Life can be crazy sometimes. Kids schedules. Work duties. Stress of adulting. It can all begin to take its toll. It is in those moments that I love nothing more than curling up with a good book. Books have such a power to give us a break from our own realities and peek into a different kind of life. We all need that don't we?
On my reading list lately? Glory Road by Lauren Denton:
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.
Before reading this book, I was famiilar with Lauren Denton only by name. I'd seen and heard about her books, but had never picked one up myself. I also wouldn't say that Southern romance was a particular genre that I sought out (though my adoration of Nicholas Spark's books may perhaps suggest otherwise). But I have to say after reading Glory Road, that is something that certainly has to change. I absolutely loved it, and found myself wanting to read more.
The first thing that struck me about this read was how it seemed to take us back to a simpler time... even though it takes place in our own modern times. There wasn't a sense of hustle and bustle, tech driven lifestyles, etc but really focused more on the simple joys in life- family, gardening, baking, etc. As a matter of fact, each chapter began with a gardening quote of some sort. I found something really comforting in that. It truly was a great reminder to step back and enjoy those things more. I loved that. As I read, I couldn't help but feel a little like I was being pulled into a good ol' fashioned Hallmark movie... the heartwarming story, the blooming relationships, the family elements. Now, personally, I love a good Hallmark movie so I enjoyed finding some of those same elements I loved within these pages.
As with every good story, there had to be a little mystery. Who will she choose? How will it end? It had me anxious to turn the page and find out. I loved seeing these relationships old and new play out- not just those romantic in nature, but also the beautifully written mother/daughter relationships throughout.
If you're looking for a heartwarming, comfort read 'Glory Road' is certainly one worth checking out. I know I will personally be looking into more great books from Lauren Denton in the future myself. 'Glory Road' will be available to purchase March 19, and can be pre-ordered now.
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