Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Through Water and Stone by Karen Barnett hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
I first learned of author Karen Barnett when I reviewed Ever Faithful in 2019. It was delightful and fun.
I read all three books in the Vintage National Parks series and loved them, so I was excited when I had the opportunity to pick Karen up from the Knoxville airport and drive her to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She’s as nice in person as you’d expect her to be.
Since then, Karen’s gone on to write a new series of dual timeline books that also take place in National Parks. The second in the series, When Stone Wings Fly, was a Christy finalist. Now, the third in the series, Through Water and Stone, has just released.
About the Book
Title: Through Water and Stone
Series: National Parks
Author: Karen Barnett
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: September 23, 2025
Genre: Christian Fiction, Dual Timeline
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.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub | Bookshop
More in this Series:
Book Review
I expected Through Water and Stone to be similar to the Vintage National Parks series, but it’s completely different. The Vintage series is lighthearted. This new series is more serious.
Through Water and Stone is a dual timeline that takes place at Zion National Park in the forties and present day. It tells the story of a young couple in the forties, and a present day couple.
The story starts as two stories that very slowly merge together. It’s not until the very end that we discover the complete connection.
Karen Barnett’s attention to detail does such a great job of bringing to life Zion National Park. Though I’ve never been there, I could visualize the canyon, creek, and trails. It made me want to see them for myself.
The characters were unique and realistic. My heart broke for the Eriksson’s loss of their son and their fears of losing their adopted son. I wanted to protect them from further hurt. As a former store owner, I could relate to Talia rearranging the gift shop.
The spiritual takeaway from this story is a message of hope and trust.
If you like split timelines, the forties, National Parks, and a touch of romance, check out Through Water and Stone by Karen Barnett.
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.
Tour 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!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
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