I have been a big fan of Jeff Zentner’s young adult novels, including award winners like THE SERPENT KING and GOODBYE DAYS, for a while now. So I especially was looking forward to his adult debut. Fans of his earlier work, as well as those who likely will discover him for the first time, are in for a treat with the funny, heartfelt and unapologetically romantic COLTON GENTRY’S THIRD ACT.

Way back in high school, Colton Gentry was the star of the football team in his small Kentucky town, seemingly destined to play in college on a full athletic scholarship and maybe even make it to the NFL. But when an injury derailed his plans, he had to shift gears and start over, this time by leaning into the singing and guitar playing that was his first (or maybe second) love. However, that shift --- inspired by Luann, his quirky, beautiful, brilliant first love, who encouraged him to follow his talent toward new dreams --- came with its own price. Colton blew up his hometown relationships left and right, including the one with Luann.

"Zentner skillfully alternates through three different timelines in his novel... But what will stick with readers is the affection with which Zentner writes about the South, from its lush landscapes and wild weather to its food."

Fast forward almost 20 years, and Colton has done it again. Still grieving the loss of his best friend and fellow country musician Duane after a mass shooting left the brilliant guitarist dead on stage, Colton --- who may have gotten in the habit of having a few too many drinks before going out to perform --- lets loose an expletive-fueled tirade aimed at a bunch of NRA fans in the front row of his show. It’s all caught on video, of course, and soon everyone --- from Colton’s record label to his manager to his country star-turned-pop star wife --- is telling him it’s over. His career, his marriage, everything.

So Colton returns home to Kentucky with his tail between his legs and a new focus on sobriety. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have any other discernible talents beyond music and football, and both of those doors have closed for good. And even though he’s crashing at his mom’s house, he doesn’t even have enough money in his account to pay for a dinner out with her at the fancy new farm-to-table restaurant in town. But that embarrassing and awkward situation just might lead him to a third chance at professional success --- and possibly a second chance at love.

Zentner skillfully alternates through three different timelines in his novel: the account of teenage Colton and Luann’s first love, the early days of Colton’s friendship with Duane after his move to Nashville, and the adult Colton’s return to Kentucky. Throughout, Zentner --- a former musician who knows something about reinvention --- shows how the seeds of Colton’s self-destructive behavior, as well as the creativity and adaptability that will save him, have been there all along. His story is an inspiring but never sentimental one, and although it’s often dark, it’s also truly funny in spots. Colton’s relationship with his ugly adopted shelter dog, Petey, is particularly ripe for humor.

But what will stick with readers is the affection with which Zentner writes about the South, from its lush landscapes and wild weather to its food. I highly recommend that you either plan to read this book on a full stomach or get ready to make reservations for the best Southern-style restaurant near you. That’s how mouthwatering the food descriptions are.

COLTON GENTRY’S THIRD ACT acknowledges life’s unexpected and sometimes unwelcome twists and turns and celebrates the openness, creativity and resilience that allow us to keep on driving.