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Hurricane Season

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From the author of the USA Today bestseller The Hideaway comes another story of families and mending the past.

Betsy and Ty Franklin, owners of Franklin Dairy Farm in southern Alabama, have long since buried their desire for children of their own. While Ty manages their herd of dairy cows, Betsy busies herself with the farm’s day-to-day operations and tries to forget her dream of motherhood. But when her free-spirited sister, Jenna, drops off her two young daughters for “just two weeks,” Betsy’s carefully constructed wall of self-protection begins to crumble.

As the two weeks stretch deeper into the Alabama summer, Betsy and Ty learn to navigate the new additions in their world—and revel in the laughter that now fills their home. Meanwhile, record temperatures promise to usher in the most active hurricane season in decades.

Attending an art retreat four hundred miles away, Jenna is fighting her own battles. She finally has time and energy to focus on her photography, a lifelong ambition. But she wonders how her rediscovered passion can fit in with the life she’s made back home as a single mom.

When Hurricane Ingrid aims a steady eye at the Alabama coast, Jenna must make a decision that will change her family’s future, even as Betsy and Ty try to protect their beloved farm and their hearts. Hurricane Season is the story of one family’s unconventional journey to healing—and the relationships that must be mended along the way.

“A story both powerful and enchanting: a don’t-miss novel in the greatest Southern traditions of storytelling.” —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author for The Hideaway

383 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2018

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About the author

Lauren K. Denton

7 books2,023 followers
Lauren 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
twitter.com/LaurenKDenton,

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,039 reviews
Profile Image for Julie.
4,135 reviews38.2k followers
August 9, 2021
Hurricane Season by Lauren K. Denton is a 2018 Thomas Nelson publication.

Betsy and Ty run the Franklin Dairy Farm located in Southern Alabama. They have made a nice life together, are still in love after nearly a decade of marriage, but there’s still one thing missing from Betsy’s life.

When Betsy’s sister, Jenna, calls out of the blue asking if she can watch her daughters for a couple of weeks so she can attend an art retreat, Betsy agrees without really thinking it through or talking to Ty first.

When two girls arrive, they bring the farm to life and deepens a longing in Betsy that exposes some cracks in her otherwise stable relationship with Ty. Meanwhile, Jenna rediscovers her photography, seeing a way to provide for her girls with a job she loves- but she’ll have to leave her girls with Betsy for longer than she originally planned…

Meanwhile a hurricane is developing- one that could be headed straight for the Franklin Dairy farm-

This story explores the relationships between parents and children and siblings and examines the marriage of a couple trying to work through a bitter disappointment to find a common ground again.

Jenna may have been the one to have experienced the most personal growth- learning to balance her responsibilities with pursuing her dreams, but for me it was Betsy and Ty that held my heart in their hands.

I also liked the relationship between the two sisters, which also showed a lot of character growth as they worked came to realize the way their upbringing shaped them, and how to put preconceived notions, judgments and resentments in the past.

The story is a little ‘quiet’ at times, and I failed to fully connect to Jenna’s side of the storyline, becoming as frustrated with her as Ty did.

That said, I loved how the author was able to build the emotional tension to coincide with the intensity and path of the hurricane. Both events brought imminent danger and created two separate forms of suspense.

Mostly, this is lovely, heartwarming story. The drama is well written and balanced- although there is nothing here that is especially profound or memorable. Still, I loved Ty and enjoyed the realistic look at family and marriage and the gentle life lessons centered around the importance of communication.

3 stars
Profile Image for Debra.
2,629 reviews35.7k followers
October 2, 2018
Marriage. Sibling Relationships. Motherhood.

Jenna and Betsy are sisters who took different paths in life. Betsy is married to Ty and lives on their farm in Alabama. Betsy, who longs for a child of her own, keeps busy on the farm hosting local school students on field trips to learn about farming and animals. Jenna is the free spirit and single mother of two young girls. She works in a coffee shop but yearns to be a photographer professionally.

Jenna leaves her children with her sister Betsy after accepting an invitation to attend a two-week art retreat in Florida. Having her nieces around, Betsy is reminded of what she doesn't have - children. As a Hurricane is making way toward land, Ty and Betsy enjoy the children's company but tension, like the coming storm, begins to brew around them.

At the retreat, Jenna thinks of what might have been and dreams of her future. Can her dream be realized? Can she become a professional photographer? Will she have to sacrifice anything to obtain her dream?

It all boils down to communication. Betsy and Jenna needed to communicate better with each other. Both had issues and concerns in her life but never shared those with her sister. Betsy and Ty were living together but had a chasm of longing for a child between them. Betsy kept her longing and sadness bottled up inside.

The characters in this book are dealing with real life issues that many face - single motherhood, the stress of supporting a family, sibling bonds/relationships, infertility, Motherhood, following one's dreams, marriage, and coping with Mother nature. I enjoyed the farm life and reading about how the young girls enjoyed being around the farm animals, but there was just a little bit of something missing in this book for me. For a book which dealt with many issues, it felt a little bland for me. It was still an enjoyable read but I would have liked a little more oomph or drama perhaps. Everyone was very polite while dealing with their issues. I enjoyed Betsy and Ty's story-line much more than Jenna's. I found myself wanting Jenna's part to hurry up, so I could get back to the farm and learn if Betsy and Ty had settled the storm which was brewing between and within them. I also found that I wanted a little bit more about the Hurricane itself. I found it interesting that the cows were safer in a back field during a hurricane than in the barn.

Overall, an enjoyable book about relationships, following your dreams, second chances and hope.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Profile Image for Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader.
2,294 reviews31.4k followers
April 7, 2018
4 “the storm is coming” stars to Hurricane Season! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Lauren Denton’s sophomore novel, Hurricane Season, is told in three alternating voices: Jenna, the younger, flighty sister and single mother; Ty, the rugged dairy farmer and husband; and Betsy, the older, responsible sister to Jenna and wife to Ty.

Jenna is a budding artist-slash-coffee barista manager, and the opportunity of a lifetime comes her way one summer. The problem is, who will take care of her kids while she pursues it?

Betsy and her husband Ty have been struggling with infertility while also enjoying a quiet life on their farm. Of course Betsy agrees to take care of Jenna’s girls for the summer, and all the while, a hurricane is brewing.

Jenna and Betsy’s relationship is explored as each sister struggles to accomplish something different, something that feels far out-of-reach to each of them. Will these sisters find true happiness?

Hurricane Season is a character-driven novel with three true-to-life, relatable, loving main characters, flawless writing, and a quaint and engaging southern farm setting.

Thank you to Lauren Denton, Thomas Nelson, and Netgalley for the ARC. Hurricane Season is available now!
Profile Image for Sarah Joint.
445 reviews1,011 followers
April 26, 2018
Whenever Lauren K. Denton puts out another book, I'm there. I find her books to be great comfort reads, the kind of book you can relax into. They are strikingly atmospheric, she has a gift for making you feel like you're right there with the characters. In this book, we are both on a secluded artist's retreat with a single mother who is a budding photographer, and on a dairy farm with a husband and wife who clearly love each other but have let their difficulties conceiving come between them. The latter may not sound like a great setting, but it's actually warm and fun to read about. I found it to be even more engaging than the first.

Jenna has been slinging coffee at a local shop for quite some time now. It's not the best job, but she enjoys her co-workers and it supports her little family. She has two little girls who think the world of her, and no help from their father. She long ago abandoned her dream of being a serious photographer, but has started dabbling again in her spare time. When a good friend extends an invitation to an incredibly exclusive retreat for artists, it's almost laughable at first. How can she leave her children for two weeks, leave her job? But there is the money she's been saving for a vacation... and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. She's soon phoning her sister, pleading with her to take care of her kids while she's away.

Betsy can't say no to her sister. Her husband Ty isn't as enthused about having two little visitors for a couple of weeks at first, but soon warms to the charming kids. Throwing two more people into their busy lives on the farm still adds some tension. Unbeknownst to little sister Jenna, Betsy and Ty had been trying to have a child of their own, but things didn't work out. Close to turning 30 with little hope of the thing she wants most, Betsy has been pushing Ty away. As two weeks stretch into even longer and the girls begin to wonder if their mother is coming back for them anytime soon, Betsy and Ty have to protect their farm from a hurricane and it becomes clear that this summer will make or break their marriage.

Super enjoyable story for me, ideal for curling up on the couch and getting lost in the words. I found the characters to be fun to read and the situations certainly interesting enough to keep my attention. If you enjoyed The Hideaway, I think you'll like this one too. If you haven't read either, get on it!

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Profile Image for Monica.
566 reviews240 followers
March 26, 2018
For me, this book was a bit of a struggle. The writing is well done and the plot is solid. I just didn't feel much of a connection to the characters and the pace was slow. I kept anticipating a big reveal or tragedy or transformation... There was growth within our main characters: two sisters who had grown apart through their adult years. The emotional distance between them was only compounded by the literal physical distance in miles as they lead extremely different lives.

So if you are looking for genuine and realistic fiction, this is a commendable novel. I tend to gravitate towards energetic action stories, even if the story is more rational and less fantasy.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for an advance reader's copy in exchange for this honest review.
Profile Image for Lindsay L.
721 reviews1,392 followers
December 23, 2022
2.5 stars

Too cutesy and predictable for my liking.

This was a backlist NetGalley title that I had been meaning to get to. I came across the audio and downloaded it.

This is a story about family. Two adult sisters who took different paths in life. They love and support each other in very different ways.

This was too heavy on romance which is not my thing. I love small town stories but am not a fan of cute and predictable which this was. This comes down to me not being the right reader.

Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy!

Audio rating: 3.5 stars. A decent narrator but nothing memorable or outstanding.
Profile Image for Marialyce (back in the USA!).
2,063 reviews697 followers
April 5, 2018
3 pleasant stars

Sometimes you just have to read a book where there is no murder, no lying, no mayhem, and no death and this was just such a book.

A storm is approaching and it looks to be a bad one, a hurricane in fact. Things will be lost, possessions, homes, and maybe even lives. It is surely the time to remember what is important and what one can bring forward in their lives.

Betsy Franklin and her sister, Jenna have had a bit of a distant relationship. Jenna is a single mother of two young girls and when she gets an opportunity to attend a camp for artists, she takes up the challenge. She decides to drop her girls into the hands of her sister, Betsy, and her husband, Ty, at their farm. Betsy and her husband, have been trying unsuccessfully to have a child. Their relationship is strained and the addition of these two girls might add fuel to a fire that is slowly burning.

This novel does a very nice job of exploring the concept of following your dreams. Does that mean though that one can forget about what awaits them especially where children are involved? I enjoyed this novel that focused on caring, that of a mother for her child, a sister for another sister, a husband for a wife, and the goal of always remembering there are second chances out there for those who are willing to go find them.

Thank you to Lauren Denton, Thomas Nelson Publishers, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this novel.
Profile Image for Kendall.
652 reviews762 followers
April 1, 2018
Hurricane Season by Lauren K. Denton was a bit of a difficult read for me.

I found the pacing to be extremely slow and I felt like there wasn't much happening throughout the majority of the novel. I was left with wanting more from our two main characters and it just fell pretty flat for me.

The writing is beautiful and complex but I found myself skimming through a lot of the story because it just felt pretty boring to me. I was waiting for that big change or transformation between our sisters Betsy and Jenna.. and it never came. I found myself unable to connect well with the characters and it was hard for me to get overall invested in this one.

Overall, this one was just ok.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced arc in exchange for my honest review.
Published to GR: 3/31/18
Publication date: 4/3/18
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,121 reviews1,765 followers
April 16, 2018
Favorite Quotes:

… the battered gray school bus from Bankston Detention pulled up out front, and twenty teenage boys shuffled off, hormones and pent-up energy swirling around them like almost visible steam.

She smoothed her hands across the blanket, straightened the corners, and imagined the room holding two little girls after holding nothing but dreams and damaged furniture.

Jenna always hated icebreakers like this. They reminded her of the week in college when she lost her mind and thought she might actually want to join a sorority. Five grueling days of prim parties, saccharine conversation, and ridiculous icebreakers where one by one, girls explained through tears how their future happiness depended on having a certain arrangement of Greek letters tied to her name.

It’s what I do when these storms come in. I bake till the power goes off, then I eat. It keeps me calm. And fifteen pounds over my goal, but calories consumed during acts of God don’t count.

My Review:

Lauren Denton has gifted us with a stealthily crafted and slowly developing yet highly satisfying story with most of the action and progression of the narrative occurring within the major characters’ inner musings, memories, regrets, and observations. Their exteriors were quiet and politely guarded, while their interiors were fraught with a myriad of concerns, tension, heartbreaking disappointments, and unspoken aspirations. The writing was emotive and Ms. Denton took me into the story with her highly descriptive and lushly detailed scenes; I felt the pressure of the humid heat of the gathering storm as well as the crack of heat lightning, and I coveted their refreshing and lip-smacking lemonade and sweet tea. The characters were multi-layered and complex, surprisingly gentle and sweet, and cleverly observant. I enjoyed hitchhiking in their headspace although I now seem to be contending with an unusual impulse to dig in the dirt and plant something just to watch it grow.
Profile Image for Shalini (shaliniandbooks).
2,563 reviews209 followers
March 10, 2018
Storms have this beautiful dual quality, they bring about destruction and they also show the strength in all those who weather them. So also are the storms of life, they change life drastically, but sometimes they also pave the way to start life afresh.
Hurricane Season by Lauren Denton is one such book which shows strength of family relationships in the face of storms of life. Two sisters, Betsy and Jenna both different in their outlook, but yet similar in many ways, Betsy who is childless, is asked to look after her nieces while Jenna attends a photography camp. Betsy and her husband Ty, after going through a lot of tests for fertility issues, are struggling to find a balance in their childless relationship, and with the two girls thrown into the equation, suddenly find themselves managing both the farm and the girls in the face of nature's Hurricane.
My first book by Laura Denton, the chapters are written in all the 3 three main characters' point of view, and it is refreshing to see life through their eyes. The emotions of self-discovery, healing, acceptance, and love for each other is what sustains life and relationships, and this is shown beautifully by Lauren. It is nice to see how the bond between the sisters which was strong growing up, frayed as life moves on, yet somehow manages to reaffirm itself as the chapters flow.
I loved the way the author has used the Hurricane Ingrid as the backdrop for life and its lessons, where each of the characters find their own path to peace and happiness. The chapters flow seamlessly and style of writing makes this an easy read. I just felt that the ending is a wee bit rushed. But the emotions of hope and dreams of a happy future are what remains even after the book ends.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Thomas Nelson, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Katy O..
2,499 reviews715 followers
June 13, 2018
Oh, how I adored this book.
*
It's such a richly layered, but soft, story of family with an amazing sense of place. Denton brings the Gulf Coast region of Alabama to vivid life in this book ~ an area I definitely have a soft spot for. Betsy and Ty's marriage and life on their Alabama dairy farm, along with their struggle to conceive, are given such tender treatment that even though nothing about their life is easy, it made me instantly want to be THERE. In their house, on their farm, in their family. The other main part of the book is about Betsy's sister and her pursuit of her photography dreams.......at the cost of her two daughters, whom she leaves with Betsy and Ty. This relationship is also written with such compassion that despite the tensions that exist, it's an enviable example of sisterly support. Beyond that, all I can really say is that I wanted to hug this book the entire time I was reading it and never wanted it to end.
*
I highly recommend this book for fans of chaste domestic fiction ~ it reminded me on a few levels of PERENNIALS by Julie Cantrell, which I also very much enjoyed.
Profile Image for Staci.
1,917 reviews586 followers
May 16, 2021
Southern Fiction novel about sisters, motherhood and life decisions. Betsy and Jenna's story is set in Alabama, Tennessee and Florida during July and August, a part of hurricane season. I especially loved the ending. The cover is beautiful.
Profile Image for Madison.
1,084 reviews67 followers
October 11, 2017
4.5 stars. Storms can bring great destruction, but they can also bring a time for discovering what lasts, what holds together even through the harshest weather, and what comes out better for the rain. Hurricane Season is a book truly evocative of Southern summer and which captures the complications of family relationships, the desire to see dreams fulfilled, and the trials that test marriages and break hearts.

When Betsy receives a voice message from her sister, Jenna, asking if she can leave her two young girls with her while she attends a photography camp, Betsy knows it will test everything inside her. It will bring back the harsh memories of negative test results and the guest room that never became a nursery. It will strain further her relationship with her husband, something that was only now slowly returning to normal. But Betsy never says no to her sister and so two sweet, young girls descend on Betsy and Ty's farm and home. For Jenna it is a time to finally follow her dreams of photography. For Betsy and Ty it is a time of facing the past's hurt and faded dreams, while reconnecting as a couple. But as a hurricane looms, will this family survive everything the summer has in store for them?

Once again, Lauren K. Denton entwines a story of healing and discovery with a perfectly captured setting. The scenery is almost an extra character. The summery days, the firefly-filled nights, the howling wind, and lashing rain all perfectly reflect the mood and themes of the story.

There are a number of stories which feature in Hurricane Season - Betsy and Ty's story as a couple, their individual stories of healing and acceptance, and of course Jenna's story as she searches for her purpose and what this means when trying to mother two young children. Each story plays its part in this book and provides a layered and detailed plot, strong characters who are easy to love, and, of course, that gorgeous setting. I loved very minute spent on Ty and Betsy's dairy farm, loved the little descriptions of the regular work and the animals. The chapters from Jenna's perspective also take the reader on her journey of recovering her skills as a photographer and exploring the wilds of the untamed South. The chapters alternate between the perspectives of these three main characters.

I think I fell a little in love with Ty. He has an incredible work ethic. He is slow to speak, yet everything he says is considered and thoughtful. I loved his love, care, and protectiveness of Betsy. I loved that he loved her complications and saw it as his job as husband to be there for her and to figure out what she needed, even if she couldn't speak the words. Their relationship journey was wonderful to witness. They have faced something that has tested their bond, but together, with a few hiccups along the way, they put each other first

This book, while published by at traditionally Christian inspirational publisher, fits somewhere between a Christian novel and general fiction. I believe readers of both categories will enjoy this delightful story. Betsy and Ty are Christians, attend church a few times in the novel and mention prayer, but faith does not dominate the storyline in any way. Instead, the growth of the characters and their journey of reconciliation, acceptance. and direction for the future is the focus of this book. The ending, I thought, was truly wonderful. I loved that it is hopeful, but doesn't brush over the fact that sometimes dreams change or might look a little different than first expected.

Hurricane Season is a beautiful novel of relationships, family, futures, farming, hope, love, and fireflies.

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.
Profile Image for Laura  Wonderchick.
1,368 reviews156 followers
February 9, 2018
Lauren Denton has done it again! She manages to immerse you in a family, a lifestyle, a storm & life changing events and make it all so descriptive you become absorbed immediately. The characters are so relatable & the storm adds a bit of an excited frenzy. And it also happens to have a beautiful cover that you can’t stop looking at!
Thanks to LD for this early signed copy:)
Profile Image for Sherri Thacker.
1,413 reviews307 followers
March 11, 2018
This is my 2nd book by Lauren Denton (The Hideaway) which I absolutely loved. This one was just ok. It was slow moving and I felt myself skimming parts of the story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Retired Reader.
124 reviews49 followers
May 27, 2020
I expected the hurricane to play a major role but it was barely there. Not even mentioned until Part 7 of 10. It literally had no bearing on the book’s events at all. Disappointed.
Profile Image for Deborah.
577 reviews68 followers
September 4, 2022
This is a book about family and misunderstandings. I kept expected something to ‘happen’ other than the hurricane. It is a stretch giving this 3 stars. Just ho hum.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,181 reviews254 followers
May 13, 2018
Betsy and Ty Franklin do not have children of their own, although they desperately want them. For now, they devote their time to their farm. They are more than a little stunned when Betsy’s sister Jenna drops her two daughters at their farm. Jenna receives a great career opportunity, but it means she has to be away from her children for a little while. Unfortunately, for Betsy, it re-awakens her desire for children of her own.

Jenna’s plans take longer than she expected when her career takes her to all knew heights. She must leave her children for an extended stay, which threatens to tear apart Betsy’s marriage.

When Hurricane Ingrid turns toward Betsy and Ty’s farm, Jenna has to decide between her career and her family.

This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author, but it won’t be my last. The narrator of this audio book made it very easy listening. It had the feel of someone telling a charming story, which left you with a feel good feeling. I’ll be looking for more books by this author.
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,562 reviews1,383 followers
April 4, 2021
A solid story about two sisters and their emotional growth over the summer. It’s definitely Southern fiction, set near coastal Alabama and in Florida, and it’s a great clean read. Jenna got on my nerves a lot until the very end, but then I got to where I was able to root for her. I did miss the added depth that would have come if it was a Christian fiction novel, but I really appreciated how clean the story was and the uplifting feel it has.

Recommended to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction, Southern literature, sisters in fiction, or just a good clean character-driven novel.

I’ll definitely be trying other books by Denton.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
Profile Image for Jayna Baas.
Author 3 books499 followers
October 2, 2021
A sweet, well-written story of family relationships—sisters, parents and children, husband and wife. There was some good character growth throughout, and I really enjoyed the farm setting. I live in farm country, although not in Alabama, so it was easy to picture Betsy and Ty and their strong, hardworking relationship. I liked how they worked through things and grew closer to each other. Addie and Walsh were adorable. I was glad Jenna finally made some good decisions, but no one seemed to fully address the root issue of self-focus and self-discovery. Pursuing your dreams instead of seeking to serve God with your talents is really quite shallow in the end, and I don't think anyone acknowledged that. In fact, breaking the rules and following your heart was almost applauded at one point. I'm sorry, but the Bible says trusting in your own heart makes you a fool. I would rate the "Christian" content of this book at the "inspirational" level. I don't recommend it for younger readers due to some hints at married intimacy and liberal references to alcohol, but I think most readers of contemporary southern women's fiction would enjoy it. The emphasis on family had a very realistic yet sweet and homey feel. I did enjoy it, just not as much as I'd hoped.
Profile Image for Jenea.
680 reviews61 followers
March 16, 2018
Hurricane Season is a story that centers around two sisters and their struggles from motherhood, marriage and a sisters bond.

Betsy is the oldest of the sisters, she is married to a great man named Ty, and they spend their days working together on their dairy farm. Even through all their business, they have wanted children, but with all the tests and treatments, hasn’t brought them a baby. Over time, it has put a strain on their marriage, and they just walk through each day in a fog. Jenna is the free spirited sister, the mother of two little girls who she is raising by herself, and she gave up her dreams of being a professional photographer. An opportunity comes open for her try again at her dream, and she takes, leaving her kids with Betsy and Ty for a couple of weeks.

The story is told in alternating POV’s from Betsy, Ty and Jenna. I enjoyed getting to more more about them, their feelings and fears. I myself was a teenage mother, so at first I would be able to relate to Jenna, but I had a hard time understanding some of her feelings and actions when it came to her girls. Betsy on the other hand, ended up being the one I most related to. Her struggle to conceive, caring for her nieces while her sister is away in spite of her own sorrow of infertility. Ty her husband, was a good man, and he clearly loved her and he is dealing with infertility just the same. Betsy and Ty needed to learn to communicate better, but sometimes life gets in the way of what we know we should do, and it is sad when it does. So much heartache. Each of these sisters have to work thought their own issues, to be able to find some happiness and there is a strength in each of them, they just had to find it.

The pace of this was fairly slow, but when the hurricane is set to make landfall, the story does pick up the pace, but is a little bit of a rush to get to the end. But, even with that I was alright, a lot happened, and quickly. And this wasn’t necessarily about the hurricane, as much of it was about the family itself, and the character growth in each of them was wonderful and something I thoroughly enjoyed. It wasn’t an easy journey for any of them though, there was plenty of heart ache, tears and heart warming moments along the way too.

Hurricane Season might have been a slow burn, but is packed an inspirational story of family and love, and being a country girl myself, how I could not adore the Southern Alabama setting. Just beautiful.

#Tnzfiction #NetGalley
Profile Image for Catherine.
Author 8 books762 followers
January 17, 2018
It's true what they say. There's no place like home. And reading a Lauren Denton book feels like coming home. With characters you'll want as friends, a setting you can step into, and a poignant story of sisters and family ties and all the messiness of a wonderful life, Denton has penned another tale that will settle in deep and stay awhile, long after the last page is turned.
Profile Image for Kristi.
633 reviews
May 22, 2021
I enjoyed it. I think the characters were easy to relate to and understand. I enjoyed the different point of views and the setting. I've been to the part of Alabama that was mentioned in the book and really loved it. Both Betsy and Jenna were struggling with their own issues but through it all they continued to support each other. Ty was awesome as well!

I think I had more of a connection with Jenna. Being a single mother to two small children with no extra help can become overwhelming at times. I think Jenna was doing the best that she could and the "break" that she took was much needed despite the way it took place. I'm glad she came away a stronger person than what she was going in.

Rating: PG
Language: clean read
Recommend: yes
Profile Image for Caroline arrow_reads.
123 reviews48 followers
September 13, 2020
This was my first book my Laura Denton and I look forward to reading another. What I enjoyed most was the southern setting, which made it feel a bit like home. Jenna decides to head to an artist retreat, leaving her two daughters with her sister. Betsy and Ty run a farm and struggle with having children of their own. This was a heart warming read!

TW: infertility
Profile Image for Shannon Rochester.
415 reviews34 followers
March 26, 2022
This was my second book by this author and while I loved it just as much as the first one, I didn't feel quite as connected to the characters or their storyline. I loved the writing, I loved trying to figure out if it was based on any of my surrounding areas and I DID love all of the characters...I just couldn't dive as easily into their stories...I took away with me the parts that took place at the retreat as I would kind of like to go there and I did love how she grew into herself while she was there...she showed a lot of growth and personal development. And I did love the parts that took place at the farm...I just couldn't seem to connect them all together into one cohesive storyline for some reason...and that is probably just totally me and my own issues lol
Profile Image for Sarah.
959 reviews33 followers
March 25, 2018
Hurricane Season by Lauren Denton is stunning! Slowing moving at first, but Ms. Denton was setting up the backstory for us. Told from several points of view, we get to read and feel the emotions of Jenna, Ty and Besty. When it comes to character plot and characters, I related to Ty and Betsy, especially as they learn to communicate as a couple about things that are hard within marriage and children. While they experience heartache and sadness, I found them to be a relief in a good way.
The story picks up the minute a hurricane is about to make landfall. And of course, I wanted to rush to the end to find out what was going to happen. However, rapidly the story turns and twists as the characters transform, which I enjoyed, while tears rolled down my cheeks. Make sure to grab tissues as you go through the growing pains with these characters.
Overall, the story is a beautiful book of how we all respond to storms in our life. Lauren has crafted a masterpiece drawing her readers into an engaging story and one you won't soon forget. I give this book 5/5 stars. A favorable review was not required for a complimentary copy.
Profile Image for Natalie [genreneutralreader].
1,192 reviews12 followers
March 5, 2018
Thank you #NetGalley , #LaurenKDenton , and #ThomasNelson for providing an advanced reader ecopy of The Hurricane Season.

It is a simple, sweet, Southern novel about sisters, family, losing one’s dreams, and opening the heart to new paths.

The first half of the book had some moments that made me really uncomfortably judgemental of both sisters’ behavior (Jenna and Betsy). By the second half I was pretty sympathetic to Betsy’s inner turmoil as it is easily relatable by many women. I never could fully empathize with Jenna only because I just didn’t agree with or understand her actions regarding her daughters while pursuing her dreams.

By the end of the novel, it left me feeling satisfied, but unchallenged, which is perfectly fine sometimes. I would only have asked for Jenna to have made the same choices toward her dreams she made in the book but with less neglectful treatment of her daughters. That just left a bad taste in my mouth. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes inspirational fiction. There is almost nothing offensive to anyone in the book. It is not religious, but it is very simple and almost innocent. It’s a good palate cleanser after reading a bunch of heavier themed books recently.
3,256 reviews1,735 followers
June 26, 2018
An emotionally-charged, character-driven glimpse into the complicated dynamics of sisterly love. Denton's voice is rich and sweet and carefully measured. Her words flow so beautifully that it's easy to become immersed in the story with all your senses. I think I might have even come away from this read sporting a southern drawl! If this is what Southern Fiction is like, I want more of it!

This is family at it's best...and worst...as past collides with present and futures hang in the balance. Sisters at odds but also fiercely protective of one another. Free-spirited Jenna is the wild child. Betsy is the reliable older sister. Their roles have been defined since childhood, shaped by dysfunction.

Now Jenna is an unplanned single mom while married Betsy's happily-ever-after has been redefined under the looming shadow of infertility. It's a formula for the perfect storm. Emotions are raw, dreams conflicted as these two sisters struggle to find their place in their new realities.

Tender and touching and funny -- Jenna's girls are a riot! -- and ultimately triumphant.

Please note: I have not categorized Hurricane Season as a Christian Fiction selection even though the publisher is Thomas Nelson. Really disappointing, but sadly predictable since more and more of this publisher's fiction has strayed from being faith-based. It is a beautifully written, moving story and a clean read. Just no inspirational thread.
Profile Image for Anne.
Author 11 books280 followers
February 12, 2018
This is SUCH a brilliant book, and on so many levels. I have to preface my review with this: the last time I read a 400 page book in ONE day was.... never! But right from page one, I was drawn in and in and in to the story of these two sisters who on the surface are so different, but under the surface they hold a loving history and bond. The first level of this book is beautifully written- believable characters whom I cared about from the beginning and whose needs and desires on so many levels kept me swiping page after page on my iPad screen. Not only believable characters, but a finely tuned plot that keeps us wondering until the end who is going to make their dreams come true and who is not going to be able to, and what they will do when they can't.

On a whole other, deeper level, this book made me think about so many things: the storms we all weather and how we do so, the dreams that we plant that may never come to fruition and how we deal with that, the art of photography and seeing beneath what everyone else sees, and also the tender yet infinitely strong bond of a loving marriage and how that is weathered through the years.

I was able to read a digital version of this book for free from NetGalley, and am grateful to the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Deanna Lynn Sletten.
Author 29 books578 followers
February 19, 2018
Two sisters. Betsy wishes she had what here sister has. Jenna isn’t sure she’s happy with what life has handed her. When an opportunity arises for Jenna to follow her dream – at least for two weeks – Betsy steps in to care for Jenna’s two daughters. And as a hurricane brews, so do the sisters’ emotions, both reexamining what it is they want out of life.

Hurricane Season explores the complicated relationship of sisters and family. Each sister has problems she has to deal with in their own lives, plus the issues of their relationship with each other. We watch as they each delve deep inside themselves to find the happiness they seek. We also see them struggle between the one thing each wants, which seems unattainable, and how they each come to terms with how to get it, or let it go. An enticing family drama that shows how strong the bond between sisters, and family, really is.
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