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The Red Mill Bookstore

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Life is hard when too many of your plans and dreams crash to the ground at the same time, but often, with time, new beginnings and new opportunities come that bring fresh and unexpected joy and even surprising resolutions and answers to old sorrows.



As Ella Quinn stood at the door of the Chestnut Street Bookstore in Boston looking at the tearful faces of the children, disappointed there would be no Saturday morning Story Time today with the bookstore closing, she choked up with tears herself. How could this be happening? The owner Adelynn Lake, like a mother to her, had died unexpectedly and the store Ella hoped might be hers one day was closing, nearly bankrupt, and all of it a shock and surprise to her. It didn't take much persuasion from her father for her to agree to head to the Smoky Mountains to Townsend to stay with her grandmother who'd broken her arm. Perhaps while there, Ella could figure out what to do with her life now that all her dreams lay shattered and broken.

Jesse Helton had graciously offered to drive from Townsend to the airport to pick up Hershel and Naomi Quinn's granddaughter. He loved the Quinn family and had worked at the old mill with Hershel since a boy. He was glad, too, that their granddaughter, Ella, could come to be a help to them with Naomi's arm broken. However, he hardly recognized Ella when she got off the plane, so different from the freckle-faced girl he remembered from childhood. His interest, that sparked up right away, he squelched down quickly. Hadn't he had enough disillusion with women already and enough family sorrows to last a lifetime? He would work hard to keep his distance while Ella visited. Besides, she wouldn't be here in the mountains for long.



PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP AND HER SMOKY MOUNTAIN NOVELS



"A heartfelt story full of hope, small town charm and belief in second chances." - Cleveland Daily Banner Review



"Stepp is a gifted storyteller who skillfully captures the mystical and enduring history and beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and the faith, loyalty, and resilience of the people who call them home." - PJ, Romance Dish Review



"Rich in small town values, a sense of place, and the importance of family. If you're looking for a story that's truly heartwarming, this is it." - Peevish Pen Review



"Your books take me out of the fast-paced world I live in ... I come away with a feeling of life being refreshed." - Susan Reichert, Editor in Chief, Southern Writers Magazine

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

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Lin Stepp

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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
5 reviews
March 19, 2025
Set against the picturesque landscapes of a welcoming small town, "The Red Mill Bookstore" revolves around the lives of its endearing characters, each striving to deepen their faith while grappling with life's unexpected challenges. The story artfully captures the essence of Christian fiction, intertwining themes of hope and redemption amidst the backdrop of an unfolding mystery. Readers will find themselves engrossed in a narrative that explores the depths of the human spirit, showcasing how faith can illuminate even the darkest moments of heartbreak and despair.
Ella Quinn has worked at a Boston book store for several years. She and the owner, Adelynn Lake, are friends to the level of family. When the owner dies, the book store must close with the contents and building being sold. The owner’s son, Robert, knows about his mother’s attachment to Ella. And finds that his mother has addressed her love for the girl in her will. Ella inherits all of Adelynn’s personal belongings and the stock of books, plus accouterments of the book store. Robert inherits the building and will sell it. Ella has to decide what she’s going to do with her inheritance. Here comes “The Red Mill Bookstore!

The allure of this book lies not only in its compelling character development but also in the riveting plot that includes elements of murder and arson, creating an atmosphere of suspense that keeps you guessing until the very end. Stepp has masterfully crafted a tale where the stakes are high, and the characters are faced with dilemmas that test their resolve and commitment to their beliefs. In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, these characters shine as beacons of faith and hope, reminding readers of the power of love and the strength found in community.

Everything in Ella’s life implodes. First her good friend and employer, Adelynn, dies. Then her grandmother falls, breaking her arm. As Ella is dealing with these traumas, her Boston friends and sweetheart are being a little ‘fluffy’ about her needs. Ella leaves Boston to travel to her grandparents in the Smoky Mountains and care for her grandmother. The fluffy friends and boyfriend are out of the picture for the time being.

A childhood friend, Jesse, is also helping the grandparents while operating a business with his parents. He is the first to see the potential for Ella to take her new assets into a local business, “The Red Mill Bookstore.” You guessed it, the fluffies’ from Boston become history while Ell and Jesse develop a grown up relationship and solve a murder mystery which has been a scar on Jesse’s family for several years.

I always write about the ‘clean reading’ experience I get with Lin Stepp’s books. Wholesome stories that resonate. I have visited red flour mills along the mid-USA creeks and streams. This story brought sweet memories to the surface. The ‘real people’ aspects of distrust and isolation of people who have been incarcerated are right on the money. In this book, though the imprisoned person was declared innocent, his innocence wasn’t absolutely clear until the true killer was revealed. Mills and people's pain topics only give us a peek into the varied facets of The Red Mill Bookstore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,104 reviews100 followers
March 5, 2025
The Red Mill Bookstore by Lin Stepp is a most delightful, contemporary Christian novel that I adored. It is part of A Mountain Home Book series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Lin Stepp always writes the most charming wholesome novels that enchant the reader from the start. Her townsfolk are warm and welcoming, and the reader longs to be a part of the community.
There are godly lessons for us all, as we see the importance of letting God love us and guide us. “Your Father in heaven believes in you… Seek to find God’s wisdom. He always knows the best way for us to walk.” When we follow God’s plan for our lives, we know that we cannot fail. When we fall, God will pick us up.
Having faith in God doesn’t mean we will have a trouble-free life. We meet a family that has had their lives disrupted by false imprisonment (before the novel opened). There was always a choice to become bitter or better. They chose the path of forgiveness. “Anger and unforgiveness was hurting us more than anyone else.”
In order to live free, we must hand our burdens over to Jesus. “We’ve both had a bad experience… but we learned from it.” When we are in difficult places, we learn vital lessons.
We become whatever we immerse ourselves in. “The words we speak become the house we live in.” Always speak words of truth and life that will build others up.
Prayer is important. Prayer connects us to God. “I’ve been praying that God would make a way.” God will always make a way even when we cannot see a way. We can trust Him. “We count our blessings daily.” No matter how bad life is, we need to look out for something good and be thankful.
When the road ahead seems unclear, we can ask God for guidance. God still speaks through dreams. He did in the past, and He still does today.
We need to tell our stories of the goodness of God. “There’s always room for a story that can transport people to another place.” Stories have the power to transport us through time and space.
Lin Stepp introduces the reader to the beautiful natural mountain scenery. She vividly paints the locations with her artistic pen so that they spring to life.
Characters re-connect after years apart. Childhood friends had drifted away and both suffered in the school of hard knocks. The mountain community offers a place of healing.
Books are important. They enable the reader to travel to far-flung places while never leaving their chair. I love the fact that books are important to the characters, and there were the inclusions of references to previous books I have read by Lin Stepp.
I absolutely adored The Red Mill Bookstore and am sad that it is ended. For a few hours I was transported to a beautiful mountain area and felt welcomed as a friend by the characters.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions ae my own.
29 reviews
February 23, 2025
Readers familiar with Lin Stepp’s writings will recognize that her newest novel has been crafted with many of the elements that make her stories compelling and loved by so many. Elements such as strong character development, a keen sense of place, wholesome small town charisma, history and culture, faith and family values, second chances, love, and even an element of mystery or danger. All of these are masterfully woven into Ms. Stepp’s storytelling in such a way that readers can’t resist “just one more chapter.”

The Red Mill Bookstore is the sixth in Lin Stepp’s Mountain Home collection. Each one is a stand alone story set in one of the many unique small towns in and near the Great Smoky Mountains. The Red Mill Bookstore is set in Townsend, Tennessee. Townsend is home to Ella Quinn’s grandparents Hershel and Naomi Quinn who own and operate the Red Mill. The Quinn’s are an integral part of the town’s community, culture and commerce. Townsend is also home to Jesse Helton and his family. Jesse’s family has owned and operated an electrical repair business for generations. In addition to his work at his family’s business, Jesse also has helped Hershel Quinn at the mill since boyhood. Thus he is a close family friend.

As the story opens, readers are introduced to Ella Quinn who finds herself trying to come to terms with a complete unraveling of all her hopes and dreams. The Chestnut Street Bookstore was more than the place where Ella worked. It was the place where she’d met her dear friend and mentor, Adelynn Lake who had become like a mother to Ella. It was also the place that captured her passion for books and the seat of her dream to one day become its owner. Quite unexpectedly, Adelynn Lake passes away. And as if that is not devastating enough for Ella, she quickly learns that the bookstore was nearing bankruptcy and on the verge of closure. Ella’s dear friend, the job she loved, and her closely held dream for her future were all gone.

On the heels of an abrupt loss of income, purpose, and dreams Ella receives a call from her father. Ella’s grandmother Naomi had sustained a fall that resulted in a broken arm. Naomi’s recuperation would require rest and time. Her father hoped that Ella would consider a temporary stay in Townsend, Tennessee to help both Naomi’s recovery and Hershel’s busy Red Mill businesss. Ella decides that a trip to Townsend will be beneficial to her grandparents and it might also give her the time and distance necessary to reflect on her own next steps.

Family friend, Jesse Helton kindly offers to pick Ella up at the nearby airport. He has known Ella since childhood when she would visit her grandparents but he wasn’t prepared for the feelings that stirred in him. Cautiously, Jesse and Ella navigate the day-to-day activities at the Red Mill and at the Quinn home all while getting re-acquainted yet being mindful of the fact that Ella’s stay was to be short-lived.

When a reversal of fortune befalls Ella, her life once again is turned on its head. But this time the change holds a promise for the future. She begins to explore the possibility of remaining in Tennessee. And as she does so, Jesse allows himself to think perhaps he and Ella could build a future together.

As Ella begins to see more clearly what her life in Tennessee might be like, the Red Mill Bookstore comes to life. The 1800’s post office and store building that sits on her grandfather’s property has been placed on the National Register for Historic Places but has been used as storage for the mill for many years. Just as the old building is transformed into a thriving bookstore, the relationship between Jesse and Ella transforms as well.

Readers who are familiar with the areas in and around Townsend are in for a treat as real-life artisans and businesses are introduced as integral parts of the story.

From beginning to end, The Red Mill Bookstore does not disappoint. It is a delightful retreat into small town mountain community life complete with the power of love, family, faith and perseverance.
11 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2025
Will A New Beginning Bring New Opportunities?

“When one door closes another opens.” This proverb, attributed to Alexander Graham Bell, certainly proves true for Ella Quinn who finds that new opportunities appear after she experiences a major career setback and deep personal loss in Boston, Massachusetts.

As Ella finds herself at a career crossroads, due to circumstances beyond her control, she searches for answers while on an extended visit to her grandparents’ home in picturesque Townsend, Tennessee. Ella has many wonderful memories of spending time in Townsend when she was younger. Again, she finds much to love about the history proud town. The townspeople are welcoming and supportive, the lifestyle is laid-back and still offers many of Ella’s favorite activities, the new and interesting friendships she forges are meaningful (including friendships with artisans, crafters, and musicians), and the rekindling of old friendships is always heartwarming and presents new opportunities. Ella thoroughly enjoys the Smoky Mountains way of life as she seeks God’s will and contemplates the exciting possibilities of her future personal and professional life.

As always, Lin Stepp’s incredible level of research of a locale and its history, its natural beauty, its people, and its way of life are woven into the story. This not only adds to the storyline but also makes the story so rich, true to life, and extremely enjoyable.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of the Red Mill Bookstore which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Christy  Martin.
393 reviews8 followers
March 11, 2025
For several years I have had the pleasure of being an early reader and reviewer for Knoxville author Lin Stepp's books. I have been reading her books since she first began writing the Smoky Mountain novels in 2009. They are all good. My favorites are those set in the Smoky Mountain region. This year's book from her Mountain Home series is called the "Red Mill Bookstore" and is set in Townsend. If you have never read her books, and love our mountain home, this is one you will not one to miss. Lin's special talent is her strong sense of place. You will note many landmarks in Townsend and many familiar places and people are featured in the book.
The story is about a young woman who returns to Townsend to care for her grandmother while she is recovering from a broken arm. There she reconnects with a friend from her childhood visits to Townsend and unknowingly involves herself in solving a crime.
Lin's books flow like "Little River" (comparison borrowed from a friend) and will warm your heart with the beauty of the area, love, Christian values, and enduring friendships. "The Red Mill Bookstore" is one you won't want to miss.
Profile Image for Darlene White.
25 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2025
Just finished this book. Was asked to do a book review for my friend Lin Stepp. I am very honored to do this for her. She is a great Christian lady and a good author! This book comes out April 1. This book was written with great characters, a little love, a little faith, and a little mystery. Lin is such a great author and her talent shows in her books. This book is a great fun read, which I say a lot, but her books are fun to read. It is a good book for a snowy day stuck inside or in the warm weather to sit on your porch to enjoy. It’s one of those books that you enjoy so much that you don’t want to put it down. My husband says “that must be a great book, since you can’t get your nose out of it” and of course I always say “ oh, yes it is”!! Thank you Lin Stepp for letting me read this great book!! One more little this is I think it is great how she brings in faith in her books. That makes it enjoyable, too! You can tell she loves the Lord.
4 reviews
March 12, 2025
Lin Stepp is a wonderful storyteller and a visual author. She is very descriptive and detailed in her writing, and draws the reader into the narrative of her stories making the reader feel very much a part of the story. It is difficult to put her books down until you finish reading them. The beauty of the Great Smoky mountains, Townsend, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas are a beautiful backdrop to the characters and the story of “The Red Mill Bookstore”. This is a book filled with faith, family, friends, forgiveness, second chances, new beginnings, romance, and mystery (the solving of a crime). I highly recommend “The Red Mill Bookstore”, five stars, and am looking forward to her next book in the “Mountain Home” series.
Profile Image for Terri.
384 reviews
April 9, 2025
The Red Mill Bookstore

I read this book on the porch of a rental cabin in Gatlinburg. Perfect spot for enjoying Lin’s descriptive book set in the Townsend area! As always, the story is great with likable characters and a good plot. I especially liked the ‘sleuthing’ in this one. Keep ‘em coming Lin!
Profile Image for Lynne Vinson.
17 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2025
A bookstore and an idyllic mountain setting? Two of my favorite things! A sweet romance with some mystery thrown in makes for a charming story.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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