Another winner from Denton. Relatable protagonists to root for, well-developed secondary characters, a setting you want to spend time in, and a plot original enough to keep your attention...what more do you want from your fiction?

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

I felt for Lily as she senses something is not right, horribly wrong even. She doesn’t smell the coffee brewing, her husband Worth made it every morning. Then she sees the note by the clean coffee pot. It is addressed to her. She feels a rug pull out from under her as she reads it.

She needs a place to think, and regroup, When Lily reads a want ad for a hairdresser in Safe Harbor Village she wonders if this is the place to get a fresh start.

I enjoyed how the author took her time in allowing readers to get to know her fun cast of quirky characters who feel like they are sitting on a porch next to you relaxing sharing stories, their hearts, loves, and relationships. They were older folks who were full of life, living every day to the fullest. They loved adventures and parties. I appreciated how this author naturally wove into the story topics about love, what it is and why Lily and Worth got married in the first place. Was it love?

I liked how Rose wrote letters to her friend throughout the novel – like this one, “Dear Stella; Do you think it’s ever too late to change? To be someone new? Or maybe not someone entirely new, but a new version of yourself? Can you shed the old version like skin that’s grown too tight?” All good questions.

I got such a kick out of reading excerpts from The Village Vine, “your source for neighborhood news compiled by Shirley Ferrill “Good day, Safe Harbor Village!...”update from Management A new rule has been added to the village handbook: No loud noise – including singing – before 7a.m….”

“Update from Recreation: The paddle boats are in! The first tour will be up to Captain’s Chair on Bon Secour River this Friday. …He suggests you bring bottled water, bug spray, sunscreen, and a camera. He also strictly forbids selfies. (I’m not one to point fingers, but I think that’s how he capsized last time!)”

This is a heart-warming, comfortable breath of fresh air. It’s a captivating story of friendship, new beginnings and healing. I loved how this author has readers look at love, marriage, family and relationships from all sides through her fun,loving characters. I had so much fun hanging out at Safe Harbor. I wish it was a real place, because I wanted to go there. This book would work great for your next book club adventure and/or just enjoyed for your summer reading pleasure.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

A fun read! I really enjoyed this book! It had a great plot, one I hadn't read before, so it held my interest. I loved the quirky characters and it left me some things to think about when I completed it. I have not read this author before so I feel like I have found a new author to enjoy!

Lily completely captivated me. She took what life gave her and turned it around - with help from the new people she met. But she was truly a woman I could like and respect.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

I’m so happy I picked up this book to read. Laura K. Denton is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her novels.
The story opens with Lily on a normal Saturday morning, except the day feels off. When she walks into her kitchen, she discovers why. Her husband disappears and Lily spends the rest of the story trying to pick up the pieces of a life dependent on others.
She discovers new friendships and resumes working at a job she’d loved before she married. The whole time, the reader is given clues as to what happened with her husband and what role his extended family played in their demise.
The secondary characters are lovable – especially Rose, the crotchety retirement resort manager. She sees something in Lily and gives her a chance at starting over by taking over the hair salon. A whole slew of residents are introduced and help Lily grow and become stronger.
There’s a lot of humour and reflective moments which make the story that much more engaging. It’s a great summer read – I wouldn’t call it light considering some of the hard truths Rose and Lily face, but it’s one to enjoy while sitting beside a lake or with a cool summer drink in your hand.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

There are so many things that I really love about Lauren K. Denton's writing: the authentic Southern settings, the well developed characters that I build a bond with over the pages and the journey each novel takes me on. The Summer House was the perfect summer read and I enjoyed every page.

Lily Bishop has just relocated to Foley, Alabama with her new husband Worth. As she is preparing to go house shopping, she finds out he has been preparing for a divorce. Suddenly her whole world is turned on end and Lily must find out which side is up. She turns back to what she knows best: cutting and styling hair with a new job at the Safe Harbor Retirement Village. Rose Carrigan runs the retirement village and keeps everything in order. Something about Lily's situation breaks through Rose's tough exterior and they develop an unlikely alliance. Both Rose and Lily see so much of their lives change over the course of the summer and as a reader, you will be transported right along with them.

This novel was a perfect immersive read. With so many unique characters living in the retirement village, combined with the fact that I would love to learn more about how Lily and Rose's lives continue, a sequel would definitely interest me.

I received this book courtesy of the publisher Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Everyone else is gone, but I’m here. I’m still here.
- Lily

Delightful story surrounding the lives of Lily and Rose generations apart but united by the life experiences and the drive to make something good out of it. The camaraderie between them was amazing and beautiful.
First of Lauren Denton I am reading.
Beautiful story!

I recieved a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion

This is the story of Lily and Rose, of love and loss. Lily finds herself alone one day out of the blue, abandoned by her husband in a town they only moved to weeks before for his job. Obviously, Lily is devastated. However, she finds an ad for a beautician to work at a local retirement community and decides to apply. Rose Carrington, who owns the community she built years before just before her husband left her, runs a tight ship in the community, but accepts Lily, even letting her live there. The women forge a tight friendship, and the beauty salon soon becomes the “in” place to be for local gossip and a few secrets. Both women are becoming friends and entering a new phase in their lives as well. Lily is drawn to Rose’s nephew, and someone in the area looks as if he carries a torch for Rose. Once again, this is not exactly where each woman thought she would be, but it is where life has taken them. Can they make new lives here, or will there again be disappointment for each or both?

This story shows the never-ending aspect of life we all love so much: the coming together of individuals and of a community to support them. It is a story of love and loss and of new beginnings and strength to move forward where life takes us. It is a great beach read or vacation read. I found it heartening to watch these two women, both alone and devastated in their own way, come together, and move on with life as it happened. They definitely were ready to accept things, though I wonder if either knew that or what was coming down the pike for them. I also loved the story of the two men, coming to them in their time of need to show them love, acceptance and understanding, all of which the women needed then. This summer is the summer that gave each of them hope for the future as well as the willingness to give life a try, though it is not exactly what you thought or expected it to be. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

Lauren Denton understands the heart in pain and writes with eloquence, poise and sass. I was immediately drawn to each of the characters and loved how their stories converged to draw out the other’s. Lily needs a safe place to start over and Rose needs someone to help draw her out of her self-imposed isolation and they are perfect for each other. Rawlins is a great neutral party who has an expressed interest in both women, though for very different reasons. The coastal descriptions will transport you and the small community will capture your heart. New starts, family, and redemption are explored in this perfect summer read. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

The Summer House is the first book I have ever read by Lauren Denton, but it most certainly will not be the last. I absolutely devoured this magnificent story of starting over and rediscovering yourself.

Lily Bishop, barely past celebrating her first anniversary, wakes up one morning to find a note from her husband that he has left and their marriage is over. Although devastated, Lily knows she needs to find a job and a place to live. She meets quite an interesting pair of ladies at the grocery store who live in a nearby retirement village who Lily just happens to see an ad is in need of a hairdresser.

When she shows up for the interview, she meets Rose, the owner and manager of the retirement village. Although hesitant, Rose gives Lily a chance and allows her to move in the apartment above the shop. Rose herself is also in need of learning how to live again due to her own circumstances. Together, they move past their grief and learn to live and love again. I just love that the name of the place where they live is called Safe Harbor as it serves as a refuge for Rose and Lily in the storm of their lives.

This is the perfect summer read. It has a gorgeous southern Alabama coastal setting complete with some fabulous, quirky, characters whose banter is hilarious. I laughed out loud at the ladies debate over which mayo is the best to use in deviled eggs because it was so realistic. I think I have actually witnessed one of those mayo debates myself. ;)

I know the old saying goes that you can't judge a book by it's cover, but I would say it would be just fine to do in this case. It is an absolutely perfect cover to house the beautiful words inside.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I want to live in Safe Harbor, even if it is a retirement community! It's a land of hope, second chances and a safe place to find out who you really are. I loved Lilly and all of the new friends she meets at her new cottage in Safe Harbor. It just goes to show, age doesn't matter when it comes to friendship! The Summer House is a perfect book to snuggle up with outside on a warm summer night!

Such a wonderful summer read about starting over and finding your place. If you can’t go to the beach, this book makes you feel like you are there. I intentionally slowed my reading pace at the end because I didn't want this book to end. I miss the characters already.

The Summer House tells the story of two women: Rose, owner of the retirement village Safe Harbor, who keeps herself closed off from everyone; and Lily, a young woman starting over following her husband's abandonment. Through the course of one summer, each woman comes to terms with her own past and learns to let others in.

I really loved this book! While it contains a little romance, it's definitely much more about friendship than anything else. I loved seeing the relationships Lily built with her customers, and watching Rose come out of her self-imposed shell was really satisfying.

In addition to the story being told from Lily's and Rose's perspectives, Denton adds some letters that Rose writes to her deceased sister-in-law, as well as issues of The Village Vine (the community newsletter). These definitely added to my understanding of the story, and the newsletter brought some great humor, as well. Overall, The Summer House is a book full of charm and heart—a perfect summer read. 4-1/2 stars.

Note: While this is published by a Christian publisher, there's not a faith thread to speak of. I'm not sure that God is even mentioned in the novel. I would classify this as clean fiction. Also, I should mention that Lily begins a friendship-and-maybe-more with a man while still technically married. Nothing progresses beyond a dance and some feelings/pining while she is married, but some readers might want to be aware.

#thesummerhouse #laurenkdenton #Netgalley #netgalleyreview We find Lily just awaking for the day to find a note from her husband Ward. What happens next is an exploration of finding yourself. Healing from a heartbreak. And. Friendship. We also meet Rose. An older woman who has experienced life and believes she is paying her penance. As these two woman come together a story blooms. It's the perfect read to forget about life and 2020 that has become somewhat like #jumanji. If you need to forget your cares sink your teeth in to this read. You won't be disappointed. #chicklit #beachread #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookreviews #covid_19 #whattoreadnext🤔 #whattopick #books #books📚 #booklover ✨✨✨✨ 4 stars

The Summer House was such a great summer read. Have you ever heard the song “She Let Herself Go” by George Strait? It’s one of my favorites. In the song, a husband leaves his wife and she “let herself go”. But not in the way you might think. She doesn’t let her looks go. She lets herself go to New York City, the beach, a blind date, etc. You get the point.

Lily wakes up one morning and her husband of barely a year is gone. He left a note and divorce papers like the coward he is. Not only did he leave her, he left her in a town they just relocated to.

Rose is a lady curmudgeon. She likes things a certain way and makes sure the residents of Safe Harbor abide. Her tough exterior is a years built facade and Lily gets through to the real her, after applying for the hairdresser position at the village. These two make unlikely friends. And colleagues.

The Summer House is a story of beginning again, no matter your age. These ladies learn it is never too late to start over, to find love, to say you’re sorry. You’ll love the quirky residents and will root for Lily and Rose (and Coach, honestly). This is a feel good summer novel. Grab a beach chair and get cozy with a cocktail. It’s time to head to the summer house.

I received a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton, is a quick summer read about starting over. If you are a fan of Denton, and a lover of southern charm, this book will not disappoint.

I just loved this book and didn't want it to end, sure hope there is a sequel to see how Lily and Rawlins and Rose and Coach continue their relationships. It was so interesting to see how each person in this book handled their issues. I recommend this book highly.

A beautifully written novel infused with a message of hope and redemption. Lauren K. Denton has a lovely writing style, so honest and unique. Her characters are always delightful as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I feel it is exactly the kind of book I needed this summer.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions shared here are my own.

The Summer House is the story of Lily Bishop, who wakes up one morning to find her husband Worth has left her a goodbye letter and divorce papers - right after they relocated to Alabama's Gulf Coast for his job. Stuck in a new place with no family, Lily scrambles to find a job. She finds work as a hairdresser at a senior apartment community, where she can live above her shop. At Safe Harbor, she becomes friends with Rose, a divorced woman in her 60's who owns the community. She also slowly becomes friends - with some romantic interest - with Rose's nephew, Rawlins, who is a single father. Over the summer Lily finds a way to reinvent her life, with a little help from her friends.

I wanted to read this book because I have read all of Lauren K. Denton's books and loved every single one of them. The Summer House sounded like a perfect beach read!

This is my favorite Lauren K. Denton book yet! I absolutely loved everything about it. Lily is such a sweet, likable protagonist. She is a kind, gentle soul who longs for a happy life like her childhood in North Georgia. Her husband, Worth, was a poor match for her -- he is very driven, from an Atlanta society family, and he doesn't share Lily's love of the simple things in life.

I loved the slow building friendship/romance between Lily and Rawlins. Rawlins is so sweet with his young daughter Hazel. He is devoted to his Aunt Rose (who is also Lily's boss) and works hard as a shrimper.

Rose is also an interesting character. She is cool and reserved, but she has been hurt in the past too, and is just cautious with her heart. As she spends takes care of Hazel for Rawlins, befriends Lily, and has an unlikely romantic interest of her own, she blossoms. At one point Hazel remarks: "'Aunt Rosie is named after a flower too,' Hazel said. “Rose and Lily.” (Kindle position 1638).

The descriptions of small town southern life on the Alabama Gulf Coast are just lovely. They made me want to pack my bags and spend some time there! For instance:

"The weathered cedar house was up on stilts, with a screened porch up a set of stairs. Twinkle lights were strung all along the ceiling of the porch. Down below the house, two hammocks and a wooden swing hung from the rafters. On the other side of the patio, grass stretched all the way to the water and a short dock. As she watched, a brown pelican glided to a stop and perched on top of one of the posts. She laughed. 'It doesn’t get more picturesque than this.'" (Kindle position 2939).

Safe Harbor is also a charming place, full of quirky active seniors. The chapters are punctuated by little daily newsletters about life at Safe Harbor. They are fun to read and sometimes have some humor too!

I highly recommend The Summer House as a perfect summer read. It is such a lovely, relaxing book getaway!

Rating: 4.5/5

*Thank you to Lauren K. Denton, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for this ARC!

Denton does it again! I purposefully put off reading this book because I just didn't want to finish it and I knew once I started it, I would zoom through it. I was right and it was SO good! I have been a fan of Denton's writing since her first book and always find her books welcoming and full of life. They are the perfect vacation read (or I wish this were a vacation read). Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this one- you won't be sorry!

Lily has moved to Alabama with her husband and still adjusting to the move when one morning, she woke to find a note and divorce papers from her husband stating he's left her and she deserves better. How can this be when only the night before he snuggled against her back in their bed?
It only gets worse for Lily from there when she's told she has a very short time to vacate the rental house her husband's company was providing for them. What is she to do?
While shopping for groceries, she sees a notice for a hair stylist. She was a hair stylist before marrying. After that, her life became second to what her mother-in-law dictated, so she no longer worked. But...could she possibly get hired for this job?
She discovers it's in a lovely retirement community called Safe Harbor. It was built years ago by Rose Carrigan and her husband-make that ex-husband. The scoundrel left her years ago when he ran off with his lovely assistant. Time and life has hardened Rose. She lets no one get close. She has severed family ties with the exception of her nephew, Rawlins and his darling little girl.
Rose hires Lily for the job and allows her to live in the upstairs of the beauty shop. This has solved two of Lily's problems, which is a huge relief for her.
Soon, Lily's shop becomes a place where women sit, share their lives, and become friends with Lily.
Lily finds more than friends at Safe Harbor. She also begins to heal.
Nice, laid back easy read. My disappointment was that I thought it was labeled as Christian fiction, but there was no Christianity in the story. There was, however, a bar and some drinking. Not what I expected to find in this book. On the plus side, there was no sex or profanity.
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.