The 'Reader's Digest Condensed' show notes:

Katie welcomes bestselling Christian novelist T.I. Lowe to discuss addiction, second chances, and slow, messy transformation in her new Christian novel, South of Somewhere (releasing March 10). 

Unabridged show notes:

On this episode, we talk about Christian fiction, addiction recovery, and walking through a “thorn” season with biblical hope. First, Katie shares a short review of "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky — a classic exploration of guilt, conscience, and the slow burn of spiritual awakening.

Then Katie is joined by T. I. Lowe, author of the Christy Award–winning "Indigo Isle" and the new novel "South of Somewhere." If you’ve ever struggled with shame, walked with someone battling addiction, or wondered whether God still works in the “thorn” seasons of life — this episode will encourage your heart. His grace is enough!

In this episode:

Classic book review: Crime and Punishment

• Why this 19th-century Russian novel still grips modern readers
• The psychological toll of guilt and conscience
• The glimpse of redemption at the end (no spoilers)
• What this story reveals about morality and the human heart

Meet T.I. Lowe

• 21+ novels in Christian fiction
• Winner of the 2024 Christy Award for "Indigo Isle"
• Writing from coastal South Carolina
• Why she uses her initials (and discovering rapper T.I.!)

Writing from real-life grief

• The personal loss that shaped "South of Somewhere"
• Seeking understanding instead of judgment
• Writing from the addict’s point of view

Faith and slow transformation

• The importance of Christian community
• The church as a hospital
• 2 Corinthians 12 and the "thorn"

Romance, hope, and second chances

• A sweet next-door neighbor romance
• Redemption without unrealistic perfection
• The connection to South Carolina's state motto

Books mentioned:

• Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoevsky
• South of Somewhere – T.I. Lowe
• Indigo Isle – T.I. Lowe

Scripture mentioned:

• Moses' hesitation and speech struggle: Exodus 4:10-17
• Paul's thorn: 2 Corinthians 12:6-10

Who this episode is for:

• Believers walking with someone battling addiction
• Readers who love Christian fiction
• Anyone in a “thorn” season
• Book clubs looking for meaningful discussion

Connect with T.I. Lowe:

• Instagram: @tilowe
• Facebook: T.I. Lowe
• Website: tilowe.com

Enjoying 'Oh My Word with Katie'? 

• If this episode encouraged you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? It helps more people discover the show. 
• Share this episode with your friends!
• Follow us on Instagram @ohmywordpod or Facebook @ohmywordpod for more bookish content!

A question to reflect on:

What “thorn” season has God used to deepen your faith?

Authors Lynette Eason & Dani Pettrey discuss their new novella collection, “Whiteout,” involving an avalanche, stalkers, and romance (not with the stalkers). Plus, how they've gotten book titles from grandkids and AI, and Katie's step-by-step guide for how to tell if Tolkien is your jam. 

Buy "Whiteout" now: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9780764245978_whiteout

Connect with Lynette: https://lynetteeason.com/

Connect with Dani: https://danipettrey.com/

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Katie chats with Toni Shiloh, author of “Hearts On the Fly,” a hockey-themed romance complete with a blind date (in more ways than one), family drama, and redemption. Plus, Katie and Toni talk Jane Austen, K-dramas, and how an author can learn life lessons right along with her characters.

Order "Hearts On the Fly": https://tonishiloh.com/hearts-on-the-fly/

Connect with Toni at https://tonishiloh.com/, on Facebook @AuthorToniShiloh, or Instagram @tonishiloh. 

Author Sarah Sundin shares about her latest WWII novel, "Mists Over the Channel Islands" - plus, how her grandfather and great-uncle used storytelling to cope after the war, and how she went from full-time mom to full-time author. 

• Order Sarah Sundin’s “Mists Over the Channel Islands”: https://www.sarahsundin.com/books/mists-over-the-channel-islands/ 
• Connect with Sarah on Facebook @SarahSundinAuthor
• Connect with Sarah on Instagram @sarahsundinauthor 

Other books mentioned on this episode: 

• The Hunted Children by Donald Lowrie

Author Heather Kaufman shares how her upcoming biblical fiction book, "On Living Stone: Salome's Story," challenged her (and gave her all the feels) as a mom - plus, the story behind her "Women of the Way" series, and the book that impacted her the most as a young reader.

-Preorder Heather Kaufman’s “On Living Stone: Salome’s Story” at https://www.hmkstories.com/onlivingstone 

-Follow Heather on Facebook and Instagram @hmkstories 

-Follow “Oh My Word with Katie” on Facebook and Instagram @ohmywordpod

-Other books mentioned on this episode:

• Mara, Daughter of the Nile, by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
• Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul, by Hannah Anderson
• The Gateway Trilogy, by Crystal D. Grant
• Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You, by James Macarthur
• The Training of the Twelve: How Jesus Christ Found and Taught the 12 Apostles, by A.B. Bruce

Want to transform your Bible-reading journey this year? Listen as Dr. Ben Gladd, co-editor of the Connecting Scripture New Testament, discusses how the Bible is one big story, how many *thousands* of times the New Testament references the old - and how reading the Bible can make us better readers in general.

Order the Connecting Scripture New Testament: https://us.amazon.com/Connecting-Single-Column-Cross-Reference-Color-Coded-Introductions/dp/B0DT8KQK6C 

It's the Season 4 finale, and what better way to end than with the UNCUT version of the most downloaded episode of the season! Getting a full ride to the University of Oxford was amazing - then she discovered Jesus. Listen as author and literature professor Dr. Carolyn Weber shares her journey from agnostic to Christian and what she learned along the way.

Starting New Year’s Day 2026, “Oh My Word with Katie” will focus on interviewing Christian writers, providing amazing book recommendations, and marveling at all the ways God shows up in words and stories. I plan to cover Christian romance, study Bibles, and everything in between. Take a listen and get excited!

Follow OMW on Instagram, on Facebook, and on YouTube. 

Author and speaker Scarlet Hiltibidal had already been through a lot when she decided to write her latest book, "Hopeful-ish" - then she found out she was unexpectedly pregnant, and her mom's cancer returned. Listen as Scarlet shares how Jesus has met her with hope during life's hard and beautiful seasons. 

• Hear Scarlet speak LIVE in Madison, Mississippi, December 9, 2025: https://www.broadmoor.org/event/womens-christmas-gathering-2/
• Order "Hopeful-ish": https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/hopeful-ish-P005850108
• Follow Scarlet: https://www.scarlethiltibidal.com/

Katie's 2025 fiction recommendations: 

• Theo of Golden: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Theo-of-Golden/Allen-Levi/9781668236567
• Wormwood Abbey: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CNTTYVTS?tag=books2read02-20
• Persuasion: Read free at Project Gutenberg, or order a copy: https://www.amazon.com/Persuasion-Jane-Austen/dp/0451526384
• Crime and Punishment: Read free at Project Gutenberg, or order a copy: https://www.amazon.com/Punishment-Penguin-Classics-Fyodor-Dostoyevsky/dp/0140449132

In 2023, Barbie Bassett was fired from her job at a local news station for unknowingly using inappropriate phrases on air. The scandal went viral around the world as Barbie endured severe online backlash - including from fellow Christians. Watch as she shares about going to counseling for the first time, how the past two years have affected her family, and how God has sustained her.