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Smoky Mountain #7
Makin' Miracles
A charming portrait of the Smokies, their people, and a wonderful way of life." --Deborah Smith, "New York Times " bestselling author
Set in Tennessee's postcard-perfect Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp's "Makin' Miracles "is an inspiring tale that reveals why love and forgiveness are most important just when they seem most impossible. . .
Zola Devon has always been a little different. Half Tahitian, with long black hair and dark eyes, she's especially distinctive in the mountain town of Gatlinburg. She even stocks her gift shop, Nature's Corner, with items that reflect her island heritage and tantalize tourists. But it's her spot-on intuition that truly sets Zola apart. When she gets a hunch about a person, she's almost always right. And when the surly photographer who owns the gallery next door starts meddling in her business, she can only hope that, for once, her instincts are wrong.
The one thing Spencer Jackson loves more than his camera is the majestic scenery of the Smoky Mountains. Reeling from his painful past, he's settled in a cabin in the woods to train his lens on the breathtaking landscape. A woman as uniquely beguiling as Zola could only throw his simple, uncomplicated days into chaos--and force him to lay bare his darkest secrets. But as their lives become unavoidably intertwined, they both may discover the beauty of the truth, and the joy of the unexpected.
Praise for Lin Stepp and her Smoky Mountain Novels
"I've finally come across someone that believes in all the things that I do. . .love, family, faith, intrigue, mystery, loyalty, romance, and a great love for our beloved Smoky Mountains." Dolly Parton
"A wonderful, new Southern voice." --Joan Medlicott, author of the bestselling The Ladies of Covington series
Set in Tennessee's postcard-perfect Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp's "Makin' Miracles "is an inspiring tale that reveals why love and forgiveness are most important just when they seem most impossible. . .
Zola Devon has always been a little different. Half Tahitian, with long black hair and dark eyes, she's especially distinctive in the mountain town of Gatlinburg. She even stocks her gift shop, Nature's Corner, with items that reflect her island heritage and tantalize tourists. But it's her spot-on intuition that truly sets Zola apart. When she gets a hunch about a person, she's almost always right. And when the surly photographer who owns the gallery next door starts meddling in her business, she can only hope that, for once, her instincts are wrong.
The one thing Spencer Jackson loves more than his camera is the majestic scenery of the Smoky Mountains. Reeling from his painful past, he's settled in a cabin in the woods to train his lens on the breathtaking landscape. A woman as uniquely beguiling as Zola could only throw his simple, uncomplicated days into chaos--and force him to lay bare his darkest secrets. But as their lives become unavoidably intertwined, they both may discover the beauty of the truth, and the joy of the unexpected.
Praise for Lin Stepp and her Smoky Mountain Novels
"I've finally come across someone that believes in all the things that I do. . .love, family, faith, intrigue, mystery, loyalty, romance, and a great love for our beloved Smoky Mountains." Dolly Parton
"A wonderful, new Southern voice." --Joan Medlicott, author of the bestselling The Ladies of Covington series
272 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2014
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109 people want to read
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January 2, 2015
Also posted at TBR Mountain Range with other Contemporary romance reviews, plus hiking book reviews.
A Christian romance that centers on a Tahitian-American seer whose gift is said to be directed by God and a talented nature photographer who struggles to understand her light against his darkness. Gatlinburg, Tennessee's mountain beauty is explored while two creative people find themselves falling in love.
Zolakieran "Zola" Devon is half Tahitian and a gifted seer as well as the shop owner of Nature's Corner, an eclectic gift shop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Zola believes her "knowing" and ability to give advice about what she is shown is directed by God. Her family members agree, especially when their own intuitions don't seem to be a God directive like Zola's. When she shares a prediction with a customer who comes into her store, she never expects this man to be the one who will change her future.
Spencer Jackson is a talented nature photographer, author and gallery owner in Gatlinburg. The Tahitian woman's warning about his date, who is a co-worker of sorts, robbing him makes him angry at first. Once back at his home, his date acts peculiar and Zola's warning comes to mind. When he finds his money and his grandmother's jewelry in his date's purse and she isn't even repentant, he's appalled and asks her to leave.
Zola is surprised that someone built a house at her favorite place in the mountains near her home in Tennessee while she was away visiting her family in Mooréa, an island northwest of Tahiti. When she hikes up the mountain to see if the owner has ruined the vista, Zola is so thrilled to discover her childhood hideaway undisturbed, never expecting the landowner to be the same man she had warned just days before. Her enthusiasm surprises him when she can't resist kissing him full on the lips in her happiness.
Spencer and Zola begin a friendship built on their mutual love of nature, hiking to places where Spencer can take photographs for his next book. Their attraction is immediate, but can they move past their differences? Spencer has family issues he ran away from twelve years ago and Zola has the seer gift that can interfere with the best of relationships. Will these two creative souls find a way to mold their individual worlds and personalities into one that will work for both of them?
MAKIN' MIRACLES is a beautiful spiritual story. I was especially moved by Zola's method of getting Spencer to release his pain to the sun and sky midway through the book. That scene really spoke to me emotionally and spiritually. I'm really curious to know if it affects other readers the same way.
For me, initially, the dialog seemed to be blocks of telling, so I had a hard time getting used to it. After a while it became a charming part of the characters' personalities. There is innocence in Zola's viewpoint. It sometimes makes her goodness stand out like a beacon, never realizing what kind of danger can harm her. That purity made Zola's innocence shine, sometimes with an immaturity that she had to grow through. I don't know if this was intentional or not, but it worked for me.
Zola's essence is light-filled. She's not afraid of her gift and it's not that she's overly brave but she realizes that God doesn't give her more than she can handle. And He doesn't for a long time. Spencer, on the other hand, has a dark, brooding side that makes him untrusting in relationships due to his past. Spencer's pain is very deep and understandable once the reader meets the source of it.
I've read many books about characters with seer talents but never one where the talent was thought of as spoken by God. The information shown to Zola is to be given immediately but not all are willing to hear. I really loved this aspect of the story. As a Christian romance, faith is a prominent part of the tale and increased my enjoyment of it. There is a comparison between fortune-telling and Zola's gift that I found interesting, so this novel kept me thinking and wondering from beginning to end.
The setting of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is one of my favorite places so if you've visited or have dreamed of visiting, you'll get plenty of vistas to imagine in this story. I particularly enjoyed the photography sessions with Spencer and the description of some of his photos. If you love nature photography, you'll crave the mountains after reading this book. Next, the story moves to Richmond, Virginia, for a brief visit, then there is a short time spent on Mooréa, so some tropical breezes will satisfy your curiosity there as well.
For those who love inspirational novels that teach forgiveness, understanding and love, MAKIN' MIRACLES sets itself apart in a unique and uplifting story. I'm looking forward to reading the previously released DOWN BY THE RIVER and the future, September 2015, release of SAVING LAUREL SPRINGS in THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN series by Lin Stepp. If you're a hiker, you might be interested in THE AFTERNOON HIKER by J.L. and Lin Stepp which is now on my wishlist. I love finding new-to-me authors who seem to treasure nature as much as I do.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies. ARC provided by NetGalley.
A Christian romance that centers on a Tahitian-American seer whose gift is said to be directed by God and a talented nature photographer who struggles to understand her light against his darkness. Gatlinburg, Tennessee's mountain beauty is explored while two creative people find themselves falling in love.
Zolakieran "Zola" Devon is half Tahitian and a gifted seer as well as the shop owner of Nature's Corner, an eclectic gift shop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Zola believes her "knowing" and ability to give advice about what she is shown is directed by God. Her family members agree, especially when their own intuitions don't seem to be a God directive like Zola's. When she shares a prediction with a customer who comes into her store, she never expects this man to be the one who will change her future.
Spencer Jackson is a talented nature photographer, author and gallery owner in Gatlinburg. The Tahitian woman's warning about his date, who is a co-worker of sorts, robbing him makes him angry at first. Once back at his home, his date acts peculiar and Zola's warning comes to mind. When he finds his money and his grandmother's jewelry in his date's purse and she isn't even repentant, he's appalled and asks her to leave.
Zola is surprised that someone built a house at her favorite place in the mountains near her home in Tennessee while she was away visiting her family in Mooréa, an island northwest of Tahiti. When she hikes up the mountain to see if the owner has ruined the vista, Zola is so thrilled to discover her childhood hideaway undisturbed, never expecting the landowner to be the same man she had warned just days before. Her enthusiasm surprises him when she can't resist kissing him full on the lips in her happiness.
Spencer and Zola begin a friendship built on their mutual love of nature, hiking to places where Spencer can take photographs for his next book. Their attraction is immediate, but can they move past their differences? Spencer has family issues he ran away from twelve years ago and Zola has the seer gift that can interfere with the best of relationships. Will these two creative souls find a way to mold their individual worlds and personalities into one that will work for both of them?
MAKIN' MIRACLES is a beautiful spiritual story. I was especially moved by Zola's method of getting Spencer to release his pain to the sun and sky midway through the book. That scene really spoke to me emotionally and spiritually. I'm really curious to know if it affects other readers the same way.
For me, initially, the dialog seemed to be blocks of telling, so I had a hard time getting used to it. After a while it became a charming part of the characters' personalities. There is innocence in Zola's viewpoint. It sometimes makes her goodness stand out like a beacon, never realizing what kind of danger can harm her. That purity made Zola's innocence shine, sometimes with an immaturity that she had to grow through. I don't know if this was intentional or not, but it worked for me.
Zola's essence is light-filled. She's not afraid of her gift and it's not that she's overly brave but she realizes that God doesn't give her more than she can handle. And He doesn't for a long time. Spencer, on the other hand, has a dark, brooding side that makes him untrusting in relationships due to his past. Spencer's pain is very deep and understandable once the reader meets the source of it.
I've read many books about characters with seer talents but never one where the talent was thought of as spoken by God. The information shown to Zola is to be given immediately but not all are willing to hear. I really loved this aspect of the story. As a Christian romance, faith is a prominent part of the tale and increased my enjoyment of it. There is a comparison between fortune-telling and Zola's gift that I found interesting, so this novel kept me thinking and wondering from beginning to end.
The setting of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is one of my favorite places so if you've visited or have dreamed of visiting, you'll get plenty of vistas to imagine in this story. I particularly enjoyed the photography sessions with Spencer and the description of some of his photos. If you love nature photography, you'll crave the mountains after reading this book. Next, the story moves to Richmond, Virginia, for a brief visit, then there is a short time spent on Mooréa, so some tropical breezes will satisfy your curiosity there as well.
For those who love inspirational novels that teach forgiveness, understanding and love, MAKIN' MIRACLES sets itself apart in a unique and uplifting story. I'm looking forward to reading the previously released DOWN BY THE RIVER and the future, September 2015, release of SAVING LAUREL SPRINGS in THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN series by Lin Stepp. If you're a hiker, you might be interested in THE AFTERNOON HIKER by J.L. and Lin Stepp which is now on my wishlist. I love finding new-to-me authors who seem to treasure nature as much as I do.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies. ARC provided by NetGalley.
December 22, 2014
Makin' Miracles
by Lin Stepp
Released: December 30, 2014
** Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest Review. **
-- From the Cover --
"A charming portrait of the Smokies, their people, and a wonderful way of life." --Deborah Smith, New York Times bestselling author
Set in Tennessee's postcard-perfect Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp's Makin' Miracles is an inspiring tale that reveals why love and forgiveness are most important just when they seem most impossible. . .
Zola Devon has always been a little different. Half Tahitian, with long black hair and dark eyes, she's especially distinctive in the mountain town of Gatlinburg. She even stocks her gift shop, Nature's Corner, with items that reflect her island heritage and tantalize tourists. But it's her spot-on intuition that truly sets Zola apart. When she gets a hunch about a person, she's almost always right. And when the surly photographer who owns the gallery next door starts meddling in her business, she can only hope that, for once, her instincts are wrong.
The one thing Spencer Jackson loves more than his camera is the majestic scenery of the Smoky Mountains. Reeling from his painful past, he's settled in a cabin in the woods to train his lens on the breathtaking landscape. A woman as uniquely beguiling as Zola could only throw his simple, uncomplicated days into chaos--and force him to lay bare his darkest secrets. But as their lives become unavoidably intertwined, they both may discover the beauty of the truth, and the joy of the unexpected.
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Faith-based sweet, gentle romance about taking a chance and learning acceptance. It has a slow and lazing pace to it, but flows smoothly. The characters are unique to what I'd normally read. He's a nature photographer with a grudge against his past and family. He's fairly closed off to people other than his two business partners. She's a vivacious gal, but seems rather naive, even though she's seen first-hand the cruelty, prejudice, superstition and fear from people who learn of her being what she calls a Christian seer. Neither are very strong characters. Dialogue is a little foreign to me, they tend to call each other by their full names often. Secondary characters are all unique and mostly enjoyable. The depictive nature of the author's writing is very soothing and allows the story to flourish. However, I often found it difficult to maintain my focus due to the sedate pace of the book. There was enough conflict throughout the book from many directions to keep you guessing and wondering about the outcomes, where some resolved more slowly than others. Predictability was not an issue whatsoever. The conclusion is drawn fairly tight and solid.
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Score: 3.8
Stars: 4
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December 3, 2014
Makin’ Miracles is the story of Zola Devon and Spencer Jackson’s romance. The story takes place in the beautiful Smokey Mountains setting. What a fantastic place for a novel! One of my very favorite locales. Zola is a bit exotic for the area. Half Tahitian, with black hair and dark eyes, she runs a shop, Nature’s Corner, in Gatlinburg. Spencer Jackson is a nature photographer of some note who runs a gallery in Gatlinburg. Though not exotic as Zola is, Spencer lives with memories of growing up in a dysfunctional family and a one-time fiancé he lost when his brother married her. Both come together in this beautifully written love story. At first, they each tread carefully in the relationship, but, as time passes, the intensity of their attraction and feelings get the better of them and they begin to give into their feelings, making this a sweet, sublime love story. This is a book about loving and forgiving. Unlike so many others, this book is Christian, family oriented, with no sex scenes or the other trappings we have all come to associate with today’s sometimes steamy romances. However, the author loses nothing in that regard, as this book held my attention from the first page to the last.
There really is no surprise ending, as I knew they would come together eventually. However, this book is filled with sweet moments of discovery—discovery of each other and their past memories/histories, of the lifelong negative effect Spencer’s dysfunctional family has had on him and his life, of Zola’s unique ability to continually see the good side of things. Frankly, this book was a real breath of fresh air, after reading so many other cookie cutter romances, filled with coming together, drifting apart, and steamy, sex scenes. The setting was absolutely enchanting, and I loved reading about all the wonderful things Spencer himself and with the help of Zola found in nature.
I found the section where both went home to meet Spencer’s estranged, dysfunctional family a bit disconcerting, but through it all, both Zola and Spencer acted true to form. After the visit, like Zola, I could well understand and appreciate how and why Spencer hated going home and had stayed away for twelve years. The author did a great job of describing his family to help everyone understand exactly how things were and why Spencer never wanted to go home to mend fences.
As the book progressed, the reader sees Spencer and Zola work at and overcome the many “monsters” they had been grappling with all their lives, each helping the other in his/her own way. During this wonderful season of love, forgiveness and new beginnings, this book provided a welcome respite from all the hubbub going on around me. As I said, it was refreshing and welcome. The story of these two will stay with me long after the story. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy a good romance, without many of the trappings found in today’s romances. I am sure, like me, you will find it a real keeper and a welcome refreshing read. I received this from NetGalley to read and provide and honest review.
There really is no surprise ending, as I knew they would come together eventually. However, this book is filled with sweet moments of discovery—discovery of each other and their past memories/histories, of the lifelong negative effect Spencer’s dysfunctional family has had on him and his life, of Zola’s unique ability to continually see the good side of things. Frankly, this book was a real breath of fresh air, after reading so many other cookie cutter romances, filled with coming together, drifting apart, and steamy, sex scenes. The setting was absolutely enchanting, and I loved reading about all the wonderful things Spencer himself and with the help of Zola found in nature.
I found the section where both went home to meet Spencer’s estranged, dysfunctional family a bit disconcerting, but through it all, both Zola and Spencer acted true to form. After the visit, like Zola, I could well understand and appreciate how and why Spencer hated going home and had stayed away for twelve years. The author did a great job of describing his family to help everyone understand exactly how things were and why Spencer never wanted to go home to mend fences.
As the book progressed, the reader sees Spencer and Zola work at and overcome the many “monsters” they had been grappling with all their lives, each helping the other in his/her own way. During this wonderful season of love, forgiveness and new beginnings, this book provided a welcome respite from all the hubbub going on around me. As I said, it was refreshing and welcome. The story of these two will stay with me long after the story. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy a good romance, without many of the trappings found in today’s romances. I am sure, like me, you will find it a real keeper and a welcome refreshing read. I received this from NetGalley to read and provide and honest review.
December 30, 2014
A special thank you to the author, Kensington, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lin Stepp, is back with her Smoky Mountain contemporary series Makin’ Miracles, a charming tale set in East Tennessee for an inspiring tale of faith, love and forgiveness. (3.5 Stars)
Zola, from a multi-cultural background, half Tahitian and American, owns a charming gift shop in town called Nature’s Corner in Gatlinburg. She also possess a special and unusual gift as a seer, often receiving messages or words from God, for others. However, sometimes her warnings or messages, are not so well received.
Spencer, a photographer and owner of the Jackson Gallery, first meets Zola in her shop, when he is shopping with a woman designer and business colleague, Leena. Zola lets him know to be careful of this woman as she is a thief. He did not appreciate her interference; however, indeed the warning proved true the same night. Due to Zola, he was able to escape with his possessions intact. Spencer also has a strained relationship with his brother Bowden and things have happened in the past to foster problems between the two brothers.
Spencer and Zola meet again at Raven’s Den which is now on Spencer’s land where he lives in a remote cabin; however, it holds a special place and meaning to Zola and her childhood. She believes a person needs a place where they can go to find peace and get collected in their soul. “The world is not always kind to non-conformists, to those who are different.”
As these two troubled souls are connected, they each learn from one another; as they share their secrets and past and renewed spirit for the future. Makin’ Miracles is a charming and inspiring story with small town southern characters, friends, and family; filled with romance, mystery, intrigue, and words of faith. (Nice book club and group discussion questions at the end).
Fans of Sherryl Woods, Mariah Stewart, and Jan Karon will enjoy the small town charm and light hearted read.
On a personal note, one of my favorite spots is a day of solace overlooking God’s nature in the mountains, hiking and enjoying the beauty of a waterfall; also bringing cleansing and new lightness to Spencer in the novel at Bucknear Branch.
If you have not read Stepp’s Down by the River, would highly recommend this heartwarming and inspirational read, of one woman’s courage to open a B&B- One you will want to treasure and tell all your friends, with a reiterating theme, “it is never too late to start over.”
If you are looking for a mountain Christmas story, check out: A Smoky Mountain Christmas!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
Lin Stepp, is back with her Smoky Mountain contemporary series Makin’ Miracles, a charming tale set in East Tennessee for an inspiring tale of faith, love and forgiveness. (3.5 Stars)
Zola, from a multi-cultural background, half Tahitian and American, owns a charming gift shop in town called Nature’s Corner in Gatlinburg. She also possess a special and unusual gift as a seer, often receiving messages or words from God, for others. However, sometimes her warnings or messages, are not so well received.
Spencer, a photographer and owner of the Jackson Gallery, first meets Zola in her shop, when he is shopping with a woman designer and business colleague, Leena. Zola lets him know to be careful of this woman as she is a thief. He did not appreciate her interference; however, indeed the warning proved true the same night. Due to Zola, he was able to escape with his possessions intact. Spencer also has a strained relationship with his brother Bowden and things have happened in the past to foster problems between the two brothers.
Spencer and Zola meet again at Raven’s Den which is now on Spencer’s land where he lives in a remote cabin; however, it holds a special place and meaning to Zola and her childhood. She believes a person needs a place where they can go to find peace and get collected in their soul. “The world is not always kind to non-conformists, to those who are different.”
As these two troubled souls are connected, they each learn from one another; as they share their secrets and past and renewed spirit for the future. Makin’ Miracles is a charming and inspiring story with small town southern characters, friends, and family; filled with romance, mystery, intrigue, and words of faith. (Nice book club and group discussion questions at the end).
Fans of Sherryl Woods, Mariah Stewart, and Jan Karon will enjoy the small town charm and light hearted read.
On a personal note, one of my favorite spots is a day of solace overlooking God’s nature in the mountains, hiking and enjoying the beauty of a waterfall; also bringing cleansing and new lightness to Spencer in the novel at Bucknear Branch.
If you have not read Stepp’s Down by the River, would highly recommend this heartwarming and inspirational read, of one woman’s courage to open a B&B- One you will want to treasure and tell all your friends, with a reiterating theme, “it is never too late to start over.”
If you are looking for a mountain Christmas story, check out: A Smoky Mountain Christmas!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
November 19, 2014
Lin Stepp's Makin' Miracles takes me right back to the gorgeous Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee. Makin' Miracles is the latest book in Stepp's Smoky Mountain series. It is available online and in stores on December 30th.
Stepp's Smoky Mountain series is a Christian romantic contemporary series. Makin' Miracles is the love story of Zola and Spencer. Spencer's photographic art gallery is located in the same area as Zola's nature shop. Zola has deep family roots in the Gatlinburg are whereas Spencer left his family ties behind in Virginia. As we learn more about the two them, we discover Spencer has deep animosities toward his family and in particular his brother who married the woman Spencer considered to be his true love.
Stepp has added an extra dimension to Makin' Miracles. Zola has a spiritual gift that sometimes allows her to see the near future. This is not a flaky New Age medium type of gift. It is a spiritual gift from God. The strong Christian theme throughout the story is very refreshing.
Makin' Miracles is a lovely romance that will warm your heart! It is a great addition to Stepp's Smoky Mountain series. I highly recommend Makin' Miracles.
Stepp's Smoky Mountain series is a Christian romantic contemporary series. Makin' Miracles is the love story of Zola and Spencer. Spencer's photographic art gallery is located in the same area as Zola's nature shop. Zola has deep family roots in the Gatlinburg are whereas Spencer left his family ties behind in Virginia. As we learn more about the two them, we discover Spencer has deep animosities toward his family and in particular his brother who married the woman Spencer considered to be his true love.
Stepp has added an extra dimension to Makin' Miracles. Zola has a spiritual gift that sometimes allows her to see the near future. This is not a flaky New Age medium type of gift. It is a spiritual gift from God. The strong Christian theme throughout the story is very refreshing.
Makin' Miracles is a lovely romance that will warm your heart! It is a great addition to Stepp's Smoky Mountain series. I highly recommend Makin' Miracles.
March 14, 2015
The books by Lin Stepp centering around the Smoky Mountains are great and I really like where she draws a small map showing the places in the book.
In this book, Zola Devon runs a small gift shop in Gatlinburg in the shopping center where the Jackson Gallery is located. Spencer Jackson is a well-known photographer and has always been a loner until he meets Zola. She has the gift of sight and warns Spencer about the woman he is with. He becomes angry but finds that she spoke the truth. He is attracted to Zola but is unsure of her “gift”. He doesn't like that she can read his mind a lot. She is attracted to him but does not like the angry side he shows when discussing his family. She tells him that he has to get over it and not live in the past. Can these two make a life together?
In this book, Zola Devon runs a small gift shop in Gatlinburg in the shopping center where the Jackson Gallery is located. Spencer Jackson is a well-known photographer and has always been a loner until he meets Zola. She has the gift of sight and warns Spencer about the woman he is with. He becomes angry but finds that she spoke the truth. He is attracted to Zola but is unsure of her “gift”. He doesn't like that she can read his mind a lot. She is attracted to him but does not like the angry side he shows when discussing his family. She tells him that he has to get over it and not live in the past. Can these two make a life together?
January 17, 2015
A wonderfully warm romance in a charming setting. There are many Christian themes woven throughout, including learning to let go of the past and also to see the best in yourself and others. I especially enjoyed the detailed and beautiful descriptions of the Smoky Mountains, covering a variety of settings and different times of the year. It’s clear the author knows and loves this area. Although it is set in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, she’s really created and populated her own town with a cast of characters who are all unique, relatable, and intriguing. They come from many different backgrounds, and yet the genuine care they show for one another is heartwarming. It will be fun to read the other novels and see more how these characters’ lives intersect.
February 3, 2015
This is a Christian fiction story that has our heroine, Zola, getting visions from God. She helps the people of Gatlinburg who come into her small shop. Famed photographer Spencer has built his home in a remote area which Zola loved to walk and commune with nature. When they finally meet they feel a strong attraction but there are many issues they need to overcome before they marry. Spencer has family issues and some trouble dealing with Zola's visions. This is a great story of strong family ties and faith. Lin Stepp is a new author for me and I enjoyed her story.
January 9, 2015
Another wonderful Smoky Mountain novel from a talented author! I have enjoyed reading the whole series by Lin Stepp. I particularly enjoy her descriptions of the settings of her novels, often inspiring me to get out and enjoy the out of doors! Her characters are often people of strong faith, and I find myself wishing they were "real" people with whom I could sit down and have a cup of coffee and discussion.
I highly recommend the entire series!
I highly recommend the entire series!
March 16, 2015
Another of Lin Stepp's books that I could not put down. This book was a little different from her other Smoky Mountain books, because she added some unusual characters. I loved them, and I loved the story. I am never disappointed in her books. Always clean, always charming, and I always have a hard time not being able to put down her books. I can't wait for the next one. I highly recommend this book!
Read
January 15, 2015A good story of an artist/photographer and a woman with a special gift of "sight" who meet and fall in love despite their difference in backgrounds. They help each other to understand their differences and she helps him let go of bad memories and a past love. The also help friends/colleagues find their own loves
January 11, 2022
I really liked this story about people living in the Smokies. It is a heartwarming story about love and forgiveness.
Zola Devon is a woman who has always been a bit different. She has a father from the US who is a missionary doctor serving on a small island in the Pacific. Her mother was a Tahitian and has passed. Zola lives in Gatlinburg and owns a gift shop; the shop features items from her heritage that appeal to tourists. She also has the gift of "sight"; she can intuit when something may happen to a person..
She meets a photographer, Spencer Jackson, who has a shop in the same gallery as her shop. Spencer has a painful past that he is trying to ignore. He has built a cabin in the woods to be able to capture the beautiful landscape and wildlife. He is also distancing himself from others, especially his family back home.
Zola throws his uncomplicated life in chaos. He is forced to face his dark secrets. Zola is aware he has these secrets and wants to help him. But it is hard.
I loved the theme of this book and I hope there are more in this series.
Zola Devon is a woman who has always been a bit different. She has a father from the US who is a missionary doctor serving on a small island in the Pacific. Her mother was a Tahitian and has passed. Zola lives in Gatlinburg and owns a gift shop; the shop features items from her heritage that appeal to tourists. She also has the gift of "sight"; she can intuit when something may happen to a person..
She meets a photographer, Spencer Jackson, who has a shop in the same gallery as her shop. Spencer has a painful past that he is trying to ignore. He has built a cabin in the woods to be able to capture the beautiful landscape and wildlife. He is also distancing himself from others, especially his family back home.
Zola throws his uncomplicated life in chaos. He is forced to face his dark secrets. Zola is aware he has these secrets and wants to help him. But it is hard.
I loved the theme of this book and I hope there are more in this series.
June 3, 2022
I love the gift from God that Zola had been given. I loved that Spencer was a photographer. I believe that God can and will give people different gifts. So when Zola had this gift it made the story line special, and since I love photography it made me see how Spencer was taking these wonderful pictures. Lin Stepp’s writing was amazing in these two areas. She made you feel and see these things like you was right there. Like Zola and Spencer was your best friends Really enjoy Lin Stepp’s writing and her faith that carries over in her books!
May 24, 2017
Stepp's strong Christian faith comes through strong in this book more than all the others that I have read. I am not nearly as religious myself but still enjoyed this book. I think Lin could write about the most Ordinary People and make they seem almost magical. Her books all have so much peace and hope for everyone to have a peaceful filling life full of love.
February 1, 2020
I didn't want this to end..
This is one book I didn't want to end! Set in Gatlinburg,Tennessee, you meet Zola and Spencer. She owns a gift shop and he is a renowned nature photograph with his gallery. With her gift of " knowing ", they are quickly at odds. He has family problems and a lot of people expect Zola to be able to find a missing person. This is a very good read!
This is one book I didn't want to end! Set in Gatlinburg,Tennessee, you meet Zola and Spencer. She owns a gift shop and he is a renowned nature photograph with his gallery. With her gift of " knowing ", they are quickly at odds. He has family problems and a lot of people expect Zola to be able to find a missing person. This is a very good read!
September 2, 2021
Makin’ Miracles
I loved the spiritual Christianity of Zola and her family. Spencer was a whiner who refused to move on from childhood and young adulthood emotional trauma. That part of the story became repetitive and tiresome. It was refreshing to have a couple learning about each without sexual intimacy.
I loved the spiritual Christianity of Zola and her family. Spencer was a whiner who refused to move on from childhood and young adulthood emotional trauma. That part of the story became repetitive and tiresome. It was refreshing to have a couple learning about each without sexual intimacy.
November 23, 2017
A delightful novel that moves between Gatlinburg, Tenn. and Tahiti. Spencer was raise by a family that did not show tenderness or weakness so he has trouble empathizing with others. Zola is a caring person who puts others first. Can they overcome their differences?
February 28, 2020
Well done
If you enjoy clean romance with a Faith base without being preachy, this book fits the bill. The characters are well developed
. I wanted the book to continue, feeling like I knew the main characters and wanted to be part of their next adventure!
If you enjoy clean romance with a Faith base without being preachy, this book fits the bill. The characters are well developed
. I wanted the book to continue, feeling like I knew the main characters and wanted to be part of their next adventure!
May 16, 2018
I enjoyed the setting of this book but it’s very religious. Much more than the other books I’ve read by Mrs. Stepp. It felt preachy at times. Not a bad book just not my favorite.
February 7, 2023
This was such a sweet book with a hint of mystery! Some parts were slow at times but over all I loved it!!
September 3, 2025
Story seem to end abruptly ....???
January 5, 2020
The Gift
This is wonderful story of two very different young people who meet in an unusuaL way. Both have gifts ,very different gifts. Both also are from very different backgrounds but the question is will their differences balance them , or will those differences divide them. It's definitely worth reading the book to find out who they are, the gifts they have and whether those gifts plus their differences bring them balance, peace, or division. It's a wonderful story . I've read Avery book Lin Stepp has written and find each one a treasure. I look forward to any new book she writes beached talent for creating a story that sounds as if it walked off the pages of life then it would be her stories.
This is wonderful story of two very different young people who meet in an unusuaL way. Both have gifts ,very different gifts. Both also are from very different backgrounds but the question is will their differences balance them , or will those differences divide them. It's definitely worth reading the book to find out who they are, the gifts they have and whether those gifts plus their differences bring them balance, peace, or division. It's a wonderful story . I've read Avery book Lin Stepp has written and find each one a treasure. I look forward to any new book she writes beached talent for creating a story that sounds as if it walked off the pages of life then it would be her stories.
June 7, 2020
Makin’ Miracles is book #7 in Lin Stepp’s Smoky Mountain series. Every Lin Stepp story is a treasure onto itself. This story is a beautiful tale of love, even when you least expect it. Zola Devon is a young woman, full of love… love for God, love for her family, love for her beloved mountains, her home. Zola is a seer… she receives premonitions, insights from God into the future concerning individuals. Her insights are almost always correct. Her interactions with reclusive Spencer Jackson increase, so does the story. Does Zola see a happy ever after to their story?
January 22, 2015
At first, I really hard time getting into Makin' Miracles. It was rather slow the first third of the book. But then, I found myself captivated and quickly finished the book. I found that I really liked the book and hope to read more from the series and the author.
4 stars.
4 stars.
January 28, 2015
Romance and Mystery set in the Smokies
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The leading man is a nature photographer so this really peaked my interest! I could envision the beautiful settings in the mountains through the author's eyes and enjoyed the faith-based theme.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The leading man is a nature photographer so this really peaked my interest! I could envision the beautiful settings in the mountains through the author's eyes and enjoyed the faith-based theme.
March 1, 2015
I read this book in 2 days. It is wonderfully written. Since I live in NC I enjoy books about the TN and NC mountains. This is a wonderful story of Zola and Spencer and the obstacles they had to overcome to start a life together.
Read
November 9, 2015I loved the location and how they brought it vividly to life. Good story, I loved how unique it was and not like anything I had read before.
February 4, 2017
Well....
I would give it two and a half stars if possible. Too cheesy for me!
I needed a bit more...
I would give it two and a half stars if possible. Too cheesy for me!
I needed a bit more...
December 10, 2019
Not for me.
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