Lauren K. Denton is a southern writer who writes about the people and culture of the lower southern American states. I was first introduced to her writing when I read The Hideaway. I enjoyed the time-slip novel and the characters. Her second novel, Hurricane Season, didn't wow me like the first one. But then I heard she was writing another novel entitled Glory Road. I prayed it was as well-written as The Hideaway was. Fortunately for Denton, I really enjoyed Glory Road.
Her writing is clear and concise. She does a wonderful job at creating the southern way of life and bringing it to life for this Yankee. I have visited the south once to visit my aunt, but I have really never traveled down there. I have spent most of my life traveling across the northern part of the country. But Denton allows me to experience and slower and more polite way of life in her novels through her characters.
I really liked this coming of age story with Evan and flashbacks told in third person from Jessie. I really liked how she dived into the realistic dilemmas of a teenager and a mother who are trying to survive after moving home ten years ago. As for Gus, the grandmother or mother, who is dealing with the early signs of forgetfulness, she gripped my heart with her boastful mouth, but then I felt bad when she couldn't remember simple things. I liked seeing Evan, the teenage girl, struggle with life and early romance.
The story doesn't just feature the mother's romance. It features all three heroines. I enjoyed seeing them ride the rollercoaster of emotions as they chased the different feelings weaving through their lives. The romance didn't overshadow the main storyline. It strengthens the women and made each of them stronger heroines.
Overall, Glory Road by Lauren K. Denton was a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. I loved seeing three generations of strong women and watching them interact with each other with love and respect. It was a relief with all the hatred floating around through the generations today. It was a nice change. I enjoyed the novel, and I believe fans of Catherine West and Beth K. Vogt might enjoy this literary women's fiction novel too.
I received a complimentary copy of Glory Road by Lauren K. Denton from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.