Under the Magnolias

Written by T. I. Lowe

Narrated by Susan Bennett

This night not only marked the end to the drought, but also the end to the long-held secret we’d kept hidden under the magnolias.

Magnolia, South Carolina, 1980
Austin Foster is barely a teenager when her mama dies giving birth to twins, leaving her to pick up the pieces while holding her six siblings together and doing her best to stop her daddy from retreating into his personal darkness.

Scratching out a living on the family’s tobacco farm is as tough as it gets. When a few random acts of kindness help to ease the Fosters’ hardships, Austin finds herself relying upon some of Magnolia’s most colorful citizens for friendship and more. But it’s next to impossible to hide the truth about the goings-on at Nolia Farms, and Austin’s desperate attempts to save face all but break her.

Just when it seems she might have something more waiting for her?with the son of a wealthy local family who she’s crushed on for years?her father makes a choice that will crack wide-open the family’s secrets and lead to a public reckoning. There are consequences for loving a boy like Vance Cumberland, but there is also freedom in the truth.

T. I. Lowe’s gritty yet tender and uplifting tale reminds us that a great story can break your heart...then heal it in the best possible way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705020548

Reviews for Under the Magnolias

[kevinlwilloughby · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the most wholesome works of fiction I have ever read! Set in 1980s South Carolina, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed all of the references to 80s music from cover to cover. I'm going to have to check this author's other books out as well. This was outstanding!

[geauxgetlit · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a tough one for me honestly. I felt it was a great book and I normally enjoy southern fiction; however listening to the audiobook…the narrator didn’t bring this book to justice and I kept dozing off and becoming very distracted by her voice.

This would be a much better book to only read in my opinion.

[Karla O'Neal · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story is such a great one to read especially when you need to see the good side of people and understand that not everything is always sunshine but even in the dark days God is there and will always be there.

[Tamara Stahl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was amazing it gave me where the crawdad sing vibes but with a Christian-based background loved it

[Sandy Poole · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a book that was a page turner. The characters come alive and you fall in love with each one.

[M. Malcolm · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An excellent, engaging read. I became really invested in the outcome for all the characters. Well done!

[Pam Creeper · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was a book you could not stop listening to . The people. The story . And I loved the scripture and the way things pointed to our lord?thank you.

[Julianna Byrd · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So so good! Very uplifting with the perfect amount of heart tugging and a smidge of romance! Will recommend!

[Lisa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was Such a great book! I loved it!

[Kathy Joiner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was wonderful. One of my new very favorites!!

[Becca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a gritty book about family loyalty, perseverance, and love. I really enjoyed the story even though it was difficult at times.

[Emily Sue · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. Beautifully written and heartwarming. Highly recommend.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Under the Magnolias by T. I. Lowe is a powerful story of a young teen who is left motherless with several sibling and a farm to take care of while her father struggles with the loss of his wife. This story takes place in the 1980’s that spans several years and shows the devotion Austin has to keep her family together despite the sacrifices and hardships she endures.This is such a good book. It is well written and descriptive. The story focuses on Austin but gives great detail for the other members of this family. This story shows the stress and destruction mental health can put a family through. It also shows the strong devotion Vance had toward the family and how he was always there for Austin when terrible things happened. This is not the easiest book to read because it is so realistic and there are so many people who, like Austin’s family, hide what is really happening and do not seek help.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

[huberk-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

UNDER THE MAGNOLIAS by T. I. LoweA unique coming of age story of the 1980s. Hmm, historical fiction. Never thought I'd be saying that. In Magnolia, South Carolina, Austin (Ox) Foster the 15-year-old daughter of a tobacco farmer grows up faster than she had ever dreamed of.Her mama passes away after delivering her second set of twins and all the responsibility of keeping the family together falls on Austin's shoulders. She has six siblings, from Boston (Boss) a developmentally disadvantaged teenaged boy with the mentality of a small child, to Phoenix (Peg), Charlotte & Raleigh (twins), Nashville (Nash) & Knoxville (Knox) the infant twins, and her father Dave who is having a difficult time adapting to life without his beloved wife. No one seems to care that Ox needs someone or has needs.They meet Mrs. Foxy and Jinx at the local fair the day their mama dies, after speaking with Dave, they decide to move to the tobacco farm to help look after things.Dave Foster is a charismatic man who farms his tobacco fields and also has a small church on his farm. The townsfolk consider it a church of misfits since Dave Foster seems to take in any and all people or animals that are needing someone. He's always bringing some unfortunate souls to church and praying for and with them. There are always unwanted pets or animals being left at their mailbox or dropped off at their house. Damaged folks seem to naturally gravitate towards Foster's church.One of the town's local boys, royalty really, the mayor's son Vance Cumberland takes an interest in Ox and won't leave her alone. He truly believes they belong together and Ox truly believes they don't. Sure, Ox has been secretly attracted to Vance for years, but he has no business hanging around her or her family.I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, highly recommend it. It has an honorary spot on my favorites shelf, for all time.Words can't describe how thankful I am for the complimentary copy of #underthemagnolias by @tilowe from #tyndalehousepublishing @tyndale I was under no obligation to post a review.