Review: Glory Road by Lauren K. Denton

Title: Glory Road by Lauren K. Denton
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Written in Lauren Denton’s signature Southern style, Glory Road tells the story of three generations of women navigating the uncertain pathways of their hearts during a summer that promises to bring change—whether they’re ready for it or not.

Glory Road brims with faith and family, second chances, and new horizons.” —LISA WINGATENew York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

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.

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.

Review:

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.

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