I've attempted to read T.I. Lowe's books, however I've found that I just can't get into them at this time. But I am hoping to give them another shot some day.

Driftwood Dreams

What I think you should know:
Driftwood Dreams is a contemporary Christian Fiction by T.I Lowe. It is the second book in the Carolina Coast Series. While it *could* be read as a standalone I highly recommend that you read Beach Haven, the first book in the series prior to reading this as it will give you a better understanding of the background characters in the story.

What you might need to know:
Josie lost her Mom to a brain aneurysm, her sudden death left Josie with anxiety and depression.
August was abandoned and abused as a child.

What I think about this book:
Driftwood Dreams was one of those sneaky books for me, I started it and next thing I knew I had finished it without even realizing it. I loved every minute of it! Having read the prior book in the series I had an understanding of the dynamics of the town and its colorful residents. Lowe did such an amazing job writing this book that many times I felt like I was a part of the town, she has a way of bringing the story to life. Josie was endearing and frustrating all at the same time, I enjoyed getting to know her more and understand her need to fix everyone, even if it keeps her from living her own dreams. August was everything I want my sons to grow up to be, faithful, tinder, trustworthy, romantic. My only question was if he was so determined that she was the one for him, why did he stay gone for so long? This story was just the escape that I needed right now, Lowe did a beautiful job of showing how life may bring you unexpected hardships and your dreams may have to be put on hold, but if you hold on to them and nurture them your dreams never die.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

Driftwood Dreams is part of the Carolina Coast series by T. I. Lowe. This sweet, gentle romance revolves around Josie and her lost dreams and lost love. Very cute and fans of clean contemporary romances will enjoy this story.

If your are looking for a great beach read to escape into, Driftwood Dreams would fit that bill.

This was such a romantic, blissful read about two people who are so meant to be together, yet one must be wooed into seeing that.

Josie Slater is an artist but she has put all her dreams on hold after the death of her mother to help her father at his diner. Not only that but she is also helping everyone else that needs it.

In steps August Bradford, also an artist but he pursued his dreams across the world, and he has come back home. To stay this time. To help his family start a camp, but more than that- he has come back for Josie, the love of his life. But Josie was not cooperating, and August showed what true patience looked like, even though Josie's stubborness was really getting under his skin and even this reader's. August never gave up and did all these sweet things for her and tried so hard to give her time and space. What a great guy!

Josie was very stubborn though. Living in an almost paralyzing fear, she begins to open up a little bit more and step back into the life she dreamed due to August's pursuit of her. This was a refreshing read of letting go of control and picking up dreams that seemed lost when bad things happened. I am glad August did not give up on Josie.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

blissful sigh

I could really stop my review there… but I won’t. Because I neeeeeeeeed to swoon-flail (new word) over August. Oh how I love a hero who pursues the woman he loves. That gentle intention that gives meaning to every action, every word, every ‘just dropping by’ moment. There’s something about that kind of patient, purposeful romance that wraps so completely around my heart. I think because it reminds me that I am pursued by a Savior – gently, intentionally, patiently, lovingly. Reminds me that He would do anything to get to me and show me how much He loves me. My favorite kind of story is one that organically reflects The Story without feeling forced or preachy – and Lowe’s incredible talent does exactly that in Driftwood Dreams.

Josie herself is a complex character with several layers to unpack, and a carefully hidden fragility about her spirit. That’s not to say that she is weak – on the contrary, Josie is an exceptionally strong woman, even if she doesn’t realize it. I adored her relationship with the eccentric Dalma (who I want to just hug all the time), and Dalma’s antics added a great deal of humor to the story. Their unpredictable interactions infused Driftwood Dreams with wisdom and tenderness as well. And of course there are the Sand Queens – Josie’s BFF’s – Opal and Sophia. I loved following up with Opal’s story and grew more and more intrigued by Sophia’s, which we’ll see in book 3.

Bottom Line: Driftwood Dreams by T.I. Lowe is romance novel perfection. August and Josie are creative, artistic, and well-layered, and their relationship journey is absolutely beautiful. Main, secondary, and tertiary characters are all nicely drawn and each contributes in his/her own way to add dimension to the story. Lowe is a master at writing books with faith, hope, humor, tenderness, and swooniness – each element combining intrinsically with the others in such a way that neither can be omitted without losing something essential. I grinned a lot, I got a little teary, and I swooned often. A must-read for fans of Becky Wade, Denise Hunter, and Pepper Basham.

(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.)

Fanciful art and reluctant romance wrapped up in a very, very Southern package! Driftwood Dreams was an enjoyable read.

I found Driftwood Dreams to be a really great read. T I Lowe is a new to me author and it will not be the last. This book is the second installment from her Carolina Coast series. Even though it is part of a series, I felt like it could be read as a stand alone.

Driftwood Dreams was a delight to read. The details of the setting was so beautiful and made me wish I was right there. I loved Josie right from the start. The chemistry between her and August was undeniable. Their story was fun, entertaining, beautiful and inspiring.

I am giving Driftwood Dreams four and a half stars. I would love to read the first book of the series, Beach Haven, and will be early waiting for the release of the third book, Sea Glass Castle. I recommend this one for readers who love to read a sweet romance.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

I have not read book number one in this Driftwood Dreams series but it did not keep me from thoroughly enjoying this second in the series. I loved the meandering story line through the lives of Josie and August and the nuances and large expressions of love that wove their way into this love story. August was the most energetic, creative hero that anyone can imagine. And he uses his gifts to express to Josie how she needs to be able to express herself. But Josie is a sacrificial giver so much so that she neglects her own life.
I loved that making art is such a large part of this story, and how the happiness and joy can result from the act of doing 'art'. I recommend this book! Well worth the read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A beautifully written story...full of friendship, faith and romance. The characters will touch your heart...and soul. Experience this read yourself...you will not be disappointed. Five stars.

Driftwood Dreams, by T. I. Lowe is book 2 in the Carolina Coast Series. This is an easy to read story perfect for a lazy afternoon. Josie Slater has spent her life helping others. She helps her father in the diner as well as watching out for elderly and less fortunate. August Bradford moves back to help with the children’s art camp. He has his eyes set on Josie and involves her in his art work projects.

I enjoyed this story so much. It is a great story to read to just escape for a while. The story does reference characters from the first book in the series, so reading them in order is recommended. However, the author does a wonderful job of introducing characters and places that is is also a nice stand alone story. I liked how after six years Josie and August are able to quickly rekindle their friendship. And I also enjoyed that Josie’s father realized she put his needs before hers.

I received an e-book copy of this story from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Another fantastic story from T.I. Lowe! Writing is beautiful, as always. So many lines I highlighted just because I thought they were beautifully written. Couple in the story is believable and genuine, with an original plot line and interesting back stories. Is part of a series, but can be read independently. Highly recommend!

Love this series. Josie helps her dad with the diner he owns. When someone returns to town that makes her heart flutter. Wonder if he has the same feelings for her. To hear more read the book.

Gosh! I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this book! I loved how the characters developed in the book and the sweet romance that was shown. I just wanted to go and be a part of their lives!

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc

This is my first experience reading this author's work and I love the writing style and spiritual aspects. Josie and August are easy to connect to and the storyline deals with important topics. I need to go back and read Beach Haven! The first in this series. :)
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book via Netgalley

Long a TI Lowe fan, this new series is proving to be everything I’ve come to expect and more. In fact, I loved Driftwood Dreams even more than Beach Haven.

I have an affinity for characters who are artists, and the way August uses his profession to pull Josie back to her first love of creating is beautiful and moving. Patient heroes are absolutely my favorite, and August joins the ranks of Crawley Mason with this one. Then there are the side characters who populate and enrich the story almost as much as the H/h. Very well done.

I can’t wait for Sea Glass Castle! I received a copy from NetGalley that did not influence my decision to review or it’s content. I’m happy to read and review, especially books like this one!

This is the second in the Carolina Coast series by T. I. Lowe and *sigh* it was very good! It was such a sweet, romatic story one couldn't help but fall slightly in love with leading guy, August Bradford. As the novel unfolds, the reader may get the impression that Josie, leading female in the story, might be a bit flighty. However, as the storyline progresses and the reader understands Josie's story, her actions make sense. Driftwood Dreams is a precious story with great characters that carry over from the first book in the series, Beach Haven. To correctly understand the characters, the books should definitely. be read in order. These are wonderful, clean beach reads that leave you cheering and feeling good.

“What about you and your dreams? You’re just willing to set aside what you want?”

Two artists hearts. One pursued his dreams, but never forgot his muse. His muse is shy and can barely speak to him when he returns home. As he struggles to bring her out of that shell, he longs for her to pursue her dreams, too. Josie can’t think of doing anything different, but helping her dad and others in the community. August slowly woes her with art projects for his upcoming children’s art camp and hopes she falls for him, too.

“August bit his lip, but the smirk was unmistakable. “Sweetheart, don’t go putting thoughts like that in my head.”

Whew, but that August can spin some words and put dreams in your heart again. This book is Inspiring, heartwarming and utterly romantic. A beautifully woven tale of losing your dreams and finding them again. I’m in love with these characters, the town of Sunset Cove, and wish I could visit the art camp they are creating. As Josie struggles with being there for her Dad, I could really relate with her sense of obligation. How do you choose between family and your dream? Sometimes it seems impossible and for Josie her Dad comes first in her heart. The grief of losing her mom makes it difficult for both of them to move forward. As August shows her she can have her dreams and be there for family, the love they have for one another grows. This is an absolutely poetic read, rich with artistic detail.

“God’s beauty is the kind of inspiration I need to feed my creativity. The silence out here whispers to me all the time.”

There is so much heart to this story, I can’t even put it into words. The author writes a beautiful romance, but in the midst of it she is always dealing with matters of the heart and God. From struggling with depression, grief, and loss of dreams, Lowe shows us how God can bring light to the darkness. The sense of needing a community to get through hard times is another beautiful aspect of this book.

This book could be read as a standalone, but the series is beautiful and well worth the read. If you love contemporary romance with a beachy vibe and a lot of heart, I think you’ll love Driftwood Dreams.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher. I have given my honest opinion in this review and I honestly loved it!

A very enjoyable book! Beautiful setting and wonderful characters. This is my second book by author T.I. Lowe, and I look forward to reading more from this author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I enjoyed this book. This book is the second in a series though honestly, I feel they’re both stand-alone books and you don’t need to read the first one. Normally I say you have to but this series you don’t. Though you should because the first book is amazing as well. But a quick caveat that book one has a lot of hard issues and topics packed in those pages that the author covers with grace.

Back to this book. I loved it. August is gentle and steadfast. He has loved Josie since they were in school but now he’s back and ready to show her just how much he loves her. That is if he can get her away from helping people instead of following her own dreams and desires.

They’re both artists. While I know nothing about art I really enjoyed the art scenes in this book. I really enjoyed all the scenes about the art camp. It sounds like such a fun place! I also enjoyed how this book had romance without being dirty or making me feel like it was wrong. The way August courted and wooed Josie was wonderful!

Highly recommend this book. I loved that it also contained hard things like early death or parents and foster/adoption. As adoptive parents in our home I always love how it can be portrayed in a good light with children who actually come out okay in the end!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Before I had finished the first three pages of this book, I was completely charmed by this story. I credit that to the character of Josie. She’s caring, almost to the point of neglecting her own life. She has amazing artistic talent, yet she has completely put that talent aside as she helps her dad run his cafe. She’s one of a group of BFF’s affectionately named “The Sand Queens of Sunset Cove”. And she’s especially flustered that her high school crush, August Bradford, has returned to his hometown to head up a new fine arts camp for teenagers. August has never forgotten Josie, and has come home with the intent of pursuing a serious relationship with her. However, Josie can’t see the way out of the obligations of her life and has given up on her dreams of an art career or marriage.

This story of August’s courtship of Josie is a sweet one. The supporting characters in this book are wonderful, and add much to this story. I was cheering August and Josie on as they attempted to overcome the obstacles to their happily-ever-after. This book has so much heart, and I’ll be placing it on my “favorites” shelf.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.