bookchew's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
A crazy comforting book, though at times it was a touch too churchy for me, and the domestic abuse in the beginning made for difficult reading. But once the main character arrives in South Carolina, the story is quick, satisfying, and fun, like a good romantic movie.
(Note: some might find this book problematic in parts. It’s certainly not always believable. But if you take it for what it is—a cozy Southern romance—it’s fine).
A crazy comforting book, though at times it was a touch too churchy for me, and the domestic abuse in the beginning made for difficult reading. But once the main character arrives in South Carolina, the story is quick, satisfying, and fun, like a good romantic movie.
(Note: some might find this book problematic in parts. It’s certainly not always believable. But if you take it for what it is—a cozy Southern romance—it’s fine).
kriste's review against another edition
4.0
A controlling abusive jerk, followed by a sweet woman and stellar guy. Much healing!
sryoung's review against another edition
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It is a bit religious
aspen45's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
beckycloris's review against another edition
5.0
Such a tragic and heartwarming story! It was a great read. I highly recommend this book be read by all. 5 stars in my opinion (:
samliu12's review against another edition
3.0
im torn because this book was equal parts endearing and infuriating in all the worst ways
kookie327's review against another edition
4.0
Don’t let the beautiful cover fool you, this book deals with the heavy matter of domestic violence.
I picked this book up because it gave me “Safe Haven” vibes and I absolutely loved that book!
Now this book is its own, but the domestic violence is pretty hard to take, so just know that going in.
I loved this one! It was a story about a woman who was in an abusive relationship who just wanted to escape it and you follow her journey of trying to make a new life for herself. The story was absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking! I loved the character or Lulu, what an amazing mother figure in this story! She was such a gem and a breath of fresh air. I don’t want to give too much away with this one, so I’ll keep it short and sweet and let you experience it on your own.
My only couple complaints is that our falling couple in this book, were literally ALWAYS falling asleep! Every time they were together they’d fall asleep in the most inopportune times... it got really annoying. Also, it went from hate to hate to love in a quick matter. I’m all for insta love, but when you have someone checking into you and not trusting you to all of a sudden in love with you... it’s a bit sketched out.
With that being said... I still loved our couple. What can I say I’m a sucker for love
I picked this book up because it gave me “Safe Haven” vibes and I absolutely loved that book!
Now this book is its own, but the domestic violence is pretty hard to take, so just know that going in.
I loved this one! It was a story about a woman who was in an abusive relationship who just wanted to escape it and you follow her journey of trying to make a new life for herself. The story was absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking! I loved the character or Lulu, what an amazing mother figure in this story! She was such a gem and a breath of fresh air. I don’t want to give too much away with this one, so I’ll keep it short and sweet and let you experience it on your own.
My only couple complaints is that our falling couple in this book, were literally ALWAYS falling asleep! Every time they were together they’d fall asleep in the most inopportune times... it got really annoying. Also, it went from hate to hate to love in a quick matter. I’m all for insta love, but when you have someone checking into you and not trusting you to all of a sudden in love with you... it’s a bit sketched out.
With that being said... I still loved our couple. What can I say I’m a sucker for love
abigailt's review against another edition
5.0
Lulu’s Cafe by T.I. Lowe was an intoxicating piece that brought an abundance of emotions to the surface. At times I wept for the main character, Leah Allen, as she endured being tortured by her husband during his drunken fits of rage. As Leah put it, she was living with the devil himself. There were times when I was on edge, wondering if she would successfully make her escape to the east coast from Olympia, Washington as she had desired, putting as much distance between her and the last gruesome day spent with her husband.
I was awed by the people God had put into Leah’s life on this new journey, even if for a brief moment. At times I broke out laughing along with the jokes and friendly banter of the new friends Leah finds along the way to healing. There were even times when I erupted in laughter while at the same time cried.
This story, the story that starts in Leah’s own personal hell, ends in the most beautiful place she could find herself, a place close enough to heaven for all she endured in her life.
A wonderful book by T.I. Lowe that I would highly recommend.
I was awed by the people God had put into Leah’s life on this new journey, even if for a brief moment. At times I broke out laughing along with the jokes and friendly banter of the new friends Leah finds along the way to healing. There were even times when I erupted in laughter while at the same time cried.
This story, the story that starts in Leah’s own personal hell, ends in the most beautiful place she could find herself, a place close enough to heaven for all she endured in her life.
A wonderful book by T.I. Lowe that I would highly recommend.
betherin02's review against another edition
5.0
Full review on FaithfullyBookish.com
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. Sometimes we need to be reminded, there’s always hope, even in the midst of crushing heartbreak and pain.
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. 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.
I highly recommend Lulu’s Cafe by T.I. Lowe 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.
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. Sometimes we need to be reminded, there’s always hope, even in the midst of crushing heartbreak and pain.
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. 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.
I highly recommend Lulu’s Cafe by T.I. Lowe 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.
sarahleivaa's review against another edition
5.0
Best book I’ve read this year! A beautiful story of healing and love.