Book description from Book Bub:
“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 WINGATE, New 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.”
My Review:
I have to admit that I had never read any of Lauren K. Denton’s books before I read this one. That is a mistake that I will correct as of now. I love Southern fiction, and I loved this book. Gus, Evan, and Jessie are three generations of southern women who love each other deeply; support each other during the hard times; and embrace their lives on Glory Road. They are the true definition of family. This story takes us through a season of chance in their lives. Gus, at the age of 69, is deciding if she can give up her widowhood and marry an old friend who is now a romantic interest. Jessie, at age 38, is wondering if she wants to make a change in her settled life, ten years after her divorce. Evan, at age 14, is .making the huge step into high school. These three generations of family—-grandmother, mom, and daughter—will capture .your heart and draw you into their story.
The setting is southern small-town perfect. I came away wishing that I lived on Glory Road. Every setting and character in this book rings true to its Southern roots. Lauren Denton understands southern life, and this comes through in writing. I completely enjoyed this story. It’s clean, sweet Southern fiction at its best.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.