Run don’t walk to your nearest book store and get The Summer House. Excellent writing, characters you will absolutely fall in love with and descriptions that will put you right into the story.
I loved this book and am completely grateful to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review The Summer House in exchange for a completely honest review.

Sometimes, you think your life is over. You’ve hit rock bottom, and it feels like there are no more chances left.

Lily Bishop found herself in that exact place—abandoned, heartbroken, and uncertain of what came next. She was dealt a heavy, devastating blow at the beginning of the story—and I loved how she handled herself. Her quiet strength and grace pulled me in and made me want to keep reading to see how she would bounce back.

This is a story about starting over, about second chances, and about finding hope in the most unexpected places. The residents of Safe Harbor Village made me smile—especially Coach. Their kindness, quirks, and subtle wisdom added warmth to every chapter.

The character arcs were gradual, believable, and beautifully done—a master class in emotional growth. The romantic elements were sweet, slow-burning, and heartwarming. Nothing was rushed, which felt right for characters healing from trauma.

One of the most moving aspects was the evolving bond between the two protagonists—each navigating her own path to healing and reinvention. Their journeys were separate yet gently intertwined, and I loved how they influenced each other in quiet but powerful ways.

The writing and pacing were excellent—engaging without ever feeling rushed. And the dialogue carried real emotional weight. One of my favorite lines was something Rose said: “I had to see myself to see you.” That line stayed with me. It’s so true. Until we love and accept ourselves, we can’t truly receive love from another person.

Although the book is 352 pages, it didn’t feel long. I was simply enjoying life in Safe Harbor, learning alongside the characters, and rooting for their new beginnings.

If you enjoy heartfelt stories about women reclaiming their lives, rediscovering joy, and embracing the unexpected, The Summer House will be a deeply satisfying read. It’s one of those books that gently wraps around you and reminds you that it’s never too late to begin again.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Try this for your next girls coffee club read or enjoy in your favorite reading nook on a sweltering day in June/July. Overall, a nice summer read that’s also good for read and pass-along/book clubs. It’s multigenerational, which is always fun and it’s nice to have a book without all the F-bombs and overloaded cursing. Lots of heartfelt themes covered—finding love again, starting over, and taking a chance on friendships. Lily and Rose learn to be part of the community and find new ways of living and enjoying life.

If you’re looking for fresh start books or a new perspective focus, give this one a try!

**The Summer House** by Lauren K. Denton is exactly the kind of warm, comforting read I adore! It’s about a woman starting over in a charming coastal town, with a sweet second-chance storyline and a strong focus on friendship and finding yourself again. The Southern setting is so cozy and inviting — I felt like I was right there on the porch with sweet tea. Uplifting, heartfelt, and full of hope!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Had never read anything by this author before, but will look for more. This book has quite a cast of characters. Everyone has a story and reasons for the things they do as shown in this story. I was given a complimentary copy of this book and the opinions are my own.

I just loved this book. The characters were top notch. Loved the names Lily and Rose. Lots of feelings and found family. Lily comes crushed and finds a new home with a new community of family members.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for a gifted copy in exchange for a honest review.

.Sometimes it takes losing everything to find yourself again."

I picked up The Summer House on NetGalley simply because the title caught my attention—I had no idea what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying it! It turned out to be such a lovely and heartwarming summer read.
The story centers around Rose, the reserved owner of the Safe Harbor retirement village who keeps her distance from others, and Lily, a young woman trying to rebuild her life after being abandoned by her husband. Over the course of one summer, both women slowly begin to heal, open up, and allow others into their lives.
What I loved most was how this book focuses more on friendship and personal growth than romance. The romantic elements are light and sweet, but the real heart of the story lies in the relationships—especially the one between Rose and Lily, and the bonds Lily builds with the residents of Safe Harbor. Watching Rose emerge from her self-imposed isolation was incredibly satisfying and gave the story a wonderful emotional depth.
The Summer House is a beautiful, feel-good novel perfect for fans of character-driven stories with themes of second chances, healing, and the quiet strength of community.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this gem in exchange for an honest review.

A marvelous novel that will make you laugh and hold your heart. The aches and pains of life are carefully crafted, showing a deep understanding of the characters of Rose and Lily. Rawlins and Coach are described lovingly, each with an undercurrent of feelings for Lily and Rose. A lovely Lauren K. Denton novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a book about friendship and starting over no matter your age.

The book does have some romance but no graphic scenes or language. The relationships in the book don't feel rushed which makes it feel more realistic.

The one issue I had was the changing back and forth between the two women's stories. It felt choppy and really interrupted the flow of the book for me.

All in all, it's an enjoyable story, and I believe it's worth reading.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Summer House takes us on a journey from broken to healing while enjoying a slow paced life in the village of Safe Harbour. This was a book I read slowly, savouring the people, the relationships and the hints of healing and love that came through. I was able to sink into this story and let it wrap around me like a warm blanket ... leaving the busy world around me behind. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books like it.

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