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Smoky Mountain #1
The Foster Girls
The deep secrets - that restrict us and limit our lives - are at the heart of this first, engaging novel in the Smoky Mountain series. Vivian Delaney - in The Foster Girls - arrives in the quiet Wears Valley, on the backside of the Smoky Mountains, carrying a heavy load of hidden problems - and eager to find a quiet place to escape the recent troubles of her past. However, secrets are hard to keep, and right away Vivian encounters unexpected challenges with her landlord, Scott Jamison. From Vivian's first meeting with Scott - at the end of a rifle barrel - Scott seems purposed to push past all Vivian's defenses and to find a way into her heart. Just as Vivian begins to trust Scott - and is able to share her secrets with him and new friends in the valley - love for a little foster girl, Sarah Taylor, challenges Vivian and Scott's new relationship. When Sarah is lost in the mountains, the suspense and conflict build - with the lives of several characters caught tantalizingly in the balance. The Smoky Mountain Series
Starting in 2009, the novels in the Smoky Mountain series began to come out. All of the novels are contemporary romance - with a dash of suspense, a touch of inspiration, and a big dollop of Appalachian flavor. Each of the twelve books is set in a different place around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so readers get to enjoy a visit to a new location in the mountains along with a good, heartwarming story. The Foster Girls is the first of the twelve stand-alone novels in the Smoky Mountain series. To read more about these and other books, visit the author's website www.linstepp.com
Starting in 2009, the novels in the Smoky Mountain series began to come out. All of the novels are contemporary romance - with a dash of suspense, a touch of inspiration, and a big dollop of Appalachian flavor. Each of the twelve books is set in a different place around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so readers get to enjoy a visit to a new location in the mountains along with a good, heartwarming story. The Foster Girls is the first of the twelve stand-alone novels in the Smoky Mountain series. To read more about these and other books, visit the author's website www.linstepp.com
- GenresRomance
266 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 3, 2009
College professor Vivian Delaney rents a house near the Smoky Mountains, claiming she’s on sabbatical. Scott Jamison, whose family owns the house Vivian is renting, runs neighboring Buckeye Knob Camp. When Scott meets Vivian, he suspects there’s more to her story than Vivian is telling, but Vivian is adamant about her reason for being there. The two are attracted to one another although Scott is reluctant to love someone he feels he can’t trust. Vivian eventually earns Scott’s confidence, but their relationship is threatened by Vivian’s attachment to a foster girl.
Lin Stepp creates a heartwarming tale of love and redemption, family and faith. Her visual imagery nicely establishes time and place, and readers will fall in love with not only her charming characters but the picturesque setting for this inspirational story. This debut novel in the Smoky Mountain Series is sure to garner fans across genres, offering a plot filled with romance and suspense, set amidst the backdrop of the breathtaking Smoky Mountains.
Lin Stepp creates a heartwarming tale of love and redemption, family and faith. Her visual imagery nicely establishes time and place, and readers will fall in love with not only her charming characters but the picturesque setting for this inspirational story. This debut novel in the Smoky Mountain Series is sure to garner fans across genres, offering a plot filled with romance and suspense, set amidst the backdrop of the breathtaking Smoky Mountains.
September 5, 2010
A Smokey Mountain novel.... sappy and predictable - mindless and wholesome...nothing special, but still a "nice" book for a quick weekend read.
July 13, 2019
“You can’t judge a book by its cover.” I came to this book after enjoying Bloodroot, a novel written by a local author with a local setting. This looked to be similar with again a local author and setting
(the Smoky Mountains).On the cover was a painting of the Smokies by Jim Gray, another local.
But inside was what I now understand to be a romance novel. Probably would have passed it by if I had known this, but in stumbling through this unknown genre turned out to be interesting. I was surprised how quickly sexual-attraction-at-first-sight appeared and almost stopped reading there. That of course persisted with a lot of tension and misunderstandings preventing any culmination.
Some questions feeding the plot were so easy to solve (many chapters before the characters do so). Since I don’t think myself terribly clever at such, I wondered if this was a plum offered to the readers.
It all felt “surface” and yet I finished the book and even cried with the emotional climax at the end.
I know this book may not be indicative of the romance novel genre hence my apologies to the genre and its readers. So I guess the question is will I follow up with the other books in this series. Perhaps I will. But just as I ate too many pieces of a briefly satisfying pizza last night, I think a steady diet of either may result in a bellyache.
(the Smoky Mountains).On the cover was a painting of the Smokies by Jim Gray, another local.
But inside was what I now understand to be a romance novel. Probably would have passed it by if I had known this, but in stumbling through this unknown genre turned out to be interesting. I was surprised how quickly sexual-attraction-at-first-sight appeared and almost stopped reading there. That of course persisted with a lot of tension and misunderstandings preventing any culmination.
Some questions feeding the plot were so easy to solve (many chapters before the characters do so). Since I don’t think myself terribly clever at such, I wondered if this was a plum offered to the readers.
It all felt “surface” and yet I finished the book and even cried with the emotional climax at the end.
I know this book may not be indicative of the romance novel genre hence my apologies to the genre and its readers. So I guess the question is will I follow up with the other books in this series. Perhaps I will. But just as I ate too many pieces of a briefly satisfying pizza last night, I think a steady diet of either may result in a bellyache.
April 6, 2020
The first book in the series and a Christen family romance story. Set in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, a setting I was interested in because we moved here two years ago. A great read with some insight for me about the culture of small town, rural Tennessee. I will be reading more books in the series as they are good family stories. I read all genres and not just Christen books. This is a good read full of love, hope and family.
January 29, 2022
A little bit too preachy. I didn't like them referring to Sarah as the child all the time. It seemed so fake. I'll see what book 2 brings.
May 15, 2011
Review Posted on Reading Lark 7/9/11: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2011/...
As a kid, I fondly remember spending weekends and summers visiting my grandparents in the Appalachians of western North Carolina. The stretch of mountains that spreads through western North Carolina and into eastern Tennessee is often called the Great Smokies due to the mist that often clings to the peaks. I have been enamored with these mountains for as long as I can remember; I even chose a college that was cradled in the arms of the range. However, since my husband and I moved to Washington State last year, I have only been able to return to the Smokies twice. Sure, Washington has some beautiful mountain ranges - the Cascades and the Olympics - never cease to amaze me, but they are so different from the mountains of my youth. Reading Lin Stepp's novel helped transport me back to the mountains I love and helped ease a bit of yearning for home. Reading a story written by someone who loves the mountains as much as I do was a refreshing and enjoyable experience.
The Foster Girls is a story of secrets, love, and courage that I highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of regional literature that focuses on the Appalachians or on eastern Tennessee. I've mentioned before that I love books that are set in places that I am familiar with - The Foster Girls certainly delivered on that aspect. I got a little smile every time towns like Gatlinburg and Sevierville were mentioned. I know these places well and have visited them frequently. Stepp has truly captured the sense of place in her novel and allows readers to step inside the life of a small town in rural Tennessee.
This novel revolves around the story of Vivian Delaney, a reclusive writer and English professor, and Scott Jamison, a local who runs a popular summer camp. Vivian has escaped her high profile career in California in the hopes that she will find some peace, quiet, and anonymity in eastern Tennessee. She also hopes that the mountains will be a great place for her to write more books. She doesn't expect that her move will provide her with much more than just scenery and quiet country evenings. On her first night in Tennessee, during a vicious rainstorm, she meets the handsome and headstrong Scott at the end of his shotgun. That's a pretty unique way for catching a girl's attention, huh? After their first encounter, the two of them realize that their is some major chemistry between the two of them. However, is it just a budding curiosity or could it possibly be something more?
I truly loved these characters. Spending time with Vivian and Scott was one of the best parts of my day during this read. I just couldn't wait to get back to their story to figure out how their relationship would develop - even though it was a bit predictable at times. I also enjoyed that even though this is a romance, things were left to the imagination. My book buddies tease me all the time about this, but I just don't always enjoy the romance books that give way too much information about body parts and acts that are supposed to happen behind closed doors. I am far more drawn to a romances that focus on the act of falling in love and allow my mind to wonder where it will.
There are so many other things I want to say about this novel, but I don't want to ruin any of the major plot points for anyone else. If you're looking for a clean romance, an Appalachian tale, or a sweet story with endearing characters then this is the read for you. I will be reading and reviewing the other books in Lin Stepp's Smoky Mountain series soon so keep your eyes peeled for more. I love series where the characters and setting are all connected so I am excited to see where Stepp takes the stories in the future.
One Last Gripe: I wish the prologue had been a little longer. It felt abrupt to me.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: The setting and regional feel
First Sentence: Vivian checked the highway sign again to make sure she was on the right road.
Favorite Character: Scott
Least Favorite Character: I honestly didn't have one
As a kid, I fondly remember spending weekends and summers visiting my grandparents in the Appalachians of western North Carolina. The stretch of mountains that spreads through western North Carolina and into eastern Tennessee is often called the Great Smokies due to the mist that often clings to the peaks. I have been enamored with these mountains for as long as I can remember; I even chose a college that was cradled in the arms of the range. However, since my husband and I moved to Washington State last year, I have only been able to return to the Smokies twice. Sure, Washington has some beautiful mountain ranges - the Cascades and the Olympics - never cease to amaze me, but they are so different from the mountains of my youth. Reading Lin Stepp's novel helped transport me back to the mountains I love and helped ease a bit of yearning for home. Reading a story written by someone who loves the mountains as much as I do was a refreshing and enjoyable experience.
The Foster Girls is a story of secrets, love, and courage that I highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of regional literature that focuses on the Appalachians or on eastern Tennessee. I've mentioned before that I love books that are set in places that I am familiar with - The Foster Girls certainly delivered on that aspect. I got a little smile every time towns like Gatlinburg and Sevierville were mentioned. I know these places well and have visited them frequently. Stepp has truly captured the sense of place in her novel and allows readers to step inside the life of a small town in rural Tennessee.
This novel revolves around the story of Vivian Delaney, a reclusive writer and English professor, and Scott Jamison, a local who runs a popular summer camp. Vivian has escaped her high profile career in California in the hopes that she will find some peace, quiet, and anonymity in eastern Tennessee. She also hopes that the mountains will be a great place for her to write more books. She doesn't expect that her move will provide her with much more than just scenery and quiet country evenings. On her first night in Tennessee, during a vicious rainstorm, she meets the handsome and headstrong Scott at the end of his shotgun. That's a pretty unique way for catching a girl's attention, huh? After their first encounter, the two of them realize that their is some major chemistry between the two of them. However, is it just a budding curiosity or could it possibly be something more?
I truly loved these characters. Spending time with Vivian and Scott was one of the best parts of my day during this read. I just couldn't wait to get back to their story to figure out how their relationship would develop - even though it was a bit predictable at times. I also enjoyed that even though this is a romance, things were left to the imagination. My book buddies tease me all the time about this, but I just don't always enjoy the romance books that give way too much information about body parts and acts that are supposed to happen behind closed doors. I am far more drawn to a romances that focus on the act of falling in love and allow my mind to wonder where it will.
There are so many other things I want to say about this novel, but I don't want to ruin any of the major plot points for anyone else. If you're looking for a clean romance, an Appalachian tale, or a sweet story with endearing characters then this is the read for you. I will be reading and reviewing the other books in Lin Stepp's Smoky Mountain series soon so keep your eyes peeled for more. I love series where the characters and setting are all connected so I am excited to see where Stepp takes the stories in the future.
One Last Gripe: I wish the prologue had been a little longer. It felt abrupt to me.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: The setting and regional feel
First Sentence: Vivian checked the highway sign again to make sure she was on the right road.
Favorite Character: Scott
Least Favorite Character: I honestly didn't have one
February 20, 2011
This is my first book in the Smoky Mountain series. If you haven't read it ... I would be a poor publicist not to recommend it. You can find it in major bookstores, on Amazon, and now in Kindle and Nook ebook. It's a gentle, inspirational, regional romance set in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Dolly Parton loves my books and wrote of this one: "Well, I've finally come across someone that believes in all the things that I do... love, family, faith, intrigue, mystery, loyalty, Tennessee, and a great love for our beloved Smoky Mountains. Dr. Lin Stepp, I salute you."
I cherish the remarks ... and send Dolly a book with every new linked novel that comes out.
Read more about me and my books at my website: www.linstepp.com
I cherish the remarks ... and send Dolly a book with every new linked novel that comes out.
Read more about me and my books at my website: www.linstepp.com
January 16, 2015
This book is a warm and loving story of two strong-willed people who meet and fall in love. Neither wanted to admit it. He was known as a local playboy and she was a hard-nosed professor/writer.
Vivian Delaney was a well-known author who moved to the small town near the Smoky Mountains looking for anonymity so she could continue her writing without worrying about nosy reporters. Instead she finds her true love in Scott Jamison, the owner of a nearby children’s camp. He didn't want to fall in love or even marry and had kidded his brothers when they took the plunge. But he met Vivian and that was that.
Vivian Delaney was a well-known author who moved to the small town near the Smoky Mountains looking for anonymity so she could continue her writing without worrying about nosy reporters. Instead she finds her true love in Scott Jamison, the owner of a nearby children’s camp. He didn't want to fall in love or even marry and had kidded his brothers when they took the plunge. But he met Vivian and that was that.
September 20, 2011
I love inspirational romances that are set in unusual places, and Lin Stepp's book has it all. Her protagonist, Vivian Delaney leaves Los Angeles to escape from a secret past to the quaint Wear's Valley in the Smoky Mountains, hoping to find peace and recuperation from recent troubles. An unexpected, handsome, yet nosey neighbor, who happens to be her landlord challenges her to be truthful and share her secrets. When Vivian falls in love with a little foster girl, suspense and conflict build. This faith-based romance will have you humming happily for days after reading it.
January 2, 2016
The Foster Girls was book #1 in Lin Stepp’s Smoky mountain series. It was also the first Lin Stepp book that I read. It opened me to the world of her beautiful writing. It also opened me to the lovely world of the Great Smoky Mountains, of the proud and honorable world of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This is the story of Vivian Delaney, Scott Jamison, and young Sarah Taylor, a foster child. This story is magical. I’m so impressed by this book, I give copies to people I love.
August 27, 2011
By page 40, I didn't really like the book, but I stuck with it (the author is a local and she signed my book), and by the end, I really liked it!
January 27, 2012
I enjoyed reading this book. The dialogue was a bit forced at times, and the plot was fairly predictable. However, it was a pleasant, inoffensive read about an area I know and love.
November 12, 2014
I loved the setting, the story itself was ok.
July 13, 2015
Very good story. I couldn't put the book down.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews