Book Review: Beach Haven by T.I. Lowe

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What is this book about?

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.

My review:

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.

But I have mixed emotions about this story. On the one hand, I liked the theme running throughout about restoration and how it played out in Opal’s business as well as Lincoln’s personal life. On the other hand, for as much as I wanted to like Opal and Lincoln, I just had a hard time connecting with either one. I liked the differences in their personalities but the execution of their characters just didn’t ring true for me by the end of the story.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

The restoration theme and Opal being in the habit of praying for others.

What I didn’t like about this book:

Opal and Lincoln’s characters felt forced to me.

Would I recommend this book to others? Perhaps. The romance was clean and there were some colorful characters throughout. I didn’t connect with the main characters but other people might. This is the first book in the series.

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

T.I. Lowe, author website

-Loraine Nunley

Want a copy for yourself? Buy one here.