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Smoky Mountain #8
Saving Laurel Springs
"A charming portrait of the Smokies, their people, and a wonderful way of life." --Deborah Smith, New York Times bestselling author
In a heartwarming novel set amid the lush splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp reunites two kindred spirits in a charming story of first love and surprising second chances. . .
See ya later--and love you forever, Rhea Dean. Those are the words Rhea's childhood sweetheart, Carter Layman, used to say whenever they parted. Not that she places much stock in words anymore. After all, Carter drove off to college in California, promising to make a fortune to help save their families' vacation resort. Instead he stayed there and married someone else. It fell to Rhea to keep Laurel Springs going and she's done just that, working long hours on the camp grounds, buoyed by the beauty of her Smokies home.
Now a widower with a young son, Carter has achieved huge success as a games developer. But he always planned to return to the spring-fed lake and the soaring mountains, to the covered bridge where he and Rhea made wishes and traded kisses. He's coming home to turn Laurel Springs into the place they planned to build together. And as he reveals the truth about his past, Rhea must decide whether to trust in the man--and the dreams--she's never forgotten.
In a heartwarming novel set amid the lush splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp reunites two kindred spirits in a charming story of first love and surprising second chances. . .
See ya later--and love you forever, Rhea Dean. Those are the words Rhea's childhood sweetheart, Carter Layman, used to say whenever they parted. Not that she places much stock in words anymore. After all, Carter drove off to college in California, promising to make a fortune to help save their families' vacation resort. Instead he stayed there and married someone else. It fell to Rhea to keep Laurel Springs going and she's done just that, working long hours on the camp grounds, buoyed by the beauty of her Smokies home.
Now a widower with a young son, Carter has achieved huge success as a games developer. But he always planned to return to the spring-fed lake and the soaring mountains, to the covered bridge where he and Rhea made wishes and traded kisses. He's coming home to turn Laurel Springs into the place they planned to build together. And as he reveals the truth about his past, Rhea must decide whether to trust in the man--and the dreams--she's never forgotten.
240 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2015
33 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 16, 2016
A special thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lin Stepp, returns with another installment of her charming Smoky Mountain series, with SAVING LAUREL SPRINGS, a camp rental assembly resort with picturesque cabins in dire need of repair--as well as those who own, and manage the property.
Rhea and Carter’s family has owned the Laurel Springs Resort in the heart of the Smoky Mountains for years. She has longed to fix up the resort with rental bikes, washer and dryers, new computers, and updates to the assembly church, and grounds with new equipment and gazebo by the lake--however, the money is not there to make the repairs.
They had planned to attend college together; however, it did not work out, as Rhea found excuses, and Carter moved to California and married someone else. However, when he returns to Laurel Springs, Jeannie and the others want them to be friends so they can hang out. Rhea is not so sure about those plans, as those times were gone. She thinks he is a traitor. If it was not summer and the height of tourist season, she would take off on a trip somewhere to avoid laying eyes on him. He was a snake.
She hated him for what he did to her and how he hurt her. Jennie must be crazy to think she would want to buddy up to him and be chummy friends again. They had grown up together, had been best friends through childhood and sweethearts later on.
He reeked of money, was sophisticated, and drove flashy cars. Now he has a son, Taylor the spitting image of Carter at the same age. Now for their first meeting she is in her old work clothes and caught off guard.
Their dreams of saving the family vacation resort did not work out the way she planned. She resents staying in the town and working, while he moved on with another life. Now he is back and says he is planning on staying with old unfinished dreams. She knows it has been here all along so why come back now.
Will Rhea resent Carter using his money and wealth to try and come back to revitalize Laurel Springs, and save the day. If she really wants these changes, why is she not happy?
However, Rhea is bitter and has not thought about Carter’s life. She knows it probably cannot compare to his fancy adventurous life in California. Did he really want her to come to California, years ago? What really happened all those years ago?
As the summer moves on Rhea felt more uncomfortable around Carter as they had revealed their hearts to each other and yet she still found herself unable to let go of the past. As the renovations continue and the excitement about the transformation and tourism heats up bringing fall retreats and workshops to Laurel Springs, she thinks more about the covered bridge and its traditions. Can she get past her anger to move forward with a future? Can she accept his son, Taylor?
A heartwarming story of miscommunication, love, friendship – when things are not always as they seem. When selfish turns to selfless; a story of second chances.
Lin Stepp always delivers a backdrop of beauty with her settings and well-developed flawed characters, for a life lesson and take away of the strong power of love. Having read the other books in the series--each can be read as a standalone; however, you will want to read them all. I was not wild about Rhea's character; however, liked Carter--she appeared to always blame someone else for her life, yet not doing anything to change her circumstances.
Fans of Susan Wiggs and her Lake Chronicles– will enjoy the camp setting, light romance, friendship, family and special memories. I have worked and stayed at similar properties—and enjoy the nature and cabins, as a way to recharge, read, with great hiking, cycling, and waterfalls….soothing for the soul. (especially in the autumn-my favorite time of the year).
Looking forward to the ninth book in the series, “Welcome Back,” while revisiting with with familiar characters, coming next spring. Set in Maggie Valley area--have spent some time visiting in the area, with fond memories, as a child.
JDCMustReadBooks
Lin Stepp, returns with another installment of her charming Smoky Mountain series, with SAVING LAUREL SPRINGS, a camp rental assembly resort with picturesque cabins in dire need of repair--as well as those who own, and manage the property.
Rhea and Carter’s family has owned the Laurel Springs Resort in the heart of the Smoky Mountains for years. She has longed to fix up the resort with rental bikes, washer and dryers, new computers, and updates to the assembly church, and grounds with new equipment and gazebo by the lake--however, the money is not there to make the repairs.
They had planned to attend college together; however, it did not work out, as Rhea found excuses, and Carter moved to California and married someone else. However, when he returns to Laurel Springs, Jeannie and the others want them to be friends so they can hang out. Rhea is not so sure about those plans, as those times were gone. She thinks he is a traitor. If it was not summer and the height of tourist season, she would take off on a trip somewhere to avoid laying eyes on him. He was a snake.
She hated him for what he did to her and how he hurt her. Jennie must be crazy to think she would want to buddy up to him and be chummy friends again. They had grown up together, had been best friends through childhood and sweethearts later on.
He reeked of money, was sophisticated, and drove flashy cars. Now he has a son, Taylor the spitting image of Carter at the same age. Now for their first meeting she is in her old work clothes and caught off guard.
Their dreams of saving the family vacation resort did not work out the way she planned. She resents staying in the town and working, while he moved on with another life. Now he is back and says he is planning on staying with old unfinished dreams. She knows it has been here all along so why come back now.
Will Rhea resent Carter using his money and wealth to try and come back to revitalize Laurel Springs, and save the day. If she really wants these changes, why is she not happy?
However, Rhea is bitter and has not thought about Carter’s life. She knows it probably cannot compare to his fancy adventurous life in California. Did he really want her to come to California, years ago? What really happened all those years ago?
As the summer moves on Rhea felt more uncomfortable around Carter as they had revealed their hearts to each other and yet she still found herself unable to let go of the past. As the renovations continue and the excitement about the transformation and tourism heats up bringing fall retreats and workshops to Laurel Springs, she thinks more about the covered bridge and its traditions. Can she get past her anger to move forward with a future? Can she accept his son, Taylor?
A heartwarming story of miscommunication, love, friendship – when things are not always as they seem. When selfish turns to selfless; a story of second chances.
Lin Stepp always delivers a backdrop of beauty with her settings and well-developed flawed characters, for a life lesson and take away of the strong power of love. Having read the other books in the series--each can be read as a standalone; however, you will want to read them all. I was not wild about Rhea's character; however, liked Carter--she appeared to always blame someone else for her life, yet not doing anything to change her circumstances.
Fans of Susan Wiggs and her Lake Chronicles– will enjoy the camp setting, light romance, friendship, family and special memories. I have worked and stayed at similar properties—and enjoy the nature and cabins, as a way to recharge, read, with great hiking, cycling, and waterfalls….soothing for the soul. (especially in the autumn-my favorite time of the year).
Looking forward to the ninth book in the series, “Welcome Back,” while revisiting with with familiar characters, coming next spring. Set in Maggie Valley area--have spent some time visiting in the area, with fond memories, as a child.
JDCMustReadBooks
September 24, 2015
Rated 3.5 - A camp assembly in the Great Smoky Mountains is the setting for the eighth novel of this sweet contemporary series with a heartfelt faith message woven within the romance.
The highlighted lesson behind this Christian story is forgiveness and it's honed beautifully by the end of the story. How many of us harbor resentment for the past, never releasing ourselves into the power of forgiveness? SAVING LAUREL SPRINGS illustrates one woman's rather bumpy journey through bitterness, ending with a rich new beginning that will touch your heart.
Rhea Dean is an interesting character. She had youthful dreams of moving to California with her best friend, but sad circumstances kept her in the town where she grew up. Now she spreads herself thin over the many tasks at the declining Laurel Springs Camp Assembly Grounds, a vacation cabin and camping resort on a lake in the Smoky Mountains. It's her persistent faith in the resort's potential that has held it together when times were tough over the years, her enthusiasm never tiring. But she isn't happy, even if Rhea thinks that she has moved on. That's due to her resentment toward her childhood sweetheart who left to go to college, staying away while advancing his career as a computer game developer, leaving their shared dreams behind in Laurel Springs.
But did Carter Layman ever really forget? We find out when he moves back to Laurel Springs as a widower, bringing his six-year-old son Taylor with him. In the first few chapters, Rhea and Carter unexpectantly reunite on the bridge where they shared their first kiss as teenagers. Rhea is spitting mad at Carter, even after all these years, but he also still has the ability to rile her passion.
Even though his wife has died, Rhea can't forgive Carter for not only loving someone else, but also forgetting her and their mutual goals. Rhea can be very hateful and unlikeable at times. Her resentment is often used as a shield for her heart that still cares, even if she won't admit it. Will her bitterness and inability to forgive cost her the happiness she deserves?
Carter wants to renew his friendship with Rhea, the girl he never forgot. Carter is home for good and wants to work on all the goals he once had for Laurel Springs, using the money he's made from his very successful business while making a home for his son. But will Rhea appreciate his efforts, or resent them as an intrusion into the life she has built without him?
I enjoy Lin Stepp's books for their simplicity, taking us down-home into the lives of people who understand poverty, hard work and a belief that life improves with faith. Although there is an underlying mystery in this story, I felt that it was hinted at enough to figure it out before the characters resolve it. The suspense doesn't ratchet anxiety but gives the characters a way to unravel their town's history. The results were fun and it gave this couple more time alone to reacquaint themselves with who they are today.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, especially the ending which was surprising and made me smile at the characters' sarcasm. The faith message was especially well done which made the ending more spiritual for me. I did find a few repeated facts that seemed overdone in my advanced reader copy, but those could have been smoothed over in final edits before publication. I also wasn't always convinced of Carter's son Taylor's age because of his advanced dialogue that made him seem wise for his years. Since the repeated facts and the child's actions were related, it was a quibble for me, which probably wouldn't have been if they didn't coincide. Even with that small bump, I was engaged in the story.
SAVING LAUREL SPRINGS easily stands alone if you haven't read any of the previous seven novels in the SMOKY MOUNTAIN series. I enjoyed book seven, MAKIN' MIRACLES, but I don't remember any connecting facts between the two books other than they're both satisfying stories based on nature and faith, so I think you can easily start anywhere in this series.
Lin Stepp's books embrace an innocence brimming with conversational dialogue that remind me of country life in the 60s, placed within a modern day story. The small town pace accentuated by nature is what draws me to Ms. Stepp's novels, full of nostalgia for an era lost but never forgotten.
If you prefer sweet romance stories infused with Christian lessons, along with vivid depictions of a beautiful, natural setting, then grab a copy of SAVING LAUREL SPRINGS on September 29, 2015 and wander up the mountainside to relive those breathtaking views.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and The Zest Quest. Digital ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
The highlighted lesson behind this Christian story is forgiveness and it's honed beautifully by the end of the story. How many of us harbor resentment for the past, never releasing ourselves into the power of forgiveness? SAVING LAUREL SPRINGS illustrates one woman's rather bumpy journey through bitterness, ending with a rich new beginning that will touch your heart.
Rhea Dean is an interesting character. She had youthful dreams of moving to California with her best friend, but sad circumstances kept her in the town where she grew up. Now she spreads herself thin over the many tasks at the declining Laurel Springs Camp Assembly Grounds, a vacation cabin and camping resort on a lake in the Smoky Mountains. It's her persistent faith in the resort's potential that has held it together when times were tough over the years, her enthusiasm never tiring. But she isn't happy, even if Rhea thinks that she has moved on. That's due to her resentment toward her childhood sweetheart who left to go to college, staying away while advancing his career as a computer game developer, leaving their shared dreams behind in Laurel Springs.
But did Carter Layman ever really forget? We find out when he moves back to Laurel Springs as a widower, bringing his six-year-old son Taylor with him. In the first few chapters, Rhea and Carter unexpectantly reunite on the bridge where they shared their first kiss as teenagers. Rhea is spitting mad at Carter, even after all these years, but he also still has the ability to rile her passion.
Even though his wife has died, Rhea can't forgive Carter for not only loving someone else, but also forgetting her and their mutual goals. Rhea can be very hateful and unlikeable at times. Her resentment is often used as a shield for her heart that still cares, even if she won't admit it. Will her bitterness and inability to forgive cost her the happiness she deserves?
Carter wants to renew his friendship with Rhea, the girl he never forgot. Carter is home for good and wants to work on all the goals he once had for Laurel Springs, using the money he's made from his very successful business while making a home for his son. But will Rhea appreciate his efforts, or resent them as an intrusion into the life she has built without him?
I enjoy Lin Stepp's books for their simplicity, taking us down-home into the lives of people who understand poverty, hard work and a belief that life improves with faith. Although there is an underlying mystery in this story, I felt that it was hinted at enough to figure it out before the characters resolve it. The suspense doesn't ratchet anxiety but gives the characters a way to unravel their town's history. The results were fun and it gave this couple more time alone to reacquaint themselves with who they are today.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, especially the ending which was surprising and made me smile at the characters' sarcasm. The faith message was especially well done which made the ending more spiritual for me. I did find a few repeated facts that seemed overdone in my advanced reader copy, but those could have been smoothed over in final edits before publication. I also wasn't always convinced of Carter's son Taylor's age because of his advanced dialogue that made him seem wise for his years. Since the repeated facts and the child's actions were related, it was a quibble for me, which probably wouldn't have been if they didn't coincide. Even with that small bump, I was engaged in the story.
SAVING LAUREL SPRINGS easily stands alone if you haven't read any of the previous seven novels in the SMOKY MOUNTAIN series. I enjoyed book seven, MAKIN' MIRACLES, but I don't remember any connecting facts between the two books other than they're both satisfying stories based on nature and faith, so I think you can easily start anywhere in this series.
Lin Stepp's books embrace an innocence brimming with conversational dialogue that remind me of country life in the 60s, placed within a modern day story. The small town pace accentuated by nature is what draws me to Ms. Stepp's novels, full of nostalgia for an era lost but never forgotten.
If you prefer sweet romance stories infused with Christian lessons, along with vivid depictions of a beautiful, natural setting, then grab a copy of SAVING LAUREL SPRINGS on September 29, 2015 and wander up the mountainside to relive those breathtaking views.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and The Zest Quest. Digital ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
August 15, 2015
Saving Laurel Springs is the third book in the Smoky Mountain Novel series by Lin Stepp that I have read. Saving Laurel Springs is a stand-alone novel but I would recommend reading the other books in the series as they are all so charming.
As with the earlier books, I was quickly drawn into the story of Rhea and Carter whose families have long owned the Laurel Springs resort in the Smoky Mountains. Life-long friends, Rhea and Carter had planned to attend college in California together. But Rhea always found excuses not to go and Carter found a new life in California and married someone else. When he returns to Laurel Springs Rhea is challenged and torn with conflicting feelings for both Carter and his young son Taylor.
This heartwarming tale spun by master storyteller Lin Stepp is a story of friendship, love, and misunderstandings. Do we really hear what others are trying to tell us or do we just hear what we want to. Sometimes one persons dreams are not anothers. This is tale of second chances.
The beautiful Smoky Mountains are brought to life with beautiful descriptions by author Stepp. I was attracted to the first Smoky Mountain novel by the setting and have kept reading because of the excellent writing style and the heartwarming tales. I've learned a lot about the people of the region through these novels.
Highly recommend Saving Laurel Springs.
As with the earlier books, I was quickly drawn into the story of Rhea and Carter whose families have long owned the Laurel Springs resort in the Smoky Mountains. Life-long friends, Rhea and Carter had planned to attend college in California together. But Rhea always found excuses not to go and Carter found a new life in California and married someone else. When he returns to Laurel Springs Rhea is challenged and torn with conflicting feelings for both Carter and his young son Taylor.
This heartwarming tale spun by master storyteller Lin Stepp is a story of friendship, love, and misunderstandings. Do we really hear what others are trying to tell us or do we just hear what we want to. Sometimes one persons dreams are not anothers. This is tale of second chances.
The beautiful Smoky Mountains are brought to life with beautiful descriptions by author Stepp. I was attracted to the first Smoky Mountain novel by the setting and have kept reading because of the excellent writing style and the heartwarming tales. I've learned a lot about the people of the region through these novels.
Highly recommend Saving Laurel Springs.
February 4, 2016
3.75. I'm always on the look out for a second chance romance. This was a cute one, focusing on two childhood best friends/sweethearts that were separated in college and are brought back together again almost a decade later. There's quite a bit of unresolved hurt between them, and I'm always a fan of that angst. Also, I had no idea it was Christian fiction until I was more than halfway through it, so there's no smut. Not gonna lie and say I didn't miss it, but it was still a good book.
August 26, 2015
Carter has returned to Laurel Springs with his young son hoping he can win Rhea's heart back after leaving 9 years ago. A Christian fiction that isn't preachy but has a church camp in the Smoky Mountains as a setting. It is a perfect setting for this romance and we get a chance to catchup with the couples from previous books. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more visits to the Springs.
September 17, 2015
Saving Laurel Springs is the third installment of A Smoky Mountain Novel series. I have really enjoyed this series and this book did not disappoint. It is a beautiful, heartwarming and clean story and I highly recommend it.
5 stars.
5 stars.
June 20, 2022
Another great read of Lin’s. The vision I have of the smoky mountains comes from all her books. She describes them so well! I alway can vision where the story is being told. I see it as if I am there with the characters in the book. This was a fun read and was entertaining. I love to read her books. I know when I got one of her books to read that my time will pass by quickly on my porch swing. Loved the characters in this book. Just a joy to read another of her books.
October 14, 2017
As a native of the Great Smoky Mountains area, I LOVED reading a sweet story set in our beautiful landscape. Lin Stepp respects detail and she respects readers. I appreciate a romance that doesn't stoop to illicit scenes, and, as a Christian, I admire Lin for openly sharing God's grace through her characters. Mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends will enjoy Saving Laurel Springs.
August 7, 2020
Ended too abruptly.
After reading through the whole book, it would have been nice to know about the wedding and first child and perhaps a glimpse of their future. Why not add a couple of paragraphs to sum up their next few years together? It would have meant an extra star from me.
After reading through the whole book, it would have been nice to know about the wedding and first child and perhaps a glimpse of their future. Why not add a couple of paragraphs to sum up their next few years together? It would have meant an extra star from me.
December 4, 2017
Love series
Love this series . Love the area she has Written about . Keep writing about the smokers. L9ve love love
Love this series . Love the area she has Written about . Keep writing about the smokers. L9ve love love
September 9, 2018
Quick great read
First of this series for me. Great characters, nice settings, just enough plot to keep you reading. I will look for more when I want a quick escape!
First of this series for me. Great characters, nice settings, just enough plot to keep you reading. I will look for more when I want a quick escape!
October 13, 2018
Though I don't read the romance genre much, I enjoyed the regional aspect to this book.
April 3, 2020
Hoopla E book
June 2, 2016
My view on the book is A stubborn heroine is reluctant to have help from a childhood sweetheart when strange goings on are happening to her family's holiday business. And boy do I mean stubborn! Rhea is so annoyed with what happened in the past with Carter that she absolutely point blank refuses his aid even when she needs it. Thankfully he does some stuff without her knowledge (she does find out later), which while it annoyed her that he had anything to do with her precious home which needs a lot of repairs that give her financial headaches, eventually Carter is able to melt her heart and their compassion for each other shines through.
Yes it takes an awful long time to get to that point, and I have to say I was so scared for Rhea, especially when the killer got too close for comfort. This is a book I refuse to read at night, because even though I know what happens, it's going to be scary on the reread since my memory is pretty poor and I'll have forgotten what happens (except for the end). I did like the fact that Carter had a son because it added an extra element to the tale, something Rhea couldn't easily predict. I also liked Rhea's community with some characters who'd do anything for her but had to cope with her trademark stubbornness. I had great fun reading her tale and I'm sure you will too!
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
Yes it takes an awful long time to get to that point, and I have to say I was so scared for Rhea, especially when the killer got too close for comfort. This is a book I refuse to read at night, because even though I know what happens, it's going to be scary on the reread since my memory is pretty poor and I'll have forgotten what happens (except for the end). I did like the fact that Carter had a son because it added an extra element to the tale, something Rhea couldn't easily predict. I also liked Rhea's community with some characters who'd do anything for her but had to cope with her trademark stubbornness. I had great fun reading her tale and I'm sure you will too!
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
November 23, 2015
Where there’s love, there’s always hope
When Carter Layman comes back home to the Great Smoky Mountains to help rebuild Laurel Springs family resort, he hopes that he will be able to win back Rhea Dean. Growing up together and being childhood sweet hearts, they dreamed that they would bring Laurel Springs back to life. However, when Carter went to California for his dreams and Rhea stayed behind, things were far from the dreams they had dreamed together. Now a widow with a young son, Carter comes back to Laurel Springs in hopes to win back Rhea. With all the charm he can muster and Rhea’s spunk to protect her heart, will forgiveness be possible.
I really liked how their relationship played out and the working of forgiveness for both of them. It is really true that misunderstanding can lead to a world of hurt and working thru that hurt to be free to love once again always makes for a happy ending.
Some of the quotes that I found encouraging.
God brings the forgetfulness you need to move on once you set your heart to truly to forgive. It's like standing in faith. Your feelings change when you make the right stand in faith.
I feel like I've come home in my heart.
Love always requires faith.
A Special Thank You to Kensington and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
When Carter Layman comes back home to the Great Smoky Mountains to help rebuild Laurel Springs family resort, he hopes that he will be able to win back Rhea Dean. Growing up together and being childhood sweet hearts, they dreamed that they would bring Laurel Springs back to life. However, when Carter went to California for his dreams and Rhea stayed behind, things were far from the dreams they had dreamed together. Now a widow with a young son, Carter comes back to Laurel Springs in hopes to win back Rhea. With all the charm he can muster and Rhea’s spunk to protect her heart, will forgiveness be possible.
I really liked how their relationship played out and the working of forgiveness for both of them. It is really true that misunderstanding can lead to a world of hurt and working thru that hurt to be free to love once again always makes for a happy ending.
Some of the quotes that I found encouraging.
God brings the forgetfulness you need to move on once you set your heart to truly to forgive. It's like standing in faith. Your feelings change when you make the right stand in faith.
I feel like I've come home in my heart.
Love always requires faith.
A Special Thank You to Kensington and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
September 19, 2015
A very sweet, small town romance that had me escaping to a very peaceful place and gave me a renewed view on second chances. Rhea Dean and Carter Layman were teenage sweethearts. They experienced many firsts together. The plan was always that they would go to college in California together, but when they time to leave came, Rhea felt the pull to stay in Laurel Springs to help her family run their business and care for her Dad. Though she promised to meet him Rhea never left and Carter never returned. Until now. After the death of his wife, Carter is back in Laurel Springs and is determined to get back the one woman he has always loved.
This one is well written with wonderful descriptive qualities. The plot may be one we've all read before with a slight twist, but that doesn't take away from the sweetness of the story. I definitely recommend this one.
This one is well written with wonderful descriptive qualities. The plot may be one we've all read before with a slight twist, but that doesn't take away from the sweetness of the story. I definitely recommend this one.
October 2, 2015
It was the cover that caught my eye and I didn't realize this was a Christian read when I read the synopsis.
I totally understood the resentment Rhea had for Carter. As much as she thought she moved on, seeing Carter made her realize she never did and I think her resentment was for Carter's leaving and marrying someone else and towards herself.
There were small elements written in this book that made it overall really enjoyable besides the second chance romance part; the history about the town was interesting, Taylor was just adorable and I enjoyed the deeper meaning to this entire story.
This is my first book by Lin Stepp and I enjoyed this sweet read enough to check out the rest of her books.
ARC requested through Netgalley and provided by Kensington Books in exchange for a honest review.
I totally understood the resentment Rhea had for Carter. As much as she thought she moved on, seeing Carter made her realize she never did and I think her resentment was for Carter's leaving and marrying someone else and towards herself.
There were small elements written in this book that made it overall really enjoyable besides the second chance romance part; the history about the town was interesting, Taylor was just adorable and I enjoyed the deeper meaning to this entire story.
This is my first book by Lin Stepp and I enjoyed this sweet read enough to check out the rest of her books.
ARC requested through Netgalley and provided by Kensington Books in exchange for a honest review.
December 29, 2015
I love Lin Stepp’s novels about the small communities located in the Smoky Mountains and the down-to-earth folks who live there.
This book is about a man and a woman having a second chance at love. It took a lot for Rhea Dean to forgive Carter Layman for moving away and marrying someone else. But she couldn’t forget the hurt he put her through. It took her wise grandmother to tell her that her inability to forget is another way of saying she can’t forgive Carter. She went to tell her that God will give her the forgetfulness needed to move on once her heart was set to truly forgive. She had to put her faith in God and make the right stand in her faith. When Rhea heard that Carter was going back to California for good, she finally woke up and realized that she loved Carter and wanted a life with him. She was not going to let him go this time.
This book is about a man and a woman having a second chance at love. It took a lot for Rhea Dean to forgive Carter Layman for moving away and marrying someone else. But she couldn’t forget the hurt he put her through. It took her wise grandmother to tell her that her inability to forget is another way of saying she can’t forgive Carter. She went to tell her that God will give her the forgetfulness needed to move on once her heart was set to truly forgive. She had to put her faith in God and make the right stand in her faith. When Rhea heard that Carter was going back to California for good, she finally woke up and realized that she loved Carter and wanted a life with him. She was not going to let him go this time.
September 20, 2015
This was a second chance romance the follows childhood sweethearts Rhea Dean and Carter Layman as they get a second chance at love.
The story was alright, but it felt too done before. Small town, boy moves away, girl stays behind. Boy marries, has family, wife dies, he returns to the small town and reconnect with his first and "true" love.
The reason I couldn't give this story a much better score is that they always make the girl out to be this sad thing that puts her life on like permanent hold. She's supposed to be pretty, smart, hard working but she's hung up on this love that has moved on and she stays frozen.
The story did have some moments that made me think it was okay; I just couldn't 100% like Carter and that is why the story suffered with me.
Rating 3.5 out of 5
Read@Book
The story was alright, but it felt too done before. Small town, boy moves away, girl stays behind. Boy marries, has family, wife dies, he returns to the small town and reconnect with his first and "true" love.
The reason I couldn't give this story a much better score is that they always make the girl out to be this sad thing that puts her life on like permanent hold. She's supposed to be pretty, smart, hard working but she's hung up on this love that has moved on and she stays frozen.
The story did have some moments that made me think it was okay; I just couldn't 100% like Carter and that is why the story suffered with me.
Rating 3.5 out of 5
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June 7, 2020
Book #8 in Lin Stepp’s Smoky Mountain series is Saving Laurel Springs. Rhea Dean has worked diligently for years to save her home, Laurel Springs. It was the future that her and her childhood sweetheart, Carter Layman had planned. Those plans were made while stealing time together, and kisses too. The only problem, Carter went off to school in California, married, and stayed away. Suddenly, he’s back, widowed, and with a young son. Did Carter’s old promises ever mean anything? If he makes new promises, will they mean anything? Will Saving Laurel Springs end in sadness or in joy and love?
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December 1, 2015Loved this story about a young couple who pledge to marry but circumstances get in the way: the death of her father and an out of state college and job offer for him.
He marries the bosses' daughter has a son and returns home after his wife dies. Now wealthy he returns to town and starts to repair several areas of the town and build his own home.
The girl he left behind at first is upset that he has returned and fights her feelings for him to no avail.
They rekindle their romance and everyone is happy.
He marries the bosses' daughter has a son and returns home after his wife dies. Now wealthy he returns to town and starts to repair several areas of the town and build his own home.
The girl he left behind at first is upset that he has returned and fights her feelings for him to no avail.
They rekindle their romance and everyone is happy.
October 1, 2015
Another charming book in the Smoky Mountain Series by Lin Stepp is a fun, engaging read. The characters represent people the reader is able to recognize in their own everyday life. The two main characters go from early childhood best friends into maturity and marriage only after some soul-searching and several years of separation. Great local scenes including the author's extensive research and being a native of the area herself.
September 7, 2015
Stock characters and plot (long lost love comes home with child to help save the community now that he's made a pile of money) are disappointing, given the nice writing. Anyone interested in the area will be pleased with the history presented here as Rhea gives guests a tour of the camp assembly. Thanks NETGALLEY for a chance to read this one- regret I'm not giving it a boffo review.
April 4, 2016
This was an enjoyable read, though a little sappy for my taste.
March 10, 2016
I almost read this in one sitting! Grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Just the right mix of romance and mystery!
January 26, 2016
Delightful story set in the Smokey Mountains near Cosby, TN.
July 17, 2018
Enjoyed it with it's small town charm. The faith scenes turned me off but that's just me I'm not into faith romance very much.
This is a voluntary review and I do not get paid for this review.
This is a voluntary review and I do not get paid for this review.
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