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,

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.”

I have reviewed this title for New York Journal of Books where it will be published the evening before the publication date.


The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton
Thomas Nelson
June 2, 2020
10-0785232532
Contemporary Women's Fiction
352 Pages

You spend the night cuddling with your husband and wake up the next morning to find him gone leaving a note saying, "Lily, I can't do this anymore. You deserve more than what I can give you. Sorry."

Lily Chapman Bishop thought her marriage to Worth was okay—nothing earth-shattering—but how many marriages are? Next to his "good-bye" letter is an envelope containing divorce papers he already signed.

Lily contemplates: "Then, like a current of cold water pouring over her, a thought rang in her head, clear and sure. It's finally happened. She pressed her palms to the cool surface of the counter and took a deep, trembling breath.

"She realized she'd been waiting for this, probably since the day he slipped a ring on her finger and asked her to marry him. Their union seemed improbable from the very start, but they'd stubbornly defied everyone and clung so tightly to each other, there had been no room between them for doubt, not a sliver of space for any misgiving or hesitation."

Lily wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth, or come from wealth as Worth, who with his dealings with Mertha, his dominating and obsessive mother—one who wanted to run their lives—enumerated to her many times.

The couple recently relocated to Alabama from Atlanta hoping to make a fresh start and be far enough away from Mertha's intrusion. But now Worth is gone, slinking away like a coward and with no definitive justification for leaving.

Reeling from shock, Lily does not know what is in store for her now. She tries to call Worth for an explanation only getting his voice mail, and when she calls Mertha, the woman states with incredulity, "Bishop's don't get divorced."

Now, more than ever, Lily feels alone and abandoned, especially missing her deceased mother who died at age 48. Lillian, a hard-working single mother ran and beauty salon and taught Lilly everything she knew about the business giving her daughter an unexpected but enjoyable career.

The apartment she and Worth have been residing in is a corporate lease for his newly accepted position--employment Lily later learned Mertha had her hand in—and they had a limited time there before they were to find permanent housing. With Worth gone, from her life and his job, she knows she must find other living arrangements. Should she go back to Atlanta? Mertha offered her a place to stay, though Lily could never be with her soon-to-be-ex mother-in-law. So, what happens now?

She would not return to Georgia, and she needs a new home and employment immediately. On a trip to the market, Lily encounters two elderly women who introduce themselves as Tiny and Roberta. They chat and notice Lily looking at Roberta's canvas bag with the logo Sunrise Café printed on it. She asks Lily if she's ever been to the eatery located at the senior community of Safe Harbor Village. Lily admits to being in the area only a short time and not knowing of the place. The two older women are like salt and pepper and clash but in a kind and friendly manner that warms Lily's heart.

On her way out of the store, Lily spots a help-wanted flyer for a hairstylist at Safe Harbor Village. She grabs the paper and heads back inside to talk to the ladies. Roberta suggests she call Rose, warning her the woman has "thorns."

Back at the apartment, Lily wonders if this could be the answer to her current predicament. The next day, she meets with Rose Carrigan, who, with her husband, built the development, and she now is the manager. Lily sees a hardness in Rose, wondering what makes her so aloof, but senses her as a kindred spirit. Could Rose have been hurt in the past and erected this wall around herself?

When Rose hires Lily, she is thrilled to learn she is also offered the small apartment above the beauty shop, satisfying her problems of making an income and finding a place to live.

Rose's nephew, Rawlins Willett, and his friend, Canaan move Lily's meager belongings into the cottage, and she takes a few days to clean up the salon and settle in. Rawlins, in his early thirties and a shrimper lives close to Safe Haven, often helping his aunt with different duties around the complex.

Only in her late twenties, Lily wonders how she'll be accepted at the village, but finds herself enveloped by the welcoming arms of the residents, especially the women who are eager for a stylist.

Soon Lily is ingratiated into the social life, though they understand she would probably be happier among folks her own age. She is befriended by Rawlins and his charming daughter, Hazel. The child is gregarious and connects with Lily immediately. Hazel fiercely loves her dad and wants to be with him permanently and not be shuffled between him and her mom and Lily enjoys spending time with both her and Rawlins making her question if she'll ever have a happy family life.

As time passes Lily muses: "The truth was, the village was beginning to feel like a new sort of home to her. She'd come to appreciate the neighbors' various personalities and quirks, the laughter that floated across the street from the café, the way the afternoon light slanted in through the salon's big front window. She loved the trees and the seagulls, the pervasive sea breeze, and scent of coconut oil. The ebb and flow of life on this postage-stamp spot on the coast had both charmed and accepted her."

She also realizes: "These people had cares—happiness and grief, pain and pleasure—that rivaled, probably even surpassed what she'd experienced in her brief decades of life."

Lily believes she was sent to the village for a reason. Getting through Rose's tough façade, Lily learns about her sorry past, now sharing a somewhat similar bond. With Lily's help, Rose breaks out of her shell, asking forgiveness for the pain she's shared, caused, and suffered for far too long. Meanwhile, Lily gets a fresh lease on life and acknowledges second chances are available.

The author's description of this idyllic community makes the reader want to pack up and move there. Given the semi-tropical climate and the affection the residents have for each other—even the prickly ones are cared for—this setting seems like a paradise. Empathy and understanding prevail as differing generations connect to make a satisfying and enjoyable read.

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.