Ever Faithful

by Karen Barnett

  7. Were you surprised to discover the arsonist’s identity? When you first started reading, who did you think it was going to be and why?

  8. Throughout the story, Rose is showing symptoms of depression, but her friends don’t take it seriously. Mary even says, “How long will she mope?” Do you have a close friend or family member who struggles with depression or anxiety? Have you dealt with these issues in your own life? Were you able to get help? How has our understanding of depression changed since Rose’s time?

  9. Elsie’s relationship with her cousin Graham is tenuous at best. Her mother tells her, “Forgiveness isn’t earned. It’s bestowed.” Is there someone in your life you’ve struggled to forgive? How did you get to the point where you could “bestow” forgiveness on that person? Or have you?

  10. It’s not until after Elsie has granted forgiveness that she learns about Graham’s kissing adventures. Do you think she was wrong in forgiving him? What do you do when someone you’ve forgiven stumbles again?

  11. The cones of the lodgepole pine are serotinous, a scientific term meaning they don’t open unless conditions are right. For this species, they only release their seeds after fire melts their thick coat of pitch. Ranger Brookes compares the cone to our lives as Christians. There are many references to fire in Scripture, but these are some of my favorites. Can you think of how the story of the lodgepole pine is similar? How is it different?

  a. Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12–13, NKJV)

  b. I will bring the one-third through the fire,

  Will refine them as silver is refined,

  And test them as gold is tested.

  They will call on My name,

  And I will answer them.

  I will say, “This is My people”;

  And each one will say, “The LORD is my God.” (Zechariah 13:9, NKJV)

  c. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

  And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

  Nor shall the flame scorch you. (Isaiah 43:2, NKJV)

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  It’s said that writing a novel is a bit like eating an elephant—you take it one bite at a time. Just like any other feast, I think a meal is best when shared. Here are a few folks who helped me get this task done.

  Thank you to the amazing folks at Yellowstone National Park for assisting me with research. Archivist Anne Foster and librarian Jackie Jerla patiently guided me through their massive collection and managed not to laugh when I acted like a kid at the world’s biggest candy store. Thank you also to Alicia Murphy, Yellowstone National Park historian, for answering questions and reading scenes.

  Thanks also to the following individuals:

  KyLee Woodley for sharing her expertise—and her heart—regarding dyslexia, reading, and education.

  Kate Yakis, who served on a helitack crew during the devastating 1988 Yellowstone fires, for sharing her experiences and knowledge.

  To my brother and sister-in-law Mark Dunmire and Helen Cohen for advice on all things Brooklyn.

  My incredible critique group, Heidi Gaul, Marilyn Rhoads, and Christian Suzann Nelson.

  My agent, Rachel Kent, who loves Yellowstone with a passion.

  And, of course, all the great folks at WaterBrook for helping me to spin stories set in these fantastic places: Shannon Marchese, Lissa Halls Johnson, Jamie Lapeyrolerie, Chelsea Woodward, Mark Ford, Pamela Shoup, and so many others. You’re the best!

  And as always, I couldn’t do this without my ever-patient family who puts up with late nights, missed meals, research trips, and all sorts of nonsense so I can pursue this writing dream. Steve, Andrew, Bethany—I love you more than words can express.