Title: Glory Road
Author: Lauren K. Denton
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Jessie McBride moved back home to Glory Road ten years ago when her marriage failed. She lives with her 14-year-old daughter, Evan, and her aging mother, Gus, and they run a garden shop together. Jessie has given up on love and is content with her life, though she worries about her daughter, who’s about to enter high school, and her mother, who’s starting to forget things.

Then two men arrive on Glory Road: handsome Sumner Tate who asks her to do the flowers for his daughter’s wedding, and Ben Bradley, her best friend from high school who she never quite voiced her feelings for. Jessie loves the attention that Sumner gives her, but Ben is safety and security. Between her daughter, who’s interested in the new boy down the road, her mother’s health, and these two men, Jessie’s quiet life is in shambles.

This is the second Lauren K. Denton book I’ve read, and I have to say two things first off: her cover artist is amazing, and I love her writing. I do love Southern fiction as a whole (once I realized it was a thing), but she does it so well, making the setting live and breathe. Her characters are strong and struggling, imperfect and impossible not to love, and her writing is beautiful. Go read this.

Lauren K. Denton was born and raised in Alabama. Glory Road is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Thomas Nelson via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

This is southern fiction at it’s finest. Lauren K. Denton draws you in with these three generations of women, the small town setting, and true southern hospitality.

Jessie gets the most page time as she runs her garden shop, raises her teenage daughter, worries over her mother, and navigates the interest of two men (but the romance is a very small part of Glory Road). Jessie, Evan, and Gus are strong women who battle doubts and disappointments while stirring the embers of hope. Through it all, they love and support each other.

Denton has once again wowed me with her thought-provoking prose, unraveling the details of this story much like a beloved tale. Grab your sweet tea and settle onto the porch swing for a long visit with the women on Glory Road.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Glory Road

I first fell in love with the cover of this book, and then the characters of the strong Southern women who are the protagonists in this lovely novel. Three generations of women, Gus (Augusta) the grandmother, Jessie, her unmarried grown daughter, and Evan, Jessie’s teen daughter. Each with their strengths, loyalties, insecurities and wit. Like people you may already know.

I was not familiar at all with this author but glad l took the chance to get acquainted with her writing. With characters that are richly developed and making the reader just want to sit down on that porch with them and have a glass of sweet tea as you get acquainted. I just loved Gus, the grandmother, what with her wise opinions and sense of southern humor. I was happy to sit a spell in Perry, Alabama.

This novel touches on a lot of things. Early signs of Alzheimers, widowhood, gardening, women in small business, all written believably, drawing the reader in and having you care about the characters. You can’t wait to pick it back up again, that’s definitely a sign of good writing.

Jessie runs a shop on their farm/property they call Twig, where they sell flowers, plants, trees, and edible items. Evan her daughter, is a big help in running Twig. Jessie’s mother Gus is known for her baking and the descriptions of her treats will have your mouth watering. There are little gems of wisdom throughout the novel. Each chapter is prefaced by a quote of factual information regarding a flower or plant, which I found enlightening.

Jessie’s love life is a big part of the plot line as there are two men vying for her affection, both with a lot to offer. One, wealthy suave client, and two, her old high school flame for which her heart still races whenever he is around. Jessie’s indecisiveness regarding her love life tried my patience a time or two. When she finally decides which man she will spend the rest of her life with, I would have liked to hear more coming from her, instead of it all coming from the man she chose. Just a few more words from Jessie, would have tied it up in a big bow for me. Even so, I loved it and recommend it to fans of contemporary southern fiction, and domestic fiction,

My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the review copy of this lovely novel. On sale March 19, 2019. Go buy it!

3.5 Romantic Stars

Thanks to #NetGalley #ThomasNelsonPublishers for my free copy of #GloryRoad by Lauren K. Denton in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Fans of romance, southern settings, mother/daughter themes, gardening, and women's fiction will want to snatch up a copy of this endearing and quaint small town story.

Glory Road shares the story of three generations of women from the same family during one summer of their lives on Glory Road as they work toward building trusting and loving relationships with each other and also forging the path of their individual lives and future. While some characters are stereotypical, the main characters are well drawn and seem like friends. We are able to empathize with the grandmother’s fear and feelings of distress as she experiences episodes of dementia; we understand the pressure Jessie feels as a single, working, entrepreneurial mom; and we remember how it felt to be a teenager through the experiences of fourteen-year-old Evan.

Especially captivating in this story is the atmospheric, southern, rural setting. We imagine swinging in the creaky porch swing, walking down the dusty country road (Glory Road), and we can hear the buzz of insects. Adding to the setting, the author inserts lovely, inspirational, and advice laden gardening quotes at the beginning of each chapter (reminding me of what we learned about the meaning of flowers in The Language of Flowers. For example, "Zinnias are traditionally a happy flower, and you can't go wrong offering a loved one a bouquet of brightly colored zinnias. In particular, the scarlet zinnia signifies constancy or steadfastness. Blue Hyacinths have a similar meaning, and the two flowers together would make a striking pair." (Warren Elliott, The Secret Life of Flowers) These thoughtful quotes set the mood for the chapter and enhance the southern setting and are completely congruent with Jessie's garden shop, The Twig. I appreciate the author's effort in finding unique and thematic quotes.

Poignant themes include facing difficult transitions, being true to yourself, supporting family, coming home, and reconciliation.

Recommended for readers who appreciate romantic and inspirational family stories, for fans of southern settings, rural lifestyle and gardening, and for those looking for a gentle read (no violence, offensive language, or steamy romance). It would be a good book club selection and a great choice for spring/summer porch reading. If you read and enjoyed Hurricane Season by Denton, I predict that you will also enjoy Glory Road.

Reviewed on my blog 3/19/2019 readingladies.com

4.5 Stars

I read Lauren K. Denton's first novel, The Hideaway, and was utterly charmed by it so I was hoping for a similar feeling when reading Glory Road and I was not disappointed in the least.

This novel is told from three different generations of women in one family: Gus - the grandmother who is a wee bit sassy but still a southern lady at heart, Jessie - the mom who returned home after her marriage crumbled to the safety of what she's always known and Evan - the daughter who loves her Mom and Grandmother but still wants to test the boundaries just a bit. The story takes place over the span of one summer.

What I love most about Glory Road and all of Denton's books is how descriptive she is without being TOO wordy. You can easily put yourself into not only the world but imagine yourself as part of the family. The characters she creates are quite real and nuanced and Glory Road is no exception.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who just wants a good novel to get lost in. There's a little bit of romance, a little bit of coming of age and a little bit of aging. It's really a perfect book for all seasons and walks of life.

"Glory Road" by Lauren K. Denton, Thomas Nelson Books, 368 pages, March 19, 2019.

Jessie McBride owns a garden shop. She is divorced and has a daughter, Evan, 14. Her mother, Gus, lives next door. Gus is known for her baking skills.

Jessie is concerned that Gus is having memory issues. She is also concerned about a large garden center that opened less than a mile away.

Ben Bradley, who Jessie was friends with in high school, has moved back with his teenage son, Nick.

A wealthy man, Sumner Tate, asks Jessie to do the flowers for his daughter's wedding. He is a widower. Jessie is reluctant because she has a garden center, but usually doesn't do arrangements.

Lauren K. Denton is known as a Southern romance author. This is a little slow-moving, but a good story of family.

In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

I grew up in a small South Alabama town and Ms. Denton has captured the beautiful essence of that life. This book brought back so many memories for me.
I loved the individual stories of Gus, Jessie, and Evan. Each one has their stage of life to deal with and the many blessings and headaches that go along. I also loved the gardening quotes at the beginning of each chapter that relates to the women’s stories. This could become a Hallmark movie!
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Though all of the Author's books are on my 'to-be-read' list, I had not yet dug into them until this one came along. I can now say that I have a new favorite author in Lauren K Denton and very much look forward to reading her other books. 'Glory Road' is equal parts touching, humorous and inspiring. I simp,y can't wait to share the goodness of this story with family and friends.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. The book is about Jessie McBride who came back to town ten years ago after a failed marriage and started over with her five-year-old daughter Evan in tow. Struggling with her business and how to navigate with things changing around her and with her mom and daughter. She realizes her old friend and could have been boyfriend moved back into his parent's house with his son and her daughter's current crush. When Sumner comes into the shop looking for a florist and possibly more. Jessie begins to realize the choices she made when she went to college could be happening all over again and will she make the right choices for her and her daughter or will history repeat itself? I am not going to give it away. I really liked this book I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed all the gardening references.

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 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.

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 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.

Jessie McBride has finally had it. After finding out her husband has cheated on her she find herself and her 14 year old daughter, Evan, back in her hometown of Perry starting over again.
Jessie has started her own garden shop, a lifelong dream. Evan, is starting high school and has caught the attention of a new boy in school. Gus, the very snarky and funny mother of Jessie, is facing life changing experiences, she wishes she didn't have to.
Will these women be able to forgive, heal, love and find peace?

I really enjoyed this book. There are well built characters, amazing scene descriptions that make you feel as though you are there. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Denton, however, it will not be my last.

I was given an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and the thoughts and opinions of this story are my own.

Lauren Denton tells the stories of three different women in one book entitled Glory Road. On the opening pages, you meet Lauren McBride, a divorced mother, trying to run her own business, while caring for her fourteen-year-old daughter, Evan, and her sixty-nine-year-old mother, Gus!

Evan is just beginning her teenage years with all the complications that this time brings. Unfortunately, Gus is experiencing the initial days of struggling with memory lapses!

This book is broken down into chapters about each character: Lauren, Evan and Gus. You will get an up close look, as these three southern women learn to deal with the changes in their lives as they live out their lives on old Glory Road!

*Thank you to Lauren K. Denton, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for an ARC!

Oh my goodness Lauren does it again! This book exceeded expectations and was an easy light hearted read. I ended up finishing it in a day because I couldn't put it down! As I was reading, I could see myself as each of the main women. As Evan, remembering what 9th grade was like and what first crushes felt like. As Jessie, trying so hard to do what was right by her family but potentially loosing a part of herself along the way. As Gus, who doesn't know what the next few years will hold but is bound and determined to go through them fighting for what's best for her and her family. This book is a must read and would be an excellent addition to summer book clubs or your vacation reading!

For fans of southern women's fiction, this book will warm your heart. The story is told through the perspectives of three generations of women who live together in small-town Alabama. The grandmother is suffering through beginning-stage Alzheimers, the mother runs a garden shop and is fumbling through her second-go-round at love, and the daughter is dealing with all the drama of starting high school. Though it uses multiple voices, it is easy to follow. The voices are distinct enough that, even if you miss the chapter title telling who is speaking, it is easy to know which story you are jumping into. The author does a great job of setting the scene....if you're from the south, you'll experience feelings of comfort, and if you've never visited, you'll get a feel of what it's like to live in a sleepy, southern town. I wasn't sure which way the ending would go, but I like how some of the stories wrapped up very sweetly.

EVOCATIVE!

GLORY ROAD by Lauren K. Denton is Southern Fiction at its best! Denton will take you on an emotional journey over one summer with one family’s three generations of strong women. Her evocative storytelling will leave you mesmerized.

At the beginning of each Chapter, Denton has cleverly included a Garden Tip that’s also an illustration for what’s going to happen in the coming Chapter. Glory Road is the dirt road where the three women live and work and where much of the actual book takes place. As you read, you will quickly discover that Glory Road itself serves as a character. So much growing and living have taken place on that old, dirt road and it holds many secrets - both old and new.

Each of the three women plays an integral part in this story. Gus, at age 69, is still strong-willed and opinionated. Jessie, 39, is a single mom and an entrepreneur who owns a small plant and flower shop called Twig and Evan, 14, is starting the 9th Grade and moving up to High School. Each of these women will face significant challenges over the summer. Challenges that will shake them to their core and prove what they are made of. Challenges that will rally their friends to stand by them. There is an old friend that becomes a cherished loved one, an old friend who proves why he was so treasured in the first place and a friend who becomes like a big brother as he protects and teaches. It is a beautiful story of how a family learns from each other, learns to trust each other and for the first time in a long time, can face the future expectantly instead of fearfully. Glory Road will stay in your heart and soul long after you’ve read the last word. You will want to savor it.

I was provided an ARC of this book by Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

Glory Road was a heartwarming novel of family, faith, and a bit of romance. Lauren K. Denton tells the story through three different viewpoints: teenager Evan, her mother Jessie, and her grandmother Gus. Three generations of women share their stories of second chances and hope for the future on Glory Road. Topics such as infidelity and Alzheimer’s disease are discussed.

This was a wonderful novel that readers of contemporary women’s fiction will thoroughly enjoy. Jessie’s storyline captured my attention and held my interest the most, but all three storylines were well written and flowed together nicely.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I thought this book was a nice homey, happy, family story to read. Three generations of women are facing changes in their life - school, career, relationships, and health. I enjoyed the southern setting, and could see the garden shop, flowers, and tree-lined roads. Nice story for a weekend read.

Glory Road is a fabulous book. Loved the plot, characters and the Alabama setting. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher via Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

I read the first line of Glory Road and then paused and sighed. I actually turned to my daughter and said, “I really missed me some Southern Fiction. This is like stepping into a warm hug.” Being the booknerd my daughter also is, she understands this crazy talk and said, “You should put that in your review, Mom.” Well, kid. I think you’re right.

Reading that first line of Glory Road really was like stepping into a warm hug. There is something soothing that I absolutely adore in Southern Fiction. I have been reading and reviewing Denton’s books since her debut and she has been a favorite of mine from the very start. Her characters are real, their troubles could be your own. You just want to settle in on the porch with some sweet tea and dive in.

Of course, Glory Road is her best yet. Jessie is a southern girl back home on her red dirt road. She’s got her mama and her young teen daughter Evan. They have a tight bond, a good system. She’s running her shop, Twig. It works for them. Never in her wildest dreams did Jessie think she’d see Ben again. In her blast from the past, Jessie is thrown for a major loop. And then there’s Sumner. What is going on in her steady, predictable life? Well Jess, it ain’t over just because you’re 38 and divorced.

Glory Road is a story of second chances, family bonds, and really, really good pie. All of these things are incredibly essential in living life to it’s fullest. So grab that tea, hell, grab some pie too, and settle in. You’ll even get some gardening tips in the process.

I received an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.