This is a very enjoyable book. The characters are all good and it's an easy read with an interesting plot. I'm hoping this is the beginning of a series!

All about revival after a devastating blow to your expectations. Lily has moved to Alabama just a little while ago and now finds herself facing a goodbye note from her husband and divorce papers for her to sign and return. Finding a vacancy for a hair stylist at a retirement village was a god send and a lifesaver. Finding friends and a support system was even better. Rose the founder of the village is prickly, not sentimental and keeps herself apart from the friendly tenants. She finds some rapport with Lily and despite her normal self finds herself helping Lily to settle in.

This was an enjoyable, light hearted read set in a fishing community in the Deep South in America. The setting was different and made for a nice change. The story is set on an even keel and was predictable

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It was such a beautiful and heartwarming read. I loved that it was a clean romance, with no spicy scenes, even though the story explored themes of second chances, redemption, and finding love again.

There was a great balance between Rose’s and Lily’s stories. Two women from different generations, both facing personal challenges and striving to rebuild their lives. It was inspiring to see them seek healing, each navigating pain, regret, and broken relationships in their own ways.

Lily’s character development was so satisfying. She rediscovered her strength and voice. Rose, on the other hand, had to let down her emotional walls, confront her past, and mend the relationships that mattered. It was raw and honest, and I appreciated that the story wasn’t just centered on romance, but on healing, resilience, bravery, and redemption.

I also loved the minor characters, they were beautifully written and added so much depth. Every character felt important and real. Their stories didn’t overshadow the main plot, but enriched it. I felt like I was truly in Safe Harbor Village with them, and I didn’t want to leave. I could feel their pain, understand their decisions, and root for their healing.

This was such a reflective and moving book. The writing was strong, the pacing felt right, and the emotional payoff was worth it. I absolutely recommend it.

3.75 Stars
This was a nice gentle read. It was nice getting to know the Characters. Lovely descriptive writing, I could really picture the place in my mind.
It was a bit predictable, but lovely to see the change in the Characters. I loved how everyone looked out for the new comer..
I have read a couple of books by this Author, and generally enjoy.ed.

★ ★ ★ ½

The Summer House is a sweet and cozy Southern tale that gently reminds us it's never too late to start over. Set against the warm and breezy backdrop of the Alabama Gulf Coast, Lauren K. Denton brings us a heartfelt story about second chances, friendship, and unexpected connections.

The story follows Lily Bishop, who suddenly finds herself abandoned by her husband and stranded in a new town with no job and no friends. When she lands a gig as a hair stylist at Safe Harbor, a quaint retirement community, she slowly begins to rebuild her life with the help of the residents—and a few surprising allies. One of those is Rose Carrigan, the no-nonsense founder of the community who’s facing her own past wounds. Their unlikely friendship becomes the heart of the novel, and both women evolve in ways that feel both tender and believable.

Characters like Lily, Rose, and the endearing Coach really grow on you as the pages turn. The community gossip, light romance, and the small-town charm add a comforting warmth to the story. While the pacing does drag in parts, the lovely and satisfying ending makes the journey worthwhile. It’s a feel-good read perfect for a lazy weekend or a beach day.

If you're in the mood for a clean, charming story about picking up the pieces and finding joy where you least expect it, The Summer House might just be what you're looking for.

A beautiful book full of second-chances, learning to move on, and discovering yourself.

--I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.--

Lily wakes up one morning with her husband gone and divorce papers on her pillow. they have just moved to Alabama and she doesn't know anyone. she makes friends with Rose. good story

I enjoyed this read, from beginning to end, and would have loved to continue on in their lives!
As the story begins, a young woman and her husband are starting a new life on the Alabama coast! The picture looks rosy, but what happens next puts them both on different paths. Lily Bishop life is about to change, and she is about to take control, and stand on her own two feet.
Then there is Rose, she owns a retirement community, which I would love to live at! Can these two help each other heal? We journey along with lots of surprises, and a sweet little girl, who wants to do cartwheels.
I loved this place, and the characters whom lived in the community were delightful, and entertaining!
There is a lot of hidden hurts here, and then their is forgiveness. Once you arrive here you won't want to leave!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Summer House was such a breath of fresh air. I loved each character and how you felt like you knew them. I would highly recommend this to everyone.

I am not sure why this book is NOT yet rated 5 stars by everyone! It was the best read I have had in awhile! This book had me hooked from the very begging to the end! It was romantic, heartbreaking, suspenseful! There was no smut. Such a very quick clean read. If you’re looking for a new book for your book club I highly recommend this book! I am now a new fan of this author! I will be looking into more books from her from here on out! Really hoping there is a sequel

In the quaint, sun-drenched setting of a close-knit Southern town, this narrative unfolds as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. Readers will be captivated by a deeply resonant tale of an individual embarking on a journey of profound personal reinvention, shedding old facades and embracing newfound possibilities. The story beautifully interweaves themes of emotional resilience, showcasing the strength found in vulnerability and the ability to rise above life's unexpected challenges. As the protagonist navigates their transformative path, they encounter a tapestry of richly drawn characters, leading to unexpected connections that blossom into meaningful relationships. Adding a delightful layer to this heartwarming story is a subtle undercurrent of small-town romance, promising tender moments and the sweet anticipation of love found in the most unassuming places. This book offers a comforting escape for those who appreciate stories that explore the complexities of the heart, celebrate the beauty of second chances, and leave readers with a lingering sense of warmth and optimism.

This was not as good as the Hideaway. It was just a fine read. It did not draw me in like the Hideaway.

I loved this book! It's well-written, enjoyable, and a great summer read. Lauren Denton did a great job of writing in a way that captures the readers attention, and makes you not want to put it down until you're finished! I would highly recommend it!

Laura Denton does good chick lit. I've enjoyed every book that I have read from her. I do not recommend audio books by her but not her fault. The reader on one of them did pretty offensive accents for a Hispanic man in one.

This is a summer read about the second chances in love. Young Lily in the process of her divorce and Rose, approaching her seventies, meet in the retirement village of Safe Harbor, full of colourful characters - and both of them have reasons for their hearts to harden. But this summer, these women may open their hearts!

Honestly, while I loved Rose´s story (there is everything - reasoning, past hurts, real change and believable chance at romance), I do not care about Lily and her story so much. She is portrayed as the one who has been hurt, but really, she does not show any love for her ex/husband. She has been married to him for only a year! This is a very short time to fall out of love, especially when the guy haven´t shown the signs of leaving...I do think that the authoress should write Lily and her ex/husband as just a couple dating , as the whole marriage between them comes off as just a prop for the story, not the real heartbreak to recover from. In short, this part of story is not believable.

But Rose, Coach and the very charming residents of the retirement village make up for that! I would love to live there.

There may be snow outside, but this book was such a warm hearted cute read. Just what I needed.

The story is more about new beginnings from some of the lowest points. There is Lily, married a year and only a few weeks at a new home hours away from what she knows, who wakes up to a note and divorce papers out of the blue. Then there is Rose, the starter of Harbor Village, who is known as the “ice queen”, who purposely keeps others at bay. Harbor Village includes all retired folks who still want to live an active life.

As Lily isn’t sure how to move on, she finds an ad for a hair stylist at Harbor Village and her new beginning. Cautious Rose hires her the day of her interview and includes living accommodations over the hair salon.

These two women both start to heal over this summer and learn to move on.

Read if you enjoy:
- elderly/retired characters with a mix of youth thrown in
- Want to feel like you’re living on the coast 🙋🏽‍♀️
- Overcomers

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson publishing for a free ecopy! I really enjoyed the book. ❤️

A beautiful story about starting over and what good can come from that. Lily Bishop wakes up one morning to find her husband gone and divorce papers waiting for her to sign. She is shocked and devastated and unsure how to pick up the pieces. She takes a job as a hairstylist in Safe Harbor Village, a small retirement community started by Rose Carrigan over forty years ago. Rose runs Safe Harbor with an iron fist. The residents, behind her back, call her the Ice Queen. She doesn’t need a new hairstylist but Lily convinces her that she will be a good addition at Safe Harbor. Rose has her own past with relationships, as her husband left her years ago for his young assistant. Add Rose's nephew Rawlins to the mix and these ingredients make for a nice story.

I tried to listen to this last summer and had to stop. I’m trying to clean off my NetGalley shelf, so I started it again this month. I liked it better than the first time, but I still didn’t like it enough to recommend it. There are better books about starting over in small towns in the summer - it didn’t feel like anything new or different.

Thanks to @NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my ARC!

Lily Bishop wakes up one morning to find her husband gone and divorce papers waiting for her to sign. She is shocked and devastated. She had just moved to another state for him and is unsure how to pick up the pieces. She needs a job, that she knows, so she applies for a job as a hairstylist in Safe Harbor Village, a small retirement community started by Rose Carrigan over forty years ago.
Rose runs Safe Harbor with an iron fist. The residents, behind her back, call her the Ice Queen. She doesn’t need a new hairstylist but Lily convinces her that she will be a good addition at Safe Harbor. Rose has her own past with relationships, as her husband left her years ago for his young assistant. Add Rose's nephew Rawlins to the mix and these ingredients make for a tasty Southern dish!
I really enjoyed this story - which overall is a story of love and loss. I loved the characters of both Lily and Rose, from different generations who share similar ways of dealing with hidden secrets over their broken hearts. A great summer read!
Thanks to Lauren K. Denton, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was such an amazing story of the beautiful things that can happen when you start over. The unlikely pairing of Lily and Rose somehow works so well. I adore Rawlins & Hazel, as well as the diverse cast of characters who make Safe Harbor home. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a review.