The summer house
(Book)

Lily Bishop wakes up one morning to find a good-bye note and divorce papers from her husband on the kitchen counter. Having moved to Alabama for his job only weeks before, Lily is devastated, but a flyer at the grocery store for a hair stylist position in a local retirement community provides a refuge while she contemplates her next steps. 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 residents share town gossip, as well as 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.