What do you think?
Rate this book
Carolina Coast #1
Beach Haven
Free-spirited Opal Gilbert seems to have everything she needs to keep living a happy life in Sunset Cove as she refurbishes vintage furniture to sell at her funky ocean-side boutique, Bless This Mess. Until Lincoln Cole, a new-to-town ex-Marine nursing deep wounds and harboring hurts he can't seem to shake, wanders into her shop. Opal knows a person in need when she sees one and offers Lincoln a job in her workshop. But the brooding former soldier has no interest in Opal's offer. Thanks but no thanks.
But then a hurricane strikes, damaging Bless This Mess. Feeling guilty for how he treated Opal, Lincoln decides to help her repair the store. And soon it becomes clear Opal wants to restore not only her business, but also help Lincoln find restoration. As much as Lincoln tries to keep her at arm's length, Opal's well-meaning meddling begins to heal his wounds . . . and capture his heart almost before he realizes it.
But then a hurricane strikes, damaging Bless This Mess. Feeling guilty for how he treated Opal, Lincoln decides to help her repair the store. And soon it becomes clear Opal wants to restore not only her business, but also help Lincoln find restoration. As much as Lincoln tries to keep her at arm's length, Opal's well-meaning meddling begins to heal his wounds . . . and capture his heart almost before he realizes it.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2020
426 people are currently reading
2802 people want to read
About the author
T.I. Lowe
28 books1,837 followersT.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
To sign up for Lowe's newsletter, go to:https://www.tilowe.com/newsletter
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
June 19, 2020
BEACH HAVEN is the first book in the Carolina Coast series by T.I. Lowe. I’ve never read anything but T.I. Lowe before and I’m so happy I took a chance and read this heart warming story. BEACH HAVEN is going to make you want to run to the beach! The beautiful words T.I. Lowe uses to describe the beautiful Carolina coast will have you feeling like you are right there sitting in the sand and smelling the salt from the ocean.
BEACH HAVEN is a wonderful story full of faith and redemption. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to stop. Opal is such a quirky character and Lincoln is beyond grumpy! They are the perfect match right? Talk about opposites attract! Their conversations had me giggling out loud but sometimes they also broke my heart. If there were ever two people who needed each other, these two are it! I found it very funny how Lincoln was so annoyed by Opal but just couldn’t stay away from her!
T.I. Lowe has quickly become one of my favorite authors. She made me feel so many different things while I was reading her heart tugging story. One minute I’m giggling and the next there is a huge lump in my throat. All of the characters are flawed in different ways, but you will find yourself cheering for them throughout BEACH HAVEN. I just wanted to reach in the pages and give them all hugs. I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author.
BEACH HAVEN is a wonderful story full of faith and redemption. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to stop. Opal is such a quirky character and Lincoln is beyond grumpy! They are the perfect match right? Talk about opposites attract! Their conversations had me giggling out loud but sometimes they also broke my heart. If there were ever two people who needed each other, these two are it! I found it very funny how Lincoln was so annoyed by Opal but just couldn’t stay away from her!
T.I. Lowe has quickly become one of my favorite authors. She made me feel so many different things while I was reading her heart tugging story. One minute I’m giggling and the next there is a huge lump in my throat. All of the characters are flawed in different ways, but you will find yourself cheering for them throughout BEACH HAVEN. I just wanted to reach in the pages and give them all hugs. I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author.
June 22, 2020
I am curious. Do authors have any control who reads their books or any say in how it sounds when completed? The narrator on this book was not good when she read the different characters. They sounded like uneducated rednecks. Every. Single. One. If the characters have southern accents why wouldn't a true southerner read it? I could not relate to any of the characters because they were read with no emotion and sounded like they had frogs in their throat. I choose audio books because I have a long commute to work and because with the right narrator they can be magical. This one was just not. If the narrator was doing an accent such as her own I am sure she would have done a good job, because when the characters were not conversing her dialogue was fine. It was a hot mess otherwise. I am sure my rating is not fair to the author but I couldn't give it anything higher due to the audio book. My recommendation is read it and if you are not able to read it, skip it.
January 27, 2022
Opal is a wonderful character, sweet and fun. Lincoln is her opposite yet they are the perfect match. The banter is on point with these two. I liked the beach town but I would have liked more beach scenes. Also wished Linc would have said goodbye and there would have been more communication while he was gone. enjoyed this sweet little romance and look forward to the next book in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2021
Woo I’m going to like this series!
A fun romance set in a small town is just the summer read I needed.
Lincoln was a bit overly stubborn for my taste, but otherwise I loved the characters and how the romance played out! Opel is a wonderful heroine!
A fun romance set in a small town is just the summer read I needed.
Lincoln was a bit overly stubborn for my taste, but otherwise I loved the characters and how the romance played out! Opel is a wonderful heroine!
June 5, 2020
a sweet romance full of healing the past and embracing a new and hopeful future. I'm looking forward to Driftwood Dreams.
June 18, 2020
Oh happy, happy, sigh! What a romantical love story! Even when Lincoln is being gnarly (which is pretty much most of the time) he's deliciously swoonworthy in that wounded hero kind of way. And my oh my, but does he ever have a bite to go with that bark. He growls his way through so many conversations with Opal and she's all la-de-dah, you're not going to mess with me, boyo. Ha! So much fun!
I have just discovered T.I. Lowe this year and her name is now written in permanent ink on my must-buy-as-soon-as-it-releases list. I love the way she paces a story and the way she builds a community and the faith threads seamlessly woven into every plot. And her writing is so smooth...a luscious flow of words that create such vivid images in my mind. I pretty much inhaled Beach Haven in one blissful sitting.
Oh -- and Opal -- she has to be one of the most unique heroines I have ever met within the pages of a book! I love her! She's quirky and artsy and definitely marching to the beat of a different drummer. And she about drives Linc crazy! Such a contrast to his grumpy, taciturn self. :-) This is me grinning maniacally.
And, whoohoo, this is the first book in The Carolina Coast series and Lowe has done a wonderful job of setting the stage for books to come. I am totally invested in Sunset Cove and its inhabitants. Definitely a not--to-be-missed read.
I have just discovered T.I. Lowe this year and her name is now written in permanent ink on my must-buy-as-soon-as-it-releases list. I love the way she paces a story and the way she builds a community and the faith threads seamlessly woven into every plot. And her writing is so smooth...a luscious flow of words that create such vivid images in my mind. I pretty much inhaled Beach Haven in one blissful sitting.
Oh -- and Opal -- she has to be one of the most unique heroines I have ever met within the pages of a book! I love her! She's quirky and artsy and definitely marching to the beat of a different drummer. And she about drives Linc crazy! Such a contrast to his grumpy, taciturn self. :-) This is me grinning maniacally.
And, whoohoo, this is the first book in The Carolina Coast series and Lowe has done a wonderful job of setting the stage for books to come. I am totally invested in Sunset Cove and its inhabitants. Definitely a not--to-be-missed read.
May 19, 2020
'The goodness and rightness of Opal Gilbert overtook him. He didn't ever want to let go.'
I am somewhat hesitant to try a new author, but when I took a chance on this one, I was certainly very glad I did. I loved absolutely everything about this book. Lowe has crafted characters that grabbed me right away. I love when that happens: you just immediately have a feel for them and they seem so real to you as you read. That's what happened here. Opal and Lincoln are two characters that I will not soon forget. They came alive in my heart more with each chapter I read. I can't wait to read the next two books in this series! This author has managed to put such a depth of emotion into these folks, even the secondary ones. I read this in less than a day, just couldn't seem to tear myself away from it. Well done! I highly recommend this book.
*My thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is entirely my own.
I am somewhat hesitant to try a new author, but when I took a chance on this one, I was certainly very glad I did. I loved absolutely everything about this book. Lowe has crafted characters that grabbed me right away. I love when that happens: you just immediately have a feel for them and they seem so real to you as you read. That's what happened here. Opal and Lincoln are two characters that I will not soon forget. They came alive in my heart more with each chapter I read. I can't wait to read the next two books in this series! This author has managed to put such a depth of emotion into these folks, even the secondary ones. I read this in less than a day, just couldn't seem to tear myself away from it. Well done! I highly recommend this book.
*My thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is entirely my own.
April 22, 2021
Great light romance
July 3, 2021
Cute, although the the last quarter of the book dragged a bit. Opal was my favorite character! I loved her spunk. This was my first T.I Lowe & while I don’t feel in a rush to read the rest of the series, I do plan on reading more books from her. This cover is beautiful!
I was not a fan of the narrator’s character voices. So that may have impacted my enjoyment of the story.
I was not a fan of the narrator’s character voices. So that may have impacted my enjoyment of the story.
August 24, 2024
3.5 rounded up!
Look no further for a great end of summer read!
Lincoln Cole is an ex-Marine, who ends up in Sunset Cove, hiding from recent events and also trying to rediscover himself after a life changing injury. Opal is a free spirited woman who owns Bless this Mess, a boutique, where she repurposes furniture to give it new life! While trying to settle in Sunset Cove, Lincoln crosses paths with Opal as she had offered him a job through a friend. Opal is too free spirited and optimistic for Lincoln to work with. But when a natural disaster occurs, Lincoln’s guilt sets in & he offers Opal his help. Opal is very clear in the restoration of Bless this Mess, that she isn’t only interested in getting her business up and running again, but she’s also interested in helping Lincoln as well.
First, I have to say I love T. I. Lowe’s writing. Her books are fast paced and will keep you intrigued the whole time. I also truly enjoy how she not only gets you to love the main characters, but you’re also so invested in the side characters as well. Another aspect of Tonya’s writing that is just done so well is how she incorporates the faith content. It’s so flawlessly done!
I do have to say while I did enjoy this book, there were times when Opal was almost feeling a little too cheery with how she was being treated or things that were taking place, but I do know this was also part of how much faith she had! There were times when Lincoln was just a little too grumpy for my liking that I was cheering for Opal to stick up for herself!
Overall, I enjoyed this book! If you’re looking for a cute, Christian romancethat tackles: friendship, family, faith, & forgiveness then this is a great one!
Look no further for a great end of summer read!
Lincoln Cole is an ex-Marine, who ends up in Sunset Cove, hiding from recent events and also trying to rediscover himself after a life changing injury. Opal is a free spirited woman who owns Bless this Mess, a boutique, where she repurposes furniture to give it new life! While trying to settle in Sunset Cove, Lincoln crosses paths with Opal as she had offered him a job through a friend. Opal is too free spirited and optimistic for Lincoln to work with. But when a natural disaster occurs, Lincoln’s guilt sets in & he offers Opal his help. Opal is very clear in the restoration of Bless this Mess, that she isn’t only interested in getting her business up and running again, but she’s also interested in helping Lincoln as well.
First, I have to say I love T. I. Lowe’s writing. Her books are fast paced and will keep you intrigued the whole time. I also truly enjoy how she not only gets you to love the main characters, but you’re also so invested in the side characters as well. Another aspect of Tonya’s writing that is just done so well is how she incorporates the faith content. It’s so flawlessly done!
I do have to say while I did enjoy this book, there were times when Opal was almost feeling a little too cheery with how she was being treated or things that were taking place, but I do know this was also part of how much faith she had! There were times when Lincoln was just a little too grumpy for my liking that I was cheering for Opal to stick up for herself!
Overall, I enjoyed this book! If you’re looking for a cute, Christian romancethat tackles: friendship, family, faith, & forgiveness then this is a great one!
June 23, 2024
T.I. Lowe's books are like a good plate of biscuits: warm, encouraging, and full of Southern charm. I don't know why I waited so long to pick up this series, but I'm so glad I finally did! A beautiful tale of the process of restoration, I connected instantly with Lincoln and Opal's story of faith in the waiting seasons when everything seems wrecked, but God is walking through it all with us, redeeming the time, working everything for good, and giving us hope to hold on one day at a time. This powerful story blessed me and spoke right into my heart with a reminder of God's goodness in EVERY circumstance.
Opal was such a trip with her shield of joy, eccentricity, and bold fashion choices and the perfect complement to Lincoln's gruff ( or maybe not so gruff😉) personality. Their shenanigans were the best; and the prayer shells?!... My heart! 😍
The community of friends in this book was another favorite of mine, showing the power of good community and supportive friends, and giving a glimpse into the rest of the series.
If your into good ole off roading, country music, sweet Southern vibes with raw, relatable, and lovable characters; I highly recommend this! On to the next one!
❤Jeremiah 29:11
❤1 Peter 5:10
Opal was such a trip with her shield of joy, eccentricity, and bold fashion choices and the perfect complement to Lincoln's gruff ( or maybe not so gruff😉) personality. Their shenanigans were the best; and the prayer shells?!... My heart! 😍
The community of friends in this book was another favorite of mine, showing the power of good community and supportive friends, and giving a glimpse into the rest of the series.
If your into good ole off roading, country music, sweet Southern vibes with raw, relatable, and lovable characters; I highly recommend this! On to the next one!
❤Jeremiah 29:11
❤1 Peter 5:10
April 22, 2020
The hero Lincoln Cole totally made this book for me. Wounded Marine afraid to hope for a better life but unknowingly trying anyway...yes, please! I loved how he changed through the course of this book and there was a scene in here that had me blinking back tears. I'll definitely read the next book in the series.
*Thank you to my local library for helping me pass the time.
*Thank you to my local library for helping me pass the time.
November 27, 2020
First, I have to say that Opal is just plain adorable. As Lincoln said, “The woman practically vibrated kookiness…” but she also exudes so much joy that you can’t help but love her. She in equal turns drives Linc batty and draws him in, until she’s worked her way behind his defenses and captured his heart. I loved how unpredictable & creative Opal is as a romance heroine; her quirkiness is offset by her perceptiveness, and discovering all the layers that make up her character is truly enjoyable.
Linc also avoids sliding into a stereotype. The wounded former Marine at first appears exactly as you’d expect – brooding, stubborn, anti-social. But the author beautifully weaves rich dimension into this hero, quickly taking him far beyond what you initially expect. In fact, his story – and his character growth throughout Beach Haven – may cause a lump in your throat and a few tears in your eyes along the way.
Don’t mistake this for a heavy story, though. Lowe’s southern charm (and a bit of sass) is evident on every page, and between Opal’s relationship with her two best friends (the Sand Queens), her cooking misadventures, and her banter with Linc (i.e. her effervescence and Linc’s return grumpiness lol), there are plenty of opportunities to chuckle too. And did I mention opportunities to swoon? Have mercy, be sure to take appropriate safety measures (fan, fainting couch, maybe a freezer) when reading these books. Because between Opal’s passion for life and Linc’s suppressed (and intense) emotions, once these two figure a few things out, cue all the readerly swooning.
Perhaps my favorite part of the story, though, is the message of restoration. Opal’s shop Bless This Mess and the work she does there is a brilliantly written object lesson to parallel Linc’s journey. “…nothing was too far gone to be restored, even though its new purpose might be different from its original one.” The way Lowe presents this truth throughout the novel never strays into preachy but is organic to the story and adds that extra element that takes a book from good to fabulous.
Bottom Line: Beach Haven was my first read by T.I. Lowe but it most definitely will NOT be my last. I am evermore a fan of this author and can be seen stalking the internet for her backlist and future releases. Opal’s pure & enthusiastic open heart and Linc’s firmly entrenched walls are a formidable match but, in the age-old tradition of masterful romance authors, Lowe skillfully makes it crystal clear that each is exactly what the other needs. An absolutely exquisite story in every way!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. In the interest of full disclosure, I also received compensation from the publisher to coordinate an instagram tour for this series with JustRead Tours, a company I partially own. All views expressed are still only my honest opinion & were not in any influenced by compensation for coordinating the tour.)
Linc also avoids sliding into a stereotype. The wounded former Marine at first appears exactly as you’d expect – brooding, stubborn, anti-social. But the author beautifully weaves rich dimension into this hero, quickly taking him far beyond what you initially expect. In fact, his story – and his character growth throughout Beach Haven – may cause a lump in your throat and a few tears in your eyes along the way.
Don’t mistake this for a heavy story, though. Lowe’s southern charm (and a bit of sass) is evident on every page, and between Opal’s relationship with her two best friends (the Sand Queens), her cooking misadventures, and her banter with Linc (i.e. her effervescence and Linc’s return grumpiness lol), there are plenty of opportunities to chuckle too. And did I mention opportunities to swoon? Have mercy, be sure to take appropriate safety measures (fan, fainting couch, maybe a freezer) when reading these books. Because between Opal’s passion for life and Linc’s suppressed (and intense) emotions, once these two figure a few things out, cue all the readerly swooning.
Perhaps my favorite part of the story, though, is the message of restoration. Opal’s shop Bless This Mess and the work she does there is a brilliantly written object lesson to parallel Linc’s journey. “…nothing was too far gone to be restored, even though its new purpose might be different from its original one.” The way Lowe presents this truth throughout the novel never strays into preachy but is organic to the story and adds that extra element that takes a book from good to fabulous.
Bottom Line: Beach Haven was my first read by T.I. Lowe but it most definitely will NOT be my last. I am evermore a fan of this author and can be seen stalking the internet for her backlist and future releases. Opal’s pure & enthusiastic open heart and Linc’s firmly entrenched walls are a formidable match but, in the age-old tradition of masterful romance authors, Lowe skillfully makes it crystal clear that each is exactly what the other needs. An absolutely exquisite story in every way!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. In the interest of full disclosure, I also received compensation from the publisher to coordinate an instagram tour for this series with JustRead Tours, a company I partially own. All views expressed are still only my honest opinion & were not in any influenced by compensation for coordinating the tour.)
August 13, 2020
Swoon! Where to start? I loved this book so much! If you are looking for the perfect summer beach read this is the one.
Broody war hero, quirky junk collector, eccentric elderly lady with ancient wisdom. This book was humorous and had me laughing aloud in many spots, but it also dealt with hard issues and made me weep in other places.
It was exquisite.
T. I. Lowe expertly crafted some gorgeous chemistry between hunky Lincoln & quirky Opal. There was so much emotion in their relationship that I simply could not stop reading. I even put my house painting project on hold today so I could find out how it ended. And that’s after staying up super late last night until fatigue finally caught up with me and forced me to sleep.
I loved the thread of redemption in this sweet story. I loved the faith and tenderness of Opal. Loving and praying for Linc, even when he was unloveable. I felt myself challenged by her. I would love to be like her and I would greatly love to have an inner circle like she has with the Sand Queens. We all need a community and people to love us and be loved by us.
There was just so much goodness in this book that I can’t recommend it enough. If you haven’t read it, you should. I’m so excited to read the rest of the series and discover the other characters stories as well.
Broody war hero, quirky junk collector, eccentric elderly lady with ancient wisdom. This book was humorous and had me laughing aloud in many spots, but it also dealt with hard issues and made me weep in other places.
It was exquisite.
T. I. Lowe expertly crafted some gorgeous chemistry between hunky Lincoln & quirky Opal. There was so much emotion in their relationship that I simply could not stop reading. I even put my house painting project on hold today so I could find out how it ended. And that’s after staying up super late last night until fatigue finally caught up with me and forced me to sleep.
I loved the thread of redemption in this sweet story. I loved the faith and tenderness of Opal. Loving and praying for Linc, even when he was unloveable. I felt myself challenged by her. I would love to be like her and I would greatly love to have an inner circle like she has with the Sand Queens. We all need a community and people to love us and be loved by us.
There was just so much goodness in this book that I can’t recommend it enough. If you haven’t read it, you should. I’m so excited to read the rest of the series and discover the other characters stories as well.
August 18, 2021
I first listen to this book on audiobook and fell asleep. Not a good start. So today I thought I would give it another try. I am so glad I did. Opal is a free spirited woman who owns a shop for refurbishes vintage future. In come Lincoln. A war vet who suffered a leg wound in the war. He is damaged and broken. Opal takes him in and he soon helps in the shop. Opal soon tries to bring Lincoln out of his shell. Through prayer and her giving heart Lincoln starts to fall for Opal. But he feels like he isn't good enough. Can Opal break his hard shell. Will Lincoln let her in. Can Lincoln finally stop hiding from his family and start to have a life God intends for him. I am so glad I read this book. It was good, really good. I think we all had broken times. We can heal if we let caring people in and let Christ be the center of our healing. When Lincoln let Opal in and Christ, life starts to turn around for him, like it can for us. I highly recommend this series. I am reading on tomorrow. I am so glad I have discovered T I Lowe and can't wait to read more from her. Really this book is a gem.
March 13, 2021
"I am going to give you another shell before you go home today. . . . . . Slowly but surely, Lincoln Cole, God is going to answer a lot more prayers on your behalf. . . . I can't wait to witness what you do with them."
When an extra tall wounded ex-Marine meets a darling pixie sized coast dweller, it makes sense that a lot of growling and groveling invade their conversations. Opal Gilbert is a sweet, tender spirit hiding behind a flitting, fairy like persona, while Lincoln Cole is exactly what he appears to be; irritable and impolite with the hidden heart of a teddy bear . . . . . except that after a few special sea shells are exchanged and a whole lot of prayers are offered up to the gates of heaven . . . . this unlikely duo is one that only God could assemble. . . . because after all, God is continually in the restoration business. Bless this mess, indeed!
I can't begin to convey how much I loved this story!
When an extra tall wounded ex-Marine meets a darling pixie sized coast dweller, it makes sense that a lot of growling and groveling invade their conversations. Opal Gilbert is a sweet, tender spirit hiding behind a flitting, fairy like persona, while Lincoln Cole is exactly what he appears to be; irritable and impolite with the hidden heart of a teddy bear . . . . . except that after a few special sea shells are exchanged and a whole lot of prayers are offered up to the gates of heaven . . . . this unlikely duo is one that only God could assemble. . . . because after all, God is continually in the restoration business. Bless this mess, indeed!
I can't begin to convey how much I loved this story!
December 20, 2022
An enjoyable read. I loved the free spirited Opal, but it took me a while to warm up to the hero, Lincoln. Their friends were good characters, and I like the ‘sisterhood’ Opal shared with her closest friends. a great beach read! I do recommend.
June 15, 2020
I’ve long been a TI Lowe fan, and this title was another win for me. Opal is the epitome of the quirky heroine. She could be a stereotypical Christian fiction heroine, right down to the red hair and green eyes with all that quirky goodness, if not for her heart and perceptiveness. One minute she’s meddling, the next she backs off and waits patiently. She’s truly unpredictable, which blows away any chance of her becoming a type. She’s open, creative, and goes after life with such passion and intensity that the reader, like Linc, can’t help but love her.
And then there’s Linc. Whoa, Linc. An injured former Marine, almost made captain until his world was blown to smithereens. And again, he could easily have been a two dimensional wounded veteran hero, except in her masterful way, Ms. Lowe gives true depth and complexity to this hero. The son of a Marine colonel, he’s been raised to suck it up and act like a man his whole life, which really just means to stuff down his intense myriad of emotions until he blows up at the object of his pain, his father, which sets him on the path he must travel for this story. He has to heal his relationship with both his earthly and heavenly fathers, navigate the depth of feelings Opal sparks inside him against his will, and deal with the ongoing pain of his knee injury.
Ms. Lowe has always known how to tell a good story with incredible characters. I can’t wait to dig into the next book in this series! Thank you, NetGalley for granting my review request. Opinions are my own and freely given.
And then there’s Linc. Whoa, Linc. An injured former Marine, almost made captain until his world was blown to smithereens. And again, he could easily have been a two dimensional wounded veteran hero, except in her masterful way, Ms. Lowe gives true depth and complexity to this hero. The son of a Marine colonel, he’s been raised to suck it up and act like a man his whole life, which really just means to stuff down his intense myriad of emotions until he blows up at the object of his pain, his father, which sets him on the path he must travel for this story. He has to heal his relationship with both his earthly and heavenly fathers, navigate the depth of feelings Opal sparks inside him against his will, and deal with the ongoing pain of his knee injury.
Ms. Lowe has always known how to tell a good story with incredible characters. I can’t wait to dig into the next book in this series! Thank you, NetGalley for granting my review request. Opinions are my own and freely given.
June 26, 2024
It was a cute story and I loved the references to North Carolina (especially the Gray Man), but the accents physically hurt my ears (I listened to the audiobook). Having grown up in NC, I’ve never heard people from my generation speak with that type of accent, much less have it that strong. But overall it was a fun summer read!
August 17, 2022
Read this for a book club, unfortunately. Since I was an unwilling reader to begin with, my review might be a bit saucy, but I do have a few thoughts that I’ll try to keep objective:
1. Cliche. I kept waiting for something else to happen. Surely a well-published author wouldn’t write a straightforward love story with a grumpy ex-marine who softens and falls for a “hippy” red head. But yes, that is exactly what happened. It was too easy.
2. Dialogue. Clearly the author’s favorite word is “Seriously.” Every character overuses it when they speak, so that was weird. Also, the characters say things people don’t say in real life, making it feel rather unbelievable.
3. Fluffy. Way too much detail and not much story. There’s a wedding scene where every bite of food two people are eating and thinking about eating are mentioned throughout their dialogue. Clearly this is Lowe’s writing style. But I find it distracting and a waste of words.
4. Characters. The characters were as shallow as the plot. It felt Lowe manipulated each character’s actions to fit within her cookie cutter story, rather than let them ebb and flow like real people do. I didn’t believe any of them. Not to mention, there were a lot of characters who had nothing to do with the plot. Sophia and her husband on the rocks. That side story never tied in, so I’m not sure what that was all about.
To be fair, this is Christian romance, and perhaps this approach is what’s admired by this genre’s readers. However, I urge readers (and aspiring writers) to branch out because this writing style will not get you published in any other category.
1. Cliche. I kept waiting for something else to happen. Surely a well-published author wouldn’t write a straightforward love story with a grumpy ex-marine who softens and falls for a “hippy” red head. But yes, that is exactly what happened. It was too easy.
2. Dialogue. Clearly the author’s favorite word is “Seriously.” Every character overuses it when they speak, so that was weird. Also, the characters say things people don’t say in real life, making it feel rather unbelievable.
3. Fluffy. Way too much detail and not much story. There’s a wedding scene where every bite of food two people are eating and thinking about eating are mentioned throughout their dialogue. Clearly this is Lowe’s writing style. But I find it distracting and a waste of words.
4. Characters. The characters were as shallow as the plot. It felt Lowe manipulated each character’s actions to fit within her cookie cutter story, rather than let them ebb and flow like real people do. I didn’t believe any of them. Not to mention, there were a lot of characters who had nothing to do with the plot. Sophia and her husband on the rocks. That side story never tied in, so I’m not sure what that was all about.
To be fair, this is Christian romance, and perhaps this approach is what’s admired by this genre’s readers. However, I urge readers (and aspiring writers) to branch out because this writing style will not get you published in any other category.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2021
While I enjoyed the banter between Opal and Lincoln I just wasn't as emotionally invested in this story, built up traditionally as a series of starter. Honestly, this was an easy, fluffy read that would have been right up my alley 7 years ago, but my reading tastes have evolved a lot since then. Having read two T.I. Lowe titles now, Under the Magnolias was far superior in my opinion.
June 4, 2020
An enjoyable audiobook. A sweet story with a broken hero and enigmatic heroine.
June 30, 2025
This one was okay for me! Loved that it was on the water and had a small town feel. Had a hard time connecting with Opal. Although I liked her the more the book went on, she came across as pushy and a little rude even in the beginning of the book. I really disliked how she made Lincoln beg to come back, and how much she teased and almost taunted him a few times early on. But I did love Opal and Lincoln’s love to upcycle and refinish, to take unwanted things and make them into something desirable. I loved seeing that side of Lincoln emerge. I also felt so bad for Lincoln that when he finally opened up about what happened between him and his dad, there was an immediate rallying around him going home to make things right, but no support or even empathy given over how deeply he had been wounded and traumatized by his dad. The ending was well done though and I loved the reconciliation. Lastly, I really enjoy this author! Not sure why her constant scenes of the man pulling the woman into his lap or the woman sitting in the mans lap bothers me so much. But that wasn’t my favorite in this book, just as it wasn’t in LuLus Cafe. But I really enjoy this author and am looking forward to reading more from her. Not sure if I’ll finish this series but might try another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
Story Enjoyment Rating: 7.5/10 Christian Faith Rating: 3-1/3
Beach Haven by T.I. Lowe is a contemporary romance story following Opal who runs a shop where she turns old items into new furniture to sell. Lincoln begrudgingly comes to work for her after her shop is hit by a hurricane. Opal is outwardly positive but inwardly dealing with some things from her past. Lincoln is outwardly grumpy, mainly because of the pain from a wound he sustained in the armed forces. This is a sweet romance which deals with some grittier topics.
I enjoyed the plot of this book and the process of finding out the character’s backstory. However, I didn’t fully warm to the characters.
There is a great amount of faith content in the book. Plenty of times prayer was mentioned. However, I will say that Opal also talks about wishing on shells and the words “wishing” and “praying” were used interchangeably. If someone who comes from a New Age background or a new Christian were to read this book, they might be led astray to believe that Christians can combine Christianity with other spiritualities. Nevertheless, I did appreciate the themes of forgiveness and restoration throughout the book.
Beach Haven by T.I. Lowe is a contemporary romance story following Opal who runs a shop where she turns old items into new furniture to sell. Lincoln begrudgingly comes to work for her after her shop is hit by a hurricane. Opal is outwardly positive but inwardly dealing with some things from her past. Lincoln is outwardly grumpy, mainly because of the pain from a wound he sustained in the armed forces. This is a sweet romance which deals with some grittier topics.
I enjoyed the plot of this book and the process of finding out the character’s backstory. However, I didn’t fully warm to the characters.
There is a great amount of faith content in the book. Plenty of times prayer was mentioned. However, I will say that Opal also talks about wishing on shells and the words “wishing” and “praying” were used interchangeably. If someone who comes from a New Age background or a new Christian were to read this book, they might be led astray to believe that Christians can combine Christianity with other spiritualities. Nevertheless, I did appreciate the themes of forgiveness and restoration throughout the book.
June 26, 2022
A fun romantic read between a free spirited meddling pixie and a wounded war veteran with a gruff personality. Our MC is in the business of fixing things and she has her sights on fixing the man who walked into her life. This novel points out that everything and everyone is redeemable.
April 14, 2020
T.I. Lowe is one of my favorite authors of all time. She is a southern gal like me and I love all the familiar slang. It is home to me. Beach Haven is the first book in a series and it started with a bang. I loved the characters, the setting, and the story. I laughed, shed a tear or two and found myself smiling from ear to ear with the happy ending. I can't wait to read the next book in the Carolina Coast series.
*I was given a book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
*I was given a book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
April 9, 2020
Happy happy!!!
I have read all of T.I.'s books, but this first book in her new series just blew me away! Lincoln and Opal are remarkable characters who really came to life. I loved the prodigal story in this book too. This was the pick-me-up that I needed. So excited to read the next one!!
I have read all of T.I.'s books, but this first book in her new series just blew me away! Lincoln and Opal are remarkable characters who really came to life. I loved the prodigal story in this book too. This was the pick-me-up that I needed. So excited to read the next one!!
August 9, 2020
Towns people gather around to help restore Sunset Cove community from the aftermath of a hurricane. The shop owner of Bless This Mess, Opal Gilbert is a staple in the community. Wounded soldier, Ex-Marine Lincoln Cole doesn’t want anything to do with Opal and/or Sunset Cove community. He’s in a tail spin and is physically dealing with a recent loss. But as time goes on Opal helps Lincoln restore more than just a building, he has the opportunity to heal his soul and the relationship with his family.
I enjoyed the setting, the small-town feel, the strong personalities of the leading characters Opal and Lincoln and the caring community. I enjoyed Opal’s strong but non-preachy faith message, as the characters struggle with situations, and how God works in the big scheme of things. Loved this authors’ well-timed humor and the appearance of the Knitting Club ladies.
I liked how this author does not shy away from tough topics but deals with them in a loving, graceful way as former Marine suffers from PTSD and family drama. Lincoln is angry, tough but doesn’t want to stay that way. He’s met his match with Opal who is a strong independent, quirky, creative, free spirited woman who is smarter than she appears on the surface. She has the gift of seeing through people’s hard exterior to the real person inside. Lincoln notices this about Opal and is intrigued. He hasn’t met a gal like her before. She’s an inspiration. “…underneath her flamboyant exterior…”Opal is one wise soul who sees everything and loves it.” Like God does for us.
Lincoln realizes that his past doesn’t have to define him. That God can restore and bring hope to his future.” Nothing was too far gone to be restored, even though its new purpose might be different from it’s original one.” …“Sometimes things happen. They change us, life leads us to other paths.”
I enjoyed this message of re-purposing things and a course correction in life. Bad things do not define us. Other themes running through this story is one of hope, healing, forgiveness, and new beginnings. I enjoyed hanging out with these flawed characters that are messy, real, and beautiful.
This is a great story to get lost and found in. I want to be part of Sunset Cove community as they rebuild, regroup, and repurposed things and lives. Bravo to this author that leaves readers with healing and hope in their hearts. I highly recommend this for your next book club pick.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
I enjoyed the setting, the small-town feel, the strong personalities of the leading characters Opal and Lincoln and the caring community. I enjoyed Opal’s strong but non-preachy faith message, as the characters struggle with situations, and how God works in the big scheme of things. Loved this authors’ well-timed humor and the appearance of the Knitting Club ladies.
I liked how this author does not shy away from tough topics but deals with them in a loving, graceful way as former Marine suffers from PTSD and family drama. Lincoln is angry, tough but doesn’t want to stay that way. He’s met his match with Opal who is a strong independent, quirky, creative, free spirited woman who is smarter than she appears on the surface. She has the gift of seeing through people’s hard exterior to the real person inside. Lincoln notices this about Opal and is intrigued. He hasn’t met a gal like her before. She’s an inspiration. “…underneath her flamboyant exterior…”Opal is one wise soul who sees everything and loves it.” Like God does for us.
Lincoln realizes that his past doesn’t have to define him. That God can restore and bring hope to his future.” Nothing was too far gone to be restored, even though its new purpose might be different from it’s original one.” …“Sometimes things happen. They change us, life leads us to other paths.”
I enjoyed this message of re-purposing things and a course correction in life. Bad things do not define us. Other themes running through this story is one of hope, healing, forgiveness, and new beginnings. I enjoyed hanging out with these flawed characters that are messy, real, and beautiful.
This is a great story to get lost and found in. I want to be part of Sunset Cove community as they rebuild, regroup, and repurposed things and lives. Bravo to this author that leaves readers with healing and hope in their hearts. I highly recommend this for your next book club pick.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
February 5, 2020
-‘The man was becoming a part of her soul.’-
-‘“I moved here to find myself, but all I’ve managed to do so far is to become even more lost.”’-
-‘She’d always been mindful of the fact that she was the sidekick or third wheel. This time she had a partner in crime. Someone to lean on, and not just partially.’-
Lincoln and Opal couldn’t be more opposite. She’s an artist-type and very dynamic and positive. He’s ex-military and as sour and surly as they come. A combination of pain from a severe leg injury, nightmares from PTSD, a victim of circumstance, and a genuine emptiness from shutting God out of his life, drive his unhappiness and restlessness. Opal is bound and determined to befriend him. Lincoln finds her incredibly annoying but he just can’t seem to stay away from her. Will Opal help him find joy in life again, with God’s help?
-‘“Finding one of these intact is almost impossible anymore, but look what I found last night...I wish that wherever you end up finding yourself, you’ll remain intact. You’re one rare find, Lincoln Cole, just the way you are.”’-
Oh, so, so, so good! T. I. Lowe sure knows how to weave a beautiful love story! I can’t wait to read the next two books in the series! 😍 (So many quotable quotes! I couldn’t limit myself to just one. Her writing is so inspiring.)
*Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., has provided me with a complimentary copy of this ARC. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
-‘“I moved here to find myself, but all I’ve managed to do so far is to become even more lost.”’-
-‘She’d always been mindful of the fact that she was the sidekick or third wheel. This time she had a partner in crime. Someone to lean on, and not just partially.’-
Lincoln and Opal couldn’t be more opposite. She’s an artist-type and very dynamic and positive. He’s ex-military and as sour and surly as they come. A combination of pain from a severe leg injury, nightmares from PTSD, a victim of circumstance, and a genuine emptiness from shutting God out of his life, drive his unhappiness and restlessness. Opal is bound and determined to befriend him. Lincoln finds her incredibly annoying but he just can’t seem to stay away from her. Will Opal help him find joy in life again, with God’s help?
-‘“Finding one of these intact is almost impossible anymore, but look what I found last night...I wish that wherever you end up finding yourself, you’ll remain intact. You’re one rare find, Lincoln Cole, just the way you are.”’-
Oh, so, so, so good! T. I. Lowe sure knows how to weave a beautiful love story! I can’t wait to read the next two books in the series! 😍 (So many quotable quotes! I couldn’t limit myself to just one. Her writing is so inspiring.)
*Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., has provided me with a complimentary copy of this ARC. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
April 13, 2022
This was the first book I've read by this author. I have the book, but listened to it on audio. While I've never read any books by her, I honestly would've enjoyed it more had I read it myself. I just couldn't come to grips with how the narrator portrayed their voices. They all just sounded gravely and old. lol They would've sounded much differently in my head. Had I read it myself, I probably would've given it a 4 as opposed to a 3.5, but since I didn't, who knows? The next book I read of hers will be in paperback format.
I liked the story itself and the characters. I liked getting to know Opal. She's such a fun and quirky character. Not only that, but resilient. Lincoln was definitely a frustrating guy! lol It was great to see how Opal didn't really let him get to her and she somehow knew how to reach through to him.
From Linc's perspective, it wasn't difficult to have an issue with his parents, especially his dad. Everything he's been through you'd think they'd show him compassion. The author really got me riled up every time they talked about the parents.
I love how God used a hurricane to get Linc out of himself and focusing on others, especially Bless This Mess and Opal.
I liked the story itself and the characters. I liked getting to know Opal. She's such a fun and quirky character. Not only that, but resilient. Lincoln was definitely a frustrating guy! lol It was great to see how Opal didn't really let him get to her and she somehow knew how to reach through to him.
From Linc's perspective, it wasn't difficult to have an issue with his parents, especially his dad. Everything he's been through you'd think they'd show him compassion. The author really got me riled up every time they talked about the parents.
I love how God used a hurricane to get Linc out of himself and focusing on others, especially Bless This Mess and Opal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews