Cover Image: Indigo Isle

Indigo Isle

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I received an ARC in exchange for honest review. I didn't realize this was a "Christian" fiction book when I downloaded it, and I was pleasantly surprised. Sometimes, Christian novels are stunted or the plot is not enjoyable, but that wasn't the case here. I thoroughly enjoyed thr writing, plot and the character development. At times, the characters were a little unbelievable (Zee for instance) but overall, it was very good. There were many mentions of SA in this book, so if that is triggering for you, I wouldn't recommend.

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Indigo Isle is a fascinating story of Sunny, a woman who has been sexually assaulted for the last decade but feels it's required for her job, but who, in turn, seems to have very little regard for anyone else's boundaries despite that.

The book does explore sexual harassment and assault, so should bear a trigger warning for those who would be better off not reading a book with those situations inside. There is a satisfying resolution for Sunny, although it's not what so many women get in real life.

It's very faith-lite, which felt like a huge missed opportunity.

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Indigo Isle is the first book I’ve read from T. I. Lowe and I was so tremendously impressed with her writing. This story held so much heart & heartbreak, bitterness & redemption, regret yet so much love. It was a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to come home. I can’t wait to read more from this author!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

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First time reading this author and I liked it!

It's an epic read, taking place over the summer, and the pacing reflects that, as well as the relationship between the main characters.

When Sonny meets Hudson, he absolutely wants nothing to do with her and her requests; he likes living as a recluse. Sonny is intrigued by him and can't keep away.

There's a lot going on for each one of them. They're both hurting in different ways and have to learn to deal with their problems before they're in a place to come together.

The setting is incredible, the language captivating, and the characters unforgettable.

Some sensitive content.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

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I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A bit slow at times but overall a great beach read so give it a try.

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Ms. Lowe is a must-read author for me an Indigo Isle is no exception. I could not stop reading until I found out how it all unfolded then I pondered it for days after!

This book is gritty, messy, and absolutely perfect. She doesn't gloss over the difficulties encountered in life: the pain, the mistakes, the consequences, the grief. Nor does she forget to share the joy, the forgiveness, the dreams, the love. Sonny and Hudson both encompass all of these things in this book and the story she weaves had me laughing, crying, and sighing at its beauty.

This is another can't miss from T.I. Lowe!

I will warn that there is talk and mention of physical assault.

I was given the opportunity to read this book from NetGalley before its release and all opinions are expressly my own.

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Indigo Isle was my first book by T.I. Lowe. I was really drawn to the idea of the SC Lowcountry setting and this reclusive mystery man living on an island. Having no experience with this author, my only real hopes were to have a great sense of place and to experience God's grace on the page since this is Christian fiction. I'm happy to say both were present! The setting was absolutely 🤌 I am a huge sucker for southern fiction, and wow this made me want to take a trip back to SC right away! (Also could not stop thinking about the Murdaughs but that's beside the point 😅 IYKYK #truecrime ) This was a great first novel for me from this author and I look forward to reading more of her books. Check out the synopsis online and my content warning below to see if this story is right for you! ❤️

Content: Indigo Isle is a redemptive story that has a significant amount of mistakes and grief. This book is not appropriate for teens (not the target audience!). There is a considerable amount of mentions of sexual promiscuity as well as a rape scene and sexual assault references. Lowe is a skilled writer so these scenes *are* poingnant and unsettling. I would caution readers who are sensitive to SA storylines to consider before picking up ❤️ other content: death of a child, drug addiction, family estrangement

"I will search for my lost ones who have strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again." EZEKIEL 34: 16

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This book was gripping from the start, with the way the author set the story and paces it. I felt like I was being transported to that isle and its peacefulness. I would say that there are some trigger warnings especially when it comes to abuse. However, I do like how the author addresses it. Some things that I didn't like (which were minor) was that the character acted a bit young for her age. I found that she resembled more of a late teen/early 20 year old instead of being in her 30's. I also felt the way certain scenes that were describe were borderline for me as too steamy. Other than that, it was a compelling read, and I enjoyed the faith content in the book.

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Sonny Bates is a woman trying to run from the bad choices she has made in her past. Her social media accounts show a woman with a glamorous life as a Hollywood location scout, but the real Sonny is drowning in regrets and living an empty life. Her job takes her back to her home state of South Carolina from where she ran away 15 years ago. While scouting locations she comes across a remote barrier island belonging to a very unpleasant man known as the “monster” of Indigo Isle. Even though he runs her off his island multiple times she keeps coming back. She’s drawn to the peaceful island and it’s grumpy owner.
Hudson Renfrow is hiding from the world after a tragedy tears his life apart and mutilates his body. He now cultivates an indigo farm on his family’s private island. He and Sonny are drawn to each other even as they battle each other. They each force the other to face their fears as they open up and fall in love with each other. Will they find healing and the courage to face the demons from their past?

I want to start by warning that there is sexual and emotional abuse going on in Sonny’s life. It’s not graphically portrayed, but it’s there and it’s upsetting. If you’re sensitive to that kind of content, then I want you to be aware that it’s in this book. I personally have not experienced that kind of abuse, but it breaks my heart to hear and read about it. In spite of that, I think this novel is beautiful. The main characters are complex and relatable. Sonny’s friends (Lyrica, Vee, and Erlene) are the kind of friends I would love to have. I love how God is woven into the story. How through their faith in Him, both Hudson and Sonny become their own heroes. They must confront their demons and deal with their past before they can build a healthy relationship with each other. I highly recommend this story and this author.

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy send by NetGalley and the publisher.

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Indigo Isle captures the essence of the Lowcountry. I live in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and could really identify with the picture that Lowe describes of our area. The information about the indigo crop history was accurate. I would recommend this book.

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Sonny is a successful Hollywood location scout who has traveled the world, finding perfect places for movie shoots. All sounds exciting, and it is until she runs up against a roadblock.

The locals call him the Monster of Indigo Island, because they feared him, No Trespassing signs were posted. She stopped by to chat with him anyway. Would he dare call the police? One way to find out.
This was a perfect location but was it worth all the hassle. Then there were demands from her boss Whit about the island location. The pressure was on in more ways than one.

Sonny discovers the Monster of Indigo Island has a name, it’s Hudson Renfrow. Then Sonny finally has an encounter with him. She stops by a few more times. Sonny gets to know a man she never thought she would. Later, she brings him news he doesn’t want to hear and endures the consequences.

The author cleverly places the reader in Sonny’s shoes, It was fascinating to stroll around with Sonny as she is the one making sure everyone has what they need to make the shoot work. She faced a lot of heartache in her job, and she didn’t know how to stop the man creating it. She saw other females were suffering the same fate at the hands and manipulation of the director, Whit. No one wanted to talk about and/or face what was happening behind closed doors. A little bit longer, and she’d be off this shoot and away from Whitt.

So much goes on in this story from heartache, healing, grief, loss, second chances at love and the fascinating way Hudson supports himself on Indigo Island. This is a captivating story on so many levels. It’s one you won’t soon forget. If you haven’t read a book by this author, I highly recommend this book and her others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

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T.I. Lowe has a way of writing that makes you wish you were right where the characters are. In Indigo Isle she reminded me why I love South Carolina so much. She also reminded me why I don' t want to be part of the movie industry.
Lowe sets her story in the Low Country of South Carolina and fills it with wonderful quirky characters along with a brooding island owner. It makes for a fun story to read.

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I have to admit to being quite disappointed with this book, having read the tons of raving reviews for one of the author's previous books. I can never say exactly why I can't get into a book...perhaps it's the writing style, or the dialogue or the secondary subject matter.

Anyhow, I thought the setting was wonderful and I could imagine Indigo Isle.

I won't be giving up on this author though.

3 stars from me.

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INDIGO ISLE by T I LOWE is one of the loveliest and most inspirational romance novels I have read this year, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for the unforgettable characters, the interesting plot and the great Christian message based on this scripture in Ezekiel 34:16; “I will search for My lost ones who have strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again.” It is a story of redemption and second chances, where broken people help each other to find their way to wholeness.
When Sonny Bates, a location scout for the film indudtry, lands on the supposedly haunted private island, Indigo Isle, looking for a filming site, she is not at all put off by the unwelcoming and angry Hudson Renfrow, known as the Monster of Indigo Isle, even though he calls the police on her! In spite of being chased off the island, she keeps going back, until an unusual friendship develops between two people who find it hard to forgive themselves for past mistakes…..…
The story is beautifully told and I do not want to spoil things for you by telling you too much. I love the dialogue between the characters, which is often amusing and always tells us more about them.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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Gripping and gritty. My favorite part was the lowcountry setting and how it was so vividly described and a bit mysterious.

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Engaging story about Sonny, a woman with a seemingly glamorous job as a movie location scout. As she starts work on a location near her Southern hometown, she struggles to face the choices she's made to get where she is. Along the way, she find another lost soul, a recluse on his own private island. Over-all a moving and inspiring story.

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I like he characters and I like that Sonny and Hudson through their encounter slowly learn to be "their own hero". I like that they don't rush their relationship and that they learn to forgive not only others but also themselves.

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A good story, but I don't recommend for younger teens because of some sensitive content. Not my usual kind of read, but different can be good! There are some good themes like standing up against what is wrong, and forgiving yourself and others. Vee is my favorite character, though the main characters are also very likeable.
On the negative side, the forgiveness and so on kind of drag on a bit. It takes the 2 main characters a while to figure things out...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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Although Hudson may start off his review with "I hated it", I would thoroughly disagree. The author has an amazing way with words and is able to weave in tough topics while surrounding the reader with characters that they will fall in love with.



I so desperately want to go to Indigo Isle and meet the "Monster" and see how he harvests the indigo. I can just imagine the majestic beauty of the island from the authors words.



There were so many favorite characters for me:. Hudson, Sonny, Vee and Erlene are just a few of many!!



Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

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T. I. Lowe is a great author of clean fiction. I always look forward to her latest novel. Indigo Isle, is another hit by Lowe. I have to admit, though, that I almost stopped reading after the second chapter. Lowe has the main character, Sonny, calling the recluse on Indigo Isle "the Monster of Indigo Isle." While maybe referring to the guy one time like this for reference, it goes on continually until almost 3/4 into the book. With that being said, that is the only part about the book I didn't like. The storyline is very good about a young woman wanting to find her way and the hurt, healing, love, and forgiveness that happens in the process. I always like that Lowe incorporates God into her stories but in this one, it was more of an afterthought. The book overall is very good and I think readers and fans of Lowe are going to like it. Hang with the book, it definitely gets better as the story progresses.

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