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Home to Glory #3
Finding Glory
Once upon a time, he was just a hopeless cause from the wrong side of Glory, Kansas. And he'll be damned if he'll let anyone drag him back down after finally clawing his way out.
Everyone knows that Gina Townsend is a saint, always taking care of everyone around her. And now she's trying to be a mother to her six-year-old niece, Amanda Jane. But the girl's biological father isn't helping matters. The scruffy, gangly boy Gina remembers has returned to Glory a sexy, successful man, but Reed Hollingsworth is the only thing standing between her and losing Amanda Jane to foster care.
Betrayed that neither Townsend sister bothered to tell him he was a father until he had money, Reed's still not about to shirk his responsibilities. So when he demands Gina move in with him as part of Amanda Jane's custody agreement, he tries not to notice pretty much everything about her—especially the way his solemn-faced daughter laughs when they play together.
Raising a child together, Reed and Gina learn that some dreams come and go, but some are a spark that burns eternal…
Everyone knows that Gina Townsend is a saint, always taking care of everyone around her. And now she's trying to be a mother to her six-year-old niece, Amanda Jane. But the girl's biological father isn't helping matters. The scruffy, gangly boy Gina remembers has returned to Glory a sexy, successful man, but Reed Hollingsworth is the only thing standing between her and losing Amanda Jane to foster care.
Betrayed that neither Townsend sister bothered to tell him he was a father until he had money, Reed's still not about to shirk his responsibilities. So when he demands Gina move in with him as part of Amanda Jane's custody agreement, he tries not to notice pretty much everything about her—especially the way his solemn-faced daughter laughs when they play together.
Raising a child together, Reed and Gina learn that some dreams come and go, but some are a spark that burns eternal…
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 26, 2015
About the author
Sara Arden
11 books33 followers Sara Arden is the small town romance pen name of author Saranna DeWylde/Sara Wylde/Sara Lunsford.
She lives in a town much like Glory, all the way down to Haymarket Square and The Corner Pharmacy.
She lives in a town much like Glory, all the way down to Haymarket Square and The Corner Pharmacy.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
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April 12, 2015I really enjoyed books 1 and 2 in the series, but I just couldn't get into this one. Fine voice as always, however it didn't grab me from the get-go and I couldn't connect with the characters in the way I would have liked to.
May 19, 2020
I love reading books that were written by a local from the area I'm from. Sara definitely delivers on the small town charm in these books, and I can definitely see where her inspiration for the town of Glory came from.
June 13, 2015
Sweet small town romance. Two flawed individuals overcoming the past in different ways come together for the sake of a child. He has self-esteem issues that come with being a recovering addict no matter how successful you become you are still a recovering addict. She has lost her mother and her sister. She left the Army, her way out, to raise the child he made with her sister. To say she has trust issues would be an understatement. With the help of some wonderful secondary characters can these three learn to trust, love and become a family.
The story is sweet, a bit predictable but worth the read. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
The story is sweet, a bit predictable but worth the read. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
February 28, 2016
I got tired of hearing about Gina's insecurities over and over. Reed wasn't much better but for some reason was easier to listen to. timelines aren't exactly clear either, not sure when exactly Crys died, how long Gina was solely caring for Amanda Jane, how old Amanda Jane even is. it's also not very realistic that Maudine didn't tell Gina about her illness. it was OK, I read it to the end, but it wasn't necessarily great
June 12, 2015
This story got old, fast. Remember in high school when you stretched your essays to meet the page limit? This book was like that. How many times do we need to hear the characters doubts and fears? How many times are they going to have the same conversations? It was really hard to get through, and I probably wouldn't have finished, but I didn't have anything else to read.
September 6, 2015
I had a really hard time liking Gina. She was so angry (justifiably so) but the way she engaged Reed was infuriating. I also felt like there was too much talking, not enough doing. Gray and Emma were the most intriguing characters for me. I'd be interested in reading their story.
May 21, 2017
Interesting read, can't wait to read more in Glory.
October 20, 2020
Good book system will not let me give it a 4 star as it should have.
September 17, 2023
So good to read how people made a life for themselves when they had nothing while growing up. A good romantic book.
August 27, 2015
FINDING GLORY is a small-town story of two people who have overcome major challenges in their pasts coming together to create a family for a motherless child and finding love from that selflessness.
Growing up on the wrong side of Glory, Kansas, Gina Townsend saw the despair and hopelessness drive some of those closest to her to the edge but she was determined to get out and she did. However, her sister's death brought her back to raise the daughter she left behind but struggling to raise her niece while working two jobs to make ends meet and trying to complete her college courses has become very difficult and she sues the father, local boy turned millionaire, Reed Hollingsworth for child support.
Reed Hollingsworth grew up on the wrong side of Glory alongside Gina and her sister and that life pushed him to find escape in drugs, something he had in common with Gina's sister. Luckily for him, he clawed his way out and made his fortune in stocks. The child support suit is the first time he's aware of his daughter and marriage of convenience may be the only solution to their problem.
Gina was in love with Reed when they were younger and while he's now off limits, she will marry him to give her niece the life she never had- family, the comfort of involved parents, a roof over her head and lots of love. Easier said than done because together in close proximity, Reed and Gina can't keep their feelings in check, but Ginass experiences have taught her that once an addict, always an addict and she fears that giving in to how she feels for Reed would end in her getting hurt.
While I enjoyed reading FINDING GLORY, there were a few situations that required me to suspend belief in reality. However, Ms. Arden is on point with the small town vibe with the festivals and carnivals, the nosy and matchmaking grandmas, the struggles both Gina and Reed faced as they adjusted to their changing relationship as parents and also as a couple and their efforts to make it work. She captures the distrust and doubts that are commonplace when dealing with an addict as well as the disquiet that comes with loving one ad it's very obvious that loves is not always about hearts and roses.
The pace is slow and the romance is more sensual than steamy. I didn't really care for Gina, though. Gina was too much of a goody-two shoes, all that was missing was the halo and her indecision about what she wanted from Reed was quite annoying. Her redeeming feature was her devotion to her niece. Reed was sweet and earnest about making things work, including dealing with his past and its effect on everyone around him. Overall, FINDING GLORY was a sweet and enjoyable book to read.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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May 11, 2015
3.5 stars
Finding Glory by Sara Arden is an entertaining friends to lovers romance. This third novel in the Home to Glory utilizes the ever popular marriage of convenience plot device and the resulting story is a mix of sweet romance and angsty drama.
Gina Townsend and Reed Hollingsworth are childhood friends who lost touch years earlier after Reed left town. Gina also left town but after her sister Crystal's death, she returned to Glory to raise her young niece, Amanda Jane. She is struggling to make ends meet, working two jobs while also going to college when she decides to sue Reed for child support. Reed is unaware he is Amanda Jane's father, but he is more than willing to be an active participant in his daughter's life. Gina and Reed are surprised when the judge presiding over their case suggests a marriage of convenience as an alternative to shared custody. Although they both have a few trepidations about a loveless union, they do agree this is the best solution for Amanda Jane and they quickly wed. However, Gina and Reed are not prepared for their mutual attraction or for the emotional landmines waiting for them.
Gina will do pretty anything to make Amanda Jane happy even if it means marrying the man she has been in love with most of her life. She is determined to give her niece a better life than she had growing up and marriage to Reed will do just that. But she knows trusting him will not be easy since she had a ringside seat to his struggles with addiction and she is afraid that he will eventually relapse. Her fears lead to a seemingly endless cycle of pulling him close only to push him away and although she is aware that what she is doing is unfair to Reed, Gina cannot quite seem to break this pattern.
Reed has worked hard to overcome his addiction and make something of himself. Although he is wealthy beyond belief, he still feels like the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. He does a good job of hiding his insecurities but his fears keep him from fully trusting people. Reed is beyond thrilled to be a dad but at the first sign of trouble, his first instinct is to run. This plays into Gina's fears and their fragile relationship is ill-equipped to withstand their inability to trust each other.
Gina and Reed's relationship is a mix of easygoing friendship and tentative romance. They both tend to over think things but they never seem to work through their individual issues. Their problems become repetitive and their lack of progress is incredibly frustrating. For every step forward they make, they end up taking two steps back and the emotional merry go round begins yet again. The story becomes so bogged down in angst that it feels like Gina and Reed will never find their way to any semblance of happily ever after.
Despite the slow progression of Gina and Reed's relationship, Finding Glory is a cute love story. The secondary cast of characters is quite charming and very easy to like. Gina and Reed are sympathetic protagonists and it is easy to cheer them on as they try to make peace with their respective pasts. Their romance is believable and their love scenes are very sensual. Although it is the third novel in the Home to Glory series, it can be read as a standalone.
Finding Glory by Sara Arden is an entertaining friends to lovers romance. This third novel in the Home to Glory utilizes the ever popular marriage of convenience plot device and the resulting story is a mix of sweet romance and angsty drama.
Gina Townsend and Reed Hollingsworth are childhood friends who lost touch years earlier after Reed left town. Gina also left town but after her sister Crystal's death, she returned to Glory to raise her young niece, Amanda Jane. She is struggling to make ends meet, working two jobs while also going to college when she decides to sue Reed for child support. Reed is unaware he is Amanda Jane's father, but he is more than willing to be an active participant in his daughter's life. Gina and Reed are surprised when the judge presiding over their case suggests a marriage of convenience as an alternative to shared custody. Although they both have a few trepidations about a loveless union, they do agree this is the best solution for Amanda Jane and they quickly wed. However, Gina and Reed are not prepared for their mutual attraction or for the emotional landmines waiting for them.
Gina will do pretty anything to make Amanda Jane happy even if it means marrying the man she has been in love with most of her life. She is determined to give her niece a better life than she had growing up and marriage to Reed will do just that. But she knows trusting him will not be easy since she had a ringside seat to his struggles with addiction and she is afraid that he will eventually relapse. Her fears lead to a seemingly endless cycle of pulling him close only to push him away and although she is aware that what she is doing is unfair to Reed, Gina cannot quite seem to break this pattern.
Reed has worked hard to overcome his addiction and make something of himself. Although he is wealthy beyond belief, he still feels like the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. He does a good job of hiding his insecurities but his fears keep him from fully trusting people. Reed is beyond thrilled to be a dad but at the first sign of trouble, his first instinct is to run. This plays into Gina's fears and their fragile relationship is ill-equipped to withstand their inability to trust each other.
Gina and Reed's relationship is a mix of easygoing friendship and tentative romance. They both tend to over think things but they never seem to work through their individual issues. Their problems become repetitive and their lack of progress is incredibly frustrating. For every step forward they make, they end up taking two steps back and the emotional merry go round begins yet again. The story becomes so bogged down in angst that it feels like Gina and Reed will never find their way to any semblance of happily ever after.
Despite the slow progression of Gina and Reed's relationship, Finding Glory is a cute love story. The secondary cast of characters is quite charming and very easy to like. Gina and Reed are sympathetic protagonists and it is easy to cheer them on as they try to make peace with their respective pasts. Their romance is believable and their love scenes are very sensual. Although it is the third novel in the Home to Glory series, it can be read as a standalone.
May 27, 2015
Finding Glory is the third book in the Home to Glory series but it can definitely stand on its own. Gina and Reed knew each other quite well as children but then life took them in different directions. Before doing that though, Reed and Gina’s sister Crystal had a relationship that was rooted in their drug addiction. Reed was able to break free but Crystal couldn’t and then became even more ill before dying. Unbeknownst to Reed, he had fathered a child with Crystal. When he hears the news he returns to Glory, Kansas to meet his daughter Amanda Jane who now lives with her aunt Gina.
Growing up Gina had hoped Reed would notice her as more than a friend but, instead, he was drawn to her sister Crystal. When Gina’s mom died from cancer she shouldered the responsibility of caring for Crystal and then Amanda Jane. When Reed finds a way for them both to raise Amanda Jane, Gina can’t help but worry that she and Amanda Jane will be let down by him.
Thrown together so quickly they all have to learn to live as a family. There are growing pains all around but you’ll have to read the book to see if they can find glory in their new life. Although I found some of the circumstances over-the-top, I still thought Finding Glory was a good addition to the series. Recommended to fans of small town, contemporary romance. 3.5 stars
*I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Growing up Gina had hoped Reed would notice her as more than a friend but, instead, he was drawn to her sister Crystal. When Gina’s mom died from cancer she shouldered the responsibility of caring for Crystal and then Amanda Jane. When Reed finds a way for them both to raise Amanda Jane, Gina can’t help but worry that she and Amanda Jane will be let down by him.
Thrown together so quickly they all have to learn to live as a family. There are growing pains all around but you’ll have to read the book to see if they can find glory in their new life. Although I found some of the circumstances over-the-top, I still thought Finding Glory was a good addition to the series. Recommended to fans of small town, contemporary romance. 3.5 stars
*I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 26, 2015
**** I was given an ARC copy by the author in exchange for an honest review ****
Ms. Arden does something very well and that is write a very realistic story. Real life is complicated as hell. Add in raising a niece fathered by a boy you've loved your whole life, but now is a man whom you don't really know. Throw in addiction and you have some major real life sh*t. Real life is not all about rainbows and butterflies. It's about making tough decisions and not knowing if what you're doing is right. I applaud Ms. Arden for writing romance novels that aren't just about sex and a happily ever after. They're about families, unexpected and ready made, and the effort it takes to make them work. Husbands and wives fight, have problems, have trust issues, have baggage, but that's life. But at the end of the day they have love and they keep working together to make things better for their children than they had it. And Finding Glory does that. My only 2 minor complaints were that I wish the addiction had been explored more and dealt with more in the forefront. It was always a shadow in the background and at times I felt like Reed had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth. There was no real talking about it. And Gina seemed so milquetoast-y. It took her so long to truly fight for what she wanted. But neither of those make the book non recommendable. Give this one a try.
Ms. Arden does something very well and that is write a very realistic story. Real life is complicated as hell. Add in raising a niece fathered by a boy you've loved your whole life, but now is a man whom you don't really know. Throw in addiction and you have some major real life sh*t. Real life is not all about rainbows and butterflies. It's about making tough decisions and not knowing if what you're doing is right. I applaud Ms. Arden for writing romance novels that aren't just about sex and a happily ever after. They're about families, unexpected and ready made, and the effort it takes to make them work. Husbands and wives fight, have problems, have trust issues, have baggage, but that's life. But at the end of the day they have love and they keep working together to make things better for their children than they had it. And Finding Glory does that. My only 2 minor complaints were that I wish the addiction had been explored more and dealt with more in the forefront. It was always a shadow in the background and at times I felt like Reed had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth. There was no real talking about it. And Gina seemed so milquetoast-y. It took her so long to truly fight for what she wanted. But neither of those make the book non recommendable. Give this one a try.
June 1, 2015
Gina Townsend may be a saint, but I got tired of reading of her angst about why she couldn't do something, wouldn't do something, wanted to do something, but oh, what would it mean? Reed wasn't much better, especially as it pertained to his past life in the trailer park. So they both had hardscrabble experiences. They aren't there now; move on.
The thought that she had to marry him, if only on paper, in order to stay with her niece was pushing it, it seemed to me. I mean, if it had to be, why, then did she have to move in with him if it was all a sham anyway? Instead, she goes through with it and ends up going all the way, including losing her virginity to the man she fantasized about as a teen but now is married to--all because he's her niece's father.
How the story ends rang more true to me and was a relief after all the hand-wringing. What I'd love to know more about, in fact, are those pesky grandmothers intent on giving everyone a HEA.
The thought that she had to marry him, if only on paper, in order to stay with her niece was pushing it, it seemed to me. I mean, if it had to be, why, then did she have to move in with him if it was all a sham anyway? Instead, she goes through with it and ends up going all the way, including losing her virginity to the man she fantasized about as a teen but now is married to--all because he's her niece's father.
How the story ends rang more true to me and was a relief after all the hand-wringing. What I'd love to know more about, in fact, are those pesky grandmothers intent on giving everyone a HEA.
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January 12, 2016"Arden’s latest is about the journey of two vulnerable people with bruised hearts learning to navigate through tragic pasts and deep emotional hurts. Beautiful contemporary storytelling and genuine characters make up this tender romance. With an adorable little girl at its center, this story will pull at the heartstrings" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Home of Glory, book 3
Home of Glory, book 3
June 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and I loved how Gina and Reed worked together even though they had so much going against them. I have recommended this book to all my romance customers.
April 17, 2016
Matchmaking grandmas were a hoot..very good start. Definite LOL moments.
But I put the book down and couldn't read the rest word for word. It did not hold me. So I skimmed for plot to the HEA ending.
But I put the book down and couldn't read the rest word for word. It did not hold me. So I skimmed for plot to the HEA ending.
July 20, 2016
Repetitive and disjointed.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews