Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for a gifted copy of The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton. All opinions are my own.

Lily wakes up to a goodbye note and divorce papers. She has no where to live and no family. She finds a job as a hairdresser in small retirement community. Rose owns Safe Haven but she is very much a loner. It's very out of character for her but she feels that Lily needs help and allows her to live over the salon. A unique friendship grows between the two women as they deal with their pasts and learn how to deal with their futures. Rose has her own regrets about the past and struggles to forgive herself.

The story alternates between Rose and Lily. Rose's story is told in the present and in the past with memories and letters. This book is about friendship and discovering yourself during one special summer.

I loved the characters and the amazing small community where they live. Coach was definitely a favorite character. This is a fun and light summer read. Hopefully there will be a sequel for this one.

Women's Fiction
Release Date: June 2, 2020

You can read the editors blurb and get a basic idea for the story. What you cannot glean from it is how wonderfully written all of these characters are and how you will find yourself rooting for them. Lily wakes up once morning to a whole new reality. All alone with almost nothing and no one to call her own and she finds her to a whole new life, sense of self, incredible friends and love. This book is a perfect HEA mental getaway. Definitely a feel good read.

A note and divorce papers left next to the toaster told Lily Bishop that her husband Worth had left. Alone in a rental house in a small town in Alabama, she needs to find a job and a new place to live. A chance encounter in the supermarket sends her to the retirement village of Safe Harbor.

Hired as the village hairstylist in this charming community, Lily has an apartment above her salon and is quickly introduced to a delightful group of young at heart senior citizens. Rose, the owner and manager of Safe Harbor has closed her heart to new possibilities because of a long ago divorce. Widower Coach is the self appointed activities director. Janelle is knows everything about everyone and also knows her hair should be colored electric blonde. Then Lily meets handyman Rawlins Willett and the real fun begins.

The Summer House is about starting over - at any age. Over the course of one summer, all these characters are changed for the better. Lauren K. Denton has written the perfect book to tuck into your beach bag. It's a feel good, easy to read story filled with laugh out loud moments and people you’ll wish were your neighbors. 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Lauren K. Denton for this ARC.

In THE SUMMER HOUSE, Lauren Denton tells the story of Lily Bishop who finds a second chance at a good life when her supposedly perfect life implodes without warning. In Safe Harbor Village, Lily provides the nudge that imperial, icy owner-manager Rose needs herself to make amends, to come to life. Once again, Denton has shared the story of people you want to know in believable, vivid, memorable moments in a part of the country I have rarely been but now long to know better. The story is a quick, enjoyable read with an evenhanded appreciation for real people making tough choices and doing their best. I am grateful to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Thanks to #First Editions for recommending and #netgally for supplying the ARC of this book. It is definitely a light beach read. It is mainly about two women, Lily in her 20's and Rose in her 60's. Both of these women have gone through a lot in their life and they are starting over. It was a good but predictable read. If you are looking for a good relaxing read, this is the book for you.

Lily finds herself in a small town in Alabama and has given up everything to follow her husband for his job. When in the first few pages he leaves her in the worst way (no spoilers!) and she must make some big life decisions and fast. Rose has lived the majority of her adult life in a community built for retired living and she has been running it without being a part of the community and just maybe she should drop her rough exterior and be a part of a community!

I was hesitant at first to pick up and read this one as I am consciously avoiding books with cheating and divorce and that sort of life things as I am just not enjoying those plotlines right now. But because I was already a fan of Lauren Denton I wanted to give this one a chance and I am glad I did as the cheating and divorce are really only encapsulated in the first few pages and the rest of the book focuses on Lily's life and a coming of age for a character who may be a little older than your typical coming of age! I also loved the addition of Rose and her storyline as it added just a little something extra to the whole book.

This book solidifies my love of Lauren Denton. If she can take a subject that I tend to avoid and write a story that I can fall in love with with characters that are jut delightful to follow, then I am a fan!

Oh my goodness, The Summer House by Lauren Denton is a true gem. What an amazing story and a gifted storyteller. This is one that’s a bit more slow-moving, but utterly captivating. In fact, it’s one you will want to take your time with and not rush, but savor the rich descriptions that create an idyllic environment and get to know the quaint, quirky, lovable characters you will want to befriend. The Summer House holds nuggets of insights and truths that will move you and impact you, while wrapping you up in Southern customs and comforts.

Lauren Denton’s writing is beautifully descriptive, while also being warm and inviting and easy to read. Her stories are charming and imbue life lessons with subtlety. Her writing envelopes you and draws you in.

I adored sweet, earnest Lily and codgery, but endearing Rose, and the entire cast of characters. I adored the town of Safe Harbor, Alabama and the concept that it’s never too late to start over and reclaim your life and that life should be lived to the fullest our entire lives. This is a book to not only read, but purchase and keep for your personal library, in my humble opinion. I cannot wait to read the rest of this author’s works.

5 stars. There is so much to love about this book. It’s full of brightness, hope, and has beautifully crafted love stories I adored, with it’s main focus centering on self-discovery/growth which shined through the entirety. I didn’t want this book to end.

The Summer House is a fun loving, feel good, summertime escape. It’s southern coastal setting is located on an island in the small retirement community of Safe Harbor. Ms Danton’s writing is so descriptive and visual she literally transported me to the Alabama shores—my senses could see the pelicans, hear the waves and taste the salt in the gulf.
This moving novel explores the struggles and triumphs of two women—28-year-old Lily Bishop, and 60ish Rose Carrigan aka “Ice Queen.” Lily’s husband walked out on their marriage by leaving behind a note and divorce papers. Rose can’t let go of her difficult childhood.
Lily is in dire need of new living arrangements and a job. She sees an ad while at her grocer and immediately applies for a hairstylist position in Safe Harbor. Rose sees something redeeming in Lily, whom also offers office help, and hires her on the spot (which is unusual for her) to reopen the villages only salon. It also provides housing above it.
It’s the summer of new beginnings, hope, and resilience. Lily and Rose’s endearing journey of self-discovery will have you grinning from ear to ear. Their story put a smile on my face, and brought joy to my heart. This is the authors best book yet.
Releases June 2, 2020

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Author, Lauren K. Denton, has done a lovely job of inviting us to share in "The Summer House". Lily Bishop, looses "everything" and gains a new life filled with new and lasting friendships , gaining confidence and independence and finding starting over heals.. An easy and fun beach read!

Sometimes it takes losing everything to find yourself again.
Lily Bishop wakes one morning to find a good-bye note and divorce papers from her husband. Having moved to Alabama recently, Lily decides to apply for a hairstylist job at Safe Harbor, a local retirement community. Her new boss, Rose Carrigan, runs a tight ship and keeps everyone at arm’s length, including her own family. But Lily and Rose form an unlikely friendship, Lily’s salon becomes the place where residents share town gossip and secrets, and Lily finds herself drawn to Rose’s nephew and single dad Rawlins.
"The Summer House" is an easy beach read. It's a sweet Southern charm story, yet addresses complex issues such as divorce, lost dreams, family division, betrayal, and self-discovery.
I didn't care for the numerous mentions of wine drinking, but I did like that Rawlins stays committed to sobriety as a recovering alcoholic.
I did like that both Lily and Rose find themselves. Sometimes, the simple acts of kindness unlock the biggest blocks to personal freedom.

A pure and sweet story. Perfect for summer reading. Loved all the dynamic characters, although it took me a little longer to enjoy Rose’s story. Loved Lily’s journey with starting over and independence.

I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Lauren K. Denton, and Thomas Nelson-Fiction publisher. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this Southern novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Denton's characters are fully developed, her portrayal of the bumps of life honest and well-considered, and her story hard to put aside. I am happy to add Lauren K. Denton to my list of favorite authors and to recommend her work enthusiastically to friends and family.

The majority of this novel takes place in 2018, in Safe Harbor Village, a planned community catering for the most part to retires on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. Our main protagonists are Lily and Rose, ladies easily understood by most of us who didn't find true love the first pop out of the box. They represent the two options one has with the death of a relationship - isolation, and a mental and physical reversal to a happier time. The Summer House is an excellent read for that lazy day at the beach or hammock. I am pleased to have found another Southern author to follow.
Publishing date June 2, 2020.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Summer a House. What a cute summer book. While most books I read are more PG than this book it was a really cute story and being set on the coast is just another great point for a good book. A cute summer read!

This is the first time I've read anything by this author. She has a certain style that was a bit different than usual, but once I got past that, I enjoyed the book. I don't include spoilers in my reviews.

This is a tale of woman meets man, loses man and finds new man. In between, Lilly meets a wonderful group of senior citizens who take her in as one of their own, she opens her own salon and finds her way back to self-sufficiency that she lost to her soon-to-be ex-husband. The ex is largely absent from the book, other than occasional references to him and how he hurt Lilly with his actions. He shows up toward the end and in a few paragraphs, they get some closure. I would have liked to see more angst in this area of the book.

One of the other main characters, Rose, is the owner of Safe Harbor Village, the retirement community where Lilly's salon is located. Rose undergoes an unexpected change in herself, too.

This was a nice, clean novel, and definitely a pleasant read. I thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

What do you do when you lose everything, Lily wakes up to learn that her husband has left and wants a divorce. Since he left she also has to move out of her apartment. While Lily is reeling from the change, she finds a notice for a hair stylist position in an adult community. When she applies she meets Rose. Rose is a hard person to read and get to know, however she feels a connection to Lily and hires her, which comes with an apartment above the salon.

Soon Lily is opening and meeting all the occupants of the community, and is feeling a sense of community. Including Rose's nephew Rawlins. Rawlins is a single dad who is also starting over.

Through their friendships they are learning to lean on friends, be open to new experiences and people, and giving chances to what comes into your life.

The Summer House is a book about resiliency and hope. Rose and Lily, the two main characters, are each struggling with their past. Lily is looking for a new beginning after her marriage falls apart, while Rose is an older woman who is coping with loneliness and the need for forgiveness from something she did in her past. They connect when Lily takes a job at the living community which Rose owns and runs.

Along the way, the two form an unlikely friendship. They each help the other face challenges presented to them over the course of a summer. With two different perspectives on life, they are able to learn from one another as well. I enjoyed watching Lily develop confidence, and at the same time see Rose slowly open herself up to new possibilities, including a charming gentleman from the community. I did not feel that the book was a romance, but rather the story of two women finding their ways. That said, there is certainly a romantic aspect to the book with two side plots. Despite the fact that the story includes a few tough topics like abandonment, illness, and death, it is presented in an easy and calm way. This could definitely be considered a beach read with a bit of substance too.

(I received an advance copy from Net Galley and have written an objective review)

The Summer House is a contemporary novel written by Lauren K. Denton.

Summary: Lily Bishop wakes up to a letter. Her husband has left her with little more than a note (which explains nothing), and divorce papers.

Without a husband and soon no place to live, she answers an ad for a hairstylist position in a retirement community-anything to find a job-even if it’s just for the summer.

Will Lily be able to land on her feet? And what happened to her husband?

My Thoughts: I liked this book. It is a light read with quirky characters and an interesting plot line. I enjoyed it, and kind of wish it was actually a series as I was not quite ready to let go of these characters.

My only criticism would be that I thought two of the characters had a very similar story line-almost too much the same. I am sure the author was just trying to relate the two characters, but the similarities were a bit too close.

Otherwise, if you are looking for a fun, light, and contemporary read, I would recommend this book.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Both Lily and Rose had husbands, once. Lily moved with hers for his job and then he left her. Left her cold. Rose's husband left too. She built the retirement community of Safe Harbor, where Lily gets a job as a hair stylist and embarks on rebuilding her life. She also finds that she might be able to have romance again, this time with Rawlins, Rose's nephew. This is a gentle romance (totally clean) and very much an "it takes a village" story. Nicely written with good characters, this is a comforting novel primarily about two women who find a new normal. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A positive read.

I adored this book. Such a nice story. It is a story of love, heartbreak, rediscovery, and friendship. This is the first novel that I have read by Lauren K Denton, and I'd definitely look forward to reading more! One annoyance: I don't feel the title suits this book at all... the house is repeatedly referred to as a cottage throughout the book, minor issue, just annoying to me. Maybe "Alabama Summer" or "Summer in Safe Harbor" would've been better options for a title?? I would definitely recommend this book for a vacation/beach/summer read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lauren K. Denton for an ARC of The Summer House in exchange for my honest personal review.

Lily Bishop moved to Alabama with her husband for his new job. She gets a surprise one morning to find him gone and divorce papers on the counter. Unsure of what to do in a place she has never lived before she goes in search of a job. She finds a possible job at a retirement community as the hair stylist.
Rose Carrigan runs and is owner of the community Safe Harbor Village and she decides to take a chance on Lily and gives her the job on a trial basis.
Rose and Lily form a friendship and with their new friendship a lot of life changes happen for both women. There are changes neither of them expected but are both willing to be open to what happens.
The Summer House is a perfect book to lay in the sunshine and feel the lives of these two women become part of you,