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Lowcountry Lost: A Charming Second-Chance Romance in Small-Town South Carolina
Sometimes what haunts you most is wondering what could have been.
Avalee Elvis prides herself with being able to fix just about anything. . . except her past. Unable to put the puzzle of her life together, she pours heart and soul into making neglected places whole again. As the owner of Lowcountry Lost, Avalee spends her days in hot-pink Carhartt overalls and a tool belt reclaiming Lowcountry properties. Making them beautiful again releases the deep sigh that soothes the hurt she holds.
Avalee’s latest project takes her to tiny Somewhere, South Carolina, a long-abandoned town. She ignores its ghostly folklore but can’t miss the shock of hearing the familiar Irish brogue that materializes on the job site—the voice of the man she never wanted to see again.
Rowan Murray is a structural engineer hired by investors to oversee the redevelopment of the quaint downtown Avalee is bringing back to life. Once upon a time, he was also the man who knew Avalee better than anyone else—or so he thought. Six years ago, neither of them was prepared for the tragedy they would face together or what would happen in its wake. But as they work together to complete the rehabbing of Somewhere, their broken pieces and the pain that nearly consumed them begin to lose its grip, and both begin to wonder if it’s not too late for a restoration of their own.
From the author of the breakout Southern fiction bestseller Under the Magnolias comes a story of loss and abandonment, forgiveness, and the beauty of undying love.
Contemporary Southern romance with a second chance romance tropeSpecial features discussion questions for book clubs, recipes, and a playlist inspired by Avalee and Rowan’s love storyContains themes of loss and restorationFor fans of HGTV shows like Fixer Upper, Home Town, and Good Bones
Avalee Elvis prides herself with being able to fix just about anything. . . except her past. Unable to put the puzzle of her life together, she pours heart and soul into making neglected places whole again. As the owner of Lowcountry Lost, Avalee spends her days in hot-pink Carhartt overalls and a tool belt reclaiming Lowcountry properties. Making them beautiful again releases the deep sigh that soothes the hurt she holds.
Avalee’s latest project takes her to tiny Somewhere, South Carolina, a long-abandoned town. She ignores its ghostly folklore but can’t miss the shock of hearing the familiar Irish brogue that materializes on the job site—the voice of the man she never wanted to see again.
Rowan Murray is a structural engineer hired by investors to oversee the redevelopment of the quaint downtown Avalee is bringing back to life. Once upon a time, he was also the man who knew Avalee better than anyone else—or so he thought. Six years ago, neither of them was prepared for the tragedy they would face together or what would happen in its wake. But as they work together to complete the rehabbing of Somewhere, their broken pieces and the pain that nearly consumed them begin to lose its grip, and both begin to wonder if it’s not too late for a restoration of their own.
From the author of the breakout Southern fiction bestseller Under the Magnolias comes a story of loss and abandonment, forgiveness, and the beauty of undying love.
Contemporary Southern romance with a second chance romance tropeSpecial features discussion questions for book clubs, recipes, and a playlist inspired by Avalee and Rowan’s love storyContains themes of loss and restorationFor fans of HGTV shows like Fixer Upper, Home Town, and Good Bones
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2024
137 people are currently reading
5863 people want to read
About the author
T.I. Lowe
28 books1,860 followersT.I. Lowe is an ordinary country girl who loves to tell extraordinary stories and is the author of nearly twenty published novels including her debut, LULU’S CAFÉ, a #1 bestseller. She lives with her husband and family in coastal South Carolina. Find her at Tilowe.com or on Facebook (T.I.Lowe), Instagram (Tilowe), and Twitter (@Tilowe).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
March 11, 2025
EXCERPT: A ghost town is a once flourishing town wholly or nearly deserted, usually as the result of the exhaustion of some natural resource. The landscape of North America is riddled with such places of abandonment. Buildings, streets, furniture, sentiments, hopes, dreams . . . all left behind without so much as a backwards glance.
Can a person be a ghost town? I believe I am. Once flourishing, yet now so dang exhausted. Similar to an abandoned town, everyone and everything abandoned me but the trauma, the grief it produced, and the silence that followed. I could do nothing but accept the forsakenness while the passing years began to weather my soul. Rusting the hinges of my heart until the corrosion made it near about impossible to open to anything or anyone.
I wonder if the folks who deserted those towns ever grew homesick. Did they ever have the feeling they'd left something of value behind?
ABOUT 'LOWCOUNTRY LOST': Sometimes what haunts you most is wondering what could have been . . . Avalee Elvis prides herself with being able to fix just about anything. . . except her past. Unable to put the puzzle of her life together, she pours heart and soul into making neglected places whole again. As the owner of Lowcountry Lost, Avalee spends her days in hot-pink Carhartt overalls and a tool belt reclaiming Lowcountry properties. Making them beautiful again releases the deep sigh that soothes the hurt she holds.
Avalee's latest project takes her to tiny Somewhere, South Carolina, a long-abandoned town. She ignores its ghostly folklore but can't miss the shock of hearing the familiar Irish brogue that materializes on the job site--the voice of the man she never wanted to see again.
Rowan Murray is a structural engineer hired by investors to oversee the redevelopment of the quaint downtown Avalee is bringing back to life. Once upon a time, he was also the man who knew Avalee better than anyone else--or so he thought. Turns out he was wrong. Neither of them was prepared for what happened between them six years ago. But as they work together to complete the rehabbing of Somewhere, their broken pieces and the pain that nearly consumed them begin to lose its grip, and both begin to wonder if it's not too late for a restoration of their own.
MY THOUGHTS: This was my first read by T.I. Lowe, but it won't be my last. This author has captured my heart.
Lowcountry Lost is an emotional read. Yesterday, towards the end, I was driving down the road, listening, bawling my eyes out and had to pull over until I could calm myself and was fit to drive again. My heart was shredded, and I didn't know if it could ever be whole again. Lowe did put me back together, maybe in a slightly different shape, but functioning, then had me in tears again. Happy tears this time! I was an emotional wreck by the time I had finished. Lowcountry Lost is one beautiful read.
This isn't just a story about the renovation of a ghost town, but the renovation of a person who has lost everything that mattered to her. I couldn't help but root for Avalee. I felt her pain, her anguish, her despair. Just thinking about everything she has been through makes me tear up again!
Rowan is also hurting bad. He just deals with it differently, but it takes Avalee quite some time to realize and acknowledge this.
I just loved everything about this read. The characters walked off the page and into the room with me. They occupied my thoughts even when I wasn't reading. The refurbishment of an abandoned town was the perfect background for Avalee to find herself in, and the surprises (not all of them good) found in the old buildings give her a lot to think about.
Add into the mix a teenager and his younger brother who are in need of a home, and you have all the ingredients of a wonderful story. T.I. Lowe executes it perfectly. And I just love that cover art!
The audiobook is superbly narrated by Zura Johnson.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#LowcountryLost #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: T.I. Lowe is an ordinary country girl who loves to tell extraordinary stories. She lives with her husband and family in coastal South Carolina.
DISCLOSURE: Sincere thanks to RB Media for providing an audio ARC of Lowcountry Lost written by T.I. Lowe and narrated by Zura Johnson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Can a person be a ghost town? I believe I am. Once flourishing, yet now so dang exhausted. Similar to an abandoned town, everyone and everything abandoned me but the trauma, the grief it produced, and the silence that followed. I could do nothing but accept the forsakenness while the passing years began to weather my soul. Rusting the hinges of my heart until the corrosion made it near about impossible to open to anything or anyone.
I wonder if the folks who deserted those towns ever grew homesick. Did they ever have the feeling they'd left something of value behind?
ABOUT 'LOWCOUNTRY LOST': Sometimes what haunts you most is wondering what could have been . . . Avalee Elvis prides herself with being able to fix just about anything. . . except her past. Unable to put the puzzle of her life together, she pours heart and soul into making neglected places whole again. As the owner of Lowcountry Lost, Avalee spends her days in hot-pink Carhartt overalls and a tool belt reclaiming Lowcountry properties. Making them beautiful again releases the deep sigh that soothes the hurt she holds.
Avalee's latest project takes her to tiny Somewhere, South Carolina, a long-abandoned town. She ignores its ghostly folklore but can't miss the shock of hearing the familiar Irish brogue that materializes on the job site--the voice of the man she never wanted to see again.
Rowan Murray is a structural engineer hired by investors to oversee the redevelopment of the quaint downtown Avalee is bringing back to life. Once upon a time, he was also the man who knew Avalee better than anyone else--or so he thought. Turns out he was wrong. Neither of them was prepared for what happened between them six years ago. But as they work together to complete the rehabbing of Somewhere, their broken pieces and the pain that nearly consumed them begin to lose its grip, and both begin to wonder if it's not too late for a restoration of their own.
MY THOUGHTS: This was my first read by T.I. Lowe, but it won't be my last. This author has captured my heart.
Lowcountry Lost is an emotional read. Yesterday, towards the end, I was driving down the road, listening, bawling my eyes out and had to pull over until I could calm myself and was fit to drive again. My heart was shredded, and I didn't know if it could ever be whole again. Lowe did put me back together, maybe in a slightly different shape, but functioning, then had me in tears again. Happy tears this time! I was an emotional wreck by the time I had finished. Lowcountry Lost is one beautiful read.
This isn't just a story about the renovation of a ghost town, but the renovation of a person who has lost everything that mattered to her. I couldn't help but root for Avalee. I felt her pain, her anguish, her despair. Just thinking about everything she has been through makes me tear up again!
Rowan is also hurting bad. He just deals with it differently, but it takes Avalee quite some time to realize and acknowledge this.
I just loved everything about this read. The characters walked off the page and into the room with me. They occupied my thoughts even when I wasn't reading. The refurbishment of an abandoned town was the perfect background for Avalee to find herself in, and the surprises (not all of them good) found in the old buildings give her a lot to think about.
Add into the mix a teenager and his younger brother who are in need of a home, and you have all the ingredients of a wonderful story. T.I. Lowe executes it perfectly. And I just love that cover art!
The audiobook is superbly narrated by Zura Johnson.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#LowcountryLost #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: T.I. Lowe is an ordinary country girl who loves to tell extraordinary stories. She lives with her husband and family in coastal South Carolina.
DISCLOSURE: Sincere thanks to RB Media for providing an audio ARC of Lowcountry Lost written by T.I. Lowe and narrated by Zura Johnson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 4, 2025
This is an emotional story filled with love and loss, forgiveness, and second chances. This book hits on heavier topics, and I thought the author did a wonderful job depicting them in a real and raw way. I have not experienced a loss like the one in this book, but it gave me a little insight into how it would be like for both a husband and a wife. There is also a past crime discovered that intertwines with the story, one that will also pull on your heartstrings.
I loved the HGTV/Fixer-upper vibes with the small-town restoration. There was so much detail I felt I was there in the town experiencing the entire process. Although a heavier book, this one is filled with some great and quirky side characters, hilarious moments including pranks, a thieving dog, calling TikTok and Snapchat “Tic-tac and a snap-crack,” and my favorite, the found family storyline. As someone who would love to take in kids who need a home, the storyline between Avalee and Bash is what completely won my heart with this book.
If you love stories with second chances, fixer-upper vibes, found family, deeper themes, and a lovable dog, I recommend checking this book out!✨
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
•Spice: Kissing (more descriptive), suggestive comments, mild innuendos
•Content Discretions: Miscarriage, grief, loss, divorce, estranged parental relationship, a character twerks, A man goes skinny dipping while a woman remains on shore, talk of a ghost town, evidence of past crime discovered (message me for details)
I loved the HGTV/Fixer-upper vibes with the small-town restoration. There was so much detail I felt I was there in the town experiencing the entire process. Although a heavier book, this one is filled with some great and quirky side characters, hilarious moments including pranks, a thieving dog, calling TikTok and Snapchat “Tic-tac and a snap-crack,” and my favorite, the found family storyline. As someone who would love to take in kids who need a home, the storyline between Avalee and Bash is what completely won my heart with this book.
If you love stories with second chances, fixer-upper vibes, found family, deeper themes, and a lovable dog, I recommend checking this book out!✨
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
•Spice: Kissing (more descriptive), suggestive comments, mild innuendos
•Content Discretions: Miscarriage, grief, loss, divorce, estranged parental relationship, a character twerks, A man goes skinny dipping while a woman remains on shore, talk of a ghost town, evidence of past crime discovered (message me for details)
September 13, 2024
As this author's books always do, Lowcountry Lost will take you on an emotional, healing, and very Southern journey with humor, a great cast of characters, profound character growth, and even legit home reno vibes in this one featuring a complete revitalization of the most cozy, adorable town ever from the ground up, much like the main characters Rowan and Avalee had to do in their souls and in their relationship. Once they really started unpacking things and healing together, I was hooked. Then add in a mischievous stray dog and a couple rowdy boys with a full-circle redemption arc, and I was totally sold out. Reading Avalee and Rowan's whole story and seeing the beauty from ashes along with great side characters and the fun addition of recipes and playlists put this over the top. Can't wait for Lowe's next release!!
🚨Content Warning: miscarriages, loss of children
🚨Content Warning: miscarriages, loss of children
August 21, 2024
"Our traumas and losses might have different patterns, and different stitches of life held them together, but in the end, all of them still formed pain."
This is actually my first TI Lowe book and I am completely astounded. How have I not read her books before? The author has found herself another fan and I need to start blazing through her backlist ASAP. The premise of two estranged lovers with a tragic past and a possibility for reconciliation is reminiscent of Denise Hunter and Rachel Hauck's stories - so fans of these authors will appreciate this book. It has it all - terrible heartache and ashes of loss and regret, hope blossoming into redemption and remembrance, everyday faith lessons, patient and steadfast love that endures space and time and mistakes, and discovery of what family means. I cried sad ugly tears and happy tears as Avalee and Rowan demoed a forgotten town to revitalize and beautify it while letting God do the same with their hearts and souls.
Avalee's first person voice was spunky, snarky, raw, tender, and oftentimes heartbreaking. Avalee was the sole narrator of the story so Rowan's beautiful character was portrayed through his words and actions as well as Avalee's memories of him. Oh, Rowan is one unforgettable hero, full of confidence, ability, mischief, tenderness, thoughtfulness, and unshakable love for Avalee. Their shared pain was so real and tangible; the author did a great job approaching a sensitive topic with respect and honesty. I also loved Avalee's grandma Maudie, her business partner Desmond, and the whole host of secondary characters making up the construction crew.
If you enjoy uplifting contemporary romance, you will definitely want to pick up this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers via Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
This is actually my first TI Lowe book and I am completely astounded. How have I not read her books before? The author has found herself another fan and I need to start blazing through her backlist ASAP. The premise of two estranged lovers with a tragic past and a possibility for reconciliation is reminiscent of Denise Hunter and Rachel Hauck's stories - so fans of these authors will appreciate this book. It has it all - terrible heartache and ashes of loss and regret, hope blossoming into redemption and remembrance, everyday faith lessons, patient and steadfast love that endures space and time and mistakes, and discovery of what family means. I cried sad ugly tears and happy tears as Avalee and Rowan demoed a forgotten town to revitalize and beautify it while letting God do the same with their hearts and souls.
Avalee's first person voice was spunky, snarky, raw, tender, and oftentimes heartbreaking. Avalee was the sole narrator of the story so Rowan's beautiful character was portrayed through his words and actions as well as Avalee's memories of him. Oh, Rowan is one unforgettable hero, full of confidence, ability, mischief, tenderness, thoughtfulness, and unshakable love for Avalee. Their shared pain was so real and tangible; the author did a great job approaching a sensitive topic with respect and honesty. I also loved Avalee's grandma Maudie, her business partner Desmond, and the whole host of secondary characters making up the construction crew.
If you enjoy uplifting contemporary romance, you will definitely want to pick up this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers via Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
April 15, 2024
This was my first book by this author, but certainly not my last if this book is anything to go by as I really enjoyed this story about resurrecting a ghost town and bringing all the buildings back to life, along with a little mystery about one of the buildings.
Avalee Elvis (I loved her name, I probably would have picked the book up just for that!) has a contractor business with two partners where they find old buildings to buy and bring back to life. The job they are currently starting is the biggest they have taken on, with the little town of 'Somewhere' completely deserted, so all the buildings need renovating and new tenants found for all the businesses and accomodation.
There are various financial backers for such a large project, and one of the people working for the backers is Rowan, a structural engineer, but as it turns out also Avalee's ex-husband. She didn't know he would be working on this job and wasn't happy about it.
There's a lot of emotion flying around as it's obvious to anyone that they both still love each other, but split up after a series of heartbreaks that had them both struggling with life and their relationship in general. But this is six years later and while Rowan has mostly come to terms with previous issues, Avalee is still struggling and doesn't want to be around Rowan - initially anyway!
There is such a great cast of characters in this book, from Avalee's partners, to the various contractors working on the job, and a young homeless guy, Bash, who turns up looking for work one day and ends up being part of their family, with a few hiccups along the way.
This is also classed as Christian fiction, which I admit isn't my go-to for a book, but I loved the storyline so much I decided to give it a go. So whilst there are a couple of religious/church mentions that's all there were, and it didn't detract from the book at all for me as I enjoyed the whole story so much I hardly noticed it.
I wish this book was a series as I loved the whole idea of rehabbing deserted properties and bringing them back to life. Great read, a book I read in a day as I couldn't put it down!
Avalee Elvis (I loved her name, I probably would have picked the book up just for that!) has a contractor business with two partners where they find old buildings to buy and bring back to life. The job they are currently starting is the biggest they have taken on, with the little town of 'Somewhere' completely deserted, so all the buildings need renovating and new tenants found for all the businesses and accomodation.
There are various financial backers for such a large project, and one of the people working for the backers is Rowan, a structural engineer, but as it turns out also Avalee's ex-husband. She didn't know he would be working on this job and wasn't happy about it.
There's a lot of emotion flying around as it's obvious to anyone that they both still love each other, but split up after a series of heartbreaks that had them both struggling with life and their relationship in general. But this is six years later and while Rowan has mostly come to terms with previous issues, Avalee is still struggling and doesn't want to be around Rowan - initially anyway!
There is such a great cast of characters in this book, from Avalee's partners, to the various contractors working on the job, and a young homeless guy, Bash, who turns up looking for work one day and ends up being part of their family, with a few hiccups along the way.
This is also classed as Christian fiction, which I admit isn't my go-to for a book, but I loved the storyline so much I decided to give it a go. So whilst there are a couple of religious/church mentions that's all there were, and it didn't detract from the book at all for me as I enjoyed the whole story so much I hardly noticed it.
I wish this book was a series as I loved the whole idea of rehabbing deserted properties and bringing them back to life. Great read, a book I read in a day as I couldn't put it down!
Read
November 21, 2024Somewhere between sweet and sad lies hope. And that is exactly what Lowe gives her readers and her characters. This charming story will make you want to hug somebody, to go the extra mile with an individual who tries your patience, and to thank God for your blessings.
Just fabulous, this second chance romance told in first person POV.
Just fabulous, this second chance romance told in first person POV.
May 26, 2025
Oh. My. Goodness. WHAT A BOOK!!! If this book doesn't get nominated for some type of award, I will just be beside myself. This is my first book by this author, but I am about to devour every single book T.I. Lowe has ever written after reading this one (insert all the gushing emojis here).
I actually accidentally started reading this one. I wanted to check it out to see if I wanted to read it for a group read, and before I knew it, I was a few chapters in and couldn't stop thinking about it when I had to step away from it for real life! I have always been the type of person who likes restoring old junk, digging through antiques, and upcylcing discards so the story really pulled on my heart right from the jump. And the characters?? The heartache, the grief, the aches, the trauma....ugh my heart just really felt this book! Avalaee and Rowan were the two main characters, and I fell in love with both of them. Rowan has to hands down be my favorite male character written into any book, and the slow building restoration and love story of this book just melted me into puddles on the floor. I'm not a romance reader, but this story is so much more than a romance. It is a profoundly deep, sorrowful, meaningful, faith based story of Gods restoration and redemption. I'm secretly hoping there's going to be a second book that focuses on Desmond, but if not, I will be on the lookout to see what awards this book gets nominated for because it is really THAT GOOD! If you're wondering if you want to read it-trust me, YOU DO! Just get your tissues out, because you'll need them!
I actually accidentally started reading this one. I wanted to check it out to see if I wanted to read it for a group read, and before I knew it, I was a few chapters in and couldn't stop thinking about it when I had to step away from it for real life! I have always been the type of person who likes restoring old junk, digging through antiques, and upcylcing discards so the story really pulled on my heart right from the jump. And the characters?? The heartache, the grief, the aches, the trauma....ugh my heart just really felt this book! Avalaee and Rowan were the two main characters, and I fell in love with both of them. Rowan has to hands down be my favorite male character written into any book, and the slow building restoration and love story of this book just melted me into puddles on the floor. I'm not a romance reader, but this story is so much more than a romance. It is a profoundly deep, sorrowful, meaningful, faith based story of Gods restoration and redemption. I'm secretly hoping there's going to be a second book that focuses on Desmond, but if not, I will be on the lookout to see what awards this book gets nominated for because it is really THAT GOOD! If you're wondering if you want to read it-trust me, YOU DO! Just get your tissues out, because you'll need them!
August 28, 2024
Wow! Prepare for an emotional roller-coaster. This book had me laughing and crying. There is loss, heartbreaking memories, and tears. There's also second chances, new memories, and renewed love! "We'd lost a lot, but look at how much we'd found within the ruins of our loss."
These characters are some of my all-time favorites! Avalee's backstory broke my heart. Her losses were monumental. As each piece of the puzzle was coming together, I hoped that the product would be a brighter future. Rowan- hunk! Yes, he's more than that! He's compassionate, trustworthy, persistent, and loyal! I'm so happy that Bash and Koda found a family!
Some difficult issues are brought up in the book. Death, murder, miscarriages and failed relationships. I really appreciated the author's note concerning miscarriages. I, too, had a scare, and it's traumatizing. The reminder that God is in control is important.
Somewhere, South Carolina is brought to life as each building is restored and revitalized! It's a place that I'd definitely like to visit! This is the first book I've read by T I Lowe, but it certainly won't be the last!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Tyndale and Interviews and Reviews via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
These characters are some of my all-time favorites! Avalee's backstory broke my heart. Her losses were monumental. As each piece of the puzzle was coming together, I hoped that the product would be a brighter future. Rowan- hunk! Yes, he's more than that! He's compassionate, trustworthy, persistent, and loyal! I'm so happy that Bash and Koda found a family!
Some difficult issues are brought up in the book. Death, murder, miscarriages and failed relationships. I really appreciated the author's note concerning miscarriages. I, too, had a scare, and it's traumatizing. The reminder that God is in control is important.
Somewhere, South Carolina is brought to life as each building is restored and revitalized! It's a place that I'd definitely like to visit! This is the first book I've read by T I Lowe, but it certainly won't be the last!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Tyndale and Interviews and Reviews via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 29, 2025
TI Lowe is an amazing author and her new book LowCountry Lost did not disappoint. A couple break up when they suffer 3 tragic lost of their children can they find a way back to each other? This does have a feel of a 3rd act breakup so it can get frustrating at time but you can’t help but love Rowan our main protagonist and his love for his ex wife. I fell in love with each of the side characters in this novel. The book is well written and that’s what I expected going into a TI Lowe novel!! I wanted to reread this book since I just read the ARC of her new book and it had the town in South of Somewhere. I first gave this book a 4.5 but now I think I will raise it to a 5 star. I just fell in love with each and every character in this book. Also I want a Rowan for myself. If you haven't read a TI Lowe book then pick one up, you definitely won't be disappointed!!!
September 3, 2024
"Lowcountry Lost’s motto was that nothing was ever too far gone."
Tonya Inez Lowe has done it again. She has written another southern fiction book that shredded my heart, put it back together again, and mixed it up with laughter in between. No one does it better than she does. With exemplary story telling from the heart, the reader learns from the characters that restoration and healing comes in many forms. From a mangy dog to two orphans and a couple of people who needed them all. Avalee Elvis and Rowan Murphy learn that souls can be restored just like a ghost town. I couldn't put it down until the very satisfying and happy ending. I highly recommend this book.
*I was given a copy by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion
Tonya Inez Lowe has done it again. She has written another southern fiction book that shredded my heart, put it back together again, and mixed it up with laughter in between. No one does it better than she does. With exemplary story telling from the heart, the reader learns from the characters that restoration and healing comes in many forms. From a mangy dog to two orphans and a couple of people who needed them all. Avalee Elvis and Rowan Murphy learn that souls can be restored just like a ghost town. I couldn't put it down until the very satisfying and happy ending. I highly recommend this book.
*I was given a copy by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion
September 13, 2024
"Even though I have grown weary recently, my heavenly Father has not. Thank you, Lord, for propping me up when all I wanted to do was give up. 'He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along' (Psalm 40:2)."
July 20, 2024
Releases Sep 3, 2024
Oh boy was this an emotional ride. Lowcountry Lost
is a beautifully written story all about forgiveness and second chances. This book dealt with some heavy topics, but it was broken up with some much needed humor. When we meet Avalee she is very bitter and stubborn. She’s hasn’t fully dealt with her past and it shows when Rowan comes to town to help with the restoration project. Rowan also had a lot of baggage, but I feel like he dealt with most of his before coming to town.
Rowan and Maudie (Avalee’s grandmother) were some of my favorite characters. They loved Avalee and wanted to be there for her, but they didn’t tiptoe around her. Avalee did her best to push the bad memories away and live in denial, and they called her out on her nonsense.
I loved the addition of Bash to the story. He forced Avalee to focus on someone other than herself.
The parts about Avalee not realizing that she hadnt considered her husband’s grief hit close to home. I was very selfish in my grief during both my miscarriages, and my husband let me be. It was years before I let it sink in that they were his losses too. Thank the Lord he didn’t let me push him away.
I loved that as the town was slowly being restored, so was Avalee and Rowan’s marriage, and most importantly, Avalee’s relationship with God.
If you love angst Christian romance with a flirty Irishman, Lowcountry Lost is the book for you. Just make sure to have the tissues ready. I sobbed like a baby.
**Thank you @tyndalehouse for the complimentary copy of this amazing story. All opinions stated in the review are my own.
Oh boy was this an emotional ride. Lowcountry Lost
is a beautifully written story all about forgiveness and second chances. This book dealt with some heavy topics, but it was broken up with some much needed humor. When we meet Avalee she is very bitter and stubborn. She’s hasn’t fully dealt with her past and it shows when Rowan comes to town to help with the restoration project. Rowan also had a lot of baggage, but I feel like he dealt with most of his before coming to town.
Rowan and Maudie (Avalee’s grandmother) were some of my favorite characters. They loved Avalee and wanted to be there for her, but they didn’t tiptoe around her. Avalee did her best to push the bad memories away and live in denial, and they called her out on her nonsense.
I loved the addition of Bash to the story. He forced Avalee to focus on someone other than herself.
The parts about Avalee not realizing that she hadnt considered her husband’s grief hit close to home. I was very selfish in my grief during both my miscarriages, and my husband let me be. It was years before I let it sink in that they were his losses too. Thank the Lord he didn’t let me push him away.
I loved that as the town was slowly being restored, so was Avalee and Rowan’s marriage, and most importantly, Avalee’s relationship with God.
If you love angst Christian romance with a flirty Irishman, Lowcountry Lost is the book for you. Just make sure to have the tissues ready. I sobbed like a baby.
**Thank you @tyndalehouse for the complimentary copy of this amazing story. All opinions stated in the review are my own.
September 10, 2024
I really enjoyed the concept of this story - renovating and bringing an old ghost town to life!? Yes please!
After losing several babies, Avalee's grief is overwhelming. She winds up divorced and trying to start a fresh new life in the renovation business. This journey takes her to Somewhere, SC for the big ghost town reno job. She soon finds that her ex, Rowan, is also signed up to be a part of the project.
This story fell a bit flat for me. I understand and appreciate it's overall goal of representing infant loss and the immense grief that comes alongside it. A truly heavy and devastating topic to be tackling in a book. There were some inspiring moments, but overall I just couldn't connect with these characters. There were quite a few random events thrown into the storyline that came up and then were never mentioned again. Just a lot of unconnected dots that felt unrealistic.
Rowan felt a little creepy and manipulative, making it hard to root for their reunification. I think this story would have felt fuller had it been dual POV. Apparently Rowan had also struggled emotionally after the loss of their babies, but we never really got to dig too deep into that aspect of things.
I really enjoyed Beach Haven by this author. I LOVED Under the Magnolias and ADORED Lulu's Cafe. This one just wasn't my favorite, but I'll definitely be trying more from her in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
After losing several babies, Avalee's grief is overwhelming. She winds up divorced and trying to start a fresh new life in the renovation business. This journey takes her to Somewhere, SC for the big ghost town reno job. She soon finds that her ex, Rowan, is also signed up to be a part of the project.
This story fell a bit flat for me. I understand and appreciate it's overall goal of representing infant loss and the immense grief that comes alongside it. A truly heavy and devastating topic to be tackling in a book. There were some inspiring moments, but overall I just couldn't connect with these characters. There were quite a few random events thrown into the storyline that came up and then were never mentioned again. Just a lot of unconnected dots that felt unrealistic.
Rowan felt a little creepy and manipulative, making it hard to root for their reunification. I think this story would have felt fuller had it been dual POV. Apparently Rowan had also struggled emotionally after the loss of their babies, but we never really got to dig too deep into that aspect of things.
I really enjoyed Beach Haven by this author. I LOVED Under the Magnolias and ADORED Lulu's Cafe. This one just wasn't my favorite, but I'll definitely be trying more from her in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 5, 2025
4.5 stars.
September 9, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️ & 1/4 (2.25 stars)
Read: August 2024
Format: digital ARC (advanced reader copy)
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s “a southern-based book”
Book #77 of 2024: This is so difficult for me to write because I LOVED Lulu’s Cafe. I enjoyed Under the Magnolias by this author, too. When I saw the ghost town renovation aspect and read the synopsis, I expected to enjoy it. It also has a fabulous cover.
It’s hard to explain but I didn’t enjoy some of this clean fiction book. It took me over three weeks to read it. Sometimes that happens though—a person can enjoy some books by an author and not others and that’s okay.
For me, the highlights of this book were the teenage boy and the dog. I loved those characters. I never really felt a liking or connection toward Avalee. I felt uncomfortable with a few situations and cringey innuendoes in the book. This book had a lot to do with community and I never felt any attachment to the community or the other minor characters, excepting Loreen.
The storyline never grabbed me and it was hard for me to keep going. The last 15% or so of the novel was much better for me personally and I’m so glad it ended as I suspected it would! There were a couple of passages toward the end that were particularly touching to me but I feel that sharing them here may give too much away.
It contains dealing with trauma and grief, divorce, a second chance at love, reviving a ghost town, and more. The writing is good. The storyline wasn’t a fit for this reader but others may respond to it very positively.
Thank-you to #NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. My review was voluntary and in my own words alone.
Read: August 2024
Format: digital ARC (advanced reader copy)
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s “a southern-based book”
Book #77 of 2024: This is so difficult for me to write because I LOVED Lulu’s Cafe. I enjoyed Under the Magnolias by this author, too. When I saw the ghost town renovation aspect and read the synopsis, I expected to enjoy it. It also has a fabulous cover.
It’s hard to explain but I didn’t enjoy some of this clean fiction book. It took me over three weeks to read it. Sometimes that happens though—a person can enjoy some books by an author and not others and that’s okay.
For me, the highlights of this book were the teenage boy and the dog. I loved those characters. I never really felt a liking or connection toward Avalee. I felt uncomfortable with a few situations and cringey innuendoes in the book. This book had a lot to do with community and I never felt any attachment to the community or the other minor characters, excepting Loreen.
The storyline never grabbed me and it was hard for me to keep going. The last 15% or so of the novel was much better for me personally and I’m so glad it ended as I suspected it would! There were a couple of passages toward the end that were particularly touching to me but I feel that sharing them here may give too much away.
It contains dealing with trauma and grief, divorce, a second chance at love, reviving a ghost town, and more. The writing is good. The storyline wasn’t a fit for this reader but others may respond to it very positively.
Thank-you to #NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. My review was voluntary and in my own words alone.
November 5, 2024
Thanks, Netgalley, author and publisher, for advance listeners' copy of Lowcountry Lost by T. I. Lowe
Love and loss, forgiveness, and second chances.
Honestly, I just don't know how I feel about this book. At one point, it's mh at another time I'm so into it. I think this would have been a great reading experience for me if it was an ebook/physical book.
I've totally enjoyed the 2 books ive read by this author. But this is a like.
I did enjoy some aspects of it, especially the end, but not the entire story as certain parts were utterly unbelievable. Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with the mmc.
That said, i was thrilled that Avalee was able to overcome her grief and, through her work in the little ghost town, she's able to reconnect with her ex (though i didnt like him) forgive and end up with a happy ending..
One of the highlights of the story is also the teenage boy and the dog for sure
Love and loss, forgiveness, and second chances.
Honestly, I just don't know how I feel about this book. At one point, it's mh at another time I'm so into it. I think this would have been a great reading experience for me if it was an ebook/physical book.
I've totally enjoyed the 2 books ive read by this author. But this is a like.
I did enjoy some aspects of it, especially the end, but not the entire story as certain parts were utterly unbelievable. Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with the mmc.
That said, i was thrilled that Avalee was able to overcome her grief and, through her work in the little ghost town, she's able to reconnect with her ex (though i didnt like him) forgive and end up with a happy ending..
One of the highlights of the story is also the teenage boy and the dog for sure
September 23, 2024
I did not know headed into Lowcountry Lost by T.I. Lowe that it was Christian fiction (not a normal genre for me), but since I love Lauren K. Denton it shouldn't be a surprise that I loved it. The entire book is told from the viewpoint of Avalee and man did I love this headstrong leading lady. She is basically trying to hide her trauma in a box and not think about it, but once her ex-husband arrives onsite to help with the reconstruction of the ghost town she is bringing back to life, she can't help but deal with it and all the pain that brings. There are triggers in this book that I felt despite not experiencing them myself, and I would definitely check subject matters prior to reading.
I loved the found family elements as well as the rekindling of a romance that was thought long gone on Avalee's end. This is a slow burn with a setup much like an HGTV show and I was hooked from the very beginning. The southern vibes are off the chart since this is set in South Carolina, and there are so many food references that it was literally making my mouth water. The secondary characters are anything but second, and I fell in love with every single person (and animal - looking at you Preacher!) in the novel.
Lowcountry Lost exceeded any expectations I could have possibly had, and I ended up laughing but also crying my eyes out, especially after the must-read note from the author. Even if you aren't a fan of clean romance/Christian fiction but are in the mood for something that will rip your heart out and put it back together again with plenty of laughs along the way I would highly recommend giving this incredible story a chance. I will definitely be looking into reading more from Lowe!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved the found family elements as well as the rekindling of a romance that was thought long gone on Avalee's end. This is a slow burn with a setup much like an HGTV show and I was hooked from the very beginning. The southern vibes are off the chart since this is set in South Carolina, and there are so many food references that it was literally making my mouth water. The secondary characters are anything but second, and I fell in love with every single person (and animal - looking at you Preacher!) in the novel.
Lowcountry Lost exceeded any expectations I could have possibly had, and I ended up laughing but also crying my eyes out, especially after the must-read note from the author. Even if you aren't a fan of clean romance/Christian fiction but are in the mood for something that will rip your heart out and put it back together again with plenty of laughs along the way I would highly recommend giving this incredible story a chance. I will definitely be looking into reading more from Lowe!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 31, 2025
I struggled with this one. I struggled to connect with the characters, the overhaul of the town, and even the name, Somewhere, S.C. Avalee said or thought multiple times how hard and painful it was to be near Rowan, but never really did anything about it. Rowan seemed to come in and act as if the past they shared never really happened. I got frustrated with them a few times.
I'm not sure; it felt lacking to me. Very simplistic. I ended up skimming a significant section about middle ways. I appreciate the ending and how both Rowan and Avalee were able to find some "big happies".
"Now it sat in the middle of nowhere, but we had a solid plan on making it a somewhere."
"There are enough words in the English language to express yourself without using foul language."
Rating: PG-13
Language: clean read
Recommend: maybe
I'm not sure; it felt lacking to me. Very simplistic. I ended up skimming a significant section about middle ways. I appreciate the ending and how both Rowan and Avalee were able to find some "big happies".
"Now it sat in the middle of nowhere, but we had a solid plan on making it a somewhere."
"There are enough words in the English language to express yourself without using foul language."
Rating: PG-13
Language: clean read
Recommend: maybe
October 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It tells the story of Avalee and she overcomes grief and through her work is able to forgive and end up with a happy ending. This is a good clean book .
January 22, 2025
Another great book by T. I. Lowe that follows Avalee as she revitalizes a forgotten ghost town. While breathing new life into the crumbling structures, she confronts her own grief, mends broken relationships, and discovers unexpected hope and new beginnings.
"But, just like the revitalization project, I felt God doing a restoration in my heart during these last seven months. The rusty hinges of my heart had been replaced and now opened freely to the possibilities of love. I thought I was beyond lost. I'm glad I got it wrong. "
"But, just like the revitalization project, I felt God doing a restoration in my heart during these last seven months. The rusty hinges of my heart had been replaced and now opened freely to the possibilities of love. I thought I was beyond lost. I'm glad I got it wrong. "
September 30, 2024
4.5 stars
I never simply ‘read’ a book by T.I. Lowe. I experience it. The lifelike characters become dear friends, my inner voice develops a sassy southern twang, and for as long as it takes me to reach the end, I’m living every word. Mostly, I’m giggling, grinning, or swooning while doing so, but there’s always a moment (or two or three) in one of Lowe’s books where I suddenly find myself sobbing, my heart touched to the point of tears. Lowcountry Lost is no exception… but it IS exceptional.
Avalee is a bit of a hot mess, and I love her for it. She’s sassy but big-hearted, she’s most at home in her Carhartts but she indulges in colorful manicures on a regular basis, she successfully restores whole towns but runs off & hides when a certain swoony Irishman from her past rolls into town. She’s coming from a place of great pain and loss, seeing herself as the ghost towns she revitalizes and closing herself off in certain ways, but her ‘Somewhere’ bucket list lets us see past her walls in ways we wouldn’t have otherwise. Speaking of that swoony Irishman, whew! Keep a fan close by whenever Rowan is on the page because wowza. His accent, his wink, his cheeky side (uh… in more ways than one lol), his steadfast pursuit of Avalee, his own heartbreak. Ok, apparently I need a fan to write this review… Ahem. It’s not all sparks and passion, though. Their story… their past… their shared grief… man it undid me. Absolutely gorgeous and heartfelt writing from Lowe and a compassionate handling of difficult topics. And y’all, the healing they experience, the restoration of more than just a town, I can’t even put into words how beautiful it is or how it knit my undone heart back together.
A discussion of Lowcountry Lost wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the array of delightful secondary characters that help make this book impossible to put down. Des, Nita, Froid & Fred, Maudie, even the town of Somewhere… and my personal favorites Bash, Koda, and Preacher. Each of these colorful personalities brings their own special recipe of humor, heart, and life to the story, and each has an important role to play in the protagonists’ growth across the novel. They may technically be ‘only’ supporting players in the overall plot but their contributions are crucial nonetheless. Without them, this story wouldn’t be the same.
Bottom Line: In Lowcountry Lost, T.I. Lowe delivers a beautifully layered, engaging, vibrant, and even at times raw story of loss, grief, healing, grace, hope, love, restoration, redemption and, yes, romance. The demo and revitalization of Somewhere, the delightful characters, and the author’s pitch perfect writing voice make this novel supremely entertaining. But it’s the demo of Avalee’s emotional walls and the exquisitely tender restoration of her heart and Rowan’s (among others) that make it unforgettable. Fans of heartfelt Southern fiction, second chances, lots of chemistry, and shows like Home Town will definitely love Lowcountry Lost, but this exceptional story should be read for so many more reasons than those.
Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there are certain plot points that may be emotionally difficult for those who have experienced a particular form of loss.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I never simply ‘read’ a book by T.I. Lowe. I experience it. The lifelike characters become dear friends, my inner voice develops a sassy southern twang, and for as long as it takes me to reach the end, I’m living every word. Mostly, I’m giggling, grinning, or swooning while doing so, but there’s always a moment (or two or three) in one of Lowe’s books where I suddenly find myself sobbing, my heart touched to the point of tears. Lowcountry Lost is no exception… but it IS exceptional.
Avalee is a bit of a hot mess, and I love her for it. She’s sassy but big-hearted, she’s most at home in her Carhartts but she indulges in colorful manicures on a regular basis, she successfully restores whole towns but runs off & hides when a certain swoony Irishman from her past rolls into town. She’s coming from a place of great pain and loss, seeing herself as the ghost towns she revitalizes and closing herself off in certain ways, but her ‘Somewhere’ bucket list lets us see past her walls in ways we wouldn’t have otherwise. Speaking of that swoony Irishman, whew! Keep a fan close by whenever Rowan is on the page because wowza. His accent, his wink, his cheeky side (uh… in more ways than one lol), his steadfast pursuit of Avalee, his own heartbreak. Ok, apparently I need a fan to write this review… Ahem. It’s not all sparks and passion, though. Their story… their past… their shared grief… man it undid me. Absolutely gorgeous and heartfelt writing from Lowe and a compassionate handling of difficult topics. And y’all, the healing they experience, the restoration of more than just a town, I can’t even put into words how beautiful it is or how it knit my undone heart back together.
A discussion of Lowcountry Lost wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the array of delightful secondary characters that help make this book impossible to put down. Des, Nita, Froid & Fred, Maudie, even the town of Somewhere… and my personal favorites Bash, Koda, and Preacher. Each of these colorful personalities brings their own special recipe of humor, heart, and life to the story, and each has an important role to play in the protagonists’ growth across the novel. They may technically be ‘only’ supporting players in the overall plot but their contributions are crucial nonetheless. Without them, this story wouldn’t be the same.
Bottom Line: In Lowcountry Lost, T.I. Lowe delivers a beautifully layered, engaging, vibrant, and even at times raw story of loss, grief, healing, grace, hope, love, restoration, redemption and, yes, romance. The demo and revitalization of Somewhere, the delightful characters, and the author’s pitch perfect writing voice make this novel supremely entertaining. But it’s the demo of Avalee’s emotional walls and the exquisitely tender restoration of her heart and Rowan’s (among others) that make it unforgettable. Fans of heartfelt Southern fiction, second chances, lots of chemistry, and shows like Home Town will definitely love Lowcountry Lost, but this exceptional story should be read for so many more reasons than those.
Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there are certain plot points that may be emotionally difficult for those who have experienced a particular form of loss.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 27, 2024
I discovered this author last year while on vacation in South Carolina. Indigo Isle was my first book (loved it!) and that was quickly followed by her Carolina Coast series (all great reads). So I was excited to receive an ARC of this upcoming release. Avalee and Rowan were childhood friends who married but divorced six years ago. They are thrown together to work on a project: revitalizing a ghost town. This story was the perfect blend of second chance romance and found family with a sprinkle of humor, some difficult topics (well handled), and a memorable cast of characters.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
January 28, 2025
“A new start doesn’t negate the past. It learns from the roots of history and blooms into a better version.”
Забелязах Lowcountry Lost още щом излезе. Открих, че много от отзивите са положителни. И подозрителната ми природа си каза : - прехвалената стока... и така нататък. Затова я отложих. Но сега бях в настроение да се срещна със строителната бригада на Авалийн и да проследя реновирането на цял един изоставен град.
Получих стабилно емоционална изживяване, срещнах страхотни герои и наблюдавах как живяха с огромна болка и с много загуби. Всеки си имаше история, багаж и страхове. Но всички бяха ангажирани в проекта и работеха усилено. Идеята, че ако се заровим в работа докато паднем от умора, не винаги има успех. Изтощаваме тялото си, преминаваме през дните, които са ни отредени, но умът продължава да отработва проблемите ни. Връща ни към спомени и болки в най - неочаквани моменти. И кръгът се завърта. Може би само ако имаме смелост да се отворим към друг човек, бихме могли да дишаме по - свободно. За пореден път Lowcountry Lost ми показа каква мощна сила е най - добрият приятел. И в добро. И в лошо. Присъствието му, погледа му, рамото му, това, че ни познава по - добре от самите нас... А когато този най - добър приятел е и наш любим, то нещата биха били по - лесни. Или може би не? Особено, ако забравим как да бъдем най - добри приятели. Преди всичко.
“Light travels faster than sound. That’s why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.”
На страниците имаше добри моменти, усилена работа, неочаквани ситуации, проблеми, които трябваше да се решат нестандартно и много човешка топлота. Нямаше как да не харесам Авалийн и Роуан! Да не изпитам състрадание. Или да не стискам палци да намерят сили да потърсят мир за душите си.
" ... the thing with grief, long expanses of time can go by with it lying dormant, but one tiny phrase or suggestion can trigger it. "
Забелязах Lowcountry Lost още щом излезе. Открих, че много от отзивите са положителни. И подозрителната ми природа си каза : - прехвалената стока... и така нататък. Затова я отложих. Но сега бях в настроение да се срещна със строителната бригада на Авалийн и да проследя реновирането на цял един изоставен град.
Получих стабилно емоционална изживяване, срещнах страхотни герои и наблюдавах как живяха с огромна болка и с много загуби. Всеки си имаше история, багаж и страхове. Но всички бяха ангажирани в проекта и работеха усилено. Идеята, че ако се заровим в работа докато паднем от умора, не винаги има успех. Изтощаваме тялото си, преминаваме през дните, които са ни отредени, но умът продължава да отработва проблемите ни. Връща ни към спомени и болки в най - неочаквани моменти. И кръгът се завърта. Може би само ако имаме смелост да се отворим към друг човек, бихме могли да дишаме по - свободно. За пореден път Lowcountry Lost ми показа каква мощна сила е най - добрият приятел. И в добро. И в лошо. Присъствието му, погледа му, рамото му, това, че ни познава по - добре от самите нас... А когато този най - добър приятел е и наш любим, то нещата биха били по - лесни. Или може би не? Особено, ако забравим как да бъдем най - добри приятели. Преди всичко.
“Light travels faster than sound. That’s why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.”
На страниците имаше добри моменти, усилена работа, неочаквани ситуации, проблеми, които трябваше да се решат нестандартно и много човешка топлота. Нямаше как да не харесам Авалийн и Роуан! Да не изпитам състрадание. Или да не стискам палци да намерят сили да потърсят мир за душите си.
" ... the thing with grief, long expanses of time can go by with it lying dormant, but one tiny phrase or suggestion can trigger it. "
June 17, 2024
T.I. Lowe has written a lot of amazing books, but Lowcountry Lost is her best yet. It will take readers on an emotional journey, one that's poignant, funny, sad, romantic, touching and completely satisfying in every way!
Lowcountry Lost is a classic portrayal of love lost with all its accompanying pain and grief. But life goes on and just maybe it's not over until it's over. Lowe has some great quotes throughout,
"Toeing the threshold of forty, the idea of finding anything past platonic with anyone seemed to be an idea fading faster than cheap wallpaper."
"Since I can't have any of the big happies of life I've settled for the small ones. Like cake for supper."
The abandoned town of Somewhere, South Carolina, is the setting for this wonderful story. The descriptions of the town from falling apart, to taking on new life through renovation is a proverbial feast, restoring both the town and the human heart simultaneously.
Avalee and Rowan were the perfectly imperfect couple. I know I have a terrific romance on my hands when I'm cheering for both of them. Swoon worthy,
"Six or sixty...it doesn't matter how many years go by. You and I, a stor, will never be strangers."
Lowcountry Lost is one of my favorite books of 2024. If you love Southern fiction, or any well written fiction for that matter, don't miss this one. I appreciate Tyndale House Publishers making a copy of Lowcountry Lost available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.
Lowcountry Lost is a classic portrayal of love lost with all its accompanying pain and grief. But life goes on and just maybe it's not over until it's over. Lowe has some great quotes throughout,
"Toeing the threshold of forty, the idea of finding anything past platonic with anyone seemed to be an idea fading faster than cheap wallpaper."
"Since I can't have any of the big happies of life I've settled for the small ones. Like cake for supper."
The abandoned town of Somewhere, South Carolina, is the setting for this wonderful story. The descriptions of the town from falling apart, to taking on new life through renovation is a proverbial feast, restoring both the town and the human heart simultaneously.
Avalee and Rowan were the perfectly imperfect couple. I know I have a terrific romance on my hands when I'm cheering for both of them. Swoon worthy,
"Six or sixty...it doesn't matter how many years go by. You and I, a stor, will never be strangers."
Lowcountry Lost is one of my favorite books of 2024. If you love Southern fiction, or any well written fiction for that matter, don't miss this one. I appreciate Tyndale House Publishers making a copy of Lowcountry Lost available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.
December 1, 2024
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by RB Media.
Sometimes what haunts you most is wondering what could have been.
Avalee Elvis prides herself with being able to fix just about anything except her past. Unable to put the puzzle of her life together, she pours heart and soul into making neglected places whole again. As the owner of Lowcountry Lost, Avalee spends her days in hot-pink Carhartt overalls and a tool belt reclaiming Lowcountry properties. Making them beautiful again releases the deep sigh that soothes the hurt she holds.
Avalee’s latest project takes her to tiny Somewhere, South Carolina, a long-abandoned town. She ignores its ghostly folklore but can not miss the shock of hearing the familiar Irish brogue that materializes on the job site—the voice of the man she never wanted to see again.
Rowan Murray is a structural engineer hired by investors to oversee the redevelopment of the quaint downtown Avalee is bringing back to life. Once upon a time, he was also the man who knew Avalee better than anyone else—or so he thought. Six years ago, neither of them was prepared for the tragedy they would face together or what would happen in its wake. But as they work together to complete the rehabbing of Somewhere, their broken pieces and the pain that nearly consumed them begin to lose its grip, and both begin to wonder if it is not too late for a restoration of their own.
I was so excited for the concept of this story, but it felt flat. I appreciate the goal of representing infant loss and the immense grief that comes alongside it, which is a truly heavy and devastating topic. There were some inspiring moments, but overall Ijust could not connect with these characters. There were quite a few random events thrown into the storyline that came up and then were never mentioned again. This left me with quite a few unanswered questions. It was not a bad novel but I was expecting something different based on the way the book was marketed. The main genre of this book was marketed as romance, which I will say it does have a love story throughout, but it was not the core of the story. I feel like more aspects of the romantic relationship could have been explored. In the book we also only got Avalee's perspective, and I think with all of the complicated past emotions, we could have benefited from getting Rowan's perspective too. It would of probably really benefited from being a dual POV instead of just one.
This book was just okay imo, It was ok, but maybe not particularly memorable, and the dialogue was a little cheesy from time to time.
Sometimes what haunts you most is wondering what could have been.
Avalee Elvis prides herself with being able to fix just about anything except her past. Unable to put the puzzle of her life together, she pours heart and soul into making neglected places whole again. As the owner of Lowcountry Lost, Avalee spends her days in hot-pink Carhartt overalls and a tool belt reclaiming Lowcountry properties. Making them beautiful again releases the deep sigh that soothes the hurt she holds.
Avalee’s latest project takes her to tiny Somewhere, South Carolina, a long-abandoned town. She ignores its ghostly folklore but can not miss the shock of hearing the familiar Irish brogue that materializes on the job site—the voice of the man she never wanted to see again.
Rowan Murray is a structural engineer hired by investors to oversee the redevelopment of the quaint downtown Avalee is bringing back to life. Once upon a time, he was also the man who knew Avalee better than anyone else—or so he thought. Six years ago, neither of them was prepared for the tragedy they would face together or what would happen in its wake. But as they work together to complete the rehabbing of Somewhere, their broken pieces and the pain that nearly consumed them begin to lose its grip, and both begin to wonder if it is not too late for a restoration of their own.
I was so excited for the concept of this story, but it felt flat. I appreciate the goal of representing infant loss and the immense grief that comes alongside it, which is a truly heavy and devastating topic. There were some inspiring moments, but overall Ijust could not connect with these characters. There were quite a few random events thrown into the storyline that came up and then were never mentioned again. This left me with quite a few unanswered questions. It was not a bad novel but I was expecting something different based on the way the book was marketed. The main genre of this book was marketed as romance, which I will say it does have a love story throughout, but it was not the core of the story. I feel like more aspects of the romantic relationship could have been explored. In the book we also only got Avalee's perspective, and I think with all of the complicated past emotions, we could have benefited from getting Rowan's perspective too. It would of probably really benefited from being a dual POV instead of just one.
This book was just okay imo, It was ok, but maybe not particularly memorable, and the dialogue was a little cheesy from time to time.
August 29, 2024
T. I. Lowe has such a delicate way of presenting her novels in that they are light and airy southern fiction that you sink your teeth into and can turn the pages feeling the breeze and salt air of the lowcountry hit your cheek; and then bam, she strikes you with emotion after emotion. LOWCOUNTRY LOST is classic T. I. Lowe doing what she does best: main character Avalee Elvis is known for restoring and renovating southern properties and she's in the middle of restoring an old ghost town in South Carolina when her past comes sweeping back into her life in more ways than one.
Fans of Mary Kay Andrews's The Fixer Upper and The Homewreckers will enjoy the renovation/construction site southern fic storyline, but like I said, when you least expect it, Lowe takes a knife to your heart and goes for the kill, drawing your tears and hitting all different levels of emotion as her main characters tackle grief and loss and the struggle of surviving hardships.
LOWCOUNTRY LOST may have a beautiful warm inviting cover, but there is pain and strife hidden within the pages. I loved every word. Thank you to Tyndale for an advanced copy.
Fans of Mary Kay Andrews's The Fixer Upper and The Homewreckers will enjoy the renovation/construction site southern fic storyline, but like I said, when you least expect it, Lowe takes a knife to your heart and goes for the kill, drawing your tears and hitting all different levels of emotion as her main characters tackle grief and loss and the struggle of surviving hardships.
LOWCOUNTRY LOST may have a beautiful warm inviting cover, but there is pain and strife hidden within the pages. I loved every word. Thank you to Tyndale for an advanced copy.
January 10, 2025
I really don't know how I feel about this book. I typically love this authors work but this just felt different. I did not enjoy the narrator. I just don't think she fit the FMC well, and honestly just lessened my enjoyment of the book. I don't think she is a bad voice actress in general, I just feel this was not a good pairing for this particular book. As far as the story goes, it was meh for the most part. I enjoyed second half of the book much more than the first for sure. I did find the ending wrapped up a little too quickly. I would have liked to have seen it fleshed out a bit more. The setting was great and I loved the idea of a town restoration. I think this would have made a good duology to see more of the found family and the town growth.
Thank you NetGalley, Recorded Books, and RBmedia for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.
Thank you NetGalley, Recorded Books, and RBmedia for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.
January 28, 2025
Lowcountry Lost isn't a book that I would pick up on my own, I read it for a buddy read and I was glad that I did. T. I. Lowe did what she did best, she used ordinary people with their pain and turned into extraordinary stories.
I loved the premise and how the characters came together and fixed a town. Along the way, they met new people and connected with them. The pace may be slow and the writing was skimming the surface, T. I. Lowe still managed to tell a tender and heartfelt tale.
3.75 stars, Lowcountry Lost could be a hit with readers who adore this genre. It wasn't my kind of book but somehow I enjoyed it.
I loved the premise and how the characters came together and fixed a town. Along the way, they met new people and connected with them. The pace may be slow and the writing was skimming the surface, T. I. Lowe still managed to tell a tender and heartfelt tale.
3.75 stars, Lowcountry Lost could be a hit with readers who adore this genre. It wasn't my kind of book but somehow I enjoyed it.
August 30, 2024
Thank you to T. I. Lowe, NetGalley, and Tyndale Fiction for this #gifted book!*
Synopsis: “Loving this man was as easy as breathing. I just needed to figure out how to stop suffocating under the weight of our grievous past.” Though Avalee is reaching middle age, she’s created something for herself as the owner of Lowcountry Lost. Her renovation company has tackled many projects before, so when the opportunity to revive an abandoned town comes along, the crew is ready to jump in and bring it back to life. As the planning gets underway, Avalee is blindsided when the her first love arrives as part of the project. Once this man was her everything, but she’d thought their love died along with her dreams. Thrown together for months of work, Rowan and Avalee are tasked with facing the problems of not only a ghost town but also the ghosts of their past.
Analysis: I’ve really struggled to put into words my love for this book. HGTV meets a family drama in this beautiful story of loss and love. But you’ll also find plenty of fun and humor throughout the pages too. I absolutely loved the characters and the storyline of this book. I don’t think I’ve read anything like it! T. I. Lowe builds the story of real-life struggles and fears as Avalee and Rowan have to sort through the struggles of grief. Both main characters are raw and relatable. And the side characters add depth to the story with found family. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and love a little harder, Lowcountry Lost is one to add to your shelves right away.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions ťexpressed in this review are my own.
Synopsis: “Loving this man was as easy as breathing. I just needed to figure out how to stop suffocating under the weight of our grievous past.” Though Avalee is reaching middle age, she’s created something for herself as the owner of Lowcountry Lost. Her renovation company has tackled many projects before, so when the opportunity to revive an abandoned town comes along, the crew is ready to jump in and bring it back to life. As the planning gets underway, Avalee is blindsided when the her first love arrives as part of the project. Once this man was her everything, but she’d thought their love died along with her dreams. Thrown together for months of work, Rowan and Avalee are tasked with facing the problems of not only a ghost town but also the ghosts of their past.
Analysis: I’ve really struggled to put into words my love for this book. HGTV meets a family drama in this beautiful story of loss and love. But you’ll also find plenty of fun and humor throughout the pages too. I absolutely loved the characters and the storyline of this book. I don’t think I’ve read anything like it! T. I. Lowe builds the story of real-life struggles and fears as Avalee and Rowan have to sort through the struggles of grief. Both main characters are raw and relatable. And the side characters add depth to the story with found family. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and love a little harder, Lowcountry Lost is one to add to your shelves right away.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions ťexpressed in this review are my own.
September 14, 2024
Touching story. Failures. Broken relationships
Much more
Full review to come
Much more
Full review to come
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