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The Triumph of It All
It’s hard to come home again—you never know what’s waiting there for you...
Grier Warren won’t be waltzing back into Tennessee as the same woman who left it. When she flew to California ten years before, she was a loser, but now? She’s the picture of success. She’s ready to show everyone she left behind how wrong they were about her. She’ll show her former best friend, Shaw, that he made a large mistake by forgetting her and letting go of the amazing relationship that they’d had, the one that had been the most important thing in her life.
He had the chance to make something of himself, too, but apparently he wasted it. Instead of being like Grier, always successful, always a winner, Shaw has let himself turn into a semi-recluse—and that has nothing to do with their past. It’s not her fault, it’s not the fault of her family, it’s not because of the accident, it’s not because of the money, and it’s not anyone’s problem but his own. Right?
It’s hard to come home again, when old friendships turn more complicated and old problems threaten to derail all the triumph of your wonderful life. The future for Grier and Shaw will have to be something new, something beyond the what they shared in high school. But what will they do if the past just won’t let them go?
Can they hold on to each other?
Grier Warren won’t be waltzing back into Tennessee as the same woman who left it. When she flew to California ten years before, she was a loser, but now? She’s the picture of success. She’s ready to show everyone she left behind how wrong they were about her. She’ll show her former best friend, Shaw, that he made a large mistake by forgetting her and letting go of the amazing relationship that they’d had, the one that had been the most important thing in her life.
He had the chance to make something of himself, too, but apparently he wasted it. Instead of being like Grier, always successful, always a winner, Shaw has let himself turn into a semi-recluse—and that has nothing to do with their past. It’s not her fault, it’s not the fault of her family, it’s not because of the accident, it’s not because of the money, and it’s not anyone’s problem but his own. Right?
It’s hard to come home again, when old friendships turn more complicated and old problems threaten to derail all the triumph of your wonderful life. The future for Grier and Shaw will have to be something new, something beyond the what they shared in high school. But what will they do if the past just won’t let them go?
Can they hold on to each other?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2024
38 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 23, 2024
This h had the most terrible life and she was constantly being humiliated and faced with things that she was not responsible for, but nonetheless was stuck with. The H had sex with another woman after he and the h got back in touch and I never really saw that he didn’t feel anything but superior to her at all times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Another interesting character-driven story (with sweet romance!) from this author, whose work I always enjoy. This one took place in the Tennessee world, so there were cameos from other characters who have had books, and Amber McCourt, the bossy, interfering mother of some of the heroines from the previous books, was a secondary character so it meant more to me that I was familiar with her from before, though it does standalone if you don't care about that sort of thing.
The heroine, Grier, was super interesting (and frustrating, like this author's heroines often are) as an unreliable narrator because she lies to herself (and everyone else) almost in a manifesting kind of way, but really as a way to function because so much in her life has gone wrong, mostly caused by her crap parents.
The romance comes in the form of a boy, Shaw, who was her only friend in high school, best friend, and they were parted by an awful event ten years ago, the details of which become more clear as the book goes on. She has come back home to Tennessee and they have several antagonistic encounters - often because Grier gets in her own way - but slowly work their way back to the friendship they both cherished. As with most of this author's books, the romance is slow and subtle, with no real steam to speak of. The emphasis is on the character's journey and it is unique to this author. Not everyone will enjoy this style, but I sure do, and flew through this one like I have all of her books.
Another interesting character-driven story (with sweet romance!) from this author, whose work I always enjoy. This one took place in the Tennessee world, so there were cameos from other characters who have had books, and Amber McCourt, the bossy, interfering mother of some of the heroines from the previous books, was a secondary character so it meant more to me that I was familiar with her from before, though it does standalone if you don't care about that sort of thing.
The heroine, Grier, was super interesting (and frustrating, like this author's heroines often are) as an unreliable narrator because she lies to herself (and everyone else) almost in a manifesting kind of way, but really as a way to function because so much in her life has gone wrong, mostly caused by her crap parents.
The romance comes in the form of a boy, Shaw, who was her only friend in high school, best friend, and they were parted by an awful event ten years ago, the details of which become more clear as the book goes on. She has come back home to Tennessee and they have several antagonistic encounters - often because Grier gets in her own way - but slowly work their way back to the friendship they both cherished. As with most of this author's books, the romance is slow and subtle, with no real steam to speak of. The emphasis is on the character's journey and it is unique to this author. Not everyone will enjoy this style, but I sure do, and flew through this one like I have all of her books.
March 10, 2024
I generally enjoy Bennett’s books, especially as they’re often fabulous slow-burn romances. I’m not sure this could be called a romance when it felt like her love interest was rarely around and was dating/sleeping with someone else a solid 60% of the way into the book. I wasn’t feeling the build in the MC romance/relationship at all and it felt really rushed at the end. It felt more like a character development for the FMC who had a superbly crappy childhood and a skewed sense of self into her early adulthood. I think I was more invested in her “adopted” mother-daughter relationship with Amber McCourt than with the MMC. It never really felt like the MMc saw her as anything other than an annoying kid and blamed her THIRTEEN YEAR OLD self for crap that happened.
Single POV bonus
Single POV bonus
March 27, 2025
I’ve said this before but it’s worth noting again - I love Jamie Bennett. What I love most about her writing is that her characters are all so unique. Their personalities are strong and unique and genuine. Unfortunately, I hated Grier. To me, her social awkwardness was over the top. Any other author and I would have DNF this book. However I knew JB would give a heartwarming understanding from a different point of view. I’m glad I read this book but it is by far my least favorite of hers. Grier was really trying to just figure out how to overcome her shyness and insecurities. But she came off much too egotistical and mean. A lot of her interactions were cringeworthy. Thank goodness Shaw was so kind and remembered her true self. Jamie Bennett brings out the empathy in her readers, for sure, but I struggled being empathetic at times.
Of course, the ending was spectacularly heartwarming but it was too much of a struggle for me.
Of course, the ending was spectacularly heartwarming but it was too much of a struggle for me.
February 13, 2024
JB writes fantastically flawed and sometimes disturbed characters, but the best friendship between a 13yo girl and a 16yo boy just...
Anyway, they're adults in the present who haven't seen each other in over a decade, and luckily there's no flashbacks, just memories and recollections, and it works really well. Except for that age thing.
They both overcame some pretty bad odds, and the h's entire life was pretty awful but she was determined to be horribly happy, and it was cute seeing them rediscover each other.
Anyway, they're adults in the present who haven't seen each other in over a decade, and luckily there's no flashbacks, just memories and recollections, and it works really well. Except for that age thing.
They both overcame some pretty bad odds, and the h's entire life was pretty awful but she was determined to be horribly happy, and it was cute seeing them rediscover each other.
March 12, 2024
I typically love Jamie’s books but when she misses she misses hard. I couldn’t really get into the characters or the premise of the book. I think I’m kind of tired of these desperate girls/woman and their terrible life situations. Yes I know there is growth but it’s hard to read. And also I HATE Amber can we please not have her in any more books! She is honestly the most annoying book character ever. I hate every word that comes out of her mouth. I hated her in her daughters books and I still do. Please save us all from having to listen to her sanctimonious bull*%#$.
March 19, 2024
the best!
Every book I read by Jamie Bennett I end with thinking that was the best, then I read the next book and think the same thing. Love how the people she writes about are so real with their own quirks and faults which just makes you want only the best for them. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Every book I read by Jamie Bennett I end with thinking that was the best, then I read the next book and think the same thing. Love how the people she writes about are so real with their own quirks and faults which just makes you want only the best for them. Can’t wait to read the next one!
October 3, 2024
The Triumph of It All was another enjoyable and comforting story by Jamie Bennett. I enjoyed the rekindled friendship between Grier and Shaw. I liked how Grier learned that people didn’t see her the way that she thought they did.
February 10, 2024
I just finished, my face is still wet with tears! This really really touched me, I couldn’t stop crying! I loved so much!
February 24, 2024
nothing like her emotional writing
half depressing half uplifting
these books theme on the power of transformation and this one is a tear jerker and very emotive.
half depressing half uplifting
these books theme on the power of transformation and this one is a tear jerker and very emotive.
March 7, 2024
Loved it! The characters just draw you in!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews