It’s a Lauren K Denton book.
Predictable- yes
Women cast adrift- of course
But great writing and characters you care to hear more about.
A really great story. ( )

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. ( )

***** That's double the 5 stars we can give for reviews. I sped through this summer read, I knew I would and now I'm sad. Knowing I'll have wait another year for a new book by Lauren K Denton but that is why we spend so many years developing our reading habits, looking forward for new stories. This was a great story and it was fun to think about the young and old mixing it up and having a nice time with each other. I know we will all want to find a place like the little village in this book to spend any years in! ( )

I felt for Lily as she senses something is not right, horribly wrong even. She doesn’t smell coffee brewing, her husband Worth made it every morning. Then she sees the note by the clean coffee pot. It is addressed to her. She feels a rug pull out from under her as she reads it.

She needs a place to think, and regroup, When Lily reads a want ad for a hairdresser in Safe Harbor Village she wonders if this is the place to get a fresh start.

I liked how the author took her time in allowing readers to get to know her fun cast of quirky characters who feel like they are sitting on a porch next to you relaxing sharing stories, their hearts, loves, and relationships. They were older folks who were full of life, living every day to the fullest. They loved adventures and parties. I appreciated how this author naturally wove into the story topics about love, what it is and why Lily and Worth got married in the first place. Was it love?

I liked how Rose wrote letters to her friend throughout the novel – like this one, “Dear Stella; Do you think it’s ever too late to change? To be someone new? Or maybe not someone entirely new, but a new version of yourself? Can you shed the old version like skin that’s grown too tight?” All good questions.

I got such a kick out of reading excerpts from The Village Vine, “your source for neighborhood news compiled by Shirley Ferrill “Good day, Safe Harbor Village!...”update from Management A new rule has been added to the village handbook: No loud noise – including singing – before 7a.m….”

“Update from Recreation: The paddle boats are in! The first tour will be up to Captain’s Chair on Bon Secour River this Friday. …He suggests you bring bottled water, bug spray, sunscreen, and a camera. He also strictly forbids selfies. (I’m not one to point fingers, but I think that’s how he capsized last time!)”

This is a heart-warming, comfortable breath of fresh air. It’s a captivating story of friendship, new beginnings and healing. I loved how this author has readers look at love, marriage, family and relationships from all sides through her likable and lovable characters. I had so much fun hanging out at Safe Harbor. I wish it was a real place, because I wanted to go there. This book would work great for your next book club adventure and/or just enjoyed for your summer reading pleasure.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org ( )

The Summer House is the first book I have ever read by Lauren Denton, but it most certainly will not be the last. I absolutely devoured this magnificent story of starting over and rediscovering yourself.

Lily Bishop, barely past celebrating her first anniversary, wakes up one morning to find a note from her husband that he has left and their marriage is over. Although devastated, Lily knows she needs to find a job and a place to live. She meets quite an interesting pair of ladies at the grocery store who live in a nearby retirement village who Lily just happens to see an ad is in need of a hairdresser.

When she shows up for the interview, she meets Rose, the owner and manager of the retirement village. Although hesitant, Rose gives Lily a chance and allows her to move in the apartment above the shop. Rose herself is also in need of learning how to live again due to her own circumstances. Together, they move past their grief and learn to live and love again. I just love that the name of the place where they live is called Safe Harbor as it serves as a refuge for Rose and Lily in the storm of their lives.

This is the perfect summer read. It has a gorgeous southern Alabama coastal setting complete with some fabulous, quirky, characters whose banter is hilarious. I laughed out loud at the ladies debate over which mayo is the best to use in deviled eggs because it was so realistic. I think I have actually witnessed one of those mayo debates myself. ;)

I know the old saying goes that you can't judge a book by it's cover, but I would say it would be just fine to do in this case. It is an absolutely perfect cover to house the beautiful words inside.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ( )