Happy Thursday, My Lovelies! I. Am. BACK! My absence is a discussion for a different day because today I have a lovely book to share with you: Glory Road by Lauren K. Denton. This book's release date is March 19, so make sure to pre-order for your Spring Break reading needs!
SYNOPSIS:
The only thing certain is change—even in a place as steady as Perry, Alabama, on a street as old as Glory Road.
Nearly a decade after her husband’s affair drove her back home to South Alabama, Jessie McBride has the stable life she wants—operating her garden shop, Twig, next door to her house on Glory Road, and keeping up with her teenage daughter and spunky mother. But the unexpected arrival of two men makes Jessie question whether she’s really happy with the status quo. When handsome, wealthy businessman Sumner Tate asks her to arrange flowers for his daughter’s lavish wedding, Jessie finds herself drawn to his continued attention. Then Ben Bradley, her lingering what-could-have-been from high school, moves back to the red dirt road, and she feels her heart pulled in directions she never expected.
Meanwhile, Jessie’s fourteen-year-old daughter, Evan, is approaching the start of high school and navigating a new world of 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, is suffering increasingly frequent memory lapses and faces a frightening, uncertain future. Once again, Jessie feels her protected and predictable life shifting.
In one summer, everything will change. But 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.
“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
“Once again Lauren Denton brings her lyrical writing and compelling characters to a story that will enthrall readers from page one.” —Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, author of Only Ever Her and co-founder of She Reads, for Glory Road
My Review:
As y'all know, I'm a fan of Denton's books. Of course I love that her books are set here in Alabama the Beautiful, and she's from Homewood, one of my favorite areas of Birmingham. You may read my review of Hurricane Season HERE.
I agree with Lisa Patton's assessment of the characters (above): They're rich, colorful, and I'd like to add unforgettable! To me one of the best elements of this book are how Jessie, her mother Gus, and her daughter Evan interact with one another. I typically enjoy multigenerational stories, and I do like that the story is told from all three of the above characters' points of view. Normally I don't like "head hopping" in books, but Denton pulls this off well, and I think that the POV's are important given that this book covers serious topics like infidelity and Alzheimer's disease.
One of the plot points I was unsure about is the love triangle between Jessie, Summer, and Ben. I'm skeptical about second chances at love when it involves a love interest from high school. Sometimes I think these plot points can be either saccharinely sweet or wistfully maudlin. However, Denton does an excellent job with both Jessie and Ben's backstories including their break-up from high school and their subsequent marriages. The romance in this book is honest, and I couldn't put it down because I couldn't wait to see who wins Jessie's heart.
If you enjoy contemporary fiction that is heart-warming, entertaining, and inspiring, then you will love Glory Road. It is the perfect beach or lake read!
Disclosure: Thanks so much to TLC Book Tours for including me in this wonderful tour. I received a copy of Glory Road from the publisher Thomas Nelson via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Until next time...
Happy reading!
Ricki Jill
I am most definitely going to read this one. I don't think I have ever read one of her books before but I love southern writers and I am betting I will be hooked.
ReplyDeleteHope you and everyone there is doing well. xo Diana
Sounds like a good read. Glad to see you back and posting.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kris
This is lovely! Thank you for such a sweet review. I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lauren
This sounds like a good one for me RJ and it's so good to hear from you! You have been in my constant thoughts! Thanks for the review,
ReplyDeleteJenna
Sounds like a wonderful book, RJ, and especially for you since it's from Alabama!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really great read to add to my summer list! Thanks for being on the tour.
ReplyDeleteSara @ TLC Book Tours