Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F DEN
Publication
Thomas Nelson
Description
Fiction. Literature. Romance. HTML: As three generations of women navigate the uncertain paths of their hearts and futures, one summer promises to bring change�??whether they're ready for it or not. At thirty-eight, garden shop owner Jessie McBride thinks her chances for romance are years behind her and, after her failed marriage, she's fine with that. She lives contentedly with her fiery mother and her quiet, headstrong daughter. But the unexpected arrival of two men on Glory Road make her question if she's really happy with the status quo. Handsome, wealthy Sumner Tate asks her to arrange flowers for his daughter's wedding, and Jessie finds herself drawn to his continued attention. Ben Bradley, her lingering what-could-have-been from her high school days who's known her better than anyone and whom she hasn't seen in years, moves back to the red dirt road. Jessie finds her heart being pulled in directions she never expected. Meanwhile, Jessie's fourteen-year-old daughter, Evan, is approaching the start of high school and trying to navigate a new world of identity and emotions�??particularly as they relate to the cute new guy who's moved in just down the road. At the same time, Jessie's mother, Gus, increasingly finds herself forgetful and faces a potentially frightening future. For these three strong Southern women, the roots they've planted on Glory Road will give life to the adventures waiting just around the curve. Praise for Glory Road: "Rich colorful characters capturing my heart, combined with a story that kept me up till the wee hours, Glory Road is a perfect read. Lauren Denton has done it again!" �??Lisa Patton, bestselling author of Rush and Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter Stand-alone Southern women's fiction novel Book length: approximately 95,000 words Includes discussion questions for book cl… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member susan0316
Modern southern fiction usually has well written characters and a sense of place - to the point that the setting of the novel is as important as the characters. Glory Road is one of those locations that is a strong part of the book - the reader can see the red dirt road and feel the heat in the
Glory Road is about three strong women during one year of their lives. It is told by all three women in alternating chapters which gave the reader the total view of their lives. Jessie is the hub that holds the family together. She is a divorced mom who returned to Perry AL from Birmingham after an ugly split with her husband when she found out about his affair. She brought her 6 year old daughter Evan who is now 14 and ready to start high school. Jessie's mom is Gus. She lives next door but spends her days with Jessie and Gus. When Jessie moved back home, she decided to open a plant nursery called Twigs. She is most comfortable when she is working with the plants and flowers at the nursery. Evan and Gus both help out and it's a real family business. This summer is pivotal for all three women - Evan is testing her boundaries as she becomes ready to start high school, Gus is starting to have memory issues and worries about the possibility of dementia. Jessie who has always been content in her life with her daughter and her mother have two men come in to her life - one a rich man who wants her to do flowers for his daughter's wedding and the other, Ben, her first love from high school who moves back to Perry from Atlanta with his son. Before the summer is over, all three women have to make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.
I've read all of Lauren Denton's books and this is my favorite. It's a wonderful book about family and love and second chances. This is a family of strong women that I won't soon forget.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
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summer; we can hear the creak of the porch swing as the insects buzz past our ears. It's a comforting place to be and a fantastic setting for Glory Road.Glory Road is about three strong women during one year of their lives. It is told by all three women in alternating chapters which gave the reader the total view of their lives. Jessie is the hub that holds the family together. She is a divorced mom who returned to Perry AL from Birmingham after an ugly split with her husband when she found out about his affair. She brought her 6 year old daughter Evan who is now 14 and ready to start high school. Jessie's mom is Gus. She lives next door but spends her days with Jessie and Gus. When Jessie moved back home, she decided to open a plant nursery called Twigs. She is most comfortable when she is working with the plants and flowers at the nursery. Evan and Gus both help out and it's a real family business. This summer is pivotal for all three women - Evan is testing her boundaries as she becomes ready to start high school, Gus is starting to have memory issues and worries about the possibility of dementia. Jessie who has always been content in her life with her daughter and her mother have two men come in to her life - one a rich man who wants her to do flowers for his daughter's wedding and the other, Ben, her first love from high school who moves back to Perry from Atlanta with his son. Before the summer is over, all three women have to make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.
I've read all of Lauren Denton's books and this is my favorite. It's a wonderful book about family and love and second chances. This is a family of strong women that I won't soon forget.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member CoverLoverBookReview
I’ve read a couple of books lately that center on home. I’m drawn to these kinds of stories and love the soft-place-to-fall feel that these stories evoke. After reading The Hideaway and Hurricane Season, I expected to enjoy Lauren Denton’s newest book, Glory Road. And I wasn’t disappointed.
Glory Road is told from 3 POVs and each gives a special and unique impression. I connected with all three main characters—Jessie, Gus, and Evan, and I sympathized with their struggles. I love the themes of family and home, and really didn’t want this story to end. Beautiful story, engaging characters, and a satisfying end.
#GloryRoad
Author: Lauren K. Denton
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 368
First Line: I’d been on the porch steps shelling purple hull peas for less than an hour and my thumb nails had already turned purple.
Source: I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) from BookLook and NetGalley.
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I love the southern setting and the charming characters. Ms. Denton is a gifted writer and now one of my must-read authors. Glory Road is told from 3 POVs and each gives a special and unique impression. I connected with all three main characters—Jessie, Gus, and Evan, and I sympathized with their struggles. I love the themes of family and home, and really didn’t want this story to end. Beautiful story, engaging characters, and a satisfying end.
#GloryRoad
Author: Lauren K. Denton
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 368
First Line: I’d been on the porch steps shelling purple hull peas for less than an hour and my thumb nails had already turned purple.
Source: I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) from BookLook and NetGalley.
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LibraryThing member Cherylk
I really tried to like this book but I found myself struggling. Struggling to connect with the characters and their stories. I found myself not really comprehending much of what I had previously read and therefore, I put the book down. I went back to it after a while and started it over. I had
The only character that I did somewhat like was Jessie. She was trying her best to keep everyone including herself from drowning in sorrow. A new start is what she and her daughter needed. Overall, this book may not have been my cup of tea but I would consider trying another book from this author again in the future.
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hoped that the second time around would be the charm. To be honest, there was something there within the pages of this book. I just could not connect. However, if I had been able to I would have really enjoyed this book a lot. The only character that I did somewhat like was Jessie. She was trying her best to keep everyone including herself from drowning in sorrow. A new start is what she and her daughter needed. Overall, this book may not have been my cup of tea but I would consider trying another book from this author again in the future.
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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
Glory Road is the third novel for Lauren K. Denton, an author who adds Southern style and flavor to her women’s fiction. I have read all three of her novels, but have to say that Glory Road is my favorite. It shows a deepening maturity for this talented writer. The complex characters became like
Three generations of women provide the voices of Glory Road. The first person perspectives of Jessie, a thirty-something single mom and business owner, Evan, her 14 year old daughter, and Gus, Jessie’s mom, provide insight and a complete picture of the dynamics of the women and the life they share. While Jessie’s viewpoint was predominant, I loved how Evan and Gus bring a completeness to their stories. The novel is set in a small Alabama town notable only for its sameness. They live a content life, yet there is feeling that all three need a little more. Glory Road is a slow-paced novel great for extended time in a favorite chair sipping something cool while contemplating the ways of life and love. I loved the day-to-day aspects of the novel and how the little things in life prepare a person for the big things. Making the most of second chances life brings is a strong theme.
I really, really liked Glory Road. Perfect for book clubs, this novel is one you will want to talk about.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
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family to this reader. I hurt for them, laughed with them, and sighed with satisfaction at the ending (or should I say beginning) of their stories. For fans of women’s fiction, this book is an excellent choice. Highly recommended.Three generations of women provide the voices of Glory Road. The first person perspectives of Jessie, a thirty-something single mom and business owner, Evan, her 14 year old daughter, and Gus, Jessie’s mom, provide insight and a complete picture of the dynamics of the women and the life they share. While Jessie’s viewpoint was predominant, I loved how Evan and Gus bring a completeness to their stories. The novel is set in a small Alabama town notable only for its sameness. They live a content life, yet there is feeling that all three need a little more. Glory Road is a slow-paced novel great for extended time in a favorite chair sipping something cool while contemplating the ways of life and love. I loved the day-to-day aspects of the novel and how the little things in life prepare a person for the big things. Making the most of second chances life brings is a strong theme.
I really, really liked Glory Road. Perfect for book clubs, this novel is one you will want to talk about.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
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LibraryThing member mchwest
5 stars for this heartwarming read, another by one of my favorite authors. I know it will be a long wait for her next book, but meanwhile it gives me peace and tranquility when I remember the story about a small garden shop on a red clay road in the South. Her story telling ability to give us a
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small intimite family situation and also add in some hope and prayers for their future. Show Less
LibraryThing member gpangel
Glory Road by Lauren K. Denton is a 2019 Thomas Nelson publication.
A sweet and gentle southern story about family and second chances.
Jessie McBride is content with her life as it is. She owns a garden shop, is raising her non-conformist daughter, Evan, and is trying to manage her headstrong
But a few life altering changes occur shaking up Jessie’s quiet and peaceful life. First, wealthy and successful Sumner Tate asks Jessie to do the flowers for his daughter’s wedding. Reluctant at first, Jessie is swayed by Sumner’s smooth and easy- going charm. However, she is knocked for loop when her old friend, Ben returns home with his teenage son in tow. Her old feelings for Ben rush to the surface, but rumor has it, Ben as girlfriend living in another city.
This is my first book by Lauren K. Denton, and I must say I very much enjoyed this charming story. Life is full of change- some good, some bad, some scary, some sad. This story touches on all those things, but the tone is pleasant, never too heavy, despite the seriousness of the subject matter at times. The romance is clean, with just a small dollop of angst. The theme is centered around a mature, and deep abiding love, which was beautiful and felt very authentic.
I loved all the characters, the setting, the gardening tips included at the beginning of each chapter and the humor injected along the way. Gus nearly steals the show a time or two and was the character I formed a real attachment to. But, the real cherry on the cake was that adorable conclusion!
This is just one of those truly lovely stories that rewards the reader for their time with a spirit boost, a warm feeling of contentment and hope.
4 stars
A sweet and gentle southern story about family and second chances.
Jessie McBride is content with her life as it is. She owns a garden shop, is raising her non-conformist daughter, Evan, and is trying to manage her headstrong
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mother, Gus. The thought of romance has long since left the arena, and Jessie is just fine with that. But a few life altering changes occur shaking up Jessie’s quiet and peaceful life. First, wealthy and successful Sumner Tate asks Jessie to do the flowers for his daughter’s wedding. Reluctant at first, Jessie is swayed by Sumner’s smooth and easy- going charm. However, she is knocked for loop when her old friend, Ben returns home with his teenage son in tow. Her old feelings for Ben rush to the surface, but rumor has it, Ben as girlfriend living in another city.
This is my first book by Lauren K. Denton, and I must say I very much enjoyed this charming story. Life is full of change- some good, some bad, some scary, some sad. This story touches on all those things, but the tone is pleasant, never too heavy, despite the seriousness of the subject matter at times. The romance is clean, with just a small dollop of angst. The theme is centered around a mature, and deep abiding love, which was beautiful and felt very authentic.
I loved all the characters, the setting, the gardening tips included at the beginning of each chapter and the humor injected along the way. Gus nearly steals the show a time or two and was the character I formed a real attachment to. But, the real cherry on the cake was that adorable conclusion!
This is just one of those truly lovely stories that rewards the reader for their time with a spirit boost, a warm feeling of contentment and hope.
4 stars
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LibraryThing member arthistorychick
Glory Road by Lauren K. Denton
Source: NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing
Rating: 5/5 stars
I think I could legitimately spend far too much time waxing poetic about Lauren K. Denton and novels! In Denton, I have found an author who has, to date, made every book worth the wait and Glory Road is
For most of her thirty-eight years, Jessie McBride has lived on Glory Road, the long dusty stretch of road occupied by herself, her mother, her daughter, a whole host of neighbors who, like the McBride’s have lived in the area for generations. Glory Road is comforting, comfortable, a place of refuge, and a place those who leave often come back to. Jessie is a prime example. After far too many years in a bad marriage, Jessie has built a life she quite loves in Glory Road. She owns a moderately successful garden shop, works with her delightfully spry mother, and is raising an all-around good kid. While Jessie may sometimes feel a bit lonely as far as romance goes, overall, she has little to complain about.
Oh, how fate and the universe just love to step in and shake things up. . . .
As if the universe just understands loneliness, within a few weeks of one another, two men come into Jessie’s life. Sumner Tate is the epitome of southern charm and he is hell-bent on having Jessie work for him in the form of florist for his daughter’s wedding. Additionally, Sumner makes it clear (in a totally charming way) he is interested in Jessie beyond her flower arranging abilities. Though Sumner is certainly interesting, it is the other man who truly sets Jessie’s emotions aflame. Ben Bradley, the one who could have been and should have been so many years ago is back on Glory Road and he’s looking to, at the very least rekindle the friendship he and Jessie once had.
In addition to the men in her life, Jessie also has some disconcerting concerns over her mother, Gus. Physically, Gus is as spry as ever, loves to putter around in the garden shop with Jessie, and cooks and bakes for the family on a regular basis. Gus is kind, friendly, devoted to her girls, and, of late showing some signs of her age. With increasing frequency, Gus becomes lost in her own mind and memories and when she comes out of these states, she refuses to speak of them with Jessie. Though she’s not hurt herself or put herself or anyone else in danger, the episodes are troubling and need to be dealt with sooner rather than later.
For someone who has long valued and protected her comfort zone, Jessie suddenly finds herself, with two men and her mother, very much outside her comfort zone. Gus is completely encouraging of Jessie’s resurrected love life and ridiculously excited for the future possibilities the wedding flower project may bring for the garden shop. More than anything, Gus wants to see Jessie happy and though she can’t make the ultimate choice for her daughter, she can share some her own life experiences and wisdom. In turn, Jessie is passing on what she knows of life and love to her own daughter who is just beginning to understand the complexities of both.
The Bottom Line: At its core, Glory Road is the story of three generations of women who are, no matter their age finding their way in life, adjusting to the changes the universe likes to bring, and learning to truly lean on and rely on others when they need help. This is the aspect of this read I loved the most! Denton knows how to weave together lives, stories, events, and emotions that aren’t fictional at all and certainly not confined to her books. Glory Road may be classified among fiction books, but its story is real, relatable, and completely engrossing because it is a story so many among us can identify with at least on some level. As I generally do with Denton’s books, I blazed through this read and came away almost totally satisfied. They only thing I found lacking is an epilogue; if ever there was a book that simply begs for an epilogue, Glory Road would be that book. With that being said, the lack of an epilogue isn’t enough to keep me from, yet again adoring this beautifully written family saga. To get more like this, I will gladly wait until the next release this time next year.
Source: NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing
Rating: 5/5 stars
I think I could legitimately spend far too much time waxing poetic about Lauren K. Denton and novels! In Denton, I have found an author who has, to date, made every book worth the wait and Glory Road is
Show More
certainly no exception to that rule!For most of her thirty-eight years, Jessie McBride has lived on Glory Road, the long dusty stretch of road occupied by herself, her mother, her daughter, a whole host of neighbors who, like the McBride’s have lived in the area for generations. Glory Road is comforting, comfortable, a place of refuge, and a place those who leave often come back to. Jessie is a prime example. After far too many years in a bad marriage, Jessie has built a life she quite loves in Glory Road. She owns a moderately successful garden shop, works with her delightfully spry mother, and is raising an all-around good kid. While Jessie may sometimes feel a bit lonely as far as romance goes, overall, she has little to complain about.
Oh, how fate and the universe just love to step in and shake things up. . . .
As if the universe just understands loneliness, within a few weeks of one another, two men come into Jessie’s life. Sumner Tate is the epitome of southern charm and he is hell-bent on having Jessie work for him in the form of florist for his daughter’s wedding. Additionally, Sumner makes it clear (in a totally charming way) he is interested in Jessie beyond her flower arranging abilities. Though Sumner is certainly interesting, it is the other man who truly sets Jessie’s emotions aflame. Ben Bradley, the one who could have been and should have been so many years ago is back on Glory Road and he’s looking to, at the very least rekindle the friendship he and Jessie once had.
In addition to the men in her life, Jessie also has some disconcerting concerns over her mother, Gus. Physically, Gus is as spry as ever, loves to putter around in the garden shop with Jessie, and cooks and bakes for the family on a regular basis. Gus is kind, friendly, devoted to her girls, and, of late showing some signs of her age. With increasing frequency, Gus becomes lost in her own mind and memories and when she comes out of these states, she refuses to speak of them with Jessie. Though she’s not hurt herself or put herself or anyone else in danger, the episodes are troubling and need to be dealt with sooner rather than later.
For someone who has long valued and protected her comfort zone, Jessie suddenly finds herself, with two men and her mother, very much outside her comfort zone. Gus is completely encouraging of Jessie’s resurrected love life and ridiculously excited for the future possibilities the wedding flower project may bring for the garden shop. More than anything, Gus wants to see Jessie happy and though she can’t make the ultimate choice for her daughter, she can share some her own life experiences and wisdom. In turn, Jessie is passing on what she knows of life and love to her own daughter who is just beginning to understand the complexities of both.
The Bottom Line: At its core, Glory Road is the story of three generations of women who are, no matter their age finding their way in life, adjusting to the changes the universe likes to bring, and learning to truly lean on and rely on others when they need help. This is the aspect of this read I loved the most! Denton knows how to weave together lives, stories, events, and emotions that aren’t fictional at all and certainly not confined to her books. Glory Road may be classified among fiction books, but its story is real, relatable, and completely engrossing because it is a story so many among us can identify with at least on some level. As I generally do with Denton’s books, I blazed through this read and came away almost totally satisfied. They only thing I found lacking is an epilogue; if ever there was a book that simply begs for an epilogue, Glory Road would be that book. With that being said, the lack of an epilogue isn’t enough to keep me from, yet again adoring this beautifully written family saga. To get more like this, I will gladly wait until the next release this time next year.
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LibraryThing member medwards429
Thank you to Just Read Tours for selecting me to be part of the tour; and to the publisher Thomas Nelson for sending this book.
This is a Southern Style Women’s Fiction/Romance novel about three generations of women living on Glory Road: Gus (Augusta), her daughter Jessie, and Jessie’s 14-year
It’s been nearly a decade since Jessie returned to Perry following her husband’s affair that ended their marriage. A lot has changed – some things haven’t.
Over the summer, two men enter her life – Ben Bradley, from her past, and a wealthy business man (Sumner Tate) who shows more of an interest in her than the work she’s doing for his daughter’s wedding. And, Evan is even finding herself navigating not only high school, but her emotions when she meets Ben’s son Nick.
The two women are also concerned about Gus whose memory lapses are getting worse.
Together they all face an uncertain and unfamiliar future – but one they will face together because the only thing that is certain … is change, even in small towns.
This book was a delightful read, charming, light, and realistic. For those looking for a clean, and “family” driven romance – this book is a winner! It teaches us about the choices we make in our lives and at different points in our lives: young, middle, and old age – and as we go through them our needs change, but love never does. It’s about second chances and no regrets about where we are in life – because where we are is where we need to be to make our lives work.
“Glory Road” is a beautiful story with charming and realistic characters – people that we know or would know anywhere we live, especially a small town. They’re so realistic that this book could’ve easily have been written about myself, my mom, and my grandma. From the time I was about 4 to 14, it was just the three of us in that dynamic.
Also, some of the issues going on with Gus are quite similar in my own family which felt personal but reassuring. Her struggles make us realize there is no shame in needing help and admitting we have problems.
The only problem I had was the repeated mention of the title “Glory Road” in almost every chapter, averaging about 2-3 times. Other than that – the book was a clean, entertaining read. I wanted to rush through it, but savor it all at the same time. I will definitely be looking for this author’s other novels.
This is a Southern Style Women’s Fiction/Romance novel about three generations of women living on Glory Road: Gus (Augusta), her daughter Jessie, and Jessie’s 14-year
Show More
old daughter Evan. It’s been nearly a decade since Jessie returned to Perry following her husband’s affair that ended their marriage. A lot has changed – some things haven’t.
Over the summer, two men enter her life – Ben Bradley, from her past, and a wealthy business man (Sumner Tate) who shows more of an interest in her than the work she’s doing for his daughter’s wedding. And, Evan is even finding herself navigating not only high school, but her emotions when she meets Ben’s son Nick.
The two women are also concerned about Gus whose memory lapses are getting worse.
Together they all face an uncertain and unfamiliar future – but one they will face together because the only thing that is certain … is change, even in small towns.
This book was a delightful read, charming, light, and realistic. For those looking for a clean, and “family” driven romance – this book is a winner! It teaches us about the choices we make in our lives and at different points in our lives: young, middle, and old age – and as we go through them our needs change, but love never does. It’s about second chances and no regrets about where we are in life – because where we are is where we need to be to make our lives work.
“Glory Road” is a beautiful story with charming and realistic characters – people that we know or would know anywhere we live, especially a small town. They’re so realistic that this book could’ve easily have been written about myself, my mom, and my grandma. From the time I was about 4 to 14, it was just the three of us in that dynamic.
Also, some of the issues going on with Gus are quite similar in my own family which felt personal but reassuring. Her struggles make us realize there is no shame in needing help and admitting we have problems.
The only problem I had was the repeated mention of the title “Glory Road” in almost every chapter, averaging about 2-3 times. Other than that – the book was a clean, entertaining read. I wanted to rush through it, but savor it all at the same time. I will definitely be looking for this author’s other novels.
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LibraryThing member kbranfield
4.5 stars.
Glory Road by Lauren K. Denton is a captivating, multi-generational novel set in rural Alabama.
Ten years ago, Jessie McBride moved home with her now fourteen year old daughter Evan after discovering her husband's infidelities. She purchased the property next door to her mother, Gus, and
Jessie is quite content with her life and she is uneasy with change. She works six days a week and spends the majority of her time with Gus and Evan. Having risked her heart once before, Jessie sees no reason to change the status quo. Although uneasy about Sumner's wealthy lifestyle, she finds him quite charming and easy to be with. Although their dates are low-key and casual, Jessie remains uncertain about a future with him. Especially since Ben is back in town and she is reminded of how deeply she felt for him before they went their separate ways. She is also conflicted due to Ben's situation with his teenage son Nick's mother. Will Jessie allow herself to take a chance at happiness? Or will her fear of getting her heart broken again prevent her from becoming romantically involved?
Gus is an eclectic and spunky woman who is also quite wise. She is not afraid to speak her mind when she thinks her daughter and granddaughter need her (unsolicited) advice. She is keeping a life-altering secret since she does not want to alarm Jessie or Evan. However, once she can no longer keep the truth from them, Gus remains tightly in control of her future. No one is more surprised than Gus when her life takes a romantic turn. But will her fears of becoming a burden prevent her from accepting this wonderful yet unanticipated opportunity for love?
Evan is also moving on to the next phase of her life as she transitions into high school. She is also experiencing her first crush. Despite these changes, Evan remains happy to spend time with her mom and grandmother. The three women are quite close but will Evan begin to pull away as she grows and matures?
Glory Road is a heartwarming novel of love, healing and new beginnings. Jessie's story arc is the most compelling as she tries to find the courage to step out of her comfort zone. She is also afraid to face the fears that have left her unable to overcome the heartbreak in her past. Evan is a delightful young woman who is excited about the next stage in her life. Gus accepts her diagnosis with dignity and grace and she has definite ideas about how to handle her situation. Lauren K. Denton brings the novel to a uplifting, hopeful conclusion as Jessie, Evan and Gus welcome the possibilities that lie before them. An absolutely marvelous novel that I highly recommend to readers of the genre.
Glory Road by Lauren K. Denton is a captivating, multi-generational novel set in rural Alabama.
Ten years ago, Jessie McBride moved home with her now fourteen year old daughter Evan after discovering her husband's infidelities. She purchased the property next door to her mother, Gus, and
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together, they run Twig, a nursery they are struggling to keep solvent. An unexpected opportunity falls into Jessie's lap when wealthy golf course designer, Sumner Tate, asks her provide the flowers for his daughter's upcoming wedding. At first reluctant to step back into the high society she left after her divorce, she decides to take the plunge with Gus's encouragement. Jessie is also somewhat surprised when Sumner takes a personal interest in her. She is at a bit of a romantic crossroads since Ben Bradley, her high school friend and one time crush, has recently returned to town. Other changes are coming her way as Evan transitions into high school and Gus faces a frightening diagnosis.Jessie is quite content with her life and she is uneasy with change. She works six days a week and spends the majority of her time with Gus and Evan. Having risked her heart once before, Jessie sees no reason to change the status quo. Although uneasy about Sumner's wealthy lifestyle, she finds him quite charming and easy to be with. Although their dates are low-key and casual, Jessie remains uncertain about a future with him. Especially since Ben is back in town and she is reminded of how deeply she felt for him before they went their separate ways. She is also conflicted due to Ben's situation with his teenage son Nick's mother. Will Jessie allow herself to take a chance at happiness? Or will her fear of getting her heart broken again prevent her from becoming romantically involved?
Gus is an eclectic and spunky woman who is also quite wise. She is not afraid to speak her mind when she thinks her daughter and granddaughter need her (unsolicited) advice. She is keeping a life-altering secret since she does not want to alarm Jessie or Evan. However, once she can no longer keep the truth from them, Gus remains tightly in control of her future. No one is more surprised than Gus when her life takes a romantic turn. But will her fears of becoming a burden prevent her from accepting this wonderful yet unanticipated opportunity for love?
Evan is also moving on to the next phase of her life as she transitions into high school. She is also experiencing her first crush. Despite these changes, Evan remains happy to spend time with her mom and grandmother. The three women are quite close but will Evan begin to pull away as she grows and matures?
Glory Road is a heartwarming novel of love, healing and new beginnings. Jessie's story arc is the most compelling as she tries to find the courage to step out of her comfort zone. She is also afraid to face the fears that have left her unable to overcome the heartbreak in her past. Evan is a delightful young woman who is excited about the next stage in her life. Gus accepts her diagnosis with dignity and grace and she has definite ideas about how to handle her situation. Lauren K. Denton brings the novel to a uplifting, hopeful conclusion as Jessie, Evan and Gus welcome the possibilities that lie before them. An absolutely marvelous novel that I highly recommend to readers of the genre.
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LibraryThing member mojomomma
Not a bad story, but totally predictable. In the end everyone pairs up with man and all is well. These women were much more interesting before they all got "completed" with a man.
LibraryThing member zmagic69
A perfectly enjoyable, feel good Southern Chic-Lit book.
No surprises and dependably predictable.
No surprises and dependably predictable.
ISBN
9780785219705