This was such a good, relaxing summer read. It was a beautiful story about finding yourself as an adult when you feel like you've *maybe* lost it all. The audiobook was great and I absolutely loved Rose and Lilly. The fact that it was told from one of my favorite places (the gulf, in Alabama, my home state) was just a bonus. I love how Lilly found her place when she felt like all was lost, the absolutely beautiful, serene found family trope and how everybody's story just came together so perfectly. If you're looking for a feel-good summer read, definitely pick this one up.

a cute beachy read that was exactly what I expected and mostly what I wanted. Home town southern country vibes. I enjoyed the writing and the narrator very much. Thank you Netgalley, Lauren K. Denton, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC.

I received this book as an advanced reading copy on audio. I read it quickly and enjoyed it. It was a typical story with some different twists. I was afraid at first that it was not going to be different but it was. It’s about a woman who wakes up to find her husband gone and divorce papers on the counter for her, just two weeks after moving to a new town for his job. She has to recreate her life and in doing so learns a lot.

5 🌟

The Summer House was a really sweet novel based around the lives of Lily and Rose, both starting over in one way or another, for Lily it’s a fresh start after her husband leaves with nothing but divorce papers for her to sign. For Rose it’s regrets of the past and allowing herself to be happy.

There are two lovely romance stories that run through the story, and the retirement village at its heart sounds fantastic. There’s really nothing not to like.

A nice cozy read/listen,pegged as Christian fiction but what I got was just really sweet wholesome vibes,
Narrated beautifully by Devon O’day.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook which is available now.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Lily is blindsided. Things weren’t perfect, but life was good – she and her husband just moved to this small town on the water for his job and had started to create a new life here. And then this morning, she woke up to divorce papers and a missing husband. She can’t reach him by phone, his mother keeps calling, his office says he quit his job, and now she has to move out because the house belongs to his former employer, too. Lily has no family here, no friends, and no idea where she’s going. All she knows is she has to move forward – she’s always made it work before, and she’ll do it again.

The best-selling author of The Hideaway is back with her latest summer romance novel The Summer House. Lauren K. Denton is known for the small town southern charm throughout all her works. A native to Mobile, Alabama, Denton uses her local knowledge to build vivid scenes and backstories for her characters in this novel. This book delivers the perfect summer read full of redemption, romance, and reconnection.

I give The Summer House 5 out of 5 stars. My favorite part of this novel was how relatable each of these characters were. I connected immediately with Lily and Rose, as well as the cast of supporting characters. I chose the audio version of this book and could easily visualize each scene and the characters. I was so impressed with the storyline and loved this book so much I didn’t want to put it down!

With topics of abandonment by spouses and coparenting, this book may tough for some audiences. However, this is a great light read for your summer getaway and would make a great book to read with your girlfriends! If you enjoy books by Mary Kay Andrews, Heather Webber, or Kristy Woodson Harvey, I think you’ll love this novel, too!

I was drawn to this book because of the cover at first glance when I saw it on Netgalley – the beautiful southern porch with a swing and string lights is my dream set up! When I read the publisher’s blurb about a romance set on the Gulf Coast I knew I had to read this book. And I was not disappointed!

3.5⭐️s. A heartwarming story of 2 women who encourage each other to be brave thru difficulty and embrace change despite the vulnerability and risk. I liked the community aspect of the quirky senior community and how both Lily and Rose had similarities and opposite strengths for each other.

The book definitely had a slow Southern feel, but it was endearing and sweet, light in the romance and heavy on the multi-generational friendship.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook. All opinions are mine.

loved this audiobook!! a woman is left by her husband unexpectedly and tries to pick up the pieces... so heartfelt and moving.

This heartwarming and easy-to-read novel follows a young woman (Lily) who wakes up one day to find a note from her husband—along with divorce papers. Rather than spiral into despair, she takes this unexpected twist as an opportunity to start over and rediscover herself. Her journey is paralleled by that of an older woman (Rose), who has spent years building walls around herself and slowly begins to let others in, finding healing and connection along the way.

One aspect I personally found a little difficult to relate to Lily’s lack of grief or even sadness about the end of her marriage. The emotional detachment felt confusing.

Overall, this book is about friendship, and the power of new beginnings—no matter your age. It’s an uplifting reminder that life can bloom in the most unexpected seasons.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio | Thomas Nelson Fiction for my advance reader copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

This is a very enjoyable book. I especially liked the audible version which makes it feel like the reader is there. The characters are all good and it's an easy read with an interesting plot. I'm hoping this is the beginning of a series!

Sweet story with great characters.
This is an easy read that was heartwarming.
The narration was also very good.

The story is about starting over no matter the time in life and the hope of finding something new by changing your life and outlook. This is the first book I have read by Lauren K. Denton . Two women, decades apart in age, are stalling over the same life trauma. Rose has been letting her past fester to the point it has scarred her present. Lily hovers on the cusp of doing the exact same thing until gruff, never-get-involved Rose uncharacteristically reaches out. A beautiful study on the complexities of relationships and the burdens we persist on carrying unnecessarily. 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. A beautiful beach read that felt familiar in its plot line yet made me happy to read it. The story gives hope to those finding themselves starting over. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Thomas Nelson

I typically only read scandalous, dark novels. I checked this book out on a whim. The beginning was pretty fast paced and slightly scandalous. It was an easy read. A book that wraps everything up nice & neat at the end. I’d say it’s a lighthearted book that’s perfect to read during the pandemic. Take a quick escape to The Sumer House...

It’s a lovely beach read.

Such a fun heartwarming story about Lilee, who, after her short marriage is surprisingly getting a divorce and chooses a hairstylist position at a retirement village to make a fresh start for herself after not really knowing where to turn. We have two point of views, Lilee and Rose. Rose run safe Harbor Village And is working through some past hers of her own and Lilee entering the scene, they both help each other! Excellent beach read! Excellent summary read! The narration was perfect and would not change a thing.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson audiobooks for my audio reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A wonderfully, relaxing listen about a young woman in need of a change that finds herself unexpectedly working as a hairdresser in an active living community where the residents are elderly and quirky. The narrator's voice is very pleasant and engaging though it would have been easier if the voices were a little more distinguishable, especially the 2 main characters. If you like heartwarming, slower moving, character driven, clean, Southern fiction then you will want to give this one a listen.

"The Summer House" was a heartwarming story of a young woman named Lily, who's going through a difficult time in her life. Her first step toward reclaiming her life is deciding to live and work in an active senior community. As with many old folks, there are quite a few quirky and distinctive characters that become her friends along the way. But as much as they give her the safety and security she craves, she emboldens (some of) them to try new things and open up a bit more.

The only other young person we see regularly this community is a single dad named Rollins, and of course, the matchmakers in the community want nothing more than to see Lily and Rollins together.

While there's a lot of drama to be worked out, mostly it comes from everyone's backstories/ and the efforts required to overcome the past.

If you enjoy romantic stories set in small towns with quirky characters and a happily ever after, you'll want to check out this book.

Thank you to Lauren K. Denton, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the advance review copy.

Lauren K. Denton’s The Summer House is a quietly moving novel about reinvention, emotional healing, and the unexpected bonds that form across generations. While it opens with a woman named Lily navigating sudden change, the heart of the story gradually shifts toward a deeper exploration of belonging, community, and the courage it takes to begin again—at any age. What initially feels like a cozy, even idealized escape story becomes richer and more grounded as the emotional complexities of the characters unfold.

The audiobook is beautifully narrated, with a soothing, expressive voice that brings out the nuance in both age and personality. The narrator transitions seamlessly between characters—whether children, elders, or younger adults—helping to anchor the intergenerational storylines and deepen the listener’s connection to each voice.

The novel’s greatest strength lies in its subtlety. Relationships—romantic, platonic, and familial—develop with quiet realism. One particular character Rose, older and deeply rooted in the community, gradually becomes the emotional centre of the story, offering a rare and refreshing portrayal of mature love and late-in-life transformation. This shift may surprise those expecting a more conventional romance, but it leaves behind something more lasting.

With its gentle pacing, vivid Southern setting, and strong ensemble cast, The Summer House is a warm, reflective listen—best suited for those who appreciate introspective fiction where change comes slowly, and growth takes root in community, kindness, and time.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio | Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ALC , this is my honest review.

I absolutely LOVED this book! It was such an easy, enjoyable listen with a charming story that completely pulled me in. The characters were all so lovable, and the cozy village made it a place I never wanted to leave.

The biggest highlight was the mention of The Avett Brothers—what a surprise! I literally squealed. 🫶🏼

I truly didn’t want the story to end and I'm really hoping there will be a sequel. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author and crossing my fingers for another visit to Safe Harbor soon!

A poignant tale of love, loss, and learning to let go and start afresh. With a diverse cast of characters and history, each one works toward a brighter future with hope and courage while helping one another along the way. The narrator did a great job with the story and it was a pleasurable read.

This is a really enjoyable women's fiction book about a woman starting over. It was unconventional and humorous with a 20 something hairdresser moving into a retirement community but the women there really came around the main character and the support they had for one another, even those on the fringes was encouraging.

The audiobook was well done and the narration was fitting for the story. This book is a great summer audiobook or beach read!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to review an audiobook through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love beach town/city stories with characters starting over. This is a great weekend read and will be a non disappointing to your summer TBR list. Amazing story.

I received a audiobook copy from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Audio and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.