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Seeking Ayita
In this rich, new Smoky Mountains story, a young woman, travels all the way from Hawaii to Cherokee to bring her mother's ashes home, but soon faces trials, joys and a problematic romance amid a people and culture little known to her before.
With misgivings, Annalise Silva packed her things and those of her young daughter Leila for the long trip from Hawaii to Cherokee, North Carolina. She'd promised her mother on her deathbed she'd take her ashes to be buried with her people. At her mother's urging, not imagining that her mother would actually die, she'd also promised to stay for a season to comfort her grandmother and to learn more about her Cherokee heritage. As her father had said, it was a small favor to ask after all her mother's love and care. Still, Annalise hadn't been to Cherokee since she was a child. What if she ran into an uncomfortable situation for herself or Leila? What if the long trip proved to be the beginning of an unhappy time? Annalise supposed only time would tell, and at least by summer's end she'd be back home where she belonged.
Solomon Wolfe had heard his grandmother repeat that dream of hers one too many times, about a woman destined for him with blue eyes coming up out of the water. His people were Cherokee and blue eyes were a rarity and the very idea of a woman rising out of the water really tested his patience. As he walked his dog, after being reminded of that vision once again, Kona barked to see someone near the bridge at the creek. People often came to fish there, never realizing they were trespassing. As a woman stood, wet from the creek and looking up to see him with surprised blue eyes, Solomon almost felt his heart stop. After learning the girl was also Inola Youngtree's granddaughter no less, here to visit for a season, he wondered how in the world he would get through the months to come, especially when his attraction to her all but sizzled in the air.
PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP'S SMOKY MOUNTAIN
"As a lifelong Tennessean, Lin Stepp brings vibrancy and authentic detail to this breathtaking mountain setting like no one else can. In her genuine Southern voice, she populates real world small towns with fictional complex, engaging characters who possess warm hearts and strong family ties." Cleveland Daily Banner Review
"Stepp is truly a master of capturing the Smoky Mountains and its people. Her novels are like a quilt-familiar, comforting, and filled with interesting details." - READING LARK REVIEWS
"This novel will enchant and challenge you on many levels... Stepp's smooth narrative style, her research into local history and geography, and her rich characters will have you reading voraciously until the end." - SENTINEL REVIEWS
"Lin Stepp always delivers a backdrop of beauty with her settings and well-developed flawed characters," - MustReadBooks Review
"Stepp gives readers a wonderful mountain escape." - Remembrancy Review
"A deftly crafted and thoroughly absorbing novel." - Midwest Review
With misgivings, Annalise Silva packed her things and those of her young daughter Leila for the long trip from Hawaii to Cherokee, North Carolina. She'd promised her mother on her deathbed she'd take her ashes to be buried with her people. At her mother's urging, not imagining that her mother would actually die, she'd also promised to stay for a season to comfort her grandmother and to learn more about her Cherokee heritage. As her father had said, it was a small favor to ask after all her mother's love and care. Still, Annalise hadn't been to Cherokee since she was a child. What if she ran into an uncomfortable situation for herself or Leila? What if the long trip proved to be the beginning of an unhappy time? Annalise supposed only time would tell, and at least by summer's end she'd be back home where she belonged.
Solomon Wolfe had heard his grandmother repeat that dream of hers one too many times, about a woman destined for him with blue eyes coming up out of the water. His people were Cherokee and blue eyes were a rarity and the very idea of a woman rising out of the water really tested his patience. As he walked his dog, after being reminded of that vision once again, Kona barked to see someone near the bridge at the creek. People often came to fish there, never realizing they were trespassing. As a woman stood, wet from the creek and looking up to see him with surprised blue eyes, Solomon almost felt his heart stop. After learning the girl was also Inola Youngtree's granddaughter no less, here to visit for a season, he wondered how in the world he would get through the months to come, especially when his attraction to her all but sizzled in the air.
PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP'S SMOKY MOUNTAIN
"As a lifelong Tennessean, Lin Stepp brings vibrancy and authentic detail to this breathtaking mountain setting like no one else can. In her genuine Southern voice, she populates real world small towns with fictional complex, engaging characters who possess warm hearts and strong family ties." Cleveland Daily Banner Review
"Stepp is truly a master of capturing the Smoky Mountains and its people. Her novels are like a quilt-familiar, comforting, and filled with interesting details." - READING LARK REVIEWS
"This novel will enchant and challenge you on many levels... Stepp's smooth narrative style, her research into local history and geography, and her rich characters will have you reading voraciously until the end." - SENTINEL REVIEWS
"Lin Stepp always delivers a backdrop of beauty with her settings and well-developed flawed characters," - MustReadBooks Review
"Stepp gives readers a wonderful mountain escape." - Remembrancy Review
"A deftly crafted and thoroughly absorbing novel." - Midwest Review
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2023
6 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 27, 2023
Lin Stepp has really outdone herself on this book! I believe it is the best book she has ever written and I have read all her books! Not that I am a expert, but I am a high volume reader. I do relate to this story because I am part Cherokee, my great grandmother was a full blooded Cherokee. I think the research she did for this book was spot on. It touched my heart of all the history she had to research to make this book what it is. It is a fast read, or it was for me. It kept my interest and is a page turner. I love the characters she had in this book and it makes me want to go to Cherokee, NC to meet these people. She made them all seem so real to me. I could really see these people as the Cherokee families that live there. The thing about the grandma having site, it is so true that Cherokee have that. I also have a small part of that, mine is a little different. I have had site, but mostly I have feelings and know things about people, I feel them and know what kind of person they might be. You will not be disappointed in this book, it is worth every penny! I believe this book would be a good read at the beach, or a vacation trip anywhere, or just sitting on your porch enjoying the outside, or even by a fire when the snow is flying. Lin’s books are fun reads and I have said that about her books for years, and this one is no different. It is also is informative of some of the Cherokee people. Love this book!
March 25, 2023
Seeking Ayita by Lin Stepp is a fabulous Christian novel and part of the Mountain Home series.
This book concerns roots and heritage as a daughter fulfills her mother’s dying wish to return her ashes to her Cherokee homeland. The mother also desires that her daughter and granddaughter spend time with the maternal family getting to know their heritage. Lin Stepp shows us the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee. There are some wise words about character saying about what is inside us… “ ‘One is an evil wolf… The other wolf is a good wolf’… ‘Which wolf wins?’… ‘The one you feed.’ “ Within our lives, whatever we focus on will become evident in our character. As we lean into and focus on God, trusting Him, He will give us peace and lead our lives, even through death. “I am ready to go home. I know my God well.” When we know God, death is not a frightening place because our Lord is already there and He will lead us home when the time comes.
The Cherokee live simply, keeping their customs alive as they practice their traditional arts. It is important to pass down crafting skills to the next generation or the skills will die out. Lin Stepp has vividly painted not only their crafts but their homeland with her descriptive words.
Guilt is a terrible master. “A spirit of guilt is pursuing him… He feels he isn’t owed any happiness.” We were never meant to be chained to guilt. God wants us to live abundantly free.
We see that dreams still foretell things that are to come, as they did in Biblical times. If it is from God, it will come to pass.
We need to live for today and do all the good we can as we were never promised tomorrow. Lin Stepp quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson in her book as he said “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
Family is important. We should not live selfish lives, neither should we squash our God-given dreams. When our parents love us, they give us wings to fly.
There is so much love within the novel. It radiates from the pages. There is love for all the stages of life.
I loved the inclusion of a description of what is in West Wales as the lead character’s father went there. Having been to West Wales for holidays for over thirty years, it gave me a thrill to read of the father’s travels.
Lin Stepp has created a delightful set of characters who will lodge in my heart. I am sorry that the novel is ended as I want to hear more about my new-found friends.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“Faith doesn’t always take you out of the problem but… it takes you through the problem and resolves it.”
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
This book concerns roots and heritage as a daughter fulfills her mother’s dying wish to return her ashes to her Cherokee homeland. The mother also desires that her daughter and granddaughter spend time with the maternal family getting to know their heritage. Lin Stepp shows us the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee. There are some wise words about character saying about what is inside us… “ ‘One is an evil wolf… The other wolf is a good wolf’… ‘Which wolf wins?’… ‘The one you feed.’ “ Within our lives, whatever we focus on will become evident in our character. As we lean into and focus on God, trusting Him, He will give us peace and lead our lives, even through death. “I am ready to go home. I know my God well.” When we know God, death is not a frightening place because our Lord is already there and He will lead us home when the time comes.
The Cherokee live simply, keeping their customs alive as they practice their traditional arts. It is important to pass down crafting skills to the next generation or the skills will die out. Lin Stepp has vividly painted not only their crafts but their homeland with her descriptive words.
Guilt is a terrible master. “A spirit of guilt is pursuing him… He feels he isn’t owed any happiness.” We were never meant to be chained to guilt. God wants us to live abundantly free.
We see that dreams still foretell things that are to come, as they did in Biblical times. If it is from God, it will come to pass.
We need to live for today and do all the good we can as we were never promised tomorrow. Lin Stepp quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson in her book as he said “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”
Family is important. We should not live selfish lives, neither should we squash our God-given dreams. When our parents love us, they give us wings to fly.
There is so much love within the novel. It radiates from the pages. There is love for all the stages of life.
I loved the inclusion of a description of what is in West Wales as the lead character’s father went there. Having been to West Wales for holidays for over thirty years, it gave me a thrill to read of the father’s travels.
Lin Stepp has created a delightful set of characters who will lodge in my heart. I am sorry that the novel is ended as I want to hear more about my new-found friends.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“Faith doesn’t always take you out of the problem but… it takes you through the problem and resolves it.”
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
April 2, 2023
Seeking Ayita - Happy Release Day
With her newest novel, Seeking Ayita – A Mountain Home book, author Lin Stepp begins a series within a different community. This series features teachings and culture from the Eastern Cherokee nation along with strong faith-based characters. The romance element of the story begins earlier than I recall for other books. However, it fits the plot because the story moves quickly through a summer season.
Framed within a promise to her dying mother, Annalise travels with her young daughter, Leila from Hawaii to North Carolina. She is committed to spending a few summer months with her grandmother and learning more about her Cherokee heritage.
The Smoky Mountain setting will be familiar and yet new to readers who have been enjoying Lin Stepp’s books. Annalise and the other characters bring a romance with tension from greed, jealousy and other emotions.
If you are new to Lin Stepp’s writing, you have a lot to catch up. Once you get started, you will enjoy the different series and the different families that have stories to tell. Seeking Ayita involves many nature trails. The author and her husband are very familiar with the trails in her stories. They travel the Smoky Mountain hiking trails extensively and have written some excellent guidebooks for other hikers.
The stories in The Mountain Home series are stand-alone tales while some of the other series become more of a saga with the characters being of one family. I highly recommend this book. It is well-written and edited. It has romance from a respectful and faith-based point of view. Enjoy yourself in an eloquent story that moves forward without profanity or vulgarity.
With her newest novel, Seeking Ayita – A Mountain Home book, author Lin Stepp begins a series within a different community. This series features teachings and culture from the Eastern Cherokee nation along with strong faith-based characters. The romance element of the story begins earlier than I recall for other books. However, it fits the plot because the story moves quickly through a summer season.
Framed within a promise to her dying mother, Annalise travels with her young daughter, Leila from Hawaii to North Carolina. She is committed to spending a few summer months with her grandmother and learning more about her Cherokee heritage.
The Smoky Mountain setting will be familiar and yet new to readers who have been enjoying Lin Stepp’s books. Annalise and the other characters bring a romance with tension from greed, jealousy and other emotions.
If you are new to Lin Stepp’s writing, you have a lot to catch up. Once you get started, you will enjoy the different series and the different families that have stories to tell. Seeking Ayita involves many nature trails. The author and her husband are very familiar with the trails in her stories. They travel the Smoky Mountain hiking trails extensively and have written some excellent guidebooks for other hikers.
The stories in The Mountain Home series are stand-alone tales while some of the other series become more of a saga with the characters being of one family. I highly recommend this book. It is well-written and edited. It has romance from a respectful and faith-based point of view. Enjoy yourself in an eloquent story that moves forward without profanity or vulgarity.
December 22, 2023
Following her mother’s deathbed wish, Annalise packed up her daughter and flies to Cherokee, North Carolina to stay with her grandmother for a few months. Planning on learning more about her Cherokee heritage, she enjoys getting to know the people and their culture as well as the beautiful mountains which surround them. Growing friendships make the idea of flying home to Hawaii difficult, especially her growing attraction to her grandmother’s neighbor Solomon. The thought of her father alone back home adds to the conflict.
As someone who lives just across the mountains from Cherokee, I lived learning more about the are and people. I sometimes felt as if there were information dumps in the story, but it was still an enjoyable read.
As someone who lives just across the mountains from Cherokee, I lived learning more about the are and people. I sometimes felt as if there were information dumps in the story, but it was still an enjoyable read.
June 12, 2023
Seeking Ayita
I love Lin Stepp’s books, but this is my favorite. The characters were so real and lovable. Just a beautiful story, with Lin’s wonderful description of Cherokee and the Smoky Mountain area. I didn’t want it to end!
I love Lin Stepp’s books, but this is my favorite. The characters were so real and lovable. Just a beautiful story, with Lin’s wonderful description of Cherokee and the Smoky Mountain area. I didn’t want it to end!
January 7, 2025
A sweet and wonderful story
I loved this book. I have visited the places mentioned in the book and it helped make the story seem real. I loved every minute of the story. Lin Stepp, is a wonderful author.
I loved this book. I have visited the places mentioned in the book and it helped make the story seem real. I loved every minute of the story. Lin Stepp, is a wonderful author.
April 1, 2023
If there’s anything Lin Stepp knows a lot about, it’s the landscape and people of the Smoky Mountain region. As a native Tennessean, Lin could easily pen a wonderful story based on previous experiences and generalized knowledge. But the New York Times Bestselling Author never settles for prior knowledge when she writes. As one reads any of Ms. Stepp’s books it is quite apparent that she does exhaustive research, exploration and networking to ensure her books accurately depict the places and people of the book’s location.
When I first moved to Northeast Tennessee I found Lin Stepp’s books in the “local authors” section of the public library. I realized very quickly that her writing style was one I would enjoy time and time again. Each of her Smoky Mountain books has served as an invitation to visit the highlighted location. Seeking Ayita is no different.
Her newest book, scheduled for release on April 1, 2023, is the fourth in her Mountain Home series. Unlike previous Smoky Mountain books by Stepp, Seeking Ayita takes place in Cherokee, North Carolina and the North Carolina stretch of the Smoky Mountains.
Seeking Ayita begins not in the Smoky Mountains but rather in Hawaii where as a young widow, Annalise Ayita Silva lives with her parents and her young daughter Leila. Annalise’s mother, Yoni is a Cherokee woman who is known as what her Cherokee culture calls a “Wise One”. A “Wise One” is one who “sees things.” Yoni has suffered a stroke and now on her deathbed, she tells Annalise that she wants her ashes returned to Cherokee, NC where she can be buried with her ancestors. But she doesn’t stop there. She “sees” that Annalise must be the one to transport her back home - and that once there, Annalise must spend “a season” in Cherokee so that she can get to know her Cherokee roots, her extended family, and the rich heritage of the Cherokee people. Annalise resists at first but eventually concedes although she is not sure what lies ahead or why it was so important to her mother that she go and spend time in North Carolina with her Cherokee relatives.
Solomon Wolfe and his family own the land that border Annalise’s grandmother’s land. He too has a “Wise One” in his family. His grandmother has often spoken of a recurring dream. It is the unveiling of each of the Wise Ones’ knowings that becomes the common thread throughout the story.
One of the things that sets Ms. Stepp’s writing apart from many others is the way in which she uses the rich yet casual conversations of her characters to enlighten her readers about the place, the people, the culture and customs. That trait is certainly in play in Seeking Ayita.
As is true in all of her books, Ms. Stepp creates strong, memorable characters. Some you’ll come to love. Some you’ll find are more difficult to like. When the last line is read, you’ll no doubt feel as though you are saying goodbye to a good friend or two.
Seeking Ayita gives readers insight into the history of the Cherokee people, the complexities of preserving traditions while still maintaining a presence in today’s world. It brings to light the differences between governance of the Cherokee land and the way it is handled for others. Stepp deftly, and with sensitivity approaches the misunderstandings and prejudices that exist within the Native American communities, at the Cherokee- run casino, and between family members or neighbors. She portrays the ways in which the Cherokee must walk in the two worlds that surround their homesteads.
After reading Seeking Ayita I personally cannot wait to visit Cherokee, North Carolina. And even more than that, I cannot wait for Lin Stepp’s next book to be released!
When I first moved to Northeast Tennessee I found Lin Stepp’s books in the “local authors” section of the public library. I realized very quickly that her writing style was one I would enjoy time and time again. Each of her Smoky Mountain books has served as an invitation to visit the highlighted location. Seeking Ayita is no different.
Her newest book, scheduled for release on April 1, 2023, is the fourth in her Mountain Home series. Unlike previous Smoky Mountain books by Stepp, Seeking Ayita takes place in Cherokee, North Carolina and the North Carolina stretch of the Smoky Mountains.
Seeking Ayita begins not in the Smoky Mountains but rather in Hawaii where as a young widow, Annalise Ayita Silva lives with her parents and her young daughter Leila. Annalise’s mother, Yoni is a Cherokee woman who is known as what her Cherokee culture calls a “Wise One”. A “Wise One” is one who “sees things.” Yoni has suffered a stroke and now on her deathbed, she tells Annalise that she wants her ashes returned to Cherokee, NC where she can be buried with her ancestors. But she doesn’t stop there. She “sees” that Annalise must be the one to transport her back home - and that once there, Annalise must spend “a season” in Cherokee so that she can get to know her Cherokee roots, her extended family, and the rich heritage of the Cherokee people. Annalise resists at first but eventually concedes although she is not sure what lies ahead or why it was so important to her mother that she go and spend time in North Carolina with her Cherokee relatives.
Solomon Wolfe and his family own the land that border Annalise’s grandmother’s land. He too has a “Wise One” in his family. His grandmother has often spoken of a recurring dream. It is the unveiling of each of the Wise Ones’ knowings that becomes the common thread throughout the story.
One of the things that sets Ms. Stepp’s writing apart from many others is the way in which she uses the rich yet casual conversations of her characters to enlighten her readers about the place, the people, the culture and customs. That trait is certainly in play in Seeking Ayita.
As is true in all of her books, Ms. Stepp creates strong, memorable characters. Some you’ll come to love. Some you’ll find are more difficult to like. When the last line is read, you’ll no doubt feel as though you are saying goodbye to a good friend or two.
Seeking Ayita gives readers insight into the history of the Cherokee people, the complexities of preserving traditions while still maintaining a presence in today’s world. It brings to light the differences between governance of the Cherokee land and the way it is handled for others. Stepp deftly, and with sensitivity approaches the misunderstandings and prejudices that exist within the Native American communities, at the Cherokee- run casino, and between family members or neighbors. She portrays the ways in which the Cherokee must walk in the two worlds that surround their homesteads.
After reading Seeking Ayita I personally cannot wait to visit Cherokee, North Carolina. And even more than that, I cannot wait for Lin Stepp’s next book to be released!
March 31, 2023
Well done Lin...a charming story of connecting with family, roots and finding a forever love.
Annalise (Ayita) finds her way home to Cherokee, N.C.....a promise she had made to her Cherokee mother before her mother's passing. Her mom had always wanted her to reconnect with her Cherokee family especially since Annalise had spent her growing up years in Hawaii. Annalise and her young daughter take her mother's ashes back to North Carolina and in so doing, Annalise finds her heart's home.
Through all this lovely story, you learn so much about Cherokee, its people, history, traditions and culture (past and present). Lin has done so much research in accurately depicting life on the boundary...exceptionally done.
It's beautifully written and so informative especially for those who have Cherokee ancestry. I know they will really enjoy this book. The characters are so real as in all of Lin's books. Lin did the Cherokee people proud in her new book.
Annalise (Ayita) finds her way home to Cherokee, N.C.....a promise she had made to her Cherokee mother before her mother's passing. Her mom had always wanted her to reconnect with her Cherokee family especially since Annalise had spent her growing up years in Hawaii. Annalise and her young daughter take her mother's ashes back to North Carolina and in so doing, Annalise finds her heart's home.
Through all this lovely story, you learn so much about Cherokee, its people, history, traditions and culture (past and present). Lin has done so much research in accurately depicting life on the boundary...exceptionally done.
It's beautifully written and so informative especially for those who have Cherokee ancestry. I know they will really enjoy this book. The characters are so real as in all of Lin's books. Lin did the Cherokee people proud in her new book.
March 31, 2023
Seeking Ayita, the fourth novel in the Mountain Home Series, is set in current day Cherokee, North Carolina, the home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. Lin Stepp has done extensive research into the history, culture, and traditions of the Cherokee. She relays this information to the readers through the interactions and conversations of the characters in the novel. This is a story of faith, love, and family, and the love story of Solomon Wolfe and Annalise Ayita Silva. A wonderful book, I highly recommend Seeking Ayita. I received a copy of this novel for early review.
April 4, 2023
I just finished the latest of Lin Stepp's books in the Mountain Home series. It is a favorite of her work for me.
Seeking Ayita tells the story of a young woman raised in Hawaii. Her father is a cultural studies professor who met her mother when he was researching the Cherokee in the Qualla Boundary of North Carolina. They married, left the area, and settled in Hawaii. As Ayita’s mother is ending her life’s journey, she asks her daughter to go back to Cherokee, N.C. in search of her culture and heritage. Ayita a widow with a young daughter does so and while there learns not only about the culture but falls in love with a young Cherokee man. The book is full of what Ayita learns about her heritage, the culture of the people, and the customs. It tells of the rich geography and beauty of the area along with some of the folklore and spirituality of the indigenous people there. The readers also learn the sad and difficult history of the Cherokee people after the white encroachment and the efforts to restore and elevate the people within the tribe.
I learned so much from this book. Author Lin Stepp has definitely researched the history, culture, and governance of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee to write this latest in the series. The hallmark of a great read is one that is entertaining and one the reader also learns from. Seeking Ayita is both of these. This book is one of my favorites of Stepp's work. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy a good romance and the rich history of the Cherokee.
Seeking Ayita tells the story of a young woman raised in Hawaii. Her father is a cultural studies professor who met her mother when he was researching the Cherokee in the Qualla Boundary of North Carolina. They married, left the area, and settled in Hawaii. As Ayita’s mother is ending her life’s journey, she asks her daughter to go back to Cherokee, N.C. in search of her culture and heritage. Ayita a widow with a young daughter does so and while there learns not only about the culture but falls in love with a young Cherokee man. The book is full of what Ayita learns about her heritage, the culture of the people, and the customs. It tells of the rich geography and beauty of the area along with some of the folklore and spirituality of the indigenous people there. The readers also learn the sad and difficult history of the Cherokee people after the white encroachment and the efforts to restore and elevate the people within the tribe.
I learned so much from this book. Author Lin Stepp has definitely researched the history, culture, and governance of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee to write this latest in the series. The hallmark of a great read is one that is entertaining and one the reader also learns from. Seeking Ayita is both of these. This book is one of my favorites of Stepp's work. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy a good romance and the rich history of the Cherokee.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews