From the bestselling author of Lulu’s CaféFree-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 … 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.
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“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!
This book was a breath of fresh air. It contains not only romance, but friendship, the trials of life, and faith. Most readers might see Lincoln as an unlikeable character in the beginning with his gruff attitude and the way he reacts to Opal….. at first. Like all heroes, he does redeem himself, but the progression is in stages and believable. The romantic moments between Opal and Lincoln have just enough spice to keep them interesting and amusing. The book also introduces other characters in the small community from the quirky to the kind to the swoony. This is part of a trilogy, so readers will be introduced to most of the love interests in the next couple of titles. I listened to audiobook.
You’ve heard the saying that “opposites attract”. Opal and Lincoln are about as opposite as East is from the West. The sparks that fly between them a positively electric! So much fun to watch.
I loved Opal’s free spirit. She is unique, creative and compassionate. Being the daughter of a Senator is not for the faint of heart. Opal meets the challenge head on.
Lincoln is facing the challenge of transitioning from a highly decorated Marine to a civilian with a painful injury. He’s battling many demons within. I found myself joining with Opal’s prayers for Linc to be made whole.
The subtle thread of Christ’s redeeming love and forgiveness is woven throughout the pages. This novel is rich in depth and emotion. I enjoyed visiting the community of Sunset Cove.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational, contemporary fiction.
I purchased a copy. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
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 way influenced by compensation for coordinating the tour.)
I love stories with a military hero. Lincoln was a bit broody but Opal was just strong and quirky enough to not let that put her off. She’s everything he didn’t know he needed!
My first book by this author but I will be reading more! I listened on audiobook from Hoopla as well — nice narration.
How TI Lowe manages to continue writing such amazing books, I’ll never know. Each of her books is a wonderful addition to what she already has out there. This book is no exception. The characters are the perfect combination of southern sass and hospitality and they grabbed my heart from the beginning. Linc and his journey in this book is a thing to behold. Linc and Opal together are amazing. It’s hard to put into words just how much I loved them!
Such a poignant story of forgiveness and love. It’s also brimming with moments of whimsy and joy. Beach Haven is definitely another winner by one of my favorite authors. Don’t miss this must-read romance.
I enjoyed this book very much. I would highly recommend it.
I’ve never read anything by T.I. Lowe before and I plan on reading the next 2 books in the series and her other books.
I liked this heart warming story of family and friends. The beach and small town setting were a bonus.
The way the story was written, all of the characters seemed so real to me as I read it. The main characters, Opal and Lincoln, they tugged at my heart the most.
This is a great book. I will write a longer review soon!
Beach Haven is the second book I’ve read by T.I. Lowe. And I have to say I was not disappointed at all. This book was a really good story to read about how even when you aren’t your best self the right person can love you and help you. I loved how Opal did not let what people said about her make her change the way she dressed or went about life. I also was endeared by her shell prayers and how she prayed over every piece of furniture she made even before knowing who the owner would turn out to be. And I felt right bad how Lincoln continually beat himself up and was too hard on himself; however, I can totally relate to that because I am the same way. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and I highly recommend this book.
‘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.
This is my first book by T.I. Lowe, but I have now added her to my list of favorite authors. I loved the quirky character Opal and how she was able to see past Lincoln’s gruff exterior to his hurting heart. There were times throughout the book that I wanted to shake some sense into him and others were I wanted to give him a big hug. The banter between the two characters had me literally laughing out loud several times. This would be a perfect beach read this summer. I can hardly wait for the next two books in the series, and I am excited that they will both be released this summer. I am a huge fan of southern fiction, and T.I. Lowe perfectly captures life in the south. I highly recommend this book.
Beach Haven was the perfect read for me and just the escape I needed during this time. As a Carolina girl myself (North Carolina that is ;)…) and wife of a medically retired Marine, I just fell in love with the characters and the beautiful setting. Now if only I could just be as creative and free-spirited as Opal! One can only dream to be as fabulous as her!
Like Lulu’s Cafe, Beach Haven made me feel all the feels. It’s a story of friendship, family, forgiveness, redemption, moving past the past, adjusting to a “new normal”, not giving up on people, surviving disasters, and just the right amount of romance with a swoonworthy former Marine.
Even if you can’t escape to the beach for real right now, grab yourself a copy of Beach Haven and you will feel like you are there. Pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, turn up the country music on the radio, sit a spell on your porch, and lose yourself in this fabulous story.
T.I. Lowe gently probes the heart with authenticity, hope, and humor. Biblical truths and lavish agape love bolster an engaging plot filled with quirky, wounded, and completely endearing characters.
Opal’s apparent unapologetically bold quirkiness and radical open-heartedness are simply enchanting. Lincoln’s brokenness and hurt are rivaled only by his stubbornness and dare I say well-crafted physique.
Quintessential coastal town Sunset Cove is an irresistible setting for this heartwarming and masterfully delivered story. I highly recommend Beach Haven by T.I. Lowe and eagerly anticipate enjoying the remaining Carolina Coast novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. Additionally, as a co-owner of JustRead Publicity Tours, I received compensation from the publisher and/or author to coordinate a promotional tour for this title. The opinions expressed are my own.
MESMERIZING!
Hurricanes come in all shapes, sizes and categories. When you read, BEACH HAVEN, you will quickly understand T.I. Lowe has given her two main characters Linc and Opal hurricane force personalities. That’s what makes Lowe’s beautiful book so MESMERIZING! She has woven a story that shows that nothing is to far gone to be restored.
Bless This Mess, a vintage boutique in Sunset Cove, has felt the wrath of a series of hurricanes and has survived to be exactly as God intended it to be – restoration at its finest. The boutique is owned by Opal Gilbert. She would be described as a free-spirited, pixie, effervescent, fun-loving, loyal to her family and friends, committed Christian and strong in her beliefs. She has been asked to help out a friend of friend, a Marine veteran Lincoln Cole, who is recovering from a career ending severe knee injury. Little did she know she would be helping out Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome – but with the sourest attitude of anyone she’d ever met!
Hurricane Number One really does hit Bless This Mess and leaves the store and Opal’s future in a tailspin. Linc comes to his senses and offers to help. Hurricane Number Two is Linc’s relationship with Opal that stems from the way he deals with the chronic pain in his knee. He comes from a family where complaints are not allowed, pain medicines are considered a crutch and you just “suck it up” and deal with it no matter how bad the pain level. He can be a pretty decent guy to be around until his pain becomes unbearable and then he strikes out at the person closest to him. Linc also finds himself caught in the hurricane because he has such intense feelings for Opal but he cannot deal with his past, find forgiveness and ask her to be a part of his life. Hurricane Number Three is Opal. Opal is amazing! She is the quirky girl everyone made fun of all through school (and still do) but she actually made something of herself. In the process, she managed to endear herself to the entire town by in involving herself in the lives of those around her. When she meets Linc, she is able to see beyond all of his tough guy veneer to the strong man who is desperately crying for help. She slowly but surely nurtures him to a point where he is able to finally make positive life changing decisions.
Lowe has written a brilliant story that illustrates how kindness, patience, lots of prayer and love can change even the hardest of hearts. She takes two characters who both have vacant places in their hearts and finds their perfect match. Their story is not an easy love story but it certainly is a beautiful one!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
I am always excited when T.I. Lowe releases another book. Beach Haven in the first installment of a fantastic new series about three close friends who navigate the highs and lows of life together. This story encompassed all the components of a perfect contemporary inspirational romance: faith, family, and romance. The author’s writing style is sincere and captivating. She has a distinct skill in creating compelling characters who occupied my heart and mind even after I read the last page. Excited to read Josie’s story next.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
-‘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.
Between Opal’s playful, free-spiritedness and Linc’s grumpiness, this book left me smiling anytime the hero and heroine were in the same place. Add to that Opal’s cooking misadventures and her two best friends, and T. I. Lowe welcomes you to Sunset Cove.
Opal is a great heroine—unique in her kookiness but also full of wisdom. And the brooding, injured ex-Marine isn’t at all as stereotypical as he seems on the surface. As you get to know these two, you get to the center of their regrets and their desires.
Beach Haven is a great start to Lowe’s Carolina Coast series and will have you ready for summer, sand, and sun (as well as the next book in the series).
I gotta be honest, it took me a while to like Opal! I’m an eternal optimist but her joie de vivre is kinda over the top. Almost Pollyana, even.
Then again, that level of joy is soul deep, and absolutely necessary to withstand the force and depth of anger called Storm Lincoln. PTSD is a vicious beast and cruel master, and Lincoln was drowning in it.
The more I read, the more both of them became endeared to me. Opal’s joie de vivre stems from her bedrock of faith, and bubbles over in her art. As an artist, that especially endeared her to me even more. Her patience and tenacity with Lincoln—heck, she could almost be me!
I appreciated the way Ms. Lowe put them through the wringer, and threw them curveballs. Especially the hurricane! Because like the Phoenix from the ashes, Opal rose above the circumstances—and dragged Lincoln along with her. Even if he was kicking and screaming.
I especially love stories with a strong sense of family and/or community, and Beach Haven serves it in generous portions!
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
This book was given to me as a gift. I offer my review of my own free will, and the opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Beach Haven, T.I. Lowe, Carolina Coast Series
Opal Gilbert was in the business of restoration. She would take something completely worn out and refurbished it for a new use. Her free spirit was in direct conflict with Lincoln who was angry at the world and just wanted to be left alone. He didn’t think he needed any help, thank you very much. I liked that Opal was able to push past his barriers and help him heal. I also really enjoyed the faith thread that went through the story, particularly with Opal’s penchant for giving shells to people with prayers attached to them. Full review is at my website: lorainenunley(dot)com.