Saving Laurel Springs (25 page)
Read Saving Laurel Springs Online
Authors: Lin Stepp
“You have.” Carter hugged her to him, overwhelmed with the rush of emotions. “You truly have. I promise.”
Later that night, after all the excitement of sharing their news with family and friends, Carter gave Rhea a final reluctant good-night kiss on her front porch.
He looked up toward her window as he started down the porch steps toward his car.
“Don't even think about it,” Rhea said. “The two of us can't handle any more temptation right now.” Her mouth quirked into a smile. “Besides, we only have a few weeks to wait.”
They'd set a wedding date for not far in the future, and no one had tried to talk them into waiting any longer.
“The sooner, the better,” Rhea's mother had said. “I'll sleep better not worrying about that boy climbing in my windows at night.”
Rhea had gasped at her words.
Carter chuckled to himself, remembering this now as he walked to the car, climbed in, and shut the door. He looked back to see Rhea still framed in the light of the doorway. So beautiful.
Her voice floated out over the night as she let herself into the door. “See ya laterâand love you forever, Carter Layman.”
Carter closed his eyes in joy. Life didn't get much better than this.
A READING GROUP GUIDE
Saving Laurel Springs
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Lin Stepp
About This Guide
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The suggested questions are included
to enhance your group's reading of
Lin Stepp's
Saving Laurel Springs.
to enhance your group's reading of
Lin Stepp's
Saving Laurel Springs.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.
Why is Rhea Dean not glad to learn from her friend Jeannie that Carter Layman is coming back to Laurel Springs for a visit? What happened in the past to end their relationship?
Why is Rhea Dean not glad to learn from her friend Jeannie that Carter Layman is coming back to Laurel Springs for a visit? What happened in the past to end their relationship?
2.
What brings Carter Layman from California back to Laurel Springs? Who does he bring with him? How does Carter's first meeting with Rhea go? What did you learn about Carter's feelings for Rhea as they meet again?
What brings Carter Layman from California back to Laurel Springs? Who does he bring with him? How does Carter's first meeting with Rhea go? What did you learn about Carter's feelings for Rhea as they meet again?
3.
The main setting for this book is the Laurel Springs Camp Assembly Groundsâa vacation retreat center since the early 1900s in the Cosby, Tennessee, area at the base of the Smoky Mountains National Park. Who established Laurel Springs in its earliest days? How has it changed over the years? What old dream did Rhea and Carter once share about Laurel Springs? Many resorts similar to Laurel Springs were established around the United States in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Have you ever visited one?
The main setting for this book is the Laurel Springs Camp Assembly Groundsâa vacation retreat center since the early 1900s in the Cosby, Tennessee, area at the base of the Smoky Mountains National Park. Who established Laurel Springs in its earliest days? How has it changed over the years? What old dream did Rhea and Carter once share about Laurel Springs? Many resorts similar to Laurel Springs were established around the United States in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Have you ever visited one?
4.
The Deans and the Layman family share ownership of Laurel Springs and both have homes on the property. Share your impressions of these familiesâof Wes and Mary Jane Layman and Grampa Laymanâand of Lillian and Nana Dean. What different roles has each family played at Laurel Springs? How has the breach in the relationship between Rhea and Carter affected these families? How is Carter received when he first visits the Deans?
The Deans and the Layman family share ownership of Laurel Springs and both have homes on the property. Share your impressions of these familiesâof Wes and Mary Jane Layman and Grampa Laymanâand of Lillian and Nana Dean. What different roles has each family played at Laurel Springs? How has the breach in the relationship between Rhea and Carter affected these families? How is Carter received when he first visits the Deans?
5.
Carter tells Rhea, “We don't always get what we want.” What did Carter want that he didn't get? What took him to California, and what caused him to stay? At the end of Chapter 3, Carter tells Rhea two reasons why he came back to Laurel Springs. What were those reasons?
Carter tells Rhea, “We don't always get what we want.” What did Carter want that he didn't get? What took him to California, and what caused him to stay? At the end of Chapter 3, Carter tells Rhea two reasons why he came back to Laurel Springs. What were those reasons?
6.
Both Rhea and Carter bear resentments toward each other about their break-up. Carter is angry Rhea didn't come out to California with him as planned. Rhea is angry that Carter doesn't understand why she didn't come. What reasons does she give for not going to California? Later, as the book unfolds, what other admissions does Rhea confess about not wanting to go to California?
Both Rhea and Carter bear resentments toward each other about their break-up. Carter is angry Rhea didn't come out to California with him as planned. Rhea is angry that Carter doesn't understand why she didn't come. What reasons does she give for not going to California? Later, as the book unfolds, what other admissions does Rhea confess about not wanting to go to California?
7.
There are always special memories between longtime close friends who have grown up together. What memories begin to surface in the scene at the covered bridge, at Rocky Knob on the mountain, and as both remember past times swimming to the raft, dancing at the gazebo, and climbing into each other's windows? How do these and other recurring memories make it harder for Rhea to keep Carter at a safe distance?
There are always special memories between longtime close friends who have grown up together. What memories begin to surface in the scene at the covered bridge, at Rocky Knob on the mountain, and as both remember past times swimming to the raft, dancing at the gazebo, and climbing into each other's windows? How do these and other recurring memories make it harder for Rhea to keep Carter at a safe distance?
8.
Old words of good-bye that Carter and Rhea always sharedâ“See ya later and love you forever”âsurface early in the book and play their way throughout the story. How does Rhea respond to these words when she first hears them? When is the only time in the book that you hear Rhea say these words?
Old words of good-bye that Carter and Rhea always sharedâ“See ya later and love you forever”âsurface early in the book and play their way throughout the story. How does Rhea respond to these words when she first hears them? When is the only time in the book that you hear Rhea say these words?
9.
Judith Morgan Benton was already ill when she began to pursue Carter Layman in California. What disease did Judith have? How did it affect her before she died? As the book progresses, you learn more about Judith and Carter's marriage. Why did they marry? What did you think about Judith and her father, Morgan Benton? How did they use their wealth and position to influence Carter's life? What concessions for himself did Carter insist on in their agreement?
Judith Morgan Benton was already ill when she began to pursue Carter Layman in California. What disease did Judith have? How did it affect her before she died? As the book progresses, you learn more about Judith and Carter's marriage. Why did they marry? What did you think about Judith and her father, Morgan Benton? How did they use their wealth and position to influence Carter's life? What concessions for himself did Carter insist on in their agreement?
10.
Past friends play a strong role in this book, like Billy Wade and Jeannie Ledford, longtime friends of Carter's and Rhea's. What did you like about these characters? How were they good friends to Carter and Rhea? Do you have longtime friends in your life like these? How have they been a help to you in difficult times?
Past friends play a strong role in this book, like Billy Wade and Jeannie Ledford, longtime friends of Carter's and Rhea's. What did you like about these characters? How were they good friends to Carter and Rhea? Do you have longtime friends in your life like these? How have they been a help to you in difficult times?
11.
Rhea is seeing Marshall Sutton as the story begins, and Marshall has already expressed a desire to marry Rhea. What is Rhea and Marshall's relationship like? What do Jeannie and Billy Wade think about Marshall? How does Carter respond when he meets Marshall again?
Rhea is seeing Marshall Sutton as the story begins, and Marshall has already expressed a desire to marry Rhea. What is Rhea and Marshall's relationship like? What do Jeannie and Billy Wade think about Marshall? How does Carter respond when he meets Marshall again?
12.
As Carter begins to use his wealth to revitalize Laurel Springs, Rhea has very mixed feelings about the changes. Why isn't she thrilled to see these changes she's longed for? Why does seeing Carter's new house on the old Costner cabin site cause her to cry?
As Carter begins to use his wealth to revitalize Laurel Springs, Rhea has very mixed feelings about the changes. Why isn't she thrilled to see these changes she's longed for? Why does seeing Carter's new house on the old Costner cabin site cause her to cry?
13.
Why does Rhea have a difficult time at first accepting Carter's son, Taylor? How does their relationship change with time? How does the hike to Hen Wallow Falls and the cookout help change Rhea's feelings toward Taylor? What does Taylor give to Rhea at a later time in the book that changes her feelings toward Carter?
Why does Rhea have a difficult time at first accepting Carter's son, Taylor? How does their relationship change with time? How does the hike to Hen Wallow Falls and the cookout help change Rhea's feelings toward Taylor? What does Taylor give to Rhea at a later time in the book that changes her feelings toward Carter?
14.
Laurel Springs is having trouble with vandalism in the book. As the book progresses, what do you discover is behind the vandalism? Who is perpetrating it? How does Carter get hurt by the vandal at the Costner ruins and what happens to threaten Taylor at the old Sutton cabin? How do Carter and Rhea both find themselves in a dangerous predicament because of the vandal?
Laurel Springs is having trouble with vandalism in the book. As the book progresses, what do you discover is behind the vandalism? Who is perpetrating it? How does Carter get hurt by the vandal at the Costner ruins and what happens to threaten Taylor at the old Sutton cabin? How do Carter and Rhea both find themselves in a dangerous predicament because of the vandal?
15.
When he is hurt, Carter admits to his grandfather that he has let his faith slide. What counsel and help does Grampa Layman give him? How does he counsel Rhea in a similar way later in the book? Have you had situations in your life when you've found it hard to forgive someone for a wrong, or to forgive yourself for mistakes you've made? How did you move on and who helped you as you did?
When he is hurt, Carter admits to his grandfather that he has let his faith slide. What counsel and help does Grampa Layman give him? How does he counsel Rhea in a similar way later in the book? Have you had situations in your life when you've found it hard to forgive someone for a wrong, or to forgive yourself for mistakes you've made? How did you move on and who helped you as you did?
16.
Carter creates games for Quest, an interest started as a boy, and he has become very successful with his career. What does Carter learnâwith surpriseâthat Rhea is doing as a side career besides working at Laurel Springs?
Carter creates games for Quest, an interest started as a boy, and he has become very successful with his career. What does Carter learnâwith surpriseâthat Rhea is doing as a side career besides working at Laurel Springs?
17.
Rhea fights and fights not to allow herself to love Carter again. As she tells her grandmother, “I don't want to be a second chance or a second choice.” How does their enforced night together in the tunnel beneath the Sutton cabin help her to understand Carter's actions better? Yet, Rhea still refuses to marry Carter after this night or to let go of her old hurts. When Carter plans to return to California in disappointment, what events turn Rhea around? What happens when Rhea goes to find Carter at Rocky Knob before he plans to leave? How did you like the closing scene?
Rhea fights and fights not to allow herself to love Carter again. As she tells her grandmother, “I don't want to be a second chance or a second choice.” How does their enforced night together in the tunnel beneath the Sutton cabin help her to understand Carter's actions better? Yet, Rhea still refuses to marry Carter after this night or to let go of her old hurts. When Carter plans to return to California in disappointment, what events turn Rhea around? What happens when Rhea goes to find Carter at Rocky Knob before he plans to leave? How did you like the closing scene?
18.
Of the main and side characters in this book, which ones did you like best? What did you enjoy most about this book? Do you wish you could stay at a place like Laurel Springs?
Of the main and side characters in this book, which ones did you like best? What did you enjoy most about this book? Do you wish you could stay at a place like Laurel Springs?
Photo by Katie Riley
Dr. Lin Stepp
is a native Tennessean, a businesswoman, and an educator. She is on faculty at both Tusculum College and King University, where she teaches psychology and research. Her business background includes more than twenty years in marketing, sales, production art, and regional publishing. But closest to her heart is her beloved series of contemporary novels set in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Visit her on the Web at:
is a native Tennessean, a businesswoman, and an educator. She is on faculty at both Tusculum College and King University, where she teaches psychology and research. Her business background includes more than twenty years in marketing, sales, production art, and regional publishing. But closest to her heart is her beloved series of contemporary novels set in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Visit her on the Web at:
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D
OWN BY THE
R
IVER
OWN BY THE
R
IVER
Set against the backdrop of Tennessee's breathtaking Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp's
Down by the River
is a warmhearted novel that proves it's never too lateâor too earlyâfor a fresh start....
Down by the River
is a warmhearted novel that proves it's never too lateâor too earlyâfor a fresh start....
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While on a visit to the Smokies, Grace Conley makes a stunning decision: She's going to walk away from her busy life in Nashville to move to tiny Townsend and open a bed-and-breakfast. There's a beautiful old inn for sale along the Little River that will do perfectly. Of course, Grace's family is scandalized. After all, she's a middle-aged widow! And as a career homemaker, she's
always
been available for babysitting, chauffeuring, and generally being the peacemaker among her grown children. Has Grace lost her mind? She begins to wonder the same thing once she finds herself attracted to the local ladies' man. But the surprises don't stop there....
always
been available for babysitting, chauffeuring, and generally being the peacemaker among her grown children. Has Grace lost her mind? She begins to wonder the same thing once she finds herself attracted to the local ladies' man. But the surprises don't stop there....
To further complicate her move, Grace's daughter, Margaret, has grudgingly come to live with her. Having just graduated from college, remote Townsend is not where she envisions her future. Yet the handsome young minister next door is convinced he and Margaret are meant for each other. As life choices abound, soon both women will discover that the biggest decisions require confidence, a sense of humorâand a deep, abiding faith.
W
HEN THE
S
NOW
F
ALLS
HEN THE
S
NOW
F
ALLS
Something's in the air this holiday season, and it could be the beginning of a wonderful Christmas romance....
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“Candy Canes and Cupid” by Fern Michaels
All private investigator Hannah Ray wants for Christmas is a quiet day at her Florida beachfront condo. When her biggest client insists she join him on a Colorado ski trip, she has little choiceâbut what she finds on her arrival could melt the coldest heart....
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“White Hot Christmas” by Nancy Bush
Aspiring PI Jane Kelly likes to pretend she's a bah-humbug kind of girl, but she's had mistletoe on the brain ever since she shared a kiss with her boss, Dwayne. Before she can hope for a repeat performance, Jane must solve a kidnapping that's as twisted as a candy caneâand not nearly as sweet.
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“Seven Days of Christmas” by Rosanna Chiofalo
Five years ago, Bianca Simone received a wonderful early Christmas gift from her boyfriend, Markâa week amid the stunning Alpine scenery of Innsbruck, Austria. Now she's back under very different circumstances, but Mark has one more special gift in mind....
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“A Smoky Mountain Gift” by Lin Stepp
Veda Trent is back in Townsend to fill in as temporary manager of the Crafts Co-op, but she's not planning to stay. Though the mountain town is small, it holds lots of unsettling memories. Yet the wind can change, bringing with it new opportunitiesâand the chance to create the kind of Christmas Veda has always longed for.
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