A great story about growth and belief in one's self.
I loved August and Josie's story, I loved the art, I loved the romance.
Josie has a big heart and is always ready to help out the people around her but lives in fear of living out her own dreams. In comes August who has loved her for a long time. I love how unapologetic he was about his feelings for her and he gently wooed her, letting her build her confidence, letting her be herself and find that love she had for art again.
This book was purely romance and it works so well because it builds up so beautifully.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit for a blog tour. All opinions expressed are solely mine

Book two in T. I. Lowe’s Carolina Coast series will have you smiling at times, sighing at times, and hurting for the heroine at others. I actually read Driftwood Dreams first but now I’m going to have to go back and read Opal’s story because she’s quite the secondary character in this book.

August Bradford is a hero I can get behind. This guy knows what he wants and sets out to obtain it. Yet, he’s patient and cares for his family and friends. He’s doesn’t run over people to get to his goal.

The art scenes in this book are wonderful and original, and just like Josie, drew me right in. There is healing in creativity, and August uses that to draw Josie out of her colorless world.

If you can’t get to the beach right now, Driftwood Dreams is a great escape that will whisk you away for a few hours.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This is book two in T.I. Lowe’s Carolina Coast series and I totally picked it up because I read book one. That being said, you can read Driftwood Dreams as a standalone and not worry about missing anything.

The biggest reason I liked Driftwood Dreams is because of August Bradford. What a hero! He’s so sweet and patient with Josie and I just love how he coax’s her out of her shell. I love how art brings them together and bridges Josie’s uncertainty with life.

In fact, I like most of the art scenes in this book. I’m not an artist but I could vividly picture the scenes and they made me smile.

Both of the characters go through a change but Josie’s is the biggest and I won’t give anything else away but to say, the ending is great and the epilogue is icing on the cake.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.

This inspirational book is a lovely read. Art, special needs, depression, hunger, abandonment, friendships, neighborly love and music are all included in this delightful story! Add beaches, nature, family and a smattering of romance makes this a must read! Definitely worth the read!

Driftwood Dreams by T.I. Lowe is a novel set in Driftwood, a lovely beach town. Driftwood might seem like every other beach town in novels these days, but I really enjoyed the cast of characters and found their struggles to be relatable as they dealt with some serious issues. I appreciated the author's ability to normalize the characters' struggles. A love story, characters with a long history, a richly depicted oceanfront setting-- this book is definitely the perfect beach read. And if you can't get to the beach, this novel will definitely take you there. This is the first book that I have read from this author and I really enjoyed it. I am interested in the other characters and cannot wait to see their stories unfold in other novels. I definitely recommend this novel to readers who enjoy inspirational fiction and women's fiction. I received a digital copy of this novel from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Driftwood Dreams is the second book in T.I. Lowe’s Carolina Coast Series. The books can be read as standalone’s, but I did see returning characters’ appearances from the previous book; I loved the first book, so I recommend going back to read that one as well. The whole series takes place in a small seaside town off the coast of Carolina (which is one of my favorite places ever) and makes you feel at home right from the first page.
Characters can make or break my interest in the story, and T.I. Lowe did a great job of capturing my interest with both main characters in a very relaxed manner. Josie is a quiet, helpful, and loyal person who is always willing to lend a helping hand. She has high expectations of herself, is a people pleaser and an artist at heart. August is something of a mystery (maybe why I liked him so much) and is a mix of a hard-working and laid-back artist. I thought that his thought process was easy to follow and engaging to read. The chemistry between August and Josie was developed at a fun and interesting pace, and from the beginning, there were hints of the end goal for them. It was a twist on the girl next door type character plot.

I thought that T.I. Lowe did a great job with the storyline movement and that the characters were genuinely relatable. The themes she wove in were great reminders that we only have this one life to live, and we need to live it how God calls us to. Also, we need to remember to follow our dreams and not be afraid of what others might think. T.I. Lowe described island life in a way that made me feel like I had sand under my feet and palm trees growing in my house. I truly loved her vivid descriptions. I think readers who like Debbie Macomber, Rachel Hauck, and Denise Hunter will love this book and the Carolina Coast series.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the relaxing storyline (So made me want to go to the beach), the interesting characters, and for the theme of following your dreams. I recommend picking up this book (or series!) to read while at the beach this summer!
*Reason for 4 instead of 5 stars: I loved the characters, I really did, however, some of their reactions or choices just did not seem believable to me.
**I volunteered to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

Josie, Josie, Josie. I love this character. Willing to do anything for a person in need, yet incapable of asking for help when she needs it. She has some issues to work through, that’s for sure, but her heart is so big and bright, it’s hard to see past her goodness.

Although this is second in the series, and I’ve not read book one, I didn’t feel lost.

August is one hunky hero, and his desire to see Josie reach for the stars is one of his more endearing traits. The backstory sprinkled throughout the novel really brought him to light, and I loved those glimpses into his past.

Dalma was my absolute favorite secondary character. She added that bit of quirky fun.

Altogether, this was a lovely book. The theme of using the gift God’s given you instead of hiding it or ignoring it, is one I’ll remember.

I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Dreams never die, life just put them on hold.

I’m just going to put this out there now, I Love T.I. Lowe and this story is the perfect reason why. Southern charm and whit ooze off the pages as she opens the door to this quaint little community full of every day people. Some of the locals have left town to follow their dreams while others stay behind and put their dreams on a shelf.

Josie is this shy, unassuming woman who does everything for everyone and puts her needs on the back burner. She wants more but is clearly afraid to step out of the box she put herself in. I don’t know about you, but I know I have done that on many things. It’s what we mom’s do, right? When we do that, though, we forget what we are capable of. Like Josie did. The last paragraphs forced me to take a look at my own life to see what dreams I put away so that I could serve everyone else.

Then walks in Mr. McHottie, Austen, her blast from the past. He challenges her to take her dreams and goals off the shelf. To dust off her talents and see where things go. And maybe even take a chance on love. I love how he pushed her, just ever so slightly. His gentle patience is endearing. She pushes him back though. But if you love someone enough you fight for them, even if it is the person you are battling.

Honestly, there isn’t a thing wrong with this book. It is easy to read and easy to get lost in. I’d recommend tossing it in your beach bag next to your sunscreen and walk to the beach and get lost for a bit. Or at least pretend you’re at the beach. Your nerves will thank you.

** I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit publicity. The views expressed a purely my own. A favorable review was not required but freely given.

This novel is pure romance. No prominent supporting issues in the plot. Just romance. It's the setting and the characters that make the book. The coastal setting is interesting, but squid praline ice cream? The characters are crafted well. August is a charmer, liked by all the women. Josie is dorky but she has a heart for other people that will not quit. My favorite character was quirky Miss Dalma. What a smart woman in the end.

The obstacle to the romance between August and Josie centers around her sincere desire to help others, including her widowed father. She is hesitant to pursue love when it might leave her father with less support, something he needed from her when her mother died. Josie is so giving that she would rather suffer than inconvenience anyone. How can she possibly step out and fulfill her own desires?

I enjoyed this straight forward romance. I do like to learn something when I read a novel, rather than merely being entertained. There was a little about the art world but the plot almost completely centered on the romance. Lowe's writing style is good and the novel was fun.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

This series is so deep and inspiring. As Md. Lowe takes you on a journey of the Sand Queen and the love of their lives, readers will be swept away by the love of God and friendships. There is nothing like having people in your lives that will be honest with you and lift you up to be the best that you were created to be. August and Josie's story is about living out the dreams that God has placed in your hearts. August pursuit of Josie was filled with ups and downs. Although he hoped for Josie to be more, he had no control of how she would respond. Josie had to confront her fears to accept the promise of an amazing future. I cannot wait for Sophia's story. This will be a series that will stay with the reader for a long time.

I received this book from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are entirely my own

'Josie Slater collects people in need like a crazy cat lady collects strays, but she won't let anyone do that for her.'

Josie Slater has imposed a life sentence upon herself to help her daddy run their café after her mother's untimely death years ago. She has never even thought to allow her own dream to come to fruition. She's too busy taking care of everyone else.

Six years ago August Bradford left town and fulfilled his own dreams and goals. Now he is back in Sunset Cove to settle down for good. He is also bound and determined to win Josie. You see, both Josie and August have always had a crush on the other. But August must find a way to convince Josie to let herself be set free from all the expectation she has put on herself. And he is convinced that he will not lose.

I only discovered this author this week and I love her books already! Written expertly with characters crafted so that they jump into the readers heart and emotions so deeply felt that you just sigh so often throughout the book, these are books I love and think about long after I'm finished reading them. The author is a fellow lifelong South Carolinian as well and I totally got her turns of phrasing, too! Loved every minute and highly recommended.

*My thanks to Tyndale House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion stated here is my own.

Driftwood Dreams is book number two in T.I. Lowe's Carolina Coast series, but can certainly be read as a standalone as well. I personally had not read the first book myself and while there were a few moments throughout that seemed like perhaps there might have been some backstory previously talked about, I felt like enough was given that I did not feel lost in the story. You may however find yourself wanting to go back and read the first one just to get some more time in with these characters... I know I did!

I love a good second chance romance! There's something about two characters who come back together after years apart that makes the romance that much more meaningful. It doesn't matter if they were simply friends who missed their chance... or deeply in love for a moment in time, I enjoy them either way. In Driftwood Dreams, we meet Josie and August... From the time they were young, Josie expected the two would follow their dreams together but life had other plans. Josie stayed home to help her father, while August went on to live out that dream. When August comes back to town, they are given that second chance... their romance story is filled with ups and downs, sweet moments and loads of color...and I so enjoyed it! I did find the book to be a slower paced romance than those I typically prefer, but it did not affect my enjoyment of the story. So often I judge books on the inability to put them down, but this one was nice just to savor. As both characters were artists with art playing such a huge part in their story, I enjoyed all the descriptions and colors talked about throughout, as it seemed to really bring the story to life in my imagination. The ending especially gave me all the feels... though I won't give that away!

Though it is a fairly lighthearted romance, it did broach the topic of depression and was done so quite well. As someone who has dealt with depression and mental illness, I think this is such an important topic and needs to be talked about, and I loved that it was brought up here.

Overall, this was a fantastic romance and a great summer read. I cannot wait to check out the next book in the series to see what happens next! This is the first book I had read from the series and the author in general, but it certainly will NOT be the last!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Emotional story about the relationship of Josie and August. I was drawn into the angst and joys of their time spent together while rooting for them to make it. Beautiful depiction of how depression affects interactions with others.

DRIFTWOOD DREAMS by T. I. LOWE is the second novel in the series and in it we come across the characters we get to know in Beach Haven. I really recommend that you read the books in sequence for maximum enjoyment, but it could be read as as a stand alone. The author has a way of writing that really grips you and draws you into the story, and, although she deals with some harsh realities such as depression, there is hope and humour running through the book.
Josie Slater has had a crush on August Bradford since their school days. Dreaming of pursuiing her art, as he has done most successfully, a tragedy makes her withdraw into herself, and give up her dream of going to art school. She is loving and kind, but very self effacing, and has taken on everyone she feels needs her help until she has hardly any time for herself.
August is a most interesting character as well. After a horrific early childhood, he took matters in his own hands, at the tender age of eleven, to find a good family for himself and his younger brother Tucker. Well travelled and famous, he comes back to Sunset Cove to stay. He and his uncle Carter have a dream of establishing a children's camp where art, music, and general fun are the order of the day. He is fluent in French and I like the way he uses the language to express his feelings, both verbally and in his art.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you. I highly recommend this most enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys Christian romance with a deeper meaning.
I was given an ARC by Tyndale House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.