South of Somewhere

by T.I. Lowe

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 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.

Contemporary Southern fiction for fans of Lauren K. Denton, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Kay Andrews, and Victoria Benton FrankAn inspiring and hopeful summer read featuring a sweet, opposites attract romanceContains inspirational themes of recovery from addiction, second chances, unexpected love, redemption, and found familyIncludes discussion questions for book clubs, recipes, and a playlist inspired by Junie’s story

Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Christian, Southern, Fiction, Christian Romance

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 10, 2026

About the author

T.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).
To sign up for Lowe's newsletter, go to:https://www.tilowe.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Lowe always knows how to rip my heart out and put it back together 😭❤️ another amazing gritty women’s fiction novel filled with the hope of Christ

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

South of Somewhere chronicles Junie's life as she leaves rehab. The story will pull you in as the author weaves the emotional highs and lows.

I love that Junie has a group that surrounds her and supports her. My favorites were Gilbert and Henry. I saw Gilbert as a kindly grandpa but also one that could give a kick in the pants if you got out of line. Henry was just super sweet and quiet and compassionate.

While the topic could be overwhelming, the author is able to present it in such a way that you can understand a little more about addiction and recovery.

A highlight was visiting the town of Somewhere that was from a previous book!

The characters and the story will stay with me for quite some time.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Heidi Gorecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️. So heartfelt and also gut-wrenching at times. This was so well written to make you really feel what Junie did as she struggled with addiction and endeavored for sobriety.

While I’ve never dealt with what she did, she was still very relatable as she fought against her shame and mistakes trying to get her daughter back, and had so much not in her control. I wanted so much to be in her corner and fight for her when dealing with her brother or others who condemned her. The story did an excellent job of showcasing the difference grace and encouragement make rather than condemnation and judgement.

This book does have less romance than most other TI Lowe books but focused more on friendships and community, but it was so very fitting. I loved the emphasis on needing each other especially when we are struggling, and how important vulnerability and speaking up is. How you can’t go thru life alone, and how much the support of good friends makes such a difference, maybe even being the crux of success in recovery.

Also loved the cameo of Lowcountry Lost. I love crossover characters.

Really well done and endearing, emotional and inspiring.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

[Sherry Deatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good story. I am always pulled into any story that T.I. Lowe writes. She is truly gifted.
This story is a bit different. It is mostly a story of a person who was addicted to alcohol as she goes through life and the recovery program successfully. It is the opposite of a smooth journey. Junie has lots of ups and downs and she needs much support. She is strong enough though to realize what she needs and works hard to create a new life for herself.
The characters are varied and interesting. And the main characters, Junie and Henry are both talented yet quirky. They are strong and very likeable. And Gil was a great grandfatherly figure.
Their faith plays a large and necessary part in the story. I found it very interesting to learn about recovery and also the importance of good parenting.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

[Caroline arrow_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25✨ RTC

[Christine Indorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I knew it would be, this book was amazing. Juniper is coming out of rehab starting fresh. Her daughter is in custody with her brother Cy. Now she has to find a AA meeting and stay clean. With her over protected probation officer Gil she is meeting new people to help with her journey. Even the handsome neighbor Henry is being a good friend, but her brother wants to move states and she can't even see her daughter. Can she have a chance to get her daughter back and maybe even have a relationship again with her brother? Will all this work be worth it in the end. In the book they give 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 as Juniper example of her struggles and it fit so well. In 2023 I went through rehab and went through struggles like Juniper. Can I tell you TI Lowe wrote this book perfectly to starting a new journey to the struggles with family. It spoke directly to my heart and had me in tears. This book is exactly what a person goes through when struggling with addiction and starting anew. Wonderful book!! 5 stars and I can't recommend this book enough when this priceless book comes out!! Trust me read it!!

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 4 out of 5]

T.I. Lowe knows what it means to write a raw and gritty story, yet one full of so much hope.

This book tells the story of a young woman named Junie and her battle - not only her battle AGAINST something, but also her battle FOR something. After a series of tragic events, Junie finds herself tuning to the bottle as the path to relief & numbing, only to find that path only leads to heartache and pain. But as she begins her battle against her addition and destruction behaviors, she starts a battle for her freedom, her sense of worth, and ultimately the joy of having her precious daughter with her again.

This story so clearly portrays the reality of the fierce fight that that so often characterizes the path to sobriety. And for those that are determined to be free, how important prayer, community support, and healthy outlets are in being victorious.

This story was written with vulnerability and rawness, but also with compassion and tenderness. Though I didn’t directly relate to Junie’s struggles, I so appreciated the insights into what it looks like to walk well alongside someone you love as they battle. Junie had various types of relationships with the characters, from beneficial & supportive, to harsh & blaming, to toxic & destructive, and I found it fascinating to see how they each either helped her hindered her journey.

⛔️CW: battling addiction, drug & alcohol use referenced

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for the complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Joanne Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a raw, compelling, engaging tale with compelling characters, realistic action, lots of realistic (and heartbreaking) struggles, and descriptions that put me there in all the angst, struggles, loss, and hope. Southern Inspirational fiction, with grit and grace, at its best.

[Kristin Nix · Rating 4 out of 5]

South of Somewhere tackles tough subjects while weaving in the hope of the gospel throughout. Be ready to have your heart broken and put back together!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. Great read!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that will make you feel all the feels. I loved the Easter eggs T.I. added in here too!!

[Emily Rutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book dove into the consequences and road to recovery of an addict/alcoholic. As I read this story and put myself into Junie's shoes, my heart hurt for her as she painstakingly walked the hard road to regaining custody of her daughter after making some really bad choices.
A powerful, moving story!

*A big thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has quickly became one of my favourite T.I. Lowe books! It evoked so many feelings; heartbreak, amusement, anger, sadness, and joy! The romance was lighter than what I usually prefer but the main storyline pulled me right in immediately and I loved it; I was so invested in Junie trying to get her daughter back after owning, and working to right, her mistakes. Lowe’s storytelling was amazing and I loved Junie’s people and how they supported her, especially Gilbert and Henry.

This book is described as “an inspiring and hopeful summer read featuring a sweet, opposites attract romance that contains inspirational themes of recovery from addiction, second chances, unexpected love, redemption, and found family.” It delivers on all that!

[Fadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a lovely and profound read.

Juniper is a young mother who lost custody of her daughter due to her alcohol addiction, and we follow her journey through healing, forming authentic connections, and becoming the mother her child needs.

I loved seeing her evolve and confront her struggles with addiction, forgiveness, and grief. She's an awesome protagonist because she’s deeply flawed and not always likeable. She made a huge mistake that could cause the reader to be hesitant towards her, and to me, that made the novel unique and powerful. Even though I couldn’t always understand or forgive her choices, I still rooted for her.

The relationships she formes feel true and authentic, though far from perfect.

The romance subplot is everrrythinggg! Seriously, couldn’t have asked for a cuter love interest, wow. 10/10

I also really liked the writing style: fast-paced but still mature and well-developed characters.

I also appreciated how close the narration was to Junie's POV. There are silly jokes and quirky bits even in the narration, which makes it feel like we're reading Junie's journal or like we're one of her close friends.

The story is overall adorable and has themes of family, forgiveness and hope. A lot happened, but it all felt rewarding and complete in the end.

Such a satisfying read. The only thing I wish was explored more deeply was her faith journey, like her personal beliefs and her relationship with God, especially since this is clearly Christian fiction and there's frequent mention of church. sometimes Junie’s faith felt surface-level.

But overall, I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Christian fiction with strong character development, themes of forgiveness, healing, connection, and a touch of romance.

🩷 Tropes, triggers and whatever: found family, small town, alcohol addiction, mention of gun/kidnapping situation, summer vibes, artsy creative protagonist, adorable dorky love interest, young child, siblings relationship, childhood trauma, forgiveness

⭐️ 4 Stars

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC, opinions are my own.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading South of Somewhere, a contemporary southern fiction novel set in South Carolina. Junie’s life hasn’t been easy and she’s living with the consequences of her mistakes. She’s a young widow in her mid-twenties who, at the start of the story, is exiting an eight month court-ordered rehab program.

Junie is on twelve months probation that includes mandatory drug testing and attendance at AA meetings. Her sponsor and probation officer is a seventy-something retired law enforcement officer who mentors Junie as she transitions into life after rehab.

Junie stays at her late grandmother’s beach house on Sullivan’s Island. She’s determined to stay sober and get her life back on track in order to regain custody of her two year old daughter who’s in the care of her older brother and his wife.

I loved journeying with Junie in the story as she encounters obstacles and difficult situations mixed in with lighthearted moments. She has a lot of emotional baggage to unpack from her dysfunctional childhood and complex family relationships. Redemption and forgiveness themes are explored in the story.

Junie’s sweet friendship with her next door neighbor, Henry, is complicated by secrets and romantic sparks. The quirky side characters were fun and I appreciated the found family themes in the story.

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.

Many thanks to Tyndale and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

[Priscilla Bettis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junie is a widowed mother in her 20s, living on Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina. She’s lost custody of her two-year-old daughter due to drunk driving and a prison sentence. She’s out on parole and determined to straighten up so she can get her daughter back.

Right away, I was pulling for Junie. At the same time, I was turned off by her bitterness and quick-to-surface anger. But that also makes Junie real, her voice raw and vulnerable. Her personality fits especially well for a character who didn’t have proper parenting, who started drugs and alcohol as a young teen.

Over the course of the book, readers come to learn how intense and ever-present Junie’s cravings are. I don’t drink, so I couldn’t relate to her alcohol cravings, but I could easily transfer Junie’s mental state to other aspects of my life: chocolate, coffee, and especially my cellphone. I think there are all sorts of addictions that keep us from living the life God would want us to live.

Lowe’s descriptions of Sullivan’s Island, its weather and historic streets and place names are enticing. I wouldn’t be surprised if readers want to move there after reading South of Somewhere.

With a back-burner love story, family drama, characters who lean on God for strength, and unconventional personalities (like an elderly man who drives a spiffy Corvette and is an alcoholic and is Junie’s parole officer), there is something in this story for everyone.

I’m easily giving South of Somewhere five stars. I received an advanced copy of South of Somewhere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, and I’m happy to share my honest review.

[Perrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widowed single mom, Junie has finally been released from rehab to her family seaside home. However, her older brother has retained custody of her young daughter even after she meets the required parameters for her offense. Whew! This is a tough one and Junie has had ton of sorrows heaped upon her and her near deadly mistake continues to haunt her. I’ve not had a personal experience with anyone with addiction or alcoholism, but the walk between remaining clean and sober is a struggle, and falling back down is a continual pitfall. This is a sobering novel, but well written and seems to capture the battle well with the support of a motley crew of friends, neighbors and her grandfatherly parole officer. Even though it was a challenging, and incredibly emotional read, I felt as if T.I. Low gave an incredible testament to the strength of the human will. I also enjoyed a quick cameo of her Somewhere North Carolina town that was in her novel, Low Country Lost (which I highly recommend).
I have read a handful of T.I. Lowe’s novels and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her writing. She is a coveted Christy Award Winner and Christy Book of the Year Award. This speaks powerfully for her work.
I received an e-copy of this book from Net Galley, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Chris Jager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found T.I. Lowe a few years ago when I read her Under the Magnolias book. She is a must-read author ever since. South of Somewhere did not change that opinion for me.
Juniper has made some very bad decisions in her life. The last one, driving drunk with her baby in the car, cost her almost everything. Now after rehab, she is ready to start again, but a recovering alcoholic does not have an easy road.
When fiction books take you on a journey along with someone who is living something you have never experienced, you learn what it is like. I have not experienced a drug or alcohol addiction. I know many people who struggle with it each day, but Lowe brought that journey to light. It really opened my eyes to how hard the struggle is.
Lowe is an author that makes her characters people you want to know. She makes their problems ones you want to help them heal from. I felt myself wanting to give Junie a hug and to tell her that she was doing just great. It is a daily struggle for us all, just for some of us the struggle is more visible.
I also want to say that Lowe did not fall back on old dry cliches of a person struggling with recovery. I was pleasantly surprised and honestly it made the story all the richer for it.
I wanted more pages to this book. I wanted to make sure Junie was going to be okay. So T.I. is there going to be a book about Junie when she is 70 and still doing okay?

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

T.I. Lowe wows me every time I read her books. Every. Single. Time. The author has a gift for penning exquisite tales of grief, loss, regrets, hope, forgiveness and redemption. This particular story centers around Junie, a recovering alcoholic. Junie is complicated, with a long history of rebellion and addiction fueled by sense of abandonment and a mountain of losses and grief. Her first person voice was achingly raw, broken, vulnerable and honest as well as determined and hopeful. Junie made the world of a recovering alcoholic vivid and realistic; my heart ached for her grief and desire to make things right. The author portrayed the nuances in the relationships that Junie had incredibly well, from her co-dependent deceased husband to her tough-love brother Cy to her steadfast sponsor Gilbert to her newfound support system with the church and her AA group. And can we talk about Henry? I absolutely adored him through the ups and downs of their neighborly friendship turned more. Though he does not have a voice in the story, all of his words and actions spoke of gentle kindness, tenderness, and devotion. He was the perfect hero for Junie. I loved their witty and sarcastic banter and how they effortlessly became intertwined in their daily ins and outs.

You will cry, laugh, and cheer as Junie travels on this path to sobriety and healing. As the title suggests, you will also find cameo appearances from those living in Somewhere from Lowcountry Lost. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Jaycies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a warm and easy read that kept me turning pages late into the night. Juniper Wilder’s journey—through grief, addiction, and the long road to redemption—was both heartbreaking and deeply inspiring. The writing is tender and honest, and the story is filled with life lessons that quietly settle into your heart.

It reminded me how the mistakes we make can change the course of our lives, and how hard it can be to forgive ourselves—even when our loving God already has. Junie’s struggle to reclaim motherhood, rebuild trust, and find grace in a quirky beachside recovery community felt real and relatable. Her story also speaks to the impact of a childhood lacking warmth and love, and how that absence can echo through adulthood.

But what moved me most was the reminder of how important it is to be the best God-loving parents we can be, and how a loving support system—friends who show up with grace and truth—can help us rise above our past. This book is a quiet triumph, full of hope, healing, and second chances.

This is a first book from this author I've had the privilege of reading and it will certainly not be the last.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

South of Somewhere is the story of Juniper who has been struggling for years with drug and alcohol addiction, so much so that she has lost custody of her young daughter when she was jailed after drunk driving with the child in the back seat. We meet a whole host of wonderful characters, including her sponsor/probation officer Gilbert, her neighbor Henry and a large cast of supportive characters in her AA groups.

I really enjoyed watching Junie grow throughout the book, taking responsibility for her actions and regaining the trust of her family. Although this book is listed in some places as a Christian Romance, there is very little romance, but more of a contemporary fiction story. There is a Christian element, mostly in regards to her support with AA, but overall I found it to be a very heartwarming tale of a woman struggling her way back from addiction and the supportive network she manages to build around her. If you are looking for a hopeful novel in these stressful times full of interesting characters, I suggest you pick this one up.

Thank you to Net galley and Tyndale House Publishers for the e galley.

[Elizabeth Eckmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing this book I honestly have a new perspective. This book has changed my heart! Junie is a young woman that has been through so much in her young life. She has overcome getting sober from her addiction.

This story follows the journey of how addiction starts and the emotions and trials of ending. I saw a lot of the judgements that she went through and struggles. Through all of it there were small moments of joy that make us human.

This story definitely has difficult content. I just felt sad for Junie. I also saw so much hope. I was lost in the phenomenal characters that came beside her throughout her journey. The relationships she has to put aside to keep her sobriety and focus on getting her daughter back.

As a foster parent I resonated so much with this story. I often see my kids side and how things effect them but I often don't see their parents journey to get clean and the struggles they face. Again, this story truly changed my heart. I can't recommend it enough!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an e-ARC of this book through NetGalley on behalf of Tyndale House Publishers

4.5 ⭐️

Being captivated by a book focusing on addiction recovery was not on my bingo card for 2026, but here we are! I throughly enjoyed this book and loved Junie as a character. I felt her journey felt realistic and relatable. I appreciated that although there was a romantic sub-element to this book that it was treaded very lightly and felt appropriate for someone who still has a long way to go in working on herself and dealing with the complicated ups and downs of being in recovery. The faith elements were refreshing and well incorporated and I loved seeing a character find grace and healing in Jesus without it overwhelming the plot. It was again an element that felt natural and relatable. Cy’s tough love got a little too tough for me at some points, but the lack of support Junie got from her biological family was made up for in the amazing cast of characters that became her found family.

I have never read anything from this author previously, but look forward to reading more of her books. Definitely my first candidate for “Best New to Me Author” of the year!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

“While I breathe, I hope.”

Not only is that phrase the slogan on a South Carolina license plate, it’s the mantra for this story.

Juniper is a lost soul in her 20’s struggling after a life changing arrest and visit to rehab after unexpected and painless losses in her life. This story shares her journey to say goodbye to the old version of herself and embrace the person she is becoming while charging forward to build a life she can be proud of for her and her daughter.

This story is relatable to so many people on different levels - especially those that have ever struggled with grief, loss, alcoholism or addiction. I love that the story takes place in Charleston and Sullivans Island. As someone who calls the low country home, it is an incredible setting for a story like this one.

I loved the character crossover with Lowcountry Lost and Somewhere - I absolutely loved that story!

As an avid and devoted reader of T.I. Lowe, I am so thankful to Net Galley / Tyndall Fiction for an ARC of this story. Releasing on 3/10/2026, I highly recommend adding this (and her other books) to your TBR!

[Christina Naploitano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished South of Somewhere by T.I. Lowe and wow… what a book. I had the privilege of reading this as an ARC before publication, and it completely pulled me in from start to finish.

Junie’s story is raw, emotional, and honestly so relatable in many ways. She’s navigating alcoholism, loss, shame, heartbreak, and the pain of losing custody of her daughter and you really feel every bit of her struggle. It’s one of those stories that reminds you how easy it is to feel unworthy of second (or third) chances.But what makes this book so powerful is the redemption. The people Junie meets, the way she begins to see God’s love differently, and the reminder that grace doesn’t run out… that hit me deep. It’s a beautiful message about healing, forgiveness, and realizing you are still worthy of love especially God’s love.

This book has everything: love, laughter, heartbreak, growth, and a strong thread of faith throughout. T.I. Lowe truly did it again.

Definitely one I’ll be recommending. 💛📖

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

T.I. Lowe never fails to deliver stories that will bring all the emotions... and this one was certainly no exception. We meet Junie as she is getting out of jail and rehab after being arrested for drunk driving and losing custody of her daughter. She struggles to build her life from the ground up with only the support of her probation officer/AA sponsor. Junie had certainly made some bad decisions in her life, and that could have made her a character that was hard to like, and yet the author did such a wonderful job of bringing us into this journey of recovery with her... offering a bit more understanding of the challenges that that can bring. This truly was such a beautiful story of redemption and second chances, taking of difficult topics with grace... and delivering a sweet romance in the midst of it too. If you love Christian romance and beautiful stories of redemption, this is certainly one to check out.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•

{𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆}

“𝙻𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚍, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚊 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗. 𝙰 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗.”

☀️ Release Date: March 10, 2026 ☀️
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When I read a T.I. Lowe book, I expect to have tears streaming down my face by the end of the story. She writes some of the most emotional, healing stories that always evoke tears. This time, though, not many tears were to be found. This particular story just didn’t pull me in like most of hers do. The dialogue didn’t always feel like it flowed the best and the writing tended to feel a bit forced at times. I felt like it threw off the natural rhythm a book should have, and it kept me from fully immersing in the story.

As far as the characters went, I could not abide Cy! He was so rude to Junie and no help whatsoever in her journey to recovery. I understand that she was far from perfect and had made life extremely difficult for her family, but that didn’t give him any right to act as though she couldn’t change for the better. Honestly, that kind of attitude would force a person to revert back to their old ways quicker than anything, in my opinion.

Though I didn’t always love Gilbert very much, he was really good for Junie, and I appreciated the work he put into helping her get her life back on track. I love the people she was able to meet through him and the way they significantly impacted her life for the better!

And then there’s Henry…dear, dear Henry. I mean, what’s not to like about the guy?! I loved watching the slow progression of his and Junie’s friendship. He was the biggest cinnamon roll and the most perfect man for Junie’s life of turmoil. The ending of this story was precious beyond words ♥️
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I received a complimentary arc of this book from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions listed are purely my own.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written story of a woman trying to put her life together after several devastating losses that includes having her child removed from her care after drunk driving. Junie has no support system other than her sponsor/probation officer. The brother raising her child doesn’t want to have anything to do with her after having walked this road numerous times.

Junie is dedicated, hard working, and barely holding on. Each day is a challenge, but she begins to build a life and support system. It’s a difficult topic, but the author deftly shows how Junie was introduced to drugs and alcohol and why she descended into addiction.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.

This is Christian fiction so expect prayer and discussions of faith.

Family friendly.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Serena Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

South of Somewhere is about a young woman who hasn’t always made the best decisions. Junies rock bottom was actually driving drunk losing her baby girl’s custody to Cy, Junies older brother. Addiction not only hurts the person with the addiction but family as well as any friend in the wake of that chaos. Through it all though God is always there. Not to make the hurt, pain and addiction to go away like a magic wand but to help guide and direct our path full of promise. This book is good bringing humor to such a serious topic. Shows grit and strength. Well written in such a way that you feel what each character is feeling. I couldn’t put the book down.
Thank you for this Arc provided by Tyndale House publishing through NetGalley

South of Somewhere: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
Pub Date: Mar 10 2026
Archive Date: Apr 11 2026

[Sarah Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this story and Junie’s arc. I loved the themes of redemption and grace and how Jesus was woven into the plot. The found family Junie surrounded herself with was great, and this is something I love when I find it in books I read. I found myself angry at Cy most of the time, but I do realize that he was a deeply hurt character, especially by Junie’s actions. I felt parts of the plot were more list like, not fully fleshed out, making it feel somewhat rushed. I did enjoy Henry’s character. Since I primarily read romance, I think he was a great MMC and he advocated for Junie and made mistakes/owned up to his faults. I appreciated that!!! This was my first TI Lowe read and I’d be interested to read more by her! Thanks, NetGalley, for the early copy of this book to review! All thoughts are my own.