Hurricane Season is the second book by storyteller Lauren Denton. Set primarily in the small fictional town of Elinore, Alabama, just north of Gulf Shores, it is the story of sisters Betsy and Jenna during a particular summer. It is a stormy summer, both literally and metaphorically.

Betsy, and her husband Ty, are still reeling from their diagnosis of unexplained infertility. Younger, unmarried sister Jenna is mother to two adorable little girls. Jenna is just scraping by and has shelved her photographer dreams to take care of her girls. But when an unequaled opportunity comes her way to attend the Halcyon artists retreat at Singer Wildlife Refuge in northwest Florida on full scholarship, Jenna knows she must take the chance and ask for her sister’s help. At first, Jenna only plans to attend for two weeks, but when things really begin to click for her the two weeks are almost up.

Her mentor offers her the remaining session to continue her pursuit, build her portfolio, and add to her resume. The girls are doing well on Betsy and Ty’s dairy farm, why shouldn’t she take this opportunity to build a better life for them? When Jenna stays, Betsy becomes more attached to the little ones and the emptiness she has felt begins to fill, but what will happen when they do leave?

This story is set in the backdrop of a steamy southern summer capped when Hurricane Ingrid comes sweeping through. With carefully created characters, Ms. Denton explores relationships, circumstances, and the abiding love of two sisters. I very much enjoyed this book and do recommend it.

Storms have this beautiful dual quality, they bring about destruction and they also show the strength in all those who weather them. So also are the storms of life, they change life drastically, but sometimes they also pave the way to start life afresh.
Hurricane Season by Lauren Denton is one such book which shows strength of family relationships in the face of storms of life. Two sisters, Betsy and Jenna both different in their outlook, but yet similar in many ways, Betsy who is childless, is asked to look after her nieces while Jenna attends a photography camp. Betsy and her husband Ty, after going through a lot of tests for fertility issues, are struggling to find a balance in their childless relationship, and with the two girls thrown into the equation, suddenly find themselves managing both the farm and the girls in the face of nature's Hurricane.
My first book by Laura Denton, the chapters are written in all the 3 three main characters' point of view, and it is refreshing to see life through their eyes. The emotions of self-discovery, healing, acceptance, and love for each other is what sustains life and relationships, and this is shown beautifully by Lauren. It is nice to see how the bond between the sisters which was strong growing up, frayed as life moves on, yet somehow manages to reaffirm itself as the chapters flow.
I loved the way the author has used the Hurricane Ingrid as the backdrop for life and its lessons, where each of the characters find their own path to peace and happiness. The chapters flow seamlessly and style of writing makes this an easy read. I just felt that the ending is a wee bit rushed. But the emotions of hope and dreams of a happy future are what remains even after the book ends.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Thomas Nelson, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Hurricane Season is a beautifully written story of to sisters. I loved the plot and the characters. Lauren Denton always delivers a great book. I highly recommend this book.

This was my first book by Lauren K. Denton. I have The Hideaway on my kindle but haven't started it yet. This was such an inspiring novel. The characters in this novel seemed to weather their own storms as the story went on and all seemed to come out the other side a little better off. Jenna and Betsy are both strong women that don't see that in themselves but through a challenging 7 weeks both are able to find their strength.

I really enjoyed this book. I think this is going to be a wonderful beach read this summer.....just make sure that a hurricane is not coming to land.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Very well written. The characters are wonderfully written. The story is interesting and unique. I look forward to reading more from Lauren.

Hurricane Season is the perfect vacation read! Denton weaves an excellent story of love, heartache, and hope that make it impossible not to root for Betsy and Jenna (the main characters). This book is an easy and relaxing read that leaves you feeling refreshed! I highly recommend and will be buying to give to various friends and families for their summer read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have Laura K. Denton's first novel, The Hideaway, downloaded on my Kindle, but have been saving for summer. When I had the opportunity to read an ARC of her second novel, Hurricane Season, I simply could not wait.

Denton's style reminds me of Kristin Hannah's early work. The characters are beautifully portrayed, so that you become invested in them and truly care about what happens to them. The events are shared in such a colorful manner that you feel like you're right there with them. I simply could not put it down!

Hurricane Season is a story about sisters learning to understand each other and mend a relationship that has failed them in the past. It's a story of two daughters who are haunted by the fact that they never quite lived up to mom and dad's standards. It's a story of compassion and generosity and forgiveness. And it's a story of a couple overcoming their own heartbreak to selflessly care for two children they adore. I related to so many of the themes in this novel, and think that most will find they do as well.

There is no doubt in my mind, this will be one of THE books to read Summer 2018! Put it on your list!

Thank you #NetGalley , #LaurenKDenton , and #ThomasNelson for providing an advanced reader ecopy of The Hurricane Season.

It is a simple, sweet, Southern novel about sisters, family, losing one’s dreams, and opening the heart to new paths.

The first half of the book had some moments that made me really uncomfortably judgemental of both sisters’ behavior (Jenna and Betsy). By the second half I was pretty sympathetic to Betsy’s inner turmoil as it is easily relatable by many women. I never could fully empathize with Jenna only because I just didn’t agree with or understand her actions regarding her daughters while pursuing her dreams.

By the end of the novel, it left me feeling satisfied, but unchallenged, which is perfectly fine sometimes. I would only have asked for Jenna to have made the same choices toward her dreams she made in the book but with less neglectful treatment of her daughters. That just left a bad taste in my mouth. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes inspirational fiction. There is almost nothing offensive to anyone in the book. It is not religious, but it is very simple and almost innocent. It’s a good palate cleanser after reading a bunch of heavier themed books recently.

Hurricane Season by Lauren K. Denton
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 5/5 stars

Betsy Franklin seemingly has it all. She married her college sweetheart, the only man she has ever really loved, she is active in her church and social community, and she runs a variety of educational programs from she and her husband’s successful dairy farm. Yes, Betsy Franklin seemingly has it all.

In the plan for their life, Betsy and her husband, Ty saw a family, tiny humans to populate their inherited home, and grow up in the environs of the farm and community. Children would complete their plan, but it simply hasn’t happened, and the medical community has no explanation for the situation. Even with medical intervention, Betsy hasn’t gotten pregnant, and in the time since the last failure, she has tried to recover emotionally and move forward with her life. Ty is her rock and just when Betsy feels like she, they may be back on track, her somewhat irresponsible sister comes calling with a huge and emotionally charged favor.

Until the birth of her daughters, Jenna’s life was a mess with little to no direction. Since the birth of her daughters, Jenna’s life still has no direction and she spends her days slinging fancy drinks as a barista. Jenna loves her daughters, but beyond them, her life isn’t satisfying and if something doesn’t change, she’s in danger of falling back into bad behaviors. When an opportunity of a lifetime comes her way, a retreat to focus on her photography, she calls on her sister, Betsy to look after her girls for the duration of the retreat.

Jenna is and has always been oblivious to the problems and concerns of others. Though Betsy has tried, more than once, to tell Jenna of her fertility issues, Jenna hasn’t had time to listen and has no idea how hard it will be for Betsy and Ty to take in her girls. What’s more, when Jenna doesn’t get what she needs out of the first two weeks of the retreat, she extends the stay indefinitely in a voicemail to her sister.

With nothing to do but accept the situation and care for two, sweet girls, Betsy and Ty step up to plate and get ready for a full summer of family life. As the days and weeks stretch out before them, Betsy becomes ever more attached to the girls and does her best to deal with emotional turmoil their presence brings. What’s more, Betsy also must deal with the emotions bubbling up regarding her sister and her behavior. Betsy has long supported Jenna and free-spirited nature, but there are extenuating circumstances this time around that Jenna’s selfishness has blinded her to. Betsy wants to support her sister, help her finally find her way in the world, but it can’t be at the cost of her own emotional and mental health.

The Bottom Line: The is my second Lauren K. Denton book and, like the first, I couldn’t put this one down. While there is an actual hurricane to be dealt with in this book, the real hurricane is found in the emotions of the sisters, Betsy and Jenna. Told from alternate points of view, Betsy and Jenna’s the story unfolds over the course of Jenna’s retreat and Betsy’s summer. While Jenna is off trying to figure out her life, Betsy is, once again saddled with all the responsibility. Though Betsy gladly takes in Jenna’s girls, she does so at a high cost to herself and her marriage, and this makes her an immediately sympathetic character. Betsy and Ty are the absolute favorites in this read, and I found it hard to have any sympathy or even liking for Jenna. Even when Jenna understands Betsy’s situation, she continues on her own path which makes her even more unlikeable. In this way, Denton is extremely successful in her character development and her characters, for better and worse are one of the reasons I was so involved in this read. To be sure, this isn’t a happy read, but it is an emotionally charged book with so much underlying tension that you are begging for the storm, the actual storm, by the end of the read! This is what I adore about Denton’s writing! She draws you in with brilliantly crafted characters, a tremendously strong plot, and so much tension you just can’t stop reading. If you haven’t been introduced to Lauren K. Denton yet, what are you waiting for?

I really enjoyed this book. The ties of two sisters grown up and struggling to find themselves but reflecting on the past which eventually helps them both, the prospect of a hurricane always there, perhaps a metaphor for there relationship.

It was just ok to me. This wasn't my type of story.

This is a story of two sisters and their lives. Betsy lives with her husband on a dairy farm. Jenna is the single mom to two little girls. Each sister's life has its on set of problems. I really liked Betsy. I loved her relationship with her husband as the book went along. This was a great story of family, love, and learning what is important. I received an advanced readers copy of the book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions are my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The cover is what caught my eye first but it was the story and characters that I fell in love with. Betsy receives a phone call from her sister Jenna asking if she will watch her nieces. Jenna has a chance to go on a once in a lifetime art retreat and would really like to go, but needs someone to watch her girls.

It's only supposed to be for two weeks, but then becomes months. Jenna believes Betsy and her husband Ty have the perfect life, with their relationship and dairy farm. Jenna on the other hand is a single mom of two girls, works at a coffee shop and gave up her true passion, photography.

The chapters are told from Jenna, Betsy and Ty's point of view. It was a beautiful and charming story and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. Honestly, I could have kept reading about them and would have loved to find out what happened in the next chapter of their lives. The book is about love and family.

I loved the writing style and look forward to reading more books by the author. I definitely recommend the book.

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and the author, Lauren K. Denton, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.

Once in a while I will cherry-pick through my list to find the book that's "just right" for my mood. Hurricane Season was THE book that happened to fit that bill perfectly. It's actually two books melded into one. Betsy and Jenna lead very different lives, even though they are sisters. Betsy is married to Ty and works at helping him on the dairy farm. Jenna is not married, but she has two lovely daughters and works at a coffee shop. When opportunity knocks on Jenna's door to go to an artist's retreat, she dumps her daughters off on her childless sister for eight weeks.

There is no "romance" in this book, per se, but there is the discovery of love between sisters, between Betsy and Jenna's children, between Ty and Jenna's children, and the renewal of love between Ty and Betsy. The interactions of the characters make the book. Lauren K Denton knows how to bring the characters to life and make the book believable. I love the way she develops her plots and weaves them together. This is a five star book, two thumbs up, and a safe place to be during a hurricane.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review this book.

Hurricane Season was a terrific read, but for me a bit slow going at times. The dynamic between sisters, Jenna & Betsey, their childhood traits into adulthood certainly made for solid characters, and I enjoyed getting to know them.

Jenna was by far my favorite character, her struggle with the life she has, and fulfilling her dreams while having two young girls was incredibly relatable. In the end, I think she ended up just where she was meant to be.

For Betsey & Ty, I think their trials made their opinion of Jenna a bit harsh, but am glad everything came together, and the relationships and farm weathered the storm.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for access to this title in exchange for a review, happy to recommend it to others!

I just finished reading Hurricane Season by Lauren K. Denton, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to read it. I could see myself relating to Betsy and her struggle with the hurt that comes from infertility. I have dealt with these same emotions. I loved the character of Ty and how the reader is able to see his love for Betsy and how he deals with trying to love her through this season of their lives. Jenny was also a strong character though I can't imagine a mother being able to stay away from her children that long, yet I understand her longing to fulfill her dreams. I look forward to reading future books by Lauren K. Denton.

Two sisters. Betsy wishes she had what here sister has. Jenna isn’t sure she’s happy with what life has handed her. When an opportunity arises for Jenna to follow her dream – at least for two weeks – Betsy steps in to care for Jenna’s two daughters. And as a hurricane brews, so do the sisters’ emotions, both reexamining what it is they want out of life.

HURRICANE SEASON explores the complicated relationships of sisters and family. Each sister has problems she has to deal with in their own lives, plus the issues of their relationship with each other. We watch as they each delve deep inside themselves to find the happiness they seek. We also see them struggle between the one thing each wants, which seems unattainable, and how they each come to terms with how to get it, or let it go. An enticing family drama that shows how strong the bond between sisters, and family, really is.

Thank you NetGalley for ARC digital copy. I love books set on a farm, or coastal area where working the land or nature is part of the story. So this book was of interest to me. It was an ok read. Nothing especially compelling. I found Betsy and Ty a bit judgey of Jenna. And. I started to get a little bored with the story and skimmed.

I really enjoyed this book! Betsy and Jenna are sisters- each somewhat envious of the other. Betsy is more thoughtful and steady where Jenna flies by the seat of her pants. The story centers on Jenna leaving her two kids (last minute) with her sister while she attends an art retreat. Betsy, thus far unable to have her own children, has to deal with the emotions that come with suddenly having two young children in her care. The author did a great job with both characters as they struggle to find what is really important in life. I highly recommend this sweet, pleasant story! I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

This is an engaging story surrounding sisters Jenna and Betsy, Jenna's young daughters, and Betsy's husband Ty. Jenna gets an opportunity to follow her lifelong dream of photography and leaves her daughters in the care of Betsy and Ty on their dairy farm. Throughout the book, we learn about the sisters' past and present struggles and the family dynamics. The strong theme of rebuilding relationships is intertwined with daily life on the farm and at Jenna's art retreat, the uncertainty of the hurricane season's effect on the coastal Alabama farm, and beautifully written descriptions of the atmosphere and two main settings. Lauren Denton has such a way with words, I was swept into the story and had a hard time putting it down. It has a great conclusion, with the important conflicts resolved and a couple questions left optimistically open to consideration. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Lauren Denton in the future.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.