I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is such a sweet and relatable story. Lily finds herself having to start her life all over again after her husband abandons her. She does what women do. She put her big girl panties on and dealt with life. A fun, quick read.

What a great summer read!
Lily Bishop is shocked to wake up to a note and divorce papers from her husband. They had just moved from Georgia to Alabama for him to start a new job a few weeks prior, and Lily didn’t have a clue that he was unhappy.
She realizes she is going to have to figure out her next move, especially since the house they were living in was connected to the new job. When Lily sees a flyer on the bulletin board at the grocery store, she realizes she has found at least a temporary solution: return to her career as a hair stylist, which she had done with her late mother.
Rose Carrigan, who had built the little retirement village with her husband (who ran off with his assistant), interviews Lily and decides to give her a chance. Luckily, there is an apartment over the little beauty shop that Lily can use, and if things go well, Rose might have her work in the office as well.
Rose has recently been notified by her ex-husband that they have received a really good offer for the property, but Rose isn’t sure she wants to sell it. After all, the actual land was her family’s.
Rose and Lily gradually become friends. All of the wonderful characters who live in the little retirement village are a delight, and their stories are interwoven into those of Lily and Rose. And oh, did I mention Rose’s nephew, Rawlins?
This was a one-sitting read for me.

THE SUMMER HOUSE by Lauren K. Denton is a heart-warming story of friendship, love and new beginnings. Having read and loved all of the author’s previous books, I couldn’t wait to read her latest and it definitely did not disappoint. Set in the small retirement village of Safe Harbor on the Alabama Gulf coast, two women, Lily Bishop and Rose Carrigan, form an unlikely friendship that leads them to re-examining their lives and the choices they have made along the way. After moving to Alabama with her husband for his new job, Lily wakes up one morning to a goodbye letter and divorce papers. Stunned and all alone, Lily must decide what to do next. Rose built the Safe Harbor community with her now ex-husband and although she lives there, she distances herself from everyone, including her own family. Lily and Rose meet by chance when Lily answers an ad for a hair stylist position in Safe Harbor. Though decades separate them in age, the pair unexpectedly end up helping each other find a way to make a new start. The characters in the story are sweet and quirky and wonderfully-portrayed. The descriptions of Safe Harbor made me want to live there myself! The story has just the right touch of Southern charm and even a little romance. I really enjoyed this poignant story of friendship, self-discovery and living life to its fullest at any age and I highly recommend it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy. Although I received a complimentary copy of this book, the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." I got a free e-ARC of this book from Netgalley.

This book started a little slow, but then I really got into the whole groove of Lily finding her place and people in the world. How would you react if you woke up one day and your husband had left you without any warning? With no family left to turn to, Lily has to rise up on her own feet. A quiet, but moving novel about moving on.

Another must read by Lauren K Denton. The friendship between Lily and Rose is an unlikely one. But Rose sees something in Lily that makes this hard woman thaw just a little. I love the way they each blossom and discover their inner selves while learning to trust others again. This is a wonderfully written book about life and no matter your age there is still time to grow and love. Thank you to the publisher for the requested ARC. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

This contemporary fiction book is a breath of fresh air and I greatly enjoyed it. Unlike many such novels in which the main character returns to her hometown to start live anew, Lily finds herself recently moved to Alabama, due to her husbands job, when he leaves her unexpectedly. Now she must find a new home, as the home she occupies was temporary just until she and her husband got settled in their new life. Lily must start a new life on her own, and she starts by applying to be a hairdresser in a retirement community. From there, the book opens up to a variety of relationships that Lily encounters as she navigates being on her own in an unfamiliar town. The characters in this book are delightful, and The Summer House was a great introduction to Lauren Denton for me. I look forward to picking up some of her other books!

Thanks go to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Summer House in exchange for my honest review.

When Lily’s life is turned upside down hope comes in the most unexpected place. When Lily spots an ad for a hairdresser in a retirement community she decides it just might be the fresh start she is looking for. This book showcased the hope and peace that can come when we make a decision to change, no matter our age ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5 stars for this one!

A happy, feel good story of new beginnings. The characters are likable, happy and with gumption and strength to make it a good read on a low day.

This book started off great but then fell flat towards the middle but then it picked back up. I would love to live in Safe Harbor with Rose and Lily. I could totally be friends with both of them. This is my 4th book by Lauren K. Denton and her books are always "feel good books". Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

This was a sweet read and EXACTLY what I needed during this pandemic. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

A young woman whose husband walks out on her answers an ad for a hairdresser at a retirement village, and gets the best break of her life. These people come from different backgrounds but enjoy each other and make their village work. She learns a lot about herself and about love.

Love this multi generational book about Lily - who was a little lost when she was married, and a lot lost after her husband left her. In Steele Magnolias fashion, Lily found her own community where she felt at peace - never mind that most of the folks were old enough to be her parents or grandparents. And some of those folks had younger relatives that were pretty easy on the eyes. :) Lucky for Lily, she also found a friend in Rose, the cool owner/manager of their close community. I loved that the age difference between Lily and Rose didn’t even rise to the surface throughout the book. Their friendship was authentic, mutually selfless, and beneficial to both. Despite the commentary on some real feelings and life baggage, Denton succeeds in making this story light, funny, and highly entertaining. Loved it.

This is a quick read-a book that is character driven. I was given a copy online of this book to read for review. It is good for those wanting light reading but probably not for a reread. Living in a senior village...reconciliation...marriage and problems...this has a little of all...enjoy

What a sweet, heartfelt story...This novel will capture your attention from the first chapter...and will not let go until the final page. A beautiful novel. Five stars.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I so enjoyed The Summer House. I would love to find a little neighborhood like Safe Harbor. I found this book to be very heartfelt with characters that I was really hoping for happy endings. Lily and Rose’s stories unfolded quietly, but stirred up strong feelings.

As someone who works in a nursing home, I loved reading this book! I can totally place myself in Lily and Rose's shoes. My heart breaks for them and their hardships, but I felt connected to them. I didn't want to put the book down. Such a nice, heartfelt book.

The Summer House
by Lauren K. Denton
Thomas Nelson--FICTION
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Thomas Nelson
Women's Fiction

Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson-Fiction for the ARC of this book. I love Southern Fiction and this is no exception. I like the way Lauren Denton writes and look forward to reading more of her books.
This is a thumbs up!~!

What a great story. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. The stories and characters are enchanting and real. I loved Lily and Rose’s relationship and how each bloomed and changed for the better. The Summer House is a must read! Lauren K Denton’s books shouldn’t be missed

Oh how I loved this beautifully written story! I just adore every single character of this book! Love love loved it! Highly recommend

3.5 stars
This was a well developed story of starting over in an unlikely environment. Lily needs a job and a place to live and Rose, who owns a community for seniors, gives her a chance. I was drawn to the book as I’m in the “looking for a retirement home” stage of life. I would love to live at Safe Harbor. I enjoyed Rose and her back story and her development throughout the book. A heart warming story in a lovely gulf coast setting.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC