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helen464's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
chelz286's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I loved reading about Yosemite in this novel. An interesting historical novel about one of the first female naturalists in Yosemite and how she fought to pave the way for other women in this field. Isabel is sick of the dreary, dirty San Francisco neighborhood and she is not sure how much longer she can put up with her mother and always having to be the caretaker of her sister and do the cleaning and cooking on top of school. After a terrible tragedy occurs, she makes a rash decision to seek her out her brother who serves in the CCC at Yosemite. A large favor taken from a friend, she finds her way out there with no plan, no money and nothing further beyond just the need to see James. With the help of strangers, Isabel slowly finds herself enveloped in the Yosemite beauty and all it has to offer. Feeling like she finally belongs and is a part of something, she is quickly taken under the wing of Enid Michael to learn and grow but her past isn't far and Enid knows there is something more to Isabel's story. As Enid has learned, humans just like nature will grow and eventually their secrets will be revealed. Carrying the burden of what she ran from and the need to finally do something for herself, Isabel has some hard decisions to make and whether she is doing them for the right reason. I really loved all the nature through out this novel. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite and to the author for the free novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
serenereadssally's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was kindly sent this ARC by @Netgalley and Black Rose Writing in exchange for an honest review.
In 1934 San Francisco, Isabel dreams of escaping her life of poverty and invents an imaginary island with her little sister. After a tragic event, she leaves her mother and flees to Yosemite where her brother is serving with the CCC and spends a summer with the inspirational Mrs Michael and her husband. Enid Michael is the only female ranger naturalist in the park and Isabel begins to long to live this life permanently.
I initially wanted to read this book due to my love of Yosemite. I was transported instantly in those chapters back to all the places I love. The mist trail, Vernal Falls, Camp Curry and of course Half Dome. The writer describes in such detail the beautiful plants and wildlife and all given a human touch by Enid who liked to use female pronouns for flora and fauna. It was so evocative of the park and it’s inhabitants and the history behind things was fascinating and well researched.
But this book is so much more than that! In the chapters prior to Isabel arriving at Yosemite the characters and storyline gripped me. It was heartbreaking and I could really feel our protagonist’s sadness and daily struggles and her desire for escape and redemption.
The story kept my interest the whole way through and the ending was good and not too ‘and they all lived happily ever after’ which I did have a slight fear may happen.
This book is for everyone that likes a well told story of family and challenges with a twist of nature and adventure thrown in. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am now thinking about my next trip to SF and Yosemite.
4 Stars
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