Dedicated: Under The Magnolias by T.I. Lowe (Review by Erin Woodward)

You may well pick up this book because of its incredibly beautiful cover. Let’s be honest: there’s always a little judging going on; we’re all guilty of it. And if you do, well, you’ll be better off because of it.

This story is so heartfelt that I read the last page feeling such strong mixed emotions of pride, despair and determination. The family dynamic is everything and leaves you rooting for the main character, Austin, a girl of just 13 when her mama dies leaving her to fend for herself and her six siblings while their father, farmer and preacher contends with an overwhelming darkness in himself. She’s such a selfless character that you can’t help but become her personal fan club. Not only does she have to raise her siblings (two of which are new born twins) but she also has to see that the tobacco farm they live on continues to run. With very little time for herself she still meets Vance, a romantic interest who lives a very different life from her, but the secrets the family harbors threaten to end even the little joy Austin has carved out for herself.

T.I. Lowe is an accomplished tale weaver and this is a hands down must read.