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mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
I adore this author and have absolutely loved all 3 of her books. Glory Road is the perfect mix of Southern small town charm, motherhood, emotional romance (chaste - no steam!), gardening, and taking care of an aging parent. Denton's writing is so atmospheric and this setting is one I will remember for a long long time. I just want to sink into the worlds she creates and burrow in. Oh, and this cover? GORGEOUS.
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NOTE: This book is published by Thomas Nelson which is typically a Christian publisher but this book does not have much if any religious content.
Thanks to Net Galley for the free review copy!
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NOTE: This book is published by Thomas Nelson which is typically a Christian publisher but this book does not have much if any religious content.
Thanks to Net Galley for the free review copy!
jennkerr2280's review against another edition
4.0
I’m really enjoying this author. She has a way of weaving multiple stories together so that it blends together seamlessly. This book started a little slow but picked up gradually. It made you feel conflicted at times as you tried to decide who you felt was the best choice for Jessie.
alliepeduto's review against another edition
4.0
This was the perfect summer read!! Seeing as I picked it especially for the official start of summer, I would say it fulfilled everything I was looking for. I particularly enjoyed the focus on the three generations of women living on Glory Road. I am very close to my maternal grandmother, and she and my grandfather would stay with us every summer when I was growing up. This book was just the right amount of nostalgia for me without making me want to weep. Considering I read this on a beach the weeping would have been a little weird. Definitely would recommend if you’re looking for something that will capture you interest, but not too much!
sarcasticnerdette's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
lc_allen's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
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 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.
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 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.
jjlibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kthrynthegreat's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
soletka's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I really enjoyed this novel. I find it being best from this authoress yet (to be honest, I did not enjoy her previous novels as they feel green and even superficial, but this one truly is a fine read).
The very Southern-at-heart story covers the lives of three women - grandmother, mother and daughter, concentrating on the life of 39-year-old Jessie, who after a sad divorce years ago might be finding hope for romance and the reason for holding her head high again. Her fierce mother Gus has never lost her confidence in herself, but now she might start with that, as her forgetfulness start to worsen. And as teenager Evan enters the high school life, she starts to forge her own identity and path in life. All is is flavoured with true Southern sass and that thirst for all the tastes of life, come hell or high water!
I came to like these women, especially Gus, who has the guts of an active army general and who takes the very hard change in her health in distinguished stride. Her story is beautiful and absolutely inspiring, she is a true hero.
Jessie takes longer than I would like to decide whom of the two very eligible men courting her she truly likes (which is a bother because it is very clear whom she ends up with, so I do not understand the reason for prolonging the game), but it is good to see her trusting in love again. Young Evan is very strong (and lucky, that party could end much worse for her...but this us also a part of maturing, to decide what is and what is not for you).
These women have the true, good blood running in their veins and I have enjoyed meeting them very much. It has been like have a nice, nourishing meal with friends at their backyard, enjoying rich food and even richer stories. Laughter, couple of tears, companionship and that golden sun on the Glory Road.
The very Southern-at-heart story covers the lives of three women - grandmother, mother and daughter, concentrating on the life of 39-year-old Jessie, who after a sad divorce years ago might be finding hope for romance and the reason for holding her head high again. Her fierce mother Gus has never lost her confidence in herself, but now she might start with that, as her forgetfulness start to worsen. And as teenager Evan enters the high school life, she starts to forge her own identity and path in life. All is is flavoured with true Southern sass and that thirst for all the tastes of life, come hell or high water!
I came to like these women, especially Gus, who has the guts of an active army general and who takes the very hard change in her health in distinguished stride. Her story is beautiful and absolutely inspiring, she is a true hero.
Jessie takes longer than I would like to decide whom of the two very eligible men courting her she truly likes (which is a bother because it is very clear whom she ends up with, so I do not understand the reason for prolonging the game), but it is good to see her trusting in love again. Young Evan is very strong (and lucky, that party could end much worse for her...but this us also a part of maturing, to decide what is and what is not for you).
These women have the true, good blood running in their veins and I have enjoyed meeting them very much. It has been like have a nice, nourishing meal with friends at their backyard, enjoying rich food and even richer stories. Laughter, couple of tears, companionship and that golden sun on the Glory Road.