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Offbeat
Mary Oxendine is on top of the charts and should be on top of the world. For the past five years, she's gained millions of fans, adoring her every move as she rocks the stage as Mary Bella. They don't know she's hurting. No one knows just how much she's losing parts of herself. She's angry. She's bitter. Will she compromise it all for fame, or will she have the courage to face the true music within?
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2020
About the author
Jen Lowry
41 books55 followersJen Lowry is North Carolina born and raised, still holding on to that country slang that is unique to the small town of Maxton she loves so much in Robeson County. She an avid enthusiast of all things horror, UFC, and binge watches old episodes of Quantum Leap. She finds herself comfier in a pair of pajamas and would make all public appearances in them if she could get away with it. When she isn’t literacy coaching, life coaching, or homeschooling her two fabulous boys, she can be found napping or singing loudly, probably napping. Jen has her doctorate degree in Christian Ministry and is a member of Raleigh First Assembly. Check out Jen’s official author sites all over the net from podcasts, YouTube (Everyday Mom Challenge), Instagram, and more by searching up Jen Lowry Writes or follow her on @jenlowrywrites. Contact Jen for special author appearances and teaching opportunities or stay up to date with her journey at www.jenlowrywrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 29, 2026
Mary Bella is famous. Everyone loves her, and everyone loves her voice. But despite the fame, the awards, and the glory, Mary knows that something is missing…she just can’t place her finger on what. Then she meets Presley. Her world—and her heart—changes.
There is so much to love about this novel. The characters, the story, the themes…
Firstly, the story. From the very first sentence, the reader is led out onto the stage, beneath the blazing lights, and set straight into Mary’s shoes. “December glittered around Mary Bella like stage lights and sequins, but none of it could warm the hollow place beneath her ribs.” And from there, we are carried along with the characters throughout this stunning story. From the stage, to the hotel, to her daddy’s old truck, every bit of the novel tugs on your heartstrings. It’s engaging, beautiful, and at times a tad bittersweet.
And then we have the characters. Mary: music star, twenty-one years old, and a little bit lost. Her heart for the hurting, her struggle to find herself, and her desire for her songs to reach those who need them most…it’s amazing. She has her flaws, as any human does, but the way she works towards being a light once she recognizes that very thing is beautiful. Presley—sweet, thoughtful, faithful Presley. Who wouldn’t adore the way cares, the way he forgives, the way he guides her closer to Christ? Mark. Fatherly, hilarious, manager Mark. All I can say is he is incredible. And Lydia! She’s a kind mother-figure to Mary, a girl who needs someone that loves her like that.
There is romance, but it is all sweet and clean. They fall in love rather quickly, but that connection is tried again and again, showing that while love isn’t easy, it is good.
Throughout OFFBEAT, the themes of finding who you are and whose you are arise. Mary is lost and doesn’t really know who she is anymore, until she finds her faith. It’s a long road, one filled with mistakes and stumbling, but eventually she discovers who she is in Christ, and that is such a beautiful thing. Additionally, there is a message of forgiveness that weaves through the pages of this novel, and a hope that we are forgiven.
OFFBEAT by Jen Lowry is a stunning, heartwarming novel about finding yourself and your faith. Although short, it packs an emotional punch, and leaves you turning pages long into the night. Thank you to Jen Lowry for writing such an incredible novel, and for sharing it with the world.
I received a complementary copy of OFFBEAT in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
There is so much to love about this novel. The characters, the story, the themes…
Firstly, the story. From the very first sentence, the reader is led out onto the stage, beneath the blazing lights, and set straight into Mary’s shoes. “December glittered around Mary Bella like stage lights and sequins, but none of it could warm the hollow place beneath her ribs.” And from there, we are carried along with the characters throughout this stunning story. From the stage, to the hotel, to her daddy’s old truck, every bit of the novel tugs on your heartstrings. It’s engaging, beautiful, and at times a tad bittersweet.
And then we have the characters. Mary: music star, twenty-one years old, and a little bit lost. Her heart for the hurting, her struggle to find herself, and her desire for her songs to reach those who need them most…it’s amazing. She has her flaws, as any human does, but the way she works towards being a light once she recognizes that very thing is beautiful. Presley—sweet, thoughtful, faithful Presley. Who wouldn’t adore the way cares, the way he forgives, the way he guides her closer to Christ? Mark. Fatherly, hilarious, manager Mark. All I can say is he is incredible. And Lydia! She’s a kind mother-figure to Mary, a girl who needs someone that loves her like that.
There is romance, but it is all sweet and clean. They fall in love rather quickly, but that connection is tried again and again, showing that while love isn’t easy, it is good.
Throughout OFFBEAT, the themes of finding who you are and whose you are arise. Mary is lost and doesn’t really know who she is anymore, until she finds her faith. It’s a long road, one filled with mistakes and stumbling, but eventually she discovers who she is in Christ, and that is such a beautiful thing. Additionally, there is a message of forgiveness that weaves through the pages of this novel, and a hope that we are forgiven.
OFFBEAT by Jen Lowry is a stunning, heartwarming novel about finding yourself and your faith. Although short, it packs an emotional punch, and leaves you turning pages long into the night. Thank you to Jen Lowry for writing such an incredible novel, and for sharing it with the world.
I received a complementary copy of OFFBEAT in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
April 12, 2023
There is a skill to making the story feel hazy, sometimes unclear or uncertain if done on purpose. The entire story feels like a "beat" off or behind to reflect the main character's own disillusionment. I find this "writing fog" to be the most interesting technique on a more analytical level. It really does submerge the reader into Mary's offbeat world.
The story, however, draws you in right away. Singing sensation Mary is straying from her roots and finds herself drowning in a sea of fame, stage lights and paranoia. Can she find the right music again?
Jen Lowry is a masterful storyteller who embraces an authentic voice in each character all the while weaving in messages of faith, hope and love.
The story, however, draws you in right away. Singing sensation Mary is straying from her roots and finds herself drowning in a sea of fame, stage lights and paranoia. Can she find the right music again?
Jen Lowry is a masterful storyteller who embraces an authentic voice in each character all the while weaving in messages of faith, hope and love.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews