3 stars. I have to be honest I did not finish this book. I don’t want to give it a lower star rating though because the writing was very good, I just personally had a hard time getting into the story and connecting with the characters. The reviews are quite high for this one and I can see where a lot of people would enjoy it...it just wasn’t for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy on exchange for an honest review

Lauren K. Denton's books are always fun to read and this one is no exception. The characters are well written and the scenery on the Gulf Coast is beautifully described and makes you feel like you are in Alabama with the characters in the book.

Lily wakes up one morning and finds that her husband of one year is gone and left behind a note - that's all just a note with no explanation of why he left or how she could find him. They had only lived in Alabama for 2 weeks and she had no friends or family so she had nowhere to turn. She realized that she needed a job and replied to a flyer that she found at the grocery story to be a hair stylist in a local retirement community. Her mother, who had died several years earlier had a hair salon in her home and taught Lily everything she needed to know. When Lily first meets Rose, the owner, at her interview, it looks like things may not work out but after Lily explains what has happened in her life, Rose feels a strong urge to help her out. Rose is the other main character and after losing her husband years earlier, she became a rule maker at the village and ship avoided getting involved with any of the residents. So as the novel starts out, we have two main characters,, both in need to change and struggling to find happiness in their lives.

The retirement community was full of fun and quirky people. They were all in the end stages of their lives but they were full of life and loved to have adventures and parties. Once Lily is accepted as their hair stylist, she begins to enjoy having fun with them. Also, she and Rose's nephew begin to be more than a little interested in each other and there may be romance in their future. Will Lily and Rose be able to find happiness and contentment in their lives with a little help from the residents of the community?

The Summer House is an uplifting book about love and friendship, loss and starting over. It's a charming book that is a bit predictable at times but is still fun to read and enjoy. It will definitely put a smile on your face.

Lily Bishop wakes up to find her husband, Worth, is not in bed next to her. They recently moved into a rental home in Alabama so Worth can start a new job working for his wealthy family. Then she sees a note from him saying he can’t do this anymore, along with a complaint for divorce. Now, she must move out of the rental home, find a new place to live, and find a job. When she sees an ad for a hairstylist at a retirement home called Safe Harbor Village, she immediately applies.

Rose Carrigan built Safe Harbor Village and runs it. She has lived there for many years and knows all of the residents and their quirks and personalities. The characters of the Village are welcoming to Lily and bring her into their lives.

This story is like sitting in your yard in the summertime sipping a glass of iced tea and chatting with good friends. Safe Harbor Village sounds like a nice place to live filled with good people. I would be delighted to have neighbors like this. I really loved Lily’s character and found her to be a very strong woman. So, come to Safe Harbor Village this summer and have a fun, wholesome time. Enjoy!
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Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Title: The Summer House
Author: Lauren K. Denton
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5

Lily Bishop wakes one morning to find a good-bye note and divorce papers from her husband on the kitchen counter. Having moved to Alabama for his job only weeks before, Lily is devastated but forced to contemplate her next steps when she sees a flier at the grocery store for a hair stylist position in a local retirement community.

Rose Carrigan built the small retirement village of Safe Harbor years ago--just before her husband ran off with his assistant. Now she runs a tight ship, making sure the residents follow her strict rules. Rose keeps everyone at arm's length, including her own family. But when Lily shows up asking for a job and a place to live, Rose's cold exterior begins to thaw. Lily and Rose form an unlikely friendship, and Lily's salon soon becomes the place where residents share town gossip, as well as a few secrets of their own. Lily even finds herself drawn to Rose's nephew, Rawlins--a single dad and shrimper who's had some practice at starting over, and one of the residents may be carrying a torch for Rose as well.

Neither Lily nor Rose is where they expected to be, but the summer makes them both wonder if there's more to life and love than what they've lived so far. The Summer House weaves Lauren Denton's inviting Southern charm around a woman's journey to find herself.
I’m just going to say it: I love Lauren K. Denton’s writing! This was another entrancing summer read! If only I’d been at the beach reading….I was glued to the page from the moment Lily woke up to find her husband gone without warning.

Rose changed the most during this novel, and her journey was wonderful to read. Despite her emotionally barricaded life, she learns to open up and trust people, just as Lily does. Even the secondary characters are wonderful, and this is definitely a book worth binge reading!

Lauren K. Denton is a bestselling author. The Summer House is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My first book by this author. Wonderfully written book about loss and starting over. With hope and determination you can succeed. Ms. Denton weaves a fabulous, engaging story with phenomenal characters. A must read! Enjoy! 📚

This book arrived at the right time. Full of inspiration, the friendship between Rose and Lily is like a flower in bloom. The characters navigate through different situations until they find themselves forging a very sweet friendship. Such a lovely story!
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. I hope to read more from this author.

The Summer House is the summer 2020 offering by author Lauren K. Denton. Lily Chapman Bishop has not had an easy life. As a youngster her father died leaving her mother, Lillian, to figure out how to provide for them in the future. Lillian opened her own hair salon as well as doing cleaning chores for the ladies of Fox Hill, GA. When Lillian unexpectedly succumbs to pneumonia at a young age, Lily, as her daughter and protégée, does her best to keep things going but eventually has to say Uncle, sell off the tools and the house, and move on.

Soon after Lily moves to Atlanta to start over she meets Worth Bishop, wealthy young man governed by his controlling mother Mertha. In a whirlwind courtship and subsequent marriage, Lily hopes she has found the one. But soon after they move to Foley, Alabama for his new job, Worth takes off leaving an apology and divorce papers.

Left at loose ends and no direction, an idle grocery store conversation leads Lily to apply for the hairdresser position at Safe Harbor Village, a coastal retirement community. When she interviews with the hard-nosed manager Rose Carrigan, she is surprised to land herself not only the job but also a place to live above her shop.

As colorful and endearing characters are introduced and the story unfolds, the reader cannot help but root for both Lily and Rose as they each find their direction and pull ahead to be the best they can be. This is a delightful story written by an author that has never failed with her consummate story telling. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

I've loved Ms. Denton's previous books, and this one didn't disappoint! It was exactly the kind of comfort read I needed given these last few months. Ms. Denton's writing draws me in each time. Her sense of place and relate-able characters always make for a good combo. Definitely perfect summer reading!

Lily wakes up one morning to find a note from her husband and divorce papers. She wasn’t as devastated as most spouses would be and you learn a little about their short-term relationship throughout the book.

Rose, who is the owner and manager of Safe Harbor Village, is closed off and doesn’t get involved with the residents. Her history is shown bit-by-bit throughout the story but no real depth of emotions after her husband left her years ago. I did enjoy that she made the step to have Lily work on her hair and it seemed to give her a new outlook on life.

Rose had such terrible secrets that tore her family apart and yet there was little to it. She mentioned what had happened to her nephew who didn’t even know the issues. When she spoke to her brother after 30 years, a sentence or two and it was over.

It was interesting to see how Lily worked to move on and find a place for herself without any family or other place to call home. Even though the village has much older residents, she started to feel a part of the place.

The description of Safe Harbor Village, the water views, the residents and the homes were enticing and made me want to live there

The book was slow and with very little drama, even with topics of infidelity, spouse disappearing, family disagreements where they hadn’t spoken in years, etc., There is a bit of romance involved but very tame. The story ended on a feel-good note with hopes of a HEA.

And yet, it was exactly what I needed during these turbulent times. I felt like I could be sitting on a swing or in a hammock, relaxing in a light breeze and it was comforting.

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

Great read! So many complex emotions. I love how the characters let their trials make them stronger. The story made me think differently about how I let circumstances and events in my life affect me. Good story for teenagers all the way up.

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.