The Summer House

Lily Bishop's life changes overnight when she discovers a goodbye note and divorce papers from her husband. Newly arrived in Alabama for his job, she finds herself alone in an unfamiliar town with no job or home. She applies to work as a hair stylist at Safe Harbor, a small retirement community. Rose Carrigan founded Safe Harbor years ago, shortly before her husband left her for his assistant. She runs the community with strict rules and keeps others at a distance, even family. When Lily arrives seeking employment and housing, Rose's guarded nature begins to soften. Lily and Rose develop an unexpected friendship. Lily's salon becomes a gathering place where residents share gossip and secrets. Lily is drawn to Rose's nephew Rawlins, a single father and shrimper who has experience starting over. Meanwhile, one of the residents develops feelings for Rose. Neither woman ends up where she anticipated, but the summer leads both to reconsider what life and love might hold. The novel explores themes of new beginnings, friendship, and family, set on the Gulf Coast of Alabama.