MY REVIEW:

When I learned that Driftwood Dreams was book two in The Carolina Coast series, I purchased a copy of the first book, Beach Haven so I would be sure to be up to speed when I began reading. I did discover that Driftwood Dreams can easily stand on its own merits but I am also happy that I read the first book first. It was fun catching up with familiar characters as well as getting to know Josie a little better.

Josie is a fixer and although she doesn’t actually acknowledge it, she operates as though God needs her help taking care of everyone else. She has always had a thing for August Bradford but tends to become tongue-tied whenever he is around so she usually avoids him as much as possible. It hasn’t been too difficult while he was out of town for several years but now that he is back for good, Josie cannot seem to avoid him.

Driftwood Dreams was a fun to read novel filled with interesting and sometimes quirky characters. I frequently found myself laughing at some of their antics only to encounter a sweetly tender scene on the next page. I loved how August patiently wooed Josie, giving her space when she needed it yet constantly encouraging her to follow her dreams and exhorting her with the truth. I admired Josie’s loyalty to her father and her generous spirit toward her friends and others in need, especially one precious but eccentric old lady.

In my opinion, Driftwood Dreams is a gem of a story and I recommend it to all, especially those who enjoy Southern fiction. I would also recommend Beach Haven and I am looking forward to the next installment.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book:  Driftwood Dreams Author: T.I. Lowe Genre:  Contemporary Romance Release Date: June 1, 2020 Click here to get your copy!

Josie Slater has allowed the circumstances anchoring her in Sunset Cove to become a life sentence. Since her mother’s death years before, she’s spent most of her waking hours helping her dad run the Driftwood Diner. As her best friends, Opal and Sophia, make their dreams come true, Josie watches her own art school aspirations drift on by. But when a French-speaking Southern gentleman from her past moves back from Europe, Josie is launched into a tizzy of what-ifs and I-sure-do-hope-sos.

August Bradford left Sunset Cove six years ago to sow some life oats and conquer his ambitious career goals. Finally ready to lay down some roots, the successful artist is back in town and determined to win Josie’s heart. When he enlists Josie’s help in the preparations for a children’s art camp, Josie finds herself unleashing her artistic side in a way she hasn’t since before her mother’s death. August hopes to convince Josie to paint a life with him, but the problem is convincing her to let go of her apprehensions and give him—and her dreams—a fair chance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tonya “T.I.” Lowe is a native of coastal South Carolina. She attended Coastal Carolina University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she majored in Psychology but excelled in Creative Writing. In 2014, Tonya independently published her first novel, Lulu’s Café, which quickly became a bestseller. Now the author of 12 published novels with hundreds of thousands of copies sold, she knows she’s just getting started and has many more stories to tell. She resides near Myrtle Beach with her family.

READ AN EXCERPT:

Josie’s reverie came to a screeching halt as the screen door squeaked open and ushered in not only a briny breeze, but also a vision from her past.

With a pronounced air of confidence, August Bradford walked over to the counter and halted in front of a dazed Josie. Her heart jolted at the sight of him, something only this man could elicit. He spoke—or at least his lips moved—but she couldn’t hear anything over the roar suddenly residing in her eardrums.

The Knitting Club’s table kicked up in volume, sounding like a bunch of hens clucking away, but there was no focusing on what they were clucking about either. She knew the answer anyway and had a feeling their timing wasn’t coincidental. All Josie could do was just stand there and stare, as if looking into his silvery-blue eyes had turned her to stone. With a hint of purple near the center, those uniquely hued eyes were made to belong to an artist such as August Bradford. The thick fringe of black eyelashes only emphasized their beauty. It was enough to spawn jealousy in Josie, her own fair lashes barely visible, but it didn’t. It only tempted her to stand there and stare unabashedly. Mouth agape, that’s exactly what she did.

“Are you okay?” A throaty voice penetrated the roar in her ears as a hand waved in front of her face.

Oh, my . . . that voice . . .

The words simply wouldn’t come—only pitiful squeaks of breaths escaped—so Josie did the only thing to come to mind. She hightailed it into the kitchen.

BLOG STOPS:

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, T.I. is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 gift certificate to the bookstore of his or her choice and one copy of Driftwood Dreams!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fd05/driftwood-dreams-celebration-tour-giveaway