden and do housework and drive while I read this fantastic book! I so enjoyed this book. Karen drafted likable characters and a plot that I really wasn't expecting.

I won't rehash the summary here but give you the high points for me. I loved Elsie and that she had secrets, guilt, and a backstory that unfolded gently over time. Nate Webber was a great character and had equally the secrets and backstory also. It was so interesting to hear how the national park's are run and what the CCC was all about. I learned later that Karen Barnett used to be a ranger also, which I just loved knowing.

Readers will enjoy this book because the journey is so worth it. The romance is tasteful and sweet. The fire scenes were very intense and that those moments heightened the faith aspects to the book also. I loved the historical detail and all of the little nicknames that were given to the different workers at the parks. There were just so many fun characters!

This is a feel good book and would be super fun for a beach read or a cozy by the fire read or for a bookclub! I highly recommend it!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A thousand Yellowstone wonders are calling,
Look up and down and round about you!
- John Muir, excerpt from "Our National Parks", 1901

This is a sweet romance set against the backdrop of vintage Yellowstone National Park set in 1933. I picked this book up in the lobby of The Old Faithful Inn while in Yellowstone NP myself just last week and enjoyed reading it so shortly after my trip, so I know that all aided in my enjoyment of this work.
I learned a lot about the Civilian Conservation Corps, a civilian subsidiary part of FDR's "New Deal" following the war investing in the nation's natural resources. I also learned about the lifestyle and responsibilities of a Park Ranger, a role I am absolutely fascinated by!
I loved both Elsie and Nate's characters and their friendship turned to sweet romance, building in strength just like the geysers they enjoy watching & learning about together.
Actual rating, 3.25-3.5 stars

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This light historical novel set in the national parks piqued my interest and had me reading into the night. I loved the history of the parks, the programs at the time, and practices like feeding the bears so observers could watch.
I especially liked how the author had a main character with dyslexia and all the emotions that went along with that. It is not common that someone gets it right.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to the Vintage National Parks series. This is an Historical, Christian mystery, with romance, and, you learn about Yellowstone Park back in the 1930s. Nate Webber admits to a robbery at a Brooklyn jewellery store to protect his younger brother who actually did the crime. The police chief knows Nate wouldn't have done it, but offers him a way out. Sign up for the Civilian Conservation Corps. This will provided funds for the family and give him the opportunity to go to school and learn a trade. Nate agrees and heads west to work at Yellowstone National Park. The ranger in charge recognizes the leader lurking inside Nate and makes him the foreman of his crew. The ranger's daughter is also the "teacher" for this ragtag group. Nate is illiterate, but does not want anyone to know, so he hides it as well as he can. Elsie Brookes recognizes some of the behaviour and decides to help him learn to read. Throw in some fires, jealousy, romance and fun and you have a well-written and enjoyable story.

I enjoy this series. The mystery in this one is who is setting the fires. There are two intentionally set and there are a couple of suspects. I thought I had it figured out, but no, I was wrong. I have been to Yellowstone, so I enjoyed hearing about places in the park that I had visited and the descriptions of what they would have been like in the 1930s. Elsie was an interesting character. She wants to go to college to become a teacher, but she loves Yellowstone, so balancing that is not the easiest. She has no interest in getting married, but there are two men, vying for her attention. Of course, I liked one and thought the other was a bit of a pompous jerk. You will be able to figure out which is which as your read this one. The story was well-paced and enjoyable. There were a few references to scripture and some praying which was very well placed in the story, but for those who do not enjoy Christian Fiction, it is not overdone. The ending was a bit formulaic and wrapped up rather neatly, but I still enjoyed it and was satisfied with how it all came together. I recommend this one to those who like Christian Fiction, Clean Romance and learning a bit about a new topic.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great audiobook! Loved this entire series.
__
Elsie Brooks practically grew up in Yellowstone National Park. Her father is a ranger, and Elsie has loved working around the various campsites saving money to go to college. She dreams of becoming a teacher and making a difference in the lives of others.

The year is 1933 and the Depression has robbed many of their jobs. New Yorker Nate Webber wants to take care of his mother and siblings, but he can't find work anywhere, especially as an illiterate adult with a learning disability. He's a hard worker, though, and he jumps at the chance to sign on to the Civilian Conservation Corps, even though it will take him far from home.

Arriving at Yellowstone as a member of the CCC, Nate quickly rises among the ranks. The officers and rangers can see he has a natural aptitude for leadership and encouraging those around him. He finds ways to hide his lack of reading skills, certain that if anyone finds out he will be demoted and disgraced, and his family really needs the extra money he brings in as a crew leader.

Needing more funds for her college tuition, Elsie agrees to teach night classes to the CCC men. She wonders why Nate refuses to come despite his interest in Yellowstone and its history and geology. He attends their educational outings with obvious delight but avoids the classroom like the plague.

As summer progresses a number of small fires lead the Yellowstone crew to suspect an arsonist is in their midst, stirring up the most painful memories of Elsie's past. Who could be behind such terrible acts? Can they find the culprit before lasting damage or loss of life occurs?

I loved both Elsie and Nate as characters, and the skillful writing kept me guessing as to the identity of the arsonist. Elsie's history and the scars she bears both on her heart and on her body made this a compelling story. There are many other layers in the plot that I don't have time to cover here, and all of them are very well done. I'd highly recommend this book for any fans of historical fiction.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett is a thrilling conclusion to her National Parks series. Elise and Nate jump off the pages as they are allowed to tell their love stories and their transformation stories. I really enjoy how this series takes place in the historic National Parks. As someone who has never been out west, Barnett invites me into the setting without ever leaving my living room. Barnett does a wonderful job at bringing the outdoors alive with her description. Then she invites a story to shine from within these national treasures. Elise and Nate have transformed and sparked into stronger and not so timid characters from the characters we meet in the beginning of the story. There is plenty of tension with the element of forest fires. The conclusion to this I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed this series, and I anxiously await to see what else Barnett creates next. Fans of Elizabeth Camden or Lorena Seilstad might want to pick up this series.

I received a complimentary copy of Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett through Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so old! Or these kids are so young, even as they are the old ones among their peers. I didn't have a problem jumping into number three, so I'm not sure what the series is, but I enjoyed reading about the CCC corp and the summer workers at the Yellowstone park. The fire mystery was a bit lame, but the central romance was well done. I've never met people who approach their faith in this way, but I guess it's a thing in romances and these people at least touched base with God more frequently.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This particular one would be a great book club pick. I haven’t been to Yellowstone yet, but it is one of the parks that we hope to visit perhaps when we make the trip back to our home state. I sure hope there are more vintage National Park books to come. I have really enjoyed them.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. A sweet, faith-based story with an encouraging message. This is the second book I have read in the Vintage National Park series by this author - this one being set in Yellowstone. I will read the third one, too, because I have enjoyed the descriptions and interesting facts about each national park.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non so perché è sparito questo libro dalle mie letture...

[Cayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Dana Blitstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vintage National park story. Great to read if you plan to travel to Yellowstone. Delightful characters in a historical context. Cheers to the men of the CCC and the pillow punches of the old faithful inn. Xoxo

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third and final book in the Vintage National Parks series. I enjoyed each of these books, set in some of the most beautiful national parks in our country. This last one is set in Yellowstone, (get it, Faithful) and has good characters and a fun story. Each of these is basically a stand-alone book, not really a huge need to read them in order, though I did :)

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all 3 of the Vintage park books. I really liked the way Ms. Barnett researched the parks. And I really learned a lot about the CCC.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a light, easy read. As someone who works for YNP I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of different settings in the book.