On Book Talk with Cara, Cara interviews author T.I. Lowe about her new novel South of Somewhere, a redemption story following Juniper as she starts over and takes small, realistic steps through addiction recovery and rehabilitation. Lowe discusses the responsibility of researching addiction, including reading memoirs and working through a 12-step-based study, to honor real experiences and build empathy. She explains how the Southern setting—Sullivan’s Island and a grandmother’s beach house—functions as a character while challenging stereotypes about who addiction affects. They explore the importance of recovery community and “found family,” Juniper’s search for the right group, and Henry’s role as a model of healthy, consistent connection. Lowe also shares how she keeps faith elements organic rather than preachy, and previews her upcoming grief-focused novel A Southern Goodbye (planned for fall 2027).

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