The Waters of Awakening - In the shadows of the Smoky Mountains, a young traveler named Arieh sets out on a journey that tests his strength, stirs his spirit, and awakens his soul. Guided by visions and whispers of an ancient lake hidden deep within the wilderness, he walks a path marked by hardship, betrayal, and loss-yet along the way discovers healing, grace and love. Traveling the storied Unicoi Turnpike and venturing into the perilous wilds of the Nantahala, Arieh learns that every step draws him closer not only to the mystical waters he seeks, but also to the truth of his identity-and to the God who leads him forward. Woven with adventure, Cherokee legend, timeless truths, and the life-changing power of forgiveness and redemption, The Waters of Awakening is a tale of courage and calling. It is the story of a man learning to trust the One who guides him-awakening to a destiny far greater than his own. I highly recommend The Waters of Awakening to readers who enjoy stories about faith, self-discovery, and healing. This book is perfect for those who like meaningful journeys rather than fast action. If you are looking for a story that speaks to the heart, encourages reflection, and offers hope without preaching, this book is worth reading. It reminds us that even when life feels heavy, there is always a path toward healing. This book brought me to tears multiple times. Beautiful story written so well you are engrossed in the characters & the journey. A book written with such clarity and richness that you feel like you have made the journey and touched and tasted all that the story offers. A worthy read. This book is a reflective and spiritually rich novel that unfolds at a gentle, deliberate pace. Set against the mist-covered ridges and ancient paths of the Great Smoky Mountains, the story immediately establishes a sense of reverence for both land and journey. From the opening chapters, the reader is drawn into a world where silence carries meaning and every step forward feels purposeful. This is not a story driven by spectacle, but by inward transformation, which gives it a quiet yet lasting power. The Waters of Awakening is a deeply moving story set in the quiet and powerful landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains. I liked how the authors showed faith as something tested through pain and silence, not just belief during good times. The Cherokee legends and the hidden lake add meaning to the story without taking away from its emotional core. On a personal level, this book reminded me that healing takes time. Arieh's quiet prayers and moments of doubt felt very close to real life. The story shows that God's guidance is often gentle and patient, not loud or forced. I found myself slowing down while reading, thinking about my own struggles and the times I had to trust without clear answers. The writing is simple and honest, which makes the message stronger. Brian Mulliner is a daydreamer, nature enthusiast, and spiritual seeker whose journey has been shaped by wonder, grief, and grace. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Brian draws his deepest inspiration from the quiet beauty of mountain trails, forest paths, and the rhythm of the natural world. His writing reflects his Christian faith, his connection to the land, and his belief in the transformative power of grace, healing, and personal awakening. Brian's books, The Enchanted Forest and The Waters of Awakening, were born out of a season of deep introspection and renewal. Woven with rich symbolism and scriptural truths, his stories invite readers on a journey of identity, surrender, and hope. His characters echo his own search for meaning, shaped by childhood wounds, quiet revelations, and the steady pull of a divine calling.A devoted husband to Linda Sue for over three decades, Brian's life is rooted in love, resilience, and a shared reverence for creation. Together, they have walked through seasons of caregiving, loss, and healing-especially following the passing of Brian's father, whose final days were filled with treasured memories and sacred moments. Guided by mentors who helped him untangle the mysteries of the Gospel and the complexities of the ego, Brian writes not just to tell stories but to invite others to awaken. His background in theology, psychology, and the inner life shapes his thoughtful prose and redemptive themes. Whether hiking through the Smoky Mountains, reflecting by a gentle stream, or crafting his next chapter, Brian continues to listen for the still, small voice that first called him to write... and to awaken. Dr. Joseph James is a devoted father of two wonderful adult daughters and a man whose life is deeply shaped by faith. He embraces every opportunity to spend time outdoors, where he finds both renewal and perspective. Committed to living with vitality, Joseph makes fitness a priority, focusing more on exercise than diet, so he can remain strong for all that life still has to offer. He also enjoys the challenge and camaraderie