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The Hideaway: A Southern Story of Family, Secrets, and Second Chances
When her grandmother’s will wrenches Sara back home, she learns more about Margaret Van Buren in the wake of her death than she ever knew in life.
After her last remaining family member dies, Sara Jenkins goes home to The Hideaway, her grandmother Mags’s ramshackle B&B in Sweet Bay, Alabama. She intends to quickly tie up loose ends then return to her busy life and thriving antique shop in New Orleans. Instead, she learns Mags has willed The Hideaway to her and charged her with renovating it—no small task considering her grandmother’s best friends, a motley crew of senior citizens, still live there.
Rather than hurrying back to New Orleans, Sara stays in Sweet Bay and begins the biggest house-rehabbing project of her career. Amid drywall dust, old memories, and a charming contractor, she discovers that slipping back into life at The Hideaway is easier than she expected.
Then she discovers a box Mags left in the attic with clues to a life Sara never imagined for her grandmother. With help from Mags’s friends, Sara begins to piece together the mysterious life of bravery, passion, and choices that changed her grandmother’s destiny in both marvelous and devastating ways.
When an opportunistic land developer threatens to seize The Hideaway, Sara is forced to make a choice—stay in Sweet Bay and fight for the house and the people she’s grown to love or leave again and return to her successful but solitary life in New Orleans.
After her last remaining family member dies, Sara Jenkins goes home to The Hideaway, her grandmother Mags’s ramshackle B&B in Sweet Bay, Alabama. She intends to quickly tie up loose ends then return to her busy life and thriving antique shop in New Orleans. Instead, she learns Mags has willed The Hideaway to her and charged her with renovating it—no small task considering her grandmother’s best friends, a motley crew of senior citizens, still live there.
Rather than hurrying back to New Orleans, Sara stays in Sweet Bay and begins the biggest house-rehabbing project of her career. Amid drywall dust, old memories, and a charming contractor, she discovers that slipping back into life at The Hideaway is easier than she expected.
Then she discovers a box Mags left in the attic with clues to a life Sara never imagined for her grandmother. With help from Mags’s friends, Sara begins to piece together the mysterious life of bravery, passion, and choices that changed her grandmother’s destiny in both marvelous and devastating ways.
When an opportunistic land developer threatens to seize The Hideaway, Sara is forced to make a choice—stay in Sweet Bay and fight for the house and the people she’s grown to love or leave again and return to her successful but solitary life in New Orleans.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2017
10557 people are currently reading
27293 people want to read
About the author
Lauren K. Denton
7 books2,161 followersLauren K. Denton is the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts bestselling author of THE HIDEAWAY and HURRICANE SEASON, along with GLORY ROAD, THE SUMMER HOUSE, THE ONE YOU'RE WITH, and A PLACE TO LAND.
Her books have received widespread accolades, including...
*Women.com's Most Anticipated Summer Beach Reads
*Travel + Leisure's 20 Most Anticipated Books for Summer
*Southern Living's 25 Beach Reads Perfect for Summer and Best Spring Break Reads
*Starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly
*PopSugar's Best 20 Destination Romance Novels
*Deep South Magazine's Spring/Summer Reading Lists
*Woman's World Book Club's Week's Best Fiction
*BuzzBooks Spring/Summer Great Reads
*Travel + Leisure 10 Spring Reads That Will Make Winter a Distant Memory
Combining a love of Deep South settings, a generous dose of small-town flavor and humor, and heartwarming romance, Lauren pens stories that chronicle women’s journeys towards truth and love, hope and healing.
Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Lauren now lives with her husband and two daughters in Homewood, just outside Birmingham. In addition to her fiction, she writes a monthly newspaper column about life, relationships, and how funny (and hard) it is to be a parent. Though her husband tries valiantly to turn her into a mountain girl, she'd still rather be at the beach with her family and a stack of books.
Visit Lauren at www.laurenkdenton.com,
instagram.com/laurenkdentonbooks/
facebook.com/LaurenKDentonAuthor
Her books have received widespread accolades, including...
*Women.com's Most Anticipated Summer Beach Reads
*Travel + Leisure's 20 Most Anticipated Books for Summer
*Southern Living's 25 Beach Reads Perfect for Summer and Best Spring Break Reads
*Starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly
*PopSugar's Best 20 Destination Romance Novels
*Deep South Magazine's Spring/Summer Reading Lists
*Woman's World Book Club's Week's Best Fiction
*BuzzBooks Spring/Summer Great Reads
*Travel + Leisure 10 Spring Reads That Will Make Winter a Distant Memory
Combining a love of Deep South settings, a generous dose of small-town flavor and humor, and heartwarming romance, Lauren pens stories that chronicle women’s journeys towards truth and love, hope and healing.
Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Lauren now lives with her husband and two daughters in Homewood, just outside Birmingham. In addition to her fiction, she writes a monthly newspaper column about life, relationships, and how funny (and hard) it is to be a parent. Though her husband tries valiantly to turn her into a mountain girl, she'd still rather be at the beach with her family and a stack of books.
Visit Lauren at www.laurenkdenton.com,
instagram.com/laurenkdentonbooks/
facebook.com/LaurenKDentonAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,165 reviews
April 28, 2018
This is a beautifully written debut novel (hard to believe it is a debut novel) which pulls at the heartstrings.
When Sara is informed that her grandmother "Mags" has passed away she returns home to Sweet Bay, Alabama to "The Hideaway" her grandmother's B&B where Sara spent her childhood. Sara is there for a reading of her grandmother's will. She hopes to stay a couple of days and return to her life and store in New Orleans. But when the will is read, Sara learns that her grandmother has left the Hideaway to her. It makes sense, she is the last remaining relative. Her grandmother asks that she renovate the B&B however she wants Sara to reside there during the renovations.
While there, Sara learns that there was more to her eccentric grandmother than she ever knew. You think you know someone right? Her grandmother raised her after her parent's death. Sara thought she knew everything there was to know about Mags. She remembers Mags as always being old. But what she learns when she finds an old key under a bench, is that her grandmother was a woman with secrets, with passion and a woman who once had to make a very difficult choice.
Through the course of the book, the reader also gets to see Mags backstory. We get to see a glimpse into her life, her thoughts, her love, her pains and her heart breaking decision. Mags was my favorite character. She did what she wanted and stood up for herself. She allowed her staff to live at the Hideaway and they all became like family.
Both women in this book are likable and endearing. This is a story about family, lost love, found love, a home with a history, and choices. It is well written and endearing. This is the perfect book to read on a cozy day. It's neither too heavy nor too light. I enjoyed the characters and the story. Overall, a heartwarming (and at a time heart-breaking) story about love, loss, choices, secrets, family, friends, and what it means to find your home!
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
When Sara is informed that her grandmother "Mags" has passed away she returns home to Sweet Bay, Alabama to "The Hideaway" her grandmother's B&B where Sara spent her childhood. Sara is there for a reading of her grandmother's will. She hopes to stay a couple of days and return to her life and store in New Orleans. But when the will is read, Sara learns that her grandmother has left the Hideaway to her. It makes sense, she is the last remaining relative. Her grandmother asks that she renovate the B&B however she wants Sara to reside there during the renovations.
While there, Sara learns that there was more to her eccentric grandmother than she ever knew. You think you know someone right? Her grandmother raised her after her parent's death. Sara thought she knew everything there was to know about Mags. She remembers Mags as always being old. But what she learns when she finds an old key under a bench, is that her grandmother was a woman with secrets, with passion and a woman who once had to make a very difficult choice.
Through the course of the book, the reader also gets to see Mags backstory. We get to see a glimpse into her life, her thoughts, her love, her pains and her heart breaking decision. Mags was my favorite character. She did what she wanted and stood up for herself. She allowed her staff to live at the Hideaway and they all became like family.
Both women in this book are likable and endearing. This is a story about family, lost love, found love, a home with a history, and choices. It is well written and endearing. This is the perfect book to read on a cozy day. It's neither too heavy nor too light. I enjoyed the characters and the story. Overall, a heartwarming (and at a time heart-breaking) story about love, loss, choices, secrets, family, friends, and what it means to find your home!
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
May 14, 2017
Sara's eccentric grandmother Mags has passed away, leaving her home (an old bed and breakfast) to Sara. Sara had left the small town to move to New Orleans to start her own life and she had kinda forgotten to keep in touch with her grandmother.
She just remembers that her grandmother Mags was totally different than other grandmothers.
Mag's will states that Sara is to restore the old bed and breakfast and then she can do with it what she wants. It's filled with "old people" that were her grandmother's odd assortment of friends. Sara moves in just long enough to do the task.
Then she finds an old box of Mags in the attic and discovers that she really didn't know her grandmother as well as she thought she did.
This book was just plain sweet. It wasn't overly so but just right. Like finding a good chocolate in a box of yucky ones.
We'll just go with "it was good."
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
She just remembers that her grandmother Mags was totally different than other grandmothers.
Mag's will states that Sara is to restore the old bed and breakfast and then she can do with it what she wants. It's filled with "old people" that were her grandmother's odd assortment of friends. Sara moves in just long enough to do the task.
Then she finds an old box of Mags in the attic and discovers that she really didn't know her grandmother as well as she thought she did.
This book was just plain sweet. It wasn't overly so but just right. Like finding a good chocolate in a box of yucky ones.
We'll just go with "it was good."
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
December 20, 2017
The 30 Best Books of 2017
Storyteller Lauren K. Denton, a new voice in Southern fiction delivers a smashing debut, THE HIDEAWAY. Making me want to return to my southern front porch and curl up for a long leisurely nostalgic afternoon while being transported with this beautiful love story.
My vote for Southern Debut of 2017!
Set in Sweet Bay, Alabama in the Deep South, we meet Dot, a friend of Mags (Mrs. Margaret Van Buren), a tenant of The Hideaway. The Hideaway was once a booming Bed and Breakfast; however, over the years it has turned into a home for eccentric seniors (bohemian) style, artists, and the free-spirited looking for an escape; you came and never left.
As the book opens, Dot (husband, Bert) are seniors living in the house. She is admiring the latest Southern Living article featuring Maggie (Mag)’s granddaughter, Sara who owns a highly successful interior design shop in New Orleans.
People tend to arrive at this charming inn, and they fall in love and decide never to leave.
Mag’s daughter, Jenny is deceased and she helped raise her granddaughter Sara. Mags was very unconventional and some called eccentric. Sara was embarrassed by her lifestyle growing up. Mags has never told her own story to Sara. By the time she had moved in with her at age twelve, Sara was at that critical period where there were peer pressure and friends’ opinions.
Sara turned out to be a stronger woman because of who Mags turned out to be. If Mags had remained under her parents’ thumb, worrying about how others perceived her, she would have been a wispy shadow of a real woman.
Sara loved the French Quarter in the Big Easy. She was proud of her shop, Bits and Pieces. She has no time for a man, relationship, or anything other than her store. She has restored an old shotgun house and filled it with restored furniture, and antiques. A bit of everything. Her assistant manager, Allyn was always there to help out (loved him).
Her mind always went back to Sweet Bay to see Mags, her grandmother. However, she was too busy with the shop to visit more often.
However, when Sara receives the news from Mag’s attorney, she knows it is too late to spend time with her eccentric little grandmother. She had left her for greener pastures in New Orleans, but Mags was her only family. Her grandmother has passed always. Now she has regrets not making the time.
What would happen to the house now that Mags was gone?
It had not been a proper bed-and-breakfast since she was a kid. As she becomes older, she is more aware of the unusual living arrangements. It might have been a legitimate B&B at one time, but over the years it had become a senior citizen commune with a revolving door. A long-layover for people on their way to Florida retirement glory.
The old Victorian which was once a beauty, now in poor condition. It was formerly in all the travel guides as the Southern Sight to See. They would all be shocked to see it now.
Sara soon learns she has inherited the inn and the resident seniors. She is to bring the B&B back to its glory days. However, in the process, Sara soon learns there was much more to her grandmother than she ever knew.
The author takes us back to 1960's to learn about Margaret's parents, family and how she met her husband to be. The man she married. A man, her family, wanted her to marry. A banker. After he began cheating, over and over, she escapes to The Hideaway. A solace for many.
After meeting the original owner, whose husband died, the inn was not the prestigious Gatsby house it was previously in its hay day. Margaret comes under a false name and soon gives up the rich life, pearls and pillbox hats, for a simpler life. One she adored.
Mags meets William, a man who changes her life. A wood maker, who teaches her the important things in life. The man who held the key to her heart. However, her old life comes back to complicate things. She chooses the bohemian life, so different than the one she had previously. Mag’s past changed her from quiet to bold. Weak to strong.
Sara soon discovers more and more about her grandmother and the mysterious man in her life from the past. However, she may be more like her grandmother than she knows. She decides to remodel The Hideaway per her grandmother’s wishes.
In the process, she meets the handsome contractor which slowly changes her perspective. Also, she encounters challenges with the residing seniors, now part of the family, and a developer who wants the land, after all the work. Plus she has her life and shop in New Orleans. She never wanted to return to Alabama. Much less run an inn.
However, just when she is about to wrap up the renovation and make plans to return to New Orleans, the nasty old developer is threatening to take away the historic dream, for a condo new project development, until someone intercepts, which changes more than one life. Sweet surprises for many.
Compelling and Inspiring! Rich in history, character, and lots of heart, Denton bridges the gap from past to present with a heartwarming and charming southern tale of family and friendship. The critical in life. A thought-provoking takeaway. Self-Discovery.
Do we know our parents and grandparents? We all need to slow down, listen, and hear the intriguing stories from past generations which will enrich our lives while helping us to understand their struggles and sacrifices. After all, they helped mold us to become the person we are today. I loved Mags!!
For fans of southern, historic, women’s and contemporary fiction.
Those who enjoy authors: Viola Shipman, Nicholas Sparks, Beth Hoffman, Patti Callahan Henry, Susan Rebecca White, Mary Ellen Taylor, Lisa Wingate, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Kay Andrews, Joanne DeMaio, Donna Ball, Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, Laura Lane McNeal, Camille de Maio, Wendy Wax and Karen White, will enjoy this newfound author.
Well-written, a must read. The Hideaway resonates with me on so many levels. As a B&Bs, design, antiques, historic properties, plus more.
A special thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for an early reading copy.
JDCMustReadBooks
Looking forward to Hurricane Season Coming April 3, 2018. (Santa comes early; Yay, #NetGalley ARC)!
Storyteller Lauren K. Denton, a new voice in Southern fiction delivers a smashing debut, THE HIDEAWAY. Making me want to return to my southern front porch and curl up for a long leisurely nostalgic afternoon while being transported with this beautiful love story.
My vote for Southern Debut of 2017!
Set in Sweet Bay, Alabama in the Deep South, we meet Dot, a friend of Mags (Mrs. Margaret Van Buren), a tenant of The Hideaway. The Hideaway was once a booming Bed and Breakfast; however, over the years it has turned into a home for eccentric seniors (bohemian) style, artists, and the free-spirited looking for an escape; you came and never left.
As the book opens, Dot (husband, Bert) are seniors living in the house. She is admiring the latest Southern Living article featuring Maggie (Mag)’s granddaughter, Sara who owns a highly successful interior design shop in New Orleans.
People tend to arrive at this charming inn, and they fall in love and decide never to leave.
Mag’s daughter, Jenny is deceased and she helped raise her granddaughter Sara. Mags was very unconventional and some called eccentric. Sara was embarrassed by her lifestyle growing up. Mags has never told her own story to Sara. By the time she had moved in with her at age twelve, Sara was at that critical period where there were peer pressure and friends’ opinions.
Sara turned out to be a stronger woman because of who Mags turned out to be. If Mags had remained under her parents’ thumb, worrying about how others perceived her, she would have been a wispy shadow of a real woman.
Sara loved the French Quarter in the Big Easy. She was proud of her shop, Bits and Pieces. She has no time for a man, relationship, or anything other than her store. She has restored an old shotgun house and filled it with restored furniture, and antiques. A bit of everything. Her assistant manager, Allyn was always there to help out (loved him).
Her mind always went back to Sweet Bay to see Mags, her grandmother. However, she was too busy with the shop to visit more often.
However, when Sara receives the news from Mag’s attorney, she knows it is too late to spend time with her eccentric little grandmother. She had left her for greener pastures in New Orleans, but Mags was her only family. Her grandmother has passed always. Now she has regrets not making the time.
What would happen to the house now that Mags was gone?
"The Hideaway was always full of friends and lovers, mothers and daughters, secret keepers, and secret-spillers, straight talkers and soft shoulders. We had hurt, and we had joy, but I wouldn't have it any other way."
It had not been a proper bed-and-breakfast since she was a kid. As she becomes older, she is more aware of the unusual living arrangements. It might have been a legitimate B&B at one time, but over the years it had become a senior citizen commune with a revolving door. A long-layover for people on their way to Florida retirement glory.
The old Victorian which was once a beauty, now in poor condition. It was formerly in all the travel guides as the Southern Sight to See. They would all be shocked to see it now.
Sara soon learns she has inherited the inn and the resident seniors. She is to bring the B&B back to its glory days. However, in the process, Sara soon learns there was much more to her grandmother than she ever knew.
The author takes us back to 1960's to learn about Margaret's parents, family and how she met her husband to be. The man she married. A man, her family, wanted her to marry. A banker. After he began cheating, over and over, she escapes to The Hideaway. A solace for many.
After meeting the original owner, whose husband died, the inn was not the prestigious Gatsby house it was previously in its hay day. Margaret comes under a false name and soon gives up the rich life, pearls and pillbox hats, for a simpler life. One she adored.
Mags meets William, a man who changes her life. A wood maker, who teaches her the important things in life. The man who held the key to her heart. However, her old life comes back to complicate things. She chooses the bohemian life, so different than the one she had previously. Mag’s past changed her from quiet to bold. Weak to strong.
Sara soon discovers more and more about her grandmother and the mysterious man in her life from the past. However, she may be more like her grandmother than she knows. She decides to remodel The Hideaway per her grandmother’s wishes.
In the process, she meets the handsome contractor which slowly changes her perspective. Also, she encounters challenges with the residing seniors, now part of the family, and a developer who wants the land, after all the work. Plus she has her life and shop in New Orleans. She never wanted to return to Alabama. Much less run an inn.
However, just when she is about to wrap up the renovation and make plans to return to New Orleans, the nasty old developer is threatening to take away the historic dream, for a condo new project development, until someone intercepts, which changes more than one life. Sweet surprises for many.
Compelling and Inspiring! Rich in history, character, and lots of heart, Denton bridges the gap from past to present with a heartwarming and charming southern tale of family and friendship. The critical in life. A thought-provoking takeaway. Self-Discovery.
Do we know our parents and grandparents? We all need to slow down, listen, and hear the intriguing stories from past generations which will enrich our lives while helping us to understand their struggles and sacrifices. After all, they helped mold us to become the person we are today. I loved Mags!!
For fans of southern, historic, women’s and contemporary fiction.
Those who enjoy authors: Viola Shipman, Nicholas Sparks, Beth Hoffman, Patti Callahan Henry, Susan Rebecca White, Mary Ellen Taylor, Lisa Wingate, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Kay Andrews, Joanne DeMaio, Donna Ball, Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, Laura Lane McNeal, Camille de Maio, Wendy Wax and Karen White, will enjoy this newfound author.
Well-written, a must read. The Hideaway resonates with me on so many levels. As a B&Bs, design, antiques, historic properties, plus more.
A special thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for an early reading copy.
JDCMustReadBooks
Looking forward to Hurricane Season Coming April 3, 2018. (Santa comes early; Yay, #NetGalley ARC)!
April 7, 2017
This is a perfect feel-good read that you can sink right into. It would be a fantastic book to read during a day on a beach. I was in the mood for something light and uplifting, and that's what I got. This book is a little about love, but mostly family. It's funny at times, but mostly heartwarming without being too sappy.
Sara is a successful business owner in New Orleans. Her little shop full of odds and ends keeps her busy. Her romantic life is pretty lackluster, but she feels content in general... until she receives a life changing phone call. Her grandmother, the eccentric Mags, has suddenly passed away. She leaves behind what used to be a B&B and what is now a ramshackle house full of her long-time friends. In her will, she leaves the house and property to Sara and requests that she renovate it and return it to its former glory. This is the last thing Sara wanted to do. She didn't plan on staying in the little seaside town long, eager to return to her business in New Orleans. She does want to honor her grandmother's wishes, however, unwilling to go against the woman who raised her after the untimely death of her parents.
Soon, she's immersed in restoring The Hideaway, spending time with her grandmother's dearest friends. As she falls back into love with her childhood home, it looks like she may also find romance with the charming man she's hired to renovate. She's also unearthing old family secrets about her grandmother and the life she led, realising she didn't know the woman as well as she thought she did.
We also get chapters from Mag's perspective in the 1960s, starting as a well brought up woman in her early twenties married to a serial cheater. What brought her to The Hideaway, and what made her stay?
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Sara is a successful business owner in New Orleans. Her little shop full of odds and ends keeps her busy. Her romantic life is pretty lackluster, but she feels content in general... until she receives a life changing phone call. Her grandmother, the eccentric Mags, has suddenly passed away. She leaves behind what used to be a B&B and what is now a ramshackle house full of her long-time friends. In her will, she leaves the house and property to Sara and requests that she renovate it and return it to its former glory. This is the last thing Sara wanted to do. She didn't plan on staying in the little seaside town long, eager to return to her business in New Orleans. She does want to honor her grandmother's wishes, however, unwilling to go against the woman who raised her after the untimely death of her parents.
Soon, she's immersed in restoring The Hideaway, spending time with her grandmother's dearest friends. As she falls back into love with her childhood home, it looks like she may also find romance with the charming man she's hired to renovate. She's also unearthing old family secrets about her grandmother and the life she led, realising she didn't know the woman as well as she thought she did.
We also get chapters from Mag's perspective in the 1960s, starting as a well brought up woman in her early twenties married to a serial cheater. What brought her to The Hideaway, and what made her stay?
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
January 1, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
The Hideaway was AMAZING. It was a super fast read (I read it in 1 day), and I cried more than once. It was such a great Southern fiction story, and definitely charming as other reviewers have said.
Sara (the main character) only frustrated me once in this book, and that was towards the end. Overall though, I was a fan of almost all of the cast of characters and they were all so perfectly developed.
The book reminded me a lot of The Notebook and I think if you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks you will be a fan of this book. This book was sad, but in a different way from The Notebook. It also had a lot of happy moments as well. They really should make it into a movie, I would watch it!
I can't wait to read more by this author.
A glowing 5/5 stars for me!
The Hideaway was AMAZING. It was a super fast read (I read it in 1 day), and I cried more than once. It was such a great Southern fiction story, and definitely charming as other reviewers have said.
Sara (the main character) only frustrated me once in this book, and that was towards the end. Overall though, I was a fan of almost all of the cast of characters and they were all so perfectly developed.
The book reminded me a lot of The Notebook and I think if you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks you will be a fan of this book. This book was sad, but in a different way from The Notebook. It also had a lot of happy moments as well. They really should make it into a movie, I would watch it!
I can't wait to read more by this author.
A glowing 5/5 stars for me!
November 28, 2021
Heartwarming story about love, family, and choices.
It's not until Mags dies, that Sara learns more about her grandmother than she ever imagined she would. Upon her grandmother's death, Sara moves into The Hideaway in Sweet Bay, during its remodel. In the process, she gets a different view into her grandmother's life. Sara quickly learns that she didn't know her family or herself as well as she thought she did.
The story is told from the alternating POVs of Mags and Sara. We learn about the past through Mags, and about the present through Sara. This is an endearing story with a reminder to spend time with loved ones.
It's not until Mags dies, that Sara learns more about her grandmother than she ever imagined she would. Upon her grandmother's death, Sara moves into The Hideaway in Sweet Bay, during its remodel. In the process, she gets a different view into her grandmother's life. Sara quickly learns that she didn't know her family or herself as well as she thought she did.
The story is told from the alternating POVs of Mags and Sara. We learn about the past through Mags, and about the present through Sara. This is an endearing story with a reminder to spend time with loved ones.
February 27, 2017
I'm going to be blatantly honest. I thought this was going to end up as some corny love story that would make me gag.
BOY WAS I WRONG!!!
This was one of the best books I've read in awhile. It flowed so well that I couldn't wait to get back to its pages. A heartfelt story of love & true family. Reminiscent of The Bridges of Madison County (which is high praise from me bc it's a true favorite)!
If nothing else read it for the eulogy included for one of its characters! It left me in stitches!
Thanks to Lauren for this early copy in exchange for review!
BOY WAS I WRONG!!!
This was one of the best books I've read in awhile. It flowed so well that I couldn't wait to get back to its pages. A heartfelt story of love & true family. Reminiscent of The Bridges of Madison County (which is high praise from me bc it's a true favorite)!
If nothing else read it for the eulogy included for one of its characters! It left me in stitches!
Thanks to Lauren for this early copy in exchange for review!
July 2, 2017
This is a perfect, heartwarming novel full of Southern charm and family values. I can't believe this is Lauren K. Denton's first novel!
Sara Jenkins owns Bits and Pieces, a store filled with antiques, furniture, and odds and ends, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She grew up in Sweet Bay, Alabama with her grandmother following her parents' death, but she only makes occasional trips back, absorbed in her hectic life as a small business owner. As soon as she turned eighteen, Sara left Sweet Bay behind, trying to distance herself from the constraints of small-town life and her eccentric grandmother, Mags.
However, when Mags passes away, Sara returns to Sweet Bay and carries out Mags' wish that Sara restore her house, which once was a bed and breakfast but now is home to Mags' friends, to its former glory. Mags' only requirement is that Sara restore the house, The Hideaway, but once complete, she is free to do with the house as she pleases. Sara never imagined herself returning to Sweet Bay and certainly never pictured herself becoming enchanted with The Hideaway like nearly everyone else who passes through its doors, but once she is back, she is charmed by the residents of the old B&B and also by the contractor she hired to carry out the renovations. Meanwhile, she discovers that her grandmother's life may have been more complicated than it appeared, and she begins to unravel secrets that shaped Mags into the woman she became and The Hideaway into the retreat and safe haven it was.
Each time I picked up this story, it filled me with a warm, fuzzy feeling, and the characters became like old friends, with their unique personalities and likability. I'm not one to return to books that often, but I have an inkling that I may be rereading this one at some point in the future. Highly, highly recommend to fans of so many types of fiction: Southern, contemporary, romance, women's, family sagas, etc.
Sara Jenkins owns Bits and Pieces, a store filled with antiques, furniture, and odds and ends, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She grew up in Sweet Bay, Alabama with her grandmother following her parents' death, but she only makes occasional trips back, absorbed in her hectic life as a small business owner. As soon as she turned eighteen, Sara left Sweet Bay behind, trying to distance herself from the constraints of small-town life and her eccentric grandmother, Mags.
However, when Mags passes away, Sara returns to Sweet Bay and carries out Mags' wish that Sara restore her house, which once was a bed and breakfast but now is home to Mags' friends, to its former glory. Mags' only requirement is that Sara restore the house, The Hideaway, but once complete, she is free to do with the house as she pleases. Sara never imagined herself returning to Sweet Bay and certainly never pictured herself becoming enchanted with The Hideaway like nearly everyone else who passes through its doors, but once she is back, she is charmed by the residents of the old B&B and also by the contractor she hired to carry out the renovations. Meanwhile, she discovers that her grandmother's life may have been more complicated than it appeared, and she begins to unravel secrets that shaped Mags into the woman she became and The Hideaway into the retreat and safe haven it was.
Each time I picked up this story, it filled me with a warm, fuzzy feeling, and the characters became like old friends, with their unique personalities and likability. I'm not one to return to books that often, but I have an inkling that I may be rereading this one at some point in the future. Highly, highly recommend to fans of so many types of fiction: Southern, contemporary, romance, women's, family sagas, etc.
May 8, 2017
If you're looking for a sweet story about friends and community, this is one of the books.
Sara lives in New Orleans and has a shop called Bits and Pieces, where she fixes up and sells stuff. She has some other things in the store as well. She thinks she has the perfect life.
Then Sara gets a call from her grandmother Mags lawyer. Mag's had passed away that morning. Sara feels really bad because she never returned her grandmother's call and now she's gone.
Then Sara gets another hit when she finds out Mags left The Hideaway (her run down B&B) to her. It hasn't really been a B&B in years, just a place where Mags lived with some friends she met many years ago and let the place be their home too.
Sara is supposed to fix the place up and then decide what she wants to do with it. Sara is under a lot of distress because she wants to go back to New Orleans and run her own business. But, as her awesome employee, Allyn, tells her she can drive up from Alabama in three hours to check on the store while he runs it.
I'm not going to say what she ultimately does but it works out for everyone involved.
The book goes back and forth from the present with Sara and the past with Mags. There is a mystery/love story in Mags past and it effects Sara as well.
I think most people that like nice little contemporary novels will love this book.
*I received a print book through BookLookBloggers*
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
Sara lives in New Orleans and has a shop called Bits and Pieces, where she fixes up and sells stuff. She has some other things in the store as well. She thinks she has the perfect life.
Then Sara gets a call from her grandmother Mags lawyer. Mag's had passed away that morning. Sara feels really bad because she never returned her grandmother's call and now she's gone.
Then Sara gets another hit when she finds out Mags left The Hideaway (her run down B&B) to her. It hasn't really been a B&B in years, just a place where Mags lived with some friends she met many years ago and let the place be their home too.
Sara is supposed to fix the place up and then decide what she wants to do with it. Sara is under a lot of distress because she wants to go back to New Orleans and run her own business. But, as her awesome employee, Allyn, tells her she can drive up from Alabama in three hours to check on the store while he runs it.
I'm not going to say what she ultimately does but it works out for everyone involved.
The book goes back and forth from the present with Sara and the past with Mags. There is a mystery/love story in Mags past and it effects Sara as well.
I think most people that like nice little contemporary novels will love this book.
*I received a print book through BookLookBloggers*
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
July 27, 2017
I realize I am in the minority here but I am 50% in to this story and I can not bear to turn another page. I love southern fiction and I hate to not finish a book. I had very high hopes because I love the setting and the premise, but it just isn't working for me.
June 29, 2018
2.5 stars rounded down. This was an OK read but it did have some negatives that pulled the story down for me.
There are two stories, the story of Mags and the story of Sara, Mags granddaughter. The book jumps back and forth between Mags telling her story which spans primarily from 1960 to present with an emphasis of one timeframe in the early sixties and Sara telling her story which spans less than a year in present day post Mags death. Both are told in 1st POV with Mags telling her story and Sara telling her story. However you have two different people telling their stories but they sound the same. You have to pay attention to the chapter headings as it jumps back and forth.
And for the most part their romance stories mirror each other...maybe a bit too much. Neither story is new or different and for the most part I've read it a thousand times before. Their stories didn't stand out from the crowd. In fact right after finishing the book, I had a hard time remembering Sara's name.
With the 1st POV narrative, most of the secondary characters are woefully undeveloped.
If you have issues with infidelity, this book almost whitewashes it. He cheated, therefore I'll cheat.
But my major issue is that there aren't any strong characters to root for. The Hideaway bed and breakfast is just that. A place to hide away from life and let time move on. There's an attempt to make it seem like a positive choice but it doesn't work for me. Mags is supposed to end up this strong independent character but again, just because I'm told that doesn't make it so.
I also had issues with explanations or lack of explanations for inheritance, title of property, Eminent domain. Mags came from a wealthy family...what happened to it? The use of Eminent domain to claim the bed and breakfast property felt contrived, the minimal fight and then just acceptance. It was too quick and undeveloped and felt like a contrived plot point.
And Sara? What did Crawford see in her? She gives up without any emotion? She was, at least to me, rather pathetic and weak.
In the end, it was slow, boring and nothing special.
There are two stories, the story of Mags and the story of Sara, Mags granddaughter. The book jumps back and forth between Mags telling her story which spans primarily from 1960 to present with an emphasis of one timeframe in the early sixties and Sara telling her story which spans less than a year in present day post Mags death. Both are told in 1st POV with Mags telling her story and Sara telling her story. However you have two different people telling their stories but they sound the same. You have to pay attention to the chapter headings as it jumps back and forth.
And for the most part their romance stories mirror each other...maybe a bit too much. Neither story is new or different and for the most part I've read it a thousand times before. Their stories didn't stand out from the crowd. In fact right after finishing the book, I had a hard time remembering Sara's name.
With the 1st POV narrative, most of the secondary characters are woefully undeveloped.
If you have issues with infidelity, this book almost whitewashes it. He cheated, therefore I'll cheat.
But my major issue is that there aren't any strong characters to root for. The Hideaway bed and breakfast is just that. A place to hide away from life and let time move on. There's an attempt to make it seem like a positive choice but it doesn't work for me. Mags is supposed to end up this strong independent character but again, just because I'm told that doesn't make it so.
I also had issues with explanations or lack of explanations for inheritance, title of property, Eminent domain. Mags came from a wealthy family...what happened to it? The use of Eminent domain to claim the bed and breakfast property felt contrived, the minimal fight and then just acceptance. It was too quick and undeveloped and felt like a contrived plot point.
And Sara? What did Crawford see in her? She gives up without any emotion? She was, at least to me, rather pathetic and weak.
In the end, it was slow, boring and nothing special.
May 26, 2018
An unexpected phone call brings sorrow, guilt and change to Sara’s life. It also brings a lot more than she bargained for. Leaving her business in New Orleans in the care of her assistant Allyn, she heads back to Sweet Bay and the old Victorian style house called The Hideaway that holds so many memories. Sara intends to check out the situation, tie up any loose ends and get back to her antiques shop. Her grandmother Mags had a different idea in mind. She hoped Sara would remain and renovate the property back to its former glory. Then she is free to do what she likes with it. Sara plans to sell it. The current occupants of The Hideaway who have been living there with Mags for many years are unsettled. At least one is antagonistic.
As Sara is going through the property and getting it renovated, ready to sell, she comes across some things that make her wonder if she knew her grandmother at all. The story not only gives the reader what is happening in the present day with Sara and the house but also back to Mags from 1960 onwards. Each is clearly labelled and it is easy to slip from one time frame into the other.
Both Mags and Sara make for interesting reading. They come across as strong, determined women, who seem very real. The other inhabitants of The Hideaway are an interesting assortment of characters and there is a love story or two. Much of the story is to do with choice, consequences, secrets and family. I found this a charming and enjoyable easy, read, with well-developed characters and lovely setting. I always felt engaged with the characters even though at times I didn’t agree with choices made by them. That it is the author’s debut novel gives hope there will be other novels to come from this author. I look forward to what comes next. An enjoyable read that kept my attention throughout.
As Sara is going through the property and getting it renovated, ready to sell, she comes across some things that make her wonder if she knew her grandmother at all. The story not only gives the reader what is happening in the present day with Sara and the house but also back to Mags from 1960 onwards. Each is clearly labelled and it is easy to slip from one time frame into the other.
Both Mags and Sara make for interesting reading. They come across as strong, determined women, who seem very real. The other inhabitants of The Hideaway are an interesting assortment of characters and there is a love story or two. Much of the story is to do with choice, consequences, secrets and family. I found this a charming and enjoyable easy, read, with well-developed characters and lovely setting. I always felt engaged with the characters even though at times I didn’t agree with choices made by them. That it is the author’s debut novel gives hope there will be other novels to come from this author. I look forward to what comes next. An enjoyable read that kept my attention throughout.
May 22, 2017
Why I Choose this Book:
It looked like a delightful read, and when I read the back cover blurb and sample pages it drew me in. I was headed away for vacation and I thought it would be fun to read this book while away. Plus, my sister just remolded an old house, so I figured it was rather fitting.
What I Thought About This Book:
Ugh. That pretty much sums it up. I dislike reviewing books that I didn't like, but I didn't just "not like" this book, I was actually unhappy with it. It not only talks about, but also promotes, behaviors and lifestyles that are completely against what the Bible teaches. Since this book was published by Thomas Nelson, I expected something better. (Note: Although I wouldn't condone a book that is written like this, I would give more leeway in a review if the book wasn't published by a Christian publishing company. It's mainly because of the expectations I had because of the publishing company that made me so disappointed with the book.)
I read the first fourth or third of the book, before realizing that the sin the characters were so obviously indulging in probably wasn't going to be addressed, but instead was being endorsed. After that I scanned the rest of the book, looking for redemption to come, but I never found it.
Conclusion:
I'm disappointed. The plot might be well-done, the characters might be well-written (although in reality I didn't really get into either), but the aforementioned content makes it so I won't recommend nor knowingly read more from this author.
Rating:
I'm giving The Hideaway 1 out of 5 stars.
*I received this book from BookLook
It looked like a delightful read, and when I read the back cover blurb and sample pages it drew me in. I was headed away for vacation and I thought it would be fun to read this book while away. Plus, my sister just remolded an old house, so I figured it was rather fitting.
What I Thought About This Book:
Ugh. That pretty much sums it up. I dislike reviewing books that I didn't like, but I didn't just "not like" this book, I was actually unhappy with it. It not only talks about, but also promotes, behaviors and lifestyles that are completely against what the Bible teaches. Since this book was published by Thomas Nelson, I expected something better. (Note: Although I wouldn't condone a book that is written like this, I would give more leeway in a review if the book wasn't published by a Christian publishing company. It's mainly because of the expectations I had because of the publishing company that made me so disappointed with the book.)
I read the first fourth or third of the book, before realizing that the sin the characters were so obviously indulging in probably wasn't going to be addressed, but instead was being endorsed. After that I scanned the rest of the book, looking for redemption to come, but I never found it.
Conclusion:
I'm disappointed. The plot might be well-done, the characters might be well-written (although in reality I didn't really get into either), but the aforementioned content makes it so I won't recommend nor knowingly read more from this author.
Rating:
I'm giving The Hideaway 1 out of 5 stars.
*I received this book from BookLook
January 22, 2020
I was so excited about this book. I just love the cover. And Thomas Nelson has some of the best authors. So when I saw this new book by a new author, I could not wait to get my hands on it. That being said it pains me to write this review.
This book had a married women giving birth to another mans baby. Drinking all through the book.
It has no mention of Jesus it is not the normal Christian book that I read everyday.
I hate that I had to write a review like this. It would have been a good read had it not had the feel of a secular book.
I can't give it any stars based on the fact that I read and review Christian books and this was definitely not a Christian read. I do want to express my feelings that this is not a book for those of you wanting a good read that has Jesus and spiritual overtures. You may want to leave this one off your list.
I received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own.
This book had a married women giving birth to another mans baby. Drinking all through the book.
It has no mention of Jesus it is not the normal Christian book that I read everyday.
I hate that I had to write a review like this. It would have been a good read had it not had the feel of a secular book.
I can't give it any stars based on the fact that I read and review Christian books and this was definitely not a Christian read. I do want to express my feelings that this is not a book for those of you wanting a good read that has Jesus and spiritual overtures. You may want to leave this one off your list.
I received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2017
What a wonderful book this was!! The whole time I was picturing myself sitting on the front porch of this great place they called The Hideaway. It is a fabulous story about love, life, family and friends. I loved it from the very first page to the very last page and I didn't want this book to end. Highly recommend to everyone!!!!!
November 14, 2024
3.5
The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton is a story about family, loss, and rediscovery. The novel follows Sara Jenkins, a businesswoman who returns to her grandmother Mags’ bed-and-breakfast in Sweet Bay, Alabama. Property she inherits.
As Sara renovates the B&B history, learning about the sacrifices her grandmother made and the unconventional life she led. Sara’s journey is one of personal growth, as she reconsiders her city life in New Orleans and begins to appreciate the small city life of Sweet Bay.
The novel is a dual timeline based off of Mags and Sarah’s lives. It is not always clear when the timeline switches. The novel drags at times and it slow moving which makes me rate it a 3.5.
The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton is a story about family, loss, and rediscovery. The novel follows Sara Jenkins, a businesswoman who returns to her grandmother Mags’ bed-and-breakfast in Sweet Bay, Alabama. Property she inherits.
As Sara renovates the B&B history, learning about the sacrifices her grandmother made and the unconventional life she led. Sara’s journey is one of personal growth, as she reconsiders her city life in New Orleans and begins to appreciate the small city life of Sweet Bay.
The novel is a dual timeline based off of Mags and Sarah’s lives. It is not always clear when the timeline switches. The novel drags at times and it slow moving which makes me rate it a 3.5.
February 3, 2017
The Hideaway is absolutely charming, featuring two intertwined stories of love, self-discovery, and the search for peace.
Deep in the heart of the South is a dilapidated, quirky, and much-loved old home. The Hideaway is a shelter for those who are lost or want to escape society. For Sara, growing up there with her equally quirky grandmother, the Hideaway was embarrassing and as a young adult she quickly escaped to New Orleans to start her own business. Now her grandmother is dead and Sara has been left with the Hideaway, its remaining occupants, and the task of refurbishing the house. But the longer she stays, the harder it is to imagine leaving. She also begins to uncover the secrets her grandmother closely guarded and starts to fall in love with the charming contractor refurbishing what is quickly becoming her home.
This book is written in two sets of alternating chapters. The first from Sara, present day as she returns to her childhood home after the death of her grandmother. The other chapters are written from the perspective of Mags, Sara's grandmother, dating from the 1960s as Mags escaped an unfaithful husband, learned to love again, stand on her own feet, and never again let someone's judgement shape who she was.
The Hideaway is set in the Deep South of the USA and is predictably charming. The setting lends the story a laid-back feel and peacefulness that so perfectly suits both Mags and Sara's journeys. Often, with books that have parallel story lines, I find myself preferring one and hurrying through the other, but I enjoyed Mags and Sara's stories equally. They fit into the other seamlessly. The reader learns the reasons why Mags ran as Sara returns home, and the reason Mags was content to stand out and be different even if it made the people around her ashamed is made clear as Sara learns who her grandmother was and what had happened in her life to shape her choices.
Sara slowly discovers pieces of her grandmother's story through old postcards, pictures, and secrets pried from the residents of the Hideaway. I absolutely loved reading Mags' story - such determination and love in the face of hardship. Sara's story is equally enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed her romance with Crawford, who is so supportive and patient with Sara. The residents of the Hideaway, both from Sara and Mags' time, bring vibrancy and humour to the story, as does Sara's business partner and friend Allyn (green hair, noise ring, good taste and all - I really love Allyn).
Considering the publisher, I think it is pertinent to note that The Hideaway is not Christian fiction, just published by a publisher who usually publishes Christian fiction. There is one, brief mention of God and church attendance, but faith is never discussed. This story is general fiction and perfect for a wide range of readers. For readers who like to know such things, please note there is no coarse language or sex scenes, but adultery is a large part of the story.
The Hideaway is a charming novel, as calming in spirit as the setting and as beautiful as its the message of being content within one's self. The Hideaway is perfect for readers who enjoy romance and strong, personal stories.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
Deep in the heart of the South is a dilapidated, quirky, and much-loved old home. The Hideaway is a shelter for those who are lost or want to escape society. For Sara, growing up there with her equally quirky grandmother, the Hideaway was embarrassing and as a young adult she quickly escaped to New Orleans to start her own business. Now her grandmother is dead and Sara has been left with the Hideaway, its remaining occupants, and the task of refurbishing the house. But the longer she stays, the harder it is to imagine leaving. She also begins to uncover the secrets her grandmother closely guarded and starts to fall in love with the charming contractor refurbishing what is quickly becoming her home.
This book is written in two sets of alternating chapters. The first from Sara, present day as she returns to her childhood home after the death of her grandmother. The other chapters are written from the perspective of Mags, Sara's grandmother, dating from the 1960s as Mags escaped an unfaithful husband, learned to love again, stand on her own feet, and never again let someone's judgement shape who she was.
The Hideaway is set in the Deep South of the USA and is predictably charming. The setting lends the story a laid-back feel and peacefulness that so perfectly suits both Mags and Sara's journeys. Often, with books that have parallel story lines, I find myself preferring one and hurrying through the other, but I enjoyed Mags and Sara's stories equally. They fit into the other seamlessly. The reader learns the reasons why Mags ran as Sara returns home, and the reason Mags was content to stand out and be different even if it made the people around her ashamed is made clear as Sara learns who her grandmother was and what had happened in her life to shape her choices.
Sara slowly discovers pieces of her grandmother's story through old postcards, pictures, and secrets pried from the residents of the Hideaway. I absolutely loved reading Mags' story - such determination and love in the face of hardship. Sara's story is equally enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed her romance with Crawford, who is so supportive and patient with Sara. The residents of the Hideaway, both from Sara and Mags' time, bring vibrancy and humour to the story, as does Sara's business partner and friend Allyn (green hair, noise ring, good taste and all - I really love Allyn).
Considering the publisher, I think it is pertinent to note that The Hideaway is not Christian fiction, just published by a publisher who usually publishes Christian fiction. There is one, brief mention of God and church attendance, but faith is never discussed. This story is general fiction and perfect for a wide range of readers. For readers who like to know such things, please note there is no coarse language or sex scenes, but adultery is a large part of the story.
The Hideaway is a charming novel, as calming in spirit as the setting and as beautiful as its the message of being content within one's self. The Hideaway is perfect for readers who enjoy romance and strong, personal stories.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
June 6, 2017
Sara Jenkins owns a successful antiques store in New Orleans. She is mostly content with her life: proud of her success but also a bit lonely, too. Her one surviving family member, her grandmother, Mags, runs a bed and breakfast called The Hideaway in Sweet Bay, Alabama. And though Sara wishes she could get over to visit her more often, somehow she never finds the time. But when Mags dies suddenly, leaving the B & B to her only heir, Sara is forced to revisit her childhood home and decide if she wants to honor her grandmother's wish to restore the old house to its former glory or just sell the dilapidated building and move on.
Of course Sara is hesitant to put too much of her energy into the house at first, especially with her bustling life in New Orleans waiting. But as she spends more time with the locals and then starts unearthing shocking information about her grandmother's dramatic, passion-filled past, Sara finds herself more and more invested in the fate of The Hideaway and her future in Sweet Bay.
This is a solidly entertaining book. It's light and humorous, well-written and well-developed. The characters are down-to-earth, fun, and relatable, easy to connect with and equally easy to forget. The book is satisfying...also very predictable. But even though I knew where the story was headed within the first fifty pages or so, I still enjoyed reading the rest of it. Basically, The Hideaway is the perfect "good grief, I just need a mental break!" kind of book. It was the sweet and simple escape from reality that I didn't even know I needed. I really enjoyed it.
ARC provided through Amazon Vine.
See more book reviews at www.bugbugbooks.com.
Of course Sara is hesitant to put too much of her energy into the house at first, especially with her bustling life in New Orleans waiting. But as she spends more time with the locals and then starts unearthing shocking information about her grandmother's dramatic, passion-filled past, Sara finds herself more and more invested in the fate of The Hideaway and her future in Sweet Bay.
This is a solidly entertaining book. It's light and humorous, well-written and well-developed. The characters are down-to-earth, fun, and relatable, easy to connect with and equally easy to forget. The book is satisfying...also very predictable. But even though I knew where the story was headed within the first fifty pages or so, I still enjoyed reading the rest of it. Basically, The Hideaway is the perfect "good grief, I just need a mental break!" kind of book. It was the sweet and simple escape from reality that I didn't even know I needed. I really enjoyed it.
ARC provided through Amazon Vine.
See more book reviews at www.bugbugbooks.com.
May 5, 2023
Є книжки, які створені для того, щоб лікувати душу і наповнювати ваше серце теплом. Ця книжка - саме така. Тут мало динаміки, багато передбачуваності, однак атмосфера маленького містечка Алабами влітку і долі людей в ньому не залишать байдужими шанувальників творчості Сари Едісон Аллен. Для мене ця книжка - одна грудочка світла, рекомендую для розслаблення.
March 8, 2020
Another great find! It is a sweet, heartwarming book full of Southern charm, family and community. I can't believe this is the author's first book. I loved it. ;)
April 8, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
It might have been a legitimate B and B at one time, but over the years it had become a senior citizen commune with a revolving door, a long layover for people on their way to Florida retirement glory.
The Hideaway was always a hodgepodge of flabby arms, gray hair, housedresses, and suspenders.
Was that what I was doing? Running? It didn’t feel that way. It felt more like I was arriving.
Silence stretched between us, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Rather, it was a space for dreams. For possibility.
The smell of his cologne was thick as cake batter.
For the first time I took him in from top to bottom. Movie star sunglasses perched on his head. Acid-green hair with blond roots showing. Red tank top tucked into black skinny jeans. Black Converse lace-ups. ‘You look like a Christmas nightmare,’ I said.
Don’t see too many girls around here who look so classy. No offense… But you kind of stick out like legs on a fish.
I’ve known real love and true beauty, two things not given to every person.
My Review:
The Hideaway, like its occupants, was quirky, complex, and delightful. I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. I was immediately pulled in and intrigued by these irresistible characters and couldn’t seem to read fast enough as I wanted to know every little thing about them, yet I also wanted to savor each and every word of this richly detailed, poignant, and artfully crafted tale. The writing was smooth and well-paced; while the story was unique, amusing, emotive, and compelling. I relished the ease and comfort in following the narrating voices, as well as the colorful depictions and lush descriptions of each scene and person. But the characters held my heart as they were fascinating, well-drawn, knowable, endearingly flawed, and divinely written. The storyline was full of feels, and more than once I felt my throat grow hot - causing me to gasp for breath while I wiped my eyes to continue reading. Lauren K. Denton’s word voodoo held me captive from page one until the satisfying conclusion, although, I now feel more than a bit bereft to leave them behind. I want to be like Dot and Major who had checked in at the Hideaway and just never checked out.
It might have been a legitimate B and B at one time, but over the years it had become a senior citizen commune with a revolving door, a long layover for people on their way to Florida retirement glory.
The Hideaway was always a hodgepodge of flabby arms, gray hair, housedresses, and suspenders.
Was that what I was doing? Running? It didn’t feel that way. It felt more like I was arriving.
Silence stretched between us, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Rather, it was a space for dreams. For possibility.
The smell of his cologne was thick as cake batter.
For the first time I took him in from top to bottom. Movie star sunglasses perched on his head. Acid-green hair with blond roots showing. Red tank top tucked into black skinny jeans. Black Converse lace-ups. ‘You look like a Christmas nightmare,’ I said.
Don’t see too many girls around here who look so classy. No offense… But you kind of stick out like legs on a fish.
I’ve known real love and true beauty, two things not given to every person.
My Review:
The Hideaway, like its occupants, was quirky, complex, and delightful. I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. I was immediately pulled in and intrigued by these irresistible characters and couldn’t seem to read fast enough as I wanted to know every little thing about them, yet I also wanted to savor each and every word of this richly detailed, poignant, and artfully crafted tale. The writing was smooth and well-paced; while the story was unique, amusing, emotive, and compelling. I relished the ease and comfort in following the narrating voices, as well as the colorful depictions and lush descriptions of each scene and person. But the characters held my heart as they were fascinating, well-drawn, knowable, endearingly flawed, and divinely written. The storyline was full of feels, and more than once I felt my throat grow hot - causing me to gasp for breath while I wiped my eyes to continue reading. Lauren K. Denton’s word voodoo held me captive from page one until the satisfying conclusion, although, I now feel more than a bit bereft to leave them behind. I want to be like Dot and Major who had checked in at the Hideaway and just never checked out.
March 24, 2019
I am baffled by the positive reviews of this book. I don't need every book I read to be a masterpiece, but this was just not good. I finished it because it was the only book I brought on a trip, but it was sophomoric and predictable in the vein of a romance novel. So, if you like knowing exactly where a book is going to go for its entire plotline, this book is for you! Also, the land use planner in me was so annoyed by the unrealistic eminent domain ridiculousness in the final third of the book that I just couldn't really get over it.
September 18, 2017
THE HIDEAWAY is a charming Southern novel about a ramshackle Victorian house that had the power to change the lives of two women desperately in need of something more.
SUMMARY
In January 1960, twenty year old, Margaret VanBuren leaves her unfaithful husband and their three year marriage behind. She didn't know where she was going, she just knew she had to get away. She ends up in Sweet Bay, Alabama at The Hideaway, a bed and breakfast that had seen better days. She found happiness there among a motley crew of artists and ever changing tenants.
In the present day, Sara Jenkins owns a thriving antique store in New Orleans and loves the Big Easy. Sara get a call from Sweet Bay informing her that her grandmother, Mag’s has passed away. She heads home to make arrangements. She shockingly learns that Mags has willed her The Hideaway and charged her with renovating it. Considering the condition of the house and the tenants that live there, that is no small task. When cleaning up, Sara discovers a box in the attic with some surprising clues about her grandmother’s life. With the help of Mag’s friends, Sara pieces together a mysterious life of bravery, passion and choices that changed Mag’s destiny.
When an opportunistic land developer threatens to seize The Hideaway by eminent domain, Sarah is forced to make a choice. She could stay in Sweet Bay and fight for the house and the people she's grown to love or leave and return to her successful but solitary life in New Orleans.
REVIEW
THE HIDEAWAY is creatively told from the two interwoven perspectives of Mag’s and Sara. The writing is smooth and easy and you'll be turning pages incredible fast. Loved the plot and all the characters. A great book for a breezy afternoon with a tall glass of sweet tea.
A few things about the book caught my attention that I just couldn't reconcile. The ease and swiftness of the eminent domain process and lack of a court fight was totally unrealistic, and will have my lawyer friends shaking their heads. The other issue was when the previous owner of the house Mrs. DeBerry left, she just disappeared in the dark of night, she didn't sell the house to Mags, so was Mag’s even the legal owner of the the house? If not, how could she leave the house to Sara in her will. Perhaps I missed something. But regardless of my issues THE HIDEAWAY is a solid debut novel by LAUREN K. DENTON.
SUMMARY
In January 1960, twenty year old, Margaret VanBuren leaves her unfaithful husband and their three year marriage behind. She didn't know where she was going, she just knew she had to get away. She ends up in Sweet Bay, Alabama at The Hideaway, a bed and breakfast that had seen better days. She found happiness there among a motley crew of artists and ever changing tenants.
In the present day, Sara Jenkins owns a thriving antique store in New Orleans and loves the Big Easy. Sara get a call from Sweet Bay informing her that her grandmother, Mag’s has passed away. She heads home to make arrangements. She shockingly learns that Mags has willed her The Hideaway and charged her with renovating it. Considering the condition of the house and the tenants that live there, that is no small task. When cleaning up, Sara discovers a box in the attic with some surprising clues about her grandmother’s life. With the help of Mag’s friends, Sara pieces together a mysterious life of bravery, passion and choices that changed Mag’s destiny.
When an opportunistic land developer threatens to seize The Hideaway by eminent domain, Sarah is forced to make a choice. She could stay in Sweet Bay and fight for the house and the people she's grown to love or leave and return to her successful but solitary life in New Orleans.
REVIEW
THE HIDEAWAY is creatively told from the two interwoven perspectives of Mag’s and Sara. The writing is smooth and easy and you'll be turning pages incredible fast. Loved the plot and all the characters. A great book for a breezy afternoon with a tall glass of sweet tea.
A few things about the book caught my attention that I just couldn't reconcile. The ease and swiftness of the eminent domain process and lack of a court fight was totally unrealistic, and will have my lawyer friends shaking their heads. The other issue was when the previous owner of the house Mrs. DeBerry left, she just disappeared in the dark of night, she didn't sell the house to Mags, so was Mag’s even the legal owner of the the house? If not, how could she leave the house to Sara in her will. Perhaps I missed something. But regardless of my issues THE HIDEAWAY is a solid debut novel by LAUREN K. DENTON.
February 21, 2018
This is a hard book to leave a review for. On the one hand, the writing really was excellent. The story was interesting and kept me turning the pages to find out what happened. As a dual timeline story, both threads intrigued me, past and present.
I would personally categorize it as clean, secular fiction. If you are looking for a deep spiritual thread, I would not look for it in this story. There were plenty of situations that required difficult decisions and Mags, in particular, lived much of her life giving of herself to others. But, these things, to me did not point the reader to Christ, which I would expect in a Christian fiction novel.
Although the story flowed nicely and things wrapped up in the present day in a way I enjoyed, I was left with a hollow and sad feeling as I closed the page. This was a result of choices made, opportunities lost, and repurcussions that followed from the storyline that took place in the past. I guess this book just wasn’t really a good fit for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I would personally categorize it as clean, secular fiction. If you are looking for a deep spiritual thread, I would not look for it in this story. There were plenty of situations that required difficult decisions and Mags, in particular, lived much of her life giving of herself to others. But, these things, to me did not point the reader to Christ, which I would expect in a Christian fiction novel.
Although the story flowed nicely and things wrapped up in the present day in a way I enjoyed, I was left with a hollow and sad feeling as I closed the page. This was a result of choices made, opportunities lost, and repurcussions that followed from the storyline that took place in the past. I guess this book just wasn’t really a good fit for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
July 9, 2018
I have no idea how this book has decent ratings. Slow, cheesy, and very superficial characters. I didn't like either of the main two characters. I kept at it, hoping this book would get better, but it did not.
October 11, 2020
Sweet southern fiction filled with hospitality, love, friendship, family, loyalty, charm and a few quirky characters.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
October 9, 2020
Fantastic.
April 25, 2018
Sara who runs an antique shop in New Orleans inherits the Hideaway an old ramshackle Bed and Breakfast in Sweet Bay Alabama when her Grandmother Maggie passes. As she works to improve the place and meets her Grandmother's senior friends who still board there she learns about her family's history and the joys of the both " the families we are given and the families we choose."
I love an old house story, having lived in one in the historic part of my city for almost 30 years. Come holidays and summer vacations we're full up with grown kids and grandchildren alike. So naturally this easy to read story best read while on the front porch swing with a glass of sweet tea appealed to me.
3.5 stars - read just for fun
I love an old house story, having lived in one in the historic part of my city for almost 30 years. Come holidays and summer vacations we're full up with grown kids and grandchildren alike. So naturally this easy to read story best read while on the front porch swing with a glass of sweet tea appealed to me.
3.5 stars - read just for fun
April 15, 2018
☕☕☕☕☕Cups of Latte!
I can't recommend this novel enough! A deeply moving story about love and loss.Witty and compelling. You never want the story to end. Vibrant characters that will stay with you long after closing the cover. Great Southern Lit. A great book club selection. Believe me when I say you'll forever want to talk about it.
Novels& Latte
BookGypsy
I can't recommend this novel enough! A deeply moving story about love and loss.Witty and compelling. You never want the story to end. Vibrant characters that will stay with you long after closing the cover. Great Southern Lit. A great book club selection. Believe me when I say you'll forever want to talk about it.
Novels& Latte
BookGypsy
August 14, 2018
Loved loved LOVED IT. Best of 2018 Backlist for sure. Also, my favorite settings ever - Alabama Gulf Coast + New Orleans. Lauren K Denton is officially on my auto-buy list after loving this one and HURRICANE SEASON so much ❤️
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