Glory Road – Lauren K. Denton – Thomas Nelson – Published 19 March 2019

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Synopsis

At thirty-eight, garden shop owner Jessie McBride thinks her chances for romance are years behind her and, after her failed marriage, she’s fine with that. She lives contentedly with her fiery mother and her quiet, headstrong daughter. But the unexpected arrival of two men on Glory Road make her question if she’s really happy with the status quo. Handsome, wealthy Sumner Tate asks her to arrange flowers for his daughter’s wedding, and Jessie finds herself drawn to his continued attention. And Ben Bradley, her lingering what-could-have-been from high school days who’s known her better than anyone and whom she hasn’t seen in years, moves back to the red dirt road. Jessie finds her heart being pulled in directions she never expected.

Meanwhile, Jessie’s fourteen-year-old daughter, Evan, is approaching the start of high school and trying to navigate a new world of identity and 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, increasingly finds herself forgetful and faces a potentially frightening future.

As all three women navigate the uncertain paths of their hearts and futures, one summer promises to bring change–whether they’re ready for it or not.

My thoughts

In the midst of a stressful and very busy week it was such a pleasure to sink into Glory Road each night (and morning and lunchtime and basically any minute I could squeeze into my day). The relaxed, restful and charming nature and setting of this book was simply delightful and such a pleasure to enjoy. Glory Road is a multigenerational story of growing up, loving and learning.

Leaving a broken marriage behind, Jessie McBride and her teenaged daughter, Evan, have returned to the safety and comfort of home along Glory Road. Together, Jessie, Evan and Jessie’s mother, Gus run a garden shop. This summer, each will face changes, new men in their lives and new directions for their future.

A story of three generations of women, Gus, Jessie, and Evan each take turns featuring in the chapters in Glory Road. Jessie loves the peace she has found on Glory Road, her hands in the soil and coaxing life from the plants she tends. But things are about to get a shake up when not one but two men walk into her life. Evan is starting high school and is balancing new relationships, growing up and making decisions about who she wants to be. Gus is also facing big changes in her life with the onset of a frightening and life changing disease but also enjoying her life with her daughter and granddaughter and the joy of a new love with a kind and gentle man. Together, these three women form a strong and loving family. They support each other, annoy and challenge each other, quip, tease and love. Their bonds are tangible, and a beautiful thing to enjoy.

I love books about gardening and gardens – there seem to be so few of them – and this one really revels in the beauty of the soil, plants and new life. I absolutely love the cover and it so perfectly reflects the peace and beauty of this book.

There is plenty of romance in this book, for all three women. While all at very different stages of their lives they each experience an awakening of the heart and how that might change things for their futures.

Glory Road is a charming novel, perfect for relaxing with.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

More information

Category: Adult fiction

Genre: Women’s fiction.

Themes: Family, gardens, romance, wedding, flowers, coming of age, Alzheimers.

Advisory: Vague sexual references.

Published: 19 March 2019 by Thomas Nelson.

Format: Hardcover, paperback, ebook, audiobook. 368 pages.

ISBN: 9780785225225

Find it on Goodreads