Robin’s Rave Reviews
Looking for a great summer beach read? I LOVED INDIGO ISLE by T. I. Lowe. It was light, fun and interesting while also wrestling with a few tough topics.
Summary
Sonny Bates is a successful Hollywood location scout. When a movie takes her near Charleston, close to her childhood home, she considers stopping in; however, this would mean dealing with the mistakes of her past. Fifteen years ago on graduation day, she left home without warning anyone. Since then, she’s struggled to make something of herself. Sometimes she stretched the truth about her life on social media so her family thinks she’s doing fine.
While on location, Sonny stumbles onto a secluded island off the coast of Charleston, perfect for a scene in the movie. A recluse, known by the locals as The Monster of Indigo Isle, owns the private island. He isn’t happy to find her on his property, and he certainly doesn’t want a film crew interrupting his privacy. Sonny isn’t deterred. It’s her job to get him to sign a release. And it’s what her boss expects from her. The question is, how much is Sonny willing to do to keep her job?
Hudson Renfrow, a lawyer by trade, has exiled himself on Indigo Isle, a family property. He is dealing with guilt from a trauma which somewhat disfigured him (The Monster of Indigo Isle). He spends his time tending his indigo fields and making indigo dye. Over many visits, Hudson begins to soften toward Sonny. When they are forced together during a hurricane, Hudson’s hardened demeanor shows some cracks.
Indigo Isle: What I Liked
-Sonny’s unique career give readers a behind the scenes look at the movie-making experience, both the good and the bad.
-This remote isle has a magical feel.
-Both characters have issues they need to work through. They give each other a much needed, different perspective on their flaws. As the characters work to improve themselves, it realistically takes time.
-Sonny sees through Hudson’s mask and realizes there is something special behind the gruff exterior. (Think Beauty and the Beast.) I thought it was funny that Hudson had her arrested for trespassing, but she kept coming back and wore him down.
-Learning about making dye from indigo plants was unique.
-Fun supporting characters round out the book, like Vee, the make-up artist who should be an actress, and Erlene, who owns the run-down motel where the crew is staying.
-Lowe includes a few Bible verses throughout the story. She makes great Biblical points for the characters without feeling threatening or preachy to non-Christians.
-There is simply something special about the FEEL of this book. It touches on some tough topics while staying light and intriguing.
Conclusion
Thank you, T. I., for helping me forget my troubles while I escaped to Indigo Isle. And readers, you really MUST pick up a copy of INDIGO ISLE by T. I. Lowe ASAP! Don’t let the summer slip away without getting your own copy.
T. I. Lowe is a best-selling Southern author and has written at least 18 novels. Check out the other books by her that I’ve reviewed: UNDER THE MAGNOLIAS (which you’ll like if you liked Delia Owen’s WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING) and the Carolina Coast series.
You probably know I’m a big fan of the Friends and Fiction group. Four best-selling authors – Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Patti Callahan Henry, and Kristy Woodson Harvey – interview several authors each week on their show. T. I. Lowe was on the June 21st episode. Here is a link to that episode on YouTube. If you want to watch the whole show, great! Or fast-forward to Lowe’s interview at 51:30.
You can tune in live to the Friends and Fiction’s podcast on Facebook or YouTube every Wednesday at 7 PM EST. On Facebook, join Friends and Fiction and watch live on their page, or search Friends and Fiction on YouTube and watch it live there. If you like it, subscribe! I tune in almost every week, but when I miss one, I watch the recording on YouTube. If you’re not watching yet, you’ll love becoming part of a supportive, friendly book community of authors and readers.
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