Hurricanes come in all shapes, sizes and categories. When you read, BEACH HAVEN, you will quickly understand T.I. Lowe has given her two main characters Linc and Opal hurricane force personalities. That's what makes Lowe's beautiful book so MESMERIZING! She has woven a story that shows that nothing is to far gone to be restored.
Bless This Mess, a vintage boutique in Sunset Cove, has felt the wrath of a series of hurricanes and has survived to be exactly as God intended it to be - restoration at its finest. The boutique is owned by Opal Gilbert. She would be described as a free-spirited, pixie, effervescent, fun-loving, loyal to her family and friends, committed Christian and strong in her beliefs. She has been asked to help out a friend of friend, a Marine veteran Lincoln Cole, who is recovering from a career ending severe knee injury. Little did she know she would be helping out Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome - but with the sourest attitude of anyone she'd ever met!
Hurricane Number One really does hit Bless This Mess and leaves the store and Opal's future in a tailspin. Linc comes to his senses and offers to help. Hurricane Number Two is Linc's relationship with Opal that stems from the way he deals with the chronic pain in his knee. He comes from a family where complaints are not allowed, pain medicines are considered a crutch and you just “suck it up” and deal with it no matter how bad the pain level. He can be a pretty decent guy to be around until his pain becomes unbearable and then he strikes out at the person closest to him. Linc also finds himself caught in the hurricane because he has such intense feelings for Opal but he cannot deal with his past, find forgiveness and ask her to be a part of his life. Hurricane Number Three is Opal. Opal is amazing! She is the quirky girl everyone made fun of all through school (and still do) but she actually made something of herself. In the process, she managed to endear herself to the entire town by in involving herself in the lives of those around her. When she meets Linc, she is able to see beyond all of his tough guy veneer to the strong man who is desperately crying for help. She slowly but surely nurtures him to a point where he is able to finally make positive life changing decisions.
Lowe has written a brilliant story that illustrates how kindness, patience, lots of prayer and love can change even the hardest of hearts. She takes two characters who both have vacant places in their hearts and finds their perfect match. Their story is not an easy love story but it certainly is a beautiful one!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
