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Smoky Mountain #6
Down by the River
"A charming portrait of the Smokies, their people, and a wonderful way of life." --Deborah Smith, New York Times bestselling author
Set against the backdrop of Tennessee's breathtaking Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp's Down By the River is a warm-hearted novel that proves it's never too late--or too early--for a fresh start. . .
While on a visit to the Smokies, Grace Conley makes a stunning she's going to walk away from her busy life in Nashville to move to tiny Townsend and open a bed and breakfast. There's a beautiful old inn for sale along the Little River that will do perfectly. Of course, Grace's family is scandalized. After all, she's a middle-aged widow! And as a career homemaker, she's always been available for babysitting, chauffeuring, and generally being the peacemaker among her grown children. Has Grace lost her mind? She begins to wonder the same thing once she finds herself attracted to the local ladies' man. But the surprises don't stop there. . .
To further complicate her move, Grace's daughter, Margaret, has grudgingly come to live with her. Having just graduated from college, remote Townsend is not where she envisions her future. Yet the handsome young minister next door is convinced he and Margaret are meant for each other. As life choices abound, soon both women will discover that the biggest decisions require confidence, a sense of humor--and a deep, abiding faith.
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 against the backdrop of Tennessee's breathtaking Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp's Down By the River is a warm-hearted novel that proves it's never too late--or too early--for a fresh start. . .
While on a visit to the Smokies, Grace Conley makes a stunning she's going to walk away from her busy life in Nashville to move to tiny Townsend and open a bed and breakfast. There's a beautiful old inn for sale along the Little River that will do perfectly. Of course, Grace's family is scandalized. After all, she's a middle-aged widow! And as a career homemaker, she's always been available for babysitting, chauffeuring, and generally being the peacemaker among her grown children. Has Grace lost her mind? She begins to wonder the same thing once she finds herself attracted to the local ladies' man. But the surprises don't stop there. . .
To further complicate her move, Grace's daughter, Margaret, has grudgingly come to live with her. Having just graduated from college, remote Townsend is not where she envisions her future. Yet the handsome young minister next door is convinced he and Margaret are meant for each other. As life choices abound, soon both women will discover that the biggest decisions require confidence, a sense of humor--and a deep, abiding faith.
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
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2009
39 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 30, 2014
I am a sucker for a charming trendy bed and breakfast read-a passion of mine, as a professional innkeeper, having facilitated all aspects of online and traditional marketing for B&Bs, inns, and hotels for over 25 years. (Always a good story; therefore, a lengthy review).
The B&B theme originally caught my attention, the inviting front cover, and the intriguing summary of a middle aged woman (grandmother) Grace, leaving her life behind and demands of her selfish grown children and grandchildren, to finally have “her time” to experience her passion, after raising her family. Of course at age 49 she did not want to go into a retirement community – her life was just beginning- GO GIRL!
However, “Down by the River” was so much more than a sweet nice and charming small town Tennessee southern read. I absolutely loved everything about the storyline from beginning to end, as was hard to put it down. This was my first read by the author, Lin Stepp, and so look forward to reading more from this talented author!
I absolutely loved the characters, as the author did an outstanding job of offering unique and strong personalities to each of the main characters, sharing their flaws, strengths and weaknesses. . .and oh, so LOVED the banter between Grace and Jack! You will fall in love with these two from the beginning – two people, so different, with such an attraction for one another, the flirting and humor, and wit. . . DESTINED to be together.
There is so much to this engaging and inspirational book; words cannot adequately describe. You get to experience such growth in love and abiding faith especially with Grace, Margaret, and Jack. You will laugh and cry along with these realistic characters, their struggles, insecurities, obstacles, challenges, and warm hearts.
By the end of the book, you will feel so connected, and have a strong desire to be a part of this close knit small town community. (I want to visit)!
I especially enjoyed the widowed talented Grace, with four grown children, and no real support for her as a real person, only as a wife and mother. To them she was a cook and a babysitter with no mind of her own. She never got to really experience a life of her own, or a career.
Many women will relate, especially if they are young mothers who never experienced life as a single person before marriage, to see Grace’s character evolving with her new venture, life, and potential romance possibilities.
Was so applauding and going, “Yeah Grace”, when she made the decision at age 49, to sell the family house and move to another city to buy a bed and breakfast and run it herself, without asking any of her family. This was not accepted well by her family, especially her younger daughter Margaret. And oh, the mean Jane, mother-in- law, which had controlled her life since she married her son. Could so relate to this book, as was 49, grown children, and divorced when I moved to a different state, with a fresh new start and career-quite refreshing!
Enjoyed the book as it unfolded, observing Grace, as she grows with fearless, courage and independence as she steps out on her own, making the inn, her business, the community, and friends her own with her own special touch and style. Lots of fun and eccentric secondary characters with a little mystery, as well as romance.
In addition to the fun romance going on between bad boy, realtor, father, and good-looking womanizer, Jack (I adored him), there were many touching experiences with Christian faith with Vincent, the pastor and author, as well as Jack’s twin daughters, relationships, family, friends, and the growing and maturing of Grace with her past, siblings, and especially the dynamic change in her daughter Margaret, and Jack from the beginning of the book to the end.
Set in the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains, “Down by the River” gets a 5 Star rating, for so many reasons in my opinion. (read it to find out why, as no spoilers here).
A heartwarming and inspirational read, you will want to treasure and tell all your friends, reiterating theme, “it is never too late to start over”! It is ideal for men and women of all ages, and book clubs/discussions.
There are many takeaways, emotionally and spiritually with life lessons and insightful-- with hopes the characters will live on, in a future series - definitely in, as hooked.
I noted several reviews mentioning similar style as Jan Karon’s Mitford Series; however, I thought this was much better, more depth, romance, trendy, engaging, and fresh with a light Christian tone. Looking forward to reading more from this insightful storyteller, who lets you see the characters from inside out, as you grow to love and cherish them, with flaws and all.
A special thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley, for an advanced reading copy, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
The B&B theme originally caught my attention, the inviting front cover, and the intriguing summary of a middle aged woman (grandmother) Grace, leaving her life behind and demands of her selfish grown children and grandchildren, to finally have “her time” to experience her passion, after raising her family. Of course at age 49 she did not want to go into a retirement community – her life was just beginning- GO GIRL!
However, “Down by the River” was so much more than a sweet nice and charming small town Tennessee southern read. I absolutely loved everything about the storyline from beginning to end, as was hard to put it down. This was my first read by the author, Lin Stepp, and so look forward to reading more from this talented author!
I absolutely loved the characters, as the author did an outstanding job of offering unique and strong personalities to each of the main characters, sharing their flaws, strengths and weaknesses. . .and oh, so LOVED the banter between Grace and Jack! You will fall in love with these two from the beginning – two people, so different, with such an attraction for one another, the flirting and humor, and wit. . . DESTINED to be together.
There is so much to this engaging and inspirational book; words cannot adequately describe. You get to experience such growth in love and abiding faith especially with Grace, Margaret, and Jack. You will laugh and cry along with these realistic characters, their struggles, insecurities, obstacles, challenges, and warm hearts.
By the end of the book, you will feel so connected, and have a strong desire to be a part of this close knit small town community. (I want to visit)!
I especially enjoyed the widowed talented Grace, with four grown children, and no real support for her as a real person, only as a wife and mother. To them she was a cook and a babysitter with no mind of her own. She never got to really experience a life of her own, or a career.
Many women will relate, especially if they are young mothers who never experienced life as a single person before marriage, to see Grace’s character evolving with her new venture, life, and potential romance possibilities.
Was so applauding and going, “Yeah Grace”, when she made the decision at age 49, to sell the family house and move to another city to buy a bed and breakfast and run it herself, without asking any of her family. This was not accepted well by her family, especially her younger daughter Margaret. And oh, the mean Jane, mother-in- law, which had controlled her life since she married her son. Could so relate to this book, as was 49, grown children, and divorced when I moved to a different state, with a fresh new start and career-quite refreshing!
Enjoyed the book as it unfolded, observing Grace, as she grows with fearless, courage and independence as she steps out on her own, making the inn, her business, the community, and friends her own with her own special touch and style. Lots of fun and eccentric secondary characters with a little mystery, as well as romance.
In addition to the fun romance going on between bad boy, realtor, father, and good-looking womanizer, Jack (I adored him), there were many touching experiences with Christian faith with Vincent, the pastor and author, as well as Jack’s twin daughters, relationships, family, friends, and the growing and maturing of Grace with her past, siblings, and especially the dynamic change in her daughter Margaret, and Jack from the beginning of the book to the end.
Set in the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains, “Down by the River” gets a 5 Star rating, for so many reasons in my opinion. (read it to find out why, as no spoilers here).
A heartwarming and inspirational read, you will want to treasure and tell all your friends, reiterating theme, “it is never too late to start over”! It is ideal for men and women of all ages, and book clubs/discussions.
There are many takeaways, emotionally and spiritually with life lessons and insightful-- with hopes the characters will live on, in a future series - definitely in, as hooked.
I noted several reviews mentioning similar style as Jan Karon’s Mitford Series; however, I thought this was much better, more depth, romance, trendy, engaging, and fresh with a light Christian tone. Looking forward to reading more from this insightful storyteller, who lets you see the characters from inside out, as you grow to love and cherish them, with flaws and all.
A special thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley, for an advanced reading copy, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
July 9, 2015
I was not aware this was a "Jesus book" when I started. I was intrigued because it is set in my favorite Tennessee city of Townsend, a place where I used to take my boys camping every summer. I stuck with it just to read about the places I knew so well. My problems with the book were, Grace's children were not happy with her decision to buy the B&B. They had one daughter involved in the story line but never mentioned if the other 3 kids dealt with it or what. Also at the end of the book they brought up this mysterious unsolved murder. WTF? Maybe this is a series. I don't know, don't care. The author described people as "flouncing" waaaaay to much!
March 23, 2014
This is my latest title set in the Great Smoky Mountains. It will be out May 27th, published by Kensington Publishing of New York - and is already up for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and other sites. Early reviews are all strong … and I hope everyone will love reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. From the publisher's fact sheet about the book: "With the charming small-town setting and light inspirational tone of Jan Karon’s beloved Mitford books, Lin Stepp’s Smoky Mountain series will delight readers looking for a sweet, satisfying novel of faith and friendship, filled with loving relatable characters. … While on a visit to the Smoky Mountains, recently widowed Grace Conley decides to buy a beautiful bed and breakfast in the small town of Townsend, Tennessee. Her plan to leave Nashville and renovate the old inn scandalizes her family, who rely on Grace for babysitting and for helping out her grown children and young grandchildren. … Even Grace starts to wonder if she's going a little crazy when she finds herself attracted to the local ladies' man, Jack Teague. If things weren't complicated enough Grace's college-aged daughter Margaret comes to live with her, sparking the interest of the young minister next door. Making a new life down by the river will require a lot of self-confidence, a ready sense of humor, and a deep abiding faith--qualitites that Grace fortunately has in ample supply." … If you enjoy this book, there are five others published … and many more to come, including Makin Miracles, set in Gatlinburg, TN and coming out in January 2015. For more about my books, see: www.linstepp.com
August 3, 2016
I really enjoyed this book by Lin Stepp. First, it is set in the beautiful East Tennessee Smoky Mountains in a small town near Gatlinburg. Second, it is about a middle aged woman whose family is grown, her husband has been deceased for three years and she is ready for a new start in life. So she buys an inn against the wishes of her children and her formidable mother-in-law. She had always been treated like a beautiful trophy wife who was "just" a housewife and mother. It is wonderful watching her character evolve with this new venture. I really enjoyed the character of Grace because she is a similar age to me and facing some similar situations. I was impressed that her character was able to see her worth in the amazing crafts that she created despite her family having trivialized her crafting in the past. And that her homemaking and event planning skills were put to use in her new business endeavor.
It is not always easy for Grace Conley. Though she was the perfect wife and mother for thirty years, she neglected her own ambitions and neglected her family. She did what a lot of people do - she didn't always think about how her actions were affecting others. Luckily she has a mother to set her straight! Many of the characters in this story grow in their Christian walk which is very inspiring.
This is a romance, a mystery and a Christian novel. Lin Stepp, the author, has provided a study guide at the end of the novel if you are reading this in a small group or book club. This is the first book of Lin Stepp's that I have read and definitely will not be the last. Thanks for taking me back to the glorious Smoky Mountains through your words!
It is not always easy for Grace Conley. Though she was the perfect wife and mother for thirty years, she neglected her own ambitions and neglected her family. She did what a lot of people do - she didn't always think about how her actions were affecting others. Luckily she has a mother to set her straight! Many of the characters in this story grow in their Christian walk which is very inspiring.
This is a romance, a mystery and a Christian novel. Lin Stepp, the author, has provided a study guide at the end of the novel if you are reading this in a small group or book club. This is the first book of Lin Stepp's that I have read and definitely will not be the last. Thanks for taking me back to the glorious Smoky Mountains through your words!
May 2, 2014
Grace Conley has lived her married life in Nashville. She has four grown children and has been recently widowed. She finds herself at a loose end and talks to herself or her husband about everything. She is visiting her daughter who goes to town in Gatlinburg and comes across a deserted property.
A strange woman in Gatlinburg sees her surrounded by mimosas running an inn.
In what appears to be a foolish and rash decision to her family, Grace Conley buys the old bed and breakfast and sets to work resurrecting the Mimosa Inn. In a short time, she is the beloved new resident of the small town of Townsend.
The river runs right by her property and a small hanging bridge connects to the other side, where the handsome Casanova Jack Teague makes his home. Jack has a redoubtable reputation even in his fifties, but there is some attraction between the two.
Down by the River is a feel good book. The characters are likable and believable. This is an inspirational story, and there is a lot about finding God, or leaving your troubles to a higher power. There are no quotes from Scriptures like some books have, but the theological points put forward are thought provoking. At the same time they do not take over the book.
Find out more about this book at A Million Kindle Books.
A strange woman in Gatlinburg sees her surrounded by mimosas running an inn.
In what appears to be a foolish and rash decision to her family, Grace Conley buys the old bed and breakfast and sets to work resurrecting the Mimosa Inn. In a short time, she is the beloved new resident of the small town of Townsend.
The river runs right by her property and a small hanging bridge connects to the other side, where the handsome Casanova Jack Teague makes his home. Jack has a redoubtable reputation even in his fifties, but there is some attraction between the two.
Down by the River is a feel good book. The characters are likable and believable. This is an inspirational story, and there is a lot about finding God, or leaving your troubles to a higher power. There are no quotes from Scriptures like some books have, but the theological points put forward are thought provoking. At the same time they do not take over the book.
Find out more about this book at A Million Kindle Books.
April 15, 2014
Review of Down By the River by Lin Stepp
It is absolutely refreshing to read a contemporary romance about two middle age adults. Lin Stepp, weaves a wonderful romance between Jack & Grace. At first glance, these two do not seem that they would ever be compatible. Jack loves the ladies and makes no bones about it, while Grace, a fairly recent widow, is very conventional. Lin does a commendable job taking these two adults on a journey in which they discover quite a bit about themselves. Who says you can't change and reform as you get older?
This novel takes place at Townsend in The Great Smoky Mountains and Lin always maintains the unique ambiance of these people. It makes you at the very least want to visit and stay at The Mimosa Inn to meet the people, stay for dinner and set a spell.
I highly recommend this novel.
Mary Moore
Publisher The North Pole Press
It is absolutely refreshing to read a contemporary romance about two middle age adults. Lin Stepp, weaves a wonderful romance between Jack & Grace. At first glance, these two do not seem that they would ever be compatible. Jack loves the ladies and makes no bones about it, while Grace, a fairly recent widow, is very conventional. Lin does a commendable job taking these two adults on a journey in which they discover quite a bit about themselves. Who says you can't change and reform as you get older?
This novel takes place at Townsend in The Great Smoky Mountains and Lin always maintains the unique ambiance of these people. It makes you at the very least want to visit and stay at The Mimosa Inn to meet the people, stay for dinner and set a spell.
I highly recommend this novel.
Mary Moore
Publisher The North Pole Press
April 27, 2014
When I picked up the Advanced Copy, I was completely unfamiliar with the author. I liked that it was set in the Smoky Mountains and that it was about an older woman who wanted to make changes in her life. What I didn't know was that it is Christian Fiction book, and that most of the changes Grace makes are moved by God.
I liked the story line of the book. The characters are realistic and endearing. There are a few plot twists to keep you reading. I found the whole thing to be completely charming.
I liked the story line of the book. The characters are realistic and endearing. There are a few plot twists to keep you reading. I found the whole thing to be completely charming.
April 21, 2020
If I was forced into self isolation without electronic devices, one of the five books that I would take with me would be Lin Stepp’s Down by The River. It is one of my very favorite books! Grace Conley is one of my very favorite female characters! I’ll gladly beg and plead for a volume 2!
Grace is a middle-aged widow who decides to purchase a bed and breakfast in little Townsend, TN, in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Her grown children are horror stricken that she would move from her wealthy home in Nashville, and attempt to manage a business in a little mountain hamlet. They believe her next move should be to a local retirement village. Despite their objections, she proceeds with her new venture, her new life. The people of Townsend are very welcoming, especially young twins, Morgan and Meredith Teague. They immediately feel a connection with Grace. The feeling is mutual. The feeling does not extend to their single father, realtor Jack Teague… the local Casanova… his conquest many and not always classy. Jack has an altercation with Grace. She isn’t swayed by his magnetism, and he becomes perplexed. Grace’s youngest daughter, college-aged Margaret Jane unexpectedly moves in with her mother. Margaret is a handful for most, but she is pushed off-center by young Rev. Vincent Westbrooke, their neighbor and pastor. Can Margaret and Vincent fall in love? Can Grace finally live her life, not the life someone else demands? Can Jack overcome his long-held pain, and realize his life partner in Grace?
The author’s secondary characters are a primer on how to beautify a story. Jack’s mom, Althea, his aunt Bebe, cousin Roger, and Roger’s wife Samantha, and antagonists Ashleigh Anne, Celine Rosen, and Crazy Man, all help weave this intriguing story. This story is a romance, but it is also a mystery… actually two mysteries. It is also a comedy. I’ve read this book 5-6 times… every time that I read it, there’s a constant smile on my face, and laughter coming from my library. I absolutely love this book! 5+ stars!
Grace is a middle-aged widow who decides to purchase a bed and breakfast in little Townsend, TN, in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Her grown children are horror stricken that she would move from her wealthy home in Nashville, and attempt to manage a business in a little mountain hamlet. They believe her next move should be to a local retirement village. Despite their objections, she proceeds with her new venture, her new life. The people of Townsend are very welcoming, especially young twins, Morgan and Meredith Teague. They immediately feel a connection with Grace. The feeling is mutual. The feeling does not extend to their single father, realtor Jack Teague… the local Casanova… his conquest many and not always classy. Jack has an altercation with Grace. She isn’t swayed by his magnetism, and he becomes perplexed. Grace’s youngest daughter, college-aged Margaret Jane unexpectedly moves in with her mother. Margaret is a handful for most, but she is pushed off-center by young Rev. Vincent Westbrooke, their neighbor and pastor. Can Margaret and Vincent fall in love? Can Grace finally live her life, not the life someone else demands? Can Jack overcome his long-held pain, and realize his life partner in Grace?
The author’s secondary characters are a primer on how to beautify a story. Jack’s mom, Althea, his aunt Bebe, cousin Roger, and Roger’s wife Samantha, and antagonists Ashleigh Anne, Celine Rosen, and Crazy Man, all help weave this intriguing story. This story is a romance, but it is also a mystery… actually two mysteries. It is also a comedy. I’ve read this book 5-6 times… every time that I read it, there’s a constant smile on my face, and laughter coming from my library. I absolutely love this book! 5+ stars!
June 2, 2014
I won this book from a contest on Goodreads.
Grace Conley and her husband Charles have four grown children and Charles had passed away over two years ago. Since Charles passing and now with the children gone and moved out, Grace is looking for a new beginning. When she is visiting her youngest daughter, Margaret Jane in Townsend, Tennessee she finds the Oakley B&B for sale. Fifty year old Jack Teague is the real estate agent and a womanizer who believes women just throw themselves at him. Everything Grace abhors in a man and stays clear of. So when she goes through the lovely B&B Grace decides to buy it much to the surprise and disdain of her family. Although this reaction deeply hurt and upset Grace she went through with the move and was hurt even more when none of her children came to at least say Goodbye or wish her well, not even Margaret Jane. As Grace begins to clean up and make her lovely inn something special, she began to meet some of the neighbours and make new friends. She also felt she could mend some fences between her parent and her siblings that lived close by. Grace had not seen much of Jack Teague since her arrival but she knew his 10 year old twin daughters very well as they came by the now 'Mimosa' B&B to help Grace out. As time passed by, Grace felt renewed and rejuvenated in ways she hadn't felt for a very long time. It's a new beginning for Grace Conley in ways she would never have imagined.
A sweet story of love, faith and new beginnings.
Grace Conley and her husband Charles have four grown children and Charles had passed away over two years ago. Since Charles passing and now with the children gone and moved out, Grace is looking for a new beginning. When she is visiting her youngest daughter, Margaret Jane in Townsend, Tennessee she finds the Oakley B&B for sale. Fifty year old Jack Teague is the real estate agent and a womanizer who believes women just throw themselves at him. Everything Grace abhors in a man and stays clear of. So when she goes through the lovely B&B Grace decides to buy it much to the surprise and disdain of her family. Although this reaction deeply hurt and upset Grace she went through with the move and was hurt even more when none of her children came to at least say Goodbye or wish her well, not even Margaret Jane. As Grace begins to clean up and make her lovely inn something special, she began to meet some of the neighbours and make new friends. She also felt she could mend some fences between her parent and her siblings that lived close by. Grace had not seen much of Jack Teague since her arrival but she knew his 10 year old twin daughters very well as they came by the now 'Mimosa' B&B to help Grace out. As time passed by, Grace felt renewed and rejuvenated in ways she hadn't felt for a very long time. It's a new beginning for Grace Conley in ways she would never have imagined.
A sweet story of love, faith and new beginnings.
April 30, 2014
Not my usual choice of reading material, but I think this novel will speak to many Christian literature lovers. I was lured in because it takes place in Tennessee's Smokey Mountains. Grace is a woman of a certain age and stage in life where she is done being used up by everyone. She shocks her family by leaving and getting a life of her own. Now I understand many people are rolling their eyes, because it doesn't seem earth-shattering but keep in mind this is a woman who lived a traditional life where her family was her center. It's funny how out of sorts people get when reliable mom has a thirst for life. She falls for the local womanizer, then her college graduate daughter comes to live with her and as is often the case, life takes them to places other than they had planned for. It is a sweet read about family and who wouldn't love the Smokey Mountains? Again, I think it just isn't my usual genre but I think it's lovely all the same.
June 18, 2014
Lin Stepp has done it again! Down by the River is a can't-put-down book with characters I would like to have as friends. Grace shows such courage in leaving her old life behind after the death of her husband. Her grown children protest, but she follows her heart and buys an old Bed & Breakfast Inn in the beautiful Smoky Mountain area of Tennessee. Here she meets a seemingly bad boy type, Jack. As their love story unfolds, it is obvious that Jack is not as bad as he at first seems, and he and Grace are meant to be. As always with Lin Stepp, this is a clean book with characters that feel like old friends. Thanks, Lin for another great read! I will look forward to the next one!
May 31, 2014
As usual, Stepp created characters that truly come to life. Her settings are also so vivid that you feel like you could walk down the street and see everything she's described, even though it's obvious that some of it is only from her imagination. By the end, I really wanted to stop by the inn and visit with Grace. I don't see how anyone could show more of a love of the Smokies than Stepp shows in her writing.
December 5, 2014
Delightful! Loved this book…..
A wonderful and interesting clean romance that was hard to put down. I loved the setting in the small Tennessee town…. and it’s full of interesting and colorful characters. There is so much to love about Grace, the main character. All the characters jump off the page and are so easy to relate to. Well-written and deserves a 4-1/2 star rating!
A wonderful and interesting clean romance that was hard to put down. I loved the setting in the small Tennessee town…. and it’s full of interesting and colorful characters. There is so much to love about Grace, the main character. All the characters jump off the page and are so easy to relate to. Well-written and deserves a 4-1/2 star rating!
August 25, 2014
I won this book from a contest on Goodreads.
I love that Grace is a strong woman and going in a different direction for a change in a lovely setting. A fun inspirational book with a character you love. It was lovely to read about her endeavors. It would actually make a great gift for some of my girlfriends too!
I love that Grace is a strong woman and going in a different direction for a change in a lovely setting. A fun inspirational book with a character you love. It was lovely to read about her endeavors. It would actually make a great gift for some of my girlfriends too!
June 18, 2014
I won this book through a Good Reads giveaway and I have to say I am really happy that I did. I truly enjoyed this book. The characters were believable and I liked the way the author gave each their own distinct personality. I liked how there was a mystery entwined into the story. I also liked how it showed that people can change regardless of their past.
June 12, 2014
This is a delightful book through and through...the setting is beautiful...the array of characters are fun and quickly feel like friends...the banter between Jack and Grace is amusing. There's tragedy, good times, everyday life like we all experience. The author has penned a wonderfully inspiring tale that left me smiling long afterwards.
November 8, 2016
Charming story about family, love and faith set in a picturesque little mountain town. I enjoy reading books like this one because I can just relax and lose myself in the story. If you enjoy books such as Jan Karon's Mitford series, you will like this one. I am looking forward to more of Lin Stepp's Smoky Mountain novels.
November 26, 2016
Love the story and the setting. I was in the Townsend, TN, area in September. Wish I had found this book to take with me. Really like the Smoky Mountain area. Glad to see reformation of James. Margaret's romance was a bit too quick. Not sure how I feel about the touch of the supernatural. Definitely want to read more in this series.
February 2, 2020
I love this book
I feel as though I have visited friends for a few hours! Set in Townsend, Tennessee at the Great Smoky Mountains, you will soon find yourself immersed in Grace and Jack's story. Grace is a widow with adult children who impulsively buys a bed and breakfast. Jack is a single father of two girls. Throw in a mysterious man they call crazy man and enjoy the book!
I feel as though I have visited friends for a few hours! Set in Townsend, Tennessee at the Great Smoky Mountains, you will soon find yourself immersed in Grace and Jack's story. Grace is a widow with adult children who impulsively buys a bed and breakfast. Jack is a single father of two girls. Throw in a mysterious man they call crazy man and enjoy the book!
August 7, 2018
Lin has walked every path she writes about. No wonder she has such a following!
February 6, 2024
Down By The River by Lin Stepp is the most charming contemporary Christian novel that I absolutely loved. It is part of A Smoky Mountain series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I adore all Lin Stepp’s books – my favourites are in this series. The stories are always delightful. They truly are a hug in a book as they wrap around my heart like a warm blanket.
Right from the start the reader receives a huge welcome. The story is very community-minded as the residents all look out for each other. The town has an air of love and care. It feels like home. “Home is always a place you can come back to.”
No matter what your age, you are never too old to have a new start – whether it is a physical one or a spiritual one. God longs to welcome us all home to Him.
A character has a fresh beginning, after being widowed in recent years. “Begin to live your own dreams.” All her life, her dreams have been squashed in favour of others. Her talents have been ridiculed as position, wealth and power have been the order of the day. Lives were all about show and polish. The outward appearance was all that mattered. People were judged by what they had. “You worked hard to fulfill those expectations… but you lost a little of yourself along the way. You were so busy being what you should be that you forgot a little of who you really were.” A character lost herself over the years. Now is the time to discover just who she was created to be.
Sometimes life is complicated. We spend our lives trying to juggle everything and cannot see the wood from the trees – but there is One who knows our end from our beginning and He can be trusted. “Don’t worry God will work everything out in His right time.” We can always trust God’s timing. He is never too early nor too late.
Prayer is important. God longs to hear from us. “Jack couldn’t even find the words to pray. He didn’t feel worthy to ask favours of God.” When we have no words, God hears the cries of our heart.
We see the gifts of the Spirit being worked out in God’s children. “I was playing [the organ] by the Spirit.”
There is a strong faith within the novel as characters live a life of love. They are the hands and feet, the eyes and ears of Jesus to a hurting world. “It wasn’t religion I really needed… It was faith.” Religion never saved anyone. Going to church never saved anyone. It is Jesus who saves.
All the characters are wonderfully drawn. Their love shines through the pages. It is easy to picture the characters and landscape in my mind’s eye. Lin Stepp paints the scenery and the characters with her words. I love the fact that the leading characters are approaching fifty and still have a zest for life.
Mothers and daughters relationships are explored. We see both the selfless mother and the selfish mother – and we see the delightful nine year old twins who are wise beyond their years. They have an idyllic childhood setting and it was easy to ‘see’ them playing in the creek.
I cannot get enough of Lin Stepp’s novels. They warm my heart and soul, stir my imagination and leave me smiling.
If you have never read a book by Lin Stepp, you are missing out. Grab yourself a copy of Down By The River today.
I adore all Lin Stepp’s books – my favourites are in this series. The stories are always delightful. They truly are a hug in a book as they wrap around my heart like a warm blanket.
Right from the start the reader receives a huge welcome. The story is very community-minded as the residents all look out for each other. The town has an air of love and care. It feels like home. “Home is always a place you can come back to.”
No matter what your age, you are never too old to have a new start – whether it is a physical one or a spiritual one. God longs to welcome us all home to Him.
A character has a fresh beginning, after being widowed in recent years. “Begin to live your own dreams.” All her life, her dreams have been squashed in favour of others. Her talents have been ridiculed as position, wealth and power have been the order of the day. Lives were all about show and polish. The outward appearance was all that mattered. People were judged by what they had. “You worked hard to fulfill those expectations… but you lost a little of yourself along the way. You were so busy being what you should be that you forgot a little of who you really were.” A character lost herself over the years. Now is the time to discover just who she was created to be.
Sometimes life is complicated. We spend our lives trying to juggle everything and cannot see the wood from the trees – but there is One who knows our end from our beginning and He can be trusted. “Don’t worry God will work everything out in His right time.” We can always trust God’s timing. He is never too early nor too late.
Prayer is important. God longs to hear from us. “Jack couldn’t even find the words to pray. He didn’t feel worthy to ask favours of God.” When we have no words, God hears the cries of our heart.
We see the gifts of the Spirit being worked out in God’s children. “I was playing [the organ] by the Spirit.”
There is a strong faith within the novel as characters live a life of love. They are the hands and feet, the eyes and ears of Jesus to a hurting world. “It wasn’t religion I really needed… It was faith.” Religion never saved anyone. Going to church never saved anyone. It is Jesus who saves.
All the characters are wonderfully drawn. Their love shines through the pages. It is easy to picture the characters and landscape in my mind’s eye. Lin Stepp paints the scenery and the characters with her words. I love the fact that the leading characters are approaching fifty and still have a zest for life.
Mothers and daughters relationships are explored. We see both the selfless mother and the selfish mother – and we see the delightful nine year old twins who are wise beyond their years. They have an idyllic childhood setting and it was easy to ‘see’ them playing in the creek.
I cannot get enough of Lin Stepp’s novels. They warm my heart and soul, stir my imagination and leave me smiling.
If you have never read a book by Lin Stepp, you are missing out. Grab yourself a copy of Down By The River today.
January 4, 2022
This was a charming book to read at Christmas time. Grace Conley is on a trip to the Smoky Mountains. Her daughter is attending a college nearby and she is staying in a motel in a quaint town by the name of Townsend. She has noticed an old bed-and-breakfast for sale on a walk. It is located down by the river that winds through the town. She decides to take a look at the inside of it. In fact, she has an appointment with the realtor, Jack Teague, to look at. She is a widow and remembers how much she and her late husband loved B&Bs.
She gets to the B&B and is put out to find that the realtor is late. In fact, he is an hour late. A young sexy woman drives up and meets with Grace to tell her Jack will be coming; she gives her some details of the home and then lets Grace explore the home on her own. Grace finishes her self-guided tour to find that Jack has arrived and is in an intimate setting with the young woman. This sets Grace off immediately with Jack. She is embarrassed and horrified at the behavior of both Jack and Ashleigh. Even though there is an immediate attraction between Jack and Grace. She storms off and heads home to Nashville after an encounter with him.
Grace realizes that she needs a change in her life. Her family comes to dinner and she informs them that she has purchased the B&B and will be moving there. Her family is less than pleased with her decision. She goes ahead and moves. She is excited to be making positive changes in her life.
Jack avoids Grace because of the encounter. But he realizes that she is making her own way and is making a success of the B&B. She likes Jack's two twin daughters who come to rely on her for friendship and guidance. Grace also improves her relationship with her family who now live closer. They had become estranged somewhat during her life in Nashville.
Grace is a strong person and lives a moral life. Unlike Jack, she embraces family values. Jack has become jaded and embittered by a woman who married him and then left him and the daughers high and dry. He has fallen into a playboy lifestyle and comes to realize that he needs to change some negative behaviors.
I like the faith aspect that is weaved into the story. We see how it impacts the life of Jack and Margaret, Graces' daughter, who has come to live with her. Vincent Westbrooke is a minister who has a great impact on people in the community.
I liked this story!
She gets to the B&B and is put out to find that the realtor is late. In fact, he is an hour late. A young sexy woman drives up and meets with Grace to tell her Jack will be coming; she gives her some details of the home and then lets Grace explore the home on her own. Grace finishes her self-guided tour to find that Jack has arrived and is in an intimate setting with the young woman. This sets Grace off immediately with Jack. She is embarrassed and horrified at the behavior of both Jack and Ashleigh. Even though there is an immediate attraction between Jack and Grace. She storms off and heads home to Nashville after an encounter with him.
Grace realizes that she needs a change in her life. Her family comes to dinner and she informs them that she has purchased the B&B and will be moving there. Her family is less than pleased with her decision. She goes ahead and moves. She is excited to be making positive changes in her life.
Jack avoids Grace because of the encounter. But he realizes that she is making her own way and is making a success of the B&B. She likes Jack's two twin daughters who come to rely on her for friendship and guidance. Grace also improves her relationship with her family who now live closer. They had become estranged somewhat during her life in Nashville.
Grace is a strong person and lives a moral life. Unlike Jack, she embraces family values. Jack has become jaded and embittered by a woman who married him and then left him and the daughers high and dry. He has fallen into a playboy lifestyle and comes to realize that he needs to change some negative behaviors.
I like the faith aspect that is weaved into the story. We see how it impacts the life of Jack and Margaret, Graces' daughter, who has come to live with her. Vincent Westbrooke is a minister who has a great impact on people in the community.
I liked this story!
July 13, 2022
I began reading Lin Stepp's books a few months ago when she introduced me to her 2022 publications, "Eight at the Lake" and the first in her new coastal series "Light the Way". Lin is a Christian fiction romance author and one of the best. I enjoy her books in totality; the plots, the characters, and the setting. "Down by the River" is set in my home county in the beautiful town of Townsend, Tennessee on the banks of the Little Tennessee River and at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The heroine in this story defies her Nashville family and buys a bed and breakfast nestled in the peaceful side of the Smokies. It is an awakening and recognition of her strengths that her life in Nashville as the wife of a successful and wealthy businessman did not have. This talented widow also has her senses and sensuality awakened by the community's lady's man and realtor. There is also a mystery to solve and lots of family, friends, and a local preacher to add to this fun read. Lin always showcases these communities, the search for an individual's spirituality, and the natural beauty of life in her books. "Down By the River" is no exception. I enjoyed every page as she took me to Townsend for a visit with her real characters in real situations. Thanks Lin for another entertaining read.
June 3, 2022
Loved this book. Lin Stepp writing is amazing to me, she know how to bring her faith into her story lines and I really love that in her books. I love how she loves the Smokings and how she makes you see this beauty like you are right there! I would love to go stay at a B and B like the one in this book and walk down those streets and shop in those stores! Loved the characters in this books too, the twins was great, since I have twins myself that was sweet reading a book with twins in it. I also grew up on the river but it was never like the river in this story, though I had wished it would of been. Wonderful read!!
October 17, 2018
I wish I could like this book. However, when I can tell you who will end up with who, how they are going to get there, and most of what will happen along the way within the first few chapters? Not so much.
Having said that, I have never written a novel to completion. Praise should be given for at least that!
Having said that, I have never written a novel to completion. Praise should be given for at least that!
August 25, 2021
This just wasn't my type of book. Romance isn't one of the genres I usually read, but I can appreciate some because they have beautiful descriptions or strong historical settings. Those elements were missing here. The interactions between the characters were implausible, as were some of the plot points. I finished it only because it was recommended to me by my book club.
March 19, 2018
There's a beautiful old inn for sale along the Little River that will do perfectly. Of course, Grace's family is scandalized. After all, she's a middle-aged widow!
July 6, 2018
I really wanted to like this but it was just not my type of book. Way too preachy. Way too contrived. Not a huge fan.
September 11, 2018
Good story!
This book was another quick read. It is enjoyable reading about places you know and have visited. The characters are well developed and the plot holds your interest.
This book was another quick read. It is enjoyable reading about places you know and have visited. The characters are well developed and the plot holds your interest.
July 24, 2022
I liked the story, even if somewhat predictable. I loved the setting even more and the authenticity of the characters.
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