What an adorable, feel-good summer read. Full of hope and new beginnings, this story set in Alabama has a tiny town feel, and was a breath of fresh, relaxed, ocean air.

I loved seeing the characters come to life after they all dealt with their baggage. Seeing new relationships bloom and flourish—whether it was between girlfriends, multiple generations of women, or romantically—was just so wholesome and sweet.

While I’m certainly not made for small-town rural life (and trust me when I say from experience—the part of Alabama in this book is exactly that), this made me want to redecorate our river house like a summer cottage and make some good southern sweet tea to drink on our dock.

This is my idea of a great Summer book! It's atmospheric, coastal - - you can smell the breezes, feel the water, taste the delicious food - - and full of friendship (found family!), quirky characters, and a touch of romance! Really enjoyed it!

I loved Glory Road, so this was a bit of a let down in comparison to that. I felt like the plot was way too shallow, and there wasn’t much conflict. The characters were cute, but one-dimensional, and the ending was unsatisfactory for me. It was an okay light read, but I probably wouldn’t recommend it to others.

(free review copy) I inhaled this story the day I downloaded it from NetGalley. I have become a major Lauren K. Denton fan and was ecstatic that she has a new book coming out! THE SUMMER HOUSE did not disappoint and filled all of my expectations of rich character development, atmospheric writing and all kinds of brightness and hope. Can't recommend highly enough for anyone who likes Southern coastal stories.

**NOTE: This is classified as Inspirational and published by a Christian publisher. I note that because I don't typically read books in this genre. However, this book has ZERO Christian-specific content and is instead simply a sweet and "no nakedness" romance. I'm a big fan.

A little too melodramatic for me, but a feel good story with some fun characters

I've had the chance to read a previous book by Lauren K. Denton and thoroughly enjoyed it, so when I saw she had a new one coming out this summer, I was excited to check it out.

And I must say, this one was just as delightful! Right from the start, I was drawn in to the story as we meet Lily, discovering her husband of just one year had simply decided to up and leave her in the new town in which they had just moved, leaving a note and signed divorce papers. And the home that they'd just moved into? It was dependent on his job that he had likewise left. With no family and nowhere to go, Lily finds herself having to start over... and the small retirement village of Safe Harbor provides a great place to do just that. She wasn't the only one in need of a fresh start. Rose managed Safe Harbor, but had always kept herself at a distance. She-likewise- needed a fresh start with the relationships in her life... and to let go of past mistakes. Through this book we watch as both women are given that chance to move forward, and it truly was a joy to read. The community of Safe Harbor drew me in with it's quirky cast of characters. I found that I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to them just yet, and wished that this was part of a series so that perhaps we might get to catch up with them later.

I will say that parts did seem a bit slower than others, and there were parts that I wish would have gone into more detail... but overall, it was a quick and fun read that I truly enjoyed. If you're looking for a good beach read, this one would certainly be one worth checking out!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

A very easy, fast read. Enjoyed the story and loved the characters but wished it went a little deeper and was a little longer.

4.5 stars.

The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton is a delightful novel which features a season of change and new beginnings.

Lily Bishop is absolutely stunned when her husband of over a year abruptly leaves her.  She is uncertain what she will next when, completely by chance, she finds a want ad for a hair stylist at a local active living community.  Lily secures an interview with part owner and manager Rose Carrigan who is a little standoffish.  Rose agrees to give Lily a chance to prove herself and an unexpected friendship blooms between the two women.  Will their summer prove to a much needed season of healing?

After Lily's beloved mother passes away, she leaves their small town for Atlanta.  Her whirlwind romance with her soon to be ex-husband Worth leaves her little time to consider whether she is making the right decision.  Soon after their first anniversary, Lily and Worth move to Alabama where a few doubts begin to set in.  But Lily is determined to make her marriage work despite noticing that Worth seems to be struggling.

At first shocked when he leaves her along with signed divorce papers, Lily is unwavering as she makes the best of her new circumstances. As she settles into her new life at Safe Harbor Village, she hopes to create a warmly inviting setting for her new clients.  Pleased with her results, Lily begins making a real difference in the lives of her new friends. And she has also caught the eye of Rose's nephew Rawlins Willett, a divorced dad who is devoted to his adorable little girl. Although they are just friends, both Lily and Rawlins are aware of their mutual attraction.

Rose is also at a crossroads. Her longtime ex-husband and silent partner in Safe Harbor Village shocks her with an unanticipated offer. Rose has deliberately held herself back from making friends with people in the community but Lily's arrival sparks a surprising desire to make some changes in her life. Rose is suddenly more amenable to joining the women in their activities. And she is besieged with memories that led to her long standing estrangement with her brother. Even more startling, Rose is starting to view the ever cheerful Coach Beaumont in a different light. But is she ready to embrace the possibility of romance?

The Summer House is a captivating novel of friendship, starting over and healing.  The cast of characters is vibrantly developed with charming quirks and remarkable strengths. The storyline is multifaceted with plenty of depth and substance. Lily and Rose both undergo a great deal of growth but their changes are gradual and realistic.  Lauren K. Denton brings this marvelous novel to heartfelt conclusion. I adored this heartwarming novel and highly recommend it to fans of the genre.