Where Trees Touch the Sky

A Redwood National Park Novel

By: Karen Barnett

Narrated by: Susan Bennett

In the early 1920s, the accelerating destruction of the California redwoods is more than nature-loving Marion Baker can bear. After throwing herself headlong into the work of the Save the Redwoods League, she meets the handsome Frank Duncan—only to find out he’s the son of one of the area’s worst timber barons. Though deeply disappointed, she realizes she could have an opportunity to convince him to rescue her favorite grove of trees from his father’s greedy grasp. But as she grows to love Frank, will she be able to persuade him?

Or will she have to choose between him and her conservation efforts?

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. 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 asks June to help make a documentary about Marion’s life, she swiftly grabs the chance 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 passion and admiration for nature shines in this wonderfully paced and deftly executed story. 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

©2024 Karen Barnett (P)2024 Recorded Books

The story line and characters.

I liked how the story was about 2 people in different decades that both wanted to save the Redwoods!

Great book!

What a wonderful dual timeline story of two women whose lives, loves, and missteps revolve around their deep love of redwood trees and preserving the enormous giants for generations to come. This book touches on several topics: the making of national parks, the skewed belief in eugenics, the conflict between the timber industry and preservationists, and the need to see people as they are—flawed and full of possibility. The romances in both timelines are fresh and natural, as are the friendships and family relationships. The narrator does a fabulous job of making this deeply resonant story come alive. Highly recommend.