Book Review of 'Through Water and Stone' by Karen Barnett

Hello Bookworms!

In 2024 I started this amazing book series and today I am featuring the next book, something I have been eagerly anticipating. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Dual Timeline Christian Fiction and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Through Water and Stone JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Through Water and Stone by Karen Barnett, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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.

My Review

“God’s voice can be heard through the water and the stone. Be still and listen.”

It did not take long for me to become completely invested in this story. There is something about both storylines that is intriguing, and I got excited every time I discovered a correlation between both stories. It felt like unwrapping a present, the anticipation building with each chapter. Oftentimes, when I am reading a dual-timeline story, there is a bit of confusion, but the author mapped out this story perfectly. Each timeline is easily identifiable and vastly different from one another yet familiarly similar as well. The imagery is breathtaking as the author gives us a glimpse of the beauty of Zion National Park and God’s creation in Utah, both in the past and the present.

When Henry found the baby, my first thought was the story of Moses and how his mother left him in the reeds to purposely be found by Pharaoh’s daughter, and I was not surprised to see this later referenced. The mystery of Billy and his origins hangs over the story with an indescribable heaviness while paralleled with a thread of hope and a foundation of faith. Talia’s goal setting and her “always moving forward” attitude, even in the face of challenge and defeat, was refreshing, and I loved seeing her check off items on her bucket list while witnessing her relationship with Blake blossom.

There were moments that were gut-wrenching, some were touching and sweet, and even one that was quite amusing. There was one moment in particular where I audibly chuckled as I love a good, punny dad joke! Needless to say, this novel has all the feels and was pure perfection in my book. A perfect dual-timeline with engaging characters and plot, breathtaking scenery, and a read that was almost impossible to put down, I cannot tell you enough how much I enjoyed Through Water and Stone.

My Rating: ★★★★★

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.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!