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The Summer We Met
Seven summers. Two families. One beach house. And a diary that holds all the secrets.
Thirty years ago, two families shared seven magical summers together, vacationing in a shared beach house on the white sands of Destin, Florida. For three months every year, they basked in laughter, love, and endless beachside memories...until a mysterious falling out ended those sun-soaked summers, leaving the families estranged for decades.
When that very house—newly renovated and twice the original size—comes back into their lives, it sparks an unexpected reunion among the five adults who’d spent their teenage summers there. Now navigating their 40’s and 50’s, this group of sisters and friends decide to share the beach house for one more summer, hoping to recapture the joy of those sunlit years and create new memories.
Returning to Destin rekindles emotional fires and launches personal transformations. Old crushes deepen to love, childhood friendships grow and mature, and the enduring power of sisterhood is tested. But the discovery of long-lost diaries that chronicle those seven summers of decades ago puts everything at risk again. Forced to face the truth of their past, these families must join forces to protect what they’ve created...or let love sail away for good.
Can their lifelong relationships, shared memories, and newfound connections be enough to mend what was shattered...or will old wounds drive these families apart once again?
The Summer We Met captures the spirit of summers gone by and the promise of second chances, set against the backdrop of the beautiful white sands of Destin.
The Destin Diaries – A brand new heartwarming family saga co-written by bestselling women’s fiction authors Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott.
The Summer We Met (Book 1)
The Summer We Danced (Book 2)
The Summer We Made Promises (Book 3)
The Summer We Kept Secrets (Book 4)
The Summer We Let Go (Book 5)
The Summer We Celebrated (Book 6)
The Summer We Sailed Away (Book 7)
Thirty years ago, two families shared seven magical summers together, vacationing in a shared beach house on the white sands of Destin, Florida. For three months every year, they basked in laughter, love, and endless beachside memories...until a mysterious falling out ended those sun-soaked summers, leaving the families estranged for decades.
When that very house—newly renovated and twice the original size—comes back into their lives, it sparks an unexpected reunion among the five adults who’d spent their teenage summers there. Now navigating their 40’s and 50’s, this group of sisters and friends decide to share the beach house for one more summer, hoping to recapture the joy of those sunlit years and create new memories.
Returning to Destin rekindles emotional fires and launches personal transformations. Old crushes deepen to love, childhood friendships grow and mature, and the enduring power of sisterhood is tested. But the discovery of long-lost diaries that chronicle those seven summers of decades ago puts everything at risk again. Forced to face the truth of their past, these families must join forces to protect what they’ve created...or let love sail away for good.
Can their lifelong relationships, shared memories, and newfound connections be enough to mend what was shattered...or will old wounds drive these families apart once again?
The Summer We Met captures the spirit of summers gone by and the promise of second chances, set against the backdrop of the beautiful white sands of Destin.
The Destin Diaries – A brand new heartwarming family saga co-written by bestselling women’s fiction authors Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott.
The Summer We Met (Book 1)
The Summer We Danced (Book 2)
The Summer We Made Promises (Book 3)
The Summer We Kept Secrets (Book 4)
The Summer We Let Go (Book 5)
The Summer We Celebrated (Book 6)
The Summer We Sailed Away (Book 7)
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2025
2835 people are currently reading
677 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 11, 2025
I loved this light, summery, beachy series starter just as much as I loved this writing duo's Carolina Christmas series (starting with The Asheville Christmas Cabin). I love that the entire series is available in Kindle Unlimited, so I can just go all in on them during this season!
The story is just so cozy and relaxing with a strong family storyline, some light romance, and of course, a long-buried family secret to uncover. The perfect comfort read.
NOTES: this book has zero steam and a very light Christian tone (just from one character)
Source: Kindle Unlimited
The story is just so cozy and relaxing with a strong family storyline, some light romance, and of course, a long-buried family secret to uncover. The perfect comfort read.
NOTES: this book has zero steam and a very light Christian tone (just from one character)
Source: Kindle Unlimited
May 15, 2025
Great, beach setting story!
March 9, 2025
A great new series by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott, with great family drama, emotions, wonderful characters, and a touching and engaging story. Meet Vivian, Eli, Kate, Tessa, Lacey, Josh, and others as they gather at the revamped Summer House in Florida, where they spent many summers as children. Here some of them will redefine their lives, discover their strengths, seek answers, and build relationships. I loved this first book in the series and can’t wait for more!
March 16, 2025
I’m not sure which I’m enjoying more…the fact that two of my favorite authors wrote this series together…or meeting the Lawson and Wylie families in Destin Diaries! As someone who doesn’t live too far from Destin, I was super excited to read this series, having loved all of the previous books from both authors. And it did not disappoint! Everything was so vivid and detailed, and I felt the families could be just down the road. The story line is already tugging at my heart. I can’t wait to see where this family and their past and present take us!
April 1, 2025
Wonderful book, unsatisfactory ending
I loved this book. I could not stop reading it. But I had to stop because the ending left me hanging and the next book in the series won’t be out until May. I think a book should stand alone. If it has hints of what is to come in future books, fine, but the main story line should be wrapped up before the book ends. I really considered a 1-star rating because the ending was so disappointing. Sorry, but this is just not a good ending at all.
I loved this book. I could not stop reading it. But I had to stop because the ending left me hanging and the next book in the series won’t be out until May. I think a book should stand alone. If it has hints of what is to come in future books, fine, but the main story line should be wrapped up before the book ends. I really considered a 1-star rating because the ending was so disappointing. Sorry, but this is just not a good ending at all.
April 16, 2025
Cliffhanger
Loved this book but it is part 1 of 3! Nowhere does it say this is only one part. I, for one, am done, feel cheated. Why don’t authors/publishers say up front- this is not a complete book?
Loved this book but it is part 1 of 3! Nowhere does it say this is only one part. I, for one, am done, feel cheated. Why don’t authors/publishers say up front- this is not a complete book?
April 3, 2025
THE ABSOLUTE BEST!!!
WOW!!!! I don't think I ever wanted a second book in a series more! I don't say this lightly! The Summer We Met is a fantastic story about two families who spent summers together for about six years. Families who had so much in common, the kids loved staying at the Dustin, FL.. beach home and they always thought these special summers would never end. Until they did, with a quarrel so deep between the parents that each families name was not mentioned by the other family. Unfortunately, the teen kids in the family had no idea why the other family was a name never spoken. Fast forward thirty years and as this story is told by these two most talented authors, Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott, the two families children are each at the most interesting times in their lives. How the authors intertwine the characters in the story developed into a book you do not want to miss reading. I would give it 100 stars if I could! The ending is worthy of any
blockbuster written!! Don't miss reading this excellent story of hope, forgiveness and love. With wonderfully beautiful descriptions of the Florida area and memories of a lifetime by such great descriptive characters, these authors put together an unput- downable story!!
WOW!!!! I don't think I ever wanted a second book in a series more! I don't say this lightly! The Summer We Met is a fantastic story about two families who spent summers together for about six years. Families who had so much in common, the kids loved staying at the Dustin, FL.. beach home and they always thought these special summers would never end. Until they did, with a quarrel so deep between the parents that each families name was not mentioned by the other family. Unfortunately, the teen kids in the family had no idea why the other family was a name never spoken. Fast forward thirty years and as this story is told by these two most talented authors, Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott, the two families children are each at the most interesting times in their lives. How the authors intertwine the characters in the story developed into a book you do not want to miss reading. I would give it 100 stars if I could! The ending is worthy of any
blockbuster written!! Don't miss reading this excellent story of hope, forgiveness and love. With wonderfully beautiful descriptions of the Florida area and memories of a lifetime by such great descriptive characters, these authors put together an unput- downable story!!
March 28, 2025
One book and I'm hooked. Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott have joined forces once again to bring readers a new book - and series - filled with hope, humor, heart, the possibilities of romance, and the complications of family. These two paint pictures with their words that draw me into the heart and soul of their characters, giving me stories I'm unable to put down. They create realistic and relatable characters who weave together the multi-layered threads of siblings, parent/child relationships, and friendships lost and regained. I'm eager to discover what awaits these three generations of characters as they and their relationships evolve over the course of this series, not to mention the mystery of the secret being kept by the matriarchs of these two families that drove a wedge between them that kept the families estranged for decades.
Will the younger generation, now with children of their own, succeed in mending fences, restoring friendships, and finding new love or will secrets uncovered drive them apart for good? I can't wait to find out!
Will the younger generation, now with children of their own, succeed in mending fences, restoring friendships, and finding new love or will secrets uncovered drive them apart for good? I can't wait to find out!
April 25, 2025
Found Family and Family Secrets
Hope Holloway has been one of my favorite authors since discovering the Seven Sisters series. A few months ago I read the Carolina Christmas series that she co-wrote with Cecelia Scott and loved it, so I couldn't resist this collaboration.
This book is full of found family, treasured memories, and deeply buried family secrets. Seeing the friendships rebuild after so many years was a treat. I loved the healing happening, not only between the different families, but within the families themselves ~ sisters, mother and child, father and child. There is still much work to be done, as we can tell from the cliffhanger, but I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
The only thing that bothered me in this was an inconsistency regarding a pregnancy – when we first hear of it, the mom-to-be is seven and a half months along. Later, we're told the dad wants to be finished with something in six months so he'll be around for babe's arrival.
This is a “sweet” read ~ nothing explicit, with only a mild profanity or two.
Hope Holloway has been one of my favorite authors since discovering the Seven Sisters series. A few months ago I read the Carolina Christmas series that she co-wrote with Cecelia Scott and loved it, so I couldn't resist this collaboration.
This book is full of found family, treasured memories, and deeply buried family secrets. Seeing the friendships rebuild after so many years was a treat. I loved the healing happening, not only between the different families, but within the families themselves ~ sisters, mother and child, father and child. There is still much work to be done, as we can tell from the cliffhanger, but I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
The only thing that bothered me in this was an inconsistency regarding a pregnancy – when we first hear of it, the mom-to-be is seven and a half months along. Later, we're told the dad wants to be finished with something in six months so he'll be around for babe's arrival.
This is a “sweet” read ~ nothing explicit, with only a mild profanity or two.
October 27, 2025
This book was just okay. I thought there were way too many convenient events that happened. I found myself rolling my eyes.
The sister decides to go to Destin after losing her job and breaks into the beach house at almost the exact time her former friends go to the house? Furthermore, she doesn’t really seam to see anything wrong with this behavior. Then she happens to be sitting under the dock at the precise moment that a wealthy man mentions needing a party planner (which she happens to be). The prodigal son returns to his family for the first time in years and is able to find his calling while there. Coincidentally, he is able to quickly achieve admission into a culinary school that - wait for it - just established a culinary program and just happens to be nearby. Vivian's daughter has been searching for a career and a purpose for years. Sudden, she quits her job, comes to the beach house and voIla she discovers her new career in party planning.
The characters were likable but the story was unbelievable.
The sister decides to go to Destin after losing her job and breaks into the beach house at almost the exact time her former friends go to the house? Furthermore, she doesn’t really seam to see anything wrong with this behavior. Then she happens to be sitting under the dock at the precise moment that a wealthy man mentions needing a party planner (which she happens to be). The prodigal son returns to his family for the first time in years and is able to find his calling while there. Coincidentally, he is able to quickly achieve admission into a culinary school that - wait for it - just established a culinary program and just happens to be nearby. Vivian's daughter has been searching for a career and a purpose for years. Sudden, she quits her job, comes to the beach house and voIla she discovers her new career in party planning.
The characters were likable but the story was unbelievable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott have pulled it off again. The Summer We Met is the first in their new series, The Destin Diaries and it does not disappoint. There is so much emotion throughout the book. There are the wonderful tugs at your heart strings, the love and support of family, but also the tensions and mystery fraught with a thirty-year-old feud between the parents of two families. The sense of strength comes through as several characters realize the opportunities of starting over while holding onto the memories of their childhood and making new ones for the future. This is another exceptional book and I cannot wait for book two in the series!
April 6, 2025
The Lawsons and the Wylie families spent the summers together for years in Destin, Florida until the year things forever changed for the Lawsons. Now secrets from the past are being uncovered almost 30 years later and the now grown up Lawson and Wylie siblings are starting to find out what their parents have been keeping from them.
This has a wonderful mix of self discovery, rekindling old friendships which leads to fun times, laughter, links to the heart and coming together to help one another.
Unfortunately this does leave us with a bit of a cliff hanger that leaves counting down to the next book which fortunately released soon! :D
This has a wonderful mix of self discovery, rekindling old friendships which leads to fun times, laughter, links to the heart and coming together to help one another.
Unfortunately this does leave us with a bit of a cliff hanger that leaves counting down to the next book which fortunately released soon! :D
March 24, 2025
Who remembers Destin…”Maggie smiled, settling [Aunt] PittyPat on her lap…I am about to change all of your lives…” and so the Destin Diaries begins. Where reconnecting with the past will reshape your future. With secrets uncovered and love reignited but is it enough to overcome the challenges of the past and keep Eli, Vivian, Kate, and Tessa together. The Destin Diaries is sensational. It’s the kind of book you want to finish—-but you don’t want to finish. Well done my fav authors, Holloway and Scott.
April 3, 2025
I was excited when I heard these two authors were writing together again!
I loved this new series starter; there is a lot of promise for this series. The Destin Diaries are about families, the drama, the love, the range of emotions, and how, all these years later, a summer house can have just as much meaning in their lives as it did in their youth.
As with previous series there are threads woven throughout the series. The books need to be read in order, so get started today on this new series.
Thank you to the Authors for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I loved this new series starter; there is a lot of promise for this series. The Destin Diaries are about families, the drama, the love, the range of emotions, and how, all these years later, a summer house can have just as much meaning in their lives as it did in their youth.
As with previous series there are threads woven throughout the series. The books need to be read in order, so get started today on this new series.
Thank you to the Authors for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
March 19, 2025
“The Summer We Met” is the first book in this new series by two very talented writers. The story unfolds in Destin, Florida where two families spent many summers together thirty years ago, and then something happened to split them apart. The children, now adults, work together to rekindle their friendship and solve this mystery. Excellent new series and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
September 6, 2025
Great opener in this series. I’m enjoying all of the characters and look forward to the next book. I like the mystery plot of wondering why the two mothers don’t speak anymore. It makes for a great backstory plot. I love envisioning these two families coming together and reuniting in this gorgeous beach house, and their worlds and relationships rekindling, while there is still this great family mystery that needs to be understood.
October 26, 2025
Half a book
Once you get invested in the characters, and climactic action is looming, the book ends abruptly as if the rest of the story was just whacked off with a chain saw. Nothing is resolved, nobody's story gets an end, and you get the news that you are expected to buy more books if you want to find out what happened. A cheat, by both author and editors. I will not be buying from the publishers in the future. Shame on all of you.
Once you get invested in the characters, and climactic action is looming, the book ends abruptly as if the rest of the story was just whacked off with a chain saw. Nothing is resolved, nobody's story gets an end, and you get the news that you are expected to buy more books if you want to find out what happened. A cheat, by both author and editors. I will not be buying from the publishers in the future. Shame on all of you.
December 17, 2025
A new series about family and seven summers of two families at the beach in Destin, Florida.
These families met for years until something caused a rift between them. Now thirty years have
Come and gone and the children want to find out what caused this. The Lawsons and the Wylies
Need to find themselves, friendship, love, and come together again at the big restored beach house .
Is this possible.? An enjoyable beach read with good characters and family drama. Recommended
These families met for years until something caused a rift between them. Now thirty years have
Come and gone and the children want to find out what caused this. The Lawsons and the Wylies
Need to find themselves, friendship, love, and come together again at the big restored beach house .
Is this possible.? An enjoyable beach read with good characters and family drama. Recommended
March 23, 2025
Another great series begins! I love the drama and mystery in what happened in the vacation home that separated two families that were so close and spent every summer together for 10 years. Now the children from both families are trying to figure out what happened all those years ago. Can't wait for the next book to be released.
March 25, 2025
The Summer we Met by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a way to start a new series. Hope and Cecelia didn't disappoint. I can't wait for book 2 to come out.
This is book 1 and they must be read in order.
I hope you check out this new series and fall in love with it like I did. Book releases March 28th.
What a way to start a new series. Hope and Cecelia didn't disappoint. I can't wait for book 2 to come out.
This is book 1 and they must be read in order.
I hope you check out this new series and fall in love with it like I did. Book releases March 28th.
April 14, 2025
Oh what a refreshing place, the Summer House
Two families come together, coexisting in a dream home after 30 years. Neither know why or what happened to separate their families yet have formed a bond they can't deny.
Can't wait for next book to see how this saga goes!
Thank you ladies for this series of friebdahip, the impossible by man that God may have other plans.
Two families come together, coexisting in a dream home after 30 years. Neither know why or what happened to separate their families yet have formed a bond they can't deny.
Can't wait for next book to see how this saga goes!
Thank you ladies for this series of friebdahip, the impossible by man that God may have other plans.
June 29, 2025
Inspiration for hopes and dreams
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters in this novel. They became relatable to so many of my life experiences. Sometimes it is better to let go of the past, and find redemption in the future. Either way, this story was brilliant. I would definitely read it again.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters in this novel. They became relatable to so many of my life experiences. Sometimes it is better to let go of the past, and find redemption in the future. Either way, this story was brilliant. I would definitely read it again.
August 18, 2025
Jay813
A great summer read. Two families that once shared a summer cottage and its memories in Destin Florida are suddenly thrust together after a 30 year mystery tore them all apart. A new series by the combined efforts of the two authors responsible for The Nashville Christmas Cabin series.
A great summer read. Two families that once shared a summer cottage and its memories in Destin Florida are suddenly thrust together after a 30 year mystery tore them all apart. A new series by the combined efforts of the two authors responsible for The Nashville Christmas Cabin series.
November 3, 2025
Book 1 destin diaries
Wow!
What a great start to the beginning of this series.
Hope,love, friendships, romance, and betrayal.
Life has many betrayal but there is also reason in the end. Mistakes,misunderstandings. Etc.
I love that there is mention of God and having faith.
Looking forward to more.
If you haven't read Sanibel island series go read it. It was wonderful.
Wow!
What a great start to the beginning of this series.
Hope,love, friendships, romance, and betrayal.
Life has many betrayal but there is also reason in the end. Mistakes,misunderstandings. Etc.
I love that there is mention of God and having faith.
Looking forward to more.
If you haven't read Sanibel island series go read it. It was wonderful.
March 30, 2025
Good story and likable characters. I love the found family trope. Typically book 1 of Hope’s series are a tad slow because of the heavy character development (which I appreciate). I found this one to be slower than the usual but I did enjoy it and am looking forward to book 2.
June 2, 2025
wow a great read!
I was so sad to reach the end of this book, but excited to start the next one! What a wonderful story about two families and I am so excited to see how their stories end!
I was so sad to reach the end of this book, but excited to start the next one! What a wonderful story about two families and I am so excited to see how their stories end!
June 7, 2025
What a great read!!! I love books about women who find their strength through believing in themselves & who has a support team of friends & family. The story is well written & each character is developed & grows as the story progresses. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
June 11, 2025
magical summer in Destin
Hope and Cecilia did an excellent job with this book. Having been to Destin a couple of times I could picture the beauty and love expressed throughout. Another series I am addicted too. Thanks
Hope and Cecilia did an excellent job with this book. Having been to Destin a couple of times I could picture the beauty and love expressed throughout. Another series I am addicted too. Thanks
July 7, 2025
So… I’m very close to giving this a five star rating… which I try not to do unless the book is monumental or life changing. But, this book is one of the best beach reads ever! Wish I didn’t wait to see the whole series written and unfold, but this does is worth the wait, I suspect.
July 8, 2025
I'm so excited about starting this series of books. All her other series are wonderful. Great talk of food and past summer fun with families and of course a little drama and suspense. A little Christian thrown in delicately and can't wait to start the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews