The Summer House

By: Lauren K. Denton

Narrated by: Devon O'day

Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

It's never too late to start over. The Summer House weaves Lauren K. Denton’s inviting Southern charm around a woman’s journey to find herself in a small beach town - with a little help from the local retirement community.

Lily Bishop wakes up one morning to find a good-bye note and divorce papers from her husband on the kitchen counter. Having just moved to Alabama for his job only weeks before, Lily is devastated. New to town and knowing no one, Lily finds herself in desperate need of a job and a new place to live. When Lily hears that a hair stylist is needed at small retirement community, she decides to apply.

Rose Carrigan built the small retirement village of Safe Harbor years ago - just before her husband ran off with his assistant. Now she runs a tight ship, making sure the residents follow her strict rules. Rose keeps everyone at arm’s length, including her own family. But when Lily shows up asking for a job and a place to live, Rose’s cold exterior begins to thaw.

Lily and Rose form an unlikely friendship, and Lily’s salon soon becomes the place where the colorful residents share town gossip and a few secrets. Lily soon finds herself drawn to Rose’s nephew, Rawlins - a single dad and shrimper who’s had some practice at starting over - and one of the residents may be carrying a torch for Rose as well.

Neither Lily nor Rose is where she expected to be, but the summer makes them both wonder if there’s more to life and love than what they’ve experienced so far.

The Summer House is a:

• Cozy novel full of charm and heart that’s perfect vacation reading
• Celebration of new beginnings, friendship, and family
• Sweet, clean romance set on the Gulf Coast

“The perfect summer read! Situated on the Alabama Gulf Coast, you’ll feel the sun, taste the salt, and linger with new friends - you won’t want to leave. And with lyrical prose and rich characters, The Summer House is a beautifully poignant reminder that we are never too young to find a good place to stand nor too old to start over.” (Katherine Reay, best-selling author of The Printed Letter Bookshop and Dear Mr. Knightley)

©2020 Lauren K. Denton (P)2020 Thomas Nelson

Nice story!

The narrator was exceptional. She had a strong voice and kept me interested. Good job!

Important to me

I have always wondered if it were possible to make a story true to life. If it were possible to capture the simple beauty of day to day failures and redemption without the overdramatization that seems constant in both fiction and nonfiction story telling. THIS story, I believe, captures the beauty and pain of life in the most realistic way I've read yet. I love many many books as I am sure you do; I would imagine any human would enjoy this book as it is just so HUMAN.

Enjoyed very much-Thoughtful and clean

Not a deep book, but several characters with deep flaws that they thought about and fixed, missing parts they worked to develop, and general respect for others. Forgiveness. Great examples of honest conversation. Value of family and hard work. People I would like to know. Except for a light kiss or two, no sex, which I found so refreshing. And the narration was spot-on. Thank you, Ms. Denton and Ms. Oday.

Lovely Story

Heart felt story and easy to listen to. But I need a sequel to have closure on some of the the things, like how did it go adding to the family business, weddings for Lilly and Rose.

This looks a a sweet book I loved it and could listen out load because it was a clean book with no bad words.

The narrator was the best only 2nd to Ms Julia series. Great writing and fun loving story line. Now that I’ve heard one of this authors books I’m going to listen to them all.

Life changed

I liked how kind people were to each other, and sincerely worked at their friendships.

The Summer House

I finished this book in record time because I just couldn't quit listening. They couldn't have picked a better narrator.

the Summer House

loved this book. excellent character development. very likeable. you feel like you can envision the characters. it is a feel good story about many of the characters coming to terms with their life choices and moving forward.

Good story

I like the book and story line. Im not crazy about the narrator, I felt that she made some of the characters sound less intelligent than what the author wanted to Portray

Easy Summer Listen about New Beginnings

A feel good listen. Sweet, predictable story about new beginnings. I was looking for some "brain candy" and this fit the bill. A few twists and turns, but you knew what was going to happen. Narration was good, at least in my opinion. If you've had a parent live at a retirement village - or if you live at one - you'll get a kick out of the personalities.