The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

 "Letting herself sink would be so easy, just like falling asleep.  She could cover herself in grief like a blanket and never get up again.  But all day something had been prodding her, way at the back of her mind, like a dream she'd mostly forgotten.  Whatever it was, it was the thing that kept her from sinking.  From letting go."  (loc 106)

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 2020; Thomas Nelson; 978-0785232537
audio, ebook, print (352 pages); Women's Fiction

Lauren K. Denton's books are always fun to read and this one is no exception.  The characters are well written and the scenery on the Gulf Coast is beautifully described and makes you feel like you are in Alabama with the characters in The Summer House.

Lily wakes up one morning and finds that her husband of one year is gone and left behind a note - that's all just a note with no explanation of why he left or how she could find him.  They had only lived in Alabama for 2 weeks and she had no friends or family so she had nowhere to turn.  She realized that she needed a job and replied to a flyer that she found at the grocery store to be a hairstylist in a local retirement community.  Her mother, who had died several years earlier had a hair salon in her home and taught Lily everything she needed to know.  When Lily first meets Rose, the owner, at her interview, it looks like things may not work out but after Lily explains what has happened in her life, Rose feels a strong urge to help her out.  Rose is the other main character and after losing her husband years earlier, she became a rule-maker at the village and she avoided getting involved with any of the residents.  So as the novel starts out, we have two main characters, both in need to change and struggling to find happiness in their lives.

The retirement community was full of fun and quirky people.  They were all in the end stages of their lives but they were full of life and loved to have adventures and parties.  Once Lily is accepted as their hairstylist, she begins to enjoy having fun with them.  Also, she and Rose's nephew begin to be more than a little interested in each other and there may be romance in their future.  Will Lily and Rose be able to find happiness and contentment in their lives with a little help from the residents of the community? 

The Summer House is an uplifting book about love and friendship, loss, and starting over.  It's a charming book that is a bit predictable at times but is still fun to read and enjoy.  It will definitely put a smile on your face.

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Sometimes it takes losing everything to find yourself again.

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About the Author

Combining a love of Deep South settings, a generous dose of Southern flavor and humor, and heartwarming romance, Lauren K. Denton pens stories that chronicle women’s journeys towards truth and love, hope and healing.

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Susan Roberts lives in North Carolina when she isn't traveling. She and her husband enjoy traveling, gardening and spending time with their family and friends. She reads almost anything (and the piles of books in her house prove that) but her favorite genres are Southern fiction, women's fiction, and thrillers. Susan is a top 1% Goodreads Reviewer. You can connect with Susan on Facebook, Goodreads, or Twitter. 

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