The lovely works of art on the covers of Down by the River, Makin’ Miracles, Saving Laurel Springs, and Welcome Back were created by artist Judy York for Kensington. An illustrator for over thirty years, Judy designs wonderful book covers for Kensington, Mira, Harlequin, Berkley, Steeple Hill, and many other well-known publishers as well as creating fine art paintings to sell.

Visit her website.

The Book cover designs for all other book titles for the Smoky Mountain Series and the Mountain Home Books, and forMountain Hill Press’s regional guidebooks, were created by our gifted daughter and graphics designer Katherine Stepp. All photos used on book covers and in book interiors were taken by Lin or J.L. Stepp on their travels around the mountains and the South.

The beautiful works of art featured on the covers of the first five The Smoky Mountain Novels novels were painted by the well-known regional artist Jim Gray.

Jim Gray (1932-2019) is a nationally recognized artist who painted Smoky Mountain scenes and southern landscapes for over thirty years. In 1966, Gray and his family moved to east Tennessee so that Jim could explore and paint the beauty of the countryside surrounding the Smoky Mountains. He has sold over 2000 paintings and 125,000 prints to collectors in the United States and abroad. Jim is listed in Who’s Who in American Art and has been featured in many publications, including National Geographic and Southern Living.

Prints of these paintings can be purchased in Jim Gray galleries or ordered through Jim Gray’s website.

Jim Gray’s business address is:
GREENBRIAR INCORPORATED
P. O. Box 735, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Business Phone: (865) 436-8988