★★★★★ South of Somewhere by T.I. Lowe, A Heartfelt Story of Second Chances
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
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About This Book:
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.
MY REVIEW: ★★★★★ 5/5
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I’ve yet to read a T. I. Lowe book I didn’t love and South of Somewhere might be one of my favorites yet. Raw, emotional and beautifully written, this story completely pulled me in and didn’t let go. Tackling the heavy reality of life after addiction, it's a story of restoration, hope and second chances.
(ETA: Tandem read this as an e-book while listening to the audiobook. Loved the narrator!)
Junie is one of those characters who just stays with you. Her story is layered with loss, heartbreak, and hard consequences, but also determination, resilience and grit. From losing her grandmother and husband at young age to fighting her way back after addiction and the loss of custody of her small child, I couldn’t help but root for her. She’s relatable, snarky and deeply human.
With a whole host of quirky, lovable (and not so lovable) side characters, I truly loved witnessing Junie's tiny world expand and grow into people who supported her as she faced life on her own, rebuilding life one step at a time. Henry, Junie's sweet and slightly rumpled best-selling author neighbor, was adorable and I couldn't have loved their slow burn romance more. Gilbert, Junie's retiree probation officer brought unexpected warmth as well, as did the entire MNS group and other notable characters, like Betty and Winston (the dog!).
Of course, no T.I. Lowe story is complete without the ambiance of the south which rings true in tomato cracker salad and sandwiches, the low country, island life and southern, coastal setting that makes this the perfect summer beach read!
Can't recommend this one enough, friends - it's just so good and I'll be talking about it for a long time to come.
