By Lin Stepp
Series: #7 A Smoky Mountain Novel
ISBN: 1617732788
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Publication Date: 12/30/2014
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Set in Tennessee's postcard-perfect Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp's Makin' Miracles is an inspiring tale that reveals why love and forgiveness are most important just when they seem most impossible.
Zola Devon has always been a little different. Half Tahitian, with long black hair and dark eyes, she's especially distinctive in the mountain town of Gatlinburg. She even stocks her gift shop, Nature's Corner, with items that reflect her island heritage and tantalize tourists. But it's her gift as a seer and her spot-on knowledge from God that truly sets Zola apart. When she gets a directive or knowing about a person, she's almost always right. And when the surly photographer who owns the gallery next door wanders into her shop and Zola sees a problem upcoming in his life, it's only the beginning of ways in which their lives will clash and yet draw them together time and again.
The one thing Spencer Jackson loves more than his camera is the majestic scenery of the Smoky Mountains. Reeling from his painful past, he's settled in a log home high on a quiet mountain to train his lens on the breathtaking landscape. A woman as uniquely beguiling, and different, as Zola Devon could only throw his simple, uncomplicated days into chaos-and force him to lay bare his darkest secrets. But as Spencer's and Zola's lives become more and more intertwined, both may discover the beauty of the truth, and the joy of the unexpected.
My Review
A special thank you to the author, Kensingston, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lin Stepp, is back with her Smoky Mountain contemporary series Makin’ Miracles, a charming tale set in East Tennessee for an inspiring tale of faith, love and forgiveness.
Zola, from a multi-cultural background, half Tahitian and American, owns a charming gift shop in town called Nature’s Corner in Gatlinburg. She also possess a special and unusual gift as a seer, often receiving messages or words from God, for others. However, sometimes her warnings or messages, are not so well received.
Spencer, a photographer and owner of the Jackson Gallery, first meets Zola in her shop, when he is shopping with a woman designer and business colleague, Leena. Zola lets him know to be careful of this woman as she is a thief. He did not appreciate her interference; however, indeed the warning proved true the same night. Due to Zola, he was able to escape with his possessions intact. Spencer also has a strained relationship with his brother Bowden and things have happened in the past to foster problems between the two brothers.
Spencer and Zola meet again at Raven’s Den which is now on Spencer’s land where he lives in a remote cabin; however, it holds a special place and meaning to Zola and her childhood. She believes a person needs a place where they can go to find peace and get collected in their soul. “The world is not always kind to non-conformists, to those who are different.” As these two troubled souls are connected, they each learn from one another; as they share their secrets and past and renewed spirit for the future.
Makin’ Miracles is a charming and inspiring story with small town southern characters, friends, and family; filled with romance, mystery, intrigue, and words of faith. (Nice book club and group discussion questions at the end).
Fans of Sherryl Woods, Mariah Stewart, and Jan Karon will enjoy the small town charm and light hearted read. On a personal note, one of my favorite spots is a day of solace overlooking God’s nature in the mountains, hiking and enjoying the beauty of a waterfall; also bringing cleansing and new lightness to Spencer in the novel at Bucknear Branch.
If you have not read Stepp’s Down by the River, would highly recommend this heartwarming and inspirational read, of one woman’s courage to open a B&B- One you will want to treasure and tell all your friends, with a reiterating theme, “it is never too late to start over.”If you are looking for a mountain Christmas story, check out: A Smoky Mountain Christmas!
