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Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen: A Novel
Sometimes you have to return to the place where you began, to arrive at the place where you belong.
It's the early 1970s. The town of Ringgold, Georgia, has a population of 1,923, one traffic light, one Dairy Queen, and one Catherine Grace Cline. The daughter of Ringgold's third-generation Baptist preacher, Catherine Grace is quick-witted, more than a little stubborn, and dying to escape her small-town life.
Every Saturday afternoon, she sits at the Dairy Queen, eating Dilly Bars and plotting her getaway to Atlanta. And when, with the help of a family friend, the dream becomes a reality, she immediately packs her bags, leaving her family and the boy she loves to claim the life she's always imagined. But before things have even begun to get off the ground in Atlanta, tragedy brings Catherine Grace back home. As a series of extraordinary events alter her perspective and sweeping changes come to Ringgold itself Catherine Grace begins to wonder if her place in the world may actually be, against all odds, right where she began.
Intelligent, charming, and utterly readable, Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen marks the debut of a talented new literary voice.
It's the early 1970s. The town of Ringgold, Georgia, has a population of 1,923, one traffic light, one Dairy Queen, and one Catherine Grace Cline. The daughter of Ringgold's third-generation Baptist preacher, Catherine Grace is quick-witted, more than a little stubborn, and dying to escape her small-town life.
Every Saturday afternoon, she sits at the Dairy Queen, eating Dilly Bars and plotting her getaway to Atlanta. And when, with the help of a family friend, the dream becomes a reality, she immediately packs her bags, leaving her family and the boy she loves to claim the life she's always imagined. But before things have even begun to get off the ground in Atlanta, tragedy brings Catherine Grace back home. As a series of extraordinary events alter her perspective and sweeping changes come to Ringgold itself Catherine Grace begins to wonder if her place in the world may actually be, against all odds, right where she began.
Intelligent, charming, and utterly readable, Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen marks the debut of a talented new literary voice.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
881 people are currently reading
12290 people want to read
About the author
Susan Gregg Gilmore
7 books422 followersSusan Gregg Gilmore's fourth novel, The Curious Calling of Leonard Bush (Blair), will be released August 25.
Although her artist mother bought Gilmore her first easel and box of paints when she was five, it was her father's love of family storytelling that captured her attention.
Gilmore knew at an early age that she wanted to write but was first drawn to journalism not fiction. While at the University of Virginia, she wrote for the student paper, The Cavalier Daily.
Later, while raising her three daughters, she joined the staff of The Chattanooga News Free Press as a features writer and columnist. After relocating to Southern California, she regularly freelanced for The Los Angeles Times and Christian Science Monitor.
Her first novel, Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen, was a USA TODAY and AMAZON bestseller and is rooted in summer vacations spent with her paternal grandmother and grandfather, a revival-bred preacher, who after church on Sundays, always took his granddaughters to the Dairy Queen.
Gilmore currently lives in Chattanooga with her husband, Dan.
Although her artist mother bought Gilmore her first easel and box of paints when she was five, it was her father's love of family storytelling that captured her attention.
Gilmore knew at an early age that she wanted to write but was first drawn to journalism not fiction. While at the University of Virginia, she wrote for the student paper, The Cavalier Daily.
Later, while raising her three daughters, she joined the staff of The Chattanooga News Free Press as a features writer and columnist. After relocating to Southern California, she regularly freelanced for The Los Angeles Times and Christian Science Monitor.
Her first novel, Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen, was a USA TODAY and AMAZON bestseller and is rooted in summer vacations spent with her paternal grandmother and grandfather, a revival-bred preacher, who after church on Sundays, always took his granddaughters to the Dairy Queen.
Gilmore currently lives in Chattanooga with her husband, Dan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,853 reviews
April 13, 2025
The story is narrated by Catherine Grace Cline, who's looking back at her formative years in Georgia, starting with her childhood.
*****
Young Catherine Grace Cline lives in Ringgold, Georgia, a small town where everyone knows your business "down to the color of underwear your mama bought you at the Dollar General Store."
It's the early 1970s and Catherine Grace is still in grade school, but she has big plans. Unlike some of her friends, Catherine Grace doesn't aspire to marry a local boy and nurture a tomato patch. She plans to have an exciting career among the bright lights of Atlanta.
Catherine Grace lost her mama when she was six, and she and her younger sister Martha Ann live with their daddy - the local Baptist Preacher.
The closest thing Catherine Grace has to a mother is the next door neighbor Gloria Jean Graves, who nurtures the Cline girls like they were her own.
Gloria Jean is an anomaly in conservative Ringgold since she's a colorful fashionista - literally.....she has auburn hair, wears eye shadow, and polishes her nails. Moreover, Gloria Jean has been married and divorced five times.
Catherine Grace and Martha Ann LOVE to hear Gloria Jean talk about her husbands and her weddings, but other Ringgold citizens are scandalized by the woman's past.
Nevertheless, Gloria Jean is worldly wise, and helps young Catherine Grace become a strawberry jam entrepreneur.....so the girl can save money to fulfill her dreams.
Other significant adults in Catherine Grace's life are: Mrs. Gulbenk - the 80-year-old home economics teacher who's passionate about tomatoes and proper etiquette;
Miss Raines - the Sunday school teacher who has a crush on the widowed Preacher;
Mrs. Huckstep - who manipulates every situation to favor her privileged granddaughter Emma Sue;
Mr. Tucker - the manager of the Dollar General Store;
And Eddie Franklin - who runs the Dairy Queen.
For good or bad, all these people affect Catherine Grace's life.
Every Saturday afternoon, Catherine Grace and Martha Ann go to the Dairy Queen, where they buy Dilly Bars, sit on a bench, and talk about their future.
Catherine Grace hopes to work for a department store in Atlanta, and plans for Martha Ann to join her there eventually.
Catherine Grace's best friend is Lolly Dempsey - a girl whose neglectful, dismissive mother never wanted her. Other classmates include prissy Ruthie Morgan - whose mama is an attractive, accomplished homemaker and whose father is a World War II hero; and the aforementioned Emma Sue - who's spoiled rotten by her grandma.
Catherine Grace goes to church every Sunday, and often prays to Jesus for help. But the girl's pleas to bring her mama back fall on deaf ears - as do her repeated requests to find the golden egg at the Easter egg hunt and win the Sword Drill Medal at the Bible competition. Catherine Grace is dismayed at the lack of assistance, but never loses her faith.
As the years pass, Catherine Grace acquires a handsome boyfriend named Hank Blankenship, but nothing will deflect the girl from her goal. Thus, on her 18th birthday Catherine Grace moves to Atlanta, where she gets a job in a department store, and rents a room in Mrs. Mabie's home.
Mrs Mabie and her maid Flora are wonderful to Catherine Grace, and it almost seems like heaven is smiling down on her after all.
Then circumstances require Catherine Grace to return to Ringgold, and her life takes a dramatic and unexpected turn.
I enjoyed the novel, which is earnest, funny, and heartrending.....filled with memorable characters.....and has the feel of a Southern classic. Highly recommended.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
November 14, 2021
The southern women and girls in this novel simply reach out and pull the reader in. If you grew up in a small town, particularly in the south, you know these folks; if you did not, this is what you will find.
Small quaint towns, where everyone knows his neighbor's business, generally have deeply buried secrets.
There is always a young girl that is completely obsessed with getting out of that town, as soon as possible. She may even pick strawberries by the bushel, turn them into mouth-watering jam and sell the jars to start her "get out of town fund".
There will be a town "harlot", because she is single, style-y and sassy. Often, she is the kindest, most nuturing soul. There will be a tragic death of a young mother leaving her little two girls alone with their father (the town preacher, of course).
There will be an iconic southern food, served from a classic place; in this case, Dilly Bars from the Dairy Queen.
Susan Gregg Gilmore perfectly captures this essence, particularly with the dialogue. Oh, and she adds the twists that bring this from a typical "steel magnolias" story to something richer, deeper, closer to home.
Small quaint towns, where everyone knows his neighbor's business, generally have deeply buried secrets.
There is always a young girl that is completely obsessed with getting out of that town, as soon as possible. She may even pick strawberries by the bushel, turn them into mouth-watering jam and sell the jars to start her "get out of town fund".
There will be a town "harlot", because she is single, style-y and sassy. Often, she is the kindest, most nuturing soul. There will be a tragic death of a young mother leaving her little two girls alone with their father (the town preacher, of course).
There will be an iconic southern food, served from a classic place; in this case, Dilly Bars from the Dairy Queen.
Susan Gregg Gilmore perfectly captures this essence, particularly with the dialogue. Oh, and she adds the twists that bring this from a typical "steel magnolias" story to something richer, deeper, closer to home.
October 10, 2025
“…Jesus talked in parables because people have a tendency to hear but not listen. They look but don’t see.”
I was at my local library and found this book staring at me on the shelf. It seemed like the perfect escape read. So, I checked it out and brought it home.
The minute I began reading this book, I couldn’t help but experience a warm, cozy backwoods country feeling to the author’s storytelling. I could sense her wanting readers to feel the simple life that was boring her narrator, and main protagonist, Catherine Grace Cline.
And through her voice, readers could feel a delightful coming-of-age story that follows Catherine Grace growing up in a small rural town in Georgia in the early 1970’s.
Early in the narrative, prayers from Catherine Grace were to wake up and find herself some place else. And, even though her prayers weren’t coming true, as readers we could still understand and appreciate her desires.
I remember how happy I was when I moved from the suburbs of Orange County, California, less than a mile from Disneyland to the quieter life of San Luis Obispo County. Moving here included the opportunity to buy a home, walking distance to the beach. In southern California we were surrounded by freeways and traffic, and, lots of activity, that appealed to my young sons. Especially having Knottsberry Farm, and Disneyland within a short distance.
At the time I came to San Luis Obispo County to work at the local college as a program Director and Instructor, there wasn’t even a traffic signal past the local university, the jail off of Hwy 1, or the community college I worked at, until a few miles in to Morro Bay. Things have obviously changed since then. But I do remember how once my kids were old enough to move out of the county, they did. 😢They believed they wanted more action and city life.
So, listening to Catherine Grace, the oldest daughter of the town preacher, talk about her desire to leave Ringgold, Georgia, brings back those memories of my sons’ feelings about small-town life. And, also what I could appreciate about it, even if our narrator could not.
Eventually, Catherine Grace fulfills her desire to leave. After graduation from high school, she takes off for the big city. Leaving family, a devoted boyfriend, and friends behind.
Will she find what she needs in the big city? Will the big city be enough, especially when Catherine Grace is called back home?
Throughout the story, readers are meeting a delightfully fleshed out cast of characters, including Catherine Grace’s family and many neighbors.
But even as Catherine Grace yearns for the city life, something brings her back home. What happened to bring her back, and, what will she learn about herself, her family and her neighbors? Will it be enough to keep her from leaving again?
There will be secrets and lies, to keep readers engaged, and Dilly Bars at the Dairy Queen to lighten the mood. And, for those unfamiliar with a Dilly Bar, it is a frozen dessert of soft-serve vanilla-flavored ice cream coated in chocolate, served on a stick. Most importantly, will a Dilly Bar soften the mood of Catherine Grace enough to keep her home?
“Funny thing, you can run away from your family, and you can run away from your dreams, but..., there’s just no running away from your destiny. I knew where I needed to be.”
This is the author’s debut novel that was first published in 2008. The reading experience is sweet, slow-moving, breezy, light-hearted and charming. Enough to make any reader want to curl up with a comforter in front of the fire, on one’s favorite chair, and enjoy Catherine Grace’s journey.
I was at my local library and found this book staring at me on the shelf. It seemed like the perfect escape read. So, I checked it out and brought it home.
The minute I began reading this book, I couldn’t help but experience a warm, cozy backwoods country feeling to the author’s storytelling. I could sense her wanting readers to feel the simple life that was boring her narrator, and main protagonist, Catherine Grace Cline.
And through her voice, readers could feel a delightful coming-of-age story that follows Catherine Grace growing up in a small rural town in Georgia in the early 1970’s.
Early in the narrative, prayers from Catherine Grace were to wake up and find herself some place else. And, even though her prayers weren’t coming true, as readers we could still understand and appreciate her desires.
I remember how happy I was when I moved from the suburbs of Orange County, California, less than a mile from Disneyland to the quieter life of San Luis Obispo County. Moving here included the opportunity to buy a home, walking distance to the beach. In southern California we were surrounded by freeways and traffic, and, lots of activity, that appealed to my young sons. Especially having Knottsberry Farm, and Disneyland within a short distance.
At the time I came to San Luis Obispo County to work at the local college as a program Director and Instructor, there wasn’t even a traffic signal past the local university, the jail off of Hwy 1, or the community college I worked at, until a few miles in to Morro Bay. Things have obviously changed since then. But I do remember how once my kids were old enough to move out of the county, they did. 😢They believed they wanted more action and city life.
So, listening to Catherine Grace, the oldest daughter of the town preacher, talk about her desire to leave Ringgold, Georgia, brings back those memories of my sons’ feelings about small-town life. And, also what I could appreciate about it, even if our narrator could not.
Eventually, Catherine Grace fulfills her desire to leave. After graduation from high school, she takes off for the big city. Leaving family, a devoted boyfriend, and friends behind.
Will she find what she needs in the big city? Will the big city be enough, especially when Catherine Grace is called back home?
Throughout the story, readers are meeting a delightfully fleshed out cast of characters, including Catherine Grace’s family and many neighbors.
But even as Catherine Grace yearns for the city life, something brings her back home. What happened to bring her back, and, what will she learn about herself, her family and her neighbors? Will it be enough to keep her from leaving again?
There will be secrets and lies, to keep readers engaged, and Dilly Bars at the Dairy Queen to lighten the mood. And, for those unfamiliar with a Dilly Bar, it is a frozen dessert of soft-serve vanilla-flavored ice cream coated in chocolate, served on a stick. Most importantly, will a Dilly Bar soften the mood of Catherine Grace enough to keep her home?
“Funny thing, you can run away from your family, and you can run away from your dreams, but..., there’s just no running away from your destiny. I knew where I needed to be.”
This is the author’s debut novel that was first published in 2008. The reading experience is sweet, slow-moving, breezy, light-hearted and charming. Enough to make any reader want to curl up with a comforter in front of the fire, on one’s favorite chair, and enjoy Catherine Grace’s journey.
April 30, 2008
If you mixed Hee-Haw and a biscuit you'd get this book. I lost count how many times "dad gum" was used and resented being hit over the head with that and other cliches.
April 22, 2011
I love when I'm so in tune to my mood that I choose my next book to read just right. I couldn't have been more on the mark with Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen. Generally I'm a thriller reader, thriving on blood and mayhem. Too much of this sparks a need for a sprinkle of laughter in my life, and sends me seeking lighter fare. This was just the ticket.
As soon as I started Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen, I felt a whole world deprived as I've never had a Dilly Bar at the DQ. I think I need to remedy that this very weekend. I'm craving big time one of those chocolate dipped ice creams on a stick with the perfect curlicue. Before I knew it I also had a bad case of envy wishing I had been brought up south of the Mason Dixon Line. Susan Gregg Gilmore's upbringing and love of the south shines in her writing. She captures the times, the small-town life and voice of her characters, particularly that of the preacher's daughter, so vividly that I wanted to be part of this family, praying, laughing, loving, eating beside them and calling these people my own.
Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen is an easy read, much a coming of age story, but also one of forgiveness and redemption. I loved the set-up of the book with it's four parts and chapters kind of like a bible, from the gospel according to...ending with redemption. It's never preachy but manages to be faith felt. I found myself laughing right out loud and was tickled to my soul.
I had the pleasure to meet Susan Gregg Gilmore at the first Booksonthenightstand Retreat held in Manchester, VT in early April. After hearing Susan read from Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen, I knew I had to read more. I'm so glad I did
As soon as I started Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen, I felt a whole world deprived as I've never had a Dilly Bar at the DQ. I think I need to remedy that this very weekend. I'm craving big time one of those chocolate dipped ice creams on a stick with the perfect curlicue. Before I knew it I also had a bad case of envy wishing I had been brought up south of the Mason Dixon Line. Susan Gregg Gilmore's upbringing and love of the south shines in her writing. She captures the times, the small-town life and voice of her characters, particularly that of the preacher's daughter, so vividly that I wanted to be part of this family, praying, laughing, loving, eating beside them and calling these people my own.
Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen is an easy read, much a coming of age story, but also one of forgiveness and redemption. I loved the set-up of the book with it's four parts and chapters kind of like a bible, from the gospel according to...ending with redemption. It's never preachy but manages to be faith felt. I found myself laughing right out loud and was tickled to my soul.
I had the pleasure to meet Susan Gregg Gilmore at the first Booksonthenightstand Retreat held in Manchester, VT in early April. After hearing Susan read from Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen, I knew I had to read more. I'm so glad I did
May 18, 2008
I enjoyed the simplicity of this book. It has a Fannie Flagg feel to it and is a very quick read. There is a little bit of Catherine Grace is anyone who grew up in a small town. The desire to see what is out in the world but the decision to leave is a hard one to make especially when you are 18.
August 14, 2015
Basically the only thing I got out of this was a craving for an Oreo Blizzard!! Sorry, not sorry.
March 3, 2008
The surprising turn in this book made for a very interesting read.
March 24, 2008
I was expecting a little bit more from this book. It was a fast enjoyable read, but nothing too memorable. The best part of the novel was a secondary character, neighbor Gloria Jean.
July 20, 2023
I read this a few years ago so I can’t rate this fairly. I do remember not caring for it though.
August 29, 2016
I needed a novel to clear the cobwebs from my brain, one that I could breeze through and knew had been reviewed so mightily that mine would be of little importance - and Looking For Salvation at the Dairy Queen gave me just that. It is probably best described as a thematic treatment (so loved by little kids!) of "Home is Best". It's a reassuring heart-tugger approach that tells the conflicted soul, no matter how many adventures away or whatever goes astray, everything and everyone you ever needed to feel safe and YOUR best self was always at that starting point, where you will always be welcomed.
For me, it was the dose of Southern USA sugar and sweet tea from an era past which filled my prescription. Restful. I liked that. For right now.
For me, it was the dose of Southern USA sugar and sweet tea from an era past which filled my prescription. Restful. I liked that. For right now.
June 16, 2015
Skip this book and go to Dairy Queen instead.
April 7, 2025
3.5 stars for this one
This was a sweet read. It's a coming of age story in the 70's set in a small biblical town in Georgia. Catherine and Martha Ann are the preacher's daughters. After their mother dies when she was 6, all Catherine did was dream of leaving this small town behind. As true for most small towns, the town lives to gossip but despite the gossiping, everyone in town can rely upon each other when needed. While growing up, the one thing that never changed was Catherine loved to head down to the Dairy Queen and get her dilly bar while thinking things over. That remained true right up until she turned 18, and left Ring-Gold, Ga behind her.
pre-read: Heard great things about this one. It sounds like it'd be interesting. I mean, I look for salvation in ice cream all the time so it makes sense.
This was a sweet read. It's a coming of age story in the 70's set in a small biblical town in Georgia. Catherine and Martha Ann are the preacher's daughters. After their mother dies when she was 6, all Catherine did was dream of leaving this small town behind. As true for most small towns, the town lives to gossip but despite the gossiping, everyone in town can rely upon each other when needed. While growing up, the one thing that never changed was Catherine loved to head down to the Dairy Queen and get her dilly bar while thinking things over. That remained true right up until she turned 18, and left Ring-Gold, Ga behind her.
pre-read: Heard great things about this one. It sounds like it'd be interesting. I mean, I look for salvation in ice cream all the time so it makes sense.
June 13, 2011
My enjoyment of this book was of "biblical proportions"! (smiles) You'll have to read the story in order to appreciate this expression.
August 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was a cutesy piece of chic lit. Catherine Grace Cline is the preacher’s daughter living in a one church town in Ringgold, Georgia, population 1,923. Catherine Grace feels stifled and can’t wait to move to the big city to find herself and her future. Without telling too much of the plot, this is largely a story about forgiveness. Slightly unbelievable but fun.
I would read this author again.
ATY Goodreads Challenge - Anniversary List - 2025
2018 - an author’s debut book
This was a cutesy piece of chic lit. Catherine Grace Cline is the preacher’s daughter living in a one church town in Ringgold, Georgia, population 1,923. Catherine Grace feels stifled and can’t wait to move to the big city to find herself and her future. Without telling too much of the plot, this is largely a story about forgiveness. Slightly unbelievable but fun.
I would read this author again.
ATY Goodreads Challenge - Anniversary List - 2025
2018 - an author’s debut book
October 17, 2016
Nostalgic Southern Fiction
Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen is the epitome of southern fiction; delightful, heartfelt, charming, and nostalgic. Catherine Grace is the daughter of the preacher, whose mother died when she was only 6 years old. All of her life, Catherine Grace has dreamed of the day she could leave her hometown of Ringgold, Georgia, convinced that a better life awaited her in the big city. This is a coming-of-age story for Catherine Grace, and a lesson for all of us who are looking for an adventure outside of where we are. This book is filled with colorful, multi-layered characters, who are amusing and confusing, but all written with warmth and love. The setting of the story is written so beautifully, you will feel like you're sitting on top of that picnic table at the Dairy Queen eating a dilly bar.
Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen is the epitome of southern fiction; delightful, heartfelt, charming, and nostalgic. Catherine Grace is the daughter of the preacher, whose mother died when she was only 6 years old. All of her life, Catherine Grace has dreamed of the day she could leave her hometown of Ringgold, Georgia, convinced that a better life awaited her in the big city. This is a coming-of-age story for Catherine Grace, and a lesson for all of us who are looking for an adventure outside of where we are. This book is filled with colorful, multi-layered characters, who are amusing and confusing, but all written with warmth and love. The setting of the story is written so beautifully, you will feel like you're sitting on top of that picnic table at the Dairy Queen eating a dilly bar.
September 10, 2014
This book was horrible on so many levels, it pains me to think about it. What was especially frustrating was that it started so strong. I was sure it would garner a four- or five-star rating and be something I would recommend to friends and family, especially those who like Southern charm and humor. The stars began falling as I noticed such inconsistencies as a 1972 prom followed immediately by letters posted in 1975. Despite this glaring error, I continued to hope for a rebound. Instead, the stars just kept falling as the characters dissolved into caricatures and the plot became both unrealistic and bizarre (and not in a funny way). Finally, there was just one "little ol' star" (attempt at Southern humor) left over Ringgold, Georgia, because that is as low as a book can be rated. Despite the cute title, this book is a disaster--in plot, in character development, in dialogue, and in even a basic understanding of the tenets of Christianity. Hint to Susan Gregg Gilmore: we don't become angels when we die. Try again and get some better editorial and proofreading support.
January 19, 2018
Catherine Grace Cline is the daughter of the straight laced Baptist preacher in the little town of Ringgold, Georgia in the 1970's. She's a pretty good kid, strong willed, but she dreams only of the day she can leave the little town for the big city of Atlanta where she is sure her life awaits. One day, she is given the opportunity to finally head to Atlanta and she jumps at the chance. However, tragedy back in her hometown means she must return, and once there she wonders if she was meant to be in Atlanta after all. Easy, light read for a rainy day.
January 7, 2021
This book was supposed to be a light reader, a no thought required, plate cleanse for the end of the year...
What I got instead was a incredibly thoughtful book that made me stay up way past my bedtime and kicked me right in the feels on more then one occasion.
A short, emotional read that provides a detailed account of small town life, the dreams that motivate us and the relationships that bind us.
What I got instead was a incredibly thoughtful book that made me stay up way past my bedtime and kicked me right in the feels on more then one occasion.
A short, emotional read that provides a detailed account of small town life, the dreams that motivate us and the relationships that bind us.
January 15, 2009
This was a favorite of my book club's. In fact, since I live in Nashville, Susan came to our monthly book club meeting to discuss the book. She is a lovely person and to have her at our meeting was quite impressive. The book is entertaining - several giggles, but also has some life lessons we can relate to and can learn from. I'm looking forward to her next book.
June 16, 2015
This story follows Catherine Grace Cline as she grows up with her sister and her father. It is, I suppose, a coming-of-age story with very Southern appeal. It reads very well and is very much like a made-for-television movie.
It took me a few pages to really get into this one. But once I got into it, I was very attached to Catherine Grace. She is stubborn and sweet and in the middle of growing up without a mother, and just when things are looking up for her...her father dies. Then all the family secrets start coming out. And boy I mean big family secrets! The kind that are very scandalous in the South...
There are two things that I really love about this book. The first thing is the food. Every few pages, it seems, the characters are talking about cooking or eating some type of wonderfully fabulous Southern food. And being from the South, this totally appeals to me. Food and eating are so cultural down here, and play such a huge role in the story in several different storylines. I love that. (This book almost made me hungry.)
I also fell really hard for the supporting characters in this book. Catherine Grace is a marvelous and lovable girl. She moved into my heart in a big way...but Gloria Jean owned it. Gloria Jean is the neighbor; she does not have any children of her own and happens to have been Catherine Grace's mother's best friend. Gloria Jean teaches Catherine Grace all of the things that a mother would...and more. She helps her buy prom clothes and teaches her about hair and nail polish. But she also teaches Catherine Grace about love, forgiveness, and acceptance. The rest of the characters all are great, but Gloria Jean is my favorite by far.
Would I recommend this book? Well, sure! If you love adult fiction and sweet, charming stories that are just...really good...then this is the book for you. If you are a fan of YA paranormal or fantasy, you might want to sit this one out, unless you are feeling in the mood for a good made-for-television movie-type book. It was so fun to read and I'm so glad I did!
It took me a few pages to really get into this one. But once I got into it, I was very attached to Catherine Grace. She is stubborn and sweet and in the middle of growing up without a mother, and just when things are looking up for her...her father dies. Then all the family secrets start coming out. And boy I mean big family secrets! The kind that are very scandalous in the South...
There are two things that I really love about this book. The first thing is the food. Every few pages, it seems, the characters are talking about cooking or eating some type of wonderfully fabulous Southern food. And being from the South, this totally appeals to me. Food and eating are so cultural down here, and play such a huge role in the story in several different storylines. I love that. (This book almost made me hungry.)
I also fell really hard for the supporting characters in this book. Catherine Grace is a marvelous and lovable girl. She moved into my heart in a big way...but Gloria Jean owned it. Gloria Jean is the neighbor; she does not have any children of her own and happens to have been Catherine Grace's mother's best friend. Gloria Jean teaches Catherine Grace all of the things that a mother would...and more. She helps her buy prom clothes and teaches her about hair and nail polish. But she also teaches Catherine Grace about love, forgiveness, and acceptance. The rest of the characters all are great, but Gloria Jean is my favorite by far.
Would I recommend this book? Well, sure! If you love adult fiction and sweet, charming stories that are just...really good...then this is the book for you. If you are a fan of YA paranormal or fantasy, you might want to sit this one out, unless you are feeling in the mood for a good made-for-television movie-type book. It was so fun to read and I'm so glad I did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2008
A Review of Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen
I read Susan Gregg Gilmore’s novel Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen just on a whim, but I am glad that I read it. It gave a new meaning to going for your goals. I learned from Catherine that if you don’t succeed at least you tried. She improvised her dream and it all worked out.
Gilmore gives hope to people that read this novel. After I completed this book I felt a little better about my own goals. The classic humor that turns sadness makes this book an all in one must read. Catherine was a grudge holder and I think that many people are grudge holders, but after reading the book it shows that even the most stubborn people can loosen up and be the nicest most forgiving.
Everyone who is anyone should read this book. Gilmore’s writing styles will suit everyone’s style.
I read Susan Gregg Gilmore’s novel Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen just on a whim, but I am glad that I read it. It gave a new meaning to going for your goals. I learned from Catherine that if you don’t succeed at least you tried. She improvised her dream and it all worked out.
Gilmore gives hope to people that read this novel. After I completed this book I felt a little better about my own goals. The classic humor that turns sadness makes this book an all in one must read. Catherine was a grudge holder and I think that many people are grudge holders, but after reading the book it shows that even the most stubborn people can loosen up and be the nicest most forgiving.
Everyone who is anyone should read this book. Gilmore’s writing styles will suit everyone’s style.
July 21, 2019
I loved this! It deals with tough topics in the lighter, more optimistic way that I love. Small town southern fiction is a big draw for me. With Dairy Queen in the title, this was a must read.
This is a coming-of-age story about a preacher's daughter who's dream is to get out of their small town and do something bigger. Even though this book is about a pastor's family, it is not an evangelical Christian book. It's relatively clean, but not squeaky. There is some light cussing. And the characters (including the preacher) bring to mind the verse in the Bible that says "All have sinned."
The themes of family and forgiveness are prevalent here. I will definitely look for more by this author.
This is a coming-of-age story about a preacher's daughter who's dream is to get out of their small town and do something bigger. Even though this book is about a pastor's family, it is not an evangelical Christian book. It's relatively clean, but not squeaky. There is some light cussing. And the characters (including the preacher) bring to mind the verse in the Bible that says "All have sinned."
The themes of family and forgiveness are prevalent here. I will definitely look for more by this author.
April 9, 2008
A nice read - very real characters. The voice of the narrative character, captured with youth and a charming southern drawl, was almost audible. Story twists keep you interested and the citizens of Ringgold leave you wanting more.
April 3, 2021
I liked the writing style, I liked concept of the story, but I found it overall slow and fairly predictable.
January 1, 2026
Adorable little read. Made my Steel Magnolia loving heart beat a little faster. Southern womanhood at it’s finest & I really loved the way the story spoke about Jesus. What a combo!
February 1, 2014
Okay, I admit it--I was drawn to this book by the title, which I'm sure was the reason for its selection. However, the title does have relevance to the plot. I loved the book and almost gave it five stars. It is a warm, sweet story about Catherine Grace coming of age in a a small Georgia town. Grace tells her story and that of her sister, Martha Ann, whose Mother died when Grace was four. Their father is a preacher in a line of preachers for a big church in the town of Ringgwold. Grace is a spunky young girl when we enter her life, and she is determined to leave the small town and see and do bigger things. She is outspoken (at least her thoughts are) and minces no words telling how she feels. There are several other characters that the reader comes to know that give the story interest. I read the book quickly as I was really drawn to it, and since I finished it I've thought about Catherine Grace and how her life evolved. It's written in "down-home" language that puts you smack in the Georgia culture. I hope the author writes more books.
April 21, 2023
This was Susan Gregg Gilmore's debut novel. She tells the story in a short 293 pages and this version includes an 8-question reading group guide. The back-cover blurb says, "Sometimes you have to return to the place where you began, to arrive at the place where you belong." Set in the early 1970's in a small southern town with one traffic light, it is the story of a girl's transition into adulthood. It is also a story about family secrets and self-discovery with some surprising twists that you'll never see coming. I recommend it to book clubs and lovers of Southern fiction.
May 27, 2015
A sweet book, one that I liked more than I think I expected to. Wrapped up a little too neatly for my taste but a fun read.
December 19, 2019
Don’t let the title deter you. This was a great read!
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