This is an awesome feel-good story about two generations of women, both of whom find something special at The Hideaway. I enjoyed the perspectives of both Mags and Sara and was eager to learn how they would handle what life threw at them. The love story between Mags and Williams was very touching - and obviously doomed from the start. The renovation didn't seem super realistic - a few mths, really? With no unexpected issues? But I loved what The Hideaway represented for both women and the author did an outstanding job evoking the feeling of the Deep South.

The Hideaway
Lauren K. Denton
Available: April 11, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley.com for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The rest of the States may consider the South to all be Country, but there’s Southern and then there’s Southern Country. New Orleans is easy, that’s just Southern but this little town in Alabama - well that’s jus t Southern County and once that area takes a little piece of your heart, there’s no leaving it. Sara finally realizes what means home to her and that is what makes this book a cute, easy, delightful read.
What I loved: The love story between Mags and William was straight out of The Notebook or The Bridges of Madison County – beautiful, touching, and obviously doomed. I only wish there was more as to why Mags never tried looking for William again..
What I didn’t love: I was disappointed that a home that has a major sub-plot as a full-face renovation had absolutely not one issue – cosmetically or structurally that would delay construction and it was complete in just 4 months. Really?
What I learned: Grandmas can have some seriously wild pasts…
Overall Grade: B+

www.FluffSmutandMurder.com

Great read! Looking forward to reading more by this author!

The Hideaway is absolutely charming, featuring two intertwined stories of love, self-discovery, and the search for peace.

Deep in the heart of the South is a dilapidated, quirky, and much-loved old home. The Hideaway is a shelter for those who are lost or want to escape society. For Sara, growing up there with her equally quirky grandmother, the Hideaway was embarrassing and as a young adult she quickly escaped to New Orleans to start her own business. Now her grandmother is dead and Sara has been left with the Hideaway, its remaining occupants, and the task of refurbishing the house. But the longer she stays, the harder it is to imagine leaving. She also begins to uncover the secrets her grandmother closely guarded and starts to fall in love with the charming contractor refurbishing what is quickly becoming her home.

This book is written in two sets of alternating chapters. The first from Sara, present day as she returns to her childhood home after the death of her grandmother. The other chapters are written from the perspective of Mags, Sara's grandmother, dating from the 1960s as Mags escaped an unfaithful husband, learned to love again, stand on her own feet, and never again let someone's judgement shape who she was.

The Hideaway is set in the Deep South of the USA and is predictably charming. The setting lends the story a laid-back feel and peacefulness that so perfectly suits both Mags and Sara's journeys. Often, with books that have parallel story lines, I find myself preferring one and hurrying through the other, but I enjoyed Mags and Sara's stories equally. They fit into the other seamlessly. The reader learns the reasons why Mags ran as Sara returns home, and the reason Mags was content to stand out and be different even if it made the people around her ashamed is made clear as Sara learns who her grandmother was and what had happened in her life to shape her choices.

Sara slowly discovers pieces of her grandmother's story through old postcards, pictures, and secrets pried from the residents of the Hideaway. I absolutely loved reading Mags' story - such determination and love in the face of hardship. Sara's story is equally enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed her romance with Crawford, who is so supportive and patient with Sara. The residents of the Hideaway, both from Sara and Mags' time, bring vibrancy and humour to the story, as does Sara's business partner and friend Allyn (green hair, noise ring, good taste and all - I really love Allyn).

Considering the publisher, I think it is pertinent to note that The Hideaway is not Christian fiction, just published by a publisher who usually publishes Christian fiction. There is one, brief mention of God and church attendance, but faith is never discussed. This story is general fiction and perfect for a wide range of readers. For readers who like to know such things, please note there is no coarse language or sex scenes, but adultery is a large part of the story.

The Hideaway is a charming novel, as calming in spirit as the setting and as beautiful as its the message of being content within one's self. The Hideaway is perfect for readers who enjoy romance and strong, personal stories.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet story about overcoming obstacles to be your true self.
To Megs, The Hideaway became the place where she was set free and wasn't afraid to fight for herself. It was where she learned to not go by what society wanted to impose on her and it was where she found true love and family.
As for Sara Jenkins, at first The Hideaway represented hurt and lost. And also memories of an eccentric grandmother she mostly didn't understand. But when circumstances brings her back to the Bread and Breakfast, she is able to find out who Mags truly was - a brave and remarkable young woman.
For both women The Hideaway represented a place where they learned to let go and be content. To find out how happy they are with what they have been given, even though there have been some sweet dreams lost along the away.
I absolutely adored all the characters that were part of The Hideaway! They enriched the story and it was easy to see why they brought so much joy, laughter and comfort to Megs and Sara's lives.

An entertaining, comforting sort of read with bittersweet reflections on life and relationships. Ultimately, though, fails to stand out from the crowd of this genre.