What do you think?
Rate this book
Sunday Kind of Love
Publishers Weekly dubbed Twice in a Lifetime one of the Best Romances of Summer 2015 and now Dorothy Garlock, the voice of America's Heartland, delivers an unforgettable novel about finding love in the most unexpected of places.
Buckton, Indiana, 1956. As post-war America brims with new opportunities, a young woman discovers the courage to follow her dreams-and her heart . . .
Gwendolyn Foster's life seems like a dream come true. A bright future in front of her, the successful, traditional man her parents wanted at her side. What more could a girl ask for? But Gwen has a different dream altogether-to be a writer-and she won't rest until it comes true. Strong arms to support her, not own her . . . that's what she needs. And she finds them in the most unexpected of places.
Hank Ellis has long been haunted by his little brother's death. He knows the entire town blames him for the accident, but it's only fitting. He blames himself too. So he's shocked when Gwen ignores the vicious gossip and befriends him. And before long, everything changes for them. Folks warn Gwen about Hank, but she knows in her heart that they're wrong. Drawn to this man of bravery and kindness who encourages her to pursue her passions, Gwen can finally envision the life she's always wanted. And with Gwen, Hank finds the strength to let go of his guilt, as he dares to hope for a future with her.
But braving the town that turns against them isn't the only challenge they face. For Hank still harbors a dark secret, a shocking truth that may force him to lose Gwen forever . . .
Buckton, Indiana, 1956. As post-war America brims with new opportunities, a young woman discovers the courage to follow her dreams-and her heart . . .
Gwendolyn Foster's life seems like a dream come true. A bright future in front of her, the successful, traditional man her parents wanted at her side. What more could a girl ask for? But Gwen has a different dream altogether-to be a writer-and she won't rest until it comes true. Strong arms to support her, not own her . . . that's what she needs. And she finds them in the most unexpected of places.
Hank Ellis has long been haunted by his little brother's death. He knows the entire town blames him for the accident, but it's only fitting. He blames himself too. So he's shocked when Gwen ignores the vicious gossip and befriends him. And before long, everything changes for them. Folks warn Gwen about Hank, but she knows in her heart that they're wrong. Drawn to this man of bravery and kindness who encourages her to pursue her passions, Gwen can finally envision the life she's always wanted. And with Gwen, Hank finds the strength to let go of his guilt, as he dares to hope for a future with her.
But braving the town that turns against them isn't the only challenge they face. For Hank still harbors a dark secret, a shocking truth that may force him to lose Gwen forever . . .
384 pages, Hardcover
Published August 2, 2016
43 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Garlock
86 books382 followersDorothy Garlock was a best-selling American author of over 60 historical romance novels, most of them set in the American West. More than 20 million copies of her books are in print, in 18 languages. Her books have been on the New York Times best seller list seven times. She was named one of the 10 most popular writers of women's fiction four years in a row, from 1985-1988. In 1997, she was awarded the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award. Garlock is also a member of the Romance Writers Hall of Fame.
Garlock worked as an editor, agent and publicist for most of her writing career. She was a native of Texas who grew up in Oklahoma then married and moved to Iowa. Garlock donated many of her manuscripts and other unpublished writings to the University of Iowa libraries.
Pen names include:
Johanna Phillips
Dorothy Phillips
Dorothy Glenn
Garlock worked as an editor, agent and publicist for most of her writing career. She was a native of Texas who grew up in Oklahoma then married and moved to Iowa. Garlock donated many of her manuscripts and other unpublished writings to the University of Iowa libraries.
Pen names include:
Johanna Phillips
Dorothy Phillips
Dorothy Glenn
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 24, 2025
This was an OK read to me. Nothing terribly wrong with it, although some elements weren't done as well as they could, but the writing style made the story seem a little dull.
February 16, 2018
I listened to the audiobook version. It was a reasonably decent story though repetitive in places. Some of the same issues were hashed over repeatedly, which made me wonder if my phone skipped to a section I had already heard.
The fiance was a jerk, but our heroine was no prize herself. She was so eager to take notes and report on a neighbor's house burning down, that she did not think to call the fire dept. Her father mentioned calling the fire dept and reader optimistically assumes he did. And I doubt anyone falls into a career as a journalist as easily as she does especially in the 50s when the predominant mentality was that of her fiance and parents who expected women to stay home and raise children.
The hero's secret was obvious as soon as he mentioned that he had one. I won't spoil the easy guess work for you though.
In spite of the story not being very good, it was an acceptable listen at 1.5 speed. Don't know if I could have stuck it out at normal speed.
The fiance was a jerk, but our heroine was no prize herself. She was so eager to take notes and report on a neighbor's house burning down, that she did not think to call the fire dept. Her father mentioned calling the fire dept and reader optimistically assumes he did. And I doubt anyone falls into a career as a journalist as easily as she does especially in the 50s when the predominant mentality was that of her fiance and parents who expected women to stay home and raise children.
The hero's secret was obvious as soon as he mentioned that he had one. I won't spoil the easy guess work for you though.
In spite of the story not being very good, it was an acceptable listen at 1.5 speed. Don't know if I could have stuck it out at normal speed.
August 31, 2019
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the publisher
With all the reading I do, I don't know how I missed reading any books written by Dorothy Garlock. But somehow I did, and now I have to rectify that, and have added some of her books to my always growing TBR pile!
Sunday Kind of Love reeled me in from the first page to the last. The prologue is set nine years before the start of the story and really set the stage regarding the small town of Buckton, Indiana and its inhabitants and what it must have been like to live there in the 1950's. The story had an old-fashioned feel to it with wonderful descriptions and a nice flow to it. Gwen and her parents are front and center in the story and her dad was loving and kind one minute and harsh and full of opinions the next. But through it all, his love for his only daughter, Gwen, shined through. The story is filled with the importance of family and friends but has sadness woven throughout.
Gwen is living in Chicago and dating a lawyer who didn't always show his true colors. Making money was important to him but so was having Gwen fall in line with his plans. His surprise declaration of marriage definitely wasn't filled with love or respect. He always wanted to stifle Gwen's dreams of writing and didn't take her too seriously. They are at odds for much of the story especially when Gwen is rescued by Hank, a man with a bad reputation that no one lets him forget. When Gwen shows Hank kindness her parents are beside themselves but luckily there are others who urge her to following her feelings and her heart. As Gwen and Hank are getting closer they both have some doubts especially given the way he's treated by others but kindness, caring and love win out.
There were a lot of characters that were woven into the story and all had an important role. We get to know them a little at a time and we also see how their tentacles stretch to several different plots. Gwen's writing is front and center and she's thrilled to learn that where Kent demeans her writing , Hank is always supportive of it. The story had twists and turns, some happy and some sad, but again all played an important role in the story. There is a happily ever after in the offing and the epilogue tied up loose ends but I wish it had gone on a little longer. I sighed when the book was done especially since I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.
Book provided by the publisher
With all the reading I do, I don't know how I missed reading any books written by Dorothy Garlock. But somehow I did, and now I have to rectify that, and have added some of her books to my always growing TBR pile!
Sunday Kind of Love reeled me in from the first page to the last. The prologue is set nine years before the start of the story and really set the stage regarding the small town of Buckton, Indiana and its inhabitants and what it must have been like to live there in the 1950's. The story had an old-fashioned feel to it with wonderful descriptions and a nice flow to it. Gwen and her parents are front and center in the story and her dad was loving and kind one minute and harsh and full of opinions the next. But through it all, his love for his only daughter, Gwen, shined through. The story is filled with the importance of family and friends but has sadness woven throughout.
Gwen is living in Chicago and dating a lawyer who didn't always show his true colors. Making money was important to him but so was having Gwen fall in line with his plans. His surprise declaration of marriage definitely wasn't filled with love or respect. He always wanted to stifle Gwen's dreams of writing and didn't take her too seriously. They are at odds for much of the story especially when Gwen is rescued by Hank, a man with a bad reputation that no one lets him forget. When Gwen shows Hank kindness her parents are beside themselves but luckily there are others who urge her to following her feelings and her heart. As Gwen and Hank are getting closer they both have some doubts especially given the way he's treated by others but kindness, caring and love win out.
There were a lot of characters that were woven into the story and all had an important role. We get to know them a little at a time and we also see how their tentacles stretch to several different plots. Gwen's writing is front and center and she's thrilled to learn that where Kent demeans her writing , Hank is always supportive of it. The story had twists and turns, some happy and some sad, but again all played an important role in the story. There is a happily ever after in the offing and the epilogue tied up loose ends but I wish it had gone on a little longer. I sighed when the book was done especially since I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.
May 28, 2017
Review: Sunday Kind of Love by Dorothy GarLock
Here is a summary of what the book is about. Buckton, Indiana, 1956. As post-war America brims with new opportunities, a young woman discovers the courage to follow her dreams-and her heart . . .
Gwendolyn Foster's life seems like a dream come true. A bright future in front of her, the successful, traditional man her parents wanted at her side. What more could a girl ask for? But Gwen has a different dream altogether-to be a writer-and she won't rest until it comes true. Strong arms to support her, not own her . . . that's what she needs. And she finds them in the most unexpected of places.
Hank Ellis has long been haunted by his little brother's death. He knows the entire town blames him for the accident, but it's only fitting. He blames himself too. So he's shocked when Gwen ignores the vicious gossip and befriends him. And before long, everything changes for them. Folks warn Gwen about Hank, but she knows in her heart that they're wrong. Drawn to this man of bravery and kindness who encourages her to pursue her passions, Gwen can finally envision the life she's always wanted. And with Gwen, Hank finds the strength to let go of his guilt, as he dares to hope for a future with her.
But braving the town that turns against them isn't the only challenge they face. For Hank still harbors a dark secret, a shocking truth that may force him to lose Gwen forever . . .
One day it was raining. My husband and I went to the bookstore to browse.
I came across this book. I asked my husband if I could have it he said yes. I am so glad I got it. I am not sure what drew me to this book maybe it was the cover or maybe it was the title or maybe both.
What a incredible story. I fell in love with this book. I couldn't put it down.
I would highly recommend this book. I hope you all will love it as much as I did.
There are some twists and turns in this book.
Happy Reading Everyone!
Here is a summary of what the book is about. Buckton, Indiana, 1956. As post-war America brims with new opportunities, a young woman discovers the courage to follow her dreams-and her heart . . .
Gwendolyn Foster's life seems like a dream come true. A bright future in front of her, the successful, traditional man her parents wanted at her side. What more could a girl ask for? But Gwen has a different dream altogether-to be a writer-and she won't rest until it comes true. Strong arms to support her, not own her . . . that's what she needs. And she finds them in the most unexpected of places.
Hank Ellis has long been haunted by his little brother's death. He knows the entire town blames him for the accident, but it's only fitting. He blames himself too. So he's shocked when Gwen ignores the vicious gossip and befriends him. And before long, everything changes for them. Folks warn Gwen about Hank, but she knows in her heart that they're wrong. Drawn to this man of bravery and kindness who encourages her to pursue her passions, Gwen can finally envision the life she's always wanted. And with Gwen, Hank finds the strength to let go of his guilt, as he dares to hope for a future with her.
But braving the town that turns against them isn't the only challenge they face. For Hank still harbors a dark secret, a shocking truth that may force him to lose Gwen forever . . .
One day it was raining. My husband and I went to the bookstore to browse.
I came across this book. I asked my husband if I could have it he said yes. I am so glad I got it. I am not sure what drew me to this book maybe it was the cover or maybe it was the title or maybe both.
What a incredible story. I fell in love with this book. I couldn't put it down.
I would highly recommend this book. I hope you all will love it as much as I did.
There are some twists and turns in this book.
Happy Reading Everyone!
November 30, 2020
Gwen Foster started thinking about the married kind of love as a little girl. Why were some couples happy, while others were hurtful to their partners? Her wise mother gave her some good advice. It was something Gwen remembered when she brought her boyfriend, Kent home from Chicago to meet her parents. Without even proposing marriage, Kent announced their engagement along with all of his plans for their upcoming wedding. Gwen was so shocked and annoyed that she took off walking in a thunderstorm. She accidentally fell into the raging waters of the Sawyer River where she would have drowned if Hank Ellis hadn't come along at just the right time to hear her cries for help. Hank barely managed to save both their lives. But when he takes unconscious Gwen back to her parents' home he is ordered to leave the premises with no words of thanks for what he's done. Find out why this brave young man is hated by everyone who lives in the small town of Buckton, Indiana in another memorable story from Dorothy Garlock.
September 23, 2017
I have read every Garlock I could get my hands on. I loved the early ones written in the history of the West. I have enjoyed the later ones set in the era I grew up in and I will continue to follow. I have enjoyed and written very few reviews, however . . . I have often said when I did choose to review: explicit details of sex do not entice me nor make me yearn for the next book.
Now that I am reading Garlock stories set in the era I grew up in, warm fuzzies abound and they take me back, however sex "scenes" do not fit with how I remember the era. I do not think I lived in a protected "pocket" and experienced differently. Most girls of my era would NEVER have fallen into bed within a week of meeting someone (as Gwennie and most if not all Garlock characters do) NOR would it have been WONDERFUL! if they had. Most books I will not continue to read after realizing the sex is written to sell. If we are going to "borrow" from history then at least stay close to how it was.
Now that I am reading Garlock stories set in the era I grew up in, warm fuzzies abound and they take me back, however sex "scenes" do not fit with how I remember the era. I do not think I lived in a protected "pocket" and experienced differently. Most girls of my era would NEVER have fallen into bed within a week of meeting someone (as Gwennie and most if not all Garlock characters do) NOR would it have been WONDERFUL! if they had. Most books I will not continue to read after realizing the sex is written to sell. If we are going to "borrow" from history then at least stay close to how it was.
July 17, 2017
Lovely romantic story that takes place during the 1940s and 50s, an Americana story. Gwendolyn's parents are able to send her off to college to get a degree. She meets Kent, the guy of her dreams, who is striving to succeed as a lawyer. But when she comes home to visit, she is reminded of Kent's continual "broken" promises. Does she really love him? But then they have a fight and she wanders off, loses her treasured writing journal and leans over to retrieve it and falls in a river. A lovely small town story, but strong protagonist who is trying to find her way. Hank, the local woodworker is blamed and shunned for "killing" his brother Pete. But is it possible a new love is being discovered?
March 30, 2019
Gwen is bringing her boyfriend home to meet her parents. She has questions about their relationship- mainly his self centered ness and lack of support of her dream of writing. When he unexpectedly springs marriage, she flees in panic and fury and wanders around the neighborhood, falls into a river and is rescued by the town ne’er do well, hated because he supposedly killed his treasured little brother while drunk. Of course, Hank and Gwen fall in love against the hatred of the town. Add an arsonist, dense “fiancé “ , and big secret as well as writing opportunities and it was a good story. Not like the depression era ones but still enjoyable quick read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2021
The characters and the story was enjoyable, though there were parts I found boring (specifically when hank goes on and on about baseball).
There was also one random super explicit sex scene?? I don’t read books like that so I would’ve preferred a fade to black scene? Or a warning would’ve been nice... I mean the book is set in the 50’s and suggests that her and her boyfriend aren’t intimate. Then towards the end of the book I was like WOAH to that one scene.
Also she seemed to have no guilt about running around with Hank and thinking it *might* hurt Kent? I feel like that’s a given...
otherwise great story.
There was also one random super explicit sex scene?? I don’t read books like that so I would’ve preferred a fade to black scene? Or a warning would’ve been nice... I mean the book is set in the 50’s and suggests that her and her boyfriend aren’t intimate. Then towards the end of the book I was like WOAH to that one scene.
Also she seemed to have no guilt about running around with Hank and thinking it *might* hurt Kent? I feel like that’s a given...
otherwise great story.
April 20, 2018
Dorothy Garlock’s books are a step back in time to a different era. Have always enjoyed her books and this was no exception. Small town, close family and the main characters riveting. Gwen longing for a career and having the courage to realize that Kent would never allow her to have, nor would he ever put their home, family or marriage ahead of his job. Meeting Hank and being able to see beyond the baggage of his family problems and the towns rejection of him leads her on a road that will bring her happiness. At times the plot telegraphs, but overall an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2019
Sweet historical romance. It's a bit hard to believe the entire town could be so judgemental, and the heroine's tenacious pursuit to write about stuff either instead of actually helping (as with her neighbour's fire) or even if it could hurt someone she cared about (with the big reveal later on) felt a bit selfish. But maybe that's just because of the time period in which the story is set. I also didn't super connect with the characters, but that might be a personal preference. Overall, a solid, sweet read.
November 18, 2024
This book just wasn't great. It's set in the 50's and its about a girl who is stuck in a love triangle with a guy whose grossly self absorbed, but good on paper and approved of by her parents OR a poor guy who is known for being the one who killed his brother in a drunk driving accident. Theres no real triangle because you know the "bad boy"'s secret pretty early on so its no real competition ever. None of the characters are likable and the steamy scenes are too much. In the end there are some mysterious crimes going on that felt out of place and overall I just didn't love it.
August 15, 2017
I really liked this book a lot. Hank Ellis is the town pariah for causing the death of his brother in a drunken car accident. Gwen Foster is a favored daughter of the town, until she befriends Hank. As they fall in love, Hank's secrets threaten their happiness. Meanwhile, Gwen is trying to achieve a career in journalism, an ambition that caused problems in her previous relationship. When she gets to the bottom of Hank's secret, she worries that it will tear them apart.
November 4, 2017
2.5 Stars I took some breaks from this audio-book as it was really slow, took place in the 50's. So as far as romance goes it was kind of a Father's Knows Best kind of squeaky clean story except for one brief moment which I guess you would consider shocking for that time and place. I only continued listening because I've had such a hard time finishing books lately.
June 22, 2019
"Sunday Kind of Love" is a quick read, perfect for a Summertime book.
I enjoyed reading the story of Gwen and how, through a violent and almost tragic event, realized who and what she wanted for the rest of her life. Through her love of writing, she corrected a lie, began the occupation she always wanted and started the life of her dreams.
I enjoyed reading the story of Gwen and how, through a violent and almost tragic event, realized who and what she wanted for the rest of her life. Through her love of writing, she corrected a lie, began the occupation she always wanted and started the life of her dreams.
April 11, 2024
Ok how do I say this and be nice at the same time so here is a pros vs cons
Pros : good book , cute romance , nice storyline
Cons : very little emotional attachment before "spice " occurs I feel as though it went from 0-60 in two seconds definitely has some spice but everything felt rushed 🤷🏻♀️lmk what you think 🤔
Pros : good book , cute romance , nice storyline
Cons : very little emotional attachment before "spice " occurs I feel as though it went from 0-60 in two seconds definitely has some spice but everything felt rushed 🤷🏻♀️lmk what you think 🤔
February 12, 2025
A young woman fights for her freedom and independence in 1946, a man is accused of murder, and a whole town learns lessons about loyalty, trust and truth. The author describes “a second chance” (p. 357) that I think could have been used in this book’s title. It is definitely a romance, but “Sunday Kind of Love,” didn’t seem to fit?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2017
Sunday Kind of Love was enjoyable, though fairly predictable. I didn't feel particularly connected to the characters, and parts of it seemed unnecessarily observational (hidden as a character being reflective, which I also wasn't a fan of).
August 7, 2017
An enjoyable light read.
September 1, 2017
Cute, quaint, sweet, innocent. No surprises.
October 19, 2017
Just a really nice book
March 25, 2018
I am not a fan of "romance novels" so this really wasn't my thing. Transparent plot, tired and worn dialog. Just not for me.
July 14, 2018
Fast read. Set in the 1950 was interesting to see the character deciding to follow her dream outside what was considered her role for that time period.
August 13, 2019
This is the first D.G. book I have read and I loved it. I was so disappointed when I went to look her up online and found out she died last year.
December 9, 2019
Very good book. I finished it in one day.
September 6, 2020
It was comfortable to read a Garlock book again. It was predictable, but I enjoyed it!
May 9, 2022
Another new author for me to enjoy. I liked it from the start and then discovered that I have another one of her books on my shelf that I had forgotten about. Can’t wait to read that one too.
June 18, 2022
Just a nice light romance from the 1950's.
September 17, 2022
I love her books so much and this one didn't disappoint.
Read
October 10, 2022Lovely feel good kind of story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews