From bestselling author of Lulu's Cafe. Some mistakes create accidental blessings. Jillian (Jewels) Whitman lives with her mistakes and tries to move past the biggest one of her life - Dillon Bleu - Rocker and once best friend. After saying goodbye to the lakeside trailer park of his youth, Dillon sets out to make something of himself only to discover all he needs is his Jewel. After hitting it big in the music industry, Dillon heads back to ask for a second chance. Only... Nothing is ever as easy as it seems... A southern tale of rags to riches where a man's worth is ultimately found in his heart.
T.I. Lowe is an ordinary country girl who loves to tell extraordinary stories and is the author of nearly twenty published novels including her debut, LULU’S CAFÉ, a #1 bestseller. She lives with her husband and family in coastal South Carolina. Find her at Tilowe.com or on Facebook (T.I.Lowe), Instagram (Tilowe), and Twitter (@Tilowe). To sign up for Lowe's newsletter, go to:https://www.tilowe.com/newsletter
And guess what? I loved it. Dillon Bleu has to be one of the greatest heroes I have read about. He loves his Jewel more than anything and was totally faithful while apart. And the heroine annoyed me several times at least. First for letting his Mother basically blackmail her so she would stay away from her son. It broke his heart too. But I loved the story. From their treasure sheds, to the trailer park, the corny over the top song lyrics, and his birthday and anniversary gifts to his son and his wife, this was just an overdose of fantasy and I reveled in it. Lots of bible quotes, no sex scenes and pure escapism. I just have read about a lot of cheaters lately and this was such a relief. Realistic? Probably not. But I read books to escape. Sometimes reality sucks. It's nice for a change. At first I didn't think I was going to like it but I did. Secret baby stories are my favorites. This one did not disappoint! I will read this author again.
Goodbyes and Second Chances (Bleu Streak #1) by T.I. Lowe is a romance of young love, so much angst and so much longing. I wavered on my rating between 4 & 5 stars so I settled on 4 1/2 and rounded up. Lowe is one of my favorite authors of christian romance. Although light on Christian and heavy on romance her writing is beautiful. I did have a few issues with this one. First, part one was a little too drawn out and I struggled to connect with Jillian. I found her weak and I like a stronger heroin. Sure, she had a lot to over come but her aunt had taught her well and I just felt like she should have made different choices. The ending was very satisfying and almost made up for the first half of the book. Not that I would call it slow just unnecessarily drawn out. I will be checking out Mave's and Max's books and hope Kyle finds love too.
This story started off really good and quickly descended into just ok. What I liked? 1. Childhood group of friends that truly cared and no one "forgot" where they came from 2. Antics the group would get into.
There were more things I didn't like, but not enough to totally dislike the story. **Spoilers**Spoilers***
1. Jillian (Jewell) was way too caught up in being poor and white trash that it paralyzed her. The author stated over and over and over again how poor they were and for some reason living in the trailer park somehow validated that for them. After the 20th reference to it, I wanted to just stop reading. Readers aren't stupid, with a couple of references you can set the stage. I get it, I had a poor childhood, but being poor shouldn't determine your worth at all. Jillian made stupid decisions because she thought that was all she was. Very weak, and I hate that type of weakness in characters. 2. I don't understand people who make a decision because they feel like someone else deserves better in life than they do. What makes your best friend/lover deserve more of a chance to have something more than what they have? Oh yeah, it could be because they actually want it. 3. **Huge Spoiler** I absolutely detest the hidden baby theme. Unless its an old school harlequin, then it works. But, it's actually not quite believable here considering that they were a tight group and her brother was still friends with them. And there is no way Dillon would have not asked about her or checked on her in the years following, therefore knowing about a kid. Not happening.
Overall, the heroine was a bit weak and self-pitying and the hero was a good guy. The writing was ok, no noticeable editing issues that distracted me as a reader. I wouldn't be quick to recommend unless you have kindle unlimited and a few spare hours.
I enjoyed this book. It was one of 3 books I downloaded the night I got my kindle, for my birthday. I admit it took me a while to get into it, because I'm not a fan of first person stories, and this one is a teenage girl. I stopped on it and started another. Then I read Lulu's Cafe by this author, so I started this one again. Still didn't like the 1st person... But the story was so intriguing, and Dillon was so....fascinating... I kept pushing on. I'm so glad I did. The characters in this book become so real, so 3 dimensional, I started wondering if Jillian was really the author as a young girl and all the rest people in her own life. I'll have to ask her, lol. Once Dillon makes it big, the story really took off. I must say, the character of Will really fooled me and at one point I wanted to send the author a note screaming "What are you doing???" lol. But it all worked out SO wonderfully. And the story's ending/epilogue left me with that coveted ahhhh feeling that I crave, hehe. The twists and turns in the story had me sighing with frustration and rolling of the eyes, lol. At times I wanted to shake Jewels and say, "What are you doing girl?? Are you nuts?? You're his Jewel! You're killing him!" lol. Pushed on last night and finished the story, staying up late to do it. Well worth the read. Don't know if its aimed at teens, but I think anyone would enjoy it. I recommend this book to anyone who believes in soul mates and true love that overcomes any obstacle. :) I still hate 1st person stories, lol.
Yep. Another great romance and faith.. landing straight on to my top books list Really!! What a Romance.. what a story.. how perfect title
Don't even get me started on Dallion... He has just grabbed my top book boyfriend place Straight from my heart It's actually taking me so much time to get over him.. uhh!! What am I gonna do 🥺 I'm book boyfriend sick
The writing man! Author has nailed it though I had a little confusion in the middle .. that's the twist 😁
Really great story and read.. the faith has me all ❤️ Pick it up if you like great romance.. swoony book boyfriend.. great side characters.. friends becoming family
Who Doesn't???
So be happy to add it to your TBR or pick it up on KU
I love TI Lowe so I decided to read her earlier work. When I started this book I wasn’t so sure about it but then it won my heart. I fell in love with our 2 main protagonists, especially Dillion! Their love story was just beautiful!! This story was so unique and pure of heart. I highly recommend this book and it definitely was a 4.5 star read!!
This is a new to me author, and I’ll definitely be reading more of her books! She has a unique voice which made me want to read more by her for sure.
I gave it four stars instead of five because I felt like the plot twist was a little clunky in its handling and could use some refining, but it definitely did not keep me from enjoying the book in general.
I have kind of mixed feelings about this book, so if you are curious about what I really didn't like or at least, was left hesitant about, than you can dm me.
However, one thing that really hooked me with this book and the other Lowe book I have read is that she has fascinating characters with real life struggles and hardships.
I felt this book in my bones! And I can’t explain why. It was very soulful, and I guess I needed something like that in my life.
It was what I would definitely call a christian romance. I loved how Dillon used bible verses in his song writing and was able to become a successful singer through it. He never lost his roots though and struggled hard with the decisions he and Jewels made together. It was heartbreaking at times to read.
I think I identified with Jewels a lot. I lived in a trailer for some time when I was little and we moved around a lot. I get how she felt. I still feel like I come from nothing myself and often wonder how I have made it as far as I have. I’m very fortunate in that respect. Jewels resisted even trying to become more than her trailer park life though and that is where I got angry with her. She gave up so many things she wanted in order to have her friends and family succeed. It was bittersweet to read because I get why she did it but I felt she was maybe taking a penance on that wasn’t hers to bear.
There are so many things I loved about this book and I can’t really go in to them because of spoilers but if you like christian romance then this book is highly recommended to read.
Dillon Bleu and Jillian (jewels) Whitman have grown up poor and in a trailer park but they have always been best friends and relied on each other. Jillian realises she's as much in love with Dillon as he is her, just as life throws him the opportunity to get out of the trailer park and make it as a rockstar with his band. Believing she would only ruin his life and hold him back she distances herself. Dillon is amazing, he never wavers in her love for her or in wanting her, even 5 years later when he's made it big he still wants her just the same. When he decides he aint waiting no longer for her to come to her senses, he finds out about another guy in her life named Will. This book kept me gripped the whole time, although there was many times i wanted to kick Jillian's butt !! and found her frustrating. I loved the relationships between this group of friends and was thrown a lot of lil unexpected twists that kept you page turning !! All in all its a book so worth reading !!
Thought story line was no realist at all. Do not believe that Dillon would have let and stayed away with pretty much no contact for 5yrs after getting married let alone be celibate for those years he was gone. Could not believe he would not have turned up to see her sooner. Not to give her any money for all the songs she had written when he knew she was struggling but buys his mother a house not believable to me. Thought the story started nice but then got annoyed by the main character seemed to self sacrifice and secrets.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love Dillon Bleu. I have many other thoughts on this novel, but that is the one I keep returning to. At one point, Jewel kept bringing up the fact that she wasn't good enough for Dillon, and I kind of agreed with her. She was making me crazy. :) I thought I had everything figured out pretty early on, but there were a couple of very nice surprises. My first novel by T.I. Lowe, but I am impressed and will definitely be reading more.
Goodbyes and Second Chances by T. I. Lowe Bleu Streak #1 308-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Inspirational, Christian Romance
Featuring: South Georgia, 1990s, Teens, Bible Verses, Poverty, Band, Trailer Park, Songwriting, Storytelling, Journalism, Sex Off-Camera, Secrets, Playlist
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "I Got Id" by Pearl Jam, "Victory in Jesus" by E. M. Bartlett, "The Old Path," "Wipe Out" by The Surfaris, "Alive" by Pearl Jam, "Black" by Pearl Jam, "My Own Prison" by Creed, "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden, "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town" by Pearl Jam, “Rise” by Eddie Vedder, “Amazing Grace,” “Cry Out to Jesus,” “Love Lifted Me,” “I Surrender All,” “The Solid Rock,” “Just as I Am,” “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors, “Daylight” by Maroon 5, “Tower” by Skylar Grey, “Waiting on Superman” by Daughtry, “Don’t Follow” by Alice in Chains, “Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down, “Future Days” by Pearl Jam, “Slip on By” by Finding Favour, “With Arms Wide Open” by Creed, “Hard Sun” by Eddie Vedder, “Back Home” by Andy Grammer
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🎸⛪️
My thoughts: 🔖Page 217 of 308 Sixteen - It had potential, but I'm not a fan, and of course, it has that trope I dislike.
It was okay, but towards the end, it grew on me a lot more, thus the half-star. I think I was a bit frustrated with the slow cooker romance and SB trope, but it's a beautiful story in the end.
Recommend to others: Yes. This is a sweet story. I will be reading more from Ms. Lowe, but I'm not sold on this series yet.
Bleu Streak 1. Goodbyes and Second Chances (2014) 2. A Bleu Streak Christmas (2015) 3. A Bleu Streak Summer (2016)
My husband has often preached through the years about how we serve a God of second, third, fourth, fifth, and on and on chances. We mess up, and He cleans up. Of course, it takes true repentance on our part, but God loves us so much that not only does He give us grace, but He forgets our sin. Lowe's book Goodbyes and Second Chances demonstrates God's grace powerfully. Jesus preached using story, and Lowe carries on that amazing tradition. Dimples and Jewel are simply adorable! I am excited about being able to read more about them and their incredible family with the next two books in the Bleu series. :)
Devoured in 24 hours, a total page turner. Such a sweet romantic unexpected brilliant read. Absolutely adore this book. Really want to read the next one!
Goodbyes and Second Chances is not your typical rock star read so it took me a bit by surprise. It was more of a sweet, innocent book about love, faith and having the patience to wait for what you truly want. Dillon and Jillian (known as "Jewel" to Dillon) grow up together in a trailer park and are the best of friends who eventually fall in love. Shortly after they begin their relationship, he and his bandmates (Jillian's other best friends) go off to California to find fame. Dillon and Jewel vow to wait for each other until Dillon can return for her. The story spans several years as their "relationship" waxes and wanes.
What I had a hard time with in this story is that I didn't feel a strong connection between the characters from the start. Yes, they were close and I saw how much they cared for each other but, as a reader, their relationship wasn't shown as deeply as I would've liked. Some things were inferred throughout the story and I sort of missed those cues, questioning how the heck certain things could've happened. The end of the book picked up more and I felt that it was better than the first part. I don't know, I still have mixed feelings about this story---it was good but lacked something for me.
Every now and then I read a book that blows me away, this certainly fell into that category. A touching story of young love and second chances with a few surprises along the way.
The story revolves around an unlikely family of kids that have all grown up on one trailer park. Dillon is exceptionally talented and forms a band with some others looking for his way out but will the sacrifice be worth it?
I loved the two main characters and the tapestry of story that leads through childhood to adulthood. The book had me hooked in from the first page, it's a great read and one that I will revisit in the future.
I was drawn into this book from the moment I read the first chapter...I love T.I. Lowe's work. She tell a story in such a rich and imaginative way.I really felt like I was reading the story from the characters point if view.I cried toward the end it was so good. A must read. Jewel's made a lot of bad decisions but she thought they were right at the time she made them. They cost her years with out her love Dillion.I am not a spoiler just let's say you must read to really enjoy this full of life story.
I'm at loss for words. This book speaks of faith, hard work, and perseverance. This is what true love is and I love the fact that the novel correlates deeply with the bible. Portrays the fact that no matter what stands in our way, hard work pays off. Also it speaks of sacrifice and forgiveness. Jillian gave up on her only true love Dillan so that he could live his dreams. But God had a bigger plan for them and fate brought them together once again. Highly recommend it to fellow readers. You won't be disappointed!
T.I Lowe is a new author to me. If this book is an example of what she will be in the future, we are in for quite a treat. The book is lovingly written. Just a very good story with beautiful, and sometimes heart breaking, details throughout. At the end of this book, after it was finished, I read that she is working on other writings. I'm looking forward to these, too. She's GOOD.
Once started, it had to be finished. This author can write a story that is perfect for a grandmother like me or for a young teenager. It had twists and turns that I never anticipated. She doesn't use profane language or get too explicit, which makes it appropriate for a younger reader. I really enjoyed it.
Just finished this book and I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this as much as I did "Lulu's Cafe", T.i.Lowe is an amazing writer whom makes you fall head over heels inlove with her characters...She is truly an inspiration to young writers all over the world with her superb talents and unwavering Christian faith. May God richly bless you in all your future endeavors!
I read this book within 24 hours! It was a book I could not stop reading! The characters are unique. It had some surprising outcomes. It is well worth reading! I liked that there were not cuss words and is Christian based! I would highly recommend this book!
Another happily ever tale (my favorite kind). Well developed characters and the story has has good surprises. My ONLY note is that there are many typos including grammar and spelling...the editors dropped the ball.
This one started out a little slow for me but it gives you the necessary background needed for the meat of the story. Glad I stuck with it. Really enjoyed seeing it all played out. Especially enjoyed seeing Dillon's love, patience & faithfulness.