So refreshing to read a good novel not full of profanity and explicit adult content. Sweet story of new beginnings for people of all ages. Sort of makes you want to go live in 'Safe Harbor'. A good escape book for these trying times. The blurb and others have outlined the story well, so, just suffice to say it's a good beach or anytime read.
First time reading this author, but will definitely read more of her works.
I received this book as a complimentary copy.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Summer House is a sweet story of a young woman, after being dumped by her husband, reinvents herself while getting back to her roots. Along the way she meets others who become friends and they too sort of “spruce up themselves”, and look for the good in themselves and others. Thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you #NetGalley#ThomasNelson#TheSummerHouse

The Summer House is a story of new beginnings, of letting go, and of gathering the courage to seize a second chance at joy when life is kind enough to offer it to you.

Denton’s richly drawn words paint a picture so vivid you can almost taste the tang of the salt water on the breeze, hear the gossip drifting over the hum of dryers in the beauty salon, and smell Roberta’s special of the day drifting over from the Sunrise Café. I find myself wishing I could spend a little more time amidst the sights, sounds, and people of Safe Harbor.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A brief synopsis of The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton:

The morning Lily wakes up to find her husband has unexpectedly left her, she’s in shock as she stands in her kitchen, holding a note and divorce papers. As her life quickly unravels, she tries to decide where to turn next. Having left her hairdresser job behind long ago, she begins to dream about returning to the career when she stumbles on an ad — a retirement community is looking to hire a hair stylist.

When quiet Lily meets the stubborn retirement community owner, Rose, they soon realize they are very different people. Out of the blue, their unlikely friendship begins to form as Lily and Rose lean on each other throughout the coming weeks.

As Lily meets the people of Safe Harbor Village, she begins to feel certain she’s finally found home. While she deals with her realizations about her husband, she begins to feel content with the turn of her life. As Lily and Rose navigate their lives, they each begin to see that there might be a second chance at love coming their way.

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Overflowing with southern charm, The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton is a refreshing way to welcome summertime. With its location set in coastal Alabama, The Summer House has a dreamy backdrop that enhances the atmosphere of the story — capturing the reader from the first page.

As many of the characters experience heartbreak and healing, this story focuses on the twists of life, and how the characters maneuver through changes, both good and bad. While Lily and Rose have a similar situation, they both dealt with their pain differently, displaying the different ways people choose to handle hurt.

The shifting point of views in The Summer House was very smoothly written, and a reader could easily navigate the lives of Rose and Lily. I enjoyed the way other characters were brought into the story and little glimpses of their lives can be seen.

The romance in The Summer House was very sweet and such a lovely part of the story. I enjoyed the way Denton was able to capture the emotions in the love stories presented — I could almost feel the butterflies as characters experience the potential of second chance love. While there was a bit more romance in The Summer House than in any of Denton’s previous books, I really enjoyed slow paced love story that flourished in this story. The romance was a bit predictable, however I found contentment in the fact that the story took the route that it did.

The themes of this story were uplifting: hope, forgiveness, love — all themes that are evident in Denton’s novels. Because these themes are used uniquely throughout each of Denton’s books, it weaves a strong connection between all of her stories. As a reader, I believe this is a prominent aspect of Denton’s writing style.

What sets The Summer House apart is the the characters, especially their dialogue. Denton was able to capture the difference between young Lily’s personality versus those in the retirement community. I found this to be a very remarkable aspect to the book. The humor of the characters was also very entertaining — I loved the quirky phrases that many of them had. I also really enjoyed Lily’s personality, how she was very quiet and shy at first, but then slowly found comfort in her new life. This was very relatable, and the reader could sense the change in not only Lily’s thoughts and words, but her mannerisms as well.

The Summer House is a lighthearted, humorous, and meaningful story filled with not only the hurt that comes with life, but also the healing that comes from finding friendship along the way.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by Lauren Denton and I really liked it. Reminded me of Elin Hilderbrand and Mary Kay Andrews who are some of my favorite authors.
One morning, Lily wakes up to find her husband gone and divorce papers waiting to be signed. Lily decides to move on and move into a retirement community to take a job as a hair stylist. We follow her life and the friends she makes and the people she meets. She befriends Rose, the owner of the retirement community, who has a hard exterior. This unlikely friendship changes both of them in ways they never expected.
This book was a perfect read for right now. It was a great escape and I really liked it.


Thank you for an advanced copy of this book. #TheSummerHouse #NetGalley

The Summer House was my first Lauren K. Denton book and will not be my last! There is nothing like a heartfelt southern story, especially as we move into summer and things are all so wonky. I loved the imagery and atmosphere, the zany characters, the heartbreak and restoration. Even though Lily's character is closer to my age, I identified more with Rose and she near broke my heart! I can't wait to read more books by this author 🌅
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Favorite quote:
“I know. It’s just . . . it usually takes you a while to warm up to people. Look at Mr. Beaumont. He’s been here, what, five years? And you still wrinkle your nose every time he comes around.”
“That man is nothing but an annoying ray of sunshine. They don’t make SPF high enough for him.”
😆😆😆

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton, published by Thomas Nelson
This was such a great light read, a real feel good story of personal relationships, overcoming obstacles in life and finding the enjoyment in life.
Lily is a young woman who has recently moved with her husband Worth for a new job, shortly after moving she wakes to find he has left her, she suspects his mother is behind this as she is very controlling. She must find a new place to live and stumbles on a little place called Safe Harbour, she has an interview with a very stern woman names Rose who is in charge of this retirement community. Lily will be employed as a hairdresser and live on site. The story evolves has Lily meets Rawlins, Rose's nephew. Rose realizes there is more to life than her stern personality
This is a great summer weekend read. the story and characters are well developed. the story kept my interest and I couldn't wait to see where the story went
this is the first of Lauren Denton's books that I have read, but would definitely read more.

The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton is utterly delightful. With a touch of US Deep South charm, two multigenerational romances to enjoy and a story of learning to love and live again after a life of hurt, it’s the perfect light read.

Lily Bishop has recently moved to Alabama for her husband’s work. He promised her a new start, but one morning she wakes to find him gone, leaving behind a rented house she has just days to move out of, furniture she doesn’t want, no job or income to speak of and divorce papers. An opening for a hairdresser at a nearby retirement community seems providential. After just a few days, Lily feels more at home in the safe and peaceful community than she has in the years since she lost her mother. Rose Carrigan owns and runs Safe Harbor community village. She gives Lily the second start she needs, but it also opens up the chance for a second chance for Rose - at love, at reconnecting with her brother and with finally stepping out and enjoying life.

The Summer House is a really easy book to sink into and enjoy. If you are looking for something light, but with lots of heart, look no further. The romance is light and sweet. The problems the characters face - from divorce to hurts that span decades give the book depth without making it a heavy or overly sad book. And the setting, Safe Harbor, is as safe and comforting as it sounds, with the added bonus of all the fun that come with a retirement village full of elders who aren’t afraid of a good party, hair dye or gossip.

I really enjoy Lauren K Denton’s writing style, and love how she pieces together stories with so much care and love. As with her previous books she weaves together the stories of two women, one older one younger. Both looking for a new start in life, both falling in love again then they thought that was far behind them.

With plenty of love and laughter you’ll certainly enjoy The Summer House.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Although somewhat predictable, this is a beautiful story about starting over. I found myself empathizing with Lily and sad about the pain that forced Rose to close herself off to everyone. I am ready to visit Safe Harbor Village in South Alabama and meet Rose, Coach, Kitty, Tiny, Roberta and the rest of the residents—if only it was a real place! It felt like a story of real hope and I sure wish there would be sequel so we can find out how the various characters pursue their “futures.”

Lily and her new husband move to where her husband's job takes him. Awaking one morning, she finds divorce papers and a goodbye letter - and he did not even bother to make the coffee! She then finds the house was part of the package deal and with her husband gone, having left his job, she has no place to live.

She grew up with a hairdresser mother, and knows she can put her hairdressing skills to work again. She finds a job at a retirement community, and it has living quarters as well, so it's a win-win for her.

We meet all the quirky characters who live at this retirement community, those who have embraced growing older and put together, it makes for an interesting beach read type of story.

I very much enjoyed Lily’s story of how she overcame a hard situation & found herself. I also enjoyed getting to know Rose & the other characters from Safe Harbor Village. I’m not sure I understand why the book is title the summer house that title makes me think of a second home someone has for summer, but I still enjoyed the story. Highly recommend this!

The Summer House is a wonderful, heartwarming book about starting over! Lily is a young bride, who suddenly finds herself alone in a new town, when she gets a chance to start over in a thriving community as their hairdresser! Rose is the manager of this community, and has hardened her heart after years of hurt and disappointments. I loved watching these two women as they open up their hearts to the possibilities of life and love and friendship. This book is filled with lovable and quirky characters that I was happy to spend time with! This is such a perfect summer/beach read, set in a small coastal town--the sultriness and the salt air adding another layer to this story.

4 1/2⭐️‘s
When Lily wakes up one morning to a note and divorce papers, she isn’t quite sure what hit her. Having no real home to return to, she takes a job as a hairstylist in the retirement community of Safe Harbor. Filled with a wonderful cast of delightful characters, hearts are changed one haircut at a time. Burdens are lifted as locks hit the floor and lives are forever changed, not only for Lily, but for the entire Safe Harbor community! A warm hearted, charming story of hope and second chances!

An enjoyable summer read with characters that you will long remember. Interesting and believable premise.

Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I had never heard of this title or author before coming across the book on Netgalley. I must say I was drawn in by the pretty cover and was pleased to receive a copy. I was even more delighted when I began reading and found that the story matched the cover. It is sweet and touching, a perfect light summer read as the cover led me to believe. I liked the various characters and learning more about their personal stories. It was nice to see them developing and growing throughout the book as they turned outward instead of focusing on themselves. I liked the story of friendship, of family, new relationships, and most importantly, of finding your own personal strengths and joys. This title was a pleasure to read and I would easily recommend it to friends.

Lauren Denton has done it again. Mrs. Denton always develops stories full of characters you feel connected to instantaneously. The Summer House is a warm read, which left me feeling like I had just spent time with dear friends. Full of southern charm and set in lower Alabama near the Gulf Coast. As the story unfolds, I was able to visualize the characters in their community on Bon Secour Bay, near Gulf Shores. I won't share any spoilers, I will only say this book is about healing and forgiveness. This book would be a great read while sitting on the beach or swinging in a hammock.

I received this digital copy from NetGalley/Thomas Nelson, opinions stated above are honest and my own.

This book brought me to tears! It's wonderfully written and such a page-turner,I was hooked from the first page. It was a reflection of the power of friendship and how sometimes you just need someone. I liked Lily and was so rooting for her and Rose. Loved it!

Lily wakes up one morning to a note from her husband, saying he can't do this marriage anymore. So she must now make a life for herself. She applies for a job as a hair stylist in Safe Harbor, AL. Safe harbor is a retirement community, filled with loveable characters. Rose Carrigan is 68, divorced and unhappy. She tells herself she's happy, but deep down she's not. But the future might be beginning to brighten for both Lily and Rose. I loved the quaintness and preciousness of this book. I even wouldn't mind a visit to Safe Harbor. These characters just wormed their way right into my heart.

*My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank you, NetGalley and to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

I read about 25% of The Summer House, and sadly say that I had to stop reading it. I enjoyed the first part of the book about Lily and her husband and their separation, but maybe due to my age, I just did not find the plot intriguing anymore when it dived into the lives of the characters in the retirement community. This is just not an angle that I enjoy reading about, and therefore decided not to continue the 200+ pages I had left. I had high hopes going into it, but it just was not for me.

This author has such a way with bringing her characters to life. This is my second book from her, and that is a main takeaway from both. I can let a lot of things slide in a book...a plot that’s mediocre, pacing that’s off a bit...but if a book doesn’t contain characters that I can visualize, walk beside or become invested in, it just won’t work for me.

This book is about two women in different phases of their lives. Lily is a 28 yo whose
husband of 18 months leaves her with a note and divorce papers. In her search for a soft place to land and regroup, she meets Rose, the gruff 68 yo co-owner/manager of the Safe Harbor Retirement Village along the Alabama coast who takes a chance on her and gives her a job as a beautician.

There are a cast of seniors, as well as Rose’s nephew and great niece to fall in love with here...and I did, head over heels. But at it’s core, it’s a story of two women, their struggles, their losses (both of loved ones and of their own dreams) and their self-discoveries and forgiveness of their flaws so that they can move forward with their lives.

Beautifully written and highly recommended. All the stars.

A big thank you to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.