Member Reviews

This was a sweet read and EXACTLY what I needed during this pandemic. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

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A young woman whose husband walks out on her answers an ad for a hairdresser at a retirement village, and gets the best break of her life. These people come from different backgrounds but enjoy each other and make their village work. She learns a lot about herself and about love.

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Love this multi generational book about Lily - who was a little lost when she was married, and a lot lost after her husband left her. In Steele Magnolias fashion, Lily found her own community where she felt at peace - never mind that most of the folks were old enough to be her parents or grandparents. And some of those folks had younger relatives that were pretty easy on the eyes. :) Lucky for Lily, she also found a friend in Rose, the cool owner/manager of their close community. I loved that the age difference between Lily and Rose didn’t even rise to the surface throughout the book. Their friendship was authentic, mutually selfless, and beneficial to both. Despite the commentary on some real feelings and life baggage, Denton succeeds in making this story light, funny, and highly entertaining. Loved it.

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This is a quick read-a book that is character driven. I was given a copy online of this book to read for review. It is good for those wanting light reading but probably not for a reread. Living in a senior village...reconciliation...marriage and problems...this has a little of all...enjoy

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What a sweet, heartfelt story...This novel will capture your attention from the first chapter...and will not let go until the final page. A beautiful novel. Five stars.

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Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I so enjoyed The Summer House. I would love to find a little neighborhood like Safe Harbor. I found this book to be very heartfelt with characters that I was really hoping for happy endings. Lily and Rose’s stories unfolded quietly, but stirred up strong feelings.

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As someone who works in a nursing home, I loved reading this book! I can totally place myself in Lily and Rose's shoes. My heart breaks for them and their hardships, but I felt connected to them. I didn't want to put the book down. Such a nice, heartfelt book.

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The Summer House
by Lauren K. Denton
Thomas Nelson--FICTION
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Thomas Nelson
Women's Fiction

Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson-Fiction for the ARC of this book. I love Southern Fiction and this is no exception. I like the way Lauren Denton writes and look forward to reading more of her books.
This is a thumbs up!~!

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What a great story. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. The stories and characters are enchanting and real. I loved Lily and Rose’s relationship and how each bloomed and changed for the better. The Summer House is a must read! Lauren K Denton’s books shouldn’t be missed

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Oh how I loved this beautifully written story! I just adore every single character of this book! Love love loved it! Highly recommend

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3.5 stars
This was a well developed story of starting over in an unlikely environment. Lily needs a job and a place to live and Rose, who owns a community for seniors, gives her a chance. I was drawn to the book as I’m in the “looking for a retirement home” stage of life. I would love to live at Safe Harbor. I enjoyed Rose and her back story and her development throughout the book. A heart warming story in a lovely gulf coast setting.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC

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I loved The Hideaway, so I had no doubt I'd love The Summer House as well.

I love beach reads, southern fiction, and women’s fiction and this book hits on all of those. I really enjoyed the unique setting of this story, centering on an older crowd in a retirement community in the south. Lily and Rose are fabulous characters and I loved getting to know them. There are many stories within the story and I enjoyed every minute of it. Especially the little bit of romance and the heaping of growth.

If you aren't already in love with the south, that'll change after you read this tale.

Thank you, NetGalley, for my complimentary copy.

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Sweet, easy going story that's perfect for a beach read. The characters are loveable, relatable and enjoyable. I loved the newsletter, filled with quirky details to keep the residents on track. Lily is a delightful character with her positive attitude. I loved the way she and Rose helped each other. Highly recommended!

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I have read all four of Lauren K. Denton's novels. They definitely belong in the Southern fiction genre. I really enjoyed her first novel, The Hideaway. In The Summer House, Denton crafted Lily and Rose, two women who needed to learn to carry on with their lives and move forward from the past. Having a story take place at a retirement community is different, yet nice. I enjoy talking to the older generation and learning about their pasts. it was nice to see how well Lily fit right in and Rose learned to fit in. Their is some romance, but nothing to take away from the overall plot. The only issue I had with the plot was the "gossip rag" that was published by Shirley that got inserted into the pages of the story. Most of the time, I just skipped right over them to return to the story. This is definitely a delightful little read that any one of any age would enjoy to read. I recommend picking up a copy.

I received a complimentary copy of The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

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Lauren Denton, where have you been my whole life? How have I not read more of her books? I fell in love with every character from page 1 and was rooting for Lily to make a new life for herself. I knew the second she met Rose, they would become great friends and help each other through their struggles. I wish I saved this book to read on the beach, it is a perfect beach read that will make you feel as though you are down in the South on the water. I gave this 4 stars only because it was a bit predicable, but I highly will recommend to all friends. Can't wait to read more by Lauren.

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I was ecstatic to have the privilege to read this book as an advanced reader copy, as I love Lauren Denton! Just like her others, this book did not disappoint. It follows the story of Lily, who without forewarning, finds herself facing divorce after her husband leaves her a note and has left. The story follows her finding a new start and also finding herself. The story of Lily is intertwined with the story of Rose, who gives Lily a job, and a chance at a new life, while battling her own past. I love that the characters are able to learn and grow from one another. It is a cozy, feel good read, and I recommend you check it out. It would be a great book to take to the beach this summer!

I received an advance copy of The Summer House by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

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A very well written romance. Great plot, believable characters and a fantastic southern setting. Love this author’s books and The Southern House was no exception. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

And honestly? I loved this book. I requested it because of the cover alone...I have always had a thing for porch swings. It only took me a couple of pages to get into the book. The main character in the beginning is Lily. Fresh from moving to a new city and a new house, she wakes up one morning to find a goodbye letter and some divorce papers. He didn't even make the coffee before he propped the letter up by the machine. THAT is bad enough but then she finds out that the place they were staying in was contingent on the job he had, which he also walked away from. So now she is alone and without a place to stay. She comes upon some women talking about how a hairdresser is needed at their retirement community and since that is what she used to do, she decided to apply. Rose becomes another main character and Rose is the owner of the retirement community. As she is applying, Lily finds out that as a perk, she would get to live above the shop and things go from there. We meet so many people in that community and there are so many stories within stories that I was not quite ready to let them go.

Maybe I liked it so much because I am middle aged and thinking towards that direction, I have no idea. But I am telling you that if this place were real, I would seriously be contemplating going there when it was time to retire and settle in somewhere. I would seriously love to meet these people if they were real.

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What is it with books set in the South? Just the setting and you are instantly transported to a magical place... I love all of Denton books. I anticipate her next book ever since I read The Hideaway. She has a talent in descriptions that transport you and make your fall in love with the South! This is a charming and heart warming novel about new beginnings, the courage to make your own destiny and the power of friendship and community. A truly relaxing story, full of Southern Charm...

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Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Summer House was a cute, fun read! The characters were likable and I loved the coastal Alabama setting. It was your typical starting over novel. It would be a great beach read!

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