Bücher von Lin Stepp

In this third novel in the beloved Lighthouse Sisters series, Celeste Deveaux struggles to find her way back to joy, love, and meaning after a painful relationship almost shatters her life.Celeste Deveaux, a bestselling country music singer with fans around the world, never planned or expected to come home again, battered and beaten, to her family's oceanfront inn and historic lighthouse at Edisto Island on the South Carolina coast. With threats still following her, Celeste struggles to find peace, to decide on her direction, and to recover her life.Reid Beckett was stunned to see Celeste Deveaux make her way to the piano to sing one night at his Uncle Thurman's restaurant in Charleston. It had been at least eight years since she'd last performed here as a young girl, long before she left and became a well-known star. He doubted she even remembered him or would recognize him again, but he well remembered her. PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP AND HER RICH SOUTHERN NOVELS"Through the highs and the lows, the reader gets a seat at the Deveaux table, where the messiness of life is explored through the grace of God. .... The author excels in depicting life in the South Carolina Lowcountry, mixing in suspense. ... and providing an immersive experience, complete with tasty recipes featured in the story."- Novels Alive Review"I love the serene atmosphere the author created and enjoyed sinking into the coastal setting and story ... This story has such an easy-going flow, with peaks, valleys, love, loss, tears, laughter, questions, and answers all cozily wrapped in a clean, well-written memorable romance. There's so much to enjoy, and I can't wait to revisit this place in the following book in the series!" - Cover Lover Book Review"The many layers of Lin Stepp's books are what make them so attractive ... and you will love this story of love, family, and faith... a great beach escape." - Reading and Writing Sentinel Reviews"Travel to beautiful coastal South Carolina without ever leaving home! New York Times Bestselling Author Lin Stepp is taking her reader there in the Lighthouse Sisters Series...Stepp's ability to pull her readers into the story, catch them off guard at times, and move them to both laughter and tears is evident in all of her books." - Lee Ambrose Reviews

Sometimes life's unexpected hardships force you to consider drastic changes you'd never have dreamed of but lead in time to some sweet and unexpected joys.Laura O'Dell's life lately has been full of nothing but problems. Her father has died, she's lost her home, and now the family business she owns and loves is being taken by imminent domain to make way for a widened road. On top of it all, her sister and boyfriend came for a visit at Christmas and have stayed on and on, freeloading on her good nature. Maybe as Lillian advises, it's time to seek a big life change as far away from Amory, Mississippi as possible.When Mitchell Quinlan dropped by a new business in Waynesville, NC, to welcome the owner and put in a word for employment for some friends, he was unprepared for the jolt of unexpected feelings that hit him in meeting Laura O'Dell. As a sensible businessman, he'd thought that sort of attraction a figment or books or movies. Yet, as he gets to know Laura, he learns she is holding a lot of secrets and not open to share them with him. PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP AND HER MOUNTAIN BOOKS"Lin Stepp's newest book ... is a sweet, heartwarming story that is difficult to put down once you start it. Even the secondary characters will steal your heart as you follow the heroine's touching journey from heartbreak to healing." - Joan Medlicott, USA Today Bestselling author of The Ladies of Covington series"This warm-hearted novel ... will make readers eager for more of Lin Stepp's -endearing stories. A richly satisfying novel of love, family, and friendship." - Deborah Smith, New York Times Bestselling author"I've finally come across someone that believes in all the things that I do.... Dr. Lin Stepp, I salute you."- Dolly Parton"Another warm, clean romance with Appalachian flare and small-town charm." -AC, Reading Lark Reviews

Forgiveness is hard in a marriage when the heart has been deeply wounded. How can a person move past the memories, pains, and angry words spoken to even consider a reconciliation? And as Gwen wonders, why should she even try?Gwen never imagined in a million years that Alex would hurt her and betray her trust as he had. They'd always been so much in love, so close. How could he have lied to her for over a year? Let her think everything was okay in their lives when his and Josh's business was going under? She might have helped. After all, she'd followed him all the way to Arkansas from her home in South Carolina, worked alongside him and Josh to establish the restaurant. How could he have left her out, lied to her, and then come to her later to tell her he and Josh had lost everything-not only the business but their home as well? Heartbroken, she packs up their three children and heads home to her family, not wanting to see or talk with Alex Trescott ever again.Alex had made some monumental mistakes in his life, but hiding his financial affairs from his wife and lying to her had to be the worst. Somehow, he and Josh kept believing they could turn the restaurant around, and he kept thinking he wouldn't even need to upset Gwen and the children over all the problems. But then the worst happened and they lost everything. And when he tried to explain to Gwen, she felt betrayed that he'd lied to her all this time. He couldn't really blame her for packing up and fleeing home to her family, never wanting to see him again. But a chance to return to his family's restaurant in Beaufort draws him back home, too. And in his heart, he dreams, if foolishly, that he might get a second chance with Gwen.PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP AND HER RICH SOUTHERN NOVELS:"A sweet and inspiring story ... I loved the beautiful scenery and the author's details of the area, making me feel as though I was breathing the ocean air. ... I cannot wait to read the next book from The Lighthouse Sisters series." - HOOKS AND BOOKS REVIEW"A novel of forgiveness and new beginnings ... Stepp's characters are richly engaging and their stories uplifting." - Tom Mayer, WATAUGA DEMOCRAT Newspaper "This story has such an easy-going flow, with peaks, valleys, love, loss, tears, laughter, questions, and answers all cozily wrapped in a clean, well-written, memorable romance. There's so much to enjoy, and I can't wait to revisit this place in the following books in the series." - COVER LOVER BOOK REVIEW"As is true in all Lin Stepp books, readers are sure to find strong character development, elements of faith, family, forgiveness, second chances and respect for the natural environment. Readers will also find reasons to laugh, cry, be taken off-guard, and to fall in love with the characters." - AMBROSE REVIEWS"This book ... has a small-town setting with faith and friendship woven among its pages." -Melanie Tucker, THE DAILY TIMES Newspaper

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 BOOKS:"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

In this new coastal series, Lin Stepp transports her readers into the rich, colorful lives of Burke and her sisters, Lila, Gwen, and Celeste, who grew up at the Deveaux Inn and Lighthouse on a windswept island, accessible only by boat. Get ready to be introduced to the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, challenges and adventures of a Lighthouse Keeper.Life had grown hard for Burke Deveaux at the family inn and lighthouse since her father died. She missed his warmth and still expected to see him walking into a room, his big laugh booming. Burke and her mother were gradually adjusting to the change, and Lila had come home this winter to help, but the workload was heavy. With spring coming and tourism picking up in the South Carolina Lowcountry, Burke welcomed Hal Jenkins' request for his son Waylon to work for them. Waylon, retiring early from the Navy, knew the island and the lighthouse, having grown up nearby. Burke also knew Waylon well since they'd grown up together. He'd always been older, and she wondered how he'd see her now.Waylon had been away from Edisto Island for over twelve years now, traveling around the world in the military, but it felt good to be home. He'd hated learning Lloyd Deveaux was gone, the warm-hearted Lighthouse Keeper he'd followed around as a boy. But he liked the idea of coming to stay at the lodge at Watch Island to help the Deveaux family with the inn, lighthouse, and nearly five-hundred acres of land the Lighthouse Station occupied. He knew Burke had picked up many of her father's old tasks and he looked forward to seeing her again. He'd kept feelings for her clamped down for years but one look at her brought them surging back. How would he handle that with them working together?PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP AND HER RICH SOUTHERN NOVELS"e;This book feels just as tranquil as Edisto and has a wonderful, laid back flow, like beautiful ocean waves lapping up on the shore...you can't help but fall in love with every facet of this novel."e; - Christi F, JUST READS Review"e;From the stunning backdrop of the South Carolina Lowcountry ... this book was like going home."e; - Kim Standridge Boykin, Bestselling Author of Palmetto Moon"e;Each book showcases Lin Stepp's natural gift as a novelist for originality and narrative driven storytelling."e; - MIDWEST REVIEW

Set in the charming historic town of Dandridge, Tennessee, on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp's sweet and touching story follows the unlikely romantic attraction between two characters with nothing in common but an undeniable zing.Samantha King, nationally known storm chaser with Weather First, is covering a hurricane hitting the Florida Panhandle when a sign slams into her, tossing her over a wall and into the pounding surf. Accidents demand recovery and Samantha reluctantly heads to her Aunt Dixie's in Dandridge, Tennessee, for a needed rest. The only plus, besides time with Dixie, is sharing time with her sister Andrea's children, taken in years ago by Ford and Laura McDaniel when Andrea and her husband were killed. Samantha has spent little time with the children over the years, due to her demanding work schedule, but she is purposed to get to know the children better while in Dandridge.Ford McDaniel, with a busy veterinary practice and part ownership in his family's lakeside resort, often wonders how in the world he ended up with eight children on his own. Yes, he and Laura agreed, as godparents to their best friends, Andrea and Adam Bradley, that if anything ever happened to them they'd raise their kids, but who imagined that scenario would ever occur? Still, he and Laura seemed to manage okay until Laura died, shattering his world and leaving him with eight small children to raise on his own. Now Andrea's celebrated sister Samantha is in town for a while and it's hard for Ford not to resent her carefree life-or to ignore his attraction to her, a relationship he clearly knows can only go nowhere.PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP'S SMOKY MOUNTAIN BOOKS:"e;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."e; - Cleveland Daily Banner Review"e;A lovely story about having a second chance at love ... one of those books you can't put down."e; - Night Owl Reviews"e;Stepp has a wonderful ability to take you back to your own youth with her characters and storytelling."e; - RT Book Reviews"e;A riveting read of romance with plenty of humor."e; - Midwest Review

It was a comedown for Emily Lamont to arrive at the small mountain gallery in Gatlinburg after running the prestigious Newman Gallery for so many years. Still, it wasnt as though she had many other options. The Newmans never made a clear will leaving her the gallery, although they meant to. With the Newmans only nephew inheriting their property, and the gallery, Emily felt moving to Gatlinburg to manage the Creekside Gallery her only option. Now she simply needed to make the best of it, including banging heads daily with the man who felt his mother should have inherited the gallery instead of her.Garrison Log Homes owner, Cooper Garrison, felt bitter when the Creekside Gallery changed hands without his mother gettng an opportunity to buy it. Shed managed the gallery since he was a boy, and now some woman, not even a relative of the Newmans, had inherited it. Grudgingly, Cooper agrees to fix up the apartment above the gallery for the new owner, but when she arrives, she is not at all what Cooper expects. Despite being attracted to her, problems from the past keep Cooper running from a deeper relationship. When an unexpected event sends Emiy back to Philadelphia, Cooper is forced, at last, to examine his heart.

Native Tennesseans and best-selling authors J.L. and Lin Stepp visited all fifty-six state parks in the state of Tennessee to create this distinctive and informative guidebook. In a format similar to their previous guide to Smoky Mountain hiking trails, The Afternoon Hiker, the book provides detailed descriptions of each state park along with a wealth of color photos. The guidebook focuses on introducing readers to the multitude of recreational opportunities and activities available in each park. Clear directions to parks are provided, along with details about amenities, practical tips, local insights, and suggestions for interesting things to do and see. The Stepps have compiled a remarkable portrait of the amazing diversity of Tennessee's state parks, each one unique and fascinating in its own way. The book is organized into three regional sections so readers can easily locate and read about parks in the specific area they wish to visit. Indexes list the parks by state region and also alphabetically by name. Through the detailed and personal accounts portrayed, the book offers a joyous celebration of a unique and colorful state.

Olivia Benton is happy with her life in small town Bryson City. She loves her downtown floral business, her family home shared with her father, and the lavish floral gardens that sprawl behind their rural mountain property. Only a niggling restlessness alerts her to how life might change one summer day when Zachary Warner drives back into town. No one ever though Weird Warner, or his big dreams, would ever amount to anything, especially Olivias father and grandmother. Even Olivia, who loved him, felt reluctant to risk everything and leave behind her familiar life to follow Warners dreams. Now hes returned to Bryson City, famous and widowed, and as soon as Olivia sees him, she realizes she still loves him--a dilemma she is not prepared to deal with.Warner Zachary, now better known as W.T. Zachary for his famous Geeky Gilmore books for kids, has avoided even visiting Bryson City since his high school graduation ten years ago. Even though his parents still live there, unhappy memories linger of being bullied in school, never fitting in with his peers, and being spurned by his childhood neighbor and sweetheart, Olivia Benton. After his wife Nelles murder, Warner grew discontent in New York and headed home to spend time with his family, to see old friends, and to take a well-needed vacation. He knows he will probably see Olivia Benton again but expects time will have healed his broken heart--and his anger.

"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.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""An amazing storyteller...The romance exhibited is pure, natural and heartwarming.""-RT Book Reviews"A wonderful, new Southern voice."-Joan Medlicott, author of the bestselling The Ladies of Covington series"