Lowcountry Lost

Author: T.I. Lowe
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 368
Release Date: September 3, 2024
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

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.

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Reviewer: Diana Lea

This story was a wonderful read. 

Avalee runs a construction business called Lowcountry Lost. As she rebuilds the deserted town, we see that her own life has a chance at renewal. She has an emotional history of loss with structural engineer Rowan. Seems this project might give them the time they need to have their relationship rehabbed as well. Avalee is deeply private about her past and her emotions. Rowan is strong, sure of his purpose, observant, intuitive, protective, provider. ALL the things! I found myself invested in the remake of the town, and the repair of Avalee and Rowan’s relationship. 

T.I. Lowe did a fantastic job world world-building. She created characters that are both relatable and with a depth that we continue to discover more as the pages turn. The construction crew at Somewhere, South Carolina is a community that one would like to be a part of with a sense of family that is both protective and playful. The story has the perfect balance of sadness and humor. She also managed to weave a couple of mysteries into a love story.

This is the first book I have read from this author. I definitely will be reading more from her. Those who enjoy a cozy mystery, a sweet romance and a little bit of humor along the way will add this to their list of favorites.

I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Tyndale Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

Wow! Prepare for an emotional roller-coaster. This book had me laughing and crying. There is loss, heartbreaking memories, and tears. There are 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 & Reviews via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

“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 T.I. 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. 

Rowan is one unforgettable hero, full of confidence, ability, mischief, tenderness, thoughtfulness, and an unshakable love for Avalee. Their shared pain was so real and tangible. The author did a great job of 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 & Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Adriann Harris

Lowcountry Lost is a beautifully written emotional story about forgiveness and second chances. T. I. Lowe, dealing with some very heavy topics, which she handled with grace and sensitivity, kept me engaged throughout this touching, romantic, tragic story with a sprinkling of humorous moments.

Lowe penned another exquisite story that will pull at your heartstrings. With her imperfect, relatable characters, that one cannot help but fall in love with, and her knack for creating a scene that is so realistic you could touch it, readers will have a hard time leaving Somewhere, South Carolina when this story comes to an end. Lowe surrounded her two main characters with a great cast of minor characters in this book, a grandmother, various contractors working on the job, a young homeless boy, and a mischievous dog. One cannot help but cheer for all the characters in this story as you read it.

Having personally gone through some of the same experiences as Avalee, I was able to relate to this character like no other in my lifetime. Feeling every emotion right along with her was not only heart-wrenching but healing too. Lowe brought out long-suppressed emotions, and by doing so, actually helped me finally deal with them in a positive light. 

Avalee spends her days renovating neglected properties, and sleepless nights reliving the worst days of her life until her estranged ex-husband of six years, Rowen, turns her world upside down. Rowan, nicknamed Rowdy by Maudie, Avalee’s eccentric grandmother who raised her, is a structural engineer brought in by the investors of the project. Avalee begrudgingly working with Rowen discovers that he, too, went through the same heartbreak as her, but more so as he lost her as well. Together, will they repair their relationship or continue to separate ghost towns after they renovate this one? Can Rowen convince Avalee to forgive herself so she can begin to heal?

Lowe, in her remarkable way, reminded me that no one is ever alone as God is always there if we open our hearts to him. She also reminded me that through faith and love we can find healing and happiness even when the worst situations possible are thrown into our path. I have read all of T. I. Lowe’s wonderful contemporary Christian romance books, and in my opinion, Lowcountry Lost is her best writing to date.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers via Net Galley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.

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