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Glory Lands
A Texas Piney Woods Story
Rural East Texas, 1931. Preacher’s son Emory Joe Logan and a fiddler from Shreveport, Glory Lands, meet and form a tender bond. When they are caught and arrested for homosexual acts by Sheriff Elihu Bishop, the lawman’s sanctimonious bigotry threatens to rip the young men from their families.
Emory Joe’s father, Pastor Charles Logan, is brought to his knees in terror, confusion, and anger. He still regrets not standing up against Bishop when the lawman murdered a youth in cold blood nine years ago.
Now there’s no longer a choice for the preacher to stand up to the lawman. Cold-blooded justice, bigotry-disguised-as-religion, and hatred take on a whole new meaning when they’re standing on his doorstep, ready to take the son he loves.
Rural East Texas, 1931. Preacher’s son Emory Joe Logan and a fiddler from Shreveport, Glory Lands, meet and form a tender bond. When they are caught and arrested for homosexual acts by Sheriff Elihu Bishop, the lawman’s sanctimonious bigotry threatens to rip the young men from their families.
Emory Joe’s father, Pastor Charles Logan, is brought to his knees in terror, confusion, and anger. He still regrets not standing up against Bishop when the lawman murdered a youth in cold blood nine years ago.
Now there’s no longer a choice for the preacher to stand up to the lawman. Cold-blooded justice, bigotry-disguised-as-religion, and hatred take on a whole new meaning when they’re standing on his doorstep, ready to take the son he loves.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2014
161 people want to read
About the author
Vastine Bondurant
3 books47 followersI’m Texas born and raised, an old fashioned, bling-loving girly girl. I love to read and write stories of men and women and the sizzling chemistry that draws them together. Passion. My heart is helplessly bound to romance of a time long gone- gritty, sexy stories of men in fedoras and overcoats. Old Spice Aftershave, Lucky Strike cigarettes, fancy cuff links, hair pomade, mobsters. Clandestine whispers on Bakelite telephones from the shadows of cheesy restaurant phone booths. Stories of a time when sex was all the more sexy because it wasn’t plastered on every billboard—no naked Joes and dames in every ad in every magazine. Lovemaking—hot, sweet-and-naughty, a secret between lovers. My make believe world is sex and danger, hotter than Hades but wrapped up in a deceptive package—gals with soft skin, pretty lace slips, seamed stockings, satin peignoirs, powder puffs and Chanel No. 5. And the tough guys in dress shirts and suspenders who lust to get their hands on the garters they know tease just beneath those kick pleats. I’m a goner for the dynamics of testosterone meets sugar and spice.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 29, 2014
Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.
“Softly and Tenderly”—Will L. Thompson
This book..... I truly don't know where to begin. There have been lots of 5 star books for me. I'm a star slut, what can I say. There have been many of those 5 star books that I have said "that book will stay with me for a long time". Some of those books are still with me and some are not. This book, I will never forget. It will be the story I tell in the nursing home long after dementia has robbed me of my faculties. Everyone will think it's nonsense but I'll recount the details of this story as though I witnessed them firsthand. That is the power these words had on me. I have heard people say that a book changed them. I may have said similar words myself without realizing, until now, just how much a book can change a person.
This was not an easy book to read. In fact the first few pages are downright brutal. Then you get to witness a love so pure and beautiful it brings you to tears. Lots of tears. Of course those happy tears are nothing compared to the tears of agony that just about destroyed me toward the end of this book. I sobbed and wept without control. I finally had to put the book down and take a walk outside to calm down because I could no longer see the words for the tears. I know this all sounds very melodramatic but I kid you not, these words, this story.....just absolutely amazing!
The hopeful note this book ends on is the only thing keeping me together right now. The strength of these characters and the knowledge that their love for one another got them trough the events described in this book will inspire me for the rest of my days.
Everyone enjoys different types of books. This one may not affect you the way it did me but I challenge you to read it and not cry for Emory Joe and Glory Lands.
March 3, 2014
This book made me so damn furious, I could barely read on. I had to stop and breathe many times. I was shaking. It was a visceral reaction. So prepare.
Glory Lands is not pleasant to read. It's frustrating as hell. We know that even in the best of circumstances, the MCs, living in the American Bible Belt in the 1930s, don't have a chance at a true HEA.
This book paints an ugly picture of religion in America, of the power that comes from toting a Bible and throwing out God-fear like candy. But at the same time, it hedges and shows the flip side: the good people of the congregation standing up to evil.
There is nothing but shy love and tenderness between Glory and Emory Joe. They are 19-year-old boys who meet and recognize their own secret desire in the other. They walk to a creek and kiss, exploring each other's bodies in sheer desperation. But homosexuality was a "sin of God" then, just like it is today apparently for "Christians" in Arizona who in the name of their God would strip another's right to live freely (What God is this? What God would want this?); as it is in most part of Africa and Eastern Europe; as it is in every damn state that has passed a hateful anti-same-sex-marriage amendment.
This isn't just Emory Joe and Glory's story. It's also the story of Emory Joe's dad, Charles, a preacher, who loves his son no matter what and tries to understand. Told from Emory Joe's, Glory's, and Charles's alternative POVs, Glory Lands will break you; it won't let go.
There is something mythical about this book. It's a parable of good and evil, love and hatred. There is almost a perfect story plot curve with a rising action, climax, and falling action. You know Oedipus will kill his father, but when he does it's powerful nonetheless. You expect it, but you react with horror.
I badly wanted more than I got. But what I got felt cruelly right. There is violence here and pain: the kind of pain that is inflicted in the name of a loving God. Sadly, we haven't learned much from history, because we just keep repeating it.
Glory Lands is not pleasant to read. It's frustrating as hell. We know that even in the best of circumstances, the MCs, living in the American Bible Belt in the 1930s, don't have a chance at a true HEA.
This book paints an ugly picture of religion in America, of the power that comes from toting a Bible and throwing out God-fear like candy. But at the same time, it hedges and shows the flip side: the good people of the congregation standing up to evil.
There is nothing but shy love and tenderness between Glory and Emory Joe. They are 19-year-old boys who meet and recognize their own secret desire in the other. They walk to a creek and kiss, exploring each other's bodies in sheer desperation. But homosexuality was a "sin of God" then, just like it is today apparently for "Christians" in Arizona who in the name of their God would strip another's right to live freely (What God is this? What God would want this?); as it is in most part of Africa and Eastern Europe; as it is in every damn state that has passed a hateful anti-same-sex-marriage amendment.
This isn't just Emory Joe and Glory's story. It's also the story of Emory Joe's dad, Charles, a preacher, who loves his son no matter what and tries to understand. Told from Emory Joe's, Glory's, and Charles's alternative POVs, Glory Lands will break you; it won't let go.
There is something mythical about this book. It's a parable of good and evil, love and hatred. There is almost a perfect story plot curve with a rising action, climax, and falling action. You know Oedipus will kill his father, but when he does it's powerful nonetheless. You expect it, but you react with horror.
I badly wanted more than I got. But what I got felt cruelly right. There is violence here and pain: the kind of pain that is inflicted in the name of a loving God. Sadly, we haven't learned much from history, because we just keep repeating it.
August 12, 2016
2 stars.
Too religious and all the drama goes hand in hand with Sugartown.
Too religious and all the drama goes hand in hand with Sugartown.
February 26, 2014
Emory Joe is the preacher's son, a beautiful and angelic young man. His daddy worries about him, and with good cause. In 1922 East Texas, a delicate young man like Emory Joe has to marry, even though he might be gay. Especially with the evil masquerading as Elihu Bishop, the law in town. Emory Joe and his daddy have seen the acts the sheriff is capable of, and the preacher just wants to keep his boy safe. When Glory Lands, the son of a traveling musician, comes to town with his family, the sparks fly between the two young men. They start a love affair that is forbidden and unsafe. What happens when their secret comes out into the open?
Holy hell this is good.
When I look to see what makes a book sing for me, I look to three things-story, voice and characters. This beautiful tale knocks all three out of the park.
Story - this book is set in rural 1930s Texas, and the detail necessary to make the story really shine is subtle. The town, backdrop of characters, speech and attitudes are just nailed here. The small town feel is captured so well; the people are narrow minded but not claustrophobic. It's often a a mistaken belief that all small towns are homophobic-there is always a Dutch Uncle who flies under the radar, and often there are big-hearted folks who belie the cliche. To draw this delicate story against this background is genius, and it's so well done. Not a single misstep in the plotting or execution of the story.
Voice - Bondurant's sure handed voice shines here. She is so good at nailing the backwoods characters and time-frames with a delicacy not often seen, and here, it takes a sure hand and a really fine touch to bring these characters to life. The story fairly leaps off the page with believability and passion. It's like she sat and told me the story, and I closed my eyes and was there.
Character - So often I don't enjoy historical stories because they just don't ring true to me. They oftentimes feel forced because the characters are 21st century men and women dropped into another time, and it "clunks". Not here. Emory Joe is so believable as a 1920s young man, and Glory, and the preacher. And especially the sheriff. All ring true.
All in all, this is fantastic. I can't remember a story I've enjoyed so much recently. Just well done.
Holy hell this is good.
When I look to see what makes a book sing for me, I look to three things-story, voice and characters. This beautiful tale knocks all three out of the park.
Story - this book is set in rural 1930s Texas, and the detail necessary to make the story really shine is subtle. The town, backdrop of characters, speech and attitudes are just nailed here. The small town feel is captured so well; the people are narrow minded but not claustrophobic. It's often a a mistaken belief that all small towns are homophobic-there is always a Dutch Uncle who flies under the radar, and often there are big-hearted folks who belie the cliche. To draw this delicate story against this background is genius, and it's so well done. Not a single misstep in the plotting or execution of the story.
Voice - Bondurant's sure handed voice shines here. She is so good at nailing the backwoods characters and time-frames with a delicacy not often seen, and here, it takes a sure hand and a really fine touch to bring these characters to life. The story fairly leaps off the page with believability and passion. It's like she sat and told me the story, and I closed my eyes and was there.
Character - So often I don't enjoy historical stories because they just don't ring true to me. They oftentimes feel forced because the characters are 21st century men and women dropped into another time, and it "clunks". Not here. Emory Joe is so believable as a 1920s young man, and Glory, and the preacher. And especially the sheriff. All ring true.
All in all, this is fantastic. I can't remember a story I've enjoyed so much recently. Just well done.
January 24, 2014
Oh.My.God! I am wrenched! I just finished this book and have to get some kind of closure before I can sleep. I have literally been crying NON-STOP for the last two hours it took me to finish the second half of the book! I’m still a little weepy, but I need this done. DONE!
It’s 1922, in a small East Texas town, where the law is unjust and led by the sadistic murderer Sheriff Elihu Bishop. A young musician by the name of Glory Lands, from Shreveport, Louisiana, walks into the lives of nineteen year old Emory Joe Logan and his father Pastor Charles, and sparks the fire that will change all three men’s lives forever…and will dangerously test the strength of a devoutly, religious man’s love for his son.
Told from alternating POVs between Glory, Emory Joe, and Charles, this story gripped me from the very first HORRIFIC scene, until the very last line. I was fooled into believing the sweet, beautiful romance that was blossoming between Glory and Emory Joe would easily move into a wondrous, long distanced love affair. I was WRONG!! I failed to factor in the importance of the opening scene. And if I thought THAT was horrific, I quickly learned that I had no idea of the true meaning…and the horrors one man could do to an innocent person.
I felt like I was truly being told this story by the characters themselves. The voices were distinct and engaging. And yeah, some of the descriptions were a little flowery, but it worked for me in this story. It fit in right along with all the religious bits. To me, the author did a great job of capturing that place and time…and I certainly know it’s a world I never want to be.
I would have liked to see another POV from Charles in the end. Even though I know how his story turns out, I feel like his HEA was equally as important as Emory Joe and Glory’s…and I DO believe they will get that HEA they deserve.
Highly recommended…you know? When you feel it’s time to empty out that brand new box of Kleenex? I will definitely check out more work from this author.
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
It’s 1922, in a small East Texas town, where the law is unjust and led by the sadistic murderer Sheriff Elihu Bishop. A young musician by the name of Glory Lands, from Shreveport, Louisiana, walks into the lives of nineteen year old Emory Joe Logan and his father Pastor Charles, and sparks the fire that will change all three men’s lives forever…and will dangerously test the strength of a devoutly, religious man’s love for his son.
Told from alternating POVs between Glory, Emory Joe, and Charles, this story gripped me from the very first HORRIFIC scene, until the very last line. I was fooled into believing the sweet, beautiful romance that was blossoming between Glory and Emory Joe would easily move into a wondrous, long distanced love affair. I was WRONG!! I failed to factor in the importance of the opening scene. And if I thought THAT was horrific, I quickly learned that I had no idea of the true meaning…and the horrors one man could do to an innocent person.
I felt like I was truly being told this story by the characters themselves. The voices were distinct and engaging. And yeah, some of the descriptions were a little flowery, but it worked for me in this story. It fit in right along with all the religious bits. To me, the author did a great job of capturing that place and time…and I certainly know it’s a world I never want to be.
I would have liked to see another POV from Charles in the end. Even though I know how his story turns out, I feel like his HEA was equally as important as Emory Joe and Glory’s…and I DO believe they will get that HEA they deserve.
Highly recommended…you know? When you feel it’s time to empty out that brand new box of Kleenex? I will definitely check out more work from this author.
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
February 21, 2014
Nothing makes me happier than a book that's effortless, so when the words started rolling off the page in Glory Lands, I was almost twitchy. This book was so easy to read and so well written, and just a really beautiful journey.
Without a doubt, there were many, many things to like about it, but most of all, there were the characters. Emory Joe and Glory are two young men still protected and looked out for by their fathers. Both men have lost their mothers. Their families are aware the men are different, but homosexuality was unacceptable in their time--against the law and a sin--so the families turned the other cheek.
Emory Joe is this gentle, loving soul who feels so much for those around him. He loves his daddy, Pastor Charles, deeply, and he wants to protect Charles from the sorrow he still feels over the death of Emory Joe’s mother. Emory Joe's been brought up in a God-fearing household, and he knows he's not supposed to feel the way he does when he first lays eyes and musician Glory Lands, but Emory Joe is ready to explore those feelings.
Glory, too, is this beautiful, sweet man. He's tender and protective of Emory Joe; it nearly breaks your heart to read conversations (and the love scenes, gah!) between them. Glory Lands is set in the early 1930s. You'll know when you start reading that things are not going to turn out well for these two men trying to forge a romantic relationship. It's simply a matter of how and when things will go wrong.
And wrong they do go. I promise you'll love to hate the corrupt east Texas sheriff and all-around bad guy Elihu Bishop. Never have I wanted to reach into a book and throttle a character more than I did with him. But again, the appeal of Glory Lands is that when things do go wrong, neither family shuns their son. They rally around the young men and do their best to try and make things right, even if they don't agree or understand.
My one and only beef with the book was the ending; it was just too tidy. I won't give things away, so read for yourself and let me know what you think. Me? I'd love to know what happened to the characters of Glory Lands. I can't imagine it was an easy road for any of them in that era.
I truly can't wait to read more from Vastine Bondurant; she's an incredibly gifted storyteller!
4.5 stars, rounded up
Without a doubt, there were many, many things to like about it, but most of all, there were the characters. Emory Joe and Glory are two young men still protected and looked out for by their fathers. Both men have lost their mothers. Their families are aware the men are different, but homosexuality was unacceptable in their time--against the law and a sin--so the families turned the other cheek.
Emory Joe is this gentle, loving soul who feels so much for those around him. He loves his daddy, Pastor Charles, deeply, and he wants to protect Charles from the sorrow he still feels over the death of Emory Joe’s mother. Emory Joe's been brought up in a God-fearing household, and he knows he's not supposed to feel the way he does when he first lays eyes and musician Glory Lands, but Emory Joe is ready to explore those feelings.
Glory, too, is this beautiful, sweet man. He's tender and protective of Emory Joe; it nearly breaks your heart to read conversations (and the love scenes, gah!) between them. Glory Lands is set in the early 1930s. You'll know when you start reading that things are not going to turn out well for these two men trying to forge a romantic relationship. It's simply a matter of how and when things will go wrong.
And wrong they do go. I promise you'll love to hate the corrupt east Texas sheriff and all-around bad guy Elihu Bishop. Never have I wanted to reach into a book and throttle a character more than I did with him. But again, the appeal of Glory Lands is that when things do go wrong, neither family shuns their son. They rally around the young men and do their best to try and make things right, even if they don't agree or understand.
My one and only beef with the book was the ending; it was just too tidy. I won't give things away, so read for yourself and let me know what you think. Me? I'd love to know what happened to the characters of Glory Lands. I can't imagine it was an easy road for any of them in that era.
I truly can't wait to read more from Vastine Bondurant; she's an incredibly gifted storyteller!
4.5 stars, rounded up
February 13, 2014
I read a lot of books. I like a lot of books. I fall in love over and over. But every so often a story comes along and absolutely annihilates me. Glory Lands is that story.
I'm not going to dissect the story piece by piece. I'll tell you that it's tragic, sweet, horrifying, poignant and filled with the most incredible moments of love, forgiveness, and survival. I will be honest, I cried all over my self. Ugly cries, sobbing so hard the dog and cat both came to offer comfort.
The story is beautifully written and incredibly powerful. I highly, highly recommend this story.
I'm not going to dissect the story piece by piece. I'll tell you that it's tragic, sweet, horrifying, poignant and filled with the most incredible moments of love, forgiveness, and survival. I will be honest, I cried all over my self. Ugly cries, sobbing so hard the dog and cat both came to offer comfort.
The story is beautifully written and incredibly powerful. I highly, highly recommend this story.
December 28, 2014
4.5
Wow. My heart is completely broken from this story, I didn't have shiny eyes, I had the tears coming down. These two young men, and the intolerance for them to love freely...kills me, but we see hope. I think I hadn't read this story because I was concerned based on the reviews and I'm so glad that because of a challenge, I had to read this book. It was such a great and sad story, everything was so vivid and written purely. This is a new author for me and I will be looking for other stories from them.
Wow. My heart is completely broken from this story, I didn't have shiny eyes, I had the tears coming down. These two young men, and the intolerance for them to love freely...kills me, but we see hope. I think I hadn't read this story because I was concerned based on the reviews and I'm so glad that because of a challenge, I had to read this book. It was such a great and sad story, everything was so vivid and written purely. This is a new author for me and I will be looking for other stories from them.
March 1, 2014
Review written for http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
This is the first book I have read by this author and I can say she shot straight to my favourite authors list. This story starts out with a bang and keeps that tension going throughout the entire story. WARNING: have some tissues handy.
I love a good character and this book is full of them, both good and bad. Emory Joe is a young man and a ministers son. He knows he is different, and knows it’s wrong , but he is sure he is safe since the small country town he lives in there isn’t any other like him he knows of. He is a very loving son and he and his father are very close.
His Father Charles, is the town minister and a pillar of society, he too comes across as a gentle loving likeable man. His devotion to his son is admirable. Then one day Glory Lands comes to town to perform with his family and when he and Emory meet, sparks fly. Glory also is a charming character.
The town Sherriff is a very bad man. The front of the book said he is based on a real man and that makes him even scarier. This character is evil reincarnate and the mention of his name gave me cold shivers.
This story is beautifully written with charm and a very classy style. I felt like I was right there in that little country town and back in that time era. Vastine paints a lovely picture with her words. The story is poignant, both happy and sad. I will definitely be looking for more of her books.
If you love historical fiction, stories based on real people, scary, evil bad Sheriffs, abuse of authority, charming romance and an all-over intriguing story this is for you.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I can say she shot straight to my favourite authors list. This story starts out with a bang and keeps that tension going throughout the entire story. WARNING: have some tissues handy.
I love a good character and this book is full of them, both good and bad. Emory Joe is a young man and a ministers son. He knows he is different, and knows it’s wrong , but he is sure he is safe since the small country town he lives in there isn’t any other like him he knows of. He is a very loving son and he and his father are very close.
His Father Charles, is the town minister and a pillar of society, he too comes across as a gentle loving likeable man. His devotion to his son is admirable. Then one day Glory Lands comes to town to perform with his family and when he and Emory meet, sparks fly. Glory also is a charming character.
The town Sherriff is a very bad man. The front of the book said he is based on a real man and that makes him even scarier. This character is evil reincarnate and the mention of his name gave me cold shivers.
This story is beautifully written with charm and a very classy style. I felt like I was right there in that little country town and back in that time era. Vastine paints a lovely picture with her words. The story is poignant, both happy and sad. I will definitely be looking for more of her books.
If you love historical fiction, stories based on real people, scary, evil bad Sheriffs, abuse of authority, charming romance and an all-over intriguing story this is for you.
February 25, 2014
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5
I finished this story a few days ago and I've been going over and over it, again and again, in my head.
Glory Lands by Vastine Bondurant is a powerful, gut-wrenching, and life affirming story that I will not soon forget.
The story starts off with a heart stopping scene that sets an underlying tone, but by no means is it representative of the overall feeling the story evokes. The setting of the story, both location and time (rural east Texas in the 30s—to start) seems tailor made for the events... unfortunately our modern society is often not much better, and that in and of itself is a tragedy. But I digress... or maybe I don't.
All I know is that as the characters were introduced, they became real people; what happened to them was immediate and right there in front of me. And even though I knew, just knew, that something awful was going to happen, I was so caught up in Emory Joe and Glory's story that there was no hesitation on my part. The positives far outweigh the negatives and I found myself incredibly satisfied as Vastine Bondurant's Glory Lands came to an end.
I finished this story a few days ago and I've been going over and over it, again and again, in my head.
Glory Lands by Vastine Bondurant is a powerful, gut-wrenching, and life affirming story that I will not soon forget.
The story starts off with a heart stopping scene that sets an underlying tone, but by no means is it representative of the overall feeling the story evokes. The setting of the story, both location and time (rural east Texas in the 30s—to start) seems tailor made for the events... unfortunately our modern society is often not much better, and that in and of itself is a tragedy. But I digress... or maybe I don't.
All I know is that as the characters were introduced, they became real people; what happened to them was immediate and right there in front of me. And even though I knew, just knew, that something awful was going to happen, I was so caught up in Emory Joe and Glory's story that there was no hesitation on my part. The positives far outweigh the negatives and I found myself incredibly satisfied as Vastine Bondurant's Glory Lands came to an end.
February 2, 2014
Once again, I am floored by the beautiful writing style of Vastine Bondurant. Vastine has a gift for capturing the era her stories take place in and describe it so well that you feel like you are actually there, back in that time. Glory Lands is another example of her wonderful writing. I also love how she writes from the points of view from her main characters.
The story begins in 1922 with an event that happened in real life, but sets the tone for the bad guy in the story. A young Emory Joe and his father, Charles, witness the innocent murder of Othello “Ted” Jones, a black man, by Deputy Elihu Bishop. Fast-forward to 1931, when Charles “saw something in my son, my darling Emory Joe, and wondered how I’ve been so blind all of his nineteen years to have missed it;” the day that he and Emory Joe met Glory Lands. Elihu Bishop is still the law, but is now Sheriff. No spoilers here, but have some tissues on hand. I highly recommend this story.
The story begins in 1922 with an event that happened in real life, but sets the tone for the bad guy in the story. A young Emory Joe and his father, Charles, witness the innocent murder of Othello “Ted” Jones, a black man, by Deputy Elihu Bishop. Fast-forward to 1931, when Charles “saw something in my son, my darling Emory Joe, and wondered how I’ve been so blind all of his nineteen years to have missed it;” the day that he and Emory Joe met Glory Lands. Elihu Bishop is still the law, but is now Sheriff. No spoilers here, but have some tissues on hand. I highly recommend this story.
April 1, 2014
WOW! Just wow! This book was so poignant for me. It might have had something to do with the time period and location. One set of my grandparents lived in Shreveport during this time. I know the towns, the attitudes. Time has passed. Things are better. Sometimes.
But setting alone isn't enough to pull strong emotion from me. The writing. Perfect. Period. Raw and real. This is one of those stories I'll never forget.
This was a one sitting, couldn't stop reading, kind of story.
Thanks, Vastine.
But setting alone isn't enough to pull strong emotion from me. The writing. Perfect. Period. Raw and real. This is one of those stories I'll never forget.
This was a one sitting, couldn't stop reading, kind of story.
Thanks, Vastine.
October 5, 2024
This dealt with the ugliness faced by gay men of the period, but I still found the writing style to be too melodramatic. Every sentiment was laid on heavy so that I was always aware that I was reading a story rather than being able to lose myself in it.
February 10, 2014
Wow. I'm wrecked. This one will stay with me a long long time. Packed a helluva punch for such a short book. I really can't recommend this enough.
March 24, 2014
Review to come soon.
I could never write a review as beautiful as the one J did for this so I'm just going to direct you to his review. It's perfect.
I could never write a review as beautiful as the one J did for this so I'm just going to direct you to his review. It's perfect.
February 10, 2015
Didn't do anything for me.I could enjoy simple and predictable plot when the characters are written with skill and angst is boiling high, but here...
The POV of the priest somehow dissonant to the story of the boys. Each time his voice threw me out of the book world. POVs of the boys were 100% identical to each other, no distinct voice here. Impossibility to distinguish them without going back to the start of the paragraph annoying.
It is historical only by name. Couple of old words and clothing descriptions are not enough to create the atmosphere. Its all about how people behave and what MC feels and thinks (especially true for 1st person POV). People in those times were much more religious then we are now and religion was more extreme and orthodox. The simple acceptance of their own homosexuality that boys showed, living in 1930, is mildly saying impossible. Especially for the son of a priest. So here goes historical romance part of attraction for me.
DNF 52%
The POV of the priest somehow dissonant to the story of the boys. Each time his voice threw me out of the book world. POVs of the boys were 100% identical to each other, no distinct voice here. Impossibility to distinguish them without going back to the start of the paragraph annoying.
It is historical only by name. Couple of old words and clothing descriptions are not enough to create the atmosphere. Its all about how people behave and what MC feels and thinks (especially true for 1st person POV). People in those times were much more religious then we are now and religion was more extreme and orthodox. The simple acceptance of their own homosexuality that boys showed, living in 1930, is mildly saying impossible. Especially for the son of a priest. So here goes historical romance part of attraction for me.
DNF 52%
September 27, 2014
Wow. A beautifully written, heartfelt story. This one will stick with me for a while.
July 8, 2014
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2014...
The Cover: I actually didn’t see the cover at first! A friend asked me to read an amazing book and I got an ARC from the author. I only saw the beautiful book cover later, when I was raving about the book in the currently reading section of one of my GR groups and wanted to link it to my post. It´s the kind of cover I really love, though, so I think if I had seen it somewhere, it would have caught my attention.
The title: Not having seen the cover, I was kind of expecting some nature writing like in the pioneer novel I had to analyse for university. I was really glad the title referred to one of the MCs, though. I do like nature and love beautiful descriptions like the next guy, but I was afraid the MM aspect would be in the background – which it isn´t. However, it does feel very authentically set in the recent past of Texas. I´m not sure if the title would usually have grabbed me on it’s own, but in combination with the cover it might work, as you can see that the MM aspect will be important and the glory in connection with the church that can be seen works to foreshadow the religious aspect.
The story: The book starts off with a note from the author that a real-life event moved her so much that she had to integrate it into the story. It´s a horrible act of violence that really happened in Texas and as I read the beginning of her story, it became clear to me why she needed to share it. It set a kind of omnipresent danger and tension for the novel and even in the most beautiful moments, you know they won`t last. Something will happen that will disrupt the beauty, innocence and love that so clearly feel right.
There are three main characters in this story. Emory Joe, a young man, who is the quiet, but loved and loving son of the local minister. After the events of the beginning of the book, they know that justice doesn` reign in their town. Therefore, when the minister, another of the MCs, realizes that his son seems to be attracted to another young man he met, he’s troubled.Not just because it challenges his belief system, but also because he fears what might happen to his son, if people like the Sheriff would find out. It’s a confrontation he is not ready for and he closes his eyes to the truth and pretense he doesn’t know that his son has fallen in love. The story of the shy minister`s son meeting and falling for the beautiful traveling musician is such a sweet and innocent exploration and love story that it’s nearly impossible for an open-minded reader to understand why some people could commit the most terrible crimes against their fellow brothers for being in love and belief their actions sanctioned by god. The beauty, innocence and love stand in stark contrast with what happened in the very beginning of the novel and what happens after they found each other.
Yet there is still a lot of hope to be found in this story and the end, even if not a HEA, will leave you with a satisfied smile. I loved the way this novel has been written. The style very much reminded me of the great American classic¨To Kill a Mockingbird¨. Very authentic and atmospheric. The writing is beautiful and the love story will melt your hearts. It was easy to fall for the MCs and especially the inclusion of the father, a minister struggling between faith and the unconditional love for his son, made this more than just a great MM, but a real literary masterpiece. I was able to find everything I would in a classic like ¨To Kill a Mockingbird¨ and can recommend this one not only as MM story, but as great literature in general that would be read and analysed in University, were our world a more accepting one.
I remember reading a story that criticised the bible and religion in general, by playing out the scenario of the rapture. The souls of the religious people were lifted into heaven and left zombi-like people without morals behind, as the soul didn’t control them anymore. It made me sad that any religion was shown to be bad. I’m a catholic, myself and have always believed in some way or other that there was a god or higher power. I’ve never believed that god hated me for being gay, though. For me the main messages of the bible are to treat others with love and respect and not to judge them, as that is god’s place. I was taught in our catholic religion class in one of the most conservative regions of Germany that the bible is a story book created to teach people a specific ideology.
Most of the people couldn’t read when the bible was written and the stories included were such that they could be easily understood and passed on. It’s not about everything happening exactly as the bible says, but about finding the core values that were included and to live by them. Of course, it was a document of it’s time and therefore some things are not applicable in modern times. We do not covet our neighbor’s slaves and property, because slavery is an immoral practice that has been mostly eradicated in our times. It was normal when the bible was written and even when Moses led his people out of Egypt, it was described that they had slaves themselves.
To me it has always been quite obvious that the bible is not the word of god verbatim. It was written by men with all their flaws and prejudices. It does still have many valuable lessons and an ideology that hasn’t lasted for such a long time for nothing. But it’s not infallible and whenever people use words of a bible they do not completely understand to commit even greater sins than the things they perceive as unnatural and wrong, it’s clear to me that they use the words to justify their own prejudices and hatred.
I loved that this novella showed that not every religious person is bad and religion can give strength and a moral guideline. There are just people, who make specific words more important than the messages of love and acceptance that can be found in the bible. Who use the words as weapons to hurt others and gain power.
I loved seeing the minister struggle with his faith in a way that was neither preachy nor let the prejudices win. There was strength in these characters and in their own beliefs. I really hope that there will be a follow-up novel to see how the city deals with the events of this first book and what the consequences will be. The story of the two lovers was brought to a satisfying and hopeful conclusion, but I felt like the minister’s story and the story of the city wasn’t finished yet. I am craving more ;)
GO read it, you won`t regret it ;)
The Cover: I actually didn’t see the cover at first! A friend asked me to read an amazing book and I got an ARC from the author. I only saw the beautiful book cover later, when I was raving about the book in the currently reading section of one of my GR groups and wanted to link it to my post. It´s the kind of cover I really love, though, so I think if I had seen it somewhere, it would have caught my attention.
The title: Not having seen the cover, I was kind of expecting some nature writing like in the pioneer novel I had to analyse for university. I was really glad the title referred to one of the MCs, though. I do like nature and love beautiful descriptions like the next guy, but I was afraid the MM aspect would be in the background – which it isn´t. However, it does feel very authentically set in the recent past of Texas. I´m not sure if the title would usually have grabbed me on it’s own, but in combination with the cover it might work, as you can see that the MM aspect will be important and the glory in connection with the church that can be seen works to foreshadow the religious aspect.
The story: The book starts off with a note from the author that a real-life event moved her so much that she had to integrate it into the story. It´s a horrible act of violence that really happened in Texas and as I read the beginning of her story, it became clear to me why she needed to share it. It set a kind of omnipresent danger and tension for the novel and even in the most beautiful moments, you know they won`t last. Something will happen that will disrupt the beauty, innocence and love that so clearly feel right.
There are three main characters in this story. Emory Joe, a young man, who is the quiet, but loved and loving son of the local minister. After the events of the beginning of the book, they know that justice doesn` reign in their town. Therefore, when the minister, another of the MCs, realizes that his son seems to be attracted to another young man he met, he’s troubled.Not just because it challenges his belief system, but also because he fears what might happen to his son, if people like the Sheriff would find out. It’s a confrontation he is not ready for and he closes his eyes to the truth and pretense he doesn’t know that his son has fallen in love. The story of the shy minister`s son meeting and falling for the beautiful traveling musician is such a sweet and innocent exploration and love story that it’s nearly impossible for an open-minded reader to understand why some people could commit the most terrible crimes against their fellow brothers for being in love and belief their actions sanctioned by god. The beauty, innocence and love stand in stark contrast with what happened in the very beginning of the novel and what happens after they found each other.
Yet there is still a lot of hope to be found in this story and the end, even if not a HEA, will leave you with a satisfied smile. I loved the way this novel has been written. The style very much reminded me of the great American classic¨To Kill a Mockingbird¨. Very authentic and atmospheric. The writing is beautiful and the love story will melt your hearts. It was easy to fall for the MCs and especially the inclusion of the father, a minister struggling between faith and the unconditional love for his son, made this more than just a great MM, but a real literary masterpiece. I was able to find everything I would in a classic like ¨To Kill a Mockingbird¨ and can recommend this one not only as MM story, but as great literature in general that would be read and analysed in University, were our world a more accepting one.
I remember reading a story that criticised the bible and religion in general, by playing out the scenario of the rapture. The souls of the religious people were lifted into heaven and left zombi-like people without morals behind, as the soul didn’t control them anymore. It made me sad that any religion was shown to be bad. I’m a catholic, myself and have always believed in some way or other that there was a god or higher power. I’ve never believed that god hated me for being gay, though. For me the main messages of the bible are to treat others with love and respect and not to judge them, as that is god’s place. I was taught in our catholic religion class in one of the most conservative regions of Germany that the bible is a story book created to teach people a specific ideology.
Most of the people couldn’t read when the bible was written and the stories included were such that they could be easily understood and passed on. It’s not about everything happening exactly as the bible says, but about finding the core values that were included and to live by them. Of course, it was a document of it’s time and therefore some things are not applicable in modern times. We do not covet our neighbor’s slaves and property, because slavery is an immoral practice that has been mostly eradicated in our times. It was normal when the bible was written and even when Moses led his people out of Egypt, it was described that they had slaves themselves.
To me it has always been quite obvious that the bible is not the word of god verbatim. It was written by men with all their flaws and prejudices. It does still have many valuable lessons and an ideology that hasn’t lasted for such a long time for nothing. But it’s not infallible and whenever people use words of a bible they do not completely understand to commit even greater sins than the things they perceive as unnatural and wrong, it’s clear to me that they use the words to justify their own prejudices and hatred.
I loved that this novella showed that not every religious person is bad and religion can give strength and a moral guideline. There are just people, who make specific words more important than the messages of love and acceptance that can be found in the bible. Who use the words as weapons to hurt others and gain power.
I loved seeing the minister struggle with his faith in a way that was neither preachy nor let the prejudices win. There was strength in these characters and in their own beliefs. I really hope that there will be a follow-up novel to see how the city deals with the events of this first book and what the consequences will be. The story of the two lovers was brought to a satisfying and hopeful conclusion, but I felt like the minister’s story and the story of the city wasn’t finished yet. I am craving more ;)
GO read it, you won`t regret it ;)
March 30, 2014
I wish there were more stars to give this book because not only is the writing style brilliant, the author took some very sensitive topics and brought it front and center in this book. If you can read this story and not be affected, or at least brought to examine your beliefs then I am not sure how you escaped it.
Emory Joe was just a country boy in the 1930’s. Shy, timid and what most felt weak, he was the son of a preacher. His mother had passed on and he was considered a valued partner for his father in the years of loneliness that followed his mother’s death.
Charles was the father. He knew something wasn’t normal with his son Emory Joe, but he just assumed that the boy had his mother’s soft touch and tender heart. It wasn’t till he watched his son look at the traveling musician Glory Lands that he began to connect the dots that maybe his son was gay. How was a preacher supposed to protect and support his son, when homosexuality was against the word of God?
Glory felt something deep for Emory the first time he laid eyes on him. Knowing that there was no way the two of them could explore their feelings, he had to try to find a way to spend time with Emory. Maybe just being with him as friends would be enough to put out the fire he felt brewing in his body and heart.
The problem is, in this small country backwards town, the sheriff has a lot of pull as to what goes on and who is allowed to stay. Unfortunately for this town, the Sheriff Bishop is the one in charge. While professing his belief in God, he has taken on the role of judge and jury in the town. He is allowed years to hand down his punishments because the town’s people are scared of him. NO one wants to be his next target.
Glory Lands, deals with homosexuality between two young men searching for the freedom to express their desires. It is about a father who must decide if he will stand firm in what he teaches every Sunday or support his son in life. This is about a town deciding if they can stand up to the sheriff and stop the abuse he hands out to those he decides needs to die. So many elements in this story that will leave you on the edge of your seat and find yourself questioning what you would do if you were in this town.
Brilliant writing, meaningful characters and a story that will stay with you for a long time after you turn the last page. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
Reviewed by Tbird for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
Emory Joe was just a country boy in the 1930’s. Shy, timid and what most felt weak, he was the son of a preacher. His mother had passed on and he was considered a valued partner for his father in the years of loneliness that followed his mother’s death.
Charles was the father. He knew something wasn’t normal with his son Emory Joe, but he just assumed that the boy had his mother’s soft touch and tender heart. It wasn’t till he watched his son look at the traveling musician Glory Lands that he began to connect the dots that maybe his son was gay. How was a preacher supposed to protect and support his son, when homosexuality was against the word of God?
Glory felt something deep for Emory the first time he laid eyes on him. Knowing that there was no way the two of them could explore their feelings, he had to try to find a way to spend time with Emory. Maybe just being with him as friends would be enough to put out the fire he felt brewing in his body and heart.
The problem is, in this small country backwards town, the sheriff has a lot of pull as to what goes on and who is allowed to stay. Unfortunately for this town, the Sheriff Bishop is the one in charge. While professing his belief in God, he has taken on the role of judge and jury in the town. He is allowed years to hand down his punishments because the town’s people are scared of him. NO one wants to be his next target.
Glory Lands, deals with homosexuality between two young men searching for the freedom to express their desires. It is about a father who must decide if he will stand firm in what he teaches every Sunday or support his son in life. This is about a town deciding if they can stand up to the sheriff and stop the abuse he hands out to those he decides needs to die. So many elements in this story that will leave you on the edge of your seat and find yourself questioning what you would do if you were in this town.
Brilliant writing, meaningful characters and a story that will stay with you for a long time after you turn the last page. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
Reviewed by Tbird for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
May 5, 2014
A breathless discovery of a forbidden and sensual love…
I loved this story. I wish I could give it ten stars.
The best thing about Glory Lands is its portrayal of two young men falling in love for the first time. Their initial coming together is a sensual, sexy story that unfolds at just the right pace. I felt all their breathless, trembling discovery of what it means to love and to truly make love to another person.
Ms. Bondurant explores every nuance of this tender love with sensitivity and an artist’s touch, painting with words and capturing that feeling of excitement, freshness and wonder. The scenes move with perfect realism from innocence to sexually satisfying and deeply emotional sharing of the boys’ whole selves with each other.
As with any beautiful thing, there are always those who take such beauty as a personal attack. They want to crush the light out because their cold hearts are threatened in the presence of its warmth. The boys learn, in the most painful way possible, that there can be terrible consequences for following one’s heart. They learn about loss, sacrifice and bravery as well.
But Glory Lands is about more than just romantic love. The special bond between fathers and sons is also deeply explored, as is the topic of what it means to have spiritual devotion. What it means to be a believer and to love each other, truly to love each other. To be human. To forgive. To heal and grow.
Glory Lands is a powerful story about love in all its variations and what it means to be human.
I loved this story. I wish I could give it ten stars.
The best thing about Glory Lands is its portrayal of two young men falling in love for the first time. Their initial coming together is a sensual, sexy story that unfolds at just the right pace. I felt all their breathless, trembling discovery of what it means to love and to truly make love to another person.
Ms. Bondurant explores every nuance of this tender love with sensitivity and an artist’s touch, painting with words and capturing that feeling of excitement, freshness and wonder. The scenes move with perfect realism from innocence to sexually satisfying and deeply emotional sharing of the boys’ whole selves with each other.
As with any beautiful thing, there are always those who take such beauty as a personal attack. They want to crush the light out because their cold hearts are threatened in the presence of its warmth. The boys learn, in the most painful way possible, that there can be terrible consequences for following one’s heart. They learn about loss, sacrifice and bravery as well.
But Glory Lands is about more than just romantic love. The special bond between fathers and sons is also deeply explored, as is the topic of what it means to have spiritual devotion. What it means to be a believer and to love each other, truly to love each other. To be human. To forgive. To heal and grow.
Glory Lands is a powerful story about love in all its variations and what it means to be human.
December 28, 2014
This book is pure love, pain, heartbreaking, finding strength inside of you.
I couldn't stop crying for a week after reading it. I've decided just now to write a review because crying and writing wasn't an option in my mind, at that time.
I don't like spoilers so I'm not going to write much but you need to read this book with an open mind. I'm not talking about the two guys but I'm talking about hate: people can be so diabolic that can really destroy you: this kind of people has always been part of our society so please don't say:"Too strong!" "Too bad to be true" etc..
But, the love of a father for his son and two hearts that want to be one because it's right, it's something powerful.
5 to 5 stars.
I couldn't stop crying for a week after reading it. I've decided just now to write a review because crying and writing wasn't an option in my mind, at that time.
I don't like spoilers so I'm not going to write much but you need to read this book with an open mind. I'm not talking about the two guys but I'm talking about hate: people can be so diabolic that can really destroy you: this kind of people has always been part of our society so please don't say:"Too strong!" "Too bad to be true" etc..
But, the love of a father for his son and two hearts that want to be one because it's right, it's something powerful.
5 to 5 stars.
March 31, 2014
a strong story from the heart. I loved it. a must read.
June 30, 2015
good story with a hopeful ending. would have liked to see someone get what was coming to them--but as I said it was hopeful
April 12, 2014
Beautiful writing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews