I am a big fan of the indie-published Bleu Streak series so I am thrilled that Lulu’s Cafe by T.I. Lowe has been published by Tyndale and there’s more to come!!
about the book
Lulu’s Cafe by T.I. Lowe
When a damaged young woman is given a chance to reclaim her life in a small South Carolina town, she must reckon with the dark secrets she left behind in order to accept the love she deserves.
On the run from a violent past, Leah Allen arrived in tiny Rivertown, South Carolina, battered and broken, but ready to reinvent herself. By a stroke of fate, Leah is drawn to the Southern hospitality of a small café, looking for a warm meal but finding so much more. Lulu, the owner, offers her a job, a place to stay and a new lease on life. Through Lulu’s tenacious warmth and generosity, Leah quickly finds herself embraced by the quaint community as she tries to put herself back together. Given she’s accustomed to cruelty, the kindness is overwhelming.
Soon Leah meets Crowley Mason, the most eligible bachelor in town. A lawyer and friend of Lulu’s, Crowley is wary of Leah’s sudden, mysterious arrival. Despite his reserve, something sparks between them that can’t be denied. But after all she’s been through, can Leah allow herself to truly love and be loved, especially when her first urge is to run?
Exploring the resiliency of both the heart and the spirit, Lulu’s Café gorgeously illustrates how old scars can finally heal no matter how deep they seem.
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my thoughts
Some stories are all sugar, spice, and everything nice, this story is more… more reality, more authenticity, more grit, more truth, more love, and more hope. If life was easy and perfect, we wouldn’t need hope… and heaven knows, we all need hope! Sometimes we need to be reminded, there’s always hope, even in the midst of crushing heartbreak and pain.
Leah’s story is far from an easy one to read. To say her journey is a difficult one would be a gross understatement yet it has immense value. Leah’s experiences are a fictional representation of the real lives of many who face these same critical issues. May her story open our eyes and hearts and motivate our hands and feet to serve these individuals.
I want a Lulu! She is an irresistibly loving, kind, and compassionate character with an Energizer-bunny-like work ethic and no-nonsense approach to life. Lulu, as a true southern hospitality guru, knows the importance of feeding and healing both the body and spirit. She’s feisty and tenacious yet as sweet as her delicious baked goods!
Crowley is a perfectly flawed hero and I love that the author didn’t create a knight in highly polished shining armor for this story. Crowley has his own issues to work through but there’s no doubt about his concern and care for Lulu. He pours himself into his community and he recognizes the importance of Lulu’s Cafe and faith.
I have to say that this book is the absolute highest physical quality mass market paperback I have ever held in my hands. The cover, spine, paper quality, font size, and margins are perfection. I would personally read a lot more mass markets if they all looked and felt like this one! I highly recommend Lulu’s Cafe by T.I. Lowe (for the content and packaging) and I’m eagerly anticipating her next release!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
about the author
Bestselling author T.I. Lowe sees herself as an ordinary country girl who loves to tell extraordinary stories. She knows she’s just getting started and has many more stories to tell.
A wife and mother and active in her church community, she resides in coastal South Carolina with her family.
For a complete list of Lowe’s published books, biography, upcoming events, and other information, visit her website or blog or follow her on facebook, twitter, or pinterest!
Carolina Coast series
The entire Carolina Coast series releases summer 2020!
I love that Tyndale picked up this fabulous indie novel!
Who are some of your favorite indie authors, reader friends?!
Let me know if you’ve read Lulu’s Cafe by T.I. Lowe or are adding to your tbr.
Faithfully Bookish 
I just finished reading Lulu’s Café a few days ago! Loved it. Great review!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it too, Kathy! Thank you!
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