Narelle here. I’m delighted to welcome T. I. Lowe to our blog today and share an interview plus my recommendation for South of Somewhere, her contemporary fiction novel that’s releasing on March 10, 2026.
You’ve written more than 20 novels! What sparked Junie’s story in particular?
Over twenty novels…Apparently, I have a lot to say. Funny enough, I didn’t want to
tell Junie’s story. It hit too close to home, but when I’m faced with something I don’t understand, I work it out through my writing. I lost a loved one in 2022 to a fentanyl
overdose, and it shook me. I turned to writing as I grappled with my grief and through that, Junie’s story emerged.
Junie’s path—from addiction and jail to healing and hope—is both raw and grace-filled. What was your writing process like as this story unfolded?
This book allowed me a safe place to mourn the loss of my loved one. There were
dark days that brought up bad memories, but then there were the lighter moments that helped me push through. I’m proud of this story.
How did your own Southern upbringing influence the portrayal of Sullivan’s Island and the community Junie finds there?
Community is a big part of Southern culture. We look out for one another. I focused
on this in the book, wanting to highlight that you don’t have to go through life struggles alone. Of course, food is always a big part of our culture too, so I had to include a few recipes to drive this home. Everyone needs to make the tomato
cracker salad. It is oddly delicious!
What will romance fans enjoy about Henry and Junie’s relationship?
It wasn’t insta-love, and I think romance fans will appreciate that. Both chemistry and banter are always a must in romance, and readers will find both in South of Somewhere.
Two major threads in this book are the themes of redemption and
motherhood. How does Junie’s role as a mother anchor this story?
A mother is human, and we all know humans make mistakes. Even though Junie
made a terrible mistake, that doesn’t change her status as mother. She has to overcome her failures and strive to be better for her daughter. Her achieving that is a powerful tale of redemption.
What do you hope readers will take away from Junie’s journey of rebuilding her life after hitting rock bottom?
Everyone hits rock bottom in some form at some point in their lives, but as long as
we breathe, there is hope. Don’t give up.
Can you give us a glimpse into what’s next for you—more coastal stories, more redemptive journeys, or something entirely new?
Oh, something entirely new! I’m taking readers to the Blue Ridge Mountains in North
Carolina with abundant apple orchards and waterfalls. I believe most of my stories have a thread of redemption, but this one will be more of an aftermath story as readers will follow a group of friends facing life after losing one in a tragic accident. It’s heavy, as most of my stories are, but I promise the sweet moments will make it a satisfying read.
A young mother filled with regret returns to Sullivan’s Island to rebuild her life and finds compassion in the most unexpected places in this heartfelt women’s fiction story of self-discovery and second chances from bestselling author T. I. Lowe, whose novels have been described as “soul-stirring, unforgettable romance” (BookPage).
When Juniper Wilder’s grief spiraled into addiction, leading first to an arrest for drunk driving, then jail and court-ordered rehab, she lost the most important thing in her life: her baby girl. Now, sober and on probation, Junie is determined to prove she can be the mother Fern deserves. But she’s burned a lot of bridges, ones that can’t be easily rebuilt.
Not every road is closed to her, however. Exiled to her late grandmother’s South Carolina beach house, Junie starts over, ready to pay off her debts and prove to her brother that he can safely return custody of Fern. She works hard and finds surprising grace in an eclectic recovery community. There’s an unexpected friendship, too—and maybe more—with her neighbor, Henry, a quirky college professor who helps her believe in second chances.
Still, it’s hard for Junie to imagine ever forgiving herself, let alone receiving forgiveness from those she’s hurt . . . particularly when her past rears its ugly head and threatens to undo every bit of progress she’s made.
Buy South of Somewhere from Tyndale
Narelle’s Thoughts: I recommend South of Somewhere to contemporary fiction readers who like second chances redemption stories that address substance abuse issues and include family drama, found family, romantic elements and relevant faith threads woven into the story.
Check out my book recommendation at the link below:
T. I. Lowe is an ordinary country girl who loves to tell extraordinary stories. She is the author of 21 novels, including the #1 international bestseller and critically acclaimed Under the Magnolias and her debut breakout Lulu’s Café. Her novel Indigo Isle won the prestigious Christy Award in the contemporary romance category and was subsequently named Christy Award Book of the Year. She lives in coastal South Carolina with her husband and family. Find her online at tilowe.com
I work out a lot of my stuff through fiction too, so I really identified with that. I’m sorry for your loss and thank you for writing a book to help others too.
Hi Dienece, This book is a helpful read as well as being an entertaining story. I appreciated how T. I. Lowe sensitively handled various issues in the story.