Downsizing

by Lin Stepp

Forced to suddenly downsize her life, and not by choice, pushes Mary Pat Latham to give up all that is familiar, to reexamine her life in every area, and to eventually open her heart to new beauty and purpose, instead of only looking back in regret.
At midlife, Mary Pat Latham has an almost perfect life-a successful husband, a beautiful home, four fine grown children, and a wealth of meaningful activities and social clubs to fill her days-so it's a total shock when her husband walks in one day and says he wants a divorce. As if hearing a stranger talking in her own kitchen, Mary Pat listens to Russell's reasons for wanting to abandon their long marriage and to his plans, already in place, to sell their home and move on. What will she do? Where will she go? She hasn't worked since the children were born, her life wrapped up in home and family. Stunned, Mary Pat heads to the small mountain home she and Russell bought from her parents years ago, too shocked and humiliated to face her friends or anyone she knows right now.
Owen McCarter knew he'd need to stop by the old Jennings place, on some pretense or other, after Wheeler told him he'd seen a woman up there acting sick. After all, the house was next door to his at the end of Highland Drive. When he knocked on the front door later, it took him a minute to recognize Mary Pat, weeping and so different from the girl he'd known in childhood and fallen in love with. Owen reached out in friendship, of course, seeing Mary Pat so upset, but he felt surprised at the old memories that touched him, too. Hearing her problems and learning why she'd come to the mountains, Owen knew it unlikely she'd stay for long after the more lavish life she'd known. But he couldn't help wishing she would.
Another Lin Stepp novel set in the Smoky Mountains ... with a special "Downsizing Diet" available free to readers as a book supplement. PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP'S SMOKY MOUNTAIN "DOWNSIZING is absolutely charming... Mary Pat is a heroine of the heart; making her way in a world where the size of a person's heart is often less important than the size of her waist. A story of renewal, second chances, new beginnings, family, friendship, and food. ...A treat at the end-our heroine's very own sensible plan for trimming your dress size-while expanding your new horizons." - Deborah Smith, NYT bestselling author of A PLACE TO CALL HOME
"Lin Stepp delivers a classic Southern romance with heart and she peppers the world of her story with details instantly recognizable to those familiar with the mountains ... Her rich, warm picture of the Smokies welcomes any who have ever called the Appalachians home." - All About Women Magazine REVIEW
" A lovely love story about having a second chance at love." - Night Owl Reviews
" Stepp establishes a lovely sense of place in the novel, capturing the sights and sounds of Tennessee's breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains. - Booklist
"Well, 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 four our beloved Smoky Mountains. Dr. Lin Stepp I salute you." - Dolly Parton, award-winning country music singer, songwriter, entrepreneur

300 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decades of life spent in marriage, raising children, adjusting to the empty nest. All swept away when Mary Pat's surgeon husband Russell comes home and informs her that he will be seeking a divorce, selling their family home in two months, and (by the way) that she has put on too much weight. Heartbroken, Mary Pat flees to the Tennessee mountains to her parents' vacation home, the place where she grew up. She needs to lick her wounds and figure out how to put her life back together.

However, while it's wonderful to be back home, she keeps facing the same issues that her husband revealed in his bombshell announcement. She *has* put on too much weight. And she hears about it from old high school friends as well as from random teenage girls who don't know she's listening. How can Mary Pat heal from her hurt and change her life?

There are actually ways she can do this. Opportunities arise. An old high school flame turns out to be her near neighbor. A potential career might be picked up. But will all these be enough to save her from the shame of her losses (and, not to put too fine a point on it, her gains)?

There does seem to be an unseen hand guiding her path. Perhaps God does care about her after all. But can He make a way for her...as well as save her from random scary wildlife? Read "Downsizing" and find out!

I received a digital copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars



Marian "Mary Pat" was blind-sighted by her husband, Russell, into a divorce that she never would see coming. Thirty-four years together with four grown-up children, and yet, her marriage fizzled out beyond repair. In a whirlwind decision and at a loss, she sets off to her old family home in Smokey Mountain, Tennessee - as a refuge from the shame and grief she received.
What happens next is a series of "signs" guiding Mary Pat as she lifts "her burden" to God and trusts him to lead her to her redemption and a second chance.

Owen McCarter is a former military man who came back home to continue with the family business of McCarter Woodcrafts. He is also a divorcee but has given up on sharing his life and heart with anyone. He chooses to focus on helping his father and sister with the family business instead. Initially, all is well and good. He adjusted well, but upon the reappearance of a childhood friend (Mary Pat), he realizes that his childhood crush never fades with time, even after all these years. Instead, it grew even more significant as he got reacquainted with Mary Pat again.

Downsizing is my first encounter with the author. I was excited when I read the synopsis and the more now as I finished this book. I enjoyed the book a lot more than I expected. And although there were few religious references randomly in the chapters, these were not "imposing" or intrusive to the story. The author brought about the right balance to reference God's Hand (Fate) in having old friends reunite when things seem so bleak. The writing is clear, spot-on, and relatable. The points of view were from both main characters, helping readers get closer and empathize with them. I appreciate the author giving both characters "level, rational" heads while still developing and improving themselves in the story. These scenes made them a lot more realistic in their reactions.

My first impression of Mary Pat's husband is arrogant. I felt what Mary Pat had to go through with such a deceitful man. No one plans everything so well unless they know that they need to make a "clean break" before announcing such a devastating thing. There was a clear intention to hide Russell's plans and leave Mary Pat when he is ready good. It was awful to read through what he spewed out to a woman who stayed with him for so many years! The blame game happened, and it was impossible to see who didn't do what or why didn't the other speak up. I believed that Russell handled the situation disastrously. He kept quiet, waiting for change, couldn't stand it any longer (or maybe got "distracted by something else"), then dropped "the bomb" while chastising everything wrong with Mary Pat. Russell refused to work on their marriage and was happy to leave on his terms - a selfish one! If he was unhappy at some point in time, he should have voiced out his concerns or discussed them with Mary Pat. Anyways, the first part was a disaster and a load full of hurt. I believed that there was something bigger going on with Russell, and after Mary Pat explained her past to Owen, the more I was mad at Russell!

I love love love Mary Pat! She is a saint!
She may not be perfect, but everything she handled in all "events" placed in front of her was stellar! I love how she thinks, decides, and approaches things - with a lot of thought and consideration (at times). She is a loving person like Owen, who was "dealt a bad hand" but was able to bounce back, learn from the experience, and came out "blooming" like a spring bud - even after being tied to someone for thirty-four years of marriage. She forgives but may not forget, but she indeed learned from what life threw at her, but her faith in God and prayers did not falter or forsake her. Her move to her hometown was very beneficial because of the people and Nature around her. I am so happy to have known such a character!

I was so happy (ecstatic) when Owen entered the scene. The first meet-up gave me significant relief from the stressful Russell. Owen was a gem, and his words and actions when Mary Pat first came back to Smokey Mountain were perfect. Owen's history with Mary Pat goes way back that growing up together meant that they still knew each other how to support each other, even after all these years. It was a slow process, but Owen was patient in providing Mary Pat the support in finding her "old self" - full of life and ambition. He exudes kindness and thoughtfulness that showed a lot of experience in handling difficult situations while "reading" into people. He was honest but considerate to accept Mary Pat's reaction on her healing journey before proposing anything. Instead of pushing, Owen (and the rest of the people in Smokey Mountain) re-prioritized and served as God's tool in empowering Mary Pat to be the best version of herself. With their help and presence, Mary Pat starts the healing journey, looking forward to a brighter future.

I love how the author provided a comprehensive history of Smokey Mountain Tennessee, where Mary Pat and Owen grew up. It is very detailed but not overwhelming. It gives respect to the area and its people - the artisans living and making a living with their creativity and "hands." The map at the start of the book provides a good look at what and where things are so readers can refer to it as needed. It's charming since it's a hand-drawn map that will make readers revisit it as the story progressed.

Interestingly, many of the people who grew up in the area somehow came back to settle, heal, or take care of family, even when they left home, which is terrific. There was no resentment in coming back or as a sign of weakness, and instead, a lot welcomed the idea like what Mary Pat did. I can relate to the author's comparison of coming home to God's welcoming those who need Him after being forsaken by the rest of Mary Pat's world as she tries her best to heal.

The book spans months - many events happened to Mary Pat, Owen, and the people around them. There is ample time for character development and maturity, which is excellent because readers will see Mary Pat's relationships - her family, friends, and Owen - go through changes. The same goes for Owen, but the book showed a lot of changes with Mary Pat. I was delighted to see her take "the high road" in a lot of things. Mary Pat kept her dignity by not spewing hateful words and actions and took into "healing" physically, spiritually, professionally, and emotionally.

The book's ending will shock readers! While things started to be comfortable as Mary Pat was adjusting and budding new relationships in her new community, something big happens. I am all for karma and things "coming around," but not I thought things would sail by. I was sad about what happened since no one deserves that kind of treatment, but I was happy that justice found its way to be a befitting end to the characters involved.

A nice add-on to the book is the diet notebook wherein Mary Pat used in the book, filled with fantastic food suggestions, meal plan guide, and food nutritional information for readers. Some helpful tips and recipes are doable and easy to follow for those who want to change or edit their diet. It is an excellent guide for people who want to eat better or curb their weight gain. I appreciate receiving this with the copy provided.

In summary, Downsizing is an excellent read about rekindled young love, second chances, finding self-worth, and finding the strength to move from a "stagnant relationship" into something better and more profound. Owen and Mary Pat's love withstood the test of time through honesty, integrity, and respect. This book will surely make readers gush, swoon, and believe in fated love. Through prayers and faith, nothing is impossible or unachievable - time or space.

[Jennia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Pat is making another delicious confection for one of the many events she participates in when, out of the blue, her cardiologist husband comes home just long enough to announce he wants a divorce. Barely able to come to terms with that shock, he then tells her the home they raised their four children in over the years has already been put on the market and she needs to move out almost immediately. Relocating to her family’s cabin, Mary Pat is surrounded by people who knew and loved her growing up, including a man who had his own marital difficulties, Owen.
The romance is an understandable slow-burn as both Mary Pat and Owen sort out their pasts and heal from betrayals. While I greatly sympathized with Mary Pat, I wasn’t as fond of Owen. Like almost everyone else in the book, he seems hung up on her weight gain. For instance, her husband lists it as one reason he’s leaving her, when asked if she’s still gorgeous Owen hesitates before admitting she’s gained a substantial amount of weight, and two teen girls talk about her weight after they see her eating lunch at the local diner. This really took away from the story for me, but it made me want to give Mary Pat a big hug even more.
Mary Pat takes these devastating experiences and uses them as lessons and motivation to better herself. I admired her resilience and was cheering her on all the way and genuinely hurt from her right from the start. She leans on her faith and rekindles old friendships that were and are truer than any she made in the twenty some years she spent in her upscale neighborhood where so many of her friendships were based on her social standing or bank account.
Though this is ultimately a romance, it’s also a story about learning about yourself. I loved the small-town setting, the wildlife encounters, and Mary Pat’s sweet and lovable personality. However, the issue mentioned above took this down a notch for me, which is why I’m giving it three stars. Thank you to the publisher and Just Read Tours for a complimentary copy. This did not impact my review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down Sizing by Lin Stepp is a charming contemporary Christian novel and part of the Mountain Home series.
Lin Stepp has created a realistic and likable heroine in Mary Pat. It is refreshing to have the focus on her as she is not your typical leading lady, being past the first flush of youth and in her fifties and overweight. She has brought up her family and her life revolves around them until a bombshell is dropped. She is very relatable.
Like many of us, Mary Pat struggles with her weight. It should not define her but cruel comments are like sharp barbs. The reader admires her tenacity to start and stick with a healthy eating plan. She shows that we are never too old to have a fresh start. As her horizons broaden, so does her life. There are no retirement plans in the kingdom. A full life is not just for the young. A full life with new challenges is available for anyone who is still breathing. While there is breath there is life.
Our inner personality should be more important than our outward appearance. There are shallow characters who judge others by looks, wealth and social standing. The true riches of this world are built around love and relationships – with God and with each other.
The church is God’s great idea for planet earth. When it functions as He intended, it is beautiful. When the church functions as a social club, its values are off centre, it is hurtful and painful to witness.
Down Sizing shows authentic faith. Characters have a relationship with God and live out His love. When life is tough - pray. When forgiveness is not easy – pray. When life is great – pray. Prayer is our hotline to God, we need to use it at all times.
Bears live in the mountains. There are some surprising encounters within the book, they are not polite visitors!
Down Sizing is a refreshing read not just because of the clean mountain air but because of the heart of the characters. Lin Stepp has written a perfectly charming novel with a delightful leading lady and a faithful God.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Downsizing may be just the book for those readers who complain that most Christian romance novels feature young, beautiful women. Mary Pat is a wife who has paid her dues. She has raised her children well, taken care of her home and husband, and participated in various community organizations during her marriage. When her husband of thirty-four years comes home with the unexpected announcement that he wants a divorce because she has become boring and has gained too much weight, Mary Pat is shocked. The icing on the cake is that she must vacate their home because he has already sold it. Fortunately he has signed over to her the family vacation home near Gatlinburg where she grew up.

A well written story that takes the reader through a multitude of emotions along with Mary Pat, Downsizing is ultimately a tale of forgiveness, hope. and second chances as well as overcoming obstacles in one’s life. I could easily identify with Mary Pat’s weight problem because it is one I have struggled with most of my life. I do wish I could overcome it as easily as Mary Pat seemed to do it. It was encouraging to observe how the relationship between Mary Pat and her children improved, especially the one with her daughter. Faith is an important component of this story but was not overpowering. I also liked how the title described both Mary Pat’s weight loss and her living circumstances. I would recommend this book to those who prefer more mature primary characters.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person much nearer retirement age than adolescence, I really appreciate characters in books with more life experience, and Lin Stepp gives readers that and more in Downsizing.

From the first chapter, I couldn’t help but sympathize with Mary Pat. Her life is turned upside down in a matter of minutes and she’s adrift. I also couldn’t help but cheer her on when she makes a choice to improve her life or admire her determination to go after that goal.

And then there’s Owen—a man I liked the first time he walked on the page. His support and patience with Mary Pat are just what she needs and despite his attraction to the woman, his discernment is what sets him apart.

Stepp gives readers an insider view of the Smoky Mountain area that’s different from what the tourists see as well as an education in bear behavior. But at the heart of this story is the hope that that life goes on—and sometimes even improves—after devastation.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Glenda S. Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible, inspiring reading! The grief and loss journey is a hard one,no matter the individual circumstances. This book inspired me, challenged me, and actually motivated me to press on in this journey with God’s guidance. A beautiful story with characters that became real to me. Thankyou Lin Stepp!

[JudyAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing friendly supportive characters from Lin Stepp AGAIN! The "A Mountain Home" series are stories that can be enjoyed by many readers --- women, men, young adult. My husband reads these and he's not much for novels.

Lin had taken us to one of her favorite locations with a few different twists. I am grateful for her work to produce wholesome, clean reading that doesn't insult my intelligence or convictions. The Christian aspects of the story are not clunky, but inspirational.

While all had to go to ground with a pandemic, Lin continued writing and we are receiving the benefit!!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Downsizing, by Lin Stepp is book two in the Mountain Hole Books series. While this is part of a series, it is a good stand alone story. I did not realize it was part of a series until after I read it. This is a well written contemporary romance story that deals with the topics of infidelity, divorce, starting over, family issues and murder.

Mary Pat has given up her dreams to marry and raise a family with her cardiologist husband. She was always there for him and the children and now he shocks her with wanting a divorce because she has left herself go. He has everything planned out and in motion before he tells her. She has just weeks to go through their home and move out. Fortunately she has her family home in the mountain to move to where she rekindles old relationships. She also turns her life around by going back to school and joining a weight loss program.

I loved this story! It is so realistic and shares some very personal feelings that a person in Mary Pat’s situation would have. It is a good clean contemporary romance with several good messages within it. I enjoyed reading of how she took the diet plan so seriously. I am especially enjoying the special Downsizing Diet that is available.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this story and the supplemental diet book provided by JustReads Tours. This is my honest review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first chapter Linn Stepp pulled me in with Russell, Mary Pat's husband being a total, inconsiderate jerk. This book shows determination, mistakes realized but too late, forgiveness and 2nd chances. Also a twist that was not expected at all. Great book, enjoyed the characters and the setting being in Tennessee.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0/5.0 - If you like Christian fiction, stories set in the Great Smoky Mountains, and second chances at love, this story will delight you. Sent a copy to my sister, who lives in that area.

[Carol L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring!

Great story. Uplifting and encouraging. I will be looking into the extra at the end of the book. Thank you.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lin Stepp has done it again! “It” is the creation of credible, endearing characters in a small town setting. “It” is gifting her readers with an opportunity to step into that small town and truly see and feel all that her characters are experiencing. One of the reasons I love reading novels by Lin Stepp is that I know she never disappoints. Her characters are always larger than life. Her settings are beautiful and inviting. And her story lines are always relatable.

In Downsizing, Ms. Stepp brings Mary Pat Latham - and her readers - back to the setting Stepp is so well known for: the mountains of Tennessee. At its outset, readers are immediately introduced to a demure Mary Pat who is blindsided by her husband’s demands for a divorce. Not only does Russell Latham, a prominent physician, demand a divorce, he lays out a cold and carefully calculated plan to end his relationship and sever all ties without regard for how very devastating this is for the unsuspecting Mary Pat.

While Russell’s words and actions could have easily destroyed Mary Pat, once she came to terms with what was (and was not) in her control, she returned to her childhood mountain home where she finds the strength to build a new life. That new life includes redefining herself, reconnecting with old friends, renewing her relationship with her grown children, and rekindling a romance with Owen McCarter.

The evolution of the relationship between Owen and Mary Pat does not occur in a vacuum. Therefore, readers are also treated to a cast of characters that bring the small mountain town to life in ways that evoke a wide range of responses ranging from tears to anger, and from laughter to joy. To read a Lin Stepp novel is to find yourself living in the moments as they unfold.

A jaw-dropping twist brings the story to a most unsuspected conclusion that is sure to leave the reader stunned for days to come.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Downsizing

I have loved all of Lin’s books, but I think Downsizing is my favorite. Such lovable, down to earth characters. A lovely read!