REVIEW: Saving Laurel Springs by Lin Stepp

Saving Laurel Springs by Lin Stepp is an inspirational romance that reminds us to forgive those who might have hurt us. This story is all about second chances and finding the courage to open yourself up again after being hurt.

Rhea and Carter’s story is bittersweet. These two characters were so deeply in love, but life got in the way and lead them in different directions.

Carter left Rhea to attend school with Rhea promising she would visit. Only, the visits never happened. As time goes by, Carter marries someone else and has a child with her. When his wife dies, he returns to Laurel Springs and returns to Rhea. What he didn’t count on was how little Rhea wanted to do with him.

“How could he have loved and kissed and shared himself with someone else.”

Carter has his reasons for what happened, but Rhea has to want to hear those reasons.

I felt Rhea’s emotions while reading. I felt Carter’s betrayal and even after hearing Carter’s side of the story, I’m not so sure I would be able to forgive him for the hurt he caused, but Rhea is a stronger person than I am. This story reminded me that a little faith and persistence goes a long way.

Saving Laurel Springs is a good read that will make you feel and give you a chance to reflect on the emotions the characters are feeling. If you love your romances sweet and your stories to send a message, then Saving Laurel Springs is right up your alley.
 

Book Info:

Publication: September 29, 2015 | Kensington |

“A charming portrait of the Smokies, their people, and a wonderful way of life.” –Deborah Smith, New York Times bestselling author

In a heartwarming novel set amid the lush splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp reunites two kindred spirits in a charming story of first love and surprising second chances. . .

See ya later–and love you forever, Rhea Dean. Those are the words Rhea’s childhood sweetheart, Carter Layman, used to say whenever they parted. Not that she places much stock in words anymore. After all, Carter drove off to college in California, promising to make a fortune to help save their families’ vacation resort. Instead he stayed there and married someone else. It fell to Rhea to keep Laurel Springs going and she’s done just that, working long hours on the camp grounds, buoyed by the beauty of her Smokies home.

Now a widower with a young son, Carter has achieved huge success as a games developer. But he always planned to return to the spring-fed lake and the soaring mountains, to the covered bridge where he and Rhea made wishes and traded kisses. He’s coming home to turn Laurel Springs into the place they planned to build together. And as he reveals the truth about his past, Rhea must decide whether to trust in the man–and the dreams–she’s never forgotten.